Folkestone Herald 11 December 1897.

Local News.

The following licence was transferred on Wednesday at the sitting of the Folkestone Justices: Paris Hotel to Mr. Anderson.

Folkestone Herald 14 May 1898.

Police Court.

On Monday an application by Mr. George B. Gray for temporary authority to sell at the London and Paris was granted.

Folkestone Herald 18 June 1898.

Police Court Report.

On Wednesday transfer was granted Mr. George Gray for the Paris Hotel.

Folkestone Herald 18 October 1902.

Thursday, October 16th: Before Alderman Banks, Mr. Wightwick, and Mr. Swoffer.

Alfred John Pope, in khaki, was charged with unlawfully wearing a military uniform, he not being a soldier. Prisoner pleaded Guilty, and said he did it as a joke.

P.C. Lemar deposed that he saw prisoner in Harbour Street, and turning into South Street. Witness followed him into the bar of the Paris Hotel, and, calling him out, said “What is the meaning of this, going about as a soldier?” Witness knew prisoner personally, as he was a resident of the town, and not a soldier. He replied “Oh! It's only a joke. I am just going aboard to take it off”. Prisoner sometimes went to sea, and worked also at the harbour. He said the tunic and trousers were given to him by a reservist of the Royal Engineers, and the puttees and spurs were lent to him by a man named Godfrey, of the Colonials. This witness subsequently found to be correct.

The Chairman said it was a very serious offence. It was not a joke. They had the power to inflict a fine of £5, or a month's hard labour. Prisoner had no right to wear the uniform. Prisoner would be fined 10s. and 4s. 6d. costs, or 7 days' hard labour.

Prisoner asked for a couple of hours in which to get the money, which was granted. However, a friend in Court stepped forward and paid the amount.

Folkestone Herald 7 March 1903.

Adjourned Licensing Sessions.

The Adjourned Licensing Sessions for the Borough of Folkestone were held in the Town hall on Wednesday. In view of the opposition by the police to a number of the existing licences extraordinary interest was evinced in the meeting, and when the proceedings commenced at eleven o'clock in the morning there was a very large attendance, the “trade” being numerously represented. Representatives of the Folkestone Temperance Council and religious bodies in the town were also present, prominent amongst them being Mr. J. Lynn, Mrs. Stuart, and the Rev. J.C. Carlile. Prior to the commencement of business the Licensing Justices held a private meeting amongst themselves. When the doors were thrown open to the public there was a tremendous rush for seats. The Justices present were the following:- Mr. W. Wightwick, Mr. E.T. Ward, Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Mr. J. Pledge, Lieut. Col. Westropp, and Mr. C.J. Pursey.

Before proceeding with the business, the Chairman announced that at the Annual Licensing Meeting the Justices adjourned the renewal of 23 full licences and five on beer licences, and directed the Chief Constable to give notice of objection to the owners of the licences of the following nine houses:- Providence (Arthur F. East); Marquis Of Lorne (William R. Heritage); Granville (Charles Partridge); Victoria (Alfred Skinner); Tramway (Frederick Skinner); Hope (Stephen J. Smith); Star (Ernest Tearall); Bricklayers Arms (Joseph A. Whiting); and Blue Anchor (Walter Whiting). Since the former sessions the Justices had inspected all the houses objected to, and considered the course which they ought to pursue with respect to the same, with the result that they had directed the Chief Constable to withdraw the notices of objection served by him with respect of the Victoria, Hope, and Blue Anchor, and to persist in the opposition to the following:- Providence, Marquis Of Lorne, Granville, Tramway, Star, and Bricklayers Arms. As regarded the remaining 15 full licences and five beer licences they would renew the same this year, and deal with them next year according to the circumstances.

They warned the holder of the licence of the London And Paris Hotel, who was convicted on the 25th of June last year for selling beer to a drunken man, that any future breach of the licensing laws would jeopardise his licence.

Folkestone Herald 31 October 1903.

Wednesday, October 28th: Before Messrs. E.T. Ward and C.J. Pursey.

Harry Johnson and William Quintet were summoned for being drunk on licensed premises, viz., the London And Paris Hotel, Tontine Street.

Defendants, who did not appear, were fined 5s. and 9s. costs; in default, seven days'.

Folkestone Herald 8 September 1906.

Monday, September 3rd: Before Alderman T.J. Vaughan and Councillor R.J. Fynmore.

Hugh Murray Taylor, a respectably dressed young man, was charged with obtaining credit by false pretences.

The Chief Constable said enquiries had been made, and it had been found that prisoner had stolen a quantity of jewellery from the London and Paris Hotel. He therefore proposed to offer no evidence in the case of false pretences, but to deal with the latter charge.

George Gray, an hotel proprietor, said he lived at the London and Paris Hotel, Harbour Street. Prisoner came there on 22nd August and asked for accommodation, saying his father and mother were coming on the Thursday morning. He knew the accused's father and mother very well. He took prisoner in the hotel, and as they were very full, the first night he slept in witness's bedroom. On the following night he slept in a bedroom on another floor, and stayed in the hotel till the Sunday following, when he left without paying his bill. On Wednesday, 29th August, from something his wife told him, he (witness) went to her bedroom and made a search. He missed from a drawer in a dressing table one lady's five stone diamond ring, one three stone diamond ring, one gold watch chain with pendant attached, one gentleman's sapphire and diamond pin, and one gentleman's signet ring, value in all £32. The two rings had not yet been discovered. He (witness) last saw the articles safe on Monday, 20th August, when they were in the drawer in the dressing table.

James Filmer, landlord of the Guildhall Vaults, said he knew the prisoner. On Friday night he came to his house, and said he had been at the races, and was “broke”; could witness lend him 5s.? Prisoner handed him the lady's gold chain (produced), and afterwards asked him if he would mind a diamond pin of his, saying that he had been drinking, and might lose it. He asked witness how much he owed him, and witness replied “Two shillings”. Prisoner said “Let me have another three, and make it ten”, telling him that he would get the money from his father, who would be sending it off. Next day (Saturday) at about half past ten in the evening, prisoner asked for him, and said there was not time for the letter to come back from London, so would he let him have another sovereign? Witness declined, remarking that he was not a moneylender. Prisoner said he had got no money, and asked if witness would let him have a shilling or two. Witness then gave him 2s. 6d., making a total of 12s. 6d. On Saturday last Sergt. Burniston called on him, and he (witness) handed him the scarf pin and chain (produced).

The Chief Constable said that was all the evidence he proposed to offer that morning, and as it was necessary to make further enquiries, he asked for a remand until Friday.

The accused was put back till yesterday.

At the Folkestone Borough Bench yesterday (Friday) morning, before Alderman T.J. Vaughan, and Councillor R.J. Fynmore, Hugh Murray Taylor was brought up on remand.

