Folkestone Herald 13 August 1892.

Police Court Jottings.

Three smart young fellows of the West Surrey Regiment, whose collars were adorned with a little brass representation of the Sphinx with the word “Egypt” underneath, were brought up in custody on Monday, before Mr. Fitness and Alds. Pledge and Dunk, charged with an offence which, if proved against them, and should they have to take their trial before a judge of the same disposition of either Sir H. Hawkins or Sir C. Stephen will probably result in their acquaintance with the lash – highway robbery with violence. They were named respectively Wm. Bruce, Edwd. Anwyl, and Wm. Davis.

It appeared, according to the voluminous evidence which was most painstakingly recorded by the Deputy Magistrates' Clerk. On Saturday evening, about half past ten, a couple of Dutch waiters at an hotel in Folkestone, who gave the names of Chas. Guilliams and John Jas. Winfelder, met a number of soldiers in a public house, whence they adjourned to another, at each of which they treated them. On their leaving the second at “closing time” they walked up the Sandgate Road, and from thence towards the Cheriton Road; the soldiers, who were afterwards joined by some seven or eight others, accompanying them arm-in-arm, for, as they admitted in the course of their examination, they were the worse for drink. After they had gone some way on the road, some of the soldiers asked them to come further on, as they knew where they could get more drink. This invitation they ill-advisedly accepted, but after proceeding but a short way, Guilliams and his brother waiter found themselves hustled into a bean field, where they were knocked down and robbed of their watches and chains, and what money they had about them, together with their walking sticks, their pocket handkerchiefs, and their hats. The former managed to get away from his assailants and ran off, afterwards meeting his companion. They then went together to the police station and gave information of the outrage, and the case was put into the hands of P.S. Swift, who accompanied them to the scene of the tussle, where the Sergeant found, about ten yards from the highway, in the field, a Glengarry cap belonging to a private of the West Surrey Regiment. This was about two on Sunday morning. At nine the same morning the Sergeant accompanied the prosecutors to the Shorncliffe Camp, when some thirty men were paraded before them, and Winfelder identified Anwyl as one of the soldiers who had taken part in the robbery, but Guilliams was unable to pick out either of his assailants.

It was, however, proved by Wm. Stanley, a caretaker at the recreation room of the Provisional Battalion at the Camp, that Davis and Bruce each pledged with him a stick for 1s. 6d., which the two prosecutors now identified as their property which had been taken from them.

When apprehended by Sergt. Swift, the only one of the three who made any reply to the charge was Bruce, who said “I have got myself into this by selling that stick”. When searched Bruce had on him 1s. 7d., Anwyl 1s. 6½d,. and Davis 6s. 10½d.

Guilliams put the value of his watch and chain at £13 – they were of gold. Winfelder estimated his watch and chain at about a sovereign, while he had also been robbed of between 15s. and 20s. in money.

The three prisoners, who had conducted themselves very coolly throughout the Magisterial proceeding, said they were not guilty, Anwyl remarking “I most emphatically say that I am not guilty”.

At the conclusion of the case Mr. Supt. Taylor said he should ask for a remand in order to trace the stolen property, and this was granted until Saturday.

Folkestone Herald 22 October 1892.

Quarter Sessions.

Monday, October 17th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

William Bruce, 26, Edward Anwyl, 25, and William Davis, 25, three soldiers of the West Surrey Battalion, were charged with stealing from the person of John Winfelder a watch and chain, a cigarette case, a pipe and stick, and 15s.; also wit stealing from Charles Guilliams a watch and chain, a letter case, a pocket handkerchief, a stick and hat, on the same date, each robbery being accompanied with violence.

Mr. Matthew prosecuted in the first case, and Mr. Mavrojani in the second. Mr. A.J. Tassell (instructed by Mr. R.M. Mercer, of Canterbury) defended Anwyl, and Mr. Bowles, at the request of the Recorder, defended the other two.

On the 8th of August the prosecutors had been drinking at various public houses standing treat to soldiers. On leaving they were accompanied by the prisoners and others. They were then in a condition which Mr. Tassell described as “squiffy”, but upon the Recorder expressing his ignorance of the word, he substituted the expression “muddled”. After going some distance on the Shorncliffe Road they were knocked down and robbed by the soldiers. The evidence as to the prisoners having taken part in the robbery was not very clear, but they were afterwards found dealing with the sticks.

In summing up, alluding to Anwyl's case, the Recorder said he had lost nothing by the way in which he had been defended. His Counsel (Mr. Tassell) had put forward the defence in an able and clear manner, worthy of the best traditions of the Bar, and he congratulated him upon it.

Lieut. Willes, 3d Royal Berkshire, gave Bruce a good character.

The jury found the prisoners Not Guilty in the first case.

The second charge was heard before a fresh jury. The Recorder, in summing up, said he thought it right to advise them that they should acquit Anwyl and Davis. He dissented from the proposition that because one jury had acquitted a man a second should do the same, and in the case of Bruce he thought there were cogent circumstances in the case against him.

The jury, however, eventually followed the example of their predecessors in the box and acquitted all three prisoners.

Folkestone Herald 19 September 1896.

Local News.

Of late there have been some unfortunate accidents to the well-known Sporting Times coach, which has been run for several seasons between Folkestone and Canterbury by our enterprising and respected townsman, Mr. J.P. Scott, of the East Kent Arms Hotel, 12, Sandgate Road.

On Wednesday an exciting event occurred at Barton Fields, near Canterbury, on the outward journey from Folkestone. The two leaders became frightened at something on the road, and swerving suddenly, they caused the coach to mount the raised footpath. The leaders managed to break away, and made off towards Canterbury, colliding with a horse and trap. The wheel horses of the coach were, however, held under control, and danger was thus averted.

Yesterday (Friday) evening alarming rumours reached Folkestone to the effect that the Sporting Times had met with a terrible accident that afternoon in the immediate vicinity of Barham. It was at first stated that the coach had been upset by an obstacle that was lying unperceived on the road, and that Mr. Scott had been very seriously injured. The apprehensions thus entertained were enhanced by the later intelligence that Mrs. Scott and daughter had set out for Barham in a special conveyance, taking with them a bed and other comforts for the husband. Under these alarming circumstances it was determined at the Herald office to despatch a reporter specially to Barham, and by the next available train on the Elham Valley Railway, a member of our permanent staff, on whose discretion the fullest reliance could be placed, proceeded to that village, taking his cycle with him so as to be enabled to place a full report of the facts before our readers in case of any failure to secure railway or telegraphic communication.

Interview with Passengers.

I arrived at Barham at 8.42 p.m. by train, and set to work to find out the real facts of the unfortunate occurrence. Needless to state I found the accident was the sole topic of conversation. Mr. Scott, I am sorry to hear, has sustained serious injuries, not only to the back of his head, but also to the side of his face. The unfortunate whip is well cared for at the Red House (now in the occupation of Mrs. Yorke) which is near the scene of the accident. The greatest sympathy is expressed for the unfortunate gentleman, who, it is no exaggeration to state, is beloved by all the countryside. I was fortunate enough, after a little trouble, to find an eye-witness of the accident. His name is Alfred Cox, by trade a bricklayer, and the substance of his statement is that as he was going to work he saw the Sporting Times descending the incline near the Woodman's Arms. It was going at a very steady pace, but on rounding the curve near the Parsonage Bridge, which crosses a dry watercourse, he saw the coach suddenly swerve towards the bank, and running against a stump of wood, it overturned in an instant. Continuing his clear statement, Mr. Cox said: I at once ran to Mr. Scott. His face was covered in blood, and the whole weight of the rear of the coach appeared to be weighing on his chest. I whistled to some men for assistance, and this being forthcoming we rescued Mr. Scott from his perilous position. My mate (a bricklayer), with great presence of mind, ran to the horses' heads, and probably thus prevented further disaster. The other passengers, Miss Mary Young, Mr. Treloar, and Mr. Arthur Katanakis, appeared to have fallen luckily, for they escaped unhurt. I must say the lady was full of nerve and pluck. She picked herself up at once and ran to Mr. Scott's assistance. We procured two hurdles and cushions, laid the whip upon them, and gently conveyed him to the Red House. In the meantime, Police Constable Skinner, acting upon his own initiative, sent off a telegram to a medical gentleman at Bridge. The doctor arrived on the scene promptly, and was joined by his resident colleague in the village. It was God's own mercy the whole of the passengers were not killed.

Before leaving Barham, I learned that Mr. Scott, although conscious, is very low, and as yet it has been found impossible to discover the full extent of his injuries, some of which it is feared are internal. Hearing that some of the passengers were at Elham, I mounted my cycle, and was soon trundling thither over the greasy roads and through the dark lanes. Here I was fortunate to find both Miss Mary Young, the well-known Kentish vocalist, and Mr. Treloar. The former readily gave me her experiences. She said “We were travelling so gently. I could not make it out. I was laughing and and joking one moment, and in another sitting in the road. Providentially, I escaped unhurt. The coach swerved, tumbled over, and that's all I can remember”. Hearing I had just come from Barham, Miss Young asked most earnestly if I could give her any tidings of Mr. Scott. I then found out Mr. Treloar. He certainly did not appear as though he had gone through such an exciting episode. Sitting in an armchair and puffing at his briar, he said “Yes, I'll tell you all I know about it. The coach was going remarkably steady at the time of the accident. It swerved and was over before “Jack Robinson” could be uttered. I was unhurt, and my friend, Mr. Katanakis, also escaped. To our horror, Mr. Scott was under the coach, covered in blood. It was a thrilling experience for us all. We are deeply grieved for our old friend”. Mr. Treloar also paid a high tribute to Miss Young for her plucky behaviour and cool-headedness. After exchanging a few compliments, and congratulating both the lady and gentleman on their providential escape, I soon covered the remaining nine miles, and wrote out in the Herald office the facts here recorded.

Folkestone Herald 26 September 1896.

Editorial.

In our last issue we fully reported the terrible accident which occurred at Barham to the Sporting Times Coach, of which our townsman, Mr. J.P. Scott, was at once the driver and proprietor. He has succumbed to his injuries, and the announcement of his death has come as a shock to a large circle of his friends, admirers, and acquaintances. Elsewhere we devote a considerable portion of our space to a reviw of his many excellent qualities of head and heart. In this brief notice, however, we would emphasise the benefits he has conferred upon Folkestone by maintaining the Sporting Times and a large stud of horses at his own expense, and for the gratification of that instinct of sport which might be regarded as the dominant element in his character. Mr. Scott was, essentially, a sportsman of the genuine British type, and as such his loss is regretted by hosts of friends, not only in this neighbourhood but in remote parts, both at home and abroad. The Folkestone Coach, as it has been popularly termed, and as it has been known in the Elham Valley, has been instrumental in opening up the beauties of local scenery to a long succession of summer visitors. In keeping this coach upon the road, Mr. Scott was promoting not only his own interest but also the prosperity of the town with which his fortunes have been so long and so honourably identified. He was a believer in the development of Folkestone, and he did a great deal to attract here the best class of visitors. It is generally known that the passenger traffic by the coach was never remunerative, but this did not deter the proprietor from indulging in his sporting proclivities. In this respect alone, apart from his many excellent qualities, he deserved the esteem in which he was held, and there is not a lover of sport in this town or district who does not mourn the untimely death of one who was always consistent in its patronage and pursuit. Folkestone is very much the poorer for his loss, and it is a loss which it will be difficult to replace. We only hope that the sympathies of the whole community, which have gone out unstintedly to the widow and family of the deceased, may help to assuage in some measure the poignancy of the anguish into which they have been so cruelly and suddenly plunged.

Local News.

A feeling of gloom settled over Folkestone on Sunday evening when it became known that the famous Whip had breathed his last at the Red House, Barham. The story of the sad accident has already been told in these columns, and the evidence adduced at the inquest removes any doubt as to its cause. Thus at the comparatively early age of 54 there has passed away one whom we could ill afford to spare – an altogether interesting personality.

The Hythe correspondent of the Herald, in his appreciative notice of deceased's connection with the Cinque Ports town, has left little to be said in that respect, and I will therefore cursorily glance at deceased's Folkestone connection. It was after he had ceased to take any part in the Folkestone – Hythe omnibus service that Mr. Scott settled down and made his home at the East Kent. From the date of his retirement from this road, however, his passion for the noble equine race never forsook him. To handle the ribbons was his chief delight. For a time, perhaps, “Scottie” (as he was popularly called), would remain quiescent, but the old life was too much for him, and he would become restive and yearn for the companionship of his horses.

So it was that the Sporting Times became the outcome of all this. No need to write here of this institution, which now, alas, is a thing of the past. We shall ever remember the spanking teams of well-groomed animals, the appointments of the coach, and above all the manifest pride of the owner and Whip. The ancient saying that “A prophet hath no honour in his own country” did not apply here, for it was the almost universal opinion that a more skilful whip had never tooled a team. One of the greatest living equine artists – Mr. John Sturgess – whose beautiful delineations of horses have delighted us these many years in the Illustrated and Sporting and Dramatic News, has never wearied of paying the highest tribute to “Scottie's” skill and management of horses. And the thousands, comprising all classes of society, who have sat behind him, whether on the Hythe buses or the Canterbury coach, will have no difficulty in coming to the conclusion that a great whip has gone forever. The villagers in the peaceful Elham Valley; the schoolchildren who daily welcomed the coach with their flowers; the labourers in the fields – all these will miss our old friend, and the sound of the “yard of tin”.

“Scottie” combined in himself, too, distinguishing features. He was a true sportsman, a licensed victualler, and a rigid teetotaller of lifelong habit, and it is quite as well to emphasise this latter fact. His cheerful animal spirits on one occasion led him into trouble, but at the expense of those who sought to charge him with intemperance. It was even given in evidence that he with others was “elevated” with something stronger than water, but our friend was able to prove conclusively and successfully that such was not the case – that he had never tasted strong drink, and it is reported that, turning on the witness with dramatic effect, he said to the Magistrates, “This, gentlemen, is the kind of witness that would swear away a man's life”.

Year after year in his cosy smoking room, Scottie would sit in the armchair of an evening with his pint, book, and pint of cocoa, and his friends might do as they liked. That was his choice. Surrounded with the best of liquor, tempted by all his friends and acquaintances to join them in the sparkling cup, he stood his ground, and preferred to stick to his own principles.

