From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 30 August, 1901. Price 1d.

ANNUAL LICENSING DAY

AN ELMS ROAD APPLICATION

Mr. Rutley Mowll applied for a provisional licence on behalf of Mr. A. J. Matthews in Elms Road. The application, he remarked, was before them last year, and although they were then not of opinion that the time had arrived when the licence should be granted, he hoped they would be no longer of that opinion. There had been a number of houses built since he was before them last year, and many of these had been erected almost exactly opposite the plot for which he was asking them to grant a licence. The house was situated undoubtedly in the very best spot that could be found, and his client felt that it would be much better that the premises should be erected as a public house rather than afterwards convert them. Mr. Fry would show then the plans, which would show the that the house would be erected on the very best possible lines. They would, of course, give up a licence, and the one he offered was the “Duke of Connaught,” Oxenden Street.

Mr. E. W. Fry produced a plan showing the district where houses were to be erected, and also plans of the house, which would, he stated, cost from £1,800 to £2,000 for the building alone, and included in the accommodation would be a large clubroom. The nearest houses were about 700 yards away. The licence for which application had been made in Eaton Road was about 300 yards away. Since last year 48 new houses had been erected in the neighbourhood.

Cross-examined by Mr. Bradley. No houses were being erected beyond the house on the same side, but the road had been widened by the Town Council 40 yards beyond it, and they were erecting houses on the opposite side beyond it. He had no knowledge that a lay stall was in the neighbourhood.

Mr. Bradley: If you had been there in the summer time you would have known it! (Laughter.)

Thomas Everett Kent said he had built houses in Elms and Eaton Roads, and he thought the licence now being applied for should be granted. He thought that the fact that people had to go down Folkestone Road with the jugs to get beer at the “Grapes” on a Sunday was not a sight that was desirable.

Cross-examined. He had no personal need as he lived in Folkestone, but he objected to the sight of people going along the road with jugs to fetch beer.

Arthur Tapley, builder, of the firm Goldsmith and Tapley said he had built houses in Eaton Road and Kitchener Road. He thought a licence was needed at the site.

Mr. Bradley, in addressing the Bench in opposition to the applications, said that he would deal first of all with the new application, which would require very few words. He then came to the three applications which were really a repetition of the applications refused last year. They all had one objection, they were premature, or, to apply an American term, they were previous. In each case they heard a great deal about plots being sold. That showed the weakness of the applications. It showed that the houses which were to be supplied had not yet been built. It was time for the licensed top be granted after the houses had been erected on the plots mentioned as having been sold, and until then they ought not to be granted.

To Mr. Matthew's application in Elms Vale Road there was exactly the same objection. The fact was, that there was next to a scramble between the brewers who should get the licence whenever a new district was to be opened. There were plenty of instances, and in one case where a licence was granted by an easily-persuaded Bench – not this one – there had never been a brick laid since. (Laughter.)

Mr. Mowll said he did not think that that matter should be gone into. His clients were willing top give an undertaking.

Mr. Bradley said he should think the Bench would be entitled to ask that the locality should be fully developed, and then it would be better able to judge the most suitable site. He was glad to notice that if their opposition had produced nothing else, it had produced some good in causing existing licenses to be offered to be given up for these new ones. That was not always so; but he should like then to see that there was a quid pro quo, and that licenses would be given up should in some way balance the licenses asked for.

The Chairman remarked that they were hardly likely to get that.

Mr. Bradley agreed that they were not likely to get the most valuable, but he thought the Bench might ask that it was the houses that it was desirable to get rid of should be given up. One point he asked them to remember, that the fact that a licence was offered to be given up, was no ground for giving a licence where it was not needed.

The Magistrates then retired, and after an absence of three minutes returned.

The Chairman said: The Magistrates have considered these applications, and have come to the conclusion that they will grant the application of Mr. Matthews, on condition that the houses proposed to be surrendered be given up.

This was all the business.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 11 December, 1903. Price 1d.

EXTENSION

An extension of one hour was granted to Mr. S. Belsey, at the "Crown and Sceptre," Elms Vale Road, on the occasion of the "Self Help" club supper.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 12 May, 1905. Price 1d.

SUDDEN DEATH OF A WOMAN

An inquest was held at the “Crown and Sceptre Inn,” Maxton, yesterday afternoon on the body of Mrs. Eliza Willson, aged 36 years, living at 42, Kitchener Road, who died suddenly on Wednesday morning. Mr. Edward Packham was foreman of the Jury.

