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The bricklayers who left 1954 message in Six O-Clock Shop, Twydall, Gillingham

By: Matt Ramsden mramsden@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 10:50, 31 July 2020

Updated: 11:08, 31 July 2020

Details have come to light about two of the bricklayers whose cheeky note from the 1950s was unearthed on a building site.

As reported last week, the message was found scrawled on plasterboard ripped from The Six O'Clock Shop in Beechings Way, Twydall, near Gillingham.

A note left by brickies more than 60 years ago has been unearthed as a shop in Twydall undergoes a renovation. Picture: Jamie Elwin

It read: "Greetings, from the brickies of 1954 to the demolishers of this shop, if it doesn’t fall down in the meantime.

"Built in 1954 by K. Hawkes, of Birchington, Charlie Hancock, Jock Brown, Dave Russell, Dave Wickenden, Albert Ingram and Bernard Bracken.

"The roughest crowd of trowel hands that ever lived!"

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Having read the article, Neville Baker, of Taverners Road, Rainham, got in touch with details of two of the men.

Back in the mid 70s, the 73-year-old worked with Charlie Hancock and Dave Wickenden.

The Six O'Clock Shop in Beechings Way. Picture: Google

Neville and fellow carpenter Tony Clark worked with the two men for AT Vincent and Sons, which was based in Sturdee Avenue, Gillingham.

He believes Dave passed away last year, while Charlie was already in his 60s when they worked together.

He wasn't sure where Dave lived but though Charlie's home was in Cecil Road, Rochester.

Neville said he was surprised to read their names but remembered them immediately.

He added Charlie "was friendly but kept himself to himself" while Dave "was the most laid back man I ever met".

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It was the first time he'd heard of such a note being left by tradesmen on a building site.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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