Detective Sergeant Burniston deposed that on Friday, 31st ult., he received a warrant for prisoner's arrest on another charge. On the following day he proceeded to London at 8 a.m., and found prisoner in bed at No. 12, Torrington Square. Witness read the warrant over to him, and he replied “I am very sorry this has happened. I knew I had told Gray a lie. I hope this can he settled”. At Folkestone he searched accused, and found on him 8d. in money, some papers relating to horse racing, and a piece of paper (produced) on which something was written in pencil. In consequence of finding the latter he called on Mr. Filmer, who handed him the diamond scarf pin, and also the gold watch chain (produced). He said to prisoner, after the articles had been identified, “You will be further charged with stealing, between the 21st and 26th August, from a bedroom at the London and Paris Hotel, one five stone diamond ring, one three stone diamond ring, one signet ring, one gold chain and pendant, and one diamond scarf pin”. He cautioned prisoner, who replied “I admit taking the whole of the articles except the three stone diamond ring. I pawned one ring in London for £9. You will find the other ring and the gold pendant in the urinal of the Guildhall Vaults”. He went to the Guildhall Vaults, and made a search in the presence of Mr. Filmer. He found on the top of the cistern, concealed, the articles, which were identified by Mr. Gray. On Monday he proceeded to London in company with Mr. Gray, and at Davidson Bros., pawnbrokers, Cheapside, was shown the five stone diamond ring, which was identified by Mr. Gray in the shop.

Walter John Morris said he was an assistant in the employ of Messrs. Davidson Bros. To the best of his belief prisoner was the man who pledged the ring. He came in on the 27th August, and had £8 on it, giving the name of Mr. H. Harvey, 76. Gower Street. Accused came in again on the 29th, and asked for a further loan of £1 on the ring. Witness lent him the money.

Mr. Gray identified the ring (produced) as his property.

Accused said he called on Mr. Gray on the Wednesday about half past five, and he told him he might sleep up in his room. They stayed up till the early hours of the morning, three or four of them having a little refreshment. Then he went to bed. He half undressed, and saw a drawer in the room just a little open. As he was waiting for Mr. Gray to come up he had a look in the drawer and took the things mentioned, except the three stone ring. He put them in his pocket and got into bed. He woke up at about half past seven in the morning, and had a look round for Mr. Gray, but finding he had not slept there all night, he thought he (prisoner) was in the wrong room. He put on his things and went downstairs. Mr. Gray told him he had not been up to bed. He had a little refreshment, and on putting his hand into his pocket, he found the jewellery. He did not know what to do with it, so he hid them at first. Then he asked Mr. Filmer, as he had no money, if he would lend him some, and as security he gave him the things. He pawned the five stone ring. If he had been sober he would never have done such a thing.

Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions for the borough, bail being offered, himself in £50, and two sureties of £25 each.

Folkestone Herald 13 October 1906.

Quarter Sessions.

Monday, October 8th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Hugh Murray Taylor was indicted for stealing, in the dwelling house of George Barclay Gray, one five stone diamond ring, one three stone diamond ring, one gold signet ring, one gold Albert chain, one gold tassel, and one diamond and sapphire scarf pin, together valued at £32, the property of the said George Barclay Gray, at Folkestone, on the 23rd August, 1906.

Mr. Theodore Matthew appeared for the Crown, and described how prisoner went to the London and Paris Hotel, and how, after leaving the hotel without payment, the jewellery enumerated in the charge was missed. He went on to recount how prisoner had hidden some of the articles, and how he had borrowed money from Mr. Filmer.

Prisoner handed a written statement to the Recorder. In this he said that on the 22nd August he came to Folkestone for the races, and Mr. Gray put him up. They stayed up with several others drinking, and when he went to his room he saw the articles in a drawer. He had been drinking, and put them in his pocket. Next morning he went down to breakfast and found all the articles, about which he had forgotten, in his pocket. He did not know what to do with them. That was the first time he had been in trouble. He had promised his mother to turn over a new leaf, and he was going abroad.

The Chief Constable, in reply to the Recorder, said that the prisoner's father was a very respectable man, keeping a boarding house in Torrington Square. He had given the prisoner a good education; in fact, the parents had done everything they could for him. For some considerable time he had been denied his own home. Prisoner had been the associate of betting man, prostitutes, and bullies, and was the source of great trouble to his parents. A few night before he committed the robbery in Folkestone he broke into and robbed his father's own house, and that property had since been found in pledge in London.

Prisoner said he was sorry for what he had done. It was his first offence, and he never intended to do anything of the kind again.

The Recorder: I have had a letter from your father, in which he asks me to deal as leniently as I can with you, pending your being sent to friends in Canada directly you are free. Arrangements may be made by your friends, but you will be imprisoned for three calendar months.

Folkestone Herald 5 January 1907.

Quarter Sessions.

Monday, December 31st: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

The Recorder called Mr. De Wet, and asked the Press if they would please take notice of what he was about to say. At the last Quarter Sessions for the Borough, he proceeded, a man was tried before him - he thought he pleaded Guilty – by the name of Hugh Murray Taylor, for stealing some rings from the London and Paris Hotel, and he (the Recorder) received a letter from the man's father, asking for a merciful sentence, on the ground that he was going to send his son out of the country, to Canada. He took that into consideration, and took all the circumstances into consideration, including the fact that the ring had been pawned immediately by the prisoner, and sentenced him to three months' hard labour. He had since learnt – and he believed it to be a fact – that the man was now about to be re-arrested, after all arrangements had been made for him to be sent abroad, on his leaving Canterbury gaol on the 7th of next month, on a charge of illegally pawning one of the rings, the diamond ring, which he was charged with stealing before him (the Recorder). He had refreshed his memory from his notes, with the assistance of the Chief Constable, and found that he made no order as to the detention of the property, leaving it to Mr. Gray, the owner, and to the pawnbroker to come to an arrangement. It was a matter of some surprise to him that such high-handed procedure should be about to be taken in this case. “Has any arrangement been made with your client, Mr. Gray?” added the Recorder.

Mr. De Wet replied that as soon as the case was over application was made for the return of the ring. The solicitors for the pawnbrokers agreed to return it if the sum of £4 10s., half the amount advanced, was paid. Mr. Gray, who had already been a great sufferer, having lost about £12 outside the question of that ring, made an offer to pay 50s. That offer was not accepted, and Mr. Gray came to see him. He wrote to Messrs. Attenborough, solicitors for the pawnbrokers, a very long letter, simply withdrawing that offer, and saying that they had no title at all to the ring, and that unless the ring was handed up at once he would take proceedings for the recovery of it. He pointed out to them that under Section 30 of the Pawnbrokers' Act it was left to the discretion of the Court to make an order, and that as in that case the Recorder made no order, he contended that the property should be handed back to Mr. Gray. They wrote him again, suggesting that he should advise Mr. Gray to again make his former offer of 50s. He consulted Mr. Gray, and asked him if he was prepared to do that, and he said that rather than have the further trouble of an application to the Court, and his attending there again, he would offer the 50s. again. He (Mr. De Wet) wrote to Messrs. Attenborough, and soon they accepted the 50s., and gave an order to the Superintendent of the police to hand over the ring. If he might express an opinion, he should think that the proceedings were brought out of spite against Mr. Gray.

The Recorder said he could see no foundation for the further charge. He sincerely trusted that copies of the newspapers – if the Press had been so kind as to take note of that proceeding – would be laid before the committing Magistrate.

Folkestone Herald 25 January 1908.

Wednesday, January 22nd: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman T.J. Vaughan, Messrs. W.G. Herbert, W.C. Carpenter, T. Ames, and G. Boyd.

A special session was held for transferring alehouse licences.

Mr. De Wet said that he had an application to make in respect of the London and Paris Hotel. Plans had been deposited, and he asked the Magistrates to refer to them, and then they would see the exact alterations proposed to be made. He produced plans showing the premises as they looked before the alteration, and also as they would look after the alteration, which he was going to ask them to allow. He pointed out that instead of having five entrances there would only be four, and if a person entered by a certain door he would have to go out at the same door.

