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PEOPLE PAGE
First Glimpse of Spring
Tuesday 24th February 2026
1.00 pm
Vicky Bartholemew
At last, the rain eased and a small window of calm opened, just enough for me to get out and enjoy what I hope is the beginning of the end of the wettest few months I can remember. I’m glad I took the chance, because it turned into a truly worthwhile walk.
On the way down towards the Watercress Beds, I met a lovely young lady and her dog. We paused for a chat, and she kindly allowed me to feature her here. This is Vicky, a local resident who has lived in Stickens Lane for the past four years, after many more spent in Leybourne.
Warm, friendly, and easy to talk to, she shared that her father once worked at the Research Station, and she still remembers the famous “Blue Door.”
It was a real pleasure meeting you, Vicky. I hope you and your four‑legged companion enjoyed the rest of your walk. And yes...once again, I forgot to ask the dog’s name… next time I’ll make sure I do!
A chance trip and a
familiar face
Sunday 8th February 2026
11.00 am
Barry Relf
I took a trip over to Malling today, hoping there might be a match on...and I wasn’t disappointed.
To my surprise and delight, the lads were already warming up when I arrived.
Even better, I was approached a familiar face while on the touchline.... Barry Relf.
Barry and I were at Clare Park around the same time, though I’m fairly sure I’ve got a couple of years on him, and we ended up on opposing football teams after leaving school.
Seeing him again after all these years was a real pleasure.
We spent some time catching up, reminiscing about our school days, and comparing memories. It turns out his recollections match mine almost exactly, right down to the people we knew and the moments we shared. (He even suffered at the hands of Miss Reeds set square, as did I)
There was an instant sense of connection, as if no time had passed at all.
Barry is now retired and looking well, very much the same person I remember.
It was genuinely good to reconnect, and I’m looking forward to seeing him again.
Father and son
Sunday 8th February 2026
11.00 am
Dennis and Craig Nyberg
As I mentioned in the entry above.
I managed to get over to Malling on Sunday, hoping there might be a game on, and there was.
It really is a breath of fresh air to see that some of the old‑school Malling residents are still making the effort to give something back to the village in one form or another.
The two people I’m highlighting here are no exception.
The picture on the right is one I borrowed from Craig’s Facebook page, as I didn’t have one of my own available (hopefully they won’t mind).
This is Craig and Dennis Nyberg, father and son, and they’ve been involved in East Malling football for as long as I can remember.
It all started with Dennis, who played for Malling around the same time I did, and he was no mean player. These days he’s still giving his time, now serving as Chairman of the club.
I’ve watched Craig play on and off for many years during my visits.
He still turns out occasionally and is always involved in some way.
Just today he was up at the pitch early, white‑lining before any of the players arrived.
The pair of them are true stalwarts of the local football scene, and it’s a pleasure to see.
Malling victory well desreved
Sunday 8th February 2026 11.00 am
East Malling Reserves
This is the team I mentioned in my previous posts for this Sunday.
These are East Malling's reserve side, and are currently sitting at the top of division one in the Maidstone and Mid Kent Sunday Football league.
Today they were up against their nearest rivals in Colt Athletic who are lying in second place.
After a shaky start and going down 1-0 in the first part of the first half, they rallied round to beat Colts 7-1 in a convincing win.
Friday Morning Ramblers
Friday 23rd January 2026 11.00 am
Michelle’s Friday Crew
I I ventured out last Friday and joined a few other brave souls who weren’t about to let the weather stop them from taking a stroll around Malling.
Led by Michelle, we set off from St James the Great Academy on Chapman Way in East Malling, and from the moment I arrived I was made to feel completely welcome.
We walked, talked, and enjoyed the whole route together. It was lovely meeting new people, and even though the weather wasn’t on our side, it was absolutely worth making the effort.
This friendly group meets every Friday and leaves promptly from the school at 11am. If, like me, you think this might be something you’d enjoy, please let me know, or simply turn up. I’m sure you’ll be made to feel just as welcome as I was.
Names left to right are: Ann, Jenny, Julie, Sue, Richard, Rosemary, Roger, Richard, Michelle.
Linda and Bob Jeffrey
Saturday 17th January 2026
Chance Meeting
I caught sight of these two from just above the old railway bridge on Broadwater Road.
I’d noticed them before, tending the land, but never quite managed to stop for a word. This time, though, I managed it.
