Buckland Mill

Dover, Kent, UK

Buckland Paper Mill in the press

  • 3 December 1859 - RATING OF BUCKLAND MILLS - An application from Mr C, Ashdown of Buckland, for a remission in the rating of Buckland Paper Mills, on the ground that his property derived no benefit from the Local Board's sewers and water mains, was ordered to stand over until next week

  • 21 June 1890 - The well know Buckland Paper Mill has just changed hands, Messers. Ashdown and Hobday having disposed of the business to Messers. Wiggins, Teape,  and Co,. Limited, the wholesale stations and paper makers, of Aldgate, London.  The business of the latter firm is an old established one, and has only recently been converted into a limited company.  The capital of the company is £180,000.  The premises at Buckland have been completely rebuilt since the destructive fire that happened there three years ago, and stocked with the latest machinery for the production of high-class writing and accountbook papers.

  • 18 July 1890 - BUCKLAND PAPER MILL EMPLOYES - The Employes of the Buckland Paper Mills, numbering about fifty men and boys, went to Ramsgate in brakes on Saturday week, enjoying for the last time the hospitality of the old firm of Messers Ashdown and Hobday who have disposed of their business to Messers Wiggins Teape and Co.  Mr Hobday accompanied the men to Ramsgate, where they had dinner and tea, spending a very pleasant day.  The women employed on the firm had tea at the Saracen's Head Dover, Mrs and Miss Ashdown being present to entertain them, a very pleasant evening being spent.  We understand that the new firm, after overhauling the machinery, have commenced papermaking this week.

  • 11 September 1891 - BUCKLAND PAPER MILL - The Town Clerk said that he had received that morning a visit from a representative of Messers, Wiggins and Teape, the owners of Buckland Paper Mills.  He took exception to one paragraph in the Medical Officer's report, that in bleaching pulp cholride of lime was used, and the pulp washed and the washings emptied into the river.  The chloride of lime was removed by a chemical operation, and the pulp was not washed again.  As to purifying the water in which the pulp was first washed, &c., he agreed to the Medical Officer's suggestion of filtration.

Councillor Pepper said they seemed to be trying to agree with the Council, and he moved that the matter be again referred to the Medical Officer. 

This was carried.

  • 25 September 1891 - BUCKLAND PAPER MILL - A letter was read from Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co, with reference the disposal of the refuse washings of the Mill.  They now made a second suggestion, viz, the washings should be turned into the drains, the quantity would not exceed 5000 gallons a week.

Councillor Pepper moved that the matter be referred to the Medical Officer, and Town Clerk Surveyor.

  • 29 July 1892 - PAPER MILL HANDS OUTING - About ninety of the hands employed at Messers Wiggin, Teape and Co's Paper Mills, Buckland, had their annual outing at Margate and Ramsgate on Saturday last, the firm very liberally contributing a sum which covered the expenses of the trip.  They travelled by South East Railways, and had a very pleasant day.

  • 14 October 1892 - New Buildings - The Surveyor approved of the plans for the following new buildings and they were allowed......... Engineers shop, Buckland Paper Mills, Messers, Wiggin Teape..............

  • 14 October 1892 - A NEW RESIDENT - Mr Wiggins, one of the partners of the form of Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co, who own the Buckland Paper Mills, at which large additions, and alterations are now being made, has taken 5, Waterloo Crescent as a residence.

  • 6 October 1893 - They say - that Wiggins and Teape's will be the biggest undertaking in Dover by the time their new premises are in working order.

  • 5 January 1894 - BUCKLAND PAPER MILLS - The large additions which have been made to Messers. Wiggins and Teape's Buckland Paper Mills are now almost complete and it is expected that the machinery will be at work in less than three months.  The additions consist principally of a large building some 130 yards long by about 40 yards wide.  A splendid paper making machine a good deal larger than the one in the older buildings fills the greater portion of it, whilst on a higher story several new rag machines have been laid down by the Glasgow West End Engineering Company.  A new steam engine of some 200 Horse Power has just got into position, and close by it an electric light apparatus will be erected, so that the whole of the mills will be lighted with that illuminant, a well has also been sunk close by and gives a constant supply of splendid water.  At the end of the building by London Road, a large sorting room has just been finished, and sorters and packers will remove to this shortly, so that the building operations which provide for an additional story being put over the old sorting room may be proceeded with.  It is intended when the new machinery is in full swing to put a slate roof over the old portions of the mill which are inly old in name, seeing that they were built some six years ago.  The cock will shortly be placed in the tower which overlooks the mills, so that all the inhabitants of the neighbourhood will be well supplied with public timekeepers.  These large additions will as soon as matters are in order, cause almost a double increase in the number of employes.

  • 11 May 1894 - THE EXPLOSION AT BUCKLAND MILLS - An enquiry was held at the Town Hall on Wednesday and Thursday, by three officials of the Board of Trade, into the accident which happened at Buckland Mills at the end of March last, when a 6-inch steam pipe burst and three men were injured by the steam.  The parties were not legally represented, and Messers. John Shren and Co, of Maryhill, Glasgow, who were putting in the machinery, and Messers. Wiggins Teape and Co, owners of the mill, and Messers. A, L, Thomas and sons were brought into the matter.  A report will be made to the Board of Trade, but as the proceedings were not made public, we are unable to give definite details.

  • 6 July 1894 - BUCKLAND PAPER MILLS - A letter was read from Messers. Wiggins Teape and Co, Buckland paper Mills stating that they were willing to throw into the road two or three feet of land beyond the Clock Tower so that the path could be constructed, if the Council would make the path.  The Surveyor reported on the matter and stated that the cost would be £70 and recommended that the work should be done.  The cost would be paid by the County Council as it was on the main road..

Councillor Ayers said that only the other day they had spent £100 on the Main Roads Account, and the County Council would object to it.

Councillor Clark pointed out that the Surveyor's proposals would narrow the roadway from 26 feet to 21 feet.

It was decided to adjourn the matter for a week.

  • 13 July 1894 - BUCKLAND PAPER MILLS - A letter was read from Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co, withdrawing their offer made to the corporation last week, and commenting and commenting on the peculiarly gracious manner in which the proposal was received by some members.

Councillor Lewis said that he was not surprised.  They were only asking for something that they might reasonably expect; that was a footpath around their premises.  They employed 150 persons, many women, and the approaches were ankle deep in mud.

Councillor Mackenzie suggested that a crossing should be made to the entrance.

Councillor Fry thought that the road could hardly be properly scavenged and cleaned if it the mud was ankle deep.  (Laughter).

The Mayor suggested that the Surveyor report and the matter should be discussed properly.

Councillor Mackenzie said that but for the letter, he was prepared to move that the Surveyors report be carried out, except that there should be not footpath on Buckland Bridge which was narrow enough.

