East Kent Gazette - Saturday 30 January 1869.

The Late Fatal Boat Accident.

On Saturday morning an inquest was held at Mr Goodwin's "Britannia Inn," Milton before Mr. Coroner Hills, on the body of Alfred Gibson, who lost his life on the 28th ultimo, by the capsizing of a boat in Stangate Creek. Mr. William Bowes acted at foreman of the jury. After the jury had viewed the body, which was in a very advanced state of decomposition, the following evidence was given:-

Charles Gibson, of Iwade, waterman, said: I have seen the body of deceased. It is that of my brother, late of Ham-green, Upchurch. He was a fisherman, 38 years of age. On the 28th December I and deceased were enraged fishing in our boat. We were oyster filing in Stangate Creek. Having finished, we left our work at about two o'clock. We were going home under sail, when we shoved the big boat alongside a small boat which was at anchor to bring her up. I got into the small boat, and my brother was lying-to in the big boat. I hauled a little up alongside the big boat when a puff of wind caught the big boat, and turned her over. Deceased went into the water, and I tried to pull up to him. Unfortunately I was to leeward of mm, and springing one of my oars I was unable to reach him, and he went down exhausted and was drowned. There was a gale of wind that day.

Stephen Budds, of Milton, said:- I was one of those who found the body of deceased, and helped to get it up here. We found it on the mud not far from where the last witness has described

The jury found a verdict of "Accidentally drowned." Deceased leaves a widow and four children, and a fifth is shortly expected.

East Kent Gazette, Saturday 27th October 1877.

The Theft of a Leather Driving Band.

At the West Kent Quarter Sessions on Saturday, Alfred Fletcher and Edward Chapman, labourers, were indicted for stealing a leather driving band, 37ft long and 5 inches wide, the property of Richard Avard, at Bordon, on October 14th.

Mr. George Dunman prosecuted. The facts of the case were fully reported in last week's Gazette.

Prosecutor is the contractor for erecting some expensive school buildings at Bordon, and the driving band was in an engine house on the work works there. Fletcher was seen near the place on Sunday, the 14th, and on the following day it was missing. In the meantime Fletcher had been to Mr. Denne, landlord of "Britannia Inn," Milton, and obtained a loan of a shilling upon the band, which he left as security. The band was subsequently offered for sale by the prisoners to different shoemakers in Sittingbourne, and ultimately it was found, cut up into small pieces, at Chaplin's house.

The accused were further charged with stealing a rush basket, the property of Henry Cheeseman, at the same time and place.

The jury convicted the prisoners.

In reply to the court, Superintendent Mayne stated that he had known Chapman for many years, and knew nothing against him, except that he was given to drinking. Fletcher have been convicted previously.

The court sentence Fletcher to six and Chapman to three months' hard labour.

East Kent Gazette, Saturday 26 February 1881.

Rabbit Super.

About twenty of the tradesmen and residents of Milton, together with a few Sittingbourne friends, sat down to a rabbit supper at the "Britannia Inn," Milton, on Wednesday. The catering, which gave every satisfaction, was efficiently carried out by the landlord, Mr. Robert Wood. After the tables were cleared, the evening was spent in the usual convivial manner. The chair and vice-chair were filled by Mr. William Willson and Mr. George Denne respectively.

East Kent Gazette, Saturday 12 October 1918.

Sellen.

June 1st. 1918, died of wounds received in action in France, Corporal Alfred J. Sellen, R.G.A., fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Sellen, of the "Britannia Inn," Milton Regis, aged 39 years. Thy Will be done.

East Kent Gazette, Saturday 25 December 1920.

Darling.

On Dec. 18, at the "Britannia Inn," Milton Regis, Mary Ann Darling, wife of the late George Darling, of Strood and London, age 18 years old. Thy will be done.

East Kent Gazette, Saturday 25 December 1920.

Mr. W. R. Sellen and Family, of the "Britannia Inn," Milton Regis, return thanks to the many friends for kind sympathy; especially Dr. Noble, Mrs. Ashdown, and Mrs. Reeves for their warm hearted help.

East Kent Gazette, Saturday 9 August 1947.

Successful Season Reported.

The annual meeting of the Milton Athletic F.C. took place recently at the "Britannia Inn," Milton, when it was reported that the club had had a very successful season. Their activities were held in abeyance during the war period, and this was their first season for seven years.

At the commencement of the 1946-47 period they were successful in enlisting Councillor T. Buggs as their president, and this was looked upon as a good omen for the future.