Folkestone Herald 30 July 1892.

Inquest.

Last week we reported the particulars of a fatal accident which occurred on Friday afternoon, whereby a navvy, named Frederick Day, aged 35, who was engaged in the Cheriton drainage works, lost his life. This formed the subject of an enquiry held before Mr. Coroner R.M. Mercer, at the White Lion inn, before a jury.

Only two witnesses were called, William Goldsack and Geo. Payne, both navvies, who were working with deceased at the time of the fatality. Their evidence was very conclusive, and showed that it was a pure accident. It appeared that they had been engaged in digging a trench for the laying of the pipes for the drainage. The part in which the deceased and the other two men were working was about 7 ft. in depth, not 11 ft., as we stated in our report last week. In one portion of the trench, close by, was what is known as a “heading”, which reduced the depth in that particular part to about 4 ft. The width of the excavation was 2 ft. 6 in. At various points the road had not been trenched, but tunnelled for short distances. During the afternoon, whilst the three men were at work in the trench, a fall of earth took place. Goldsack saved himself by jumping on the heading, not before, however, his arm had been severely bruised by the debris. Payne, who had also seen it coming, got into the tunnel, and thus was out of harm's reach.

The unfortunate man Day, however, seems to have been either unable to get out of the way or not to have seen his danger, for in a moment he was penned in by the earth up to his shoulders. The witnesses stated that his death was instantaneous – in fact he never spoke or moved after the earth had fallen upon him. He was standing upright at the time, and when after an hour's work the body was got out it was found that one of his legs had been twisted round the spade with which he had been working.

The two men were closely questioned by the Coroner and jury as to whether or not the sides of the excavation ought to have been shored up, but they both agreed – and Goldsack had had 20 years' experience in similar work – that as fas as they could judge there was not the slightest necessity for it. In fact, they both said “We should not have gone down had we thought there was any danger”. They also added that there was plenty of timber lying about close to their work for them to have shored up the sides if they had considered it necessary, and they had only to speak to the ganger to have it done. The fact was, said Goldsack, there was a “wane” there. By a “wane”, which is a term in use among navvies, is meant, we believe, a hidden fissure which has been eaten away by the water, and which would escape the minutest examination. This had weakened the soil, and hence the catastrophe.

The only question, said the Coroner, addressing the jury, is “Was there any negligence?” The jury emphatically replied in the negative and returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

The deceased was an unmarried man, and a native of a village near Maidstone. He was buried on Monday at the expense of Mr. Conley, the contractor of the works, who with Mrs. Conley sent a beautiful wreath to lay upon the coffin. A large number of the poor fellow's comrades attended the funeral, and after the lesson a short and feeling address was given by the vicar, the Rev. W.B. Buckwell.

Folkestone Herald 3 June 1893.

Local News.

On Thursday evening last, Mr. Baldock, landlord of the White Lion, Cheriton, narrowly escaped being gored to death by a bull. He was on his farm at Newington, when, without the slightest warning, the infuriated animal knocked him down, inflicting frightful injuries upon him. Three of his ribs were broken, his face lacerated, and clothing torn to shreds. The bull pinned him with it's horns to the earth, Mr. Baldock crying for assistance. This was happily soon forthcoming. Mr. Tom Turner, with considerable presence of mind, ran for his gun, which happened to be in a cart close by. He fired a volley of shot at the animal, and this had the effect of frightening it away from Baldock, who was with difficulty rescued. By this time several others had appeared on the scene, and after eight shots had been fired the bull, which was in a terrible rage, was dispatched by Mr. Lipscombe. On enquiry yesterday afternoon we were informed that Mr. Baldock was in a serious condition, consequent on the shock and the injuries he has received.

Folkestone Herald 7 December 1895.

Local News.

Much excitement was caused in Cheriton on Thursday morning when it became known that overnight a burglary had been committed under exceptional circumstances at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton. So many wild rumours have been in circulation in regard to this matter that we at once despatched a representative to Cheriton to find out the true facts of the case, which are as follows;-

Mr. and Mrs. Baldock had retired to rest and the former was soon asleep, whilst the latter lay awake, and in the dead of the night she heard strange sounds below. Mrs. Baldock aroused her husband, who hastily dressed himself, opened the bedroom window gently, crept stealthily along the outside verandah, to the place from whence the sounds proceeded. In the dim light Baldock espied something lying at full length on a bank a few feet off, but it turned out to be a suit of men's clothes and a pair of boots. These the landlord secured, and creeping round the house he securely locked them up in one of his outhouses. Baldock then entered the house, and the honest watch dog barked loudly. On entering the bar it was found that the place was topsy turvy, that the till had been robbed, and that a pane of glass about 20in. by 10in. had been broken. On further examination, and much to Bladock's surprise, a man, almost in a state of nudity, bounded out from his place of concealment, and made for the central entrance. Before he could gain this, a terrific struggle took place, and the intruder repeatedly threatened to shoot Bladock with a revolver. Eventually a light was secured, and of all the persons in the world the burglar was found to be no other than Corporal Spicer, of the Military Police, who resides in Cheriton. The landlord being unarmed, and knowing this man, and under further threats, was induced to hand over to the burglar his clothing, and after getting outside, Mr. Baldock allowed the burglar to proceed to his home, and in the meantime communicated with the police.

Two constables at once proceeded to Spicer's house, one went to the front, the other at the back. Seeing that resistance was futile, the Military Policeman surrendered “hands down”, but not before he had thrown a bag out of the window, which it was subsequently discovered contained £5 in various coins of the realm. Prisoner was at once marched off to Seabrook, and charged with the offence.

Spicer has served in the Army 12 years, and has been married five months. As a guardian of law and order he was much respected in Cheriton, and his capture is the sole topic of conversation in the neighbouring community, the inhabitants of which are naturally considerably alarmed.

Folkestone Herald 25 January 1896.

Local Jottings.

At the Kent Assizes, before Mr. Justice Cave, Richard Ley Spicer, 26, soldier, pleaded Guilty to burglariously entering the dwelling house of Henry Baldock, and stealing £4 9s. 10½ d. in money, and various articles, belonging to the said Henry Baldock, at Cheriton, on the 5th December. It appeared that prisoner had served about five years in the Dragoons, and also about five years in the Mounted Military Police. The articles stolen by prisoner had, it was stated, been recovered. Prisoner was given a good character by a sergeant-major of the Military Police. He was bound over to come up for judgement if called upon.

Folkestone Herald 29 August 1896.

About the Neighbourhood.

The great beer question is not yet settled over at Cheriton, and the community is now discussing the chances of the rival applicants for licences at the coming Sessions at Hythe and Elham. That another licensed house, tavern, or hotel is wanted here there is no room at all for doubt. We have not arrived at a time when the world is made up entirely of teetotallers, and so we must take things as they are. Cheriton is growing by leaps and bounds. The population is that of a good-sized town, and there is only one inn, the White Lion, to supply the whole community. Now, I have not a single word to allege against Mr. Baldock's conduct of his establishment, but it is a notorious fact that on certain occasions the resources of the White Lion are severely taxed, and that the landlord is at his wits' end to keep pace with the demands of the customers. At holiday times, for instance, crowds of people have been seen to drink their beverage in the public highway, there being no room within the inn. Here is proof at once that more accommodation is required.

Folkestone Herald 9 January 1897.

Inquest.

Last Saturday morning a very sad affair occurred on the South Eastern Railway line, near the Cheriton Junction, in the vicinity of the Shorncliffe Camp. It appears that at about six o'clock that morning as the goods train from Ashford to Dover was passing that spot, the driver felt a jerk, denoting that the engine had run over some obstacle on the line. On reaching the Shorncliffe railway station he reported the matter to the station master, Mr. Butler, and the local police were at once communicated with. On the search party going along the line to the place indicated, the dead body of a soldier who had belonged to the Army Service Corps was found in the six foot, clothed in his military uniform. The man had sustained very severe injuries, the head having been battered in, one of the thighs smashed, one foot completely severed, and the second almost cut off. The body was taken to the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, to await the Coroner's inquest. Inquiries made by the authorities led to the discovery that the deceased was named Michael Riley, and that he was a native of Blackrock, a pretty coast town near Dublin. He was only 22 years of age, single, and had a reputation of being a very steady young man. It was also elicited that he had been suffering from an attack of pneumonia, at Aldershot, and that he had been discharged from the Military Hospital. An inquest was held on the afternoon of Monday last at the White Lion, before Mr. Mercer, Coroner for East Kent. Mr. R. Pilcher was foreman of the jury, and the proceedings were watched on behalf of the South Eastern Railway Company by Mr. Butler, the excellent Station Master at Shorncliffe. Lieutenant Atkinson attended the Court on behalf of the military authorities. Appended is a report of the evidence taken at the inquiry, which opened at 4 o'clock:-

Charles Wesley Uten, engine driver, 24, Longfield Road, Dover, said he was the driver of a goods train for the South Eastern Railway Company between Ashford and Dover. Another driver took the train from London to Ashford, and thence he took it to Dover. He left Ashford on Saturday morning, January 2nd, at 4.05, and at 6 a.m. reached between Cheriton Junction and Shorncliffe Station. There is no station at Cheriton Junction. It was quite dark at the time. The train ran over something, but he could not tell what it was. He reported this on arriving at Shorncliffe to the station master there.

P.C. Drury, stationed at Cheriton, who had charge of the case, said that on Saturday, 2nd January, at about a quarter to seven, he received information and went to the spot, where he found deceased lying in the six foot way. He was in uniform and quite dead. The skull was smashed, the left foot cut off, and the thigh smashed. Witness obtained assistance and brought the body there. He had since made inquiries and found that the deceased was a shoeing smith in the Army Service Corps, and had been on duty all night till five o'clock in the morning when he was found dead. Witness had found nothing on looking between the spot and the Camp.

Corporal George Reeves said he was in the West Yorkshire Regiment. He knew the deceased, who was 22 years old. He last saw him alive at about three minutes to five on Saturday morning. The deceased had been on guard that night, and witness dismissed him and sent him to call the cook, Driver Johnson. The deceased had also been on guard on the previous night. When witness told him he had just time to go and call the cook and be at the stables at five o'clock, and he ought to have gone to stables. That was the last time witness saw him. He did not know deceased was missing until half past eight, when he was sent for and told. He had not heard anything from anyone about the deceased going in the direction of the railway. It was about 600 yards from the Camp to the railway.

Driver Randall said that he spoke to the deceased for five minutes at about a quarter to nine on the night before he was killed.

The Coroner said he would not require this evidence. Ten or twelve people had seen the deceased in the Camp, but no-one appeared to have seen him when he left it.

Lieutenant Atkinson, in reply to the Coroner, said the deceased was a native of Blackrock, Dublin. The deceased was aged 22, and unmarried. He was a sober man, and not quarrelsome, and had not been on foreign service. He had suffered from pneumonia, but had been discharged from the hospital at Aldershot.

Mr. Butler: May I be allowed to say ... ?

The Coroner: Do you want to give evidence?

Mr. Butler: I am the Station Master at Shorncliffe, and ....

The Coroner: I do not think I need trouble you. It is not a question of the Company.

A Juryman: Has any letter been found on the deceased?

The Coroner: Nothing, I understand.

The Coroner asked the constable if he had made the further inquiries he told him to make.

P.C. Drury said he had, but could only find that the deceased was dismissed at 5 o'clock and told to call Driver Johnson, which he did.

Mr. Butler explained that there was no crossing on the railway at that place, and it was fenced in, but not far away there was a footbridge over the railway, so that deceased was a trespasser on the line.

The Coroner said he had not come there without viewing the locality, and most of the jury were also acquainted with it.

The jury returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity.

Folkestone Herald 29 January 1898.

Local News.

On Wednesday an inquest was opened at the Lion, Cheriton, on the body of a child which had been found in a well by one of the military police. The Coroner adjourned the inquiry until February 15th, in order that inquiries may be made by the police.

Folkestone Herald 19 February 1898.

Local News.

On Tuesday afternoon at the White Lion, Cheriton, the inquest touching the death of a female child found in a well at Cheriton on the 23rd January was resumed by the East Kent Coroner (Mr. R.M. Mercer).

Charles Pettett, baker, Risborough Lane, Cheriton, deposed that on Sunday, 23rd ult., he went to the well shortly before the child was found. The pail was one-sided, and on looking down the well he noticed what he thought to be a bit of deal board. He had been drawing water since the 28th November. The water drawn up was used for drinking purposes, and they drank it the morning the child was found.

Dr. Powell stated that he said the baby was put in the water when it was dead, it was not drowned.

The jury returned a verdict that the child was found, it died of asphyxia prior to having been placed in the well, but how the child was asphyxiated, or by whom, there was no evidence to show.

Folkestone Herald 9 April 1898.

Hythe Divisional Sessions.

On Thursday morning – before Messrs. DuBoulay, Wightwick, F.A. Mackinnon, Sir Charles Maclean, Captain Mansell, and Captain Smythies – the Bench approved of plans put before them on behalf of the owners of the White Lion, Cheriton, of a proposed new house.

Folkestone Herald 28 May 1898.

Felix.

I hear that the well-known White Lion at Cheriton is shortly to be pulled down, and rebuilt at a cost of £5,000. Our old friend Mr. Baldock, the present proprietor, will retire in the near future, and his place will be filled by Mr. Sid Saunders, of the East Cliff, Folkestone.

The cause of the brewers does not appear to be languishing in these parts, that is if one may judge of the number of licensed premises in the town that have lately been re-built or undergone alterations. There appears to have been quite an epidemic amongst the owners in this direction. Whether it is palatable or not it may safely be taken, I think, that prosperity continues to shine on this favoured and beautiful district.

From the Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald, 16 July, 1898.

LICENSING.

A temporary authority was granted to Mr. Saunders for the White Lion, Cheriton.

Folkestone Herald 24 September 1898.

Hythe Licensing Sessions.

The Adjourned Licensing Meeting for the Elham Division of Kent was held at Hythe on Thursday before Captains Baldwin (Chairman), Mansell, and Smythie.

Mr. Saunders applied for a transfer of the licence held by Mr. Baldock for the White Lion, Cheriton. This was allowed.

Folkestone Herald 22 October 1898.