The Bench approved of the plans.

Folkestone Herald 2 December 1916.

Friday, December 1st: Before Mr. J. Stainer, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Councillor G. Boyd, Mr. J.J. Giles, and Councillor W.J. Harrison.

George Gray, landlord of the London and Paris, and his barmaid, Jessie Martin, were summoned for supplying drink not paid for by the consumer, Sergt. Robert Wilcox for paying for the drink, and Geo. Mitchell and Burns Grant for consuming the drink. Mr. G.W. Haines represented all the defendants.

P.C. Piddock said on November 25th he was in the bar of the London and Paris Hotel and saw the barman hand to Wilcox a glass of beer, which he in turn handed to Mitchell and then paid for. Later Miss Martin served him with a bottle of ale and some spirits, for which he paid, giving the ale to Grant. When spoken to, Mitchell said “Would you be surprised to hear I paid for my own drink by giving him the money for it?” Mr. Gray had been in the bar during the whole time. The barmaid told him she thought the men paid for their own drinks. Witness saw no money pass between Wilcox and the other man.

By Mr. Haines: The other men might have handed money to Wilcox before he came to the counter.

P,C, Whittaker corroborated.

By Mr. Haines: He was close to Wilcox, but could not hear what orders he gave.

Miss Martin said that Wilcox came up to her and ordered three drinks. She told him she could not serve him with three all at once, and he then went round to the other men and collected the money for each man's drink. He gave the change he received back to one of the men.

By the Magistrates' Clerk: As Wilcox got each drink he got the money from one of the men and paid for it.

Corpl. Wilcox, of the Headquarters Staff, C.F.A., gave corroborative evidence, as did Lance Corpl. Mitchell and Gnr. Burns Grant.

Mr. Gray was fined £5, Miss Martin £2, and the other defendants 10s. each.

Folkestone Herald 10 February 1917.

Annual Licensing Sessions.

Wednesday, February 6th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Mr. R.J. Linton, Mr. G. Boyd, Mr. J.J. Giles, Mr. H. Kirke, and the Rev. H. Epworth Thompson.

The Chief Constable read his report (for details see Folkestone Express).

The Chairman said he was sorry to see so many convictions of publicans, the greatest number he had seen for years. No doubt the difficulties of publicans were great owing to abnormal times. He would advise them to be very careful not to serve wounded soldiers or those who were soldiers about to embark. In regard to the licences, they would all be renewed, with the exception of seven, which would be considered at the adjourned sessions on March 7th.

Folkestone Herald 10 March 1917.

Adjourned Licensing Sessions.

Wednesday, March 6th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Col. R.J. Fynmore, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, and Mr. H. Kirke.

The licences of the Pavilion Shades (Mr. E. Bishopp), the Mechanics Arms (Mr. J. Lawrence), Paris Hotel (Mr. G. Gray), Guildhall Vaults (Mr. Cousins), and those of Mr. J. Kent (Morehall), and Messrs. Finn and Co. Ltd. (Rendezvous Street) were renewed.

The Chairman, addressing the licensees, impressed upon them the great necessity of taking the greatest care in the conduct of their businesses, whilst at the same time acknowledging their difficulties.

Folkestone Herald 6 April 1918.

Thursday, April 4th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lt. Col. R.J. Fynmore, and Mr. H. Kirke.

Geo. Barclay Gray, landlord of the London and Paris Hotel, was summoned for an offence under the Beer Prices and Description Order, on March 6th, by selling half a pint of beer of a specific gravity of less than 1036 degrees at the price of 5d. a pint. He was represented by Mr. G.W. Haines and pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. A.F. Kidson (Town Clerk) prosecuted, and said the Order provided that beer should be sold in a public bar by Imperial measure, and that where the original gravity of the beer was less than 1036 degrees it should be sold at 4d. a pint, and where it was over 1036 degrees and not more than 1042 degrees it should be sold at 5d. a pint. In this case the defendant sold half a pint of beer in the public bar and charged 2½d. for it. On an analysis being made it was shown that the beer had an original gravity of 1031.44 degrees – practically five degrees below the required standard. There was one defence that was permitted by the Order, and that was for the defendant to prove that he bought the articles as being of the nature and substance demanded, and that he had no reason to believe that they were otherwise. In this case the defendant had given notice that he would produce the invoices for the beer, showing that it was purchased as beer of a sufficient gravity to sell at 5d. a pint. One of the invoices, dated February 28th, was for one barrel of ale, and bore the remark “All beers brewed by us for sale by retail are of a gravity in excess of those beers controlled as to retail prices”. The other invoice, dated March 4th, was for two barrels of pale ale, and bore the remark “This must not be sold at a price exceeding 5d. a pint”. If these invoices were proved to relate to the beer in question, then the defence would have proved their point and were entitled to a dismissal.

Mr. George Ulyes, Food Inspector to the Folkestone Local Food Control Committee, stated that on March 6th he went into the public bar of the London and Paris Hotel and called for a pint of fivepenny ale. He was told that he could not have a pint, but that half a pint could be served. He then said he would have half a pint, for which he paid 2½d. On being served, he put the beer in a bottle, sealed it, told the barmaid that he had got the beer for purposes of analysis, and advised her to tell the landlord that he had done so. He then saw the landlord and told him what he had done. Later in the day he took the bottle of beer to Mr. Stainer.

By Mr. Haines: He did not ask to see Mr. Gray's cellar. He was not refused anything that he asked. The beer was drawn from the engine.

Mr. J.H. Stainer stated that a bottle of beer was brought to him by the last witness. He analysed it and found the original gravity of it to be 1031.44 degrees. There had been no change in the beer during the short time it had been in his possession.

Replying to the Town Clerk, witness said the gravity would not alter much in the time between the dates of the invoices and the date of analysis.

Mr. Gray, on oath, stated that he received the beer invoiced on February 28th on February 29th. As far as he remembered, he received the beer invoiced on March 4th on the same day. The latter invoice was for two barrels of pale ale, and on the bottom of the invoice it stated that this beer might be sold up to 5d. a pint. It was stated that the specific gravity of the beer was about 1036 to 1042 degrees.

The Magistrates' Clerk (Mr. J. Andrew) asked what the letters “G.A.” on the invoice meant.

Defendant: Government Ale.

Mr. Andrew: Oh, not good ale. (Laughter)

Further questioned, defendant said he dealt only with Messrs. Bass. He always had two barrels of this beer a week, and there were never more of them in the cellar than two. Both the casks invoiced on March 4th were marked at 5d. a pint. He never had any beer in his cellar marked 4d. a pint. He had sole access to the cellar, and he had done nothing to the beer since its arrival. As it came in, so it went out.

By the Town Clerk: One of the invoices was for 130s. a barrel, and the other for 77s. a barrel.

Do you charge the same for both beers to your customers? – Certainly not.

Which beer did you supply to Mr. Ulyes? – The cheaper beer.

What is the price per pint of the cheaper beer? – Fivepence.

What is the price of the other? – Eightpence.

How do you know which beer Mr. Ulyes was provided with? – Because I was drawing it from that barrel. The other beer does not go to the public bar at all.

Have you had the beer tested at all? – No.

Do you know the gravity of the beer? – I really do not.

In reply to the Magistrates' Clerk, defendant said beer was delivered to him every Monday. Bass's made no cheap beer now, so they sent him Leney's by arrangement.