This is Bob and Linda. They are custodians of the field beside what used to be Miss Martin’s place, a little pocket of Malling that still seems as I remember it.
Bob has recently had knee surgery, so it took him a while to make his way up to the start of the field for a chat, but he got there with that steady determination you only see in people who truly love a place.
They’ve lived in Larkfield for many years, and they’ve watched over that pasture for more than three decades. They no longer keep horses there, but they’ve continued to tend the land with the same devotion, cycling up from Larkfield three times a week (until recently) just to make sure everything was as it should be. You can feel their affection for it, the kind that builds slowly, year after year.
I have to say, they were two of the nicest souls you could hope to meet. There was something wonderfully familiar about them, as if they were part of the landscape itself. I’m already looking forward to crossing paths with them again on my walks, and I'm sure we will have many more reminiscence's to compare in the near future
Dave and Roxy
Saturday 3rd January 2026
Frosty Morning
Dave had set out from the far side of the village in, West Malling, wrapped up against the cold and accompanied by his little dog, Roxy, a tiny dachshund whose smart jacket happened to match Dave’s outfit perfectly. Roxy was doing her best to protest against the frosty morning, and who could blame her; when you’ve got such short legs, a winter walk must feel even colder.
Dave told me he’s usually out on his bike, but the sharp weather had persuaded him to take a walk instead. It was a pleasure to stop and chat with him, and I’ve no doubt our paths will cross again before too long.
Louise
Wednesday 31st December 2025
Friendly Chat
I met Louise as she was walking her dog along the path beside the railway tunnel, heading toward the Watercress Beds. I’m always a little hesitant about approaching women out of the blue, it can feel unusual to have a stranger stop you and ask for a photograph!! but she was wonderfully open and happy to help.
Louise mentioned that she lives on Wateringbury Road and has been there for around eight years. She was friendly and easy to talk to, and we chatted for a while before parting ways. I didn’t think to ask her surname or her dog’s name, but if our paths cross again, I’ll be sure to fill in those details.
Andy State
Sunday 14th December 2025
Another Malling Lad
I met Andy by the grand house at the Watercress Beds, both of us walking and reflecting on days gone by. We stopped for a long chat, sharing memories of teachers, friends, and family from back then.
Andy told me he once lived on Lavender Road in Stepstyle. Now 73, he’s settled in Bearsted after a career as a roofer. He even knew Kev Handley, which brought back more familiar names from our past.
We carried on walking together, and it felt good to reconnect with someone who shared those same memories, a reminder of how our lives have crossed and intertwined over the years.
Jason Allen
Saturday 13th December 2025
16 years in the village
I met Jason while walking towards the Watercress beds. The weather was kind—sunlight as bright as I’ve seen in a while, though the shade still carried a chill.
Jason was out with his dog (whose name I regret not asking!).
As we crossed paths, I explained my hopes for the website, and he kindly agreed to let me take his picture. Jason lives above Gillets Lane, and he shared a glimpse of one of the ongoing battles in our village.
He is currently involved in opposing the development of the orchards above his property. This, I believe, is exactly what we need, more voices standing together against unchecked developments that are turning our villages into towns.
I wonder Just who exactly, are our elected representatives representing. I have yet to meet a single person who wants these houses built. Its quite difficult to imagine they are working in the interest of the majority
Steve Moore
Wednesday 3rd December 2025
Another Clare Park Resident
This morning’s walk was a perfect showcase of winter sunshine, softened by the gentle mist that so often graces this time of year. As I wander around East Malling, I’ve decided that these pages should celebrate not only the beauty of our surroundings, but also the people I meet along the way.
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Today’s encounter was with Steve Moore, who was cheerfully “escorted” by his two lively black Labradors. We crossed paths near the old Blacklands school site, where Steve shared that he lives on Clare Park, Lime Crescent. That struck a special chord with me, as it’s the very place where my own story began all those years ago.
Steve is the first of what I hope will become a growing collection of friendly faces I meet on my travels. So, if you happen to be stopped by a gent on your own walk, there’s a fair chance it will be me. Please do say hello—I’d love to add your story to this site and share the spirit of East Malling with others
Fred Austin
Sunday 7th December 2025
A Chance Encounter at Clare Park
I came over to Malling on Sunday, planning to watch a game and catch up with friends. The weather was miserable, but as I walked through the park I noticed a gentleman sitting alone on a bench at the top. I stopped for a chat, and soon discovered he was truly “born and bred” in East Malling. Living here since Clare Park was first built back in 1954, as he recalled.