Alderman Adock said that he was not at the meeting when the matter was discussed.  The matter had been discussed, unfortunately, when the application was made, and was not referred to the Surveyor for report, so that it could be put in the agenda and discussed properly.  He suggested that if  Messers. Wiggins Teape, and Co. would withdraw their letter and allow the offer to stand, that the matter would be discussed next week.

Alderman Peake said that the Surveyor did report.

The Surveyor said that he was reporting on a matter which had been referred to him in reference to the footpath on Buckland Bridge, and this was only a slight extension and therefore he reported.

The Mayor said that he was not sure that Messers. Wiggins Teape and Co, were nt within their rights in demanding a footpath on a road fronting the highway.

The Town Clerk said that they could not demand it, but the corporation usually granted it.

Alderman Adock pointed out that it entirely arose from customary procedure of the Council not being carried out.

The matter was allowed to stand over

  • 31 May 1895 - TERRIBLE ACCIDENT AT BUCKLAND PAPER MILLS - A YOUNG MAN KILLED - Yesterday morning at Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co's Paper Mills, Buckland, about six o'clock, just at the finish of the night shift a young man named Alfred Best Ayers met with a fatal accident.  He was working in the drying room, and it is stated that the sheet of paper on the drums having broken, he was attending to it, when by some means he got his head in between the large open drums, and his head was squeezed just above each temple.  He made no cry, and the rush of blood from his ears and nostrils showed the injuries were fatal.  Dr Long was immediately sent for, and he promptly arrived and pronounced life extinct.  The body was removed to the mortuary by the police, and afterwards taken to the deceased's home at 12 Pleasant-row, Durham Hill where it awaits the inquest, which will be held at the town hall this afternoon at three o'clock.  The unfortunate young fellow was 19 years and 3 months old.

  • 7 June 1895 - THE BUCKLAND MILLS ACCIDENT.  THE ADJOURNED ENQUIRY - The adjourned inquest on Albert Ayers, who was killed in the drying machine at Buckland Mills on Thursday week was resumed at the town hall yesterday afternoon.  The Jury and Coroner first proceeded to the Mills to view the machinery at which the accident occurred, and on returning the following additional evidence was taken:

Mr Redgrave, H M Inspector of Factories in the district, were present.

The evidence taken at the last hearing was read over.

Alfred R Keeler was examined by Mr Redgrave as follows:-

Have you been a dryerman long?  Have you had experience since the ill was started? - Yes.

Have you had any other experience in ills of a similar class of work? - No.

Have you ever whilst at work been entangled yourself between the drums and the frame? - Never.

Is it possible to provide against such an accident as this in the future? - I do not think so.

Have you formed any opinion as to the way the man got caught in the drum, or the way he got caught up in the spoke and frame? - I can only think that he must have got inside to catch the paper to tie it around one of the bars of the drum.

Is it necessary to get inside?  It is not usual in getting hold of the paper to deal with the outside of the drum, and not the inside? - Yes

It is not necessary to get inside? - No

Then it would be possible to fill the spaces in the drum between the spokes with close netting? - I would rather they were open as they are now, as there would be less likelihood of being caught

Frederick Thomas Boorman, 17 years of age, employed at the Buckland Paper Mills, said he was present when the occurrence happened, Witness last saw the deceased at the cutter between quarter and twenty past six, he left the cutter and went along the staging.  In about five minutes time he saw the drum stop - an unusual occurrence.  He ran along the staging to see what was the matter.  He found Ayers between the drum and the frame work.  His head was hanging down between the drum and the framework and he was kneeling on the staging.  The drum was going around slowly, and the spokes were touching the back of his neck as they passed it.  Witness got him out and laid him on the staging, and shouted for assistance.  He was just alive.  Keeler then came up, the machine having first been stopped.  The paper was broken on that particular drum, and and had been fastened, but he did not notice particularly how it was done.  Witness had never worked on the drums.

By Mr Redgrave:  The deceased managed the cutter, and when anything was wanted he went to help Keeler.  He always did it when a new end was put through.  His right arm was hanging down by his head.

William Eccles, the manager of the Mills, said he was last on the Mill on the night previous to the accident at 11 o'clock.  About 20 past six he was called by the last witness.  He saw the deceased who was apparently dead on the staging.  The deceased had always been very careful.  Witness was of the opinion that the deceased must have put his head inside the spokes of the drum, for what purpose witness could not think.  With ordinary care, he thought the machines were as safe as they could be.

In reply to Mr Redgrave, witness said he had had experience at another mill, but there were no means of preventing an accident there.

In reply to the Coroner, witness said the mill was under Mr Redgrave's inspection, and any recommendation for fencing had been fulfilled.

The Coroner said that appeared to be all the evidence in the case.  As to the question how the deceased came to be in the position he was found, there was no actual evidence, but he did not think they would be drawing on their imagination in accepting theories advanced.  But so far as their enquiry was concerned, it appeared to be purely accidental and no blame to be attached to anyone.  The Government Inspector was present, but he was unable to offer any suggestion to make this particular work safer.  There was always a certain amount of danger, and those engaged should use all possible care.  If not, they ran the risk of being maimed or killed.  He did not think the jury could suggest anything, and the Inspector had informed him that he was able to do so.  It was the first fatal accident at the Mills, which although lately enlarged, had been going for many years.

A juryman asked if it was usual for a man to look after the cutter and the machine.  Or was he doing two men's work?

Mr Eccles, recalled, explained that it was the deceased's duty to look after the machine with Keeler, who took the drying and, and the deceased the cutter end.  They assisted each other when required, but there was not actually two hours work during the night.

The foreman, after the jury had considered their verdict, said they were perfectly agreed that the deceased met his death accidentally, and that there was nothing to attach blame to anyone.  The Company's works appeared to be in perfect condition and safe.  They expressed their sympathy with deceased's father at his sudden loss.

Mr Harby said that if any suggestions had been made, they would be only too glad to carry them out.

The enquiry terminated.

Deceased was insured with Pearl Assurance Company.  Mr F C Hills Superintendent for Dover, promptly paid the claim (£17 0s 0d) on the conclusion of the inquest

  • 25 October 1895 - BUCKLAND PAPER MILL - A letter was read from Messers Wiggins Teape, stating that they proposed to remove their rag-boiling appliance and to make other arrangements which they would believe, induce the Medical Officer of Health to give them a clean bill of health.

The Mayor expressed satisfaction at hearing that communication read, and said the Council wished to do all in their power to facilitate trade.

The proposals were referred to the Surveyor and the Medical Officer of Health.