Think of his dogged moral courage, and one cannot but admire the man. Scottie scorned all kinds of cant and humbug, and it can be truly said of him he never feared the face of man. He possessed one of the kindest hearts, and did a deal of good, not only openly but by stealth. Never did a deserving appeal come his way without his assistance being forthcoming. The latter years of his life were not unclouded. His hope and pride – his only son, Walter – died a year or two ago under very sad circumstances. Just as the youth was entering on manhood the seeds of that fell disease – consumption - manifested themselves, and the boy was sent for a tour of America in the hope that the sea voyage and the change might restore him. But the news was flashed across the Atlantic that the lad had died alone in a strange town in a strange land. This young fellow possessed one of the sweetest and gentlest of dispositions. I think one of the most touching letters I have ever read was received by Mr. Scott from a stranger out in America, who had felt it his duty to write to the lad's parents, describing the decease and burial of the boy, also enclosing flowers that were growing on the grave. It was such a letter that emphasised “That touch of nature that makes the whole world kin”. And then a bright little girl – a perfect ray of sunlight – was taken from him. These bereavements were as the iron entering his soul. He sought solace, and obtained it in the circle of his family, but there was the blank “the world could never fill”. If anything could lift the cloud from him it was coaching, and he has been heard to declare that he wished to die with the reins in his hand. His desire has almost been fulfilled to the letter, and it is a comfort and consolation to the bereaved ones that although his sufferings were great, they were not prolonged.

Scottie was essentially a man. “Rough Diamond” he might be called, yet in that ruggedness there glittered the precious article. We mourn his tragic death and revere his memory. As a tender husband, a good father, a true and constant friend, we all mourn the loss, and shall remember him, and keep his memory green with fond affection.

His employees, too, have lost a good master, and the guard Jones will no doubt re-echo the sentiments expressed by Walter Godden (to whom apologies), who acted in a similar capacity to the late celebrated James Selby:

“The last ride that our old friend had was on the (Barham) road,

Whilst he with favourite anecdote amused his sporting load;

But now he's left us all to mourn for him, so kind and true,

Respected both by rich and poor, in fact by all he knew.

Ne'er shall I ride another stage with him I loved so well,

Or tootle on his favourite horn the tunes to me he'd tell;

For now he's gone to realms above, all pleasure here is marred,

A good old master and a friend was he to me, his Guard.”

To the writer of this notice, Scottie for over a generation was more than an acquaintance. The drives I have enjoyed with him were amongst my pleasantest experiences. One by one the old friends fall as “the leaf in autumn weather”, and every year the world appears to be more and more “like some banquet hall deserted”. But memory is left to us, and in that stronghold we will fondly treasure our recollections.

A Tribute From Hythe.

The Herald's report to our former townsman, Mr. J.P. Scott, aroused much sympathetic feeling in the hearts of many old acquaintances, and this was much intensified when the news came on Sunday that he had passed away. It will be remembered that Hythe has an earlier claim to him as a townsman than Folkestone, for until he removed to the latter town he lived and worked amongst us and made many friends. “Rarey”, as his friends called him, was endowed with a wonderful degree of tact and skill in the management of horses, and his care for them approached that begotten by love. Indeed, it might rightly be said that he loved his cattle. Time and again I have seen him win over a restive animal by his gentle manner when nothing could be done with it by a circle of attendants. His voice and style seemed to bring the erratic one into subjection when no others could manage it. His feelings were so kindly developed towards his equine family that on more than one occasion on which he had the misfortune to lose an animal, I have seen the tears flow down his cheeks, so tender was his regard for his stud, and his grief at its circle being broken. Rarey was fond of humour, and frequently shared hilarity with those surrounding him, when the circumstances permitted the indulgence. I remember one occasion, years ago, when he was driving his 'bus between Hythe and Folkestone, on which his merriment was the means of his being libelled. A lady passenger, sensitive no doubt as to her safety, insisted upon getting out of his 'bus, and protested loudly that its driver was drunk and not fit to be entrusted with the responsibility. Those who knew the habits and behaviour of Mr. Scott, however, were amused, knowing as they did that “J.P.” was a lifelong total abstainer from intoxicating drinks, so that the charge of drunkenness was as amusing as it was unfounded.

“J.P.” had very strict ideas upon the subject of gallantry as it should be shown by gentlemen to the other sex. More than once I have heard him subject a male rider inside his bus to severe castigation for insisting on retaining an inside seat, whilst a lady had to go outside. This, by the way, was in the old days of the knife-board seats on the top of a bus, when having to mount there was almost an indignity to a lady. Such instances always riled the spirit of propriety possessed by “J.P.”, who in turn always expressed himself in very clear terms to the individual whose conduct prompted it. As a whip, there was hardly a finer living. This subject, however, I will leave to those who have a closer technical knowledge of his capabilities. Mr. Scott was one of a family of two sons, and until a short time back his aged parents lived amongst us. His brother, being in America, could not give personal attention to the old people, but “J.P.” appeared to do his best to do duty for both, for almost daily in the latter part of his mother's life he could be seen driving to Hythe to visit her at “The Whim”.

The Inquest.

Mr. R.M. Mercer (the East Kent Coroner) held an inquest on Monday afternoon at the Red House, Barham, on the unfortunate Whip.

Arthur Katinakis, of 8, Kingsnorth Gardens, Folkestone, deposed he was son-in-law to the deceased. Mr. Scott was 54 years of age, and was a jobmaster and driver of the Sporting Times, which ran between Folkestone and Canterbury. Witness was on the coach at the time of the accident on Friday morning, and was sitting in the box close to the deceased. Witness had frequently come that way before on the coach. At about 12.30 they reached the bottom of the hill on which the accident occurred. At this point the road turns a corner, and as they were rounding it the leaders shied at some scrapings in the road. Being narrow, of course they had to keep fairly close to the near side of the road. When the leaders shied, the roller bolt on the splinter bar cannoned against the stump of an old elder tree in the hedge, which swung the coach at the moment that it was at its extreme, some three inches into the hedge, causing the wheel to be raised that amount onto the stump. The coach was turned over on its offside into the road, only just leaving room for witness to get between the coach and the opposite hedge. Deceased was holding the reins and he did not fall clear of the coach as the others did, and was struck violently by the vehicle, and dragged along with it about three yards. They could not see where he was struck until they got him out. Witness got up at once and went to deceased's assistance. He was jammed up in the back seats, owing to the horses having moved forward whilst he was on the ground. No part of the coach rested upon him, but during the whole of the time one of his arms was under the rail of the back seats. Deceased was quite conscious when they got him out, but complained of his back being hurt. He was conveyed to the Red House, and died there on Sunday afternoon at 4.20.

Charles Henry Schon deposed that he was a surgeon residing at Bridge. He had been in attendance on deceased since the accident till his death. He first saw him about three quarters of an hour after the accident at that house. He was suffering from serious injuries to his spine, paralysis of both legs, and fractured ribs of the left side. He also suffered from a wound to the chest wall caused by the fractured ribs. His injuries were very bad indeed. His arms were not injured, but he had a very bad wound at the back of the skull. He was in a state of great collapse, from which he never really recovered, dying from the shock. He would not permit any accurate examination as he was in such pain. He was brought up to the house on a hurdle.

The jury, after consultation, returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

Folkestone Herald 18 September 1897.

Police Court Report.

On Saturday – the Mayor (Alderman Banks) presiding – Richard Bryan was summoned for leaving a horse and cart unattended in Sandgate Road on the 27th.

P.C. Frank Lawrence gave evidence that on the Friday in question at 10 past 12 he saw a horse and carriage standing in front of the East Kent Arms, and about two minutes later the horse started up the Sandgate Road to opposite Messrs. Brook's premises. Witness took charge, and about five minutes later defendant came up and said it was his.

Defendant said it was only four minutes from when he pulled up. He went in to get a drink. There was another trap and that moved off, and his horse followed it up. It only went twenty steps.

Fined 2s. 6d., 9s. costs, or seven days' imprisonment.

Folkestone Herald 17 September 1898.

Police Court Record.

On Tuesday – Alderman Banks presiding – Sherlock Ray was charged with stealing three chisels, a screwdriver, and a bradawl, value 4s., the property of John Reeder, and a tankard, value 9s., the property of Mrs. Scott.

P.S. Swift deposed that about 3.30 on the previous day, from information received, he went to 29, Westbourne Gardens, where the defendant was at work. He cautioned the defendant, and then said to him “I am making inquiries respecting a watch, hammer, and chisel, stolen from the Electric Works on Saturday last”. Defendant replied “I know nothing about the watch. The hammer Foad gave to me. The chisels I took back. I had a drop of drink. I suppose that was the cause”. Witness said “Will you show me the tools you had in your possession in the football field on Saturday last?” He replied “They are down home. The box in the scullery”. Witness said to him “I shall take you to the police station and detain you to make inquiries”. On the way to the police station they saw defendant's wife. Defendant said to her “Give the officer those chisels out of that box in the scullery”. Witness went to the defendant's lodgings in Bradstone Road, where he was shown the box in the scullery by the defendant's wife. In this he found the three chisels, the screwdriver, and the bradawl produced. He also found a silver plated tankard with “East Kent Arms” stamped upon it. Afterwards the defendant was charged in witness's presence. As to the tools, defendant made no reply. With regard to the tankard he said “I did not steal that”.

John Reeder, of Invicta Road, deposed that he was a carpenter in the employ of the Folkestone Electric Light Company. On Saturday, the 10th inst., about 1 o'clock, he left his tools in a basket in the manager's office at the Electric Works. On Monday, about 9 o'clock, he went to the basket for his tools, and they were missing, three chisels, a screwdriver, and a bradawl. He valued the articles at 4s. or 5s.

William John Foad, in the employ of the Electric Company, deposed that he was in the Company's works on the 10th inst., at about half past 3, in the engine room. Witness called defendant in, and afterwards saw him in the manager's room. He was looking at witness's tools. Witness said “Don't touch those. Those are my tools”. He also had a small volt-meter, which he took out and put back on the mantelpiece. They then left the room together, and went to the football ground. Witness lost the defendant just inside the ground. Defendant was in the employ of the Company.

By the defendant: Witness sent him to the manager's room for some tape.

Miss Annie Ellse, barmaid, of the East Kent Arms, Sandgate Road, deposed that she missed from the bar a half pint tankard three weeks or a month ago. She identified the tankard produced as the missing one. She valued it at 9s. She had seen the defendant several times in the house. He was a customer.

Defendant said that he was under the influence of drink. He had sunstroke in India, and did not know what he was doing. He had been steady lately, but two or three glasses of spirits he had upset him. He was sorry he took the articles, as he had no use for them.

The Bench committed him to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions on both cases.

Folkestone Herald 15 October 1898.

Quarter Sessions.

Monday, October 10th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Gillespie Sherlock Wray, aged 28, seaman, well educated, was indicted for feloniously stealing a silver plated tankard, value 9s., the property of Amy Scott, at Folkestone, on the 15th August. The defendant had been detained on the indictment of feloniously stealing three chisels, one screwdriver, and one bradawl, value 4s., the property of John Riva, of Folkestone, on the 10th September. He pleaded Not Guilty to stealing the tankard.

Mr. Matthew, who prosecuted, pointed out that it was for an accused person, who is found in the possession of stolen property, to say how he came to possess it.

P.S. Swift deposed that on the 12th the prisoner made certain statements to him, in consequence of which witness went with his wife to the prisoner's house. In a box there witness found the tankard produced. He was charged with stealing it, and replied “I did not steal that”. He gave no explanation as to how he got it.

Miss Annie Ellse, barmaid at the East Kent Arms, deposed that she recognised the tankard by the name, and the handle being mended. She missed it three weeks before the 12th September.

The prisoner's statement was read. It was as follows: I was under the influence of drink. I had sunstroke in India three years ago. I have been steady lately. Two or three glasses of spirits I had on Saturday upset me. I am sorry I did it, as I know no use for them”.

The prisoner now said he had been to the Pleasure Gardens about the 26th or 27th, and coming home, opposite Pearson's coalyard, about a quarter to 11, he found the tankard on the side of the road by the rails. He took it home. His wife told him to take it back again, but he forgot all about it. He threw himself at their mercy. If he thought of it he would have taken it back.

The Recorder said that when the prisoner was charged with stealing the tankard by Sergt. Swift he denied stealing it. When he was before the Justices he made the statement already read. He now made the statement they had heard.

The prisoner said that the statement he had made before the Justices was as to the tools. He did not make it on account of the tankard.

The Petty Jury, after consideration, found the prisoner not guilty of stealing the tankard.

The prisoner Wray pleaded Guilty to the further charge of stealing the tools. He also pleaded Guilty to a previous conviction at Folkestone.

Superintendent Taylor deposed that the former conviction was one month's hard labour for breaking into a camera obscure and attempting to steal. On the 27th May, 1897, he was fined 40s. for stealing a plumbers' diamond from Mr. Holden's, High Street. Defendant had been employed by the Electric Lighting Company. He was strongly suspected of being concerned in several petty robberies.

The prosecutor stated that he had been working on the same job as the prisoner.

Prisoner said he never worked with Riva.

The Recorder said the jury had taken a lenient view of the previous charge. Defendant had a very bad career. The crime was committed on a fellow workman. The tools were stolen, and the initials scraped off, in the hope that they would not be identified. He was sentenced to nine months' hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 27 October 1900.

Inquest.

On Saturday morning the town was shocked on hearing that, on the previous night, Mr. T.J. Harrison, the well-known auctioneer and bookmaker, had committed suicide in the room which he occupied at the East Kent Arms Hotel. The details of this sad affair are fully set out in the evidence given at the inquest, which was held at the Town Hall on Saturday afternoon, before Mr. John Minter, Borough Coroner, and a jury. The deceased had long suffered from rheumatic gout and heart disease, but had always shown a passionate love for sport of every kind, while on the turf he carried on an extensive business as a betting agent. He took a prominent part in the public life of the town, having been for some years a member of the Town Council, and also a member of the Elham Board of Guardians. Latterly the deceased had sustained some heavy losses in his business as a commission agent, and creditors were pressing him for money, a circumstance which worried him considerably, and doubtless led him to make away with his life. At the inquest the courtroom was crowded with people, and the following witnesses were examined:-

Theophilus Hogben, clerk to the late Mr. Harrison, was the first witness called. He said deceased lived at 18, Bouverie Square, and was an auctioneer and commission agent.

The jury then proceeded to view the body, which witness identified as that of his late employer.