By Mr. Haines: He had had no complaint about the beer from anyone. He thought it was of the gravity stated on the invoice.

Addressing the Court, Mr. Haines said he thought he had satisfied them that the invoice was in accordance with the Order, that it stated that this beer should be sold at fivepence, and that this was the beer that was mentioned on the invoice. If the Food Controller was going to take analyses of food and drink he should follow the provisions of the Food and Drugs Act, and then the defendant might have had an opportunity of having his section of the sample analysed.

Mr. Andrew pointed out that the Order said that a person authorised by the Food Controller or Local Food Control Committee should have all the powers of taking samples conferred by the Food and Drugs Act. It did not say in what way the sample should be treated. It was an offence for a retailer to refuse to serve a sample.

The Bench dismissed the case.

Folkestone Herald 21 February 1920.

Annual Licensing Sessions.

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

An application to make certain alterations to his premises, on the part of the owner of the London and Paris Hotel, was granted. Mr. G.W. Haines supported the request.

Folkestone Herald 24 December 1921.

County Court.

Tuesday, December 18th: Before Judge Shortt.

Margaret Dowling v George Gray: This was an application under the Workmen's Compensation Act for arbitration. Mr. H. Duckworth, barrister, appeared for the respondent.

Applicant said the defendant kept the London and Paris Hotel at Folkestone. She was employed there as a cook. On 13th August she was frying fish when she had an accident. Some hot fat splashed from the pan, and blistered her thumb. The blister got rubbed off. There was some bad fish in the house, and she poisoned her hand through handling this fish. Her thumb got very sore. She poulticed it, and put it in very hot water. On Monday she told Mrs. Gray, and she then went to a chemist's and got some boracic lint. On the Tuesday night her hand was so bad that she went to Dr. Crawford, and on Wednesday evening he lanced it. She went the next day and he lanced it again. She left defendant's hotel on the Friday and went to London. She received treatment in a London hospital for her thumb. Her wages were £2 a week, with board and lodging, and she was claiming £1 15s. a week disablement pay. She had been out of work since last August. She could not do anything with the top of her thumb. She was a pastrycook by trade, and expected to get work shortly.

Mr. Duckworth: When Ireland has peace you are going to start again. (Plaintiff spoke with a strong Irish accent)

Cross-examined, witness said she had not injured her thumb before coming to defendant's hotel. She had been employed at a fish restaurant previously. She was quite certain she had not poisoned her thumb before. She had no bandage on her thumb when she entered Mrs. Gray's employ.

Mrs. C.M. Gray, the wife of the proprietor of the London and Paris Hotel, said she engaged the plaintiff, who commenced working on Tuesday, August 9th. She complained about her thumb on the 10th. On Thursday, the 11th, she showed witness the thumb. There was no abrasion, but it was discoloured. Witness advised her to go to the chemist's. On Monday, August 15th, she went to see plaintiff about the vegetables being cold. She declined to heat up the vegetables, and witness had to do it herself. Dowling then gave notice, and said she had cut her finger cleaning the kitchen. Plaintiff never did clean the kitchen.

Mrs. E. Chadwick, employed in the bar at the London and Paris Hotel, said on the Tuesday after plaintiff came she had a piece of rag round her right thumb.

His Honour said the applicant had to prove that her injury arose out of and in the course of her employment at defendant's. He was not satisfied after hearing the evidence that her injury was sustained during her employment at this hotel. He was not satisfied that her thumb was injured in the manner described by the plaintiff, and he was not satisfied that the septic poisoning resulted from something which she did in her employment there. Therefore her case failed.

Folkestone Herald 11 November 1922.

Local News.

At the Folkestone Petty Sessions on Tuesday the licence of the London and Paris Hotel was temporarily transferred from Mr. G.B. Gray, who has held it for many years, to Mr. J.W. Gathercole.

Folkestone Herald 25 November 1922.

Local News.

At the Folkestone Police Court on Tuesday (Mr. G.I. Swoffer in the chair), the licence of the London and Paris Hotel was transferred from Mr. George B. Gray to Mr. James William Gathercole.

Folkestone Herald 20 October 1923.

Felix.

Many of his old friends will offer their congratulations to Mr. Percy H.R. Venner, a former resident of Folkestone, who has been unanimously nominated by the Town Council of Margate for election as Mayor of that town for the ensuing year. Although a Councillor but a brief time Mr. Venner has already made his mark amongst his colleagues. This is not surprising to those who have enjoyed Mr. Venner's acquaintance or friendship. He possesses a keen, penetrative mind, and this he has used in a business sense with great advantage. At one time he was proprietor of the Rose Hotel, Folkestone, and after he had disposed of it he went into semi-retirement. Whilst in Folkestone he was Chairman of the Licensed Victuallers' Mineral Water Association. At the present time he is the proprietor of the Clarendon Hotel and the Paris Hotel in this town, besides having other local interests. He is uncle to Mr. Roy Smiles, of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton. Since he has resided at Shottendane House, Margate, he has indulged in his favourite hobby of cultivating flowers and rearing pedigree poultry. Mr. Venner is a man of real progressive and up-to-date ideas, and it is easy to predict that in the Mayoral chair of Margate he will not be an unworthy successor of those who have preceded him.

Folkestone Herald 17 November 1923.

Inquest.

The Borough Coroner (Mr. G.W. Haines) conducted an inquest at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon touching the sudden death of John James Slingo.

Alfred Passmore, a barman employed at the London and Paris Hotel, said that he had known the deceased, who was also employed at the hotel as a barman, about a fortnight. During the time witness had known him he had not complained of his health. On Sunday afternoon they went out for a walk. That was about 4 o'clock. They went along Warren Road and across the line. When about a hundred yards from the railway deceased staggered and fell forward on his face. Witness turned him over and laid him on his back, but he did not say anything, although he was conscious. Witness saw foam coming from his mouth. A little later he called two little boys who were close by, and sent one of them to a house for help. Presently two men came out. Witness then asked the other boy to go to the nearest doctor, and the lad said that he would go to Dr. Crawford. The boy was rather a long time gone, and later witness went himself and when on his way met the boy coming back. The lad told him that the doctor said that he could not, or would not come. He (witness) was not sure which it was. Witness then proceeded to Dr. Crawford's house and told him there was a young man seriously ill in the street. The doctor refused to come and said that he could do no good, but that deceased should go to the Hospital. He said if the patient was not very bad they would treat him and let him out again, but if bad they would detain him. He said if the man had been in a house he would have come, if he had been one of his patients. He did not ask whether deceased had a medical man and he (Dr. Crawford) did not suggest that witness should go to another doctor or give witness any other medical man's name. Witness went back and found that P.C. Simpson was there. The ambulance arrived shortly after that, and deceased was put inside. Witness accompanied the ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital. On arrival there an attendant came out, followed a little later by the House Surgeon. Witness explained to her what had happened, and she examined the body and stated that Slingo was dead. Witness then went to the Coroner's Officer, and from there on to the mortuary, where he identified the body in the presence of Mr. Chadwick. Deceased was twenty four years of age.

P.C. Simpson stated that he was off duty and at home, when his wife called his attention to a large crowd up the road leading to the dust destructor. He proceeded there and saw the body of a man in the road. He was apparently dead. Witness tried artificial respiration, but there was no response. He sent for the Corporation motor ambulance and conveyed him to the Royal Victoria Hospital. Witness explained that he had a dead man in the ambulance and he wanted the House Surgeon to certify that he was dead, which she did. He told her he would take the body to the mortuary, and subsequently he did so.