We shared a good conversation, reminiscing over familiar names and places from the village’s past. It was a pleasure to meet one of the true “lifers” of East Malling, someone whose memories stretch right back to the roots of the community.
This is one of what I hope will be, many encounters I want to share here.
As I continue my walks around Malling, I’ll be adding stories of the people I meet along the way. So if you see me out and about and I stop for a chat... chances are, it’s me gathering another tale for this collection.
Familiar Faces
Growing up around Malling was about more than streets and houses, it was about the people who filled my world with colour, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
On this Wall of Fame are just a few of those special individuals who have generously allowed me to celebrate them here. They appear in no particular order, yet each one has left an indelible mark on my early life and memories.
I would love this wall to grow and include even more faces from our shared past. If you have pictures or memories to share, please send them in, your stories are part of the tapestry that makes Malling so unforgettable.
Below are some names you may be familiar with
These names appear in no particular order, and I’m sure a few may have slipped through the net. If your name is missing, or you notice someone who should be included, please get in touch through the contact page and let me know.
If you’d like me to add your own photograph, I’d love to hear from you and will do my best to add it to this page.
Please let me know if I've missed anyone, and I'll add them
Pat Dunn
Paul Epps
Hongar Bashford
Steven Miles
Cathy Williams
Susan Cashford
Yvonne Baker
Sally Reed
Claire Reynolds
Gary Clubb
Mark Johnson
Colin Apps
Keith Beasley
Linda Allen
Jeanette Bish
Ann Devlin
Christine Davis
Kim Bennet
Tina Page
Tony Tuite
Sharon Franks
Brian Gunner
Richard Atkins
Marian Stapley
Lynne Edy
Linda Hatton
Neil Williams
Denis Bookham
Julie Hart.
Steve Watson
Graham Finnis
Derek Forman
Linda Fuller
Barry Frazer
Keith Frazer
Dave Padmore
Gary Clubb
Nick and Mark Good.
Janet King.
Mark Johnson
Colin Apps
Linda Bone
Linda Fuller
Linda Goodwin
Carol Brown
Jane Anderson
Stephen Oldfield
Alison Glass
Christine Matthews
Linda Clarke
Christine Davis
William Wavell
Bill Swaisland
Linda Mills
Christine Vidler
Ray Smith
Susan Hook
Christine Bish
Sharon Kelvie.
Peter Underhill
Kevin Handley
Bob Peden
Barry Stanford
Brian Oliver
John Stevens (Podge)
Denise Binskin
Christine Bish
Sue Smith
Karen Ashby
Graham Knight
Mick Ambrose
Tony Ambrose
Gary Casey
Tina Leeds
Maxine Wiltshire
Linda Goodwin
Carol Bailey
Teresa Atkins
Carol Boozer
Pauline Boozer
Jeffrey Speight
Ann Speight
Rosemary Prior
Perry Woolacott
Pat Berwick
Pat Roberts
Jill Palmer
Janice Tedham
Christine Humphries
Janice Upton
Derek Scott
Chris Scott
Keith Muller
John Norman
Jane Norman
Klim Cork
Mick Cork
Danny Minchella
Janet Minchella
Ian Witts
Neil Wimpsett
Judy Driver
Brian House
Alan Alman
Dennis Nyburg
Graham Finnis
Dennis Nyburg
Steven Lillie
Alan George
Ray George
More Familiar Faces
Gallery
A Visit Long Overdue
For years, I’d told myself that one day I would do this — and earlier this year, at last, I did.
I went to see Mr. Crowhurst.
I’d often thought about him over the years, remembering the quiet patience and steady encouragement he showed not just to me, but to so many of us who passed through his care.
I’d always wanted the chance to say “thank you,” properly — to let him know what a lasting influence he had on my life.
When he opened the door, I found myself unexpectedly nervous. I explained why I was there, and as we shook hands, the years seemed to fall away. We talked for a while, a warm, easy conversation that felt both familiar and deeply significant. I thanked him for his dedication and for the part he played in shaping so many young lives.
He was visibly moved, and invited me in to show me how he now spends his time. We chatted, shared a few memories, and before I left, we shook hands once more.
As I walked away, I felt an immense sense of peace, the quiet satisfaction of having finally said what I’d wanted to say for such a long time.
To let someone know, before it’s too late, the difference they made.... that’s something worth doing.