Witness, continuing, said deceased was 42 years of age last November, and that he had been in his service four years. Deceased had a very extensive business. He had always backed horses himself, now and again. Lately he had sustained some very heavy losses, and it was a fact that he had been unable to meet his engagements. He had not been drinking more than he usually did, but he had always drunk a good deal during the day. He had worried a good deal over the business. He had been strange during the past week; very quiet, and always appeared to be worrying. Lately he had been threatened with proceedings to recover money which he owed. Witness only knew of one cheque which had been returned dishonoured. That was for £19, a fortnight ago. Deceased's sister kept house for him, and witness knew that he had a room at the East Kent Arms. On Friday witness took up one or two brandies and sodas to deceased in bed at his house. He got up about four o'clock in the afternoon. When deceased went to bed the night before he was sober. For the past week he had laid in bed all the mornings. On arising on the previous day, deceased had something to eat, and went out about 4.30. He had told witness that he was going up to London by the 9.30 train on the Friday night, and witness made out some accounts, which he was going to take, to sue his customers. There were some large amounts, about £150 in all. At about 9.40 witness rang up on the telephone to the East Kent Hotel to ask if he had gone to London, and they replied that he had not. He then went down to the East Kent to see him, but could not do so. He went upstairs and spoke to Mrs. Scott, and she told him that he was in his bedroom with a revolver. The bedroom was on the first floor, at the back. Mrs. Scott asked witness to go and speak to him, as she was ill in bed. Witness went and knocked at his door. He had just lifted the latch and opened the door about an inch, when deceased from the inside pushed it to and locked it. Witness did not say anything to deceased, but went back and told Mrs. Scott that he would not let him in. Whilst he was talking to her he heard a report, as of a pistol being fired. Mrs. Scott told him that she had heard one shot before. Witness went for Hooper, the coachman, who came up and burst the door open. He went into the room and found deceased lying half on his face on the floor near the bed. He had only got his coat off. Witness took the pistol produced out of deceased's right hand, and told Hooper to stop there until he fetched a doctor. Deceased made a slight noise, evidently through his nose. There was blood on the floor. Witness put the pistol in his pocket, and went straight away to fetch Dr. Perry, arriving there about 10 o'clock. The doctor returned with him at once, and after making an examination said he was dead, and sent witness for the police. He had never said anything to witness about taking his life.

The Coroner told witness that he should not have taken the pistol out of his hand, as it might have been a matter of the greatest importance as to the position in which the pistol was found.

The Chief Constable: What time elapsed between the first and second shot?

Witness: I did not hear the first shot.

The Chief Constable: Did Mrs. Scott hear the first shot?

Witness: She said she heard a slight noise as of a cap going off.

Wm. Samuel Hooper, coachman at the East Kent Arms, said he had known the deceased about nine years. Deceased had got a horse called Black Polly standing at the East Kent Arms, and also had a bedroom at the back looking over the yard for when he stayed at the hotel. About 7.50 on the previous night (Friday) witness saw deceased, who asked him how the horse, which had been lame four months, was getting on. Deceased had had something to drink, but was not drunk. He also talked to witness about cats annoying him of a night when he went to sleep. He said he was going to stop there that night and would shoot them all. There was a large room covered with iron in the yard, and often a great many kittens got there at night. He (witness) volunteered the information that cats ought to be licensed like dogs.

In reply to the Coroner, he said that he had a cat, but did not have a licence, because they were not granted.

Continuing, he said deceased did not show him what he was going to shoot them with. Witness went into the bar, and about 8 o'clock deceased called him out and said “Here's a sovereign. Go into Mr. Price's and buy me a revolver”. He did so, and got a small gun, but deceased would not have it, as he said it would kill people over the building at 200 yards. Witness took it back, and brought back three revolvers for deceased to choose from. The prices were 11s. 6d., 15s. 6d., and 27s. 6d., and he chose the 15s. 6d. one. The revolver produced was like the one he chose, but he could not swear to it. He said “Bring me 25 round of ammunition to kill the cats on the roof”. Witness got it and handed it to him in the porch. Deceased then went into the smoking room, but witness did not know whether he put the revolver and ammunition in his pocket or not. About 9.50 witness asked the barmaid for the letters to post. Mrs. Scott had been ill over a fortnight. She said he would have to wait, as Mr. Harrison was locked in the bedroom, and would not answer the door. The nurse called him shortly afterwards, and said he was wanted upstairs. He went up on the landing and saw Hogben, who said he wanted him to help to burst the door open, as he thought there was something wrong, having heard a report from a revolver. After a hard struggle the door was burst open, and deceased found lying on his face on the left side in a pool of blood. The gas was lighted. He did not see the pistol, but saw Hogben take something out of deceased's hand and go away. Deceased made a noise like a drunken man snoring, but did not seem to be in any pain. Witness stayed until the doctor came and then went away.

Harold Wm. Price, jeweller, Sandgate Road, Folkestone, deposed that the last witness came to his shop on the previous night and purchased a revolver (produced) and a box of fifty round of ammunition. The revolver was a seven-chambered one; an American, and size .22. He said it was for Mr. Harrison to kill or frighten cats with.

Dr. Perry said he knew the deceased, and had been attending him off and on for some years. He had suffered a great deal at times from rheumatic gout, an enlarged liver, and attacks of heart failure at times. Witness had warned him as to the critical state in which he was frequently. He was a free liver, but he was aware that he might die at any moment from heart failure. He had been depressed in consequence of illness, and when he had the attacks was very much so. A few minutes after ten on the previous night witness was fetched by Hogben, and on going into the bedroom at the East Kent Arms he saw deceased lying on his left side. His head was in a pool of blood. He was dead. Hogben showed witness the pistol. He had only been dead a few minutes when witness arrived. He had made a post mortem that afternoon in conjunction with Dr. Chambers. Before removing the skull they found a good deal of haemorrhage, and after removing the skull found a large amount of haemorrhage at the base of the brain. After careful searching they found the bullet embedded in the base of the skull on the left side. On the previous night he examined the mouth and found a slight depression and discolouration, such as would have been caused by a bullet. Death must have been instantaneous. He had not the slightest hesitation in saying that the wound was a self-inflicted one. There was no discolouration on the outside of the mouth. Personally he knew nothing of deceased's money difficulties, except that he had at times told him he had difficulty in getting his money in. Mrs. Scott was ill, and had been so for a fortnight.

Dr. Chambers corroborated Dr. Perry's evidence in its entirety.

Stanley Higham, gun maker, said that on the previous night, about 7.15, deceased came into his shop and said he wanted a rifle or revolver to shoot cats. Witness told him that a revolver was no use for the purpose he wanted, and that a little rifle would be far better. He asked about revolvers three times, but witness put him off by telling him that it was a rifle he wanted. Deceased said he wanted to shoot cats in his back garden in Bouverie Square. At the finish he bought a rifle at 15s. 6d., and 25 cartridges at 6d. He said “Don't trouble to send it tonight, it will do in the morning”.

The witness Hogben was re-called, and said they had been annoyed in the front garden by cats, but witness did not shoot cats there. He had sporting rifles at the East Kent.

Dr. Perry was asked whether the shot could have been an accidental one, and in reply said that he had not the least doubt that it was a deliberate act.

Dr. Chambers was asked the same question, and said if it had been accidental there would have been some wound on the lip or other part of the face. It must have been deliberate.

Edwin John Chadwick, Coroner's Officer, said at 10.45 on the previous night he was sent for, and on going to the back bedroom of the East Kent Arms saw deceased in a pool of blood. He examined the wound in company with Dr. Perry, and also found a bullet embedded in the wall on the right hand side entering the room. It was the same size as the one found on the mantelpiece.

Hogben, re-called, said he gave the revolver to Sergeant Osborne.

Dr. Perry said he placed the revolver on the mantelpiece.

Witness, continuing, said he took charge of the pistol, and found two exploded cartridges. The other five chambers were empty. He found 48 cartridges in the box. He searched deceased and found a gold watch, one sovereign, 17s. 5d., bunch of keys, cigarette holder in case, and a number of letters, which he gave to the Coroner.

The Coroner said he had looked through the letters, and there was nothing in them except threats of writs and summonses for money owing.

A juror: Was there a second shot anywhere about the body?

Dr. Perry: None whatever. There was a slight abrasion over the left eyebrow, evidently caused by the fall.

Another juror: Did anyone hear the first report?

The Coroner: According to the evidence of Hogben, Mrs. Scott, who was ill in another room, heard a report. I have enquired of everyone in the house, but no-one seemed to have heard it. It would be a very small report.

The Coroner's Officer said they tried the shot on the previous night with the doors closed, and they could not hear it downstairs.

Dr. Perry, in reply to the Coroner, said Mrs. Scott could not attend for a few days.

The Coroner said if they liked they could adjourn the inquest for a week so that Mrs. Scott could attend. He then proceeded to sum up, and said they had to enquire and determine by what means that man came to his death. The medical evidence was quite clear, that he met his death from the effects of a pistol shot, the bullet entering through the roof of his mouth into the base of his brain, and severing a blood vessel. That caused considerable haemorrhage and shock, from which he died almost immediately. There was no question as to the cause of death, but then came the question “Was it accident or was it intentional?” They had the evidence of the witness Hooper to the effect that deceased sent him to buy a revolver with which to shoot cats, and also that of the gunsmith in Harbour Street that a gun to shoot cats was bought. In consequence of that he re-called the doctors, and both of them gave their unhesitating opinion that the pistol must have been placed in his mouth with the deliberate intention of killing himself. The only thing which remained for them to consider was the state of mind deceased was in at the time he committed the act, if they were satisfied he committed it, a point on which he should imagine they could have no doubt whatever. They had heard from the evidence of his clerk that he was engaged in a very extensive bookmaking business; that he had suffered some severe losses in that business; that he had been worried in many matters, and that he was unable to meet his engagements. They all knew that if a man engaged in a business of that kind failed to meet his engagements, it was utter ruin to him. If he once failed he might as well give his business up. Why did he discharge the first barrel? The only reason he could think of was that he fired an experimental shot to try the penetrating power of the pistol. They in the town well knew that he was subject to heart failure, and was likely to drop down dead at any time.

After a short consultation with his colleagues on the jury, the foreman said the jury had considered the evidence, and their verdict was that he committed suicide whilst temporarily insane.

Folkestone Herald 5 April 1902.

Quarter Sessions.

Wednesday, April 2nd: Before Mr. Lewis Coward.

Edward William Flisher, a stoker, was charged with feloniously stealing 4s. 3d., the monies of Fanny Jenkins Harsant and others, on March 8th. Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Matthew said the case against prisoner was a simple and clear one. The prosecutrix kept a school in Earls Avenue and prisoner had been employed there night and morning as a boot boy. Having her suspicions aroused, Miss Harsant marked some money, and gave instructions for a watch to be kept. Accordingly a witness concealed herself and saw prisoner enter the room, and take the money out of a purse which had been placed in a drawer. No money, with the exception of 1s. 4½d. and a few cigarettes was found on prisoner when arrested.

Miss Harsant said on March 10th she marked two two shilling pieces and placed them in a purse in a drawer on the first floor. Miss Ivett, who had been watching, subsequently made a statement to her, and going up to the room, witness found that the money had disappeared. Witness saw prisoner outside the house on the night in question. He ought to have come to his work, but did not put in an appearance. Prisoner had no business upstairs unless he was directed to go.

Miss Ivett detailed how she watched behind a curtain on the night in question. After witness had been there about ten minutes, prisoner came into the room and opened a drawer, which he searched. He shook the purse, and witness heard the money clink. She also saw him count it. Prisoner then put back the purse and peered very carefully over the dressing table. Witness waited a few minutes and saw prisoner standing in another bedroom. He then made off, and witness communicated with Miss Harsant. When in the hall, witness saw prisoner closing the door, and afterwards saw him at the bottom of the steps. He was moving fast, and turning his head round and catching sight of witness and Miss Harsant, prisoner commenced to run.

Prisoner (to witness): What time did I enter the room? – About 8.10.

P.C. Sales deposed to arresting prisoner at his home, 114, Black Bull Road. He said he had not been near the house on the night of the robbery, but afterwards prisoner corrected himself by saying he took a couple of bunches of violets up for the cook, and these he placed in the cellar.

Prisoner then went into the witness box, and denied he was near the house when the robbery was said to have been committed. He was at the East Kent Arms at the time.

Alice Ward, a barmaid at the above licensed house, was called to support this, but she failed to recognise the prisoner as the man she served that night.

The jury, without any hesitation, found the prisoner Guilty.

Prisoner, who admitted three previous convictions, was sentenced to nine months' hard labour.

Miss Harsant said for some time she had missed money belonging to the scholars. No suspicion was attached to anyone, and eventually they decided to watch.

The Recorder said Miss Harsant had acted in a very proper manner.

Folkestone Herald 27 September 1902.

Wednesday, September 24th: Before Mr. Herbert, Mr. Swoffer, and Councillor Lieut. Colonel Hamilton.

Harry Moon, a soldier in the Buffs, was charged with endeavouring to obtain £8 14s. 6d. from Councillor Jones by means of a worthless cheque.

Councillor Jones said prisoner went to his shop on Grace Hill with a woman and selected some articles of furniture. He then said he would call the next day. Witness saw him when he called, and prisoner told him that he had got a cheque for £15, asking him to take it and give him the change. Witness asked him whether it was the cheque from the Government for prisoner's pay, and he said “Yes”. Witness then asked him for the cheque, and he said he would go and get it, and went away. Witness said he would be there when prisoner returned. Prisoner came back in about half an hour, and produced a cheque for £25. He wanted £8 14s. 6d. change out of the cheque. Witness said to him “This is not the Govenment cheque for £15”. Prisoner answered “No. My money is in the National Provincial Bank, and this is my cheque”. Witness said “Why did you not get the cash this morning from the bank?” Prisoner replied “I forgot it until it was too late. The bank closes at 3 o'clock”. Witness then said “Why not wait until tomorrow when the bank opens?” He said “I want particularly to get away by the 5 o'clock train. My wife is ill, and I want the goods delivered to the station before five”. Witness said “I don't want any nonsense. Is this money at the bank or not?” Prisoner answered “Yes, more than that – much more than that”. Witness said “I don't think I have got nearly £9 in change”. Prisoner then said “If you have not got it, I am in such a hurry that I will have some more goods so that I can have £5 or £6 in change. I will have those pictures”. Witness said “If your cheque is right, I will change it in three minutes”. Prisoner replied “The Bank is closed; it is no use going there”. Witness then told him to sit down, and while he was chattering he would go and get the change. Witness then went to the Bank, and on the way back, to the police station, and thence to his shop again. Prisoner said “Have you got the money?” Witness replied “come in my shop. I don't do business out here”. P.C. Scott came down, and witness said “Will you come to the police station and explain this matter?” Prisoner the said he had got the cheque from Bill Weaver at the Prince Of Wales. Witness accompanied him to the police station.