Hythe Divisional Sessions.

On Thursday – before Mr. Du Boulay, Captain Smythies, Captain Mansell, and Mr. Brockman – Stephen Tutt was summoned for doing damage to nine glasses, the property of Joseph Sidney Saunders, to the value of 3s. He pleaded Guilty.

Prosecutor, landlord of the White Lion, Cheriton, deposed that on the day in question defendant was in the house, and made a complaint that he had given half a sovereign instead of 6d. He saw that was untrue. Defendant was sober. He knocked the glasses off the counter, the damage amounting to 3s. He was in the bar.

Mr. Minter said it was felt by the landlord, and the Society of which he was a member, the Licensed Victuallers' Society, that it was a case that ought to be brought forward. Defendant was a notorious character, the terror of every landlord in the neighbourhood. In some cases they refused to serve him.

The defendant further pleaded Guilty to using profane and obscene language, contrary to the bye-laws.

P.C. Poole deposed that the defendant was ejected from the White Lion, and used the expression complained of, just before he heard the smashing of glass. Defendant appeared greatly excited, but witness did not think he was the worse for drink.

The defendant said he did place half a sovereign on the counter. He knew what it was, and wanted to change it. The door of the till was blocked open. During the time they were talking, three or four of the barmen went to the till. He said he wanted them to search the till, count the money, and look at the register. He lost his temper, and some glasses were broken. He was requested to go, and did so. Outside he stopped two or three minutes till the police came. He did not use the expression mentioned.

Mr. Saunders, re-called, said he counted the money. There was no half sovereign. There was a separate till for sixpences. There might have been half sovereigns in the till, but they would have gone in the half sovereign department. The money balanced within 1s. 7½d. The drawer was open, and there was room enough for someone to have picked it out of the till.

Superintendent Waghorn, in answer to defendant, said he was told frequent disturbances were caused in Cheriton Street by defendant.

The Bench inflicted a fine amounting, with costs, to £3 2s. altogether; in default, one month's imprisonment in one case, and 14 days in the other.

Folkestone Herald 17 June 1899.

Felix.

Whether it is a sign of general prosperity or otherwise there is quite a “boom” in local public houses. There is scarcely a place which is not being rebuilt or smartened up. I note in this connection that the Shorncliffe Hotel, which for years was tenanted by the late Mr. Quested, has now passed into the hands of Mr. Bull, of Folkestone, and that the Globe Hotel, on The Bayle, is now held by Mr. Faber, who for a long period of time was head waiter at the Queen's and also at the Lord Warden and the Dover Castle Hotel, Dover. Mr. Faber ought to know something of the business, and I shall be very much surprised if he does not make things hum all round. The new White Lion at Cheriton, too, admirably conducted by Mr. Sid Saunders, is a grand improvement to the locality. Of course there are those in the world that would raze all public houses to the ground, but when a publican conducts his business in an honourable and respectable manner, then he is entitled to the highest esteem. Mr. Saunders is one of these. He is essentially the right man in a difficult place. His new bar is one of the largest in the country, and is capable of accommodating a large number of customers. The house is well fitted from top to bottom, and is a credit to the builders. I note that Mr. Cliff Willars, the upholsterer of Folkestone, has been entrusted with furnishing the bars, etc., and right well he has carried out his work.

Folkestone Herald 15 July 1899.

The New White Lion.

At the expense of many thousands of pounds, Messrs. Beer and Co., the well-known Kentish brewers, of Canterbury, have latterly altered the appearance of Cheriton Street by the erection of a palatial building, known as the White Lion. Readers will recall the old, low-pitched building, with its inadequate accommodation, and non-attractive appearance. Cheriton is growing by leaps and bounds, and the population has more than doubled itself in a few years. With the exception of the Unity Inn, which, by the way, has just been purchased by the Government, no fully licensed house, with the exception of the Lion, is to be found in the place. Applications have been made to the Magistrates from time to time by various brewers for full licences, but these have ultimately been refused, whether at the local court or on appeal. The logic of facts pressed it home to Messrs. Beer and Co. that if the White Lion was to continue to exist it must either be enlarged or rebuilt. Things were coming to such a pass that the old house was fast becoming a centre of disturbance and trouble. It was a case of trying to squeeze a bushel of wheat into a gallon measure. It was eventually decided that a new hotel should be erected, and the fine red brick building that has only recently opened its doors to the public is the result. The new Lion is from the designs of Mr. Jennings, of Canterbury, and was built by Mr. Adcock, of Dover, who, it will be recollected, built the Hotel Metropole.

Through the courtesy of Mr. Sid Saunders, I was enabled a few days ago to explore the new hotel from cellar to ceiling. The builder's name is sufficient guarantee that the thing has been done well. No expense or thought appears to have been spared in bringing about so grand a result. In every way the comfort and general convenience of the public appears to have been studied. Deplore the fact as we may, Englishmen will have their beloved national beverage, and this fact was brought home to my mind when, “down in the cellar cool”, I noticed the scores of huge barrels of “Kentish sherry” ready waiting to slake the thirst of thirsty Cheritonians. I understand this cellar is generally admitted to be a model one for keeping “John Barleycorn” in splendid condition. It is spacious, cool, and airy, with a concrete flooring. Bottling is also carried on here. Ascending the stairs, my cicerone conducted me through the various public rooms. There is a friendly club connected with the house, and for this and other similar organisations there is a very fine apartment, which can easily be doubled in size by the removal of a partition. There are other cosy little rooms on this floor, to which access can be had by entering at the private entrance of the hotel. Mr. Sauders intends to cater largely for cyclists, and is determined that his accommodation in this respect shall be acceptable to any lady or gentleman, irrespective of social position. After inspecting the thoroughly up to date kitchen and culinary departments, which appear to be capable of meeting any demands put upon them, Mr. Saunders conducted me to the interior of the bar, which is allowed to be one of the largest in the county, as many as 400 people having been served here at one time.

Similar to the policeman's, the licensed victualler's life is not all honey. His path is not always bestrewn with roses. Said Mr. Saunders, “When I first took over this place, and been in possession about a week, I was fairly sick at heart. The place appeared to be so rough, and it appeared to be a hopeless task to enforce any sort of order. I can tell you, I felt like throwing it up, as the conduct of the house was a source of great anxiety to me. However, I made up my mind to stick to the guns, and by the exercise of a little tact and forebearance, I think I may claim that I have effected some improvement in establishing comparatively good order. You will note that in the arrangement of the bars, I have had a compartment specially fitted for a bottle and jug department. No men are served here. On the other hand, I have a compartment for men only. Of course there is the main public bar, which is open to all. Working hand in hand with the police, with the object of having the licensing laws obeyed, I am hoping to make the Lion a credit to the neighbourhood. I have one rigid rule, and of which all my employees are made aware, that no man who is suspected of having imbibed too freely is to be served. You will appreciate my position. Surrounded with the military element, and a large working population which numbers many women, I have to exercise great watchfulness. However, it is my one desire to serve my customers well, and be loyal to the law and the general public in the bargain”.

The bar is splendidly fitted with polished pine and cathedral glass, and is a credit to the decorators.

Mr. Saunders then led me to the rooms above, which are very spacious, lofty, and airy. One of the apartments is a billiard room. The table is by Thurston. It is in splendid condition, and has already earned a famous name at the old Pavilion Hotel.

Of course our genial proprietor and his amiable partner have not been able to get everything in apple-pie order. This is a work of time, but from a further inspection of the hotel, I have come to the conclusion that in all departments the new Lion is bound to succeed. “Give a dog a bad name and it will stick” is the old proverb. There is no doubt about it, the White Lion of other days did not smell particularly sweet in the nostrils of the public. That is a chapter of the past. The house was always worked under difficulties, but I firmly believe with perseverance and with a laudable desire to do his duty to all, Mr. Saunders will make the Lion worthy to rank with the best of the licensed houses in this neighbourhood. Our old friend kept the East Cliff Tavern, Folkestone, for many years, and the manner in which he conducted that establishment is yet the theme of general praise in the neighbourhood.

Folkestone Herald 4 November 1899.

Hythe Divisional Sessions.

William Gower, a private in the Dorset Regiment, was charged with stealing, taking, and carrying away four tumblers, value 1s., at Cheriton, the property of Joseph S. Saunders.

Mr. Joseph Sidney Saunders, the landlord of the White Lion, Cheriton, deposed: On Tuesday night, between ten and eleven, P.S. Stone brought the defendant to my place, and asked me if I could identify four glasses. I did so. We often miss glasses. It is the first time we have found it out.

P.S. Stone deposed: At ten p.m. on the 31st I saw defendant standing outside of the bar doors of the White Lion, apparently putting something in his pocket. He left the door in company with other soldiers. As he passed me going down the road towards Folkestone, I noticed that his pockets were bulky. I got the assistance of one of the Military Police and stopped defendant 100 or 150 yards away from the house. I hear the ring of a glass as though it left defendant's hand. Believing one was thrown in the garden behind, I found the tumbler there. I then searched the defendant and found three glasses in a pocket of his overcoat. I took him back to the White Lion, and in his presence prosecutor identified the glasses. I charged him and he made no reply. As I was leaving the house with the defendant, he bolted, and after about a quarter of an hour I found him again, with the assistance of the Military Police. He was sober.

Defendant pleaded Guilty.

P.S. Stone deposed: Whilst searching defendant on the night in question, I found a bridle and bit in his pocket. I told him it would save me some trouble if he would tell me where he got it from. He said “You find out”. I did so. He since told me that he was taking care of it for the prosecutor. I searched the other two men with defendant. Defendant said that they had nothing to do with it. I found this at the same time as the glasses.

Defendant pleaded Not Guilty, and elected to give evidence on oath. He deposed: On Tuesday night I saw Driver Ashby in the White Lion with the bridle and bit produced. I saw him place it under a seat. I saw him leave without them. I said to the party that I was with that “that young fellow has gone off without the bit and bridle”. I knew the fellow by sight. I thought that I had better take charge of it until I saw him again. I went out at 10.10 down the street. I told the Sergeant, when he stopped me for the glasses, that the bridle belonged to a man in the Artillery. The corporal of the picket took the bridle. About twenty past ten I saw the Artillery party come up, and he said “That's mine”. I was going to return it to him. I had drunk beer, but I could not tell you how many quarts I took. There were three in the company. Between 7.15 and 10.15 I went out once.

Lieutenant Hysslop produced the defaulter's sheet, and said that defendant's character was indifferent.

It appeared that the Regiment was not ordered abroad, but a draft would be going out shortly.

The Bench sentenced him to 30 days' imprisonment.

Folkestone Herald 13 January 1900.

Hythe Police Court.

Thursday, January 11th: Before Mr. Du Boulay, The Mayor, Capt. Smythies, Capt. Baldwin, Mr. Brockman, Mr. A.S. Jones, and Mr. Denne.

Thomas Myers was charged with being in a pair of military boots, value 10s., the property of Her Majesty, the Queen.

P.C. Wratten deposed that on the 8th inst., at 4 p.m., he was on duty in the market at Cheriton, and saw defendant leave the White Lion. He had something concealed under his coat. Witness asked what he had got. He said “What has it to do with you?” Witness took him into a stable, and defendant produced the pair of boots in question. Witness asked him how he came to be with them, and defendant said that he had bought them from some soldiers in the White Lion for 4s. Witness asked if he knew the soldiers from whom he had bought them. He said “No, I should not give the man away if I picked him”.

Defendant said that he stated that, under the circumstances, he really did not know the man. He bought the boots.

Capt. Arthur Slessor, Derbyshire Regiment, stationed at Shorncliffe, deposed that the pair produced were regulation boots. The stamp “R.I.” presumably meant Royal Irish. No authority had been given to dispose of the boots. There had been a company of the Royal Irish as mounted infantry.

P.S. Stone, of Cheriton, deposed that on the day mentioned he was on duty at the White Lion, and visited the house, where he saw about a dozen of the Royal Irish Regiment offering boots for sale, including the pair produced. A number of the men were arrested. He was present when the defendant left the house with the goods in his possession. Witness asked him who he had bought them off. He said “Of some soldiers in the White Lion”. Witness told defendant that it would be as well for him to go and identify the man. Defendant said that he did not think he could.

Defendant, who said that he was a labourer, stated that a soldier offered him the boots, and he paid for them. He put them under his coat.

Corporal Viney, Military Police, said they were ammunition boots.

Fined £1, and the costs £1 17s. 6d.

Defendant said that it was too much money.

Folkestone Herald 17 February 1900.

Hythe Sessions.

On Monday, before The Mayor and Captain Baldwin, Thos. Geo. Loveday, a seaman, of Folkestone, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and doing wilful damage at the White Lion Hotel on the 9th.

Fined £2, in default 6 months' hard labour.

There were 14 previous convictions against the defendant.

Folkestone Herald 10 March 1900.

Hythe Divisional Sessions.

Thursday, March 8th: Mr. J. Du Boulay presiding.

William Sands was summoned for being drunk and disorderly at Cheriton on the 24th February.

A constable deposed that at 10.30 p.m. he saw the defendant in a mad state of drunkenness, making use of very bad language. He first saw him close to the front door of the White Lion. He said he had been thrown out by Mr. Wilson.

P.S. Stone also gave evidence, and deposed that at 12.30 the same night he saw the defendant in the road with his coat off.

The defendant said that he was wild at the time, being thrown out. Were they supposed to keep a potman in the public house to “chuck” him on the back and put him out of the door? They put him out for nothing, for he did not speak a word to anybody. He did not say anything to Mr. Wilson. He was talking about the plough, so defendant said “You know nothing about ploughing”. He said “Darkie, I shall chuck you out”.

Fined 5s. and 10s. costs.

Folkestone Herald 28 July 1900.

Hythe Police Court.

At Hythe, on Thursday, Alfred Freid, who was summoned for refusing to quit the White Lion, on Sunday, when requested to leave by Mr. Saunders, the landlord, was fined 5s. and 10s. costs. The evidence went to show that defendant was not drunk, but excited. A week allowed for payment.

Folkestone Herald 6 October 1900.

Hythe Divisional Sessions.

On Thursday last, before Mr. J. Du Boulay, the Mayor, Capt. Mansell, and Mr. A.S. Jones, Mary Ann Fraser, whose husband is at the front, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly on the 17th September.