Dr. Rachael Bamford, House Surgeon at the Royal Victoria Hospital, said that on Sunday last, just after four o'clock, an ambulance arrived at the hospital in charge of a police constable, who desired that she should certify that a man in the ambulance was dead. Witness did so, and informed the constable. Witness had since made a post mortem examination, and found that the heart was very much enlarged, and the aortic valve was diseased. There was evidence of previous pericarditis. In her opinion death was due to natural causes.

The Coroner, in returning a verdict of “Death from Natural Causes”, said that according to the evidence the doctor was informed that there was a man lying seriously ill in a street nearby. He asked no questions whatever. He refused to go, and said “Take him to the Hospital”. He did not think the doctor put a very high premium on his professional abilities. In this case, if he had attended, he could not have done anything, as the man was apparently dead, but there was the evidence before him, very clearly stated by the witness, and although it did not affect his verdict he felt that the facts required some comment. It might be that the doctor might have some explanation, but it was not before him that day.

Folkestone Herald 24 November 1923.

Letter.

Sir, In reference to your report of the inquest on the death of John James Slingo in your issue of the 17th inst., I should like to state a few facts to explain my position in the matter, which were not brought out on that occasion.

As mentioned in your paper, a boy came to my house in Wear Bay Crescent on Sunday afternoon (November 11th), and told me that a man was lying unconscious on the road in Thanet Gardens, and requested me to go and see him. On questioning him, I found that the man was a total stranger, and that an attempt had already been made to get the motor ambulance in order to take him to the Hospital, but without success. The ambulance is usually kept at the dust destructor premises during the week, but not on Sundays.

As the man was a stranger, and evidently some distance from his home, and in an unconscious condition, I felt that the most effective way of helping him was to get him rapidly conveyed into Hospital. I therefore promptly rang up the Fire Station, requesting that the motor ambulance might be sent immediately to Thanet Gardens, and to facilitate matters I told the boy to explain on the phone exactly where the man was lying. The lad then went away, and a few minutes afterwards I again telephoned to the Fire Station and enquired if the ambulance had started, and was told that it was leaving at once. A young man then appeared and begged me to go and see the patient, but I informed him that I had telephoned for the ambulance and that it would most likely be on the spot before I could possibly do so myself. Being at my private residence, I had no medical equipment at hand. I therefore impressed upon this second messenger that I was acting in the best interest of the patient by having him immediately carried to Hospital, where he would be at once received as an emergency case.

I afterwards made some enquiries amongst those who were actually on the spot at the time, and two very reliable witnesses stated that the man was apparently dead before the boy was dispatched to call me.

Taking all the circumstances into account I think it will be admitted that I took the most effective way of rendering a real service by acting as I did, and that he could not be properly treated while lying on the road.

Yours faithfully, T.W.W. Crawford.

Local News.

At the Folkestone Police Court on Wednesday (before Mr. G.I. Swoffer) the licence of the London and Paris Hotel was transferred to Mr. Percy Henry Leonard (sic).

Folkestone Herald 24 May 1924.

Local News.

At the Folkestone Petty Sessions on Wednesday before the Rev. H. Epworth Thompson and other Magistrates, plans for alterations to the London and Paris Hotel were submitted to the Magistrates, who approved of them.

Folkestone Herald 13 February 1926.

Folkestone Herald 6 August 1932.

Obituary.

We regret to record the death of Mrs. Edith May Garland, the wife of Mr. Claude Garland, of the London and Paris Hotel, Folkestone, who died recently after an illness lasting some ten months.

The late Mrs. Garland, was well known in Folkestone, and great sympathy will be extended to her husband and children in their sad bereavement. Mr. Claude Garland is the Chairman of the “Ellanpee” Golf Club, and the Treasurer of the local Licensed Victuallers' Association. Mrs. Garland took a very great interest in both these organisations, and she was a member of the Ladies' Licensed Victuallers' Auxiliiary Association.

Mrs. Garland had lived in Folkestone for some 16 years past, and she was held in high esteem by her many friends.

The funeral took place at the Folkestone Cemetery, Cheriton Road, on Wednesday last week.

Folkestone Herald 29 April 1939.

Local News.

A very pleasing incident took place on Wednesday afternoon during the quarterly meeting of the Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers’ Protection Association, when Mr. Claude Garland, licensee of the London and Paris Hotel, Folkestone, was presented by the Chairman (Councillor E.J. Price) on behalf of the Association with a collar and jewel of office. Mr. Garland was unanimously elected u Vice-President in recognition of his eight years’ Treasurership and 25 years total membership of the Association.

Councillor Price, making the presentation, congratulated Mr. Garland who in reply said his one aim during his membership was the success Of the Association, especially the financial side.

Folkestone Herald 23 November 1940.

Local News.

At a sitting of the Folkestone Licensing Magistrates at the Town Hall on Wednesday the licence of the London and Paris Hotel, Folkestone, was transferred from Mr. Claude Garland to Mr. Alfred Ernest Millard.

Folkestone Herald 6 December 1941.

Local News.

A protection order was granted by the Folkestone Magistrates on Tuesday to Mr. P. Attwood in respect of the licence of the London and Paris Hotel, Harbour Street, which he is taking over.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Herald 10 January 1942.

Local News.

At Folkestone Licensing Transfer Sessions on Wednesday the licence the London and Paris Hotel was transferred from Capt. A.E. Millard, a representative of Messrs. Bass and Co., to Mr. P.W. Attwood, formerly of the Shakespeare Inn.

Folkestone Herald 9 February 1946.

Local News.

An attempted forcible entry of the London and Paris Hotel, Folkestone, early on Thursday morning, was foiled by the vigilance of the proprietor, Mr. Pat Attwood. Mr. Attwood, who lives on the premises with his wife and eight years old grandchild, was going to bed shortly after midnight when he heard the sound of breaking glass downstairs.

“I at once went downstairs carrying a police truncheon”, he told the Folkestone Herald, “and saw that a window in the public bar had been smashed. I saw a soldier start to pull the glass away, and then his head and arm came through. I hit him twice with the truncheon; first across the forehead and eye, and then on top of the head. I heard him groan and I went through another door into the street, but when I got there the soldier had disappeared”.

Mr. Attwood believes that the would-be intruder must have had some companions with him, because, in his opinion, he must have been too severely injured to have got away without assistance.

Folkestone Herald 25 October 1952.

Local News.

Mr. P.W. (Pat) Attwood, 71, of the London and Paris Hotel, one of the best known personalities of the licensed trade in Folkestone, will retire shortly. He has held the licences of the Castle Inn, Foord Road, and the Shakespeare, Guildhall Street. He has been in the trade for over 48 years.

During the war the London and Paris was damaged in air raids and by shellfire. It remained open throughout the war except for a fortnight in March, 1943, when it was considerably damaged by a cross-Channel shell which fell just behind the premises. “Altogether the place was damaged 22 times as the result of enemy action”, Mr. Attwood told the Herald.

A Folkestonian - his father was one-time park keeper at Radnor Park - Mr. Attwood has long been closely associated with sport in the town. In his younger days he was a very good oarsman; he won the Championship of Folkestone one year and the Championship of Folkestone and Dover combined on another occasion. He was also a cricketer and footballer, playing for the old Wingate club on Park Farm. Later he became one of the first members of the Folkestone Park Bowls Club. His interest in Folkestone football clubs has extended over many years.

