#sittingbourne

[mikegunnill]

111 years since the Titanic sank.

There are many stories about the sinking of the Titanic and the people who sailed on her. This my story; originally published in Bygone Kent magazine issue:37 Number 2, over 8 pages.

The Titanic sank on the 15th April 1912. Of the 2,223 onboard, 1517 were lost.

Many were searching for a new life in the United States. One of these was 36-year-old Kate Buss 1873-1972 from Sittingbourne, Kent. She was making the journey alone to marry her Kent-born fiancé, Samuel Willis in San Diego in California. Kate survived and they married three weeks after the disaster.

Picture: Kate Buss before leaving Kent.

Samuel Willis ran a tailor’s shop in Sittingbourne, first in the High Street and then later at 110 East Street. Kate Buss was born at 37 Shakespeare Road, Sittingbourne. In 1901 her father James Buss was listed as a grocer-postmaster at 68 Shortlands Road, Sittingbourne.

Picture: Kate Buss, birth home in Sittingbourne, Kent.

Samuel Willis sailed to America in 1908 and settled in San Diego and then opened his own grocery store. Saving enough, to send money back to Kent to pay for his wife-to-be voyage. Kate sailed on a second-class ticket for E-Deck, number 27849, which cost £13.

At 11.40pm on the 14th April she heard a crash and went on deck. Meeting a friend, she returned to her cabin and put more clothes on, then returned on deck. Along with a female friend they were escorted to lifeboat Number 9. Kate later wrote to a friend, Elsie Sparkes in Halling, Kent: “ I’d just my nightdress, my dressing gown and a long coat. It was terribly cold by the iceberg.”

“ I’ve lost everything to remind me of home, all my photographs, my letters, everything except my rings and watch.”

Lifeboat Number 9 was lowered at 1.30am and it was picked up by the Carpathia at 6.15am. The ship picked up 712 people from 13 lifeboats. The rescue ship arrived at Pier 54 in New York at 9.25pm on the 18th April.

Picture: The lifeboat arriving off the rescue ship; Carpathia.

Staying in the east side of New York at the home of; Reverend William Dalziel 1855-1935 and his wife, Emma 1856-1921, formally of Greenstreet near Faversham. Kate wrote to her mother in Sittingbourne.

“ I do hope you don’t believe most of the newspaper stories. I am well and want you to know this. I have been preserved from reporters, who have been trying to find me.”

She later left New York and started the journey to San Diego, where she was reunited with Samuel Willis. Kate wrote several letters to friends in Halling, near Rochester. “ They had to haul me up the last few steps of the rescue ladder and then someone wrapped me in a rug. I had hot brandy and water in the saloon.”

The memory of the terrifying climb, she said would stay with her for the rest of her life.

Kate married Samuel Willis as planned on Saturday, 11th May 1912.

Picture: Kate Buss and Samuel Willis.

Kate Willis never spoke in public about the tragedy but did so in private, when she became emotional. She successfully avoided the press and didn’t testify to either, to the American or the British boards of inquiry.

In one of the few public statements she made, Kate said: “ I willingly would have waited, if I had known how few lifeboats there were.”

On the 12th July 1972, Kate Buss Willis died in Independence, Oregon. On her gravestone her daughter added a,  “ Titanic survivor.”

Picture: Kate Buss Willis in 1950.

Passengers from Kent who died during the Titanic disaster were:

William Thomas Bevan,19 of 95 Richmond Road, Gillingham.

Harry Bristow, 39 of Station Parade, Shortlands, Bromley.

Richard Henry Rouse, 50, of 30 New Road, Sittingbourne.

Thomas Leonard Theobald, 34, 8 Cromer Street, Strood.

Alfred Rush,16, a friend of the Theobald family.

Bernard John Boughton, 25, of 12 Hardinge Road, Ashford.

Percival Thorneycroft, 36 of Bearsted.

Frank Goldsmith, 33 of 22 Hone Street, Strood.

A more complete version was published in Bygone Kent magazine. http://bygonekent.org.uk/

Relations of the Buss and Willis families, helped with details used in this article.

(c) Mike Gunnill 2023.