Charles John Wilson, accountant at the National Provincial Bank, said he had never seen the prisoner before. He had no account at the Bank, and had not to witness's knowledge had one.

Councillor Jones made an appeal for the prisoner, remarking that it was a hard case and he did not wish the man and his young wife to be blighted thus early in life. No-one had been harmed – he had not been defrauded, but he thought it right to bring the case before the Bench in the interests of the public. He would appeal for mercy and consideration.

An officer from the Camp said prisoner had a clean sheet, and was now on sick furlough.

Prisoner was dealt with under the First Offenders Act, and bound over in £20 to be of good behaviour.

Prisoner, who was deeply moved, said “Thank you very, very much, sir”.

Folkestone Herald 31 January 1903.

Saturday, January 24th: Before Alderman Penfold, Alderman Spurgen, Councillor Peden, Lieut. Colonel Westropp, and Mr. Carpenter.

Charles Major was fined 2s. 6d. and 9s. costs for allowing his chimney to be on fire on January 14th.

Folkestone Herald 28 February 1903.

Saturday, February 21st: Before Alderman Penfold, Lieutenant Colonel Westropp, Councillor Peden, Messrs. Ward, Stainer, and Carpenter.

Henry Andrews, of Guildhall Street, was summoned by Thomas Henry English for assaulting him on the 16th February by striking him on the face.

Complainant said that last Monday evening, about 10.30 p.m., he went to the East Kent Arms and saw the defendant sitting there. Witness sat down next to him, and someone remarked that old Fred Mason was dead. He turned to defendant and said “He was a pal of yours, wasn't he, Harry?” With that Andrews started raving and calling witness a blackguard. The landlord ordered defendant out of the house, and told him not to come in again. Witness left the house at eleven o'clock, and as he was passing Upton's next door, the defendant stepped out of the doorway and muttered something, and struck him a violent blow on the jaw.

Mr. Bradley: Open or shut hand?

Witness: With his fist, sir. The jaw is still bruised.

Defendant: When I was sitting in the bar, didn't you come into that place and say “You are a ---- lunatic, and should have been buried with Frederick Mason, for then there would be two out of the way?”

Complainant: No.

Defendant: You are committing perjury by saying that.

Frank Goodyear said that when he was closing his premises on the Monday evening he saw Mr. English come out of the East Kent Arms. Defendant stepped out of the doorway, and struck Mr. English a blow on the face. The latter tried to push his assailant out of the way, when defendant again tried to strike him. He did not hear complainant say anything to defendant.

Defendant, addressing the Bench, said that for years he had been grossly insulted by “this individual”. It did not matter where he went, or where he saw him, he insulted him. On Monday night he had been to the Town Hall to an entertainment. He went across to the East Kent Arms afterwards, and while he sat there, he (complainant) came in and made a remark that Frederick Mason was dead, and that he (defendant) was a ---- lunatic and should have been buried at the same time, and that would have been two out of the way. Mr. Major said that he did not want any row, and witness went out. When “this man” came out, he asked him what he meant by insulting him, and complainant said “Insulting you”, and squared up. Defendant thought he was perfectly justified in doing what he did. To call a man a lunatic was one of the most violent things a man could call another.

The Chairman remarked that whatever provocation defendant had received, it appeared that he had been waiting outside in cold blood for Mr. English to come out. The Bench would fine defendant 20s. and 10s. costs, or fourteen days' imprisonment. Defendant paid the money.

Folkestone Herald 23 November 1907.

Inquest.

A very sad story was unfolded at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon, when the Borough Coroner (Mr. G.W. Haines) held an enquiry regarding the death of Thomas Nickalls, a young man, aged 23.

Henry Gordon Nickalls, of 7, Geraldine Road, a postman, identified the body as that of his brother Thomas. He was a single man, and had recently been employed as potman at the East Kent Arms. He lived at 10, Spring Cottages. On Sunday night witness last saw deceased at No. 9, The Plain Cottages, where his sister resided. Up till the last two months deceased had been very well in health. During that time witness had not seen much of him. He had complained that he was down on his luck, and could not get any work. He had been in his last situation about a week, and before that had been barman at the Red Cow, in Foord Road. Deceased had no money troubles. Witness could not understand his brother on Sunday night, for he seemed so strange. He had been under the doctor, owing to a nervous breakdown, as the result of his worrying through his inability to get work. Witness did not know that deceased wanted to get married. On the Sunday night, soon after nine o'clock, witness left deceased at The Plain Cottages.

Mrs. Alice Cladingbowl, wife of Mr. Chas. Cladingbowl, a coachman, living at No. 9, The Plain, said deceased was her brother. Very often he visited her. He had been out of work for a long time, and had not been in regular employment since he left Mr. Lukey's employ as a cellarman. A fortnight ago witness noticed deceased was strange in his manner. He seemed very absent in his manner, and was not himself. Witness asked Dr. Gilbert to attend him. She often asked deceased what had caused the breakdown, but her brother never gave any definite answer. On Monday morning, about 7.15, the deceased left her house with the intention of going to work at the East Kent arms. He had been away from there a week, owing to his illness. Mr. Major had expressed his willingness to take deceased back to work on the Monday morning, and was surprised that he did not reach there. On the Saturday he took himself off the club, though witness advised him to have another week at home.

George Flood, collector in the employ of the Metropole Lift Company, deposed that on Monday morning, about eight o'clock, he was going to work. He usually went to work along the Marine Walk. At the westward of the Shelter, about five fathoms out, he saw a body floating. Witness dragged it out of the water, and the Coroner's officer was sent for. To witness the man appeared to be dead. He was quite cold, and was frothing a very little at the mouth. His face was very bruised, and his eyes were bloodshot.

Dr. J.W. Thornton Gilbert proved having attended the deceased. He first saw him on Monday week, when he was suffering from nervous breakdown. He appeared to have a general upset about a love affair, and the difficulty of getting work. Witness suggested that he should take some rest, and not to look on the black side of life. Next day he was more cheerful, and his trouble seemed to be passing off. On Saturday he visited witness's house, and saw the gentleman who was acting for him in his absence. Deceased suggested that he should be removed from the sick books of his club, as he wanted to get work. Death had been caused by drowning. The abrasions on the face were probably due to contact with the shingle. Witness did not presuppose that deceased would take his life.

Edward John Chadwick, Coroner's Officer, proved receiving the body from George Flood. Witness undressed him, and found a quantity of letters, an Oddfellows Club card, a silver watch and chain, etc.

A verdict of “Suicide whilst temporarily insane” was returned.

Folkestone Herald 31 October 1908.

Felix.

My last week's yarns anent “Pompey” and the corpse, the wheelbarrow, and the church steeple, appear to have gone down very well. Here is another one that I and many others can vouch for. The late Mr. J.P. Scott, a prince of local whips, who met with such a tragic death at Barham, was also proprietor of the East Kent Arms. Scotty was one of the rough and ready sort, taciturn, very outspoken, true as steel to his friends, and straightforward to a degree. He was not, however, “anybody's ha'porth”. Although there was, perhaps, something stern about him, yet he had a certain magnetic quality that made him much sought after by many “lively boys” and “young bloods”. Thus one day a bill was posted about the town that Scotty's 50th birthday would be celebrated at the well-known hostelry in Sandgate Road, at 11 a.m., with free champagne and cigars. What a gathering there was. Those “in the know” were looking on with glee, whilst what became of poor Scotty on the occasion I do not remember. However, I do know that everything was taken good-humouredly, and in the nature of an innocent practical joke.

Just now I was referring to Scotty. Well, it reminds me how fond he was of reading. Similarly to many others, he enjoyed “a quiet five minutes” to himself. Although a licensed victualler, he never, at least in later years, allowed any alcoholic liquors to pass his lips. Very often he could be seen with one leg perched in a chair (he was lame), pince-nez balanced on his nose, and a book in hand. Thus, sitting in the cosy parlour of the East Kent, he would often be deeply immersed. Those of us who knew him well were aware that such a time was not opportune to open a conversation with our hero. To do so would mean a deserved snub. Yes, there's no harm in stating it, some of us really loved old Scotty. I remember once some years ago one of those hee-haw gilded dons came in. He was a complete stranger. The famous whip was enjoying his book, briar, and a cup of cocoa, when the young don suggested that the weather was fine. Came a curt “Yes” from Scotty. Then came a string of inane questions and remarks from the “toff”. This was too much. Whether Scotty had a particularly interesting book in hand, I know not, but he removed his pince-nez, and, liking the stranger in the face, said “I don't know who the Mephistopheles you are, but of this I am certain, you have never been to a school of manners. Haven't you got the common sense to see that I am reading?” The don collapsed, drank up his ginger ale, and departed a wiser, if a sadder man. Scotty renewed his reading. And when we come to think of it the rebuke, though perhaps forcibly expressed, was deserved.

Folkestone Herald 28 May 1910.

Local News.

An extraordinary accident occurred near Hythe in the early hours of Thursday morning. As a party of Folkestonians, including Mr. C. Major, of the East Kent Arms, was returning from Lydd in a taxicab, when near the Metropole Laundry, in the Dymchurch Road, the car suddenly swerved and turned over on its side, throwing the occupants out into the road. Fortunately nearly all of them escaped with a bad shaking, but Mr. Major was thrown out on his hand, and sprained his wrist rather badly. The back of his mouth and throat was also slightly injured by the stem of a pipe he was smoking at the time.

After the accident the party walked to Hythe, where they telephoned for another car.

The damaged car remained at the side of the road until late in the morning, when a trolley was placed under a wheel which was smashed, and the vehicle dragged into Folkestone.

Folkestone Herald 11 March 1911.

Local News.

Folkestone was treated on Saturday morning to the extraordinary spectacle of a runaway steamroller. Considerable damage was caused, and it must be accounted as distinctly providential that no loss of life occurred.

The accident was the indirect result of another. The previous day, while one of the Folkestone steamrollers was working in the town, one of the axles broke, and the engine was stranded. Folkestone possesses two steamrollers, one large and one small, and it was the small one that was damaged. Church Street was at the time in process of repair, and as the large engine was of too great width to roll the street conveniently, it was decide to hire the engine belonging to the Hythe Corporation for the purpose. This was the engine to which the principal accident occurred. It left the Cinque Port on Saturday morning, driven by John Blackman, a Hythe driver, for Folkestone.

All went well till the steamroller was coming down Sandgate Road. Then, for some reason which at the time could not be ascertained, the engine suddenly became out of control. Just before arriving at Mr. Sainsbury's shop the huge bulk started to plunge forward unchecked. The driver flung over his reversing gear, but this failed of its purpose. The brakes apparently refused to act, and to add to the calamity the engine did not answer to the steering gear.

The time was about 8.45 a.m., and there was naturally a large number of people about. Shouts and the clatter of the runaway engine warned them of the danger, and they fled in all directions, many screaming. The assistants in the Maypole Dairy were startled by a sudden inrush of people, and wondered what the cause was, till a second later they saw the engine crash on to the pavement outside. The stones were splintered, and the curb smashed, but the steamroller gathered speed every instant, the gradient being considerable. There were one or two narrow escapes, one in particular being that of a little girl, who seemed unable to move from where she was in the road through fear. She escaped death by inches only.

Still the engine plunged onwards, and by the time it reached the East Kent Arms was travelling, according to the driver's estimate, at 15 miles an hour. Ten tons weight careering along uncontrolled at 15 miles an hour represented a very alarming spectacle of deadly force, particularly as the Town Hall and a right angled turn, round which the engine could not have been steered, lay right ahead.

Fortunately, however, the runaway did not reach as far as the Town Hall. Outside the East Kent Arms the front part swung round sideways and struck a glancing blow at the outside wall. Had it struck it with full force, it must have utterly wrecked the building, but as it was the damage was serious enough. The base of a supporting pillar was knocked down, and a large fissure appeared in the front wall. One theory is to the effect that the front wheel came off and that only this struck the building, this accounting for the fact that the front wall was not entirely knocked down, as would seem probable had the full force of the engine struck it.

The engine itself immediately collapsed. The front wheel lay across the pavement, and the front part of the engine fell like a broken kneed horse into the gutter. The back axle broke, and the whole engine became a battered wreck, a strange example of power self-hurled to destruction. There was great danger that the boiler would burst, in which case the damage to surrounding property must have been prodigious, but, miraculously, in the collision the mud plug which forms a valve at the base of the boiler was knocked in against the steam, this showing the force of the impact, and through the hole thus made the steam and water escaped with a tremendous roar, which was heard for a long distance. He driver also helped to avert this potential final catastrophe of a burst boiler, for he very pluckily stuck to his post till the end, and opened the steam escape valve before jumping clear.

The feelings of the people inside the East Kent Arms were naturally those of extraordinary amazement and alarm. The shouts, the rush of people, the crash of the collision and the roar of the escaping steam – these things occurring at their very door was extremely terrifying.

The whole thing from the time the engine started to run away till it was finally at a standstill probably did not occupy more than ten seconds, and in that short interval it was difficult to grasp really what was occurring. People in several houses further down the road declared that the ground shook, and thought that an earthquake had happened. Inside the East Kent Arms, of course, the accident was more appalling. So great was the force of the impact that the bar counter was actually shifted bodily an inch or two, and several other things moved. Unhappily, Mrs. Major, the wife of the lessee, was ill in bed, and she suffered severely from the shock.

The news of the disaster naturally attracted a large crowd of people, and all day long the police were occupied in moving on numbers of interested sightseers.

Special appliances had to be sent for from the works of Messrs. Aveling and Porter, Rochester, the makers of the engine, to remove the wreck. The firm's men set to work late on Saturday evening, and after working nearly all Monday with a tripod crane, powerful jacks, and other apparatus, succeeded in clearing the road on Monday evening. Their procedure was to take away the front wheel of the engine, the fly wheel, and some other parts separately. They hoisted the back of the engine on jacks, took out the broken axle, replaced it by a new one, put on the old back wheels, then hoisted the front part of the engine on to a strong motor lorry, and so dragged it away to Shorncliffe, where it was taken by rail to Rochester.

The extent of the damage to the house and engine has not yet been finally ascertained, but it is expected to cost something like £500. The question of liability is also the subject of discussion between the Hythe and Folkestone Corporations. A private meeting of the Hythe Corporation has been held to consider the report of their surveyor on the matter, but no details were communicated to the press.