P.S. Stone, of Cheriton, saw her carrying a young child in a careless manner, and swearing because the landlord of the White Lion refused to serve her. She wanted gin to put in the baby's bottle.

Fined 11s. and 9s. costs.

Folkestone Herald 11 July 1903.

Hythe County Bench.

Thursday, July 9th: Before Capt. Baldwin, Messrs. Jacques and Johns.

Thomas Collins was summoned for unlawfully sending a child, under fourteen years of age, to fetch intoxicating liquor in an unsealed bottle on June 23rd last. Defendant pleaded Guilty.

P.C. Stephen deposed to seeing the boy, named Frederick Forman (of whom defendant is the step father), outside the front premises of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, on the day in question, with a quart of beer in an unsealed bottle. He asked the boy who sent him for the beer, and he replied his father, meaning the defendant. He (witness) took the boy to his step father, who admitted sending the boy for the beer, but said he meant him to go and meet his sister and tell her to get it. The age of the boy was 12 years and 8 months.

Defendant said his wife was ill in bed, and he was going to stop with her, so he sent the boy for the beer. He had been sitting up with his wife for the last three nights.

A fine of 1s. with 4s. costs was imposed, defendant being allowed fourteen days in which to pay.

Folkestone Herald 26 September 1903.

Inquest.

On Tuesday evening, at the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, the Coroner, Mr. Mercer, held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Vincent Gosford, an army pensioner, formerly colour sergeant in the Grenadier Guards, who was found dead, lying underneath his bed, on Monday morning.

Emily Hopkins, widow, was the first witness called. She said that deceased lodged with her at No. 8, Camden Terrace. On Monday morning she went to his room and found him lying under the bed. She went to police sergeant Stevens and asked him to come, as she thought deceased was dead. The policeman came and saw the body with witness. On Saturday at 3 p.m. witness saw deceased sitting in a chair in his room. On Sunday morning she saw him lying on the floor underneath his bed in the same position as when found dead. At five o'clock in the afternoon she again saw him lying in the exact same position. She asked him if he wanted a cup of tea, and he replied “No”. He spoke quite plainly and told her to “clear out”. He had not been in his bed since Saturday. He last had food, to witness's knowledge, on Sunday morning, when she took him a herring and some bread and butter. He had not had much drink at that place lately, witness fetching him the last on Friday. He had been in his room all alone since his wife died. On Saturday morning witness asked him if she could clean his window, but he told her he had got a six chambered revolver and if she did not clear out he would shoot her. She asked him on Saturday if she should send for a doctor, and he replied “No”. She felt nervous as he had told her he had a revolver, and left.

Police Sergeant Stevens, stationed at Cheriton, deposed that on Monday morning at 9.30, from information received, he went to No. 8, Camden Terrace, where he found deceased lying underneath the bed, on his back, with his head up in the corner of the room. The bed was only about eighteen inches from the floor, and deceased must have crawled there, it being impossible for him to have fallen in the position in which he was. Deceased was infirm, having something the matter with his foot. He had £40 in the bank. In the pockets of decease, witness found 6s. 6d. There was a herring and some bread and butter lying in the room, untouched, but no intoxicating liquor whatever, nor any signs of any.

Mr. F.B. Madden, medical practitioner, Morehall, said Mrs. Hopkins informed him the last Wednesday morning deceased complained to her of feeling poorly. He was shaking and trembling very much. He had kept constantly talking at night lately, so that the other lodgers in the house complained of it. On one occasion he told Mrs. Hopkins that he had seen his dead wife. Witness, continuing, said he had made a post mortem examination of the body. Externally there were no signs of injury whatever. Internally the lungs were congested very much, and the heart and liver were flabby. The trembling and constant talking at night, and the hallucination, pointed to delirium tremens, and the condition of the lungs, liver and heart were quite in keeping with alcoholism. He attributed death primarily to alcoholism.

In reply to the Coroner, Mr. Madden said in his opinion death took place at least thirty six hours before he had examined the body. He thought that deceased had died soon after the first witness last saw him alive.

After a short consultation the jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Folkestone Herald 1 April 1905.

Elham County Bench.

Thursday, March 30th: Before Mr. J. Du Boulay, Councillor T. Amos, Councillor H.P. Jacques, Councillor R.J. Fynmore, Colonel Hutchins, Messrs. A.S. Jones, F.E. Burke, and F.D. Mackinnon.

Fredk. Barker, an out porter, of Cheriton, was summoned for refusing to quit the White Lion, Cheriton, on the 17th March.

Mr. Drake, who appeared for complainant, said that the White Lion was a licensed house which had always been conducted in a proper way, and if people were allowed to come in and be abusive, it would become very difficult to carry on the house as it should be. The licensee was determined to let the public know that the house was to be conducted as it had been in the past.

Mr. Joseph G. Smiles, landlord of the White Lion, said that on the 17th March he was called into the bar to ask a man who had had enough to drink to leave the premises. Defendant, who was in the bar, declared that the man was sober, and interfering, he became quarrelsome. The defendant protested against the man being put out, and witness advised him to go. He refused to go, and witness sent for a constable, who took his name. The defendant was not drunk, and had only had a half of ale on the premises.

Defendant pleaded Guilty, and explained to the witness that his reason for interfering was because he thought it was right to stick up for a mate.

To the Bench he said “My comrade was chucked out, and I felt a kind of hurt”.

He was fined 10s. and 35s. costs.

Defendant asked for a month in which payment would be allowed, and the Bench agreed to let him pay half in fourteen days, and the remainder in another fourteen days.

The Chairman pointed out that the Magistrates were very severe with publicans if they allowed certain people to remain on their premises, but when those people obstructed the licence holders and were summoned, then the Bench had no sympathy with them.

Folkestone Herald 3 February 1906.

Inquest.

An inquest was held by the East Kent County Coroner (Mr. R.M. Mercer), at the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, on Monday, regarding the death of the infant son of Mr. A.J. and Mrs Giddy.

Alfred Jas. Giddy stated that he was 25 years of age, and had been married fourteen months. He lived at 25, Dunnett Road, and was an agent for the Prudential Insurance Company. The child was born on January 23rd, and had neither been registered or christened. On Thursday evening he went to bed as usual, and on rising in the morning got some tea for his wife. She asked him to remove the baby, which was lying face downward on her breast, so that she might take it. He did so, and discovered that its face was blue. He concluded that the child was dead, but sent for Dr. Madden. His mother was there, and she was an experienced person.

Mrs. Giddy (the last witness's mother) stated that she was there when the doctor came, and he stated that the child had been suffocated. She stripped the child while he was there, and found that there were no marks of violence on the body; only those indicating suffocation.

The Coroner said he was sorry for the parents. What was true years ago was true today. They preached against mothers taking the children to sleep with them, but they would do it. It was rather ridiculous that thirteen men should be taken from their work to hold that enquiry, and he hoped that the new Parliament would do something to reduce the number of inquests.

The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Folkestone Herald 24 June 1911.

Wednesday, June 21st: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Major Leggett, Messrs. G.I. Swoffer, J. Stainer, R.J. Linton and G. Boyd.

William John Lilley was summoned by Emily Jane Atkins to show just cause, etc. Mr. Myers appeared for the plaintiff, and the defendant was represented by Mr. G.W. Haines.

Complainant stated defendant was a Lance Corporal in the Military Police, and she first knew him in February of 1910.

Defendant denied the paternity, but he was ordered to pay 2s. 6d. a week till the child was 16 years of age, and also the costs of the case.

Folkestone Herald 18 May 1912.

Elham County Bench/

Thursday, May 16th: Before Mr. E. Garnet Man, Commander A.B. Mansell, Mr. J. Du Boulay, Mr. F.E. Burke, Mr. A.M. Curties, Mr. R.J. Linton, Mr. E. Tudor Johnson, and Mr. W.G. Tester.

Edwd. Dorrell was summoned for being drunk and disorderly on the 12th inst. at Cheriton.

P.C. Kenward stated that he saw the defendant from his house. Dorrell was acting in a very disorderly manner, and on going to him he found that he was drunk.

The Chairman: Where did he get his liquor from?

Witness: Well, I have since found out that he had visited the Working Men's Club, and afterwards went to the White Lion, where, it appears, some customer put whisky in his beer.

The Chairman: Then he didn't get drunk purposely. Do you know who the customer was?

Witness: No, sir. I couldn't find out.

The Rev. John Daniel, Baptist Minister at Cheriton, said defendant was a member of his church, and they had missed him lately. He could speak for his good character.

The Chairman said the Bench would not convict in this case, but defendant would have to pay the costs (6s. 6d.). And Mr. Garnet Man added “And mind you keep out of the public houses in future, but it was a Working Men's Club, wasn't it? Well, keep away from that, too”.

Folkestone Herald 15 November 1913.

Elham County Bench.

Thursday, November 13th: Before Mr. E. Garnet Man, Mr. A.S. Jones, Mr. R.J. Linton, Dr. Tyson, Mr. F.E. Burke, and Mr. W.G. Tester.

Jesse Jay was summoned for refusing to quit licensed premises when requested. There was a further summons for assaulting Mr. Harry Ward, the manager of the White Lion, Cheriton, but this was withdrawn. Mr. A. Atkinson represented complainant, and Mr. H.W. Watts, defendant.

Mr. Harry Ward, manager of the White Lion, Cheriton, under Mr. J.G. Smiles, at whose instance the summons was taken out, said he remembered Friday evening, October 17th, when the barman called his attention to prisoner, who was very drunk. Prisoner was not a stranger to witness; he had had trouble with him four or five times since July. Witness requested him to leave the premises, but he did not go. Witness went to the door and opened it, and again asked him to go. When he had been asked three times, prisoner went out. Five minutes afterwards he returned and said to witness “You're no man. Come outside”. Witness told him not to come back again, or he would get into trouble.

Cross-examined by Mr. Watts: Defendant did not call for a drink; he was talking to a man named Edward Philpott. Witness told him to leave the premises because he was drunk, and because he had had instructions not to allow him on the premises. If he had been perfectly sober, he would have been told to go. Witness did not push defendant out into the street.

Mr. Fredk. Hogben, a barman at the White Lion, said he called Mr. Ward's attention to defendant, who was drunk. Defendant had been in the house many times before, and had on several occasions been a nuisance. For that reason the house was barred to him. Whenever he came in he nearly always started an argument, whether sober or drunk; he was a nuisance to the other customers.

Mr. J.G. Smiles, the proprietor of he White Lion, said defendant was one of the best of men when he was sober. It did not take very much to make him drunk, and he would drink. When he was under the influence of drink he was very argumentative. He bore the man no malice, but he jeopardised his (Mr. Smiles') licence, and for that reason he had given orders that he was not to be allowed to use the house.

P.C. Kenward stated that he went to the east entrance to the hotel, where he saw Jay, who was drunk. Later he saw defendant having a “scrap” with Ward. He advised defendant to go home, which he did. He stumbled in his walk, and his speech was not coherent. Witness did not know that Mr. Stapleton accompanied defendant to the end of his street.

This ended the case for the prosecution.

Mr. Edward Philpott, a labourer, said that defendant came into the bar to speak to him about some work for witness. He was perfectly sober. After he had been there about five or ten minutes Mr. Ward asked him to go out, which he did immediately. As he was going through the door Ward gave him a violent push, which nearly knocked him on his face. Jay offered no resistance, and he walked quite steadily.

Mr. Arthur Stapleton, an insurance agent, living at Cheriton, said that he walked with defendant to the end of his street. He was perfectly sober, and his talk was quite sensible.

Mr. George Knight, a painter, said he was in the bar when Jay came in. Ward asked him to go out, which he did. As he was going through the door, Ward pushed him.

Cross-examined by Mr. Atkinson, witness said Jay might have had a drink or two. He was not drunk. He did not have anything to drink in the White Lion, to witness's knowledge.

Defendant, on oath, said he was a builder's labourer. On the day in question he went into the White Lion to speak to Philpott about some work he was doing for him. He did not call for a drink, and did not have any while he was in there. When he had been in there for about five or ten minutes Ward asked him to go out, which he immediately did. As he went out Ward pushed him very violently.

It was stated that the last time prisoner was convicted was in October, when he was charged with being drunk and disorderly. Previous to that he had not been before the Court for twelve months.

Prisoner was bound over in his own recognisances in the sum of £5 to keep the peace for twelve months, a condition being that he did not enter the White Lion.

Folkestone Herald 14 November 1914.

Elham County Bench.

Thursday, November 12th: Before Mr. E. Garnet Man, Sir Clarence Smith, Mr. F.E. Burke, Mr. A.S. Jones, Mr. W.G. Tester, and Mr. E.J. Bishop.

Alfred Preed was summoned for refusing to quit the White Lion at Cheriton, and for assaulting Vincent Charles Palmer. Mr. H. Stainer prosecuted.

Mr. V.C. Palmer said that he was the manager of the White Lion for Mr. Smiles. On October 26th the defendant was refused drink at about 12.45 p.m., whereupon he reached out and pushed over a nine gallon ginger beer barrel. P.C. Saunders was called in, and defendant then went out, but he came back in about half an hour. He was again refused drink, and as he would not leave, witness went out to look for a policeman. Defendant went out also, and met him; witness said to him “Now, be a good fellow, and get off home”, and at the same time tapped him lightly on the shoulder. Thereupon defendant hit him in the mouth. Preed was not drunk, but had had enough.

Geo. Chason, barman, corroborated part of the manager's evidence.

P.C. Saunders said that when he was called to the White Lion the defendant went out after some hesitation.

Defendant, on oath, admitted being a little stubborn, but said he went out. He met Mr. Palmer, who pushed him a bit, and that led up to what he might term a little childish play. He had gone back to the house to ask the manager what damage had been done, but the manager would have nothing to do with him.

Mr. Stainer said the prosecutor had no wish to press the charge, and did not want a serious fine imposed; it was simply desired to stop this kind of thing at a time when a licence holder had special difficulty.

The Chairman said the Bench felt it their duty to support publicans when they tried to conduct their houses properly. Defendant would be fined 5s. for each offence and the costs (£1), 30s. altogether.

A month was allowed for payment.