  • 10 January 1896 - THE POLLUTION OF THE DOUR - The Surveyor reported that the alterations in the arrangements for the disposal of the water used in washing the paper at Buckland Mill.  The whole of the rag-boiling and cleaning would in the future be conducted at Crabble Mills, where there were tanks for the polluted water to subside, and the only waste water would be required to be disposed of at the Buckland Mills would be from the felt washer, to the amount of 14,400 gallons per day, but as is a great portion of this no polluting agent could be observed, he recommended that it should be allowed to go to the river, which would leave 37,800 gallons a week.  He recommended that this should pass to the sewers, on condition that none should be allowed to go in within a certain time of high water, and that tanks should be provided to retain it during these times, and a penalty of £10 should be imposed in the event of non-observance of this regulation.

The matter was then allowed to stand over until the conclusion of the Special Council meeting, when on resuming the Mayor (Alderman M Pepper) occupied the chair.

  • 15 July 1898 - BUCKLAND MILLS OUTING - Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co's employes at Buckland and Crabble Mills had their annual outing on Saturday, July 2nd, when, by the generosity of the firm, a special train was run to London and Crystal Palace, leaving Dover Priory at six o'clock, was timed to arrive at Victoria at 8.30, but was half-an-hour late; the return journey was commenced at 11.15, reaching Dover at 1.30.  A good number availed themselves of the special arrangements made with the Railway Company whereby passengers paying a small sum might return by ordinary train up till Tuesday night.

  • 2 March 1899 - ACCIDENT AT BUCKLAND MILLS - A man named Godden, a carter, employed at Buckland paper mills, was taken to Dover Hospital on Tuesday, having slipped off the cart and broken both bones of his right leg

  • 6 October 1899 - FLOODING - Mr Hobday, of Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co wrote complaining of storm water getting into the mill and damaging the stock.  He remarked that something should be done to remedy this, as it would not be much trouble or expense, otherwise they would have to call upon the Corporation to make any further loss good.

The Surveyor directed to turn his attention the the matter.

  • 20 October 1899 - AFFAIRS OF DRAINAGE - As to the trouble about storm water entering the precints of Messers Wiggins, Teape's Buckland Mill, the Surveyor reported that he found, on inspection, the entrance to the MIll to be rather low, and it had been arranged to construct an additional catch pit, which would improve the matters.

  • 9 March 1900 - EXPRESS OFFICE FRIDAY MORNING - We notice that Messers Wiggins Teape and Co, of 10 Aldgate London, and of Buckland Paper Mill, Dover, have given a subscription of £1,000 to the Mansion House Transvaal War Fund.  We believe that tis is the second donation of this amount which the firm has given to the fund.

  • 29 June 1900 - The tender by Messers Chaney and Co, scalemakers, has been accepted by Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co Ltd, Buckland Paper Mils, Dover, for one of their improved ten-ton weighbridges with ticket printing apparatus.

  • 27 July 1900 - Could we do without the railways? - It is an audacious question to ask on the margin of the Twentieth Century, but the inconvenience to which the S.E. and C.D. put pleasure parties suggests the query, and furthermore the idea has been utelised, in at least one case, Messers, Wiggins and Teape of the Buckland and Crabble Paper Mills having sent their employees from Dover to Ramsgate and back in ten large brakes and two waggonettes.  The experiment was quite successful, but, all the same, we we can hardly hope to do it without the railways although this spirited effort ought to put the companies on their mettle. - One of the things that made Messers Wiggins and Teape's outing popular was the fact that the firm paid the employees full wages for the day off, and gave them five shillings each to boot. - Bravo Wiggins and Teape.

  • 3 August 1900 - THE GENEROSITY OF WIGGINS, TEAPE & CO. [ TO THE "DOVER EXPRESS"] - In your last week's issue of the "Dover Express" you said in reference to the Buckland and Crabble Mills annual outing that the firm gave employees a days outing, a days pay, and five shillings to each of its employees.  Now I must point out your error, as your insertion of last week is misleading, and although not intentional on your part, it has to my knowledge caused a little unpleasantness, as it being in the papers, it must of course be correct!  But I will tell you how the firm has shown their usual generosity, and this year they extended it even more than previous years.  This year, as others,  the firm gave five shillings per head towards the expenditure of an outing, and, in addition, they paid a full day's pay, which we received. Now out of the five shillings, the cost of the drive to Ramsgate and back by brakes cost 3d per head, and as usual, there is never the whole staff of the mills go, and their share is equally divided among those who do go, which runs to 2 shillings per head, and after all accounts were squared up there was  sevenpence to share out again.  You see we did not have as you stated in your paper.  This is written for correcting the error, not to throw any coldness on the respected form of Messers Wiggin Teape and Co, of which the firm I am proud to say I am an employee of.  Hoping I am not encroaching too much on your valuable space.  An Employee.

  • 10 August 1900 - At the examinations in paper manufacture recently held in connection with the City and Guilds of London Institute, Buckland mill showed up well, for out of a total of two passes for the all England in the honours grade, one of those was Mr L Hobday. he having been successful in obtaining 2nd Class Honours; and out of a total of 12 for all England in the Ordinary grade, three working at Buckland Mill succeeded in passing namely; Mr J Sutton, 1st Class Ordinary Grade; G E Gordon, 2nd Class Ordinary Grade; and Mr G Plater, 2nd Class Ordinary Grade.

  • 14 December 1900 - POLUTION OF THE DOUR - Mr V Kemp attended and complained of the pollution of the River Dour.  It had been going on for some time, buut had grown worse.  When he first went to his residence (Cherry Tree Avenue) they could see beautiful trout in the river but now it was in an awful state.  He believed the nuisance emanated from Messers Wiggins and Teape's Paper Mills.  Last Thursday he called Councillor Lewis' attention to the state of the Dour and also had a personal interview with one of the principals of Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co's, but he denied that it was due to them.  The condition of things continued on Friday and Saturday, but Sunday the water was beautifully clear.  On Monday it came down again, and he took the trouble to go as far as Crabble Mills.  In passing the river at Buckland Church he saw it was a mass of white, and when he got to Crabble the water was as clear as crystal.  The water below was more like milk than water.  They could not use it at all as it covered the plants with white..

The Mayor informed Mr Kemp that the Council would give the matter consideration, and he withdrew.

Alderman Adock said he thought it was a matter for enquiry.  Some time ago arrangements were made with Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co to divert their objectional matter into sewers.  It would seem as if there was some mistake or negligence on the part of some of their employees, and he thought the matter should be referred to the Medical Officer of Health and the Surveyor for a report.

Councillor that the smell that came from the polluted water was of a sickening nature.

  • 21 December 1900 - POLLUTION OF RIVER - The Surveyor reported that he had seen Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co's Mills with the Medical Officer, and found that part of the effluent liquor from the paper making etc, processes went to the sewer and part to the river.  He recommended the provision by Mill owners of two tanks and filters before the water passed into the river or sewer.

Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co wrote agreeing to the plan and tank.

Councillor Mackenzie moved the adoption of the Surveyors report.

Alderman Adock seconded, on the understanding that two tanks were provided.  He asked that the Surveyor bring up a report in six weeks time.

The resolution was carried.

Alderman Peake asked if they had control over the Mill formerly owned by Messers Phipps?  He believed a great deal of fibre washed down from that.

The Town Council said they had the authority.

It was resolved to have an inspection made.

  • 22 February 1901 - The Simultaneous Mission has aroused a great deal of interest in Dover this week, the "wounderous gatherings day by day" having attracted a large number of people, and there has no doubt been much good done, even though the "submerged tenth" that all religious revivals aim at reaching have not to any great extent been touched.  Probably the most effective and practical step in the direction of reaching the working classes was the Paper Mill Meeting which by the courtesy of Messers Wiggins Teape & Co. the Missioners were permitted to hold on the Mill Premises.

  • 1 March 1901 - Messers Wiggins Teape and Co pointed out that a public lamp had been erected on their property, and it was ordered that 1/- a year acknowledgment be paid.

  • 21 June 1901 - Owing to prohibitive prices of the amalgamated railways, the employees of Wiggins Teape and Co have decided not to patronise the Railway Companies for their annual outing.  Instead the day's pay which the firm generously contribute will be handed over to the employees to select their own trip.  The Railway Companies will lose about £50 by this transaction.

  • 5 July 1901 -  NEW BUILDINGS - The plan by Messers Wiggins Teape and Co to re-build the store at Buckland Paper Mills were approved...........

  • 25 July 1901 - The Surveyor, who had now arrived, reported that Messers Wiggins Teape and Co were progressing with their works to filter the water they turn into the Dour.  In regard to the cleaning of the river he had found it necessary to put a quantity of sulphate of iron into the river above where it was being cleaned out in order to deoderise the water.

  • 29 August 1901 - ELECTRICITY COMMITTEE - The minutes of the Electricity Committed stated that the terms had been approved for supplying to Messers Wiggin Teape and Co and Dover Harbour Board, and that a tender of the British Insulated Wire Company for the Admiralty Pier cable, which will supply power to the electric cranes, had been accepted. 

The Town Clerk was asked to arrange for attendance of Mr Beeton (Secretary), and Mr Woodman (Engineer) at future meetings.

  • 3 June 1904 - PAINTING - Tenders are invited for the painting the whole of the outside of Buckland Paper Mills.  Further particulars may be obtained at the office of Mr Hobday, and day after 10.a.m.  Wiggins, Teape & Co Ltd 30th May 1904.

  • 26 August 1904 OUTING FROM DOVER - The fourth annual outing of a large number of Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co's employees was held on Saturday.  The arrangements were in the hand of a committee consisting of Messers W Baker, A Keeler, and G Dovey.  The brakes, three in number, left the Buckland Mills at one o'clock, and drove to Shepherdswell, via Lydden.  Thence the party travelled to Eythorne, where they enjoyed a magnificent tea at the Crown Hotel.  This tea consisted of cold boiled ham and beef, tongue salads, boiled eggs, jam and marmalade, and cakes.  As well may be supposed, full justice was done to the tea, after which was an amusing cricket match was played in the adjoining meadow.  A smoking concert was commenced at 7 o'clock, when the chair was occupied by Mr F T Barlow.  The musical program was as follow: Song "It won't take long," Mr W Beale;  Song "If the misses wants to roam," Mr Cooper;  Song " Powder Monkey Jim," Mr G Cook;  Song "Why are you weeping," Mr G Hogg;  Recitation Mr G Dovey;  Mouth Organ selection, Mr C Dixon;  Song, Mr Taylor;  Song, "The Ivy," Mr E Hicks;  Song, "Old Jeff," Mr W Mills;  Mouth Organ selection, Mr C Dixon;  Song, "Oh the business,"" Mr Beale;  Song, "As your hair grows whiter," Mr G Cook.  The company leaving Eythorne at quarter to ten, drove home by the Sandwich road, going through Whitfield.

  • 14 July 1905 - DOVER TRAMWAY EXTENTION - The double line is now laid from the terminus at Buckland Bridge up to Dodd's Lane, and for the greater part of the distance the cement and wood paving has been put down.  Above that point to the junction of Lower road a single line is down, and the road is up from the top of Lower road to the bottom.  The Lower road is now closed to traffic, and Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co are doing the carting between their Crabble and Buckland Mills by road through Crabble meadows, the posts having temporarily removed for that purpose.  Would it not be practical for the owners of the Mills to make an elevated tramway over the river to connect the two mills?

  • 13 October 1906 - A sad accident occurred at the Buckland Paper Mills early on Monday Morning, whereby a young man named William Beale, of 10 George Street, had both his legs crushed, and one has since been amputeted.

  • 30 August 1907 - NEW BUILDINGS - Messers, Wiggins, Teape and Co submitted plans for an extension to Buckland Paper Mills, which, being in accordance with bylaws, were approved.

  • 25 October 1907 - NEW BUILDINGS - ............. Notice of intention to build an extension of the machine house at Buckland Paper Mills was received from Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co.

  • 24 July 1908 - BUCKLAND MILL EXCURSION - The annual excursion of the employees of Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co's Buckland and Crabble Mills took place last Saturday.  The place selected this time was London.  The Train left Dover Harbour at 7.35 a.m. for Victoria, the party going numbering 324.  London being reached, various parts of the Metropolis were visited, some going to the White City, others to Madame Taussaud's and the Zoological Gardens.  There were a few showers, but on the whole the rain did not interfere with getting about.  The return journey was from Victoria at 12.5 a.m., and after a non stop run Kearsney was reached at 2.15 a.m. and Dover Harbour at about 2.30.  The employees desire to thank the directors for so generously giving them, as they have formerly done, a full day's pay, a free return ticket, and 2s extra, thus enabling everyone who went to have something to spend.

