Post date: Apr 28, 2020 3:56:48 PM

Extract from Kent & Sussex Courier - Friday 24 August 1956

BREWERY OFFICIAL RETIRES

MR. H. V. Kent. assistant brewer at Wateringbury Brewery, retired this week after service with the Whitbread Group since 1933. Mr. Kent, who until his engagement with the brewing industry was a regular soldier, joined the Queens' Own Royal West Kent Regiment in 1909 and served with them until 1933. Before the First War he served in Ireland and the Channel Islands and on the outbreak of hostilities he was in France with the first wave of British troops.

TAKEN PRISONER Captured in October 1914. he remained a prisoner-of-war until the Armistice and then rejoined his regiment and served with them in the Army of Occupation and again in Ireland. Retiring from the army with the rank of colour-sergeant, he immediately joined the Wateringbury Brewery, with which he has been happily associated ever since. Mr. Kent regards himself literally as a Kentish man, although he was in fact born at Marlow. Bucks. Coming to Shipbourne as an infant, he spent his early years with his parents in the Sevenoaks district and his loyalties are all towards the county of his adoption. Like so many others who have turned their swords into ploughshares, Mr. Kent is a keen and skilful gardener. his principal hobby. PARTING GIFT At the King's Head, Wateringbury, on Friday evening, he was entertained by the staff of the brewery, who presented him with a bureau-bookcase as a parting gift. Mr. John Merchant, managing director, who opened the proceedings. said he was glad to know that Mr. and Mrs Kent would continue to reside locally. Mr. S. H. Follett,secretary, made the presentation. Among other personal gifts on the occasion was a handsome, inscribed watch from the brewery workmen.

Extract from Kent & Sussex Courier - Friday 24 October 1958

BREWERY CHIEF RETIRES

One of the familiar figures in Kent brewing circles retired this week. Mr. John Marchant, managing director of the Wateringbury Brewery, had lived and worked in that village since the 130 year - old company of Frederick Leney and Sons. Ltd., was taken over by Whitbreads in 1927. There was a presentation and dinner to Mr. Merchant at the King's Head, Wateringbury, on Tuesday. On behalf of the Wateringbury staff, Mr. W. B. Sherman, the next oldest serving member, presented the retiring managing director with a goose-girl in Copenhagen porcelain and a travelling clock.

INN-SIGN REVIVAL

Born in Sussex, Mr. Marchant's earliest activities were concerned with the First World War after which he turned to brewing. Besides his concentrated interest with matters concerned with brewing in Kent he has perhaps been most notably connected with the inns signs rennaisance before and after the last war.

The Whitbread series of pictorial signs and original miniature form are lasting tributes to his enthusiasm in that field. An official of numerous brewing associations, for the last two years he has been chairman of the Kent Brewers' Union.