Folkestone Herald 8 January 1916

Elham County Bench.

Thursday, January 6th: Before Mr. E. Garnet Man, Major D'Aeth, Mr. E.J. Bishop, Mr. A.M. Watney and Mr. H. Strahan.

The licence of the White Lion, Cheriton, was transferred from Mr. J.G. Smiles to Mr. R.F. Smiles.

Local News.

At the Elham Petty Sessions at Seabrook on Thursday, Major D'Aeth, sitting as a Magistrate, remarked, when the question of the transfer of the licence of the White Lion, Cheriton, was before the Bench that the occasion of transferring a licence was one suitable, he thought, to bring to the notice of the new licensee the importance of using every care in the sale of intoxicating liquors. The military authorities had rather more trouble at Cheriton than in any other part of the district, but they made no complaints against any licensee. Still, he would like to impress upon licensees the great necessity for using every precaution. It was in the knowledge of the military authorities that every night at closing time some twenty or thirty women were to be seen in the streets of Cheriton carrying bottles of liquor of some kind, and in this matter the military authorities desired the cooperation and help of the public. There was no offence, so far, in any woman carrying a bottle of ale or anything else, but it was an offence to supply that liquor to any soldier. He warned all parties that if they found women procuring drink for that purpose, the General Officer Commanding the district would take every step in his power to put a stop to it, and they knew that the General had very great powers, which, if applied, would make matters very disastrous, not only for licensees, but for others. He hoped, therefore, that licence holders of every kind would use every precaution, and that the general public would give them every assistance too. No doubt the Press would make a note of these observations, meant to be a warning to all parties concerned. Major D'Aeth expressed his thanks to the Chairman and brother Magistrates for allowing him to make these remarks.

The Chairman expressed a hope that all publicans would note the warning given, and that the public would support them in every way, for this was good for the welfare of the troops.

Folkestone Herald 16 June 1917.

Felix.

There were lamentations in the Cheriton district on Saturday night last. The White Lion had “gone dry” of fivepence per pint beer. Customers could have a glass of bottled Canterbury ale for fourpence, but that was too much even for Canadians, and so it came about that several Maple Leaf boys and others boarded the buses for Folkestone, only to find that other “Kentish sherry” establishments had “gone dry” also.

Folkestone Herald 29 March 1919.

Thursday, March 27th: Before Mr. J.E. Quested and other Magistrates.

The licence of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, formerly held by Mr. R.S. Smiles, and transferred to Mrs. Smiles during the period he was on active service, was now re-transferred to him.

Notes: Date is at variance with More Bastions. No record of Mrs. Smiles.

Folkestone Herald 10 January 1920.

Local News.

We regret to announce the death of Mr. Sidney (Sid) Saunders, of the Fountain Hotel, Seabrook. Deceased, who was widely known, went out on Tuesday night on business and did not return. The next morning the deceased was found in a small greenhouse, having passed away suddenly in the night. His death was due to natural causes. Much sympathy is expressed with the family. The late Mr. Saunders came to Folkestone many years ago as a carpenter, and was formerly proprietor of the East Cliff Tavern. He subsequently became proprietor of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, the Railway Bell Hotel, Folkestone, and the Fountain, Seabrook.

Folkestone Herald 6 November 1920.

Local News.

On Thursday the Elham Bench granted Mr. R. Smiles, of the White Lion, Cheriton, an extension, on Wednesday, November 17th, from ten to eleven p.m. for the dinner of the Cheriton Gardeners' Society.

Folkestone Herald 20 November 1920.

Elham Petty Sessions.

Thursday, November 18th: Before Sir Clarence Smith, Mr. A.S. Jones, Mr. A.N. Watney, Mr. H. Strahan, the Mayor of Hythe, Mr. C. Ed. Mumford, and Brigadier General W. Tylden.

An application for the extension of the licence of the White Lion, Cheriton, on December 1st, on the occasion of the Cheriton Gardeners' Society's annual dinner was granted.

Folkestone Herald 15 January 1921.

Local News.

Many people will regret to hear that Mr. J.G. Smiles (Chairman of the Elham Board of Guardians and a member of the Cheriton Council) has met with an accident whilst on holiday with Mr. T. Fentiman, at Grindelwald, Switzerland. Whilst enjoying the sport of tobogganing he fractured his collar bone, and since then had developed double pneumonia. The latest cable (received on Thursday) states that he is no worse and the fever is abating.

Mrs. J.G. Smiles and Mr. Roy Smiles (son) left this week for Switzerland, where it was expected they would arrive yesterday (Friday) afternoon. The many friends of Mr. Smiles will hope for his complete and speedy recovery.

Folkestone Herald 22 January 1921.

Obituary.

There was a genuine ring in the feeling of regret expressed by the local community as the news of the death of Mr. J.G. Smiles spread through the town and district. He was a man honoured by his fellows above most men. As Chairman of the Elham Board of Guardians, and as a member of the Cheriton Urban District Council he had rendered valuable services to the public, and his death is a distinct loss to both those authorities, who thoroughly appreciated his sound advice and his native common sense. His unfailing urbanity, his ready tact, his unvarying kindliness of heart, his complete lack of ostentation – these were some of the characteristics which combined to make him a loveable man who made friends wherever he went, and among all classes of the community. There is no exaggeration to say that his death is a real loss to his fellow citizens.

Local News.

News was received on Saturday last that Mr. Joseph George Smiles, of Brier Lea, Ashley Avenue, Cheriton, the Chairman of the Elham Board of Guardians, had died at Grindelwald, Switzerland. The intimation was received with deep regret on all hands. He was sixty three years of age.

As was stated in our last issue, Mr. Smiles met with a serious accident while tobogganing at Grindelwald, whither he had gone on a brief visit with his close personal friend, Mr. A. (Tommy) Fentiman, and subsequently he had developed double pneumonia. He passed away at 3.15 on Friday afternoon last week. His wife and eldest son (Mr. Roy Smiles) did not arrive till ten a.m. on the following morning, their journey having been delayed owing to the necessity of obtaining passports. Mr. George Harvey (who was on intimate terms with the late Mr. Smiles) made a special journey to London in order to secure the passports, which were promptly forthcoming. But the mere fact of the necessity of obtaining the passports prevented Mrs. Smiles and her son from starting as soon as they wished.

There were several formalities to be gone through at Grindelwald, and the widow, Mr. Roy Smiles, and Mr. Fentiman did not arrive home till Thursday night. The body was to follow by a later train and boat.

Mr. Roy Smiles kindly granted an interview to a Herald representative, and in the course of his statement said: My dear father, in company with Mr. Fentiman, left England for the winter sports at Grindelwald (Switzerland) on the 4th instant, the accident occurring on the following Sunday (January 8th). Snow was already on the ground, but it rained and subsequently froze hard. Thus the surface of the hillsides and roads was similar to a sheet of ice. It was under these conditions that father tobogganed (face downwards) on the side of a slope (calculated at about two hundred yards) which I can only describe for steepness as resembling Sugar Loaf Hill or the sides of Caesar's Camp. It is calculated by eye-witnesses that when the accident happened my father was travelling at the rate of thirty miles an hour. It was whilst gliding at this rate that the toboggan crashed into a projecting fence, with the result that my father sustained not only a fractured collar bone, but a broken rib. Assistance was at once forthcoming. A sledge was secured, and he was driven to the Belvedere Hotel, Grindelwald, about three quarters of a mile distant. Dr. P. Strasser was at once sent for and promptly arrived. Immediate attention was given to the injuries, but double pneumonia supervened. Two nurses for two days and nights, together with the doctor, were in constant attendance at the bedside, but in spite of all their efforts, my father passed away on Friday afternoon.

The greatest sympathy was extended to us by the visitors at the hotel, and the villagers generally. The principal official or representative of Grindelwald (Mr. A. Borhren) called at the hotel to express the sympathy of the inhabitants, and also asked the acceptance of a laurel wreath and flowers. Wreaths and expressions of condolence were also tendered by the guests of the hotel, where a short and impressive service was held by the resident chaplain before we left for England. It was a source of much consolation to my mother that Mrs. Carpenter (late of Folkestone and Lyminge) was staying at the hotel. She was devoted in her attentions, which proved a great comfort to us both, and especially to my mother”.

The late Mr. Smiles came to Folkestone between thirty and forty years ago, when he became proprietor of the Railway Bell Hotel (opposite the Junction). He next took over the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, subsequently retiring and taking up his residence at Brier Lea, Ashley Avenue. He was for a considerable period Chairman of the local Licensed Victuallers' Association, and his wise and imparted conduct in the chair was fully recognised by his fellow members. He took a deep interest in Poor Law administration, becoming a member of the Board of Guardians in 1900, and subsequently representing Cheriton. He showed such marked ability and aptitude for his duties that he was chosen Chairman in 1913, a post he held up to the time of his death. In this capacity he won both the warm esteem of his colleagues and also of the various officials. Never did a sour word escape his lips whilst he was in the chair, and if ever a “breeze” arose he was ever ready with his tact to smooth over any difference. He was also a member of the Assessment Committee and here again his advice was invaluable.

His interest in the inmates of Hill House was not perfunctory. If ever a man had the true human touch in his character, it was Mr. Smiles. It was his real delight to pay not only official, but private visits to Hill House and Cottage Homes. His constant care was for the comfort of the inmates especially those in the sick wards. Such words as “workhouse” and “pauper” were scrapped for “Institution”, “inmates”, and so on. At the Cottage Homes, amongst the children, his presence was always welcome. During the war, when the inmates were boarded out at Tenterden, Eastry, Brighton, etc., his visits were many, and he always remembered his duties to those belonging to the Union who were also inmates of the Chartham Asylum.

As a member of the Urban District Council, Mr. Smiles was constant, regular, and punctual in his duties, ever taking a keen interest in all that appertained to the welfare of Cheriton. His aim was to secure efficiency and to keep the rates within bearable limits. In this, with the assistance of his colleagues, he succeeded. He was a regular worshipper at All Souls Church, of which he was a sidesman.

Deceased was a member of the Masonic Order, and was widely esteemed by his brethren.

He sustained a great loss in 1913, when he lost his eldest son, Mr. Joseph Smiles, a bright young fellow who will be remembered, not only as a lover of manly pastimes, but as a trooper in the Royal East Kent Yeomanry.

Councillor Smiles leaves a widow and three sons, Mr. Roy Stuart Smiles, Mr. Horace Smiles, and Mr. Percy Smiles. One of these is in Australia, and a few years back deceased went out on a visit to him. It was his purpose, we understand, to have paid a return visit during the present year. Mr. J.G. Smiles is survived by his father, who is in his eighty ninth year and in good health. He lives with Mr. Roy Smiles.

Touching his private life it could be said of the late Mr. Smiles it could be said that he was geniality personified. He abhorred the petty, and was ever ready to discern the best and not the reverse in any man. There was much good that he did openly, but there was a great deal more (known only to his intimates) that he did by stealth. A useful citizen, a manly man, a kind friend, the whole community is the poorer for his death. To his widow and family we tender our heartfelt sympathy.

We are unable to state the date of the funeral owing to the uncertainty of the arrival of the body, which is being conveyed by a later and slower train. In all probability, however, the funeral will take place at St. Martin's Churchyard in the early part of next week.

Folkestone Herald 19 November 1921.

Elham Petty Sessions.

Thursday, November 17th: Before Dr. W.J. Tyson, Mr. A.S. Jones, Mr. H. Strahan, and Brig. General W. Tylden.

Mr. R. Smiles, of the White Lion, Cheriton, was granted an extension from 10 to 11 p.m. for the annual dinner of the Cheriton Gardeners' Society on November 23rd.

Folkestone Herald 15 April 1922.Local News.

At the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, on Tuesday evening a series of presentations were made to Mr. V.C. Palmer, who after serving eight years as the Manager of the White Lion Hotel, is relinquishing that position in order to take over the proprietorship of the Liverpool Arms, Margate. As a mark of respect Mr. John Hennessy, on behalf of the members of the White Lion Sports Club, presented Mr. and Mrs. Palmer with a beautifully designed clock in a mahogany case, the gift bearing an appropriate inscription. The Secretary of the Ladies' White Lion Outing Club also made a presentation of half a dozen silver afternoon tea spoons. Mr. Roy Smiles, proprietor of the White Lion, on behalf of Mrs. Smiles and himself, handed to Mr. and Mrs, Palmer a small silver table service in appreciation of their faithful service. Complimentary speeches were made, and both Mr. and Mrs. Palmer suitably expressed their thanks.

Folkestone Herald 12 August 1922.

Local News.

The licensed victuallers and clubs who are interested in the formation of a Folkestone Dart League, kindly send in their names to Mr. Smiles, White Lion, Cheriton, before August 31st.

Folkestone Herald 6 January 1923.

Felix.

The game of darts is not much heard of in Folkestone at present, but it bids fair to become very popular. Mr. Roy Smiles, proprietor of the White Lion, Cheriton, has long advocated that reasonable recreation (without the element of gambling) should be provided in licensed houses. And in this respect he practices what he preaches by throwing open a large room for games to the great satisfaction of his customers. Mr. Smiles holds the view that a licensed house is not for drinking alone, but for reasonable recreation and sociability. He has advocated this view at the meetings of the Licensed Victuallers' Society, with the result that that organisation has offered a seven guinea challenge cup for a dart competition. Suitable rules have been drawn up. One of these imposes strict silence during the playing of the competitions. This is to the good. How would this apply to football? The darts matches will take place in turn at the Valiant Sailor, West Cliff Shades, Railway Bell Hotel, Harvey Hotel, Black Bull Hotel, Richmond Tavern, Royal Standard Inn, Wellington Inn, and George III Inn. Mr. H.W. Cork, of the last named hostelry, is the Secretary. As I have already stated, no gambling will be allowed. Some excellent sport may be anticipated.

Folkestone Herald 27 January 1923.

Elham Petty Sessions.

Thursday, January 21st: Before Dr. W.J. Tyson and other Magistrates.

Mr. R. Smiles applied for an extension of the licence of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, until 11 o'clock on Wednesday, 31st January, on the occasion of the annual dinner of the White Lion Sports Club. The application was granted.

Folkestone Herald 17 November 1923.

Elham Petty Sessions.