  • 5 March 1909 - BUCKLAND MILL DINNER - The sixth annual dinner of Messers, Wiggins, Teape and Co's employees took place on Saturday last at the Recreation Hall at Crabble Mills.  A Company of nearly one hundred sat down to a dinner, which was followed by a smoking concert.  Mr Frank Barlow occupied the chair, and was supported by Mr L Hobday (manager), Mr D Mackenzie (cashier), and nearly the whole of their staffs.  After due justice had been done to the dinner, which was most efficiently catered for by Mr J Hobson, of the Cricketers' Hotel, songs, music and toasts were the order of the evening, and were most thoroughly enjoyed by all.  The whole of the items on the programme were furnished by the employees, and the almost uproarious applause that was given to each performance showed how well they performed their parts.  Specially creditable was the rendering of the glee, "The Red Cross Knight," which had to be repeated in the second part of the programme, and credit is due to Me Uden for organising,  and Mr J Busby, for training the glee party.  It is hoped that they will keep their party up for future occasions.  The toast of " Success to the firm of Wiggins, Teape and Co Ltd" was proposed by Mr L Hobday, who stated that the operation of the firm extended to all parts of the globe, and kept no less than six mills in Kent, Bucks, Lancashire, and Scotland employed, which he thought was a record for the class of paper the firm manufactured.  He coupled with the toast of the name of Mr F Barlow.  Mr Barlow, in replying stated that without the cooperation of the staff and employees, it would, in these days of keen competition, be almost impossible to keep the firm in the position it held, and expressed his gratification that in function like that night's entertainment, there are always men amongst their employees who came forward to organise and carry things through, and he thought that spoke for itself of the loyalty and spirit of their hands.  The toast was enthusiastically received with musical honours.  The other toasts were "The Staff," proposed by Mr A Hobday, who in proposing it, stated that it was well known among the hands that it was always possible, if their were grievances, or distress, amongst them, that the management could always be approached, and they would be courteously listened to, and the utmost would be done to render their lot as comfortable as possible.  Mr Mackenzie, in replying, said that they all desired assistance and good will of the hands, and they believed the course could be best maintained by meeting them in a sympathetic way, and thus securing in all things a hearty and loyal co-operation for the success of the firm.  The other toats were "The Dinner Committee," proposed by Mr Mackenzie, who coupled with the toast, the names of Messers A Hobday and W Baker, the chairman and secretary, and at the same time acknowledged the able way in which Mr Hobson had carried out the catering.  The toast was received with musical honours, and was acknowledged by Messers J Hobday, A Hobday, and W Baker, the last being the most rapturously applauded when he appeared on the platform with his apron on and sleeves rolled up.  The Pianist's (Mr Dickens), the Performers' and the Chairman's services were suitable acknowledged, and the gathering suitable dispersed about 11 o'clock after singing the National Anthem and "Auld Lang Syne" everyone having spent a most enjoyable evening, and having a feeling that these affairs go a long way in cementing a feeling of loyalty and friendship which should and does exist in the firm of Wiggins, Teape and Co.

  • 9 April 1909 - BUCKLAND MILL CONCERT - A very successful concert and entertainment, arranged by the choir committee of the sports and recreation club of the Buckland Mill employees, took place on Saturday, April 3rd.  Their large hall at Crabble was filled by the employees and their friends who, who thoroughly enjoyed the concert.  The choir acquired themselves excellently and great credit is due to their conductor, Mr G Busby, for training them to the point he has in such a short time.  The items were all well rendered, especially the violin playing of Mr W Hedgecock, who has established a reputation amongst the hands for his talent and skill with his instrument.  Other favourites with the mill hands  were Miss M Mils and Miss McKeen, the first singing "Love Me and the world is mine" and the second singing "Twilight."  Both songs were rendered in capital style.  Others assisting were Coprl Reynolds, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, who gave selections on the one string fiddle and the clarinet.  Copr Watts of the same regiment, greatly pleased the audience with his splendid voice.  Mr W Green (Dover's own) told a terrible tale, but stirred up roars of laughter instead of sympathy.  Mr Maurice Taylor in his sleight of hand and conjuring tricks completely mystified his audience, and is a clever performer.  Mr Forman also gave splendid renderings of ther drama as the cockney likes it, and also greatly pleased the audience (the ladies especially) with the various ways that men propose.  The second half of the programme opened with a selection of "Zamora," by the mandoline band.  This was their first appearance and they did their part with good taste and judgment.  The thanks of all were given by Mr Sutton towards the close to the various performers; and the committee, assisted by Mr Dovey, are to be congratulated on the success attending their efforts. Mr Dickens, Miss Relf and Miss Butler rendered good service at the piano for various performers.

  • 27 May 1910 - NEW BUCKLAND MILL - On Tuesday the plans for the new paper mill that Messers, Wiggins, Teape and Co propose to build at Buckland came before the council for approval.  The new millss occupy 2¾ acres, and are built parallel to the present mills, and extend from the churchyard path to the road at the bottom of Crabble Hill.  The contract for the building has not yet been let, but the foundations are being put in by Messers, Wiggins, Teape and Co, and they have all the machinery on order.  We are sure that Dover is very glad that Messers , Wiggins, Teape have selected Dover as the site of their ne mills, and have much to thanks Mr Barlow for in that decision being come to.

In Connection with the plans, some slight alterations of the road on either side of the Mills will be made.  In order to straighten a wall a few inches of roadway will be given up by the town to Messers, Wiggins and Teape, and in return they will throw a considerable area into the road at Crabble Hill to widen it.  That given up is so small that it will not be noticed, whilst that given to the town is f a considerable area.  It will widen the road at a part that requires widening, although this widening does not extend as far as desirable, but that is no fault of Messers, Wiggins and Teape, as they have no control over the property beyond.

  • 27 May 1910 -  THE NEW PAPER MILL - The plans for the new Buckland Paper Mill, which is to be erected came up for approval.  The new mills are to be built parallel to the existing ones at Buckland and stretch from the path through Buckland Churchyard to the London Road.  They occupy the area of 2¾ acres.

The Surveyor, in presenting the plans, said he would like some decisions of the committee as to the building line.  There was on offer to give a certain amount of land on London Road.  He had not had time to prepare a report.

The Committee then examined the plans, and informally discussed them.

It was stated that the proposal was to alter the side of the road on Crabble Hill.  Messers, Wiggins Teape would straighten and widen it for a considerable area, and in order to do this a strip about a foot wide would be taken for a short distance, and in exchange a very long strip over half an acre in area would be given up.  The widening would only be extended as far as their land, and leave a part of the road beyond unwidended,  On the Churchyard path side the wall would be built to the iron fence and extend as far as the gate and path leading across from the Churchyard path over the river to Buckland House, formerly the residence of Mr Leney.

Councillor Hobday stated that there was no contract signed for the building yet, but the machinery was ordered, and they had been getting out the foundations.

It was decided that the Works Committee should adjourn till the next day at 9.30 so that they could go to the spot to see what was proposed and report for next week's Council meeting.

The adjourned meeting of the Works Committee was held at Buckland Mills on Wednesday morning.  The part that would be given up marked in chalk.  It is where the wall goes at an angle and runs from nothing to nearly one foot, and makes no difference to the road.  The parts that will given in exchange runs from nothing to 15ft, and would widen the road considerably, although beyond the road is still narrow.  On Crabble path side the path will be made straight.  The Committee decided to recommend the Council next Tuesday to adopt the proposed building line, and a plan showing exactly what is proposed will be submitted.