[sandklr]

Wild West Weekend returns to Sittingbourne’s Steam Railway for the first time in over 20 years. Meet the settlers of Spearfish Creek and learn about life in the Wild West. Usual fares apply and pre-booking available, visit sklr.net for info or www.TicketSource.co.uk/Sittingbourne-Kemsley- light-railway for tickets (booking fee applies).

[quealyandcompany]

Going On Holiday This Easter? Tips To Keep Your Home Viewing Ready!

Don’t Miss Out On A Sale While You’re Enjoying A Break!

Selling your home can be stressful, so it isn’t surprising that you can’t wait to get away for a while over the Easter break. However, you don’t want to miss out on a potential sale while you’re enjoying some well-deserved time off. With this in mind, the team at Quealy & Co has developed some tips to ensure your property is viewing-ready, even when you’re not at home. Read more...

[petnews2day]

Nearly 30 sheep die in suspected dog attack ‘among worst’ Kent Police has seen

New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/2hOVP

Nearly 30 sheep die in suspected dog attack ‘among worst’ Kent Police has seen

A suspected dog attack that led to the deaths of 27 pregnant sheep has been described by Kent Police as “possibly the worst livestock attack we have ever had”. The ewes, some of which were pregnant with twins or triplets, were attacked between Christmas Eve and 1pm on Boxing Day. It happened in a field […]

See full article at https://petn.ws/2hOVP #DogNews #KentPolice, #Sittingbourne, #Teynham

[xcelhealthfcp]

The changes which took place in the healthcare system in the UK have really been great and it worked towards improving access to care and reducing the burden on primary care providers. The First Contact Practitioner (FCP) model is one of the most outstanding innovations that have adopted a totally new perspective on how healthcare is offered. At Xcel Health FCP we aim at providing all-comprehensive FCP services to the people from the UK thus filling that gap in primary care and ensuring timely support for the people.

[xcelhealthkent-blog]

We, at Xcel Health, provide outstanding physiotherapy and massage services to the people in Kent who want to enhance their mobility, heal from the pain caused due to injuries, and cope with pain. Our chief physiotherapists make sure to offer bespoke treatment plans tailored to each individual patient’s requirements. Be it physiotherapy Sittingbourne or physiotherapy kent, we will be there for you.

[tjwhiffen]

Are you a small business owner in Sittingbourne seeking efficient online accounting solutions? Our expert online accountant services are designed to meet your specific needs with convenience and accuracy. Enjoy seamless financial management, from bookkeeping and tax preparation to financial planning and compliance, all from the comfort of your home or office.

[mnbhaven]

Experience Your Dream Getaway With The Best Serviced Apartments in Sittingbourne

[lomotunes2008]

Ok folks! Here's a list of every Kerr Stuart narrow gauge engine I could find!

It was a struggle (most of these had basically zero info on them other than very, very basic stuff) but I tried my best! I've also included photos of each just for fun ^_^

Tattoo:

1284 - Current location: Nam Tu Mine Railway

1288 - Current location: Nam Tu Mine Railway

2395 - Current location: Apedale Valley Railway

4047 - Current location: Talyllyn Railway

Winston 17 - Current location: Corris Railway

Unknown - Current location: Nam Tu Mine Railway

Skylark:

742 - Current location: Red Cliffs Railway

813/814/1360* - Current location: Mauritius

1281 - Current location: Pernambuco, Brazil

4389 - Current location: Alagoas, Brazil

Sirdar:

652 - Current location: Walvis Bay Station, Namibia

685 - Current location: Beaconsfield Heritage Centre

1158 - Current location: Amerton Railway

Wren:

1015 - Current location: Sao Paulo, Brazil

1194 - Current location: Santa Catarina, Brazil

2387 - Current location: Pattaya, Thailand

2388 - Current location: Falkland Islands

2392 - Current location: Falkland Islands

3114 - Current location: Vale of Rheidol Railway

3128 - Current location: Statfold Barn

4031 - Current location: Sandstone Steam Railway

4250 - Current location: Amerton Railway

4256 - Current location: Leighton Buzzard Railway

4260 - Current location: Leighton Buzzard Railway

Hunslet 3905 - Current location: Unknown

Hunslet 3906 - Current location: Kew Bridge

Brazil:

886 - Current location: Sittingbourne Railway

926 - Current location: Sittingbourne Railway

1049 - Current location: Great Whipsnade Railway

1179 - Current location: Santa Catarina, Brazil

1314 - Current location: Carribbean Islands

3024 - Current location: Cavan & Leitrim Railway

3025 - Current location: Private

4219 - Current location: Sittingbourne Railway

Hunslet 1842 - Current location: Statfold Barn

Hunslet 3756 - Current location: Statfold Barn

Hunslet 3902 - Current location: Stratford Barn

Darwin:

4063 - Current location: Sandstone Steam Railway

Joffre:

2405 - Current location: West Lancashire Railway

2442 - Current location: Richmond Light Railway

2451 - Current location: L&B Railway

3010 - Current location: Statfold Barn Railway

3014 - Current location: Apedale Railway

Unknown - Current location: A. Schweitzer Hospital

Haig:

3117 - Current location: Teifi Valley Railway

4183 - Current location: Western Springs Railway

4185 - Current location: Western Springs Railway

Huxley:

2383 - Current location: Nam Tu Mine Railway

4141 - Current location: Nam Tu Mine Railway

4393 - Current location: Nam Tu Mine Railway

Matary:

4034 - Current location: Great Whipsnade Railway

4193 - Current location: Alagoas, Brazil

4404 - Current location: Welshpool Railway

Unknown class:

98 - Current location: Pernambuco, Brazil

668 - Current location: Sao Paulo, Brazil

847 - Current location: Chennai, India

848 - Current location: Puri, India

928 - Current location: Sao Paulo, Brazil

1244 - Current location: Alagoas, Brazil

2417 - Current location: Pernambuco, Brazil

4077 - Current location: Antofagasta, Chile

4315 - Current location: Vizinagaram, India

4316 - Current location: Visakhapatnam, India

4408 - Current location: Visakhapatnam, India

Unknown - Current location: Oruro, Bolivia

*Unsure of works number. Numbers listed are speculative and may not be accurate.

Hope someone finds this useful :)

[quealyandcompany]

The property market in Sittingbourne is experiencing notable shifts, as evidenced by the trends observed during the first quarter of 2024. With a focus on stability and gradual growth, Sittingbourne remains an attractive location for renters and investors alike. Data reveals an increase in housing prices, particularly in sought-after areas.

Additionally, there is a discernible demand for various types of properties, reflecting the diverse needs of the local population. These trends offer valuable insights into the dynamics of Sittingbourne's property market and provide useful information for those navigating the buying and selling process.

[petnews2day]

Jack Russell pup 'stolen' from Lower Halstow, Sittingbourne

New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/6PbOA

Jack Russell pup 'stolen' from Lower Halstow, Sittingbourne

A heartbroken family are desperate to be reunited with their puppy, which they fear may have been stolen. The female Jack Russell terrier, called Woody, was taken from Lower Halstow, Sittingbourne, four days before Christmas. Woody the Jack Russell terrier is missing from Lower Halstow, Sittingbourne Woody’s owner’s niece Andrea Marshall said the “very much-loved […]

See full article at https://petn.ws/6PbOA #DogNews #Animals, #Crime, #Kent, #Sittingbourne

[xcelhealthfcp]

The healthcare landscape in the UK is continually evolving to meet the growing needs of the population. One significant development is the introduction of the ARRS scheme in the UK, designed to strengthen primary care services through the integration of additional roles within healthcare teams. At Xcel Health FCP, we are committed to supporting the implementation and effectiveness of these roles, which play a crucial part in improving patient care and healthcare delivery.

[xcelhealthkent-blog]

At Xcel Health, we understand how your body needs to be treated. You might have to sometimes identify the right treatment process for your body while dealing with musculoskeletal issues. Osteopathy helps treat a lot of conditions affecting your bones, your muscles, and your joints by totally focusing on the treatment of the different malfunctions. You can look for Osteopathy Treatment in Kent, Osteopathy Treatment Sittingbourne, or even Osteopathy Treatment Sheerness.

[ltwilliammowett]

Sailors and workers Clay pipes unearthed at the old Sittingbourne Paper Mill site, in the old river area of the Swale district of Kent, England, c. 1850