The driver of the steamroller was seen by one of our representatives during the week. Mr. John Blackman lives at 68, Stade Street, and has been there for over twelve years. He told the Herald man that on that fateful Saturday morning he started away from Hythe at 6.30. On his arrival at Westbourne Gardens at Folkestone he got some water for the engine, and proceeded on his way, subsequently coming to the hill. About fourteen yards down the hill he found that the engine was striking to the right, and accordingly turned the steering wheel slightly more. But he found that this would not answer. He then turned the wheel over as far as it would go, but with no effect. The next thing he did was to reverse the engine, for that was the only thing left for him to do, but the roller went faster. Mr. Blackman then knew he could do nothing else, and his only hope, as he explained, was that he would not run over anybody, for the engine was entirely out of control.

“I remember seeing a little girl”, said the driver, “who seemed to be sometimes running by the side of the roller, and very near the front of it, but none of the onlookers had the presence of mind to snatch her away. Of course, everybody was running away from the roller out of danger. I can only remember that”, said Mr. Blackman, “and I hardly knew where the roller was until it went smash against the wall. I did not seem to think about myself at all; I did not realise that there was any danger for me”.

Continuing, he said that as far as he could remember the back wheel caught the wall first, and the roller afterwards went smash against the wall from the rebound. When the front wheel caught this had the effect of loosening the part which subsequently caused the boiler to empty itself. Realising this, the driver then put the fire out with the aid of water, so that no further mischief could occur.

Mr. Blackman, it may be mentioned, has been working on steamrollers, on and off, for about twelve years, and during the whole of that time he has been in the almost constant employ of the Hythe Corporation. It is only very recently that he was at work with the roller on the very steep Blackhouse Hill. From all sources we learn that he is a very reliable man. As a boy he used to be fond of taking journeys upon steamrollers when he had the chance.

Folkestone Herald 7 March 1914.

Local News.

At the Folkestone Petty Sessions on Tuesday and application for the temporary transfer of the licence of the East Kent Arms from Mr. C. Major to Mr. Frank Funnell, the well-known jobmaster, was granted, and on Wednesday the licence was transferred.

Folkestone Herald 9 September 1916.

Friday, September 8th: Before Mr. G.I. Swoffer and other Magistrates.

Frank Funnell, landlord of the East Kent Arms, was summoned for selling intoxicating liquors on licensed premises during prohibited hours.

Mr. Rutley Mowll appeared for the defence, and stated at the outset that an adjournment might be necessary because he had to call for the defence several officers who were not present now. He did not know whether the Bench would prefer to adjourn at once, in order that the officers might be subpoenaed to appear, or if they would hear as much as possible of the case and then adjourn.

The Chief Constable intimated that he had no objection to an adjournment.

The Bench decided to hear the prosecution. Mr. Mowll said he would plead Not Guilty.

Major Sir Herbert Raphael, Assistant Provost Marshal, deposed that at about 9 p.m. on the 31st August he went with Sergt. Major May, of the Military Police, to the East Kent Arms. He rang the bell repeatedly, but could get no answer. The bell was at the side of the gate giving access to the yard, and the only bell on the front of the premises. He then looked through a slit in the gate, and saw a man standing in the lighted room opposite. In about ten minutes' time the man came out. Witness called to him to leave the gate open, whereupon he immediately slammed it behind him. Witness had a conversation with him in the street. About ten minutes later witness heard Sergt. Major May calling him, and saw a lady at the gate, which the Sergeant Major pushed open. Witness entered the premises, and went into a room adjoining the bar, where he saw five officers in uniform, a civilian, and the defendant. On the table were five glasses containing whisky and water or whisky and soda. On another table was a number of empty glasses, which had been used. Witness took the names and regiments of the officers present, and left the room. Almost at once he returned and examined the glasses, which all smelt of whisky. By their appearance the whisky must have been recently served. When he was leaving the room the second time, Lieutenant Cotton said to witness “We're all right; I'm a bit of a lawyer myself. We ordered the drinks before eight o'clock”. Witness told him that had nothing to do with the matter, and that he was not there to argue the legal aspect of the case with him. Defendant accompanied witness from the room, and said “I am very sorry. I hope it is not serious”. Witness said “It is extremely serious”.

By the Magistrates' Clerk: It must have been about 9.25 when he actually entered the house.

By Mr. Mowll: Witness did not hear the bell ring when he pressed the button. When he got through the gate he found the door of the house open. Witness knew defendant was also a jobmaster, and could quite imagine he would have business with officers. Whilst he was in the room a young lady entered, but he did not hear her say “Supper is ready”, nor did he go into the coffee room and see the supper. He officers were still there when he left the premises. According to a standing order for troops, they had no right to be there. Witness did not ask defendant for any explanation as to why the men were there or whether they had consumed intoxicating liquors since closing time.

In reply to Mr. Andrew, witness said the whisky, from its aeration, was certainly freshly served.

Sergt. Major May, of the Military Foot Police, corroborated, and said when he entered the room he saw four officers, a warrant officer, a civilian and defendant. On the table were four glasses containing liquor, and some empty glasses. Whilst Sir Herbert was taking the names, one of the officers rose from his chair at the table, holding a glass at his side, and placed it on the table while Sir Herbert's back was turned. The glass contained whisky. Witness also smelt another glass, and found it, too, contained whisky.

This closed the case for the prosecution.

Mr. Mowll submitted that this case was under the Liquor Control Order, and therefore certain onuses of proof imposed upon the licensee by the Licensing (Consolidation) Act, 1910, did not apply. The summons was that the defendant had permitted the consumption of intoxicating liquor at 9.20 p.m. It was for the prosecution to prove that such consumption took place at the time named. The mere presence of the liquor, which under the Licensing Acts would have thrown on the licensee the onus of proving that no liquor was consumed, did not apply to this case. He submitted that the prosecution had not proved any case against defendant.

The Magistrates overruled this point.

Mr. Frank Funnell said he had been the landlord of the East Kent Arms since March, 1914. On August 31st Lieut Cotton, who was a personal friend of witness, came to the house about 7.45. There also came a Major Mitchell, who frequently had meals at the house, and who ordered supper for that night. There was also at the house Lieut. Cameron (who lived with Major Mitchell), who frequently used defendant's telephone four or five times in a night, and did a good deal of writing in defendant's office. Lieut. Jenkins was also present. At 8 o'clock witness cleared the rest of the company out, but the officers remained in the bar parlour, waiting for supper, with the exception of Lieut. Cameron, who was in the office telephoning. From 8 o'clock onward no intoxicating liquor of any kind was served to the officers or anyone in the house. Witness had his supper, and then sat in the bar parlour with the officers, telling them their supper would soon be ready. Witness had not cleared the bar, and there were about 25 glasses of all kinds standing about. Just when Sir Herbert was in the bar, witness's daughter came to say supper was ready.

Mr. Mowll: Was any liquor consumed in the house after 8 o'clock? – I didn't see any.

Was there any opportunity of anyone to consume any after hours? – Not unless they had it in their glasses before, and I certainly didn't see any.

By the Chief Constable: Witness saw the Assistant Provost Marshal smell one large glass. Lieut. Cotton never said a word; it was Lieut. Jenkins who spoke. Witness thought he said “Why don't you taste it?”. He also said “You're wrong. We've had nothing to drink here since 8 o'clock”. Three of the officers frequently had supper at the house, but never had anything to drink after hours.

By the Magistrates' Clerk: Witness was in the dining room for supper from 8.20 to 9.05, leaving the officers alone in the parlour. Witness could not say what they had to drink before 8 o'clock, as he was not serving them.

Suppose they had got served with liquor before 8 o'clock, what was there to prevent them consuming it after 8 o'clock? – I take it there is nothing to prevent them.

In reply to Mr. Mowll, defendant said the bell at the gate could be heard all over the house, the yard, and in the street if it was in order. The bell never rang that night. The bar was locked, and the officers could not have had anything to drink without witness knowing it. It might be possible for them to have drink left over after closing hours, but he would trust them as honourable gentlemen not to drink after hours. After the Major had gone, the officers had supper together at the house.

Lieut. J.D. Cotton, C.E.F., stationed at Folkestone, said that on August 31st he went to the house at 7.45. He had two Scotches before closing hour, but consumed nothing after that time. Witness was in the parlour till the Major came, and could confidently say no-one consumed any drinks there after 8 o'clock.

By the Chief Constable: Five officers and one civilian sat down to supper. The civilian was a Mr. Ross, whom he had met at the house before. Witness never spoke to the Major, except to give him his name. There was some conversation, but he could not swear as to who spoke or what was said.

The case was then adjourned until Tuesday next.

Folkestone Herald 16 September 1916.

Tuesday, September 12th: Before Mr. G.I. Swoffer and other Magistrates.

Mr. Frank Funnell, landlord of the East Kent Arms, appeared on an adjourned summons for an alleged infringement of the Liquor Control Board's Order, by allowing intoxicating liquors to be consumed on his licensed premises during prohibited hours. Mr. Rutley Mowll represented defendant, who pleaded Not Guilty.

When the case was last before the Bench, Sir Herbert Raphael, A.P.M., stated that he visited the defendant's premises at 9 p.m. and found there five officers, a civilian, and the defendant, with several glasses containing whisky on the table. Defendant denied that any whisky or other liquor was consumed after hours, and the case was adjourned for Mr. Mowll to call further evidence.

Dorothy Hogben, niece of the defendant, now said she was in charge of the bar on the night in question. She closed the bar at 8 o'clock, and finally closed the house about 10 o'clock. The bar was locked during the whole of that interval. Witness got the supper ready for the officers and called them for supper. The A.P.M. was there when she called and after he had gone the officers had their supper. No drink was consumed after eight o'clock, and no-one could have got any drink without her knowing it.

By the Chief Constable: Mr. Funnell had no keys to the bar. Witness took the keys direct to her bedroom when she locked the bar. She was away at supper for an hour, and could not say what went on during that time.

By the Magistrates' Clerk: Mr. Funnell was present all the time witness was having supper. She did not remember serving the officers before eight o'clock. The other girl in the bar might have done so.

Quartermaster-Sergeant Hugh St. Clair Duncan, of the C.E.F., said at 7.45 p.m. on August 31st he met Major Mitchell, who had worked with him in the Dominion Customs for several years, and who asked him to come into the East Kent Arms with him. Witness stayed with him and had supper in the dining room. He had nothing to drink after eight o'clock, and saw no drink consumed by anyone.

By the Chief Constable: Witness had tea to drink with his supper.

The Chief Constable: How many cups of tea? – One, sir.

Lieutenant Jenkyn, C.E.F., said that in civil life he was chief court reporter of the High Court of Alberta, and had had considerable legal training. He went into the house about 7.45 and had two drinks, but had none whatever after 8 o'clock. He remained in the parlour with the other officers till the A.P.M. came in, and could say that no-one consumed any liquor there. Witness said to the A.P.M. “Hadn't you better taste it?”, whereupon Sir Herbert Raphael smelt at a glass near witness. Witness said “I know something of the legal aspect of the thing” and the A.P.M. told him he was not there to argue. Witness had a faint recollection that he told Sir Herbert that nothing had been bought since eight o'clock.

By the Chief Constable: They were not all empty glasses there, but there were no “heel taps” there. By “heel taps” he meant drinks.

By the Magistrates' Clerk: Witness knew it was illegal to consume after hours liquor which was bought during hours. The glass on the table was a glass of dregs.

The Magistrates' Clerk: Then your object in asking the A.P.M. to taste it was to convince him it was dregs? – Well, I just wanted to see him taste it. (Laughter)

Major Mitchell, C.E.F. stated that he went to the East Kent Arms about 7.45 and had some drinks before the bar closed. He had met Duncan previously, and asked him to stay for supper. No drinks were consumed after hours.

By the Chief Constable: The glass the A.P.M. picked up contained liquor, which he believed was slops.

Mr. Mowll, addressing the Bench, said he believed the question of consumption had been overwhelmingly dispelled by the weight of evidence. The case depended entirely on evidence, and if the Bench thought these gallant Officers, who had left their homes as volunteers, had come to Court to perjure themselves to save Mr. Funnell, then let them convict him. Otherwise he (Mr. Mowll) claimed an acquittal.

After retirement, the Chairman announced that the Bench had given serious consideration to the case, which was one of considerable gravity. The evidence for the prosecution had established a strong prima facie case against defendant, but owing to the weight of evidence for the defence an element of legal doubt was introduced of which they must give the defendant the benefit. The case would accordingly be dismissed.

Folkestone Herald 30 June 1917.

Local News.

On Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. smoke was seen to be issuing from the rear of the East Kent Arms, and it was found that a fire had broken out through an old flue which ran through one of the bedrooms. In less than five minutes the new motor engine of the Fire Brigade was on the spot under Chief Officer Jones. Previously to this, Mr. Carter, the hall porter of the Queen's Hotel, ran across to the East Kent yard with some extinguishers, and with these did excellent service, Mr. A.J. Camburn and Mr. F. Funnell's workmen also rendering assistance. The fire obtained a good hold, but there being a plentiful supply of water it was soon got under. Mr. Funnell was away from the town at the time. Miss Hogben, his niece, who was in charge, desires to thank all those who helped to extinguish the fire.

Folkestone Herald 21 February 1920.

Annual Licensing Sessions.

The annual licensing sessions for Folkestone were held at the Police Court, the Mayor presiding.

Mr. H. Reeve presented his report (for details see Folkestone Express).

The Mayor said the report was very satisfactory, although there was a little increase in drunkenness. They would renew all the licences to the licensed premises, except the four mentioned in the report, which would be adjourned to a later court.

Folkestone Herald 13 March 1920.

Adjourned Licensing Sessions.

Wednesday, March 9th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Councillor G. Boyd, Colonel G.P. Owen, Councillor A. Stace, the Rev. H. Epworth Thompson, and Mr. J.H. Blamey.

The licences of the East Kent Arms, Star and Garter, Globe, and Prince of Wales, deferred at the annual sessions, were now renewed.

Folkestone Herald 19 May 1923.

Local News.

The East Kent Arms: The well known licensed premises in Sandgate Road were put up for auction on Wednesday at the Queen's Hotel by Messrs. Wickenden and Son. The reserve price was not reached, and the property was brought in at £13,750.

Folkestone Herald 5 July 1924.

Local News.

At a special transfer sessions of the Folkestone Licensing Magistrates on Wednesday the licence of the East Kent Arms was temporarily transferred from Mr. F. Funnell to Mr. P.F.M. Hooker, of Margate.

Folkestone Herald 22 May 1926.