  1. 24 June 1910 -  LONDON ROAD WIDENING - The Surveyor reported parts of an interview that he had with Messers, Wiggins Teape and Co's representative with regard to exchange of land for the widening of Crabble Hill, which was agreed to by this Committee on 25th ult, and approved by the Town Council on 31st ult, and the Council is recommended to order that the necessary exchange be effected on the following terms:

    1. Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. to hand over to the Corporation the land colored green on the plan in the plan for a small piece of land coloured brown.

    2. The Corporation to remove the granite setts in the road opposite the existing mill and replace the same with wood paving.

    3. Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. undertaking, where opportunity occurs, to hand over to the Corporation the further portion of land coloured blue on the plan.

    4. The Corporation to construct a footpath outside the new Mill of such width as shall prevent vehicular traffic from damaging the building.

    5. Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. to pull down the existing wall above the building, and erect such fencing as may be required to close the land.

    6. The land to be thrown into the road to be metalled or otherwise formed, and maintained by the Corporation.

    7. Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. to hand over to the Corporation the piece of land abutting Crabble path coloured yellow on the plan, which is to be metalled in asuitable manner and maintaned by the corporation.

    8. The Corporation to provide the necessary surface water drain in Crabble path.

The Committee also recommended that the Surveyor be authorised to arrange with Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. for the purchase of the granite setts to be removed from opposite the Mill at a price to be agreed between them.

The Chairman said that it would be a very great improvement for the town, and he thought that Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. had met the town in a very handsome manner.  They would pull the wall down  and set back the fence, and give up a portion of the road; a further portion would be dealt with hereafter.  They would also take up the granite setts facing the mill, and Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. would no doubt purchase them, and that would help to reduce the cost of the improvements.  As regards the laying down of the drain in the Church footpath, that would have to wait until the building was up, and they would see what was really necessary.

It was decided unanimously, on the proposition of Alderman Lewis, that an arrangement on the lines suggested should be entered into with Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co.

  • 22 July 1910 -  THE NEW BUCKLAND MILL - A BUILDING CONTRACT ACCEPTED - The Following is a list of the tenders for building the new mill for Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. at Buckland.  The contract has been placed in the hands of Messers. Hayward and Paramour, whose temder amounted to £12,479.

Other Tenders were:

Austen and Lewis

 £15,856

W. Bromley

£14,861

L. Browning, Canterbury

£12,988

G. H. Denne and Sons, Deal

£12,629

T. T. Denne, Upper Walmer

 £12,750

C. I. Epps, Ashford

 £14,860

W. Grigg

 £13,017

Lewis and Sons

£12,980

Wallis and Sons Maidstone

£12,564

W. G. Lewis

 £15,691

  • 21 October 1910 - CRABBLE HILL - Councillor Hobday said that Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. were prepared to take down the wall as far as Mr Noble's house, making it 15ft, on condition would take up the pitchers in front of the mill and put down wooden paving, and hand over the stones to Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co.

The Chairman said that 15ft, would only be on one portion of the wall, and would be very small when they cam to look at it.

The Mayor asked what the length would be?

Councillor Hobday said that got it marked out on the plan, but came without it.  The present proposition was not to go further than Mr Coleman's Gate.

The Chairman asked if it were not left over owing to Mr Noble being seriously ill, and they did not think it advisable to go within 50 yards of the house?

Councillor Hobday said that if he lived they would not have gone any further, but now they were prepared to take down the wall as far as the house.

The Chairman sais that he thought they were asking too much to ask to have the pitchers given to them.

The Chairman said that it had been left to the Surveyor and himself to agree a price.

The Mayor suggested that the road should be relaid with bitumen macadem instead of wood.

The Surveyor said that Mr Maybury, the County Council Surveyor, must be consulted.  He was willing to allow wood to replace the pitchers and continue to pay the installment towards the cost of the stone and he did not think he would take tarmacadom for stone.

The Mayor strongly advocated tarred macadam being tried, but the Surveyor said that he did not think it would answer where the tramlines were.

The Town Clerk read the agreement arrived at some time ago, which stated that the further portion of the land was to be given up on condition that the paving taken up and wood paving substituted, Messers. Wiggins, Teape to purchase the pitchers at a price to be agreed between the Surveyor and Mr Hobday.

The Chairman said that therefore it was the Surveyor to make agreement with Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co as to the purchase of the pitchers.

Councillor Hobday said that there was one other thing, Mr Lawes did not agree to the land on Crabble Hill being given up by the lessees, Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co.  They were, however, willing to give it up as there were ninety years to go, and he did not thinks anyone would trouble about it.

The Town Clerk suggested that the matter should stand over for the Surveyor to report.  The matter was accordingly adjourned.

  • 7 July 1911 - NEW BUILDINGS - ............. also notice of intention to build a drying loft at Buckland Mill from Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co.

  • 30 July 1915 - SERIOUS TRAM ACCIDENT AT BUCKLAND - A serious accident occurred at Buckland Bridge on Monday evening,  by the tramsheds.  A tram was stationary there, and passengers were dismounting when the accident happened.  Louis Jooris, said to be a Belgian subject, living at 5 Herbert Terrace, Crabble Hill and employed by Messers, Friend and Co, was about to descend from the tram when he fell forward over the side of the tram, pitching heavily on his head to the ground, which rendered him unconscious.  He was taken to hospital on the Buckland Mill ambulance, where on examination, it was found that his skull was fractured, and his head was bleeding considerably.  He remained unconscious for several days but has not partially gained consciousness.

  • 16 June 1916 - Conditional exemption was granted to fifteen men in the employ of Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co.  The military representative stated that this was done on the report of Captain Hodgson, who stated that, after seeing the work on which these men were engaged, he was satisfied that these men were doing work of a highly skilled nature.  These all without exception, had been employed in paper making trade for years, and the work called for special knowledge and long experience.

  • 24 November 1916 - Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. agreed to accept six months exemption in respect of R Buddle, a stoker, engaged in a certified occupation.

  • 24 November 1916 - The great store of small coal belonging to Messers, Wiggins, Teape and Co, which is the building in the lower part of Snargate Street, formerly the Pheonix Foundry, appears to have become either very heated or else on fire in the centre.  Fumes in the form of white vapour are arising from it, which seem to smell strongly of sulphur.  The coal is now being removed.

  • 26 January 1917 - Similar appeals were made in respect to two men in the employ of Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. namely, H Uden, aged 34, married, a mechanic, and F. H. Chambers, aged 25, married, a motor driver.  The Military Representative offered to allow two months exemption to Chambers, and six months to Uden.

  • 16 February 1917 - Exemption of six months was granted to Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. for an engine driver named Thomas Beer, in charge of twelve engines of total of 600 horsepower.

