Herts and Essex farmers visit Orpines (1872)

Post date: Aug 05, 2012 4:45:9 PM

Extract from Whitstable Times of 31 August 1872:

MAIDSTONE FARMERS' CLUB.

A DAY IN THE COUNTRY.—SHORTHORNS AND HOPS.

About two months ago, or to speak by the card, on the 19th of June last, a select band of those energetic men of Kent who constitute the Maidstone Farmers' Club, made descent on the fertile plains of Hertfordshire, occupied, without the slightest resistance, the charming little town of Bishop's Startford, and, ruthlessly "requisitioning" all the vehicles to be found at the railway station, proceeded to make a raid on the surrounding country. The story has been told at length in its proper place of the way in which they ate the grapes and drank the wine of Mr. T. M. Miller, and examined with curious eyes the arrangements of his vineries; of their visit to a sewage farm from which there was nothing to take, and whence, consequently, they took nothing; of how they crossed the borders into Essex, swooping down on Hargrave Park, the seat of Mr. W. Gilbey, dallied lovingly with his matchless herd of Alderneys, and drank champagne and soda-water as that were a necessary incident in agricultural life, and one without which agriculture and its various processes could not possibly be carried on. Finally, and as if to crown the proceedings of the day, the invaders, retreating to Hertfordshire, attacked the Grange, the residence Mr. James Odams, made a clean sweep of the commissariat stores there provided, and made good their escape to London with their spoil.

It was only natural that this conduct should invite retaliation, and accordingly the agriculturists of Hertfordshire and Essex, uniting their forces, and seizing the five minutes past ten train from London Bridge, made successful descent on Maidstone on Wednesday last. As they had courteously announced that they were coming it was resolved to propitiate the invaders by driving them the seat of Mr. F. Leney, Orpines, Wateringbury, and afterwards returning by West and East Farleigh, entertaining them to dinner at the Star Hotel. These terms of accommodation were accepted in the most amicable spirit, some five and twenty of the Maidstone Farmers' Club, the original aggressors, were retained as hostages, and soon after twelve o'clock the whole party set off, "natives" and " foreigners," alike being the highest humour. Their destination, we have said, was "Orpines," the seat of Mr. F. Leney, the day was beautiful, and to any one acquainted with the country in the vicinity of Maidstone it is superfluous to mention that the drive was as beautiful as the day. Arrived at Mr. Leney's house, the party were entertained by that hospitable gentleman to an elegant luncheon, and had at the same time the opportunity of inspecting and admiring some very elaborate specimens of ancient carving in wood, the frames of two large mirrors, and cabinet, on the latter of which were engraved representations of incidents in the life of the Saviour, being particularly conspicuous, and attracting very considerable attention.

Luncheon disposed of, all present adjourned for the purpose of inspecting Mr. Leney's splendid herd of shorthorns, all of the best strains of blood in the kingdom, while some can hardly be surpassed. There are in all, we believe, about 130 animals, and their points called forth the hearty admiration of highly critical spectators, nearly of them, indeed, being connoisseurs in the matter of beef, quite able to appreciate symmetry and size, and to estimate the food producing and milk yielding qualities of the various "Charmers," "Charming Maids," "Duchesses." and so forth, of which Mr. Leney may be justly proud. Grand Duke No. 15, the sire of some of the herd, is a wonderfully fine and very handsome animal, and great admiration was generally expressed at his splendid condition. At the close of the inspection of the herd the carriages were again called into requisition, and the whole party prepared to return to Maidstone by way of the beautiful rural drive through the parishes of West and East Farleigh. The pleasure of the trip was much enhanced by the extreme fineness of the day, there being just enough of a light breeze to soften temperature which, perhaps, had the air been perfectly still, would have been uncomfortably warm. The hops everywhere were looking exceedingly vigorous and healthy, and generally speaking seemed to promise an abundant crop. Their luxuriance and beauty were not lost upon the visitors, some of whom saw hop gardens for the first time, and did not fail to express the very great pleasure which the spectacle afforded them. The country indeed was looking its loveliest, and in some places a magnificent panorama unfolded itself, the view embracing a fine sweep of fertile land, extending from the Sussex hills on the right, to the corresponding range, miles away, which extends from Boxley to Chatham. A prettier specimen of pastoral scenery it would be hard to find, and it is doubtful whether the members of the Maidstone Farmer's Club or their guests were most delighted with it. On their return to Maidstone the party drove to the Star Hotel, and at five o'clock sat down to an excellent dinner, of which is sufficient to say that it was served by Mr. Hubbard in Mr. Hubbard's very best style. To pay a higher compliment to the catering would scarcely be possible. Mr. T. Bridgland, jun.. Chairman of the Maidstone Farmer's Club, presided, supported by the Mayor of Maidstone (J. H. Hills, Esq.) and Mr. J. Odams. while there were also present Messrs. A. Gilbey, H. P. Gilbey, W. Gilbey, A. Spencer, C. Spencer, R. Spencer, A.Nockoids, N. Miller, and F. Frye. These were visitors from Hertfordshire, and there were in addition Messrs. J. Lovett, jun. (vice-chairman of the Maidstone Farmers' Club), F. Pine, Leney, Chittenden, Robson, W. Hayes, Champion, B. Roper. C. Wright, R. Pine, Stonham, J. Reeve, J. Court, T. Hatch, Payne, S. Mercer, C. Noakes, Smith, Killick, Smythe, Stanger, Spencer, Ac.