Folkestone Herald 1 November 1952.

Local News.

Granting a protection order in respect of the transfer of the licence of the London and Paris Hotel, the Chairman (Ald. W. Hollands) at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Tuesday wished the outgoing tenant, Mr. P.W. Attwood, a very happy retirement. “I believe you are the oldest licensee in the town”, he said. “Personally I have known you come into this Court in connection with licensing matters for 34 years. On behalf of the Bench I wish you a very happy retirement”.

The new licensee is Mr. Alec Stephen Wales, former building foreman, of Cheriton Road, Folkestone.

Folkestone Herald 15 November 1952.

Local News.

Folkestone Magistrates on Wednesday approved the transfer of licence as follows: London and Paris Hotel from Mr. P.W. Attwood to Mr. A.S. Wales.

Folkestone Herald 28 August 1954.

Local News.

A former well-known Folkestone personality, Mr. Claude Garland, licensee of the Gamecock Inn, West Kingsdown, near Sevenoaks, died on Sunday. Mr. Garland, who was 79, took over the Gamecock Inn in January 1942. For many years he was a committee member and Treasurer of Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers’ Association. Mr. Garland became manager of the Clarendon Hotel. Folkestone, in 1914, and subsequently was the licensee of the London and Paris Hotel, Folkestone, from 1932 until he retired in 1940. After a period of retirement at Hawkhurst, he resumed his active life and became licensee of the Gamecock. In his younger days he was employed in the same trade at Victoria and Bromley. While at Folkestone he was one of the founders of the Brotherhood of Cheerful Sparrows and of the Ellanpee Golf Club. Mr. Garland leaves two sons and one daughter.

The funeral took place at Charing Crematorium on Thursday.

Folkestone Herald 2 July 1960.

Local News.

The funeral service of a well-known local Freemason, Mr. Percy (Pat) Attwood, of 44, Earls Avenue, Folkestone, who died on Monday, took place at Hawkinge on Thursday, followed by cremation. Mr. Attwood, who was 79, had been ill for the past four weeks.

Born in a cottage, now nonexistent, at the old Manor Farm, the son of a park-keeper at Radnor Park, Mr. Attwood was educated at the North Council School in Black Bull He started work as a plumber, and soon became a master man, but in 1904 succeeded his father, who had become the proprietor of the Castle Inn, Foord Road, and took over the premises to start his long association with the licensing trade. Mr. Attwood, or “Pat”, as he was affectionately known to his many friends in the district, remained at the Castle for about 20 years. He then moved to the Shakespeare at the corner of Guildhall Street and Bouverie Road East, and then in 1942 took the licence of the London and Paris under shell-fire. This well-known harbour hostelry was among the many buildings damaged in the area during the war period, but Mr. Attwood kept the business going. Many famous people, including actors and boxers, used to make the inn their first port of call when arriving at the harbour. About eight years ago he left the London and Paris and took a half interest in the Bristol Hotel, on The Leas, finally retiring about five years ago.

A keen sportsman, Mr. Attwood was an expert oarsman in his younger days. He won many trophies, and was club champion of Folkestone Rowing Club, of which he later became chairman for a number of years. He was closely interested in football and before the last war was a director of Folkestone Town. He was a founder member when Folkestone Wartime F.C. was formed in 1942, and continued to support the club.

As a young man he played cricket for Swingate C.C. and also supported the Folkestone team for many years. He was interested in boxing.

During World War I, Mr. Attwood served with the Royal East Kent Regiment (“The Buffs”). When he was stationed at Chatham at the beginning of the war the barrack room he was billeted in was hit by a shell, and some 30 soldiers were killed. At the outset of World War II he was a member of the National Fire Service for a time.

Always a very active man, Mr. Attwood could often be seen at the London and Paris golf course, where he played until 10 years ago. He rode a bicycle until four years ago, but his main hobby in recent years was gardening. Mr. Attwood was greatly interested in the Turf, and on the Saturday before he died he had a winner at Newbury.

Mr. Attwood’s wife died in March, 1950. He is survived by a daughter.

Folkestone Herald 13 February 1965.

Local News.

Police statements about the responsibility of publicans towards drunken drivers have brought protests from local landlords. Superintendent Frederick Coatsworth said at Seabrook last week that licensees exerted a tremendous influence on their customers and had a vital role to play in the prevention of offences involving drink, especially where motorists were concerned.

Reaction from Mr. Reg. Gard, landlord of the George Inn in George Lane, Folkestone, was “It just doesn’t make sense. We’re supposed to be mind- readers now, asking customers their age to see if they are over 18. The only thing we can do is to refuse to serve drinks to anyone who has obviously had too much. And, of course, thirsty motorists could always wear a ticket around their necks saying “I’m a driver. Please can I have a drink?””

Mr. Ron Letts, licensee of the Globe on The Bayle, said “It’s ludicrous. Our job is to sell drinks. A fair proportion of my customers are drivers, and in the nine years I have been here I have found they are generally responsible people. On the odd occasion, when you know your customer, it’s O.K. to say “Give me your keys—you’d better take a taxi home”. But how can you say that to a perfect stranger?”

Mr. Alec Wales, of the London and Paris, near the Harbour, who is chairman of Folkestone, Hythe and District Licensed Victuallers’ Association, put most of the blame on restaurants. “You cannot hold a publican responsible for what customers drink”, he declared. “I don’t allow anyone who is obviously drunk in my house, but when they can get served at a restaurant, what can you do? I certainly don't think the majority of drunks come from pubs”.

At Folkestone Brewster Sessions on Wednesday Supt. Coats worth reiterated his opinion. “Licensees, particularly those whose premises attract what is known as the motor car trade, have a vital contribution to pay in regard to safety on the roads”, he said. The police are the first to realise in a town such as Folkestone that all persons do not obtain their liquor in licensed premises. But, as responsible citizens, licensees can exert a great influence on their customers by always bearing in mind the effect which alcohol taken in excess might have on drivers of a motor vehicle”.

The last word came from Mrs. Maud Lewis, licensee of the Guildhall Hotel, chairman of the Women’s Auxiliary of the local L.V.A. After Brewster Sessions she told the Herald “We all try to do our stuff. If we think customers have had enough we tell them so. Irrespective of whether they're driving or not, I'm firm with them on the question of drink”.

Folkestone Herald 3 April 1965.

Local News.

Mr. William (Billy) Banks retired as barman at the London and Paris Hotel, Folkestone, on Wednesday. He had been there for the past nine years.

The customers contributed to a parting gift and presented him with an electric razor on his last night at the bar. The landlord, Mr. A. Wells, gave him £10, and his wife presented him with £5.

Mr. Banks, who is 68, has been a barman for 45 years. Before going to the London and Paris he worked at the White Lion, Cheriton, and the Swan Hotel, Hythe. Mr. Banks lives with his sister in Radnor Park Crescent, Folkestone.

Folkestone Herald 29 June 1968.

Local News.

When a man was arrested by police at the London and Paris public house in Harbour Street, Folkestone, his brother tried to free him. Then when he was arrested as well, a third man rushed up and started struggling violently with the police. This led to an allegation by one of the three men, who all pleaded Not Guilty to various charges at Folkestone Magistrates’ court last Friday, that during the scuffle a chief inspector aimed a punch at his nose.