  • 23 February 1917 - Mr A. E. Court, aged 37, married, in the employ of Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. applied for exemption on domestic grounds, his son being helpless and requiring considerable attention.  Applicant was passed B i,  The advisory recommended three months exemption; and the tribunal confirmed it.

  • 30 March 1917 - WHAT IS THE USE -

We can hear the noise when our khaki boys are at practice with their grenades;

And the rumble of trains, and the hum of planes;

With the whirling propeller blades;

And the safety signal at Buckland Mill is wonderfully load and clear;

But what's the use of a warning syren that nobody seems to hear?

  • 7 September 1917 - A personal application was made by E. J. Payne, aged 35, married, with eight children, a steam lorry driver in the employ of Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co.  He had eight children under 14 years of age.  He had been granted conditional exemption as a steam ploughman for Messers, Robson, but this had been withdrawn on his entering Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co's service at higher pay.  The Advisory Committee recommended three months exemption, which the tribunal approved of.

  • 25 January 1918 - AIR RAID WARNING - Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. have kindly consented to repeat with the syren at their BUCKLAND MILLS the air raid warning (four short blasts followed by one long blast) after it has been given at the Electricity Works.

It will however, not be possible for the warning to be sounded at the Buckland Mills between 3 pm on Saturday and 6 am on Monday.

R. E Knocker Town Clerk, 24th January 1918.

  • 12 September 1919 - BUCKLAND MILL - A letter was read from Mr P. Walker, of 2 Buckland Avenue, complaining of the nuisance caused by Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. through the cinders falling from their chimney.  It was sufficient, he stated to render the road with the deposit.  Last week it was more than they could stand.  He stated that he had written to the directors and also had interviewed the managers, but the more he complained, the worse it got..

The Sanitary Inspector said that he made enquiries and inspected the furnaces, and did not consider that there was any nuisance caused by care or neglect.  The difficulty was that they could not, on account of coal supply, get the coal suitable to the furnaces, and the result was that there was not always perfect combination.  Three new boilers had been ordered and they could be installed at the boiler house of the Conqueror Mill instead of the Buckland Mill, Which was not to be used.

It was decided to acquaint Mr Walker of these facts.

10 October 1919 - BUCKLAND SHELTER - A petition, signed by 300 persons, was received, asking for a shelter at Buckland Terminus; and it was decided to approach Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. as to the use of a small piece of ground at Buckland which before the war had been suggested, might be used for this purpose.

  • 5 December 1919 - SHELTERS - The Surveyor reported that Messers, Timothy White, Ltd had erected a temporary shelter at Worthington ST, and were considering the question of erecting a permanent one.  In regard of the shelter at the Buckland terminus, the Surveyor asked to arrange with Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. for the top of a tramcar to be temporarily placed on a piece of waste land, pending the erection of a permanent shelter.

  • 11 February 1921 -  THE WAVE OF UNEMPLOYMENT - LOCAL PAPER MILL CLOSES FOR WEEK - Last night the employees of Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co's. local paper mills were notified that the works would be closed till Monday week.  Last week short time was worked during the weekend.  Paper Mills all over the country  are suffering in a similar way from the prevailing slackness of orders due to the increased costs of paper curtailing its use.

The unemployment in the coal trade owing to our coal being undersold on the Continent is causing very regular short time and cancelled shifts at the local pits.  Notices are frequently exhibited at the Stations cancelling the miners' trains.

  • 19 October 1923 - BUCKLAND AND CRABBLE MILLS' MINSTREL TROUPE - On Saturday last the Buckland and Crabble Mills' Minstrel Troupe gave a most enjoyable concert when the dining hall of Crabble Mill was packed, even to the top of the row of cupboards, and many went away being unable to reach the doorway.  The various members of the troupe acquitted themselves so well that Mr Walter Mills (interlocutor and Troupe Manager) has received several applications for performances elsewhere.

The programme was a ong one and deserving of special praise.  The corner men, Messers Dyer, Howe, Butterfield and Holt, gave a considerable amount of pleasure to the audience.  The rule "no encore allowed" was carried out in the first part of the programme, but in the second part this was waived and the audience had their own way.  Amongst those contributing to the programme were Mr w. Hedgecock (violin), Mr P. Coleman (mandoline), Mr "Bob" Robert Jones (banjo, song and natural whistling with banjo), Mr Percy Grant (vocal), Miss A Payne and Miss terry.

During the evening Mr G Dovey made a short speech requesting the audience (who were admitted free) to make a collection on behalf of the Buckland Mill Football Club funds, the result of which was more than satisfactory.  The stage scenery was painted by Mr Pascall, who was assisted by Mr Clark, and was a clever piece of work by these two Mill employees.  The frontal scenery was painted by Mr Pelham, another employee.

The evening's entertainment was brought to a close by playing the National Anthem.

  • 8 October 1926 - PRESENTATION TO A PAPER MILL FOREMAN - Mr James Sutton, who has recently retired from his position as foreman in the employ of Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. at the Buckland Paper Mills, has been the recipient of three presentations to mark the esteem in which he has been held.  That from the women employees of Buckland Paper Mills consisted of a large leather travelling bag, and was handed to Mr Sutton on behalf of Mr G. Platter.

On Friday last the Men of Buckland Mills made Mr Sutton a present of a silver watch, with the following engraved thereon "Presented to J Sutton by the men of Buckland Mills as a token of their esteem".  Mr Chidwick, in making the presentation, said that at some time or another most of those present had in some way had something to do with Mr Sutton, and they wished to show their respect for him.  The life of a foreman was not always a pleasant one.  He had to do his duty to his emplyer as well as to the employee, and, perhaps, not altogether pleasant to the men, but Mr Sutton had done this in a most agreeable way, and he asked him to accept the watch as a mark of their esteem.

On Saturday, Mr Lewis Hobday, the Manager of Buckland Mills, asked Mr Sutton to accept from the staff of the Mills a gold Waterman fountain pen, also a gold Ever ready lead pencil.  The fountain pen bore the inscription; "Presented to Mr James Sutton by the Staff of W.T. and Co, Ltd. 1894-1926."  Mr L. Hobday, in making the presentation, said he had known Mr Sutton the longest of any of them, having worked with him at Glory Mill, Woodburn Green, in 1894, and at Buckland Mills since December 1895, and had always worked with him on the best of  terms.

Mr Sutton in each case expressed his thanks for all concerned for the kind feelings which prompted such handsome gifts.

Mr Sutton has been with Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co. for 32 years, and has been working continuously in paper mills for 65 years, first being employed when he was ten years of age.  Starting in 1861, for the first 30 years he worked at Mr Nash's Mill, St Paul's Cray, Kent, and left to go to St Neot's Huntingdonshire.  He then went to Glory Paper Mills, Woodburn Green, under another company, then to the  Golden Valley Paper Mills, Bitton, Gloucestershire, and came back to the Glory Mills under Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co, Ltd, in 1894, and since 1895 has been at Buckland Mills, retiring on October 1st, 1926.

