New Year's Eve (1870)

Post date: Mar 13, 2013 6:28:44 PM

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph January 7th 1871. The pond is not identified but could be the pond in Wateringbury Place, the Mill Pond or the former Mill Pond since drained near Wardens.

WATERINGBURY NEW YEAR'S EVE.—One of the ponds in this usually quiet village, Saturday evening was the scene of a grand display of fireworks, kindly presented by W. Lancaster, Esq. At half past eight people crowded on and about the ice. The pond was surrounded by lighted torches and candles ; fire balloons were sent off during evening which had a very pretty effect. Then followed by rockets and a variety of set pieces, but one of the most effective displays was a cross fire of Roman candles, let off by ladies, who formed a line either side of the pond. Squibs crackers were flying about in all directions during the evening much to the consternation of the ladies who were enjoying the exhilarating exercise of skating. Many thanks were expressed to W. Lancaster for his kindness, and no doubt the last day of 1870 will be long remembered.