William Frank Willson, a crane driver, living at 42, Kitchener Road, said that the deceased was his wife, Eliza Ann Willson, 36 years of age. He last saw her alive on Tuesday morning, when he attended to her. On the Monday his wife was quite well. In the afternoon of that day she went out to do some shopping. She came home soon after four o'clock. In the evening she again went out, and arrived back about 9.20, being quite well. Between one and two o'clock in the morning he heard his wife, who was out of bed, talking very strange, and making rambling statements. She continued doing this for a time, and then he sent for a neighbour. Mrs. Ratcliff came, and his wife seemed to get better. He remained at home on Tuesday because his wife said she felt bad. She seemed very thirsty, and drank a large quantity of water. She was unable to eat anything, not having had a solid meal for many a day. After breakfast on Tuesday she seemed better until late in the evening. She suffered from continual diarrhoea. He wanted her to have a doctor, but she would not have one. Between two and three on Wednesday morning she had a sudden attack, being unable to stand or speak. The noise woke his little girl, whom he sent for Mrs. Ratcliff. He then went for the doctor. On his return his little girl told him that his wife was dead. His wife was addicted to drink rather a lot off and on, drinking at times gin and whisky. He fancied that his wife had been drinking more heavily recently. She had a private income.

Mrs. Ellen Ratcliff, 7, Kitchener Road, said she had known Mrs. Willson for about twelve months, but more intimately since Christmas. Recently she had not been very well. On Sunday night witness saw her, when she was quite well. She next saw her between two and three on Tuesday morning, when she seemed very strange. About nine o'clock on Tuesday morning she was better, only complaining of heat. She could eat nor drink nothing. She seemed better during the day. Witness left her about eleven o'clock, and she said “Good night.” About four o'clock she was sent for, and the deceased was breathing rather heavily. Her feet were very cold. She said that she felt very bad. Witness sent for a doctor. The deceased seemed very shaky, and she was unable to hold her still. All at once she pushed the head of the bed with her two hands, and made a noise in her throat and died. The deceased had several times been the worse for drink.

Henry Braund, assistant to Dr. Baird, said: I was sent for about 3.45 on Wednesday morning. On my arrival I met a little child, who said that the woman had passed away. I made an examination and found that the woman was dead, death having taken place about half an hour. I have heard the evidence, and think that death was due to acute inflammation of the stomach and intestines, caused by the excess of alcohol.

The Jury, after a brief consultation, during which everybody except themselves withdrew from the room, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, the foreman remarking that it was a very sad case, and they wished to express their condolence with the husband.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 25 January, 1907. Price 1d.

LICENSING BUSINESS

An hours extension was granted to the “Crown and Sceptre” public house, Elms Vale Road, on the occasion of the annual dinner of the Self help Club. It was stated that a similar application had been granted yearly since the house was open.

A warm discussion took place on the Bench, Mr. E. Chitty apparently objecting. Eventually, the Chairman said that the application would be granted, the same as last year.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 10 February, 1922.

LICENSING BUSINESS

Mr. Hitchens, of the "Crown and Sceptre," Elms Vale Road, was granted an extension for a smoking concert in connection with the Priory Loco Sports Club, on Friday, February 10th.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 17 February, 1933. Price 1½d.

LICENSING EXTENSIONS

Mr. Grey of the "Crown and Sceptre," Elms Vale, was granted an extension for an annual club dinner and concert on February 13th.

From the Dover Express throughout the war years.

"Miss Kathleen Elks (A) I.S.T.D. (B.B) (N.A.T.D.) Teacher of ballroom dancing. Begginers' classes

Tuesday evenings, practice dance every Thursday, at "Crown and Sceptre," Elms Vale Road. 7-10 p.m. Admission 1/-. Private lessons by appointment. Phone: Dover 274."

Miss Kathleen Elks was in fact, Mrs Kathleen Page. Her husband Ernest Page was a Private in the army and died in Aug 1942.

Dover Express 28th July 1944.

CYCLE THEFT WHILE DRUNK.

At the Dover Police Court on Friday, before Messrs. W. Hollis, G. D. Clark and F. A. Holmes and Miss Elnor.

William Noakes (23), a seaman, was charged with stealing a lady’s cycle, value 30s, the property if Reginald Holden Barwick, on 23rd July.

Defendant pleaded guilty.

Insp. Drury said that, at 11.40 p.m. on 23rd July, Sgt. Lee was with Inspector Wilkinson in Folkestone Road and saw defendant at the bottom of Christ Church steps with a bicycle. He was under the influence of drink. When asked where he got the bicycle, defendant first said that it was lent to him by a girl, but afterwards said that he took it from outside a public house. At the Police Station, defendant made a statement that he went out with a pal and went to several pubs. Coming out of the “Crown and Sceptre”, he saw a bicycle and thought he would show off and ride it. He fell off the bicycle three times and then tried to take it up the steps by Christ Church as a short cut to his ship.

Defendant said that he would not have taken the bicycle had he not been drinking.

