Hell’s Angel wedding
The third recent Hell’s Angel ‘wedding’ in Ramsgate was conducted by ‘minister’ Levi Lee, where the teenage couple swore to be true to their motorcycle over its manual. Halted at the last minute by a Harbour Street cafe manager claiming the last one lost him trade, the ceremony took place on the East Pier.
First outpatient for hospital
Gladys Head (82) was overcome when greeted by 30 people to the first outpatient appointment at Ashford’s new William Harvey Hospital. After attending ENT, she was chauffered home. The opening of outpatients was the first of 100 key stages in finally completing the hospital in November.
Fall from big wheel
Sidney Dowdy (23) from Peckham, fell from the big wheel in Dreamland, despite being warned not to fool about. He landed on Maureen Simpkins (23) and both wwere taken to hospital with serious injuries, of which Dowdy subsequently died. Police also arrested a number of Dowdy’s friends, who had assaulted the innocent ride operator.
No sex, we’re hops
Britain’s oldest hop garden, providing flavour since Henry VIII, is going out of production. Peter Clarke of Chart Court, hop farmer for 65 years, says EEC notions of sexless hops have upset everything, and he sees no future in growing them. His 32 acres will be turned over to more profitable strawberries.
Books cause trouble
“I think the cause of half the troubles in households is due to wives choosing their husband’s library books” – Ramsgate Deputy Mayor (Cllr. Mrs. P. Williams), in a debate on the proposed new library opening hours.
Bridge replaces ferry
A new bridge opened at Grove Ferry, replacing the old hand operated ferry. Costing £22,200 with associated roadworks, it has a total span of 100ft and accommodates a 20ft carriageway, 5ft footpath and 18 inch guard kerb. Its construction avoids a long detour for heavy vehicles trying to reach Upstreet and Hersden.
Description required
Chief Inspector Thomas of Margate police said he was concerned about the large amount of reports of indecent exposure. He said “Anyone seeing this sort of thing should report it to us immediately, together with a full description.”
Kent’s first Jobcentre
Comedian Charlie Chester opened Kent’s first Jobcentre in Whitstable, replacing the Labour Exchange in Regent Street. He declared it was no longer ‘a place of humiliation’, and ‘a revolution in employment exchanges.’ It is now A La Turka.
MP is a loser
Thanet MP William Rees-Davies lost his £30 sheepskin lined jacket (missing a button) after St Patrick’s Night festivities at the Nayland Rock Hotel. Three weeks previously, he had left his gold cigarette case on a train, subsequently found and returned by a Ramsgate woman.
First day cover for Ramsgate
A first day cover was issued celebrating the first flight of the Hoverlloyd SRN4 hovercraft from Ramsgate to Calais. Each cover bears the Alcock and Brown commemoration 5d stamp issued on the same day, with a special Post Office hand stamp.