Thirty-year-old power station worker Robin White, of Woodfield Close, Cheriton, also claimed that when his brother, Michael White, of Cheriton Road, was arrested, police dived on him and pulled him backwards by the hair. But Robin White, who had four previous convictions including one for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, was convicted on a charge of unlawfully obstructing a policeman, fined £15 and bound over to keep the peace for a year in the sum of £10. The case against his brother of obtaining credit by fraud was dismissed. The third man, 21-year-old hod carrier Alan Barton, of Black Bull Road, was fine £5 and also bound over to keep the peace, for causing a breach of the peace. Barton, a father of two, had a previous conviction and a finding of guilt as a juvenile.

Mr. Leon Glenn Hill, prosecuting, said the charges arose from an incident in the bar of the London and Paris on May 24. A man in a group of four or five men and some women ordered drinks and then others ordered drinks. The round cost £1 10s. 11d.

Eighteen-year-old Miss Price said in Court that she recognised both the White brothers, but neither had ordered the first drinks.

Mr. Roland Price said when he asked who was paying for the drinks, a man said: “I am not paying £1 10s. for two drinks”.

P.C. Timothy Worthington, of the East Kent Special Patrol Group, said when he arrested Michael White, he said: “I have not done anything”.

Pointing to the licensee, he added “That man is lying”.

P.C. John Bibby, also of the special patrol group, said he saw Robin White trying to pull his brother away from P.C. Worthington. P.C. Bibby said when he tried to restrain Robin White, he struggled violently and was taken outside by other officers. Oustide the pub Barton rushed up shouting and started struggling violently.

Questioned by Robin White, P.C. Bibby agreed that when White was taken to Folkestone police station, he was first charged with obstructing him and not P.C. Worthington which was the subsequent charge.

Chief Inspector Alan Bourlet said while he was talking to Michael White inside the pub, Robin White became argumentative. He told Robin White not to be difficult. But he intervened when Michael White was asked his name and address and told his brother not to say anything. He moved between the Chief Inspector and his brother. Chief Inspector Bourlet said he told White to keep out of it and mind his own business. He again asked Michael White his address and he replied “Yogi Bear.” Michael White was arrested by P.C. Worthington and was taken outside. Robin White started struggling with the officers who were taking his brother away and it was necessary to restrain him. Inspector Bourlet said he and P.C. Bibby had hold of Robin White when Barton shouted “Leave him alone”. Barton lowered his head and approached at virtually a charge with the intention of freeing Robin White. The Chief Inspector said he warded Barton off with one hand but he became more violent and all three men were taken to Folkestone police station.

D.C. Allan Forbes said when he saw Michael White at his home on June 14, he denied being the first to order drinks. White agreed to take part in an identification parade but added “I can’t see the point as I am bound to be picked out as one of the blokes who ordered drinks”.

Michael White said in Court that one of his friends came to the bar and said “Get the drinks in, Terry’s paying for the round”. He ordered drinks for himself and his wife and the others started shouting out orders. His friend, Terry, said “I'm not paying £1 10s. for two drinks”. White claimed that he told the Chief Inspector that his name was Yogi Bear because that was his nick-name. The reason he struggled with the police was because his wife was being pushed around.

Robin White claimed that eight policemen dived on his brother. “They pulled him backwards by the hair”, he said, “and twisted his arms up his back”. White went on to claim that a punch was aimed at his nose by the Chief Inspector. White said he ducked and the blow hit him on the head. White said he had nothing to do with the purchase of the drinks. He denied telling his brother to say nothing to the police and said he had not tried to release his brother.

Folkestone Herald 24 August 1968.

Local News.

The Sunshine Homes for Blind Babies were given £42 10s. on Tuesday evening when a pile a pennies was pushed over at the London and Paris Hotel in Harbour Street, Folkestone.

Representatives from the Sunshine Homes and of the Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers’ Association crowded with customers into the public bar to see the pile go over.

The chairman of the Folkestone and District L.V.A., Mr. John Buckle, and Mrs. A. Rayner, chairman of the Women’s Auxilliary, sent the pennies crashing into a blanket. A total of £27 15s. 8d. was realised from the pile. The extra money was raised from a competition.

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 14 April 1973.

Advertising Feature.

As a ceremonial bottle of champagne shattered against the side of Folkestone’s London and Paris Hotel yesterday, at least one of the invited guests half-expected to see the harbourside inn slip its foundations, slide across Harbour Street, drop gently into the Pent Basin and float off in the general direction of France.

For the London and Paris is no ordinary English pub. Landlord Brian Scott and his attractive wife Sheila are not only geared for the Common Market - they have entered it. Continental visitors are immediately attracted by the Les Routiers plaque in the window of what used to be the public bar. For the uninitiated, the sign adorns 4,000 stopping places - most of them on the Continent - in which road travellers are made welcome. It stands for prompt service, good quality at reasonable cost and a welcoming atmosphere.

That the London and Paris is the only pub in Folkestone bearing the sign is testimony enough to the standards which Brian and Sheila have achieved. The long bar, familiar to locals and holidaymakers alike, has disappeared to make way for the London Bar – a pleasant, gaily decorated sanctuary for the discerning, with London show posters festooning the walls. In the corner is a salad bar which is expected to prove a popular innovation during the summer months. The alterations, which give the bar a new dimension, have the professional touch. Hardly surprising, really, since Brian has spent much of his life as a theatrical master carpenter, working behind the scenes at some of London's biggest hit shows. Brian still keeps his hand in at his old job and recently lent his talents, in an advisory capacity, to the Rita Tushingham drama, Mistress of Novices, at the Picadilly Theatre. Margaretta Scott, one of Miss Tushingham’s co-stars in this production, was due at the London and Paris yesterday to officially open the revamped London Bar.

As yesterday’s guests discovered, the London and Paris has really brought the Entente Cordiale to Folkestone. Even the sign outside, with a London view on one side and Paris on the other, reflects the pub’s dual personality. Inside, visitors can turn left for a touch of the Cockneys and right for la Belle France. The Paris Bar, like its next-door neighbour, has a fair smattering of wall posters – this time in French. These are not just decorations, for the customers are just as likely to be speaking in French as English! In recent months, since the London and Paris was awarded the coveted Les Routiers sign, more and more French customers – many of them long distance lorry drivers – have found their way to the pub at the harbour. That they keep returning is the finest possible recommendation for the quality and price of the food and drink on offer. Mind you, there have been problems. Brian and Sheila are still wrestling with one of them. Frenchmen drink wine like we drink water – and they don't expect to pay very much for it. Which is one of the reasons why Brian is trying to get his brewery, Bass Charrington, to supply a suitably inexpensive vin ordinaire. He said “Even with our limited French we know that the Continentals are surprised to find that they cannot get a glass of wine for a few pence”. This, however, is one problem which will not arise today. To mark the new alterations, the brewery is providing a free glass of wine to anybody ordering a meal in the London and Paris. With the Continental barriers coming down, Britain is expecting a rush of visitors from the other side of the Channel. One thing is certain. Those coming through Folkestone harbour won’t have to travel very far before feeling at home. The odds are too that the well-thumbed English-French phrase book behind the bar of the London and Paris is going to look a little dog-eared before the season is over.

Folkestone Herald 19 August 1978.

Local News.

An argument over drinks led to a pub landlord being punched in the mouth by one of his customers. At Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, Robert McCrudden, 21, of Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, admitted causing actual bodily harm to Mr. Clive Simpson at the London and Paris public house, Harbour Street, on June 3.

