Medway closed (1911-1914)

Post date: Sep 13, 2018 2:27:7 PM

Extract from Kent & Sussex Courier Friday 10 July 1914

THE UPPER MEDWAY. —An event considerable importance to users of the Upper Medway, and especially to the enterprising firm of Messrs. W. Arnold and Sons, of Branbridges Mill, took place about 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday evening last, when a 90-ton barge laden with wheat from the Surrey Commercial Docks, London, concluded a successful voyage, and duly arrived at Branbridges Mills. The river has been closed to all traffic since August 30th, 1911, between Tonbridge and Maidstone, during which time contractors and others have been at work to prevent this portion of the river from becoming derelict. After much labour and many disappointments it would seem now that their efforts are about to crowned with success, as the river thus far will be continually open for all traffic in the future. The arrival of the barge Gillingham on Tuesday evening caused quite a commotion in the neighbourhood, and steps were taken to duly celebrate the event. A salvo of six cannon was fired, which was heard all round. During the evening rockets were sent up, and the toast of "Success to the renewed enterprise" was duly honoured by the employees and other inhabitants, who accepted the generosity of the genial members of the firm of Messrs. Arnold and Sons.