Saturday, May 15th: Before Alderman G. Spurgen, Alderman R.G. Wood, and Colonel G.P. Owen.

Ernest William Hammond was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Sandgate Road on Friday evening. He pleaded Not Guilty.

P.C. Williams said at 9.40 p.m. on May 14th he was called by the landlord of the East Kent Arms. He went there, and found a number of soldiers the worse for drink. He told the prisoner to go home, but he would not do so and started fighting with another soldier. He ejected defendant into the Sandgate Road, where he continued his disorderly conduct. Witness took defendant into custody.

Prisoner said he went to the East Kent Hotel with five more soldiers. They called for drinks, and while he was standing talking to one of his pals the barmaid caught hold of the drinks and took them away. He heard one of the fellows who was with him make use of obscene language, and he took him outside. A man and a policeman came up and told him to move on. He replied “I do not want to. I am not drunk. I want to go back and apologise to the lady for what this man said”.

A fine of 5s. was imposed.

Folkestone Herald 1 January 1927.

Tuesday, December 28th: Before The Mayor and other Magistrates.

Annie Ottaway was charged with being drunk and incapable in Sandgate Road on December 27th. She pleaded Guilty.

P.C. Whitehead said that at 10.15 the previous night he saw the prisoner sitting on the window ledge of the East Kent Arms in the Sandgate Road. He advised her to go home. She made an attempt, but after a few steps fell and was unable to get up.

Defendant said that she was very sorry that it happened, but, of course, it was quite true.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) said that there were three previous convictions against the defendant for drunkenness, but there had been nothing against her since 1923.

The Chairman said that the Bench felt glad to know that prisoner had not been there since 1923. They thought defendant had been endeavouring to mend her ways. The case would be dismissed.

From the Folkestone Herald, 9 May 1931.

Mr. Percy F M Booker was the chairman of the Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers' Association in 1931.

Folkestone Herald 17 September 1932.

Local News.

When Frank Justus Youngs, a waiter, was charged at Folkestone Police Court on Saturday last with being drunk on licensed premises on the previous day, it was stated that three policemen had to hold him while he was being charged at the police station. Youngs pleaded Guilty.

The Magistrates were Alderman R.G. Wood and Mr. W.R. Boughton.

P.C. Fry said that at 12.55 p.m. on the previous day he was on duty in Sandgate Road, in uniform, when he was called to the East Kent Arms hotel by Mr. Booker. In the saloon bar he saw defendant, and Mr. Booker said “I wish you to remove this man from my premises”. Defendant was, in witness's opinion, drunk, and with Mr. Booker's assistance he got him outside. Outside, defendant became violent, and it became necessary for Mr. Booker to assist removing him to the police station, where he was charged.

P. Sergt. Fox said at 1.05 p.m. on the previous day he was station officer when P.C. Fry brought defendant there, and preferred a charge of being drunk on licensed premises against him. Defendant was drunk and very violent. He kept swaying about, and there was difficulty in obtaining his name and address. After he had been charged, he replied “Yes, I am”. It took three officers to hold him because he was so violent.

Percy Frederick Miles Booker, licensee of the East Kent Arms, Sandgate Road, said at 12 noon on the previous day he made the usual round of the bars, and saw defendant, who then seemed all right. Half an hour later witness was called to the same bar and saw defendant, who had vomited over the counter. Witness thought he was drunk and requested him to leave, and defendant went out. He later came back and requested some lunch, but witness refused to serve him and told him to leave. He refused to go, and as a result of his behaviour other customers were leaving. Witness then called P.C. Fry, and together they got defendant out.

Youngs told the Bench he was not so drunk as had been stated, because it was so early in the morning, and he had had, at the most, six beers. He had had nothing to eat, and he became queer with gastric trouble, and tried to get out of the bar. He came back, and said he had better have something to eat, but Mr. Booker told him to get out. If Mr. Booker had asked him politely to leave, there would not have been all that trouble.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) said that Youngs was a waiter at an hotel in the West-end of town, and had been employed in various parts of the country as a waiter during the past 12 years since he left school. On the previous night, the Chief Constable said, he was told defendant had had some trouble recently, which might have accounted for his loss of balance. Defendant lost his wife only three weeks before, when she died under an anaesthetic.

The Chairman said it was quite clear that what defendant was charged with had been proved, and he thought he gave the landlord and the police considerable trouble. If it had not been for what the Chief Constable had just said, they would have fined him the maximum amount of 10s., but now they would make the fine 5s.

“If beer had that effect on me I would leave it alone”, advised the Chairman. “I should either drink it in strict moderation or not touch it at all”.

Folkestone Herald 7 January 1933.

Felix.

A golden wedding, in which a considerable amount of interest is interwoven, took place at 19, Foord Road on Christmas Day. The happy pair are Mr. Thomas Burch Pilcher, son of the late Mr. Thomas Pilcher, job master of Margate, and Miss Elizabeth Sarah Mann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Mann, of New Romney. The marriage was solemnised at Christ Church by the Rev. E. Duke.

As is often my habit, I was walking quietly along the King's highway the other day accompanied by my briar and stick when I met an old friend.

“Tom”, I remarked, “a little bird has whispered to me that you celebrated your Golden Wedding on Christmas Day”. At this he smiled pleasantly, indicating at the same time that I was correct in my surmise. I followed this up by suggesting that Tom could tell me a thing or two about his career. I even went so far as to suggest that I should interview him at his home. Our hero again smiled and rather pooh-poohed the idea of being brought into the limelight. However, after a little talk I got my way. To come to the point, I subsequently found myself in Tom's cost little home at 19, Foord Road.

A feeling of delight seized me when I tapped at the door of Tom's cottage, my summons being answered by a lady, whose eyes, rather like Milton's, were “rolling in vain to catch the light of day”. Subsequently I discovered, from her own lips, that she had been blind for several years. There is a great thing about this. Mrs. Pilcher, in spite of her handicap, is very happy and possesses, too, an intellect of a penetrating character.

Anyway, I spent an hour or so with this happy couple and my interest did not falter until I finally left them with a “God bless you both”.

“Tom, I suppose you have been associated with horses, coaches and the like all your life?” That was my opening query.

“Well”, answered Tom, “my father was a job master at Margate and ran the regular four-horse coach between Margate and Canterbury, and as a boy I tootled the coach horn. That was about fifty six years ago. Subsequently I came over to Folkestone, and in my younger days was employed by one or other of the livery stables in various capacities. It was at this period I rode in the Wye steeplechases for three years in succession and came in a winner in one of the events on Invicta – a splendid mount, whilst on another occasion at Terlingham Meadow, Hawkinge, I rode a horse against the late Mr. Jones' selection for £20 a side, and I lost”, remarked Tom, “and Mr. Jones (one of the best of men) honestly won”. Mr. Jones, who was a well-known livery stable keeper, was highly regarded at the time. I remember a considerable amount of money changed hands between local sportsmen.

“How about your connections with the Folkestone-Canterbury four-horse coach? I know something about this, Tom, for many's the time and oft I have travelled on it”.

Tom reflected upon this for a moment, and then gave utterance to the following: “Ah, Felix, this is a big story, and one knows hardly how to commence it. I was 'the man with the yard of tin'”. Chaffing me, Tom remarked “You know all about that”. There is something in this, for I often “ran over” by this means to the Cathedral City.

In reference to the coach, Tom said: “These were days of magnificent horse-flesh. Mr. J.P. Scott was the whip – and world famous at that. He drove the coach from Folkestone to Canterbury for many seasons”.

Tom, at this point, warmed up. “Scotty”, he said, “was a stern man with a heart of gold. He possessed consummate skill, and handled the ribbons in masterly style. He could do almost what he liked with a horse, and this without punishment. And that is true. If ever a man loved a horse, it was J.P. Scott”.

Tom here unconsciously drew a picture. He said “Just imagine. It is the height of the summer season. The coach, with its fine-matched team of greys, turns out of the East Kent Livery Yard into Sandgate Road. Scotty is on the box seat with his white top hat gently tilted. A privileged passenger (it may be a lady) has the honour of a place beside him on the box seat. The passengers have taken their places. Note those perfectly groomed horses, their coats glistening in the sun. They champ at their bits, impatient to be prancing along the road. A little crowd gathers round. Scotty, all alert, with the ribbons in their rightful places, between his fingers, calls out to me “All right, guard?” “Yes” I would reply. Then I tootled the music on the horn. The horses get into their collar, and they are soon prancing proudly along the Cheriton Road towards Elham. Where's your motors with this lot, Felix?” Well, what could I reply? But there is no comparison.

Tom reminded me that Scotty worked this coach with 16 horses, changing both at Elham and Barham. After the season, with Scotty's careful handling, they were sold at Tattersalls, often fetching fancy prices.

“Scotty”, continued Tom, “was a most generous man. He was a splendid conversationalist, and could spin coaching yarns by the score. Many are the distinguished people whom he would often carry on his coach”.

With pride, the old guard said of his employer: “Why, Scotty at the opening of the season would invite the Mayor and Corporation to take a trip on the coach to Canterbury and entertain them into the bargain with a champagne luncheon”. The old guard here pointed to a picture on the wall depicting members of the Corporation on the coach, and remarked, “Ah, they were the days then, if you like”.

I don't see why I should not mention it, but on one occasion when I was travelling on the coach Scotty pulled up outside a blacksmith's shop outside Barham and would insist upon me singing “The Village Blacksmith”. The coach was loaded with passengers. I at first refused the request, but Scotty being adamant, I had to comply, and did my best under strange but perhaps appropriate circumstances.

Tom here again took up the running. He said the people in the village kept the time of day by the sound of his “yard of tin”. Glorious was it at times up the valley. “Ah, Scotty was beloved in the countryside”.

Tom's voice rather faltered when I remarked: “Ah! That was a terrible happening when the coach overturned at Barha, and dear old Scotty was killed”. Tom said: “Yes, in a sense it was terrible, but Scotty frequently expressed a hope that he would die with the “ribands” in his hands”. He had his wish. Similarly to the captain of the ship he stuck to his post to the last. The passengers escaped, but Scotty, terribly injured, grasped the reins with a death grip. His injured body was carried to the neighbouring cottage, where he passed away.

Explaining this accident, Tom said the horses had been feeding well with a good proportion of corn for months. They were as frisky as kittens. One of the team shied, causing the coach to swerve, with the result we all deplored.

Scotty was buried at Folkestone, and his funeral was a demonstration of respect. Whips representing the great coaching organisation in London were present, and messages were received from both sides of the Atlantic. He was the prince of whips, and no-one can contradict that. The flowers sent to the funeral were light and cheerful.

Scotty did not believe in things morbid, but preached and acted the gospel of cheerfulness and doing good by stealth. If ever a man knew Scotty, it was Tom Pilcher, and the bridegroom of 50 years ago treasures his memory. Tom knew how to manage horses in the stable and turned them out to the satisfaction of one of the sternest of critics. And Scotty once drove the coach through the winter between London and Virginia Water.

Folkestone Herald 23 September 1933.

Local News.

Robert Clarke, who was sentenced to three weeks' hard labour last month for begging, was again before the Folkestone Magistrates on Saturday on a similar charge, and this time he received a month's hard labour. He was charged with begging in Sandgate Road the previous day. He pleaded Not Guilty.

Detective Constable Duke said at 7 p.m. the previous day he was in Sandgate Road in company with Detective Constable Pearce, when he saw Clarke accosting pedestrians outside Messrs. Timothy White's premises. Witness, continuing, said he kept prisoner under observation and saw him receive something from two men. He did not give anything in return, and he had nothing in his hands. He next went into the saloon bar of the East Kent Arms and spoke to several customers. He then left the bar and went into another, the private bar, and spoke to customers in there. As he left the premises, witness added, he went up to accused and told him he had had him under observation for 15 minutes. Clarke's breath smelt strongly of methylated spirits, but he was not drunk. When charged at the police station he said “I was selling postcards”. On being searched, he found in his possession one sixpenny piece, 8½d. in coppers, 30 picture postcards, some bundles of bootlaces, and an empty bottle which had contained methylated spirits.

Clarke: Didn't I have some laces in my hand? – No, they were in your pocket when I charged you at the police station.

Clarke: You can only charge me with peddling without a certificate. I cannot get any work.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) said only the previous morning Clarke had been warned by one of his officers to leave the town. He had been before the Court two or three times. On the last occasion he was given 21 days' for begging. He was what they called a roadster. The Chief Constable said Clarke came out of prison on August 23rd. He had been to New Romney, Rye, Hastings and Eastbourne, and then worked his way back to Folkestone.

Clarke said he could not get any work; in fact he was unfit for work. If he had 5s. he would have got himself a pedlar's certificate.

The Chief Constable: He would not be granted a pedlar's certificate under any circumstances.

The Chairman (Dr. W.W. Nuttall) said Clarke did not appear to have learned a lesson after his previous conviction in the court for begging. He need never starve; the Guardians provided for him. He sentence of three weeks' imprisonment last time did not seem to have made any impression on him; he would have a month's hard labour this time.

Folkestone Herald 12 June 1937.

Local News.

An application for a Protection Order in respect of the East Kent Arms, Sandgate Road, was made to the Magistrates at the Folkestone Police Court on Tuesday. The transfer was from Mr. Percy F.M. Booker to Mrs. Dorothy H. Funnell, 126, Sandgate Road.

Mr. W.J. Mason, making the application, said the house had been sold to Messrs. Worthington, and Mrs. Funnell would become their tenant. Mrs. Funnell had managed this very properly for many years when the licence was held by her husband, Mr. Frank Funnell.

The Magistrates granted the application.

Folkestone Herald 6 January 1951.

Local News.

Folkestone Magistrates on Wednesday approved plans for extensive alterations and improvements at the East Kent Arms, Sandgate Road.

Speaking on behalf of Messrs. Worthington, the owners, Mr. H.G. Wheeler said the proposed alterations were quite extensive. As they were probably aware, the East Kent Arms was a very old building indeed, and at present it was inconvenient to both the public and the licensee. For a long time past it had been obvious that the sanitary conditions were little short of disgraceful. It was, he continued, very necessary to provide suitable sanitary arrangements and make general improvements. It was proposed to convert the existing five bars into two bars and to make the whole of the downstairs space licensed premises, and upstairs private living quarters.

Folkestone Herald 19 April 1952.

Local News.

Approval of plans for alterations to bar accommodation at the East Kent Arms was given by Folkestone Licensing Justices on Wednesday.

Folkestone Herald 1 December 1962.

Obituary.