He was given a three-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Mr. Michael Batt, prosecuting, told the court that McCrudden had resented Mr. Simpson telling him not to keep the staff waiting for an order and was barred from the pub after an argument. McCrudden returned to the bar, where he had been having a meal with his girlfriend and some friends and punched Mr. Simpson in the mouth. During a tussle which followed on the floor Mr. Simpson was struck in the eye, Mr. Batt said.

In a statement to police McCrudden had said: “I’ve got an uncontrollable temper and it's got me into trouble before”. He said that he had lost his job as assistant manager of a butcher’s shop because of the pub incident.

Folkestone Herald 25 October 1980.

Local News.

A cheque for more than £1,000, raised through a sponsored pub-crawl, was presented to the Kent Association for the Blind on Tuesday.

At the London and Paris pub, in Harbour Street, Folkestone, the association's general secretary, Mr. Ted Stratten, received the money from postman, Mr. Dave Garrod, who organised the event. Last August, 64 people took part in the 10-mile crawl from Folkestone to Hythe and back, calling at various pubs on the way. A shield was given by the London and Manchester Assurance Company to the London and Paris for raising the largest sum of £186.20. Also smaller trophies were presented by Mr Peter Bailey, the company’s unit manager, to members of the pub’s team who were Sue Garrod, Donny Thiele, Sue Reeve and Sharon Richardson. A work basket made by the blind was given to Sue Garrod for her individual effort of raising £129.80. The money will be used to buy talking clocks for the blind and to help equip a club in Sandwich for blind and deaf people.

Folkestone Herald 18 April 1981.

Local News.

Charrington Bass pubs in Folkestone have been hit by a drayman's strike at the Canterbury depot. Draymen are strijing because of what a spokesman described as an internal dispute. The strike is expected to last until after Easter, and deliveries to three Charrington Bass pubs in Folkestone have been affected.

Mr. Clive Simpson, of the London and Paris said “We are all right at the moment and we will get through Easter, but I don't know what will happen after that”.

Mr. Michael Wildey, manager of the Bouverie Arms, said “We are well-stocked and will survive Easter, a very busy period”.

Folkestone Herald 16 October 1981.

Local News.

Bookie Frank Sprenger, who was left lying in a pool of blood after being attacked outside a Folkestone pub on Saturday, was back at work on Tuesday. Mr. Sprenger, 55, discharged himself from the William Harvey Hospital on Monday, after X-rays revealed that he did not have a fractured skull as was first feared.

He was leaving the London and Paris pub in the harbour with two friends when the apparently unprovoked attack happened. All three were beaten to the ground in a hail of punches and kicks. The assailants, who had followed them out of the pub just before closing time, then ran off. Still sore and bruised from the ordeal, Mr Sprenger told the Herald and Gazette on Wednesday that things happened so quickly he can hardly remember anything about the attack. He confirmed other eyewitness reports that the assault was completely unprovoked, but believes there were four attackers and not three as first reported. They were all aged about 20, and Mr Sprenger says he is certain they were soldiers with Scottish accents. Despite several nasty cuts on his head and chin, which needed 15 stitches, Mr. Sprenger discharged himself from hospital a day early and returned to work rather than sit “moping about” at home. His companions, 30-year-old David Martin, of the Lancastrian Hotel, and 26-year-old John Leighead, of Church Street, Folkestone, were allowed home after treatment for head injuries. He has seen them since the incident and both are all right.

Mr Clive Simpson, landlord of the pub, said “It’s a wonder he wasn’t killed. Especially the way he was left, lying in the road in a great pool of blood”. The attackers, who he had never seen in the pub before, were “just looking for trouble”. They started making a fuss about 10 minutes before closing time, but there was no trouble and they were just eased out, he said. He cannot understand why they picked on Mr Sprenger and his friends. What happened was completely unprovoked, he said. “Mr. Sprenger is a regular at the pub and one of the most inoffensive men I know”, he added.

Folkestone Herald 19 November 1982.

Local News.

Kent Association for the Blind received a £1,194 cash boost on Monday, thanks to a sponsored walk and pub crawl in Folkestone and Hythe.

Dave Garrod, who annually raises large sums of money for the Kent Blind, presented a cheque to the association’s general secretary, Mr. Les Ellis at the London and Paris public house. The landlady, Mrs, Ingrid Simpson, collected a shield on behalf of the pub regulars who raised the highest single amount of £295.95. There were 38 money-raising walkers on the 10-mile, 10-pub sponsored walk and they were joined by 24 others. Highest individual amount raised was £183.80 by Mike Kingston.

Folkestone Herald 17 March 1989.

Local News.

The drink and good cheer was flowing for the re-opening of the London and Paris pub hotel in the Harbour, Folkestone. Brewers, Charrington, completely re-designed the interior, creating one large bar. The pub now opens at 8.30 a.m. for coffee and breakfast, either continental or a full cooked meal. Both snacks and meals will be served throughout the day, with vegetarian food available to order.

Folkestone Herald 2 June 1989.

Local News.

A man is wanted in connection with an attack on a strike-breaking seaman. It happened at the London and Paris pub in the harbour on May 1 at 4.30 p.m. He is described as white, six feet two inches tall and clean shaven. He is well-built with a pot belly and has black collar-length hair, curled at the bottom. He spoke with a broad Liverpudlian accent. If you know this man, contact Folkestone police on Folkestone 850055.

Folkestone Herald 11 September 1992.

Local News.

Pubs are shutting down tomorrow (Saturday) for fear of violence after an Anti-Nazi demo. Campaigners say they will demonstrate at Folkestone Central railway station against an expected rally there by Nazi skinheads. And some publicans, particularly in the Harbour area, are taking no chances with their property and staff.

The assistant manager of the Royal George in Beach Street, who did not want to be named, said “We could be in a prime area for trouble and we are shutting all day. It is not worth staying open, even if only a few hundred pounds worth of damage is caused”.

Landlady Sue Welch said her pub, the London and Paris in Harbour Street, would certainly close during the day and possibly in the evening. She said “The place could get wrecked. We can't risk that”. Her son, barman Alan, 19, said “There could be real danger. This is the area where there is most likely to be trouble because Fascists from Europe may travel here by Seacat”.

Some pubs and bars, such as Jolson's in Tontine Street, are definitely staying open. A member of staff, who did not want to be named, said “We didn't close when the bombs and shells came down during the war. Why should we close now for a bunch of skinhead idiots?”

Other pubs are taking advice from the police and may make their decisions tomorrow morning.

A spokesman at the Park Inn, next to Folkestone Central Station, said “A lot of people are frightened by this. I know of some people who say they won't go into work at the town centre tomorrow. But we don't know if we will shut because we are not certain the rally will go ahead”.

Last Saturday anti-fascist activists leafleted the town asking people to attend the demonstration. Anti-Nazi League member Kelvin Williams told the Herald 4,000 flyers were handed out and 500 names taken on a petition. He said “I've done a few of these in my time and I have never known such a favourable response. My guess is there will be 400 people turning up”.

Last week a spokesman for the far-right Blood and Honour organisation, which had hoped to stage a concert in Folkestone, said nothing was now planned.

But Mr. Williams countered this week; “Our information is that they will be mobilising in London to come down here”.

Jon Steel, a spokesman for Kent Police, said “People ought not to be panicking because if there is any disturbance it will be quashed very quickly. We will have whatever resources are necessary to deal with whatever happens”.