downsmail.co.uk
Sightings of headless butler’s ghost at school
THE principal of a school in Box- ley has admitted the suspected presence of a 19th century ghost in the classroom corridors, after the re-appearance of the headless but- ler in a new book. Charles Bruford, from the Euro-
pean School of Osteopathy says an- ecdotal accounts exist of shadows in the cellars seen by catering staff and students at Boxley House. Mr Bruford added: “Apparently
they refer to him/it as 'Sam'. I'm also vaguely aware of the board- room toilets being involved in the sightings, too.” Indeed, the body of Thomas Sales
– believed to be the apparition – was found in the butler’s pantry. In 1964, this was converted into a cloakroom, according to BoxleyVil- lage Memories, which devotes a whole chapter to the ghos. It reports a burglary in 1894 at the
big house left Sales feeling impli- cated. And, according to the but- ler’s suicide note, it was this suspicion that led him to “shatter his head with a gun” in the pantry.
The book refers to sightings of
the short man in dark clothing on occasions throughout the 1950s and in the ‘60s when the house was turned in to a country club. Mr Bruford concluded: “The ESO
enjoys a happy, friendly, positive environment with staff, students, visitors and residents past, present and apparitional!”
Boxley Village Memories is written by Robin Ambrose.
The European School of Osteopathy
Village history fascinating By Dennis Fowle
BOXLEY Village Memories pro- vides a fascinating insight to the history of Boxley during the last two centuries or so.
It is written by local author
Robin Ambrose, following his suc- cessful books on Penenden Heath and Sandling. The 200-page book, with photographs and illustra- tions, tells in 35 succinct chapters well-researched Boxley stories.
Few appreciate that this gentle, quiet village has such a rich and significant history based largely on notable families and wonderful, interesting buildings.
This is a chance for a nostalgic look back to so much, including two world wars, the school, cricket club, blacksmith, upstairs down- stairs houses, post office and the farming families. The book is available from Wa- terstones, Maidstone, for £9.
News Action on field
used by quads FURTHER action is being called for after the owner of a field used for quad biking in Hollingbourne failed to restore it to its previous state. Temporary buildings, track work and rubbish were still evident as we went to press, in spite of a notice served on Keith Ebrehart to remove jumps and paraphernalia associated with quad biking on the site off Hos- pital Lane.
Maidstone Council’s enforcement
officer Alan Howell wrote telling Mr Ebrehart that the mounds created by Paul Brown in the field in Green- way Court Road did not have plan- ning permission.
He confirmed motorcycle racing could take place as a “temporary” use for 14 days a year, but equip- ment or humps left on the land- caused that use to be continuous. Mr Ebrehart was told, as a result, the temporary use of the land for the year was complete and the level of the land had to be restored. Complaints had been received by the borough council from Holling- bourne Parish Council and residents concerned about the noise created and the potential damage to wildlife by the bikes.
The parish council was waiting for an update report from Mr Howell.
We are always looking for volunteers Maidstone
We are always in need of people who can spare a few hours.
Volunteering opportunities we have are; Day Centre Helpers Mini - bus Escorts Computer Class Tutors Fundraisers
Information and Advice Helpers
Call us on 01622 753618 or drop in for a chat at 7, Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6XW
www.ageuk.org.uk/maidstone
Maidstone East December 2014 29
Volunteers needed
To volunteer and help us run our services that we have on offer for the elderly citizens in the Maidstone Borough.
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