A funeral service for Mr. Thomas E. Moore, licensee of the East Kent Arms, Sandgate Road, took place at Folkestone Parish Church on Thursday afternoon, and was followed by cremation at Hawkinge. Mr. Moore died early on Sunday morning at the age of 61. His death came as a great shock to his many friends in the town and district, as he appeared to be enjoying excellent health the previous evening, and the licensed trade in general and in Folkestone in particular suffered a great loss.

Mr. Moore, who was born and educated in Dover, enlisted in the 17th Lancers in 1920, and served in Ireland during the rebellion, chiefly as chef in the Officers' Mess. He left the Army in 1927 and joined the Pullman Car Company as chef. Mr. Moore entered the licensed trade in 1933, when he took over the Royal Oak Inn at Capel. During the War he served on Naval Intelligence while his wife carried on the business at the inn. The Royal Oak became famous as a journalists' base during the war years, when reporters in “Hellfire Corner” had a front seat view of the bombing and shelling of convoys in the Channel from the cliff tops opposite the inn. After the war Mr. Moore became licensee of the White Lion Hotel at Cheriton, and remained there until 1957, when he moved to the East Kent. His work and enthusiasm for the good of the licensed trade was unlimited. He was a past Chairman of the Folkestone, Hythe and District Licensed Victuallers' Association, and was Secretary at the time of his death, as well as being Treasurer and a past President of the Kent Federation, a past President of the Kent Panel, and a Trustee of the L.V. Convalescent Home.

Mr. Moore is survived by his widow, Mrs. I. Moore, who is Chairman of the Women's Auxilliary of the Folkestone and District L.V.A., and by a daughter, Mrs. Young, who will help her mother in the future running of the East Kent Arms.

Mr. Moore's other activities included a keen interest in the Blind of Kent Association, for whom he organised many darts matches in aid of their funds, and Hon. Secretary of the Folkestone Branch of the Cavalry Old Comrades' Association.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Herald 15 February 1964.

Annual Licensing Sessions.

A licence was granted to Messrs. John Alfred Strath and Dudley Charles Grey-Wilson in respect of the East Kent Arms. Approval of plans to alter the interior of the tavern was also granted. The premises were formerly operated under a protection order granted to Mrs. I. Moore on the decease of her husband.

Folkestone Herald 14 March 1970.

Local News.

Brian Michael Flynn - a man who was said to have spent half his life in institutions - was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by Folkestone Magistrates on Tuesday, the sentence to be suspended for two years.

Flynn, of no fixed address, had pleaded not guilty to two charges of assaulting police officers, to obstructing a police officer, and to wilful damage.

The magistrates found him guilty of all the offences and sentenced him to three months for each assault, and one month for obstructing a police officer, the sentences to run concurrently. He was fined £5 for wilful damage and ordered to pay £1 15s. restitution and £4 10s. costs.

Mr. R.A. Webb, prosecuting, said the offences occurred when Flynn interfered with police officers who were assisting a drunken man from the East Kent Arms public house, Folkestone. “Flynn tried to push himself between the police officer and the drunk”, said Mr. Webb, “and on one occasion struck one of the officers on his left arm. When a second officer spoke to Flynn he was threatened. Flynn put his hand on his left side and when told to let go, gripped tighter”.

Flynn told the court that he thought the policemen were handling the drunken man roughly, and he decided to intervene.

He said “I remember knocking the policeman’s hand from the man’s arm, and the next thing I knew I was being cuffed and shoved in the van”. That, said Flynn, was the only time he touched a policeman. He denied damaging a cell inspection flap at Folkestone police station.

A probation officer said that Flynn was almost 30 years old, and at least half of his life had been spent in institutions. He said much of Flynn’s trouble was caused by drink.

Folkestone Herald 15 May 1971.

Local News.

When 1,400 continentals visit Folkestone next Thursday the doors of local pubs will be open to them all afternoon. On Tuesday local Magistrates decided in favour of a second application to allow 17 pubs to remain open especially for the visitors. They had vetoed a previous application. The second made by publicans was amended to allow for a half-hour break at 5.30 p.m. before their premises opened for the evening session.

Mr. J. Medlicott, for the publicans, told the Magistrates that the visitors were delegates attending a conference in Bruges. One of its highlights was to be a visit to England. He referred to a letter received by Folkestone Corporation from the British Tourist Authority supporting the publicans' application. The visit – by Dutch, Swiss, Belgians and Germans – was a special occasion, not just a shopping expedition, said Mr. Medlicott. It had been arranged by a Bruges tourist organisation which had particularly asked that pubs should be open in the afternoon.

Police Inspector R. Sanders made no formal objection to the application – but doubted whether the visit was a special occasion.

The Chairman of Folkestone Chamber of Trade, Mr. Alan Stephenson, said later “The cross-Channel visitors' committee of this Chamber is very pleased that this has been seen as a special occasion by the Justices. When one is reminded that this extension is no more than happens in many market towns every week of the year, it seems a fair request, especially as Folkestone’s image abroad could be much influenced by the original decision not to allow the pubs to open”.

The pubs which will stay open are; Jubilee, Ship, Oddfellows, Royal George, London and Paris, True Briton, Harbour Inn, Princess Royal, Clarendon, Brewery Tap, Earl Grey, Prince Albert, George, Globe, East Kent Arms, Guildhall and Shakespeare.

Folkestone Herald 22 May 1971.

Local News.

About 1,400 Germans successfully invaded Folkestone on Thursday to enjoy themselves. The visitors - members of the BMW enthusiasts’ club - strolled about the town shooting local scenes with their cine cameras and went shopping. Many bought driving gear, ranging from tyres to goggles and crash helmets - but fewer than expected went to the pubs. They were visiting Folkestone during an international convention of their club, held this week at Bruges, in Belgium. Local licensees had gained extensions of opening hours to cater for them. But it was the locals who patronised some of the 17 town centre and harbour area pubs that stayed open.

At the Shakespeare, in Guildhall Street, Mr. Ron Balsom, said “It was a complete waste of time staying open. I only had 13 Germans in all day”.

Mr. John Tobin, landlord of the East Kent Arms, in Sandgate Road, said most of his customers had been regulars.

The Oddfellows Arms, in The Stade, was closed by 3.15 p.m. A spokesman there said “It was a complete and utter waste of time”.

At the True Briton a spokesman said “We did very well - thanks largely to our regulars”.

The London and Paris, at the harbour, was busy, but a spokesman said the pub had not taken a great deal of money.

However, one very pleased landlady was Mrs. M.M. Lewis, at The Guildhall. “It has been absolutely fantastic”, she said, "We have teen completely packed out with both German visitors and regulars".

Folkestone's publicity officer, Mr. Charles McDougal, said “The original letter we received from Belgium about this visit gave the departure time as 6 p.m. It was not until two days before the visit that we learned otherwise".

Mr. Alan Stephenson, chairman of Folkestone Chamber of Trade, said “These people wanted to come to Folkestone, and their visit gave them an opportunity to sample the pleasures of the town as a holiday resort rather than just a shopping centre”.

Folkestone Herald 19 June 1971.

Local News.

Retired postman Mr. Herbert Philpott is such a regular Regular that the landlord of the East Kent Arms at Folkestone sets his clock by him. On the rare occasions when he fails to appear, someone telephones him at home to find out if he is on his way. Mr. Philpott, known to the locals and the landlord, Mr. John Tobin, as Pop, has been coming to the pub for 74 years. In recognition of his loyalty, the pub and the brewery, Bass Chairington’s, presented him, on Wednesday, with a silver goblet inscribed with the words “To Herbert Philpott, Pop, from the East Kent Arms - many beers for many years - June 1971”.

Pop has been granted an extra perk - a free first drink every night for the rest of his life. The presentation was a complete surprise to him.

His family had managed to keep it secret, and eight of his nine children were at the East Kent Arms to join the celebration. He also has 19 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Mr. Peter Stevens, district manager for Bass Charrington’s, called the occasion unique. He said “It is a little bit of history. And we are proud to think we are associated with it. Pop started coming here when he was 13 years old - he only had a lemonade! Seventy-four years later he is still coming to the East Kent Arms”.

Pop casually lit his pipe and laughed. After drinking a champagne toast to him, the crowd that had gathered sang For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow and Happy Birthday To You. Pop celebrated his 87th birthday this week. A buffet and a birthday cake were provided by the pub. Pop, who lives in Bolton Road and was a postman for 48 years, said he would always make his daily trip to the East Kent Arms – “come rain, snow or blow”.
Members of his family said he drank an average of two pints of beer a night. The only time he had ever stopped his nightly ritual was during.

A daughter said “He never worries or grumbles. He laughs at everything. He can look after himself, and is in good health. Even when he is off colour, he still insists on going to the pub”.

Pop is also a keen football fan and supports Folkestone Town at home matches - whatever the weather.

Folkestone Herald 14 April 1973.

Advertising Feature.

How many times have you walked into a pub tired, parched and hungry, ordered a long, cool drink, and then asked whether there was anything to eat, only to be offered a bag of crisps and peanuts? For many it is a sad and annoyingly frequent experience. But, to be fair, in recent years, more public houses have woken up to the idea of actually feeding their customers in addition to offering liquid refreshment. Large numbers provide rolls and sandwiches, some even supply hot snacks.

The East Kent Arms in Sandgate Road, Folkestone, has gone one better and joined the ranks of the elite by opening up a food bar. The bar has been installed by Mr. Brian Sinclair and his wife, Carol, who have managed the pub since coming to the town from Eastbourne six months ago. It has enabled the East Kent Arms to provide proper meals for as many as 60 or 65 people at any one time. And they are offered at a reasonable price too. After all, there aren't many places where you can buy a four ounce minute steak with chips and peas for 55 pence.

Mr. Sinclair explained that the idea was to provide a better variety of food and raise the standards of the pub without charging high prices. “We have found that we are becoming more and more of a family pub”, he said. “W get a lot of people in here who enjoy something to eat, but they obviously can't afford to spend a lot, so we try to keep the prices at a reasonable level. The food is fresh, our fish comes from the fish market and our meat from a local butcher, and it is cooked in front of the customers while they wait, so they can see exactly what they are getting”.

Folkestone Herald 29 June 1974.

Folkestone Herald 11 March 1978.

Local News.

One of the oldest regulars of the East Kent Arms, Folkestone, Mr. Herbert Walter Philpott, has died at the age of 93.

Mr. Philpott, of Bolton Road, Folkestone, was a regular in the pub for well over 60 years. A few years ago his patronage was rewarded when he was presented with a silver goblet by the landlord. Mr. Philpott, who was affectionately known as Pop to his many friends, was born and lived in Folkestone all his life. He started working with the Post Office when he was 14 as a telegraph boy, and had various other duties, including sorting and delivering letters, until he retired at the age of 65. During the 1914-18 War he served with the Royal West Kent Regiment, and was taken prisoner of war. Mr. Philpott was a regular supporter of Folkestone Football club. A widower, he leaves nine children.

Folkestone Herald 2 June 1979.

Local News.

Two punk rockers, one who had blond and green hair, were both fined £200 on Tuesday for assaulting a policeman. They were cleared by Folkestone Magistrates of a number of other charges arising from a fight in the town's East Kent Arms pub on the night of February 17.

Geoffrey Preece and Stuart Denham had denied assaulting P.C. Robert Burns in the execution of his duty, but they were found Guilty. In addition to the fines they were each ordered to pay P.C. Burns £50 for his injuries, plus £9 witness expenses and £25 prosecution costs. Seventeen-year-old Denham, of Sholden Close, Aylesham, and Preece, of Archers Court Road, Whitfield, were both cleared of behaving in a violent manner in licensed premises, using threatening behaviour and using violence to get back into the pub. Eighteen-year-old Preece was also cleared of damaging a table and glasses.

Pub manager Brian Smart told the Court that two youths wearing “punk type gear” had been involved in a fight in the pub. He did not see how it started. “One was growling like a bear. He was a bit cross, I think”, Mr. Smart said. They managed to get them out, but one of them, Preece, came back in again. He saw Preece push someone over a table, which broke under the weight. He later pointed out the two youths involved to the police.

A customer in the pub, Alan Simpson, of Hollands Avenue, Folkestone, said he heard a scuffle, went over and saw two punk rockers fighting. They were rolling around on the floor. After they were put out of the pub they both barged back in again and started going for people. They were thrown out again. Mr. Simpson said the two punks had been behaving like “animals”. He did not actually see the fight start and said a few people had hit the youths to restrain them.

Barman Brian Houghton said he first noticed one of the youths because his hair was blond and green. Some trouble started and he tried to stop it. The two punks had not been fighting each other, but fighting someone else. Everyone else started piling in. They were thrown out, ut then came back in. Mr. Houghton denied that he hit the defendants over the head with a table leg.

P.C. Burns said that when he shouted to the defendants outside they came towards him. Preece punched him in the stomach and Denham hit him on the side of the face. He tried to restrain Preece and they fell over. He fell on top of Preece. Denham was striking him from behind. Help arrived. Denham was taken away and he arrested Preece.

Preece told the court' someone m the pub tapped him on the shoulder and pushed him. He fell backwards and others joined in. He was being kicked and punched as he lay on the floor. Denham came over and tried to pull his attackers off. He was knocked out. Some people picked him up and he came round as he was being taken out of the pub. Then he was pulled back inside and the barman hit him over the head with a table leg. The table was broken when he fell backwards after being hit. He was knocked out again. The next thing he remembered was being outside and turning round to someone he thought had been one of his attackers in the pub. He had no reason to believe the person was a police officer. He had come running up behind them and put his hand on his shoulder. He turned round and hit him once. He then realised who he was. The officer knocked him to the ground and he offered no further resistance.

Denham said that when he was in the pub he heard a crash and then saw Preece on the floor with about four or five people kicking him. He went over and tried to pull Preece up and pull people off him. Then the five lads started on the two of them, punching and kicking. They tried to shield themselves and push their attackers away. Some friends helped them out of the pub. It seemed that people had been hitting them purely because they were punk rockers. Outside, someone grabbed Preece, dragged him back into the pub and struck him with a table leg. Later, after they had got out of the pub again and were walking up the road, they heard running footsteps behind them. He thought one of the people from the pub was going to hit him again. He pushed the man away; the man grabbed hold of him and he started struggling. When the man said he was a police officer he stopped. He denied striking the policeman.

Four people who had been in the pub that night also gave evidence for the defence. One of them, a 15-year-old Dover schoolgirl, said that five men seemed to be picking an argument with Preece. One of them pushed Preece on the shoulder and he pushed back. The man hit Preece and a fight started. Other people joined in, dragging Preece across the pub and kicking and hitting him.

