Pub memories

[david_russell]

Paul,

In the register for the George there is Thomas Clements from 1921-1939 and V.Clements for 1939, presumably your great-great grandmother ? Do you know her first name ?

Then there is Samuel Clements until 1952, your great grandfather. Although the pub closed in 1942 because of the war, I think for one year.

In 1952 the pub finally closed and the license was transferred to the Hole in the Wall, Hill Street.

Do you know of any old photographs ?

[Jules382]

Mammouth task ahead for you David! When I get a chance I will try to jot down my memories in a Word file and send them to you, it's hard to remember my memories!

[david_russell]

Jules, Look forward to your memories.

[Christine221]

[quoted]
David Russell wrote:
Thanks Patrick.

Re: the Kicking Donkey, Hill Street (above). Did you get anywhere in your search for Patricia Rand-Liddle ?

[/quoted]


Hi Dave, I have been researching a pub in Witheringden Hill East Sussex called The Kicking Donkey, where my Grandparents were the publicans from approx. 1929 until 1942 , when they both died within 3 mths of each other. Their names were Annie and Thomas Crafter. My mother, Joyce, is now nearly 90 and lived there too during these years. I did visit the site with my son on Oct. 20th 2010 and discovered that it is now two cottages. I would love to know what happened to the pub after my Mum left in 1942, and who were the subsequent land lords. Have you heard of the old place ? Iwould appreciate any info that you might have, regards Chris.

[dhuvarren]

[quoted]
David Russell wrote:
A.J.Littlejohn was landlord of the Crown, All Saints Street for about six years from 1902. Although the pub is still with us it is now a different building having been rebuilt and altered a few times.

In 1910 A.J. gave up the pub business and joined the merchant navy. Initially he signed on with the White Star line as a steward and sailed with the 'Adriatic' for New York. Then in 1912 he signed on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the ''Titanic'.

His grandson Phillip Littlejohn said: "My grandfather was a first class steward on the 'Titanic' but survived the ordeal after being ordered to row lifeboat 13. It was in this boat that the youngest passenger aboard, nine weeks old Millvina Dean was rescued. She became the longest surviving passenger and died in 2009, aged 97".

A.J. later described his experience in lifeboat 13. "We could see the Titanic sinking by the head. Her forward ports were under water and we could see the lights gradually going out_ _ __ _ __ _ __ _ _We watched her like this for some time. Then suddenly she gave a plunge forward_ _ __ _ __ _ _.her stern went right up in the air_ _ __ _ _.there were two or three explosions_ _ __ _ _.after there were cries for help. They were awful and heartrending."

A fuller version of the above information can be found in Phillip Littlejohn's book: 'Titanic: Waiting for Orders'. The story of Alexander James Littlejohn.' Crescent Co 1999.

In 1998 when Phillip was researching the above book he visited the Crown, All Saints Street, collecting information. By this time the landlord was Alex Napier, ex drummer with rock band Uriah Heep. Phillip was astonished to find that Alex Napier called time on a reproduction 'Titanic' brass bell kept behind the bar. This was pure coincidence. The connection between his grandfather and the Crown was unknown outside the family until then.

I think A.J.Littlejohn was the only Hastings link with the Titanic ??




[/quoted]

[dhuvarren]

I have just acquired the replacement Continuous Certificate of Discharge Book for A J Littlejohn which was issued when the original was lost with the sinking of the Titanic. It lists all the White Star Ships he sailed with between Jan 1911 and Oct 1914. His first voyage was from Tilbury on the Orsova (128278) to Austrialia on the 5th Jan., and his second trip was from Southampton on the Adriatic (124061) to New York on the 3rd May.







A.J. later described his experience in lifeboat 13. "We could see the Titanic sinking by the head. Her forward ports were under water and we could see the lights gradually going out_ _ __ _ __ _ __ _ _We watched her like this for some time. Then suddenly she gave a plunge forward_ _ __ _ __ _ _.her stern went right up in the air_ _ __ _ _.there were two or three explosions_ _ __ _ _.after there were cries for help. They were awful and heartrending."

A fuller version of the above information can be found in Phillip Littlejohn's book: 'Titanic: Waiting for Orders'. The story of Alexander James Littlejohn.' Crescent Co 1999.

In 1998 when Phillip was researching the above book he visited the Crown, All Saints Street, collecting information. By this time the landlord was Alex Napier, ex drummer with rock band Uriah Heep. Phillip was astonished to find that Alex Napier called time on a reproduction 'Titanic' brass bell kept behind the bar. This was pure coincidence. The connection between his grandfather and the Crown was unknown outside the family until then.

I think A.J.Littlejohn was the only Hastings link with the Titanic ??




[/quoted]

[Gerry Glyde]

Was the Whitefriars at the junction of Priory and Whitefirars opposite the school? If so then that was used for several years for ward meetings for the Upper St Mary's Labour Party branch. In the 1970's there were Mr and Mrs Sutcliffe; Fred ( from Arcade Fisheries ? and his wife from across the road at the flats and many others whose names at present elude me. The Councillor who was employed by the Co-op Insurance and two others over the years. These were good and productive times

Gerry,

[terry_again]

The Whitefriars was on that corner, but has been closed a couple of years now and has been encased in scaffolding for much of that time. It is now a notorious eyesore. I'm told someone is still living in the upper part of the building (although I've seen no evidence of this). I've also been told that the rest of the building has been gutted.

[paddyanne]

[quoted]
David Russell wrote:
Does anyone remember the Whitefriars, Priory Road ? I am trying to track down the last couple of landlords/ladies/barmaids or anybody else connected with the pub. Just remembering a name might help. Thanks.
[/quoted]

i remember having a friend whose parents were running the whitefriers, i dont know how long they were there for. it was around 1977/ 1978. im sure my friends name was susan duffy

[traceyleigh]

I beleive that Sonny was the last person to run the whitefriars but i could be wrong