Thursday, November 15th: Before Mr. W.G. Tester, Mr. A.S. Jones, Mr. H.P. Jacques, Mr. H. Strahan, and Mrs. Galpin.

Mr. Roy Smiles, of the White Lion, Cheriton, applied for an extension of his licence from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on November 28th, on the occasion of the annual dinner of the Cheriton Gardeners' Society.

The application was granted.

Folkestone Herald 31 May 1924.

Elham Petty Sessions.

Thursday, May 29th: Before Dr. W.J. Tyson, Mr. A.S. Jones, Judge Terrell K.C., Mr. H.P. Jacques, Mr. H. Strahan, Mr. A.N. Watney, Alderman C. Ed. Mumford, and Mr. J.S. Clark.

Roy Smiles, landlord of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, was summoned for allowing a child under the age of 14 years to be on licensed premises on the 10th inst. Defendant, who was represented by Mr. Rutley Mowll, of Dover, pleaded Not Guilty.

Detective Constable Belsey said at about 8.45 p.m. on the 10th May he entered the saloon bar of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton. He there saw a child apparently under the age of 14 years. Sitting near the child was apparently her mother, who informed him the child was eight years old. He drew the attention of Mr. Smiles to the fact that the child was in the bar. When told that he would be reported, defendant said “I did not know she was in here”.

Cross-examined, witness said he had not been in the house some time. He went to the house to make certain enquiries for the police. He interviewed Mr. Smiles with regard to another matter. He went into the saloon bar, and that was where the child was found. He remained in the house about six minutes the first time. In connection with his enquiries Mr. Smiles went to the telephone and rang up a Mr. Church. Defendant next went to the tap room to make other enquiries. The person Mr. Smiles saw could no give the information he wanted. Defendant then interviewed someone else. He came back and told witness the result of his enquiries. There were several customers in the saloon bar, and Mr. Smiles arranged to ring him up in the morning and give him further information. Witness then went out of the bar. He returned in about five minutes time. When he was in the bar the first time Mrs. Huntley, the mother of the child, was also there. When he left the house the first time he did not notice the child. He saw her standing in the doorway. When he returned no-one was behind the counter. While he (witness) was talking to the mother, defendant appeared. He made a statement to Mrs. Huntley. It was to the effect “You know your child is not allowed in this bar”. Mr. Smiles said he did not know the child was in the bar, and he (witness) had no reason to disbelieve that. The people in front of the child were rather bulky, and it was possible the child could not have been seen from the counter.

The Magistrates retired, and upon their return the Chairman said the case would be dismissed.

Emily Huntley pleaded Not Guilty to allowing her child to be on the premises. Mr. Rutley Mowll appeared for defendant, and entered a plea of Not Guilty.

Detective Constable Belsey stated that when he spoke to defendant about the child being in the bar she said “I brought the child in here. She came in for her daddy”.

By Mr. Mowll: It was very wet on the night in question. The child was seated amongst a number of people. The proximity of the child to another lady caused him to address that lady as the mother of the child in the first instance.

Defendant said she lived at 79, Chart Road, Folkestone, and was the wife of Maynard Huntley. On this evening she went out with her little girl to do some shopping. She went into the Jug and Bottle Department of the White Lion, which was reserved for ladies. She sent her daughter to the fish shop, and told her to wait for her. Whilst she was in this department Mr. Smiles told her that her husband was in the saloon bar. She went in there, but her husband had gone. Whilst she was waiting to speak to Mr. Smiles the detective addressed Mrs. Tyler about the child. She (witness) did not know her child was in the bar. She did not tell Detective Belsey she brought the child in.

By the Clerk: She first saw the child there when the detective called her.

By Supt. Russell: She had not been warned on a previous occasion to keep her child out of the premis.

The case was dismissed.

Folkestone Herald 28 November 1925.

Elham Petty Sessions.

Thursday, November 26th: Before Dr. W.J. Tyson, Mr. A.S. Jones, Mr. W.G. Tester, Alderman C.E. Mumford, and Mr. J.S. Clark.

Mr. Roy Smiles, licensee of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, applied for an extension of hours from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on December 9th on the occasion of the annual dinner of the Cheriton Gardeners' Society. The application was granted.

Folkestone Herald 23 January 1926.

Obituary.

We regret the death, at the Swan Inn, Dover Road, of Mrs. Annie Buller Saunders, at the age of sixty years. Deceased was the widow of the late Mr. “Sid” Saunders, who was successively landlord of the Railway Bell Hotel, Folkestone; the White Lion, Cheriton; East Cliff Tavern, and the Fountain Hotel, Seabrook. Her happy and cheerful disposition endeared her to all. To do a good and deserving turn to others afforded her real joy. To her only child, Mrs. Herbert, the wife of Mr. S. Herbert, of the Swan Inn, sincere sympathy is extended.

The funeral took place at the Cemetery.

Folkestone Herald 13 March 1926.

Elham Petty Sessions.

Thursday, March 4th: Before Dr. W.J. Tyson, Mr. W.G. Tester, Mr. C. Sheath, Mr. H.F. Jacques, Mr. H. Strahan, Colonel R. Wayland, and Mr. J.S. Clark.

Mr. Roy Smiles, of the White Lion, Cheriton, was granted an hour's extension on March 17th on the occasion of the dinner of the White Lion dart Club.

Folkestone Herald 5 June 1926.

Friday, June 4th: Before Mr. G. Boyd and Dr. W.W. Nuttall.

Leonard Dennis Boorn was charged with an indecent exposure in Radnor Park on Thursday, June 3rd. Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

Evidence was given by two girls, aged 13½ and 10 years respectively, their testimony differing considerably, and by Mr. Drury, the park-keeper.

The Chairman said there was not enough evidence to convict, and the case would be dismissed.

Prisoner was further charged with a similar offence in Radnor Park on April 18th. He pleaded Not Guilty.

Evidence was given by two little girls and by Detective Constable Budgen, who stated that the prisoner was paraded for identification with nine other men, and the two witnesses pointed him out without hesitation. When charged, defendant said “It is false”.

Prisoner gave a complete denial to the charge, and said no man in his sane senses would do such a thing.

The Magistrates intimated that they considered the case proved.

Inspector Pittock said prisoner was born in Folkestone in 1876. He went to St. Mary's School, and on leaving was employed at the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton. He then left Folkestone, returning in 1914, when he joined the army, and served until 1918. Since then prisoner had been licensee of a public house at Elham. He had now retired, and was living in St. John's Street, having a wife and one child. The police had had many complaints about indecent exposure in the Radnor Park, and they attributed most of them to the prisoner. In one case before them the parents would not allow the children to come forward, and the police could not proceed with it. There were no previous convictions against the defendant.

The Chairman said the Bench were quite satisfied that prisoner was Guilty. He was a public nuisance, and would be sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment with hard labour.

Prisoner: The sentence is not just.

Folkestone Herald 13 November 1926.

Elham Petty Sessions.

Thursday, November 11th: Before Dr. W.J. Tyson, Mr. W.G. Tester and Mr. C. Sheath.

Mr. R.S. Smiles, of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, was granted an extension of licence on November 12th until 11 p.m. on the occasion of a dinner in connection with the Cheriton and Morehall Branch of the Conservative Association. He was granted a similar extension on November 24th, the occasion being the annual dinner of the Cheriton Gardeners' Society.

Folkestone Herald 5 February 1927.

Elham Annual Licensing Sessions.

Thursday, February 3rd: Before Dr. W.J. Tyson, Alderman E.J. Bishop, Alderman C. Ed. Mumford, Mr. A.S. Jones, Mr. W.G. Tester, Mr. R. Rigden, and Mr. C. Sheath.

The Superintendent of the Elham Division, K.C.C. (Supt. F.H. Golding) presented the following report: I have the honour to submit to you my annual report on the licensed houses within the Elham Petty Sessional Division, the number and description being as follows: Ale houses, 26,; beer houses on, 8; beer houses, off, 3; grocers, etc., 5; Total 42.

The population of the Division is 17,310, which gives a ratio of one licence to 412 oersons. During the past year the licences of four ale houses and two beer houses have been transferred. One licensee has been proceeded against for an offence against the Licensing Act, and the case was dismissed. No proceedings have been taken against any person during the year for drunkenness. The number of persons proceeded against dor drunkenness during the past eight years is as follows: 1919, 1; 1920, 2; 1921, 1; 1922, 3; 1923, 2; 1924, 2; 1925, 2; 1926, nil.

All the licensed houses have been generally well conducted during the past year, and I have no objection to the renewal of any of the licences.

The Chairman said that the Bench had pleasure in signing the report as satisfactory.

Mr. Rutley Mowll, of Dover, applied on behalf of the Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers' Association to extend the permitted hours under the Licensing Act, 1921.

Mr. Mowll said he appeared to ask the Magistrates to remove a curious anomaly that had arisen with regard to the licensing hours in the district. Since he had the honour of appearing before the Magistrates on a similar application the circumstances had, he ventured to say, very much changed to the advantage of the applicants, as they had now got on either side of their jurisdiction the very conditions prevailing which he was asking the Bench to apply to its jurisdiction. That was to say Hythe had got the privilege, and so had Folkestone, so that on either side of them they had got the licensing hours during the seasonable months extended from 10 until 10.30. He was there to ask the Magistrates to do that for the licensees in their district in their desire to cater for the needs of the public. When it was last before the Bench it was a little uncertain as to whether the Folkestone Magistrates would assent to that very reasonable course. They did assent, and he though the was right in saying that it had been found to work most satisfactorily both at Folkestone and also at Hythe. He thought that they wanted no more striking illustration of the ridiculous way in which the matter worked out at the present time than to take the town of Sandgate. It was true that Sandgate had not a Mayor and Corporation of its own; it was ruled by a District Council and consequently came within the Elham Division area. Suppose anybody arrived by bus at 10 p.m. at the foot of Sandgate Hill. The Fleur de Lis, at Sandgate, was within the jurisdiction of the Folkestone Magistrates, and consequently customers arriving by bus could go and get a drink there at ten o'clock, and remain there until 10.30. Immediately opposite was the Military Tavern, which was within their jurisdiction, and unless they granted the facility for which he applied, the Military Tavern had to close its door at ten o'clock, and therefore the Fleur de Lis had that advantage over the Military Tavern. Persons who wanted intoxicating liquor had to leave the Military Tavern at ten o'clock, and they could walk across the road and get those facilities at the Fleur de Lis. It was laughable; it did not want any comment by him. That was the position. The only difficulty the Magistrates had in his mind in assenting to the proposition was the fact that within their jurisdiction were a number of houses in a purely rural area. If they examined the type of trade, the quantity of trade that was done in their urban houses, as distinct from their rural houses, they would find that by far the larger portion was done in the urban houses. Let them take such houses as the White Lion at Cheriton, or the Victoria Hotel in Risborough Lane – they were obviously, to all intents and purposes, town houses. Within half a mile of the White Lion, such was the need for licensing facilities, there was an application now pending before the Folkestone Bench to grant a full licence; to transfer, in fact, a hotel licence from the Borough of Folkestone to that point to a place called the Morehall Wine and Spirit Stores. If that was granted – he was not pre-judging it at all – there would be an anomaly there. That house would be open until 10.30 under the rule of the Folkestone Magistrates, and the adjoining house, the White Lion, would have to close at ten o'clock. The thing was absurd. What he was asking the Bench to do was to have regard to the majority of the needs of the district, to say that they were not going to penalise the licensed victuallers who came within their district by prohibiting them from having the privilege which the licensed victuallers on either side of them enjoyed. They could not have a better record than that which they had heard in Superintendent Golding's report; not a single licensed victualler convicted of any offence and not a single case of drunkenness. If they could not trust those licensed victuallers he did not know who they could trust. He asked the Bench to grant the application. He would point out to them if they felt any difficulty regarding the rural area that while he did not think they had any right to split up their licensing district – he thought one rule must apply throughout the district – if their rural houses did not require that facility there was no reason on earth why they should use it. The facility was needed for the urban houses. They had every reason to need it and he was suggesting to the Bench that it was only fair and right that they should have it. Every Bench had to decide for itself, but it must be within their knowledge that the facility for which he was asking was already enjoyed in one for or another by almost every other town on the coast in Kent. They had got it at Dover, at Deal, Folkestone, Hythe, and they had got it at places like Margate and Broadstairs. There was only one place he knew of where it was not granted in those seaside towns and that was at Ramsgate, but it could not be long before common sense prevailed there. He asked for common sense to prevail in their Division, and he appealed to the Bench to help the licensed victuallers under their jurisdiction to carry on their business at a time when all seaside people were making their living.

After a brief retirement of the Magistrates, the Chairman announced that the hours would remain the same as last year.

Folkestone Herald 16 March 1929.

Local News.

Sincere regret is felt in Cheriton at the approaching departure of Councillor Roy Smiles, licensee of the White Lion, Cheriton, who is leaving Cheriton after residing there 30 years. Mr. Smiles will leave Cheriton on April 8th for Southall, Middlesex, where he will take up the proprietorship of the Marching Hotel. Mr. Smiles is the son of the late Mr. Joseph Smiles, best known as a splendid Chairman of the Elham Board of Guardians, besides filling other important offices.

Owing to a nervous breakdown on the part of his father, Mr. Roy Smiles took over the reins of business. Originally he intended to become a tailor, and was apprenticed in this connection to the tailoring trade to Mr. H. Charles Lye, of Guildhall Street, Folkestone. Subsequently he proceeded to Leeds, where he became very popular. He returned to Cheriton, and took over not only his father's business, but identified himself with many public movements. When war broke out he volunteered for duty, joined the ranks of the Royal Garrison Artillery, and went on active service to France, leaving his business at the White Lion in charge of two managers and staff. Mr. Smiles was a member of the Elham Board of Guardians for seven years, and for a similar period served Cheriton well as a member of its Urban District Council.

It may be mentioned that Councillor Smiles was one of the principal founders nine years ago of the Cheriton Christmas Dinner Fund – an organisation which has done untold good amongst the poor. Mr. Smiles – always out to do good – established some years ago a Thrift Club. In the first year of its existence £400 was paid in and distributed. So great was the enthusiasm which Mr. Smiles put into the organisation that the club has paid out at Christmas time £1,000 and over to its men and women members.