  • 15 October 1926 - ANOTHER MILL PRESENTATION - A pleasant ceremony took place on Tuesday morning, October 12th, in the sorting room at Crabble Mill, when a presentation was made to Mr J Sutton, the retiring foreman papermaker of Buckland Mill.  Mr Dovey, the manager of Crabble Mill in making the presentation, said that he had sent for Mr Sutton for the last time officially.  Mr Sutton had been at Buckland Mill for 32 years, and even apart from the work, had been very kind and pleasant, and now after 65 years of active work, was retiring voluntarily, still blessed with good health and sound mind.  His retirement gave them the opportunity of recognising his long work and his kindness.  Mr Dover thought the gift, which took the form of an eiderdown quilt, was about the most useful present they could chose.  He hoped that Mr Sutton would be very happing in his retirements.  Mr Sutton responding, thanked everyone very much for the beautiful present, and said he would always think a great deal of all the workers at Crabble Mill.

  • 15 July 1927 - BUCKLAND MILLS' OUTING - The annual outing of the female employees of Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co Ltd. took place on Saturday, when about 100 left Dover at 8 o'clock and travelled by three East Kent Road Car Co's buses through Ashford  and Tenterden to Hastings, which was reached about 1.30 p.m.  On arriving at Hastings the party separated and had their lunches at separate restaurants in the town, and spent the rest of the time until 6.30 p.m. in various ways.  The return journey was then commenced, and the party passed through Rye, where a stop was made, Winchelsea, Dymchurch, Hythe and Folkestone to Dover, which was reached at 10.30 p.m.

  • 22 July 1927 - Whilst alterations are being made to the stock room at Buckland Paper Mills, the warehouse in Queen Street is being utilised by Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co Ltd.

  • 3 August 1928 - PAPER MILL - A petroleum licence was granted to Messers, Wiggins and Teape for a store for 500 gallons at Buckland Paper Mill.

  • 23 November 1928 - The Surveyor reported that notice and plans had been received from Messers Wiggins Teape and Co. of an addition to Buckland Mills for the paper testing department.  The building had already been erected and the firm had written regretting that by an oversight plans were not submitted previous to building.  The plans were reported to be in accordance with the byelaws and were approved.

  • 4 January 1929 - The Surveyor reported that he had received plans from Messers, Wiggins, Teape and Company, for the erection at Buckland Mills, of additional lavatories.  He would report at the next meeting.

  • 10 January 1930 - The Surveyor recommended plans submitted by Messers, Wiggins, Teape and Co, for reroofing certain sheds, and these were approved.

  • 28 August 1931 - BUCKLAND MILLS' SPORTS - The Buckland and Crabble Mills sports and Recreation Club held a sports meeting at Charlton Mill Sports Ground, Kearsney on Saturday.  There were large entries in all the events, and the ladies took as active a part as the men.  The tug-of-war was keenly competed by the various departments, the Yard Department have a hard pull in the final against the Engineers.  An event which created much amusement among the spectators was a boat race.  The Crew, eight in number, sat astride a plank and guided by cox they had to run backwards to the winning post.

Keen competition was shown in the final event, the Mill Relay Race.  Three teams entered, the Cutters and Callenders, Stock Room and No 3 Machine, spurred on by their supporters, they finished very close to one another.

Good organisation was a feature of the meeting, and the events were well up to scheduled time until the heavy rain held them up.

Music was provided and announcements were made through a radio-gram with a microphone, supplied by Messers , Peacock of Folkestone.

The officials were: - President, Mr F. L. T. Barlow;  Vice-President Mr Lewis Hobday;  Chairman, Mr W. E Platter;  Vice-Chairman, Mr B. Wisdom;  Hon. Secretary, Mr A. Lumsden Bedingfield;  Hon. Treasurer, Mr R. W. Jordan;  Committee, Mrs Q Cook, Mrs J Petts, Miss Collyer, Messers A. Bacon, J Elvey, C. R. Taylor, T. Bailey jun, W. Marsh, A. Russell, G. Butterfield, F. Pelham and W. Walsh;  Starter A. J. Davis;  Judges, Messers L. Hobday, M. L. Hobday, T. Wilkinson, C. Lawrence sen, G. Plater, G.  Dover, H. Austin, A. Keeler, D. Marsden and C. Lawrence jun;  Competitors' Stewards, Messers B. Dyer and F. Folwell;  Enclosure Stewards, Miss J. Petts and Mr E. C. Philpott;  Recorder, Miss M. Wall.

The results were as follows:-

80yds. Ladies' Race (21 years or under)

Heat 1: 1, M Marsh;  2, F Clark;  3, H Barton

Heat 2: 1, H Gill;  2, D Cole;  3, M Blizzard

Final: F Clark

100 yds Boys' Handicap (14-18)

1, W Clark;  2, V Barker;  3, M Rawlings;  4, V Matthews

80 yds Boys' Handicap Race (members children 10-14)

1, D English;  2, A Barton;  3, P Walsh

80 yds Girls' Handicap Race (ditto)

1, M Smith;  2, P Dyer;  3, A Wisdom

50 yds Ladies Sack Race

1, D Terry;  2, D Cole;  3, H Barton

Boys' Race (members children under 10)

1, Terry;  2, F Arman;  3, W Pelham

Girls Race (ditto)

1, A Smith; 2, J Terry;  3, M Taylor

100 yds Men

1, F Ellis;  2, H English, E Dixon

Wheelbarrow Race

Heat 1: 1, H Bacon and W Marsh;  2, G Meadhusrt and F Philpott;  3, H Castle and G Hogben

Heat 2:  1, G Prescott and G Simmonds;  2, J Robinson and W Pascall;  3, W Nightingale and S Gadiner

Final: 1 G Prescott and G Simmonds; 2, W Pascall and J Robinson;  3, G Meadhurst and F Philpott

100 yds Ladies' Skippping

Heat 1:  1, H Barton;  2, F Clark;  3, V Barker

Heat 2:  1, D Cole;  2, A Gill;  3, M Blizard

Final:  1, D Cole;  2, F Clark;  3, H Barton

Slow Cycle Race (mixed)

1, Lawrence;  2, Friend;  3, H Castle;  4, Constable

80 yds (Ladies 21 years or under)

1, D Cole;  2, H Barton;  3, F Clark

Staff Race

1, L Hobday;  2, W Plater;  3, R Jordan

Throwing the Cricket Ball

Final: 1, T Ellis;  2, C Gill;  3, P Walsh;  4, G Finn.  Distance 80 yds.

Boat Race

1, Stock Room team (W Marsh), 2, No 2 Machine (W Nightingale)

Half Mile

1, H Catle;  2, W