An officer said that the defendant had a good character.

Fined £1 including 5s 3d costs.

Dover Express 29th June 1945.

Town, Port & Garrison.

The engagement is announced between Elsie Phyllis, eldest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ryan of the "Crown and Sceptre," Elms Vale Road, Dover, to Mr. W. Rutt, youngest son of Mr. & Mrs. Rutt of Cheriton, Folkestone.

Dover Express 12th July 1946.

CAUGHT AT MIDNIGHT WITH BOOTS OFF.

A SOLDIER SURPRISED.

At Dover on Tuesday before Mr.W.Hollis and Miss Elnor.

Dennis Earnshaw (24) of Keighley, Yorks was charged with being a deserter from the 1st Bn K.O.Y.L.I. in Hamburg since about 25th May and further with being found in the private bar of the “Crown and Sceptre” public house, Elms Vale Road, at 12.45 a.m. on 9th July for an unlawful purpose.

PC Edwards said that, at 12.45 that morning, he was on patrol in Elms Vale Road, opposite the “Crown and Sceptre” when he heard a noise coming from the public house. He went there and saw a pair of legs and stockinged feet sticking out from the casement. He grabbed the legs and pulled defendant down. He took defendant to the Police Station, where he was charged.

P Insp Grigg, asking for a remand until 22nd July, said that there were several inquiries to be made.

Defendant was remanded in custody.

Dover Express 26th July 1946.

DESERTER’S ESCAPIST METHODS.

At Dover, on Monday, before Messrs. G. D. Clark, C. E. Beaufoy, G. Golding, and F. P. Wright and Miss Elnor.

Dennis Earnshaw, aged 24, of Keighley, Yorkshire, appeared on remand charged with being a deserter from the 1st Bn K.O.Y.L.I. in Hamburg since about 25th May and further with being found in the private bar of the “Crown and Sceptre” public house, Elms Vale Road, at 12.45 a.m. on 9th July for an unlawful purpose.

PC John Edwards said that, at a quarter to one in the morning on 9th July, he was on duty in Elms Vale Road and was talking to a Mr. Henry Walters, when he heard a noise coming from the "Crown and Sceptre" about 15 yards away. Shining his lamp on the window of the private bar, he saw a leg and stockinged feet sticking out from the upper casement. He grabbed the leg and pulled defendant down and asked him what he was doing. Defendant replied “I wanted to get a drink of water” Witness asked him where his shoes were and defendant took him to the side entrance of the public house behind the door of which was concealed a pair of boots. At the Police Station defendant made a statement, in which he said he left his military unit on 24th May and went to Brussels. He had stayed there for about four weeks before going to Calais and then caught a boat to Dover on July 7th. He left the boat the following day at Dover and walked to some woods, where he stayed until about midnight. He then went to the public house to try to get some food when he was caught by the policeman.

George James Ryan, husband of the licensee of the “Crown and Sceptre”, gave evidence of securing the windows and doors of the public house when locking up for the night at 10 o’clock on July 8th.

Mr. T. H. Tilling, prosecuting for the police, then asked for the defendant to be committed for trial at the adjourned West Kent Quarter Sessions on August 29th on the charge of being on premises for an unlawful purpose and asked that defendant should be remanded in custody. He suggested that, to deal with the other charge of desertion, defendant should be ordered to be handed over to the Military Authorities, which meant that the military would deal with that charge later, though defendant would actually be held in civilian custody.

The Chairman, agreeing to this suggestion, committed defendant for trial at the West Kent Quarter Sessions.

Dover Express 6th September 1946.

DOVER CASES AT QUARTER SESSIONS.

At West Kent Quarter sessions last week two cases against soldiers sent from Dover were dealt with. For breaking into Messrs. Coulthard and Wilson’s, Frith Road, and stealing shoes, Pte. T. Castle was bound over for two years and the alleged deserter, D. Earnshaw, found breaking into the “Crown and Sceptre” was bound over for a year and handed over to the military.

From the Dover Express, 19 June, 1970

A party of 43 from the "Crown and Sceptre" public house who were received at Clacton on Sunday by the chairman of the local authority, Mr. Ernie Stanley, who is a former Dover man. The previous week a party of mentally handicapped children from Dover were also in Clacton for five days and were also received by Mr. Stanley.

From the Dover Express, 18 July, 2002.

Above shows Sharon & Alan McHattie and Emma-Lee Yarwood.



The "Crown and Sceptre" pub in Dover celebrates its 100th birthday on Saturday. A whole day of events has been planned for the hostelry on Elms Vale Road, including a brass plate dedication, skittles challenge and live entertainment.

Staff at the pub, a previous winner of the Shepherd Neame Small Pub Garden of the Year award, have been busy this summer preparing the patio for a day fun.