A footballer himself, he it was who ran the Cheriton Football Club for some years.

The Cheriton Gardeners' Society, too, realise that they are losing a good and practical friend. He has acted for years as the Society's hon. Secretary and helped its progress in many ways, and to the extent of placing his beautiful annexe at the disposal of the Society for its monthly meetings.

Councillor Smiles, amongst other activities, has interested himself greatly in the Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers' Association, of which he was Chairman and is now President. His aim has always been to elevate the tone and raise the status of the trade in this district. In this connection it is interesting to note that he is a past Chairman of the No. 10 District of the National Licensed Victuallers' Association, which embraces the counties of Kent, Sussex and Middlesex.

Folkestone Herald 30 March 1929.

Local News.

An application by Mr. Roy S. Smiles, of the White Lion, Cheriton, who is shortly leaving the district, for the temporary transfer of the licence to Mr. P.S. Moss, of Gillingham, was granted.

Folkestone Herald 8 June 1929.

Local News.

A remarkable story of the theft of £14 10s. from a visitor at Cheriton was told to the Folkestone Magistrates on Thursday, when Rose Braden, who, to quote a police inspector, had a “terrible record”, was sentenced to three months hard labour for the offence.

The woman was charged with stealing the money from the person of Daniel Addley, and Thomas David Braden, her husband, and Archibald Perry were charged with having been concerned together in receiving from her the money, well knowing it to have been stolen. All three prisoners pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Daniel Addley, of Mile End Road, London, a visitor, staying at 13, St. Winifred's Road, Folkestone, a labourer under Stepney Borough Council, said that on June 4th he went into a public house at Cheriton at 11.10 a.m., and there saw the three prisoners in the public bar. They were strangers to him. He entered into conversation with them, and they all had several drinks, for which he paid. He stayed with them in the public house until twenty minutes past two in the afternoon. When he went into the public house he had £17 in notes in his possession. Whilst in there he took out the notes to pay for the drinks. When he left the house at 2.20, in company with the prisoners, he had about £14 10s. on him. He was under the influence of drink. He lost his memory to an extent, and could not really say where they went. The next thing he remembered was that he was lying on some grass in a piece of waste land in Cheriton Road. It was raining. It was just inside some hoardings. He was in a daze, nut as he woke he saw the woman prisoner was leaning over him. She said “Give me that money”, and away she went. He saw her take the money, which was in an inside breast pocket.

In reply to the woman prisoner, prosecutor said he did not remember going to a coffee shop after leaving the inn.

Replying to Thomas Braden, witness said he did not remember dropping any money in the public house. He did not remember having four dinners in the coffee shop. He denied giving Mrs. Braden £4.

Mrs. Charlotte Morton, employed at a restaurant at 39, High Street, Cheriton, said that on June 4th Thomas Braden and the prosecutor came in together and had two dinners. Afterwards the other two prisoners came in and Braden ordered two dinners for them. Prosecutor, whom she thought was ill, could not eat his dinner. The prisoners had beer with them, and this they drank with their dinner. After the meal the woman said she was going to take prosecutor to have a sleep, and went out with him, assisting him along. A few minutes afterwards she came back alone and had tea with the two men who had remained there. They whispered together. The woman went out alone again and did not return. The men left a minute or two afterwards, one at a time. Prosecutor paid for the meals in silver. She saw no notes at all.

Mr. Patrick Whelan, of High Street, Cheriton, said that at 2.45 on the day in question he was working on a building opposite Ashley Park. He saw the woman prisoner come along with Addley. She was supporting him and if she had let him go he would have fallen down. They went behind the hoardings. They sat down, and after a few minutes the woman left. She went into the cafe. A few minutes later she came out, and went straight to the place where she had left the man. She went to the man, who was lying on the ground, and he saw her bend over him. Then she went away at a sharp walk – practically running.

Sergeant Marsh, K.C.C., stationed at Cheriton, said that at about 4 p.m. he went to the Ashley Park allotments, where he saw the prosecutor lying near the billposting hoardings in a drunken stupor. About three yards from him he saw a wallet. It contained no notes.

Mr. Addley identified the wallet as his property.

Proceeding, Sergeant Marsh said he roused the man and from what he said made certain enquiries and communicated with the Folkestone police.

Mr. Thomas Edward Turner, landlord of the Little Rose, East Street, Canterbury, said that on the evening of the 4th the three prisoners came into his inn together about 7 o'clock. The woman paid for drinks with a £1 note. He saw her pull some green Treasury notes from her stocking and show them to an old lady in the bar. They spent about 10s. in his house.

Detective Sergeant Rowe said that the previous day he caused Parry to be arrested at Canterbury and the other two prisoners at Chatham as they were getting off the train. At Chatham, when he told the two Bradens he would take them to Folkestone on suspicion of stealing the money, Thomas Braden replied “We were having a few drinks in the pub with him, but I know nothing about the money”. The woman said “We had some drinks with him in a pub, and he took us in a coffee shop and gave us dinner. He was chucking his money about in the pub and he gave me four quid”. They were brought to Folkestone, where all three were later charged and cautioned. The woman replied “I say nothing”. Thomas Braden replied “I reserve my defence”. Parry said “I have nothing to say”. None of the notes had been recovered.

The woman told the Magistrates that in the public house prosecutor said to her husband “Would you mind if your wife takes me as far as the corner to see me home?”, and her husband said “Yes, there's no harm in that”. When prosecutor got outside he said “I am going to treat you, my girl”, and gave her £4. Then he said “Let me go and lie down”. She put him on the grass and left him. She went back and told the men and afterwards went back to see if prosecutor was all right.

Thomas Braden said prosecutor “stood” them a number of drinks. “As for touching anything belonging to that man, I know nothing about it” he declared.

Parry had nothing to say.

Thomas Braden said there were many days when he made £1 or 30s. a day mending chairs.

The Chairman (Mr. L.G.A. Collins) said the Magistrates found the woman Guilty, but dismissed the case with regard to the two men.

Inspector Pittock said the woman had a terrible record. She had five convictions against her for drunkenness, two for obscene language, nine as a riotous prostitute, one for sleeping out, two for indecent behaviour, five for soliciting, one for obstructing the police, and had been indicted on three different occasions at the West Kent Sessions as an incorrigible rogue and sentenced to 12 months on each occasion. She was before that court on April 22nd on a charge of being drunk and disorderly. The case was proved against her but she was discharged on promising to leave the town.

Sentencing prisoner to three months' hard labour, the Chairman said the money found on her would be returned to prosecutor.

Folkestone Herald 13 September 1930.

Local News.

Charles Abbott, of 121 High Street, Cheriton, described as a labourer, was fined £1 and costs at the Elham Petty Sessions on Thursday for using obscene language at Cheriton. He pleaded Guilty.

P.C. Hirst said that at 11.45 a.m. on August 30th he saw defendant near the White Lion Hotel, at Cheriton, in conversation with some other persons. Mr. Moss, the licensee of the hotel, who was in the hotel with his wife and daughter, told Abbott about the obscene language he was using, and asked him to move on. Witness also asked defendant to move on, and he (Abbott) moved about five feet away when he started using more obscene language. When witness spoke to him again he said he was deaf and had not heard anyone tell him to move on.

Superintendent Golding said defendant had been fined in 1919 and 1926 at Folkestone Police Court for being drunk and disorderly, and again in 1926 he was fined 10s. for common assault. He was a single man, and was at present out of work, drawing 17s. 6d. a week unemployment pay.

Folkestone Herald 14 January 1939.

Local News.

Raffles promoted by the Secretary of a darts club at the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, were the subject of a number of summonses for alleged breaches of the Betting and Lotteries Act, 1934, at the Folkestone Petty Sessions on Tuesday.

A police officer described how he visited the public bar find while keeping observation took part in a number of raffles. It was stated by the prosecuting solicitor that the officer wan a number of prices.

For the landlord of the White Lion Hotel, Herbert Joseph Samway, who was summoned for permitting his premises to be used for the purpose of a lottery on the night of December 19th, it was submitted that he had no knowledge of what was taking place. He was found Guilty, but the summons was dismissed on payment of costs amounting to £5 7s.

James Betts, of 3, Cobden Road, Cheriton, Secretary of the White Lion Darts Club, was summoned for selling lottery tickets on December 10th, 12th, 17th, and 19th, and there were four similar summonses in respect of the same dates for using the hotel for the sale of tickets. He was found Guilty, but the summonses were dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act on payment of £2 13s. costs. A summons against Albert Edward Betts, of 7, Cobden Road, Cheriton, a brother of the other Betts, was dismissed, and a summons against Charles Knight of Bloomfield Road, Cheriton, was withdrawn.

The summonses were heard by Mr. L.G.A. Collins, Engineer Real Admiral L.J. Stephens and Alderman J.W. Stainer. Mr. Rutley Mowll appeared for Mr. Samway, and the Betts brothers were represented by Mr. H.G. Wheeler. Mr. B.H. Bonniface prosecuted for the police.

Mr. Mowll submitted that the case against his client (Mr. Samway) should be heard first, and after consideration, the Chairman announced that they would first hear all summonses relating to December 19th.

Two summonses against James Betts, of 3, Cobden Road, Cheriton, in respect of December 19th were then heard. He pleaded Not Guilty to selling lottery tickets, and also to a further summons for using the White Lion Hotel in connection with a lottery.

Opening the case, Mr. Bonniface said Betts was charged under the Betting and Lotteries Act, 1934, with selling chances in a lottery, and also with using the White Lion Hotel for the purposes of the lottery. Under Section 21 all lotteries for the provisions of the Act were unlawful, and offences included selling tickets and having tickets in one's possession. Sections 22 to 24, however, dealt with certain private lotteries, lotteries which were run in connection with a particular society or a club, like a darts club for instance, which could be held under certain conditions.

P.C. Walsh said on December 19th he entered the White Lion Hotel about 7.30 p.m. He was in plain clothes, and in the public bar he saw about 25 men present. A man he knew as “Jim” (the defendant) was in the bar. Witness saw him take a book of cloakroom tickets from his pocket, and after tearing out several tickets, he spread them on the table. He than said “Twopence a ticket, two prizes”. He held up two boxes of 25 cigarettes each. Witness bought a ticket from defendant for the draw. After the tickets had been sold the counterfoils were crumpled up and put in a cap, from which they were drawn. The first two tickets taken from the cap were the winners and persons holding the corresponding numbers were handed cigarettes bv defendant. Witness left the premises and telephoned to the police station, afterwards returning to the hotel. On his return he saw several people round a table and a number of tickets. The same procedure was followed by defendant, and witness bought another ticket. When Inspector Hollands arrived a draw for a small carton of cigars, for which witness had a ticket, was proceeding.

Questioned by Mr. Wheeler, witness said he believed there was a Darts Club at the White Lion. He did not know whether the lottery in which he took part was in connection with the Darts Club. He threw his money down on the table and took a ticket.

Mr Wheeler: Do you know whether those present were members of the Darts Club?

Witness: No.

Did anyone invite you to purchase a ticket? - No.

Did you know you were contributing for the benefit of the Darts Club? - No.

Mr. Bonniface (to witness): Were you a member of the Darts Club? - No.

Inspector Heastie said he accompanied Inspector Hollands to the White Lion Hotel on the night of December 19th and when they arrived there were about 35 persons in the public bar. Witness went to a table on which were a number of cloakroom tickets, and he took possession of them. In a cap on the corner of the table were a number of screwed up tickets; he also took possession of them. The cap was claimed by defendant Betts. There was nothing on the tickets to show they were being used for a Darts Club draw.

Chief Inspector W. Hollands said he entered the premises on the night of December 19th with a warrant. He saw a crowd of men standing round a table; four were playing cards. There were two men behind the bar. Standing close to the table were Betts and P.C. Walsh, who pointed defendant out to him. Witness said to him “Are you the man called 'Jim'?” and he replied “Yes". He obtained defendant's name and address and told him he would report him for selling tickets and using the premises. He replied “Only for the Darts Club”, adding “Here's my book. I am Secretary of the Darts Club. There are the names of the members who have had tickets”.

Defendant, giving evidence, said the Darts Club started on August 27th. There were 150 members, including 70 women. The subscription was twopence a week, which he collected. He handed the subscriptions to the Club’s Treasurer, Mrs. Samway. Defendant explained that they tried to get the best team possible for away matches, but some of the best players were out of work. They could get dart players who had money, but they “could not play for toffee”. A team consisted of 14 players with four reserves. Their expenses were paid, and supporters of the team going away with the players received half their expenses. The raffles were to help pay the expenses. He occasionally ran raffles for the Darts Club. Only members were invited to purchase tickets, and he took every precaution to see that only members had ticket. On this evening there were 30 to 40 in the bar and nearly all who were round him were members of the Darts Club. He saw P.C. Walsh and took him to be a working man. He did not invite the officer to buy a ticket and he did not see him take a ticket. He said on several occasions “Only tickets for members of the Darts Club". He had no opportunity of stopping P.C. Walsh buying a ticket.

Mr. Bonniface: How many in the bar were not members of the Darts Club?

Defendant: The majority were.

How many were not? - I cannot say.

When did you say “Only members”? – On two or three occasions.

Mr. Bonniface: You had had an official Darts Club draw over there?

Betts: Yes.

Mr. Wheeler submitted that the raffle which was held on this occasion was what was referred to in the Act as a private lottery, and the persons taking part in it or taking tickets were members of the Club. As far as was humanly possible defendant took steps to see that only members of the Club took part. The police officer had told them that he was not invited to buy a ticket.

The Magistrates decided that an offence had been committed.

The next, case was one in which Albert Edward Betts was summoned for having in his possession certain tickets for the purpose of sale in a lottery. He pleaded Not Guilty.

Inspector Heastie said when he entered the public bar of the White Lion Hotel on December 19th he saw defendant seated at a table. In His hind he had part of a book of tickets. He asked defendant if he had any more tickets on him and from his pocket he pulled out eight tickets.

Witness told him that he would be reported for having in his possession lottery tickets and for selling them. He made no reply.

P.C. Walsh said defendant was in the company of the other Belts while witness was in the bar, and he had tickets similar to these produced.

Cross-examined, witness said he did not see defendant offer any tickets for sale.

Mr. Wheeler: What was he doing with the tickets?

Witness: Tearing them out of the book and putting them on the table.

Defendant told the Magistrates, in evidence, that he was rolling up the tickets for the draw. He offered no tickets for sale.

James Betts said he asked his brother to roll up the counterfoils. He had no authority to sell any tickets.

The Magistrates dismissed the case against this defendant.

Herbert Joseph Samway, the landlord, was then summoned for, on December 19th, knowingly permitting his premises to be used in connection with the promotion of a lottery. He pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Bonniface said the whole of the bar could be seen from the server. Not only was Mr. Samway there on a number of occasions, but on one occasion he was asked by James Betts if he would like a ticket in the draw. Mr. Samway put his hand to his pocket, but before he could get his money out someone else took the ticket.

P.C. Walsh said the public bar was a fairly large room. From behind the counter one could see the whole of the public bar. Before he left to telephone to the Police Station he had not seen Mr. Samway. When he came back he saw defendant standing behind the counter of the public bar. He was looking towards the table where James Betts was standing. The tickets were spread cut on the table and a lottery for cigarettes was taking place. Betts said to the landlord "Do you want the last one?" Defendant put his hand in his pocket, but just then a man standing near the table put twopence on the table and picked up the ticket. Shortly after Inspector Hollands arrived.

Replying to Mr. Mowll, witness said there was a slight bend in the counter and in front of that was the table referred to. People interested in the lottery were standing between the table and the counter.

Chief Inspector Hollands said after he had entered the premises on this night he saw defendant and told him that he had a warrant to search the premises in connection with a lottery. Defendant replied “The only tickets we have here are those we had printed for the Darts Club draw. A book of tickets was given to each member and so far as I know no-one else has had them”.

Witness pointed out that it was stated that Betts had been running a lottery in the bar, and defendant said "I know nothing about that”.

Told that he would be reported defendant said “This is all unbeknown to me. The Darts Club had some tickets printed which I was told were in order. I told the Club it must be for members only. With regard to the other draw, I have no knowledge”.

Witness said there were notices in the bar prohibiting lotteries.

Mr. Mowll: It is a very busy house? - Yes.

Probably the busiest in Folkestone? - I don’t know about that.

Addressing the Magistrates, Mr. Mowll said it was a very flimsy case against the licensee. There was only one little incident mentioned to show wha was going on. That was when James Betts asked the landlord, according to the evidence, if he would “have one”. He (Mr. Mowll) had heard that term used in another way than in connection with the buying of lottery tickets. The most that was suggested against Mr. Samway was that he put his hand in his pocket and that was not very conclusive evidence. At that moment someone else took the ticket.

It was a very curious anomaly of the law relating to lotteries. It was admitted so far as the Darts Club was concerned that a lottery confined to members of the Club was in order. What these people were doing on this evening might have been in connection with the Darts Club or it might not. It was suggested that the landlord knew what was going on, but there was a crowd of people in the premises, and there was a crowd of people interested in what was going on at this table. Those people had their backs to the servery and it did not make it very likely that the landlord, even if he were in the bar, could have seen what was going on. He submitted the evidence did not justify them recording a conviction against the defendant, who had been a licensed victualler for a large number of years.

The Chairman announced that the Magistrates found defendant Guilty but they would not register a conviction. He would have to pay the casts of the prosecution, three guineas advocates fee, £2 police costs and 4s. court fee, a total of £5 7s.

Mr. Mowll said he was asked by the brewers to enquire whether the Bench would consider whether their decision meant that defendant should be asked to leave the house. The brewers had a very high opinion of Mr. Samway and they thought he had conducted his house extraordinarily well. He was asked as to whether that case would act adversely against defendant in regard to the renewal of the licence.

Mr. Bonniface said he was authorised to say by the Chief Constable that subject to the opinion of the Bench he would not oppose the renewal.

The Bench felt it could not express any opinion, but the Clerk (Mr. C. Rootes) said he understood that the Chief Constable had no intention of opposing the renewal.

Further summonses against James Betts were then considered.

There were six summonses against him alleging that on December 10th, 12th and 17th he had sold certain lottery tickets, and that he had used the White Lion Hotel for the promotion of lotteries.

A summons against Charles Knight, of 30, Broomfield Road, for selling certain tickets in a lottery on December 12th was withdrawn.

Mr. Wheeler, for Betts, said having regard to the findings of the Bench in regard to December 19th he was instructed to plead guilty to these six summonses.

Mr. Bonniface said the summons in respect of December 10th showed a rather flagrant and wholesale case. Not only were packets of cigarettes raffled but also a rabbit and hutch, a crate of beer, two or three prizes of chocolate, a case of cider and just before time two half-bottles of whisky were raffled to anyone present in the bar. “I can produce a number of prizes won by the policy officer”, added Mr. Bonniface, “including a casket of cigarettes and chocolates". In regard to December 17th articles raffled, continued Mr. Bonniface, included a joint of pork, cigarettes, chocolates, sherry, cigarette cases and biscuits. A ham was not raffled because they could not sell enough tickets. On one night alone the police officer spent 8s. in twopenny tickets.

Mr. Bonniface said he was informed that the rabbit and hutch were raffled by a woman who was not before the court.

Mr. Wheeler again pointed out that these raffles were run entirely for the benefit of the Dart Club.

The Magistrates dismissed the summonses against James Betts under the Probation of Offenders Act on payment of costs amounting to £2 13s.

Folkestone Herald 12 April 1941

Local News.

A Sergt. Major who has been recommended for a commission appeared before the Folkestone Magistrates on Friday last week to answer a charge of stealing a mirror.

His battery commander described the taking of the mirror as “an irresponsible prank”, and the case was dismissed under the First Offenders’ Act, defendant being ordered to pay 15s. costs. The accused was T. Sergt. Major Edward C. Cave.

Herbert J. Samways, licensee of the White Lion, Cheriton, gave evidence that there was a mirror, valued about £1, on the wall of the hotel lounge. He saw it there last Saturday night, but he could not say whether defendant was in the lounge that evening.

P.C. Barrett said at 8 p.m. on March 31st he received information that a mirror was missing from the White Lion Hotel, and following enquiries he saw Cave in the presence of his commanding officer. Defendant said “We took the mirror but not in the light of theft. There were three other men with me”. Witness said the mirror was lying on the floor by the side of defendant’s bed.

Defendant’s Battery Commander asked the Magistrates to allow the case to be dealt with by the military, but the Bench would not acquiesce.

His Battery Commander, a solicitor, said although in law it was a case of theft, the motive was not theft in the ordinary sense of the word. It might be more properly described as an irresponsible prank.

Defendant told the Magistrates that he went to the public house with several of his friends. He had just been granted leave and they went there to celebrate. They had several drinks and were rather merry and he removed the mirror from the wall. On the night the police officer called they were considering how they could restore the mirror to its owner, realising that it was not “playing the game,” but they were rather “stuck” as to know how to take it back.

The Battery Commander said defendant enlisted in May, 1939. In four months he was promoted from lance-bombardier to troop sergt-major. He had done extremely well and had been recommended for a commission in either the R.A.O.C. or the R.A.S.C. because of his knowledge as a mechanical motor engineer.

The Chairman (Alderman R.G. Wood) said the Magistrates had decided to dismiss the case under the First Offenders’ Act on payment of 15s. costs.

Folkestone Herald 29 July 1950.

Local News.

Mr. and Mrs. H. Samway retired on Tuesday after 21 years in the licensing trade.

They spent nine years at the Fleur de Lis, Sandgate, and have just completed 12 years, to the day, at the White Lion, Cheriton. Mrs. Samway said that she and her husband had spent only one week and five days together on holiday in 27 years. “We shall be sorry to leave our customers, as we have been very happy here, but we feel we need and nave earned a rest”.

They have received presents from customers and from clubs which hold their meetings at the hotel.

Mr. and Mrs. Samway reside in Tedders Leas Road, Etchinghill.

Folkestone Herald 23 March 1957.

Local News.

Three days before he was due to sail for the Far East, Pte. James William Grier, R.A.M.C., Royal Military Hospital, Shorncliffe, pleaded Guilty at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to stealing a tankard from the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton.

“I was foolish”, he said. “I had too much to drink, and I do not know what made me take it”.

An R.A.M.C. officer said Grier took the tankard after attending a farewell party.

Chief Inspector L.A. Hadlow told the magistrates that on February 23rd Mr. William Floydd Care went to the hotel, where he was a regular customer and had his own tankard. He left at 10.20 p.m. and when the barmaid collected the dirty glasses the tankard was missing.

Giving Grier a conditional discharge on payment of 15/- costs, the Chairman (Ald. W. Hollands) told him “Don’t do such a silly thing again”.

Folkestone Herald 16 November 1957.

Local News.

Plans of proposed alterations at the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, were approved by the Justices at Folkestone Licensing Sessions on Wednesday.

Folkestone Herald 31 May 1958.

Local News.

The licence of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, was transferred at Folkestone Transfer Sessions on Wednesday, from Mr. T.E. Moore to Mr. R.B. Peters, former electrician, of Rochester.

Note: No record of Moore in More Bastions.

Folkestone Herald 3 November 1962.

Local News.

An intruder, who smashed a window at the back of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, on Wednesday afternoon, stole £13 from the till in the private bar.

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 14 September 1968.

Obituary.

Mr. Herbert Joseph Samway, former landlord of the White Lion Hotel, Cheriton, for 22 years, died recently after a long illness. Bert Samway, as he was known by his wide circle of friends and acquaintances, had lived with his wife at Dunromin, Teddars Leas, Etchinghill, since his retirement 18 years ago. He was 76.

Mr. Samway was born in Maidstone, and began his career there as a watchmaker and jeweller. He transferred to the licensed trade in 1928, when he took his first public house, the Fleur-de-Lis, in Sandgate. After 10 years there, during which time he became a founder member of the Sandgate Branch of the British Legion, and was a member of the Castle Lodge of Freemasons, Mr. Samway moved to the White Lion, where he and his wife stayed until 1950, when Mr. Samway retired. Mr. Samway was a Knight of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.

Three years after joining the Royal Naval Air Service in 1916 he was married at Maidstone. Representatives of the British Legion and many other friends and villagers attended the funeral at Lympne Parish Church on Monday.

Folkestone Herald 26 May 1979.

Local News.

Renovation plans at a Folkestone pub could turn it into one of the town's major entertainment centres. Nearly £10,000 is being spent on the pub, The White Lion, at Cheriton.

And now new landlord Bryan Adams hopes he will be able to give the town a top rock and cabaret venue. Already Mr. Adams, who only took over the pub six weeks ago, has set about cleaning up its image. Last week he banned motorway construction workers after a fight outside the premises led to a £400 bill for a smashed window. He explained “This place has had a rough image in the past, but I am determined to change all that”.

Plans for the pub include re-decoration and carpeting throughout and regular evenings of live entertainment. It is hoped that these will include two rock nights a week, featuring both established and local bands, and cabaret and club-type entertainment at the weekends.

Mr. Adams said that he hoped entertainment at the pub would start in June. “We will try to get first-class acts down here. With the right acts I am convinced we could become one of the leading entertainment centres in the town”, he said.

Note: Adams not listed in More Bastions.

Folkestone Herald 30 June 1979.

Local News.

Trouble and violence are things of the past for the White Lion pub, Cheriton. At least, that is the hope of landlord, Bryan Adams, as he prepares to open the pub as a new entertainment centre this weekend. In the past the pub has gained a rough reputation. But, since Mr. Adams arrived as new landlord three months ago, he has been determined to clean up the bad image. He has re-decorated and refurnished the premises and last month he banned motorway construction workers from the bar after a navvy was hurled through a window during a closing-time fight on the pavement outside. Now the £10,000 face-lift has been completed and tonight a special evening is being arranged to mark the start of regular entertainment spots at the pub. Featured act tonight will be the local group, Denigh, but Mr. Adams says that shows ranging from cabaret to country and western will be presented. “I know the place has had a bad image in the past”, he said, “but I am determined to make this a really good entertainments centre and make sure there is no more trouble”.

Ironically the special celebrations tonight nearly could not go ahead as planned. Police objected to an application placed before Folkestone Magistrates for an extension of hours. They claimed that it wasn’t a special occasion. But the Magistrates decided to approve an extension until 11.45 p.m.

Folkestone Herald 20 November 1981.

Local News.

A pub shut because it was a potential health hazard reopened on Wednesday after the landlord cut short his holiday in Spain. Mr. Bryan Adams returned to the White Lion, Cheriton High Street, after Shepway District Council health officials advised the relief publican to close last Friday until the premises were cleaned up.

A council spokesman told the Herald and Gazette that following discussions with Mr Adams on Wednesday morning, no objections were raised to the pub reopening to customers. Officials recommended several improvements which could be made to the White Lion’s general basic cleanliness and will re-inspect the premises in about a fortnight.

Mr Adams said later there is nothing to worry about regarding conditions at the pub. “My local customers will agree that I have always kept up high standards. The pub was not in a state, officials just raised a few points regarding part of the premises which were not being used. These things do happen and the relief landlord knew nothing about it. I was the only one who was able to sort this problem out. The are quite happy now”.

Mr. Adams flew back from Torremolinos on the first available flight after hearing about the situation, cutting short his holiday after only four days.

Folkestone Herald 10 July 1987.

Local News.

Barry Chamberlain, popular guv'nor at Cheriton's White Lion pub, did not need asking twice when invited to take part in a charity banger race at Coombe Valley Circuit, Dover. The White Lion has sponsored local driver Dermot Walsh for several years, and on Sunday Barry lined up with more than twenty other licensees from all over Kent and London, helping to raise over £2,000 for bone marrow research at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“It was good fun”, said Barry on Monday. “I came nowhere, of course, but the place was crowded and everyone had a good day. I promise I'll do better next year!”

The annual event was started in memory of Ian Saunders, a junior banger racing champion from Canterbury, who died of leukaemia at the age of 16.

Folkestone Herald 1 July 1988.

Local News.

Twenty-first birthday celebrations for Patrick Dunn ended in bloodshed when he was savagely attacked with a pool cue in a pub. Patrick, from Cheriton High Street, was playing pool with three men he met last Saturday night in the White Lion in Cheriton. He was suddenly set upon by one of the players and beaten repeatedly over the head with a cue. The trio then picked up their coats and walked out, leaving Mr. Dunn covered in blood on the pub floor.

A barmaid at the White Lion said “It all happened so quickly. We'd never seen the three men before and they ran out after the attack. The one who had been hit was very badly hurt”.

Patrick was drinking from a pint glass when he was attacked and this was smashed into his face by the cue. He was rushed to the William Harvey Hospital with serious head and facial injuries.

“It was a violent and unprovoked attack”, said Folkestone C.I.D. “He could have been killed. We'd like to hear from anyone who witnessed it”.

One of the men was described as about 35, 5ft 7ins and stockily built. He was unshaven and had short black hair. He was wearing a blue and white striped shirt. Another was 5ft 8ins of medium build. He had fair collar length hair and a white shirt with a collar.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Trevor Smith of Folkestone C.I.D.

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 26 August 1988.

Local News.

Pubs in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh will continue with the time-honoured cry “Time, please” despite the big shake-up in pub hours this week.

Some will “test the beer” with all-day opening, but most landlords contacted by the Herald felt there wasn’t the demand, and that they would be out-of-pocket if they had to pay staff to man empty bars.

Martin Foulkes, landlord of the Clarendon, Tontine Street, Folkestone, said “I run a night pub really. I do not have enough customers during the day to keep it open. It just would not make sense. On Fridays and Saturdays I might stay open in the afternoon; it depends on how many people we have in”.

At the Guildhall, The Bayle, Folkestone, landlady Eileen Lewis said “I am waiting to see how it goes. I might stay open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but only if we are busy”.

The White Lion, Cheriton, is going to be open all day, every day except Tuesdays and Sundays. “There are plenty of workers who finish their shifts in the afternoon who will come here for a drink”, said the landlord.

Kent’s biggest brewery, Shepherd Neame, welcomed tie change. Chairman Robert Neame said “It is a victory for common sense. The new laws provide licensees with an opportunity to improve their trading”.

Folkestone Herald 17 March 1989.

Advertising Feature.

The old White Lion pub in Cheriton has opened with a new name and a new look. It is now called Banjo's and puts much more prominence on food. There are regular bands and plenty of good beer.

Landlord Barry Chamberlain said “We have been closed for six weeks. Basically there's been a complete change at the pub. There is a restaurant at the back of the pub now and one double-size bar”. He says he hopes to push the food more as an attraction. “We serve traditional English food and can boast a wide range on offer. It's quality food at reasonable prices. Sunday night will be band night, when we will be having the best bands you can find in the area”, said Mr. Chamberlain.

The pub is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with the restaurant cooking good food practically all the time. Barry and wife Lyn always extend a warm welcome to their customers, and the White Lion has been a popular place for many years. Now under it's new name it is set to stay just as successful – if not much better. So why not pop along to the end of Cheriton high Street if you fancy some decent food and drink?

Folkestone Herald 25 August 1994.

Local News.

Live music will go on being played at a pub despite complaints from neighbours. Four of them told Shepway District Council they were fed up with the noise from bands playing at the White Lion pub, Cheriton.

Licensing officers, who visited the inn several times, said noise was very loud inside the building and on nearby streets. But landlord Tony Leeves appealed for permission to keep live bands at the pub, saying it was historically known for such entertainment. Bands were vital for attracting customers, he added.

Entertainments licensing committee members asked how Mr. Leeves could reduce noise escaping from the pub. Shifting the performance stage, building a small entrance foyer and secondary glazing were among possibilities. Mr. Leeves explained. He had asked environmental health officers for help.

Peter Wells, Assistant Director of Health, recognised steps the landlord had taken to find out how he could improve things and said if he carried out alterations and closely monitored noise neighbours should not suffer unreasonable disturbance. The committee renewed the licence for six months instead of the usual year.

Folkestone Herald 29 December 1994.

Local News.

A youth who persistently committed offences while on bail has been given nine months in a young offenders' institution. Scott Keeler, 18, was finally kept in custody after he and an accomplice were trapped in a pub cellar they intended to steal from.

Keeler, of Wood Avenue, Folkestone, admitted theft, aggravated vehicle taking, burglary and driving without insurance. He asked for five other offences to be taken into consideration.

Maureen O'Connor, prosecuting, said a number of vehicles were broken into in Deal on March 14 and items were stolen. Property worth £300 was also stolen from a shed. Keeler was later arrested with two other youths and then granted bail. In June he took a car from Linden Crescent, Folkestone. Police followed at speeds up to 60 m.p.h., and eventually caught him in Green Lane, where he had crashed into a wall and written the car off. Again he was bailed and more offences were committed. On September 4 he and three others stole five bottles of alcohol from a supermarket. When interviewed, Keeler said “We just thought we would have a laugh and a couple of bottles”. When released on bail for the final time he and another youth broke into the White Lion pub at Cheriton. The landlord was woken by the burglar alarm and on seeing that the cellar hatch was open closed it and put beer kegs on top, trapping the thieves inside. They were then arrested.

Johnathan Higgs, defending, said it must have been a surprise to Keeler when he was finally refused bail. He had been in custody for three months and no longer felt he was leading a clever way of life.

Noting that Keeler committed the offences to impress his friends, Judge Michael Nelligan said they were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be passed.

Folkestone Herald 2 February 1995.

Local News.

Plans to extend pub opening hours on Sundays have failed to cheer local landlords. “No thanks” was the reply from most Shepway publicans asked about the controversial move.

Prime Minister John Major wants to scrap the law that forces pubs to close between 3 and 7 p.m., leaving them free to open from noon until 10.30 p.m.

But many hard-working pub owners are already calling time on the idea, saying their extra time off on Sundays was “sacrosanct”.

Tony Leeves, owner of the White Lion, in Cheriton High Street, said “With most publicans Sunday afternoons are the only time they get to sit down and have a normal lunch, with an extra hour to relax. My Sunday afternoons are sacrosanct and I like being able to relax for an extra hour and enjoy my Sunday roast and Yorkshire pudding”. Mr. Leeves already works from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day except Sundays, and he says he will probably not open for the extra hours. “If the business is to be had I'm all for going out and getting it, but people only have so much money to spend”, he added. “If you divide that amount by hours, it just means less money is spent per hour”.

Landlord James Hawkings said his regulars at The Happy Frenchman, in Christ Church Road, Folkestone, thought little of the proposal. “Most men come out for a drink at Sunday lunchtime, but have to get back to their wives for their lunch afterwards”. He intends to stay shut between 3 and 7 p.m. and does not believe trade will suffer as a result. Pubs benefitting from the longer hours would be those in the countryside selling meals, and those on the seafront, he said.

A Home Office official said the Government hoped to change the law by the end of the year. The proposals include letting off-licences sell alcohol from 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.. And supermarkets could do the same for six continuous hours on Sundays.

Folkestone Herald 16 February 1995.

Local News.

A pub landlord has promised to cut down the noise from his live music nights. Neighbours of the White Lion in Cheriton High Street complained last year about the noise coming from the building when bands played there. Shepway Council renewed landlord Tony Leeves' indoor entertainment licence for six months and have monitored the situation since. Now they have said he can go on holding the Thursday and Friday night events for another six months at least. But members of the licensing sub-committee said he must try to have a porch built in front of the pub – work Mr. Leeves said the owner of the building was prepared to undertake. But he added “I do feel this has been blown out of all proportion by one complainant whose complaint has not been justified”.

The main protestor is a woman living in Risborough Lane but Mr. Leeves said she exaggerated how badly the noise penetrated her home. “In her first letter she said she could hear the music above the sound of the TV, but I've spoken to several noise consultants and they say that's impossible”.

Senior licensing officer, John McEwan, visited the woman in her home and said the music could be heard indoors with a window open, but not with the window shut. No meter readings of noise levels in the house were taken, and Mr. Leeves said he believed these were necessary if the complaint were to be justified. Since the last licence renewal he has secured windows so they cannot be opened on music nights and has carried out sound insulation of the stage area. But the licensing sub-committee was most concerned about noise escaping when customers opened doors on entering and leaving. This would be reduced if a porch was built. Police told the Council before the latest meeting it had received several complaints about noise from the White Lion, but later said this was an error on their part and there had actually been no such complaints.

The sub-committee said if more neighbours complained an officer would take readings of noise levels as evidence.

Folkestone Herald 17 October 1996.

Local News.

Some God-fearing folk have found a new venue in which to celebrate their faith. Last week the Herald reported that a branch of the Christian Community Church had started to meet every week – in a pub. And, on Sunday, more than 30 of the Church members met before opening time at the White Lion, Cheriton. However, the worshippers stress that although they are turning an ale house into a house of God, they have not swapped bread and wine for snacks and beer.

Ally Kay, 35, who runs the Church with his wife, Nicky, also 35, said “All Churches have a responsibility to reach out to the community. People who wouldn't normally go to Church feel comfortable in a pub. We felt it was the right way to worship. It's a nice pub and we are welcomed by the staff”.

Folkestone Herald 14 August 1997.

Advertising Feature.

All kinds of changes have been underway at the White Lion.

Landlady Ruth Smith has undertaken an extensive refurbishment to create the perfect setting for special occasions and a warm welcome whether you pop in for a drink, enjoy a meal or stay the night. There are four double bedrooms available. Ruth, who has owned the White Lion for the last three months, has worked in the trade for 40 years, owning or managing various pubs, night clubs and restaurants, including The Hotel Tresillian in Margate, Sam's Nightclub in Portsmouth, and The Station Bar in Helensburgh, Scotland.

The White Lion was originally a hotel, and is remembered for a visit by King George V, who stayed there for a night on his way back to London after First World War victory.

Ruth Smith is known for producing cakes for special occasions, especially for the beautiful wedding cakes which are made to order. To complement this, the White Lion offers a function room for up to 100 people to cater for events such as parties, weddings and christenings. Bookings are already being taken for Christmas outings and parties.

The White Lion has a restaurant, seating up to 36 people, which features Sunday Lunch for just £3.95. Needless to say, you should book in advance, as it is extremely popular. On a livelier note, there is karaoke every Tuesday night, and happy hours every Tuesday evening between 6 and 8 p.m.

An extra feature is tucked away at the rear of the pub, where there is a very popular cafe with easy parking facilities. It serves a full English breakfast from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at just £2.40, or a Jumbo Breakfast for £3. There is a full menu available, which is added to by daily specials.

Folkestone Herald 18 June 1998.

Maidstone Crown Court.

A man who had gone along to a pub karaoke evening was kicked unconscious by wedding party thugs who had spilled out of a private function room into the bar.

Alastair Walker, prosecuting, told how, from being irritating, their behaviour developed into something far worse as everyone gathered outside at closing time waiting for lifts. It was then, he said, that John Newland, who had gone along for an evening out at the White Lion, Cheriton High Street, Folkestone, was asked by the groom “Did you call my missus a w****r?” “This was a question which was unfounded and designed to provoke trouble”, said Mr. Walker. A bottle was smashed over his head and he was surrounded by wedding party guests, who set about punching and kicking him. An attempt to make a break for it was thwarted when he was tripped up and again kicked as he fell to the ground.

Richard Norris, 20, of Joyes Road, Folkestone, Roy Jackson, 20, of Manorfield, Singleton, Ashford, and his brother, John Jackson, 23, of Cambridge Gardens, Folkestone all pleaded Not Guilty to malicious wounding on November 6, 1996, when they appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

Mr. Walker said the attack only ended when someone called out that the police were coming, but, despite this, Roy Jackson, who had left with the others, returned to carry out what he called “an act of gratuitous violence”, jumping on Mr. Newland, who at that stage was down and almost out. He regained consciousness hours later after being taken to the William Harvey Hospital, where he had to have six stitches for a cut above his right eye, and was found to be badly bruised.

Mr. Newland told the Court that the attack had been completely unprovoked and how, after the bottle was smashed over his head, he was punched and kicked. He remembered being pushed against the pub wall, when his only recollection was of a flurry of boots and shoes kicking out at him.

Mr. Walker said it was the Crown's claim that the three defendants were among those to surround and kick Mr. Newland, although conceded it was probably not one of them who smashed the bottle over his head.

The trial continues.

Folkestone Herald 25 June 1998.

Maidstone Crown Court.

Three thugs who attacked and beat a man in a pub where they were attending a wedding reception have been jailed.

John Newland was beaten senseless while attending a karaoke evening at the White Lion, in Cheriton high Street, in November, 1996.

A trial heard how Mr. Newland was surrounded by drunken guests from a wedding party being held on the premises. A bottle was smashed over his head, he was punched and kicked and when he tried to make a break for it he was tripped and again kicked as he fell to the ground. He woke up in hospital after being knocked unconscious.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court, John Jackson, 23, of Cambridge Gardens, Folkestone, admitted affray and assault causing actual bodily harm, and was jailed for a total of six months.

His younger brother, Roy Jackson, 20, of Manorfield, Singleton, Ashford, was sentenced to a total of 12 months in a young offender institution for malicious wounding and a public order offence.

Richard Norris, 20, of Joyes Road, Folkestone, was convicted of wounding Mr. Newland and was sent to a young offender institution for six months.

Mr. Newland told the Court the attack had been completely unprovoked. He remembered being pushed against the pub wall and then his only recollection was a flurry of boots and shoes kicking out at him. He needed six stitches to a cut over his right eye.

Alistair Walker, prosecuting, told the jury that the three defendants were among those to surround and kick Mr. Newland, although it was probably not one of them who smashed the bottle over his head.

Counsel for all three defendants, who had denied the offences, said they agreed that their behaviour had been unacceptable and inappropriate. All of them had undergone a complete change in lifestyle since the offence and all were now in stable relationships.

But Assistant Recorder Peter Wallis said the offences were so serious that only custody was appropriate.

Folkestone Herald 16 July 1998.

Toby Jugs.

Has anyone been to the White Lion, Cheriton, recently? Does it exist? The number in the Yellow Pages doesn't work and it is not listed in directory inquiries. Instead Jugs got through to a middle-aged lady. “Is that the pub?”, Jugs asked. “Wish it was!”, came the reply. Please call us, landlord, wherever you are!