Folkestone Herald 15 March 1980.

Local News.

Brian Houghton went into the East Kent Arms, in Sandgate Road, Folkestone, at opening time one evening and was refused a drink by the barman because of his condition. He started shouting and used “foul” language. The assistant manager, Mr. George Warren, went up to him and Houghton was very abusive. He took off his jacket and said “I will get you; no bastard is going to kick me out”.

A police officer arrived and took Houghton, of Bradstone Road, Folkestone, out of the pub, telling him to go home. But he refused and was arrested.

Houghton, aged 25, admitted being drunk and disorderly on March 6 when he appeared before Folkestone Magistrates' Court, and was fined £15.

Folkestone Herald 13 September 1980.

Local News.

A hen party in a Folkestone pub ended in a woman being hit above the eye by a glass. The injury required 18 stitches, Folkestone Magistrates were told on Tuesday.

Leonard Donald Gerrard, aged 23, of Manor Road, Folkestone, admitted wounding Miss Christini Gunsun, and was ordered to carry out 180 hours' community service.

When Gerrard was arrested he admitted throwing the glass and said he had not intended to hurt anyone, Inspector William Wharf told the Court. Miss Gunsun was in the East Kent Arms, Sandgate Road, and a hen party was in progress, with women singing, said the Inspector. A young man started singing alone and was told to shut up by Gerrard, who pushed him. A fight broke out in which Miss Gunsun felt a bang on her head as she was picking up her handbag. The police had been unable to trace the other man in the fight, the Inspector added.

Gerrard told the Court that he had had a few drinks. “I did not mean to throw the glass. It sort of happened. I threw it at the floor, like”, he said.

Folkestone Herald 24 June 1983.

Local News.

A teenager who assaulted a policeman during a brawl outside a pub also sent an ex-girlfriend a rotting pheasant's head and neck. The youth, 18-year-old Mark Chamberlain, was fined a total of £200 when he appeared before Folkestone Magistrates last week. He admitted assaulting P.C. Philip Hendry, causing him actual bodily harm, using threatening behaviour and sending a “noxious substance” through the post.

Chamberlain, of Cheriton High Street, was in the dock with four other youths who were fined various amounts for their parts in events the night of the disturbance outside the Folkestone pub. Danny Brown, 19, and Alan McClew, 23, both of Dallas Brett Crescent, Folkestone admitted threatening behaviour. Brown was fined £35 and McClew £30. William Cribben, 21, and Stephen Maddison, 24, both from High Halden, were each fined £80 with eight penalty points for taking a car and £60 for having no insurance. Maddison was also fined £30 for threatening behaviour and £5 for not having a driving licence. He was ordered to pay £40 legal aid. Cribben was also fined £20 for being drunk and disorderly. They admitted all the offences.

Mr. Gareth Isaac, prosecuting, described the events which took place on the night of April 1/2. It was clear all the defendants were affected, to varying degrees, by drink, he said. Police were called to a disturbance outside the East Kent Arms in Sandgate Road at 11.50 p.m. When the first officers arrived they saw a number of young man and women standing outside the pub. Two of the youths started scuffling, shouting at each other and lashing out with their fists. Officers tried to separate the youths, one of whom was Chamberlain, said Mr. Isaac. They managed to restrain him, but he was struggling, shouting, lashing out with his fists and kicking. Then some friends grabbed Chamberlain, dragged him away and appeared to be trying to calm him down. But he continued shouting at youths who appeared to be “on the opposite side”, ran down the road, grabbed hold of someone and got involved in a scuffle. Some youths appeared to be still trying to restrain Chamberlain. An officer pulled him to one side and said he was being arrested. He was put in a police van and appeared to go berserk, said Mr. Isaac. He lashed out with his fists and threw himself at P.C. Hendley, who fell backwards, hitting his head on the seat as he went down.

Although blood was streaming down one side of the officer's face he managed to keep Chamberlain in the van, which went to the police station. Another officer who went to the scene thought Brown and McClew were more involved than anyone else in a disturbance. The parcel containing the rotten pheasant’s head and neck was sent to Mandy Hamill, who was quite sick when she received it. A few days later she was in the White Lion pub in Cheriton and remarks Chamberlain made indicated he was the person responsible. When she went to the police station to complain the head and neck were in such a bad state they had to be destroyed immediately for health reasons, said Mr. Isaac.

For Chamberlain, Mr. Anthony Curran said the offences were the result of people drinking too much. Chamberlain had no recollection of being involved in a scuffle or fighting that night and did not know the other four defendants. He had drunk a lot of beer and some vodka. He did not mean to hurt the officer and his injury was not the result of a blow aimed at him. It seemed Chamberlain was trying to get out of the police van and was probably too drunk to know why he had been put in it. When he heard the police wanted to talk to him about the parcel he went to them voluntarily. He sent it in a fit of pique because he had heard the girl was saying silly things about his association with a couple of his aunts who are only slightly older than him.

Brown told the court he went out and had too much drink and was sorry about what happened. McClew said he just went out, had a few too many and “got a bit boisterous”. Cribben said he could not remember much about what happened. It was not intentional and he did not know why he did it.

Mr. Sproule Bolton, for Maddison, said the taking of the car was probably as a result of them “topping up” on the drink they had had during the evening.

Folkestone Herald 15 June 1984.

Local News.

Violence broke out over the weekend as temperatures nudged the seventies. In two separate attacks with broken bottles, one man was taken to hospital with facial injuries after a fight in the East Kent public house in Folkestone, and another man with a four-inch gash to his face after a bottle attack in the Old High Street.

Folkestone Herald 15 July 1988.

Local News.

Thirsty summer drinkers in Shepway will have to wait for all-day pub openings because of a Whitehall glitch. The Government has been forced to delay the controversial new licensing laws until September 1. This has been caused by a technical problem at the Home Office which means present “last orders” for another two months. Then pubs will be able to serve alcohol from 11a.m. to 11p.m. all week. But not all Shepway landlords reckon it will be worth the bother.

Horace Brickell from the East Cliff Tavern said “It’s a great idea for some pubs, but for the ones in restricted areas, like us, it’s not much good.

Where we are placed, it won’t make any difference and it will be a waste of time staying open”.

William Taylor, landlord of the Pullman Wine Bar and chairman of the Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers Association, said "There is some confusion, but no-one is forced to stay open. They will be able to choose the hours that suit them.” Mr. Taylor said there were mixed feelings about the changes. “Pubs in busy areas are welcoming them but small, rural or out-of-the-way places are indifferent. Personally, I’m in favour. I think it will give flexibility to the licensee and the public. I don’t think it will cause more drunkenness because people only have a certain amount of money to spend each week. And I don’t mind the extra hours involved because we will get extra staff which will help the dole queue”.

Barry Chamberlain from the White Lion in Cheriton agrees. He said “I think it’s about time change was made. Pubs will become much more suitable for families, and will be more like restaurants. We will try to stay open all day. We are just about to redecorate the pub with the new freedom in mind”.

Michael Norris from the East Kent Arms told us “I’ve accepted that the new laws are coming, although I have mixed feelings about them. I think it’s a shame we are not being allowed to stay open later at night rather than all afternoon. Of course we will be making full use of the new hours and will try to serve food all day. It’s all right for us because we are so centrally placed”.

Eileen Lewis from The Guildhall in The Bayle summed up the feelings of most landlords when she said “If I’m making money, I’ll stay open”. She added “It’s all right for more central pubs, but I can’t see us staying open in winter. The brewery has asked us to give it a three-month trial period. Like other pubs, we’ll just have to feel our way when the change comes”.

Folkestone Herald 8 July 1993.

Local News.

A Folkestone pub has refused to accept £50 notes because there are so many forgeries around. Pat Morgan, owner/licensee of the East Kent Arms, on Sandgate Road, said “We have been getting forgeries, so we've stopped taking fifties. There are problems with £20 notes too. The number we get varies. It depends when people get paid”. She added “I check the notes we take. I used to work in a money printer's so I know how to tell whether a note is a forgery or not. It's a secret of the trade, but I'm not telling you what it is”.

Inspector David Kimber said “There does appear to be an increase in the number of forged banknotes surrendered to the police”.

Folkestone Herald 13 July 1995.

Local News.

Thugs befriended a man in a pub only to beat him up and rob him when he left. The 36-year-old met the three men in the East Kent Arms in Folkestone's Sandgate Road precinct in the early evening and drank and chatted with them for two hours. But Det. Con. Ray Bovis, the police officer hunting the attackers, said “The three men followed the victim when he went outside. They asked him to give them his mobile phone and when he refused one of them broke his nose with a punch to the face. He fell to the ground and they went on kicking him, then they took his mobile phone and made off”.

The man needed treatment for his injuries at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Folkestone. The shocked victim, who lives in the town, is now afraid to be named for fear of reprisals.

Mr. Bovis said “This was a very brutal crime and all the more shocking because the man had been drinking with the three others in the pub beforehand, and the attack was totally unprovoked”. He issued an electronic picture of one of the attackers, who was heard to be called Rob, and had a Scottish accent. No description of the other two men was given.

Folkestone Herald 5 February 1998.

Local News.

A man had his face slashed when he tried to defend his girlfriend in Folkestone town centre. The man called into the East Kent arms pub in Sandgate Road, leaving his girlfriend outside, when she was approached by two men. When the boyfriend saw what was happening he left the pub and ran to the rescue, but he was attacked by the two men with bottles. Anyone with information about the attack should call police on 850055.

Folkestone Herald 19 March 1998.

Toby Jugs.

Those of us who enjoy the odd pint – or worse – were prepared for the usual pounding on Tuesday. How much longer, Toby Jugs wonders, before we pay more in tax for the cost of our wines, beers and other naughties? Perhaps it is as well that our liver-corroded and lung-blackened friends are now having to pay for the cost of their health care. But those of us who indulge in the odd night out, or desperate evening courtesy of the local off-licence, are being hammered for our harmless relaxation.

Not surprisingly, my friends at the East Kent Arms are up in arms at the Chancellor's latest swipe at those of us who enjoy the odd tipple. A straw poll of boozers at the hostelry gave the whole puritanical enterprise the thumbs-down. And quite what sense there is in setting the figures for these duties is beyond me – I mean, why, say, 4p on wine? Either it is legal to drink or it is not, and if it is dangerous then why not stick £10 on it, £20, £100 on our booze?

Helen Barton, assistant manager of the East Kent Arms, hit the nail on the head when she said the rises are just a way of making ordinary people suffer.

Thomas Merton called the rises “absolutely ludicrous”, and said with our low-duty-levying neighbours so near, duties should be scrapped.

Susan Carroll called the rises “ridiculous”, and said the extra money should come from those who were “paid too much”.

So, here is the mystery – if no-one will admit to liking the rises why do they happen? Well, Toby Jugs can only say it is that old hairshirt making its comeback, just as it does with our beloved opinion pollsters at elections. After all, would you admit in the street to being against all that money from our vices going to worthy causes? It's our way of appeasing our conscience.

Well, Mr. Jugs stands before you and admits it now: I am for no duty on alcohol whatsoever. I rest my case. Cheers.

Thomas Merton, a drinker at the East Kent Arms, clearly didn't hear my question. Before an interesting conversation, sir, on the evils of tax, the dialogue as you sipped your spirits went like this:

TJ: Do you think the Chancellor should be slamming extra money on our alcohol and cigarettes?

TM: They are very careful with the service here and they do particularly good bread rolls.

Folkestone Herald 23 July 1998.

Toby Jugs.

Drinkers are advised to be on their guard: I'm reliably informed that some people go to pubs and pinch unfinished drinks. The latest incident, a regular told me, happened at the East Kent Arms. One minute the beer was on the table next to him, and the next it was gone. Was it a mistake or a joke? Jugs wouldn't like to say, but has a confession to make. In one incident – years ago, naturally – I reached around, grabbed a drink, and after a few gulps found it wasn't mine. Readers, the fight was defused in its early stages by profuse apologies.

Folkestone Herald 28 October 1999.

Maidstone Crown Court.

Two soldiers have been jailed for two and a half years after attacking a man with bottles after he answered a woman's screams for help. As a result of the sentence, Jerome Pinnock and Lee Coe have been thrown out of the Army. Pinnock was about to be promoted and his “moment of madness” was said to have ruined a promising career.

Paul True was left bleeding and in need of some 60 stitches after he was cornered by the two men and had heavy bottles smashed over his head.

Recorder David Lamdin told them “You gave him a vicious, brutal beating, both armed with bottles. You continued to attack him even after you knew he was wounded”.

The cowardly attack happened after Mr. True went to the East Kent Arms pub in Folkestone on January 21 to get change for snooker tables at the Rendezvous Club in the town. He came out of the bar to see the squaddies grabbing at the woman. Mr. True ran over and pushed Pinnock, 23, away. But he was then hit on the head with a Jack Daniels bottle. Coe, 21, joined in, striking the victim in the face with a Drambuie bottle.

Mr. True told Maidstone Crown Court that the two bottles smashed on impact. “My face was wet with alcohol and blood”, he said. “I went down to the ground. I saw the two men – they were enjoying it”.

Pinnock stuck the broken bottle neck in Mr. True's face before he managed to escape into the pub. Both he and the woman asked drinkers – including soldiers – for help, but were ignored. Mr. True grabbed a bar stool and went back outside. He tried to raise it above his head but dropped it because it was too heavy. Pinnock, described as being very fit, continued to attack Mr. True and Coe joined in the punching and kicking. They eventually walked off.

Pinnock was with the Duke of Wellington Regiment, stationed in Hounslow, London, and due to be promoted from Private to Lance Corporal. Coe was in the 6th Platoon, based in Lancashire. At the time of the incident they were on manoeuvres at Lydd.

They denied indecent assault, wounding with intent, unlawful wounding and affray, claiming they acted in self-defence. They were convicted of unlawful wounding and affray and cleared of indecent assault and wounding with intent. Coe admitted two thefts and three handling charges committed from Worksop Magistrates' Court and was given an additional six month sentence.

Fiona Moore-Graham, for Pinnock, said he was remorseful and appalled about his behaviour, which was out of character. “The Army are very keen on this young man and do not wish to lose hise services”, she said. “If placed into custody he will lose his career. The Army has been his life and he wishes to continue. I ask you not to prejudice his entire career because of what happened that night”.

Judith Butler, for Coe, said that, unlike Pinnock, he did not have the Army's support. Neither did he have the support of his well-to-do family.