End of era for sports shop
A LEGENDARY Maidstone shop declared the end of its innings after notching up a century of service to the sporting world. Founded in 1910, Hubble and Freeman will open its Gabriel’s Hill premises for the last time on September 29. The shop has been caught out
by the crippling economic cli- mate, but will continue to be fondly remembered by genera- tions of sport enthusiasts. Since being launched by Kent cricketing star Jack Hubble, the store became the go-to place for a wide range of sports gear. From its humble beginnings
in a shed at the Trebor Sharps ground in London Road, Maid- stone, the business moved to Market Buildings and then to its current site on Gabriel’s Hill. Jack joined forces with his old team-mates Tich Freeman and LesAmes, foundingHubble and Freeman, in Maidstone and Hubble and Ames inMedway. H and F eventually merged
with the Teston cricket and hockey ball factory, Alfred Reader, and expanded into a chain of branches across Kent. The business was run for about 30 years by Jack’s grandson, Peter Ludgate, who sold it on in 2002, but still runs Hubble Sports, in Heath Road, Cox- heath, specialising in pool, snooker and bar billiards tables.
Hubble & Freeman today, and below, in the early years
ALFRED “Tich” Freeman named his Bearstedhome“Dunbowlin”. He died in January, 1965, aged 76. A spin bowler, he earned his nickname because he was just 5ft 2ins tall. He played for Kent from 1914 to 1936 and was capped for England 12 times. Born in Wateringbury, Jack Hubble kept wicket for Kent and MCC during his 25-year career. After his retirement, he became a qualified umpire. Jack died at the age of 84, al-
most exactly a month after his business partner, Tich.
Mr Ludgate, said the closure
came with terrible sadness. Fond memories include a
visit from the Beach Boys, who came in to buy croquet sets, and the sale of a billiard table to Poirot actor David Suchet. Mr Ludgate continues to run
his business supplying and ren- ovating games tables. Mark Wellbelove, chief executive ofH and F’s parent company, Kook- aburra Reader Ltd in Maidstone, said the closure of the shopwas forced by tough economic con- ditions.
Store refusal MAIDSTONE Council has turned down an application for an agricultural store for ma- chinery and implements at Amber Green Cottage, Back Lane, BoughtonMonchelsea. Gary Burton wanted to accom- modate equipment associated with his paddock maintenance and tree felling business. Maidstone Council’s decision statement said: “The building, by virtue of its scale and siting, would extend built develop- ment into the countryside to the detriment of its undevel- oped, open rural character.”
Consent for shed PLANNING permission was granted for the erection of a first-floor side extension and a garden shed at 4Haviker Street, Collier Street. The scheme was an amend-
ment of a previous application given consent in June last year. Collier Street Parish Council felt the proposal would lead to overlooking issues and an in- tensification of use, but the planning committee gave it unanimous backing.
Solar array scheme A STAND-ALONE solar PV array has been proposed for Or- chard House, Westerhill Road, Coxheath. Subject to Maidstone Council planning consent, the array would consist of 16 pan- els installed in a single row.
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