On Saturday the current tenant, Alan McHattie, will be joined by landlords from the past in the celebrations.

He said: "It'll be a great day and we've all manner of things going on.

"One of the unusual attractions will be four generations of one family who live on Elms Vale Road. I'm also trying to get landlords from the past to come and join in."

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 26 January, 2012. 60p. Report by Sam Inkersole

PLEA FOR PARKING BAYS TO SAVE A STREET OF SHOPS

TIME FOR CHANGE: Praful Patel, Matt Birchenough and other supporters want parking restrictions relaxed in Elms Vale Road

Traders blame traffic wardens for damaging business

BUSINESS owners in Elms Vale Road are pleading for parking restrictions to be relaxed outside their premises to help support local trade.

They say over-zealous parking attendants are stopping customers from coming back.

One solution being suggested is to bring in short-term parking bays, similar to ones in Folkestone Road.

Praful Patel, 47, owns News-market in Elms Vale Road and says that changes need to be made.

He said: “The shops on Folkestone Road have small 20-minute parking bays where people can pop in, get their stuff and go, I would like to see that on Elms Vale Road, even if it's ten minute parking bays.

“For a business like mine, people don't spend hours in my shop. They will get their paper, a pack of cigarettes and some milk and then go.

“But sometimes they are parked outside for literally a couple of minutes before a traffic warden swoops on them and slaps a ticket on their car.”

Matt Birchenough, 31, is the landlord of the "Crown and Sceptre" pub next door and echoed Mr Patel's statement.

He added: “It is ridiculous. I am getting a parking ticket for outside my premises and where I live, where else am I supposed to go?

Impossible

“People like to pop in for a quick pint after work and then go home, but as I don't have a car park it is almost impossible to get customers in. Something needs to change.”

However, Sharon Howland, owner of New Image hairdressers, says that if any restrictions are lifted then they need to benefit all the shops.

She said: “Surely the whole road will have to be the same, not just parking bays outside a couple of shops?

“It wont make much difference.”

A spokesman for Kent County Council highways department said: “Every year, Kent Highway Services receives hundreds of scheme requests from people looking for investment and inclusion in our annual Transportation and Safety Package programme.

“Unfortunately, there are too many proposals for the funding we have available.”

A KCC spokesman added: “The provision of parking bays is the responsibility of the district council's parking team as KCC only deals with safety-related parking.”

A DDC spokesman said responsibility lay with KCC highways.

■ Suggestions for transport schemes can be made by calling Kent Highways Services on 08458 247800.

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 25 April, 2013. 70p. Report by Jamie Rose

PINT GLASS HALF FULL FOR PUBS IN DISTRICT

Area is bucking the trend when it comes to boozers closing down

A BOOZER of more than 100 years closed its doors last week - but perhaps the bigger pub picture isn't so bleak.

Shepherd Neame, which owns the now shut "Crown and Sceptre" in Elms Vale Road, insists the move is temporary until new tenants are found.

While complaints about the dire state of the pub industry are regularly aired in Dover and beyond, local CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) members, however, say otherwise.

According to their figures, just three pubs closed across Dover, Deal and Sandwich out of 142 open at the beginning of 2012.

At the same time, at least two new premises have opened, the latest being "Pier Three" in Bench Street. Local pubs officer Tony Wells says it suggests the area is bucking the national trend.

Benefited

“I think in previous years we have been in line with what has been going on in the rest of the country, but now the closures are starting to slow up,” he said.

“Obviously the pubs that are left have benefited from the extra business, but our pubs have also raised their game. The quality of food is absolutely astonishing compared to 15 or 20 years ago.

“Back then it was chicken and chips in a basket if you were lucky - now you can hardly go to a pub without seeing a rib-eye steak.

“People are realising they need to offer more to keep the customers coming, like the bookshop pub in Thanet. A number of pubs across the country are now part pubs and part post offices.”

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 18 July, 2013. 70p.

NEW FAMILY HAS TAKEN OVER PUB

A pub of more than 100 years is open for business again after it was forced to close in April.

The "Crown and Sceptre" in Elms Vale Road is now run by a family of five from Essex, via France.

The Tarason family - Dominic, Alex and Helen, all in their twenties, alongside mum and dad Maggie and Tony - say they are loving life in Dover.

“We wanted to continue in the hospitality business after running a guest house in France and we really could have picked anywhere in the UK,” said Maggie Tarason.

“We loved the community side of things in France and I must admit I thought it had largely died down in Britain.

“Not at all - everyone around here has been really nice, they all know each other and some are three or four generations of the same family.”

The kitchen will reopen in September. Until then they are serving high-quality coffee, cakes and afternoon tea.

There is also a skittle alley, pool, darts, free wi-fi and a free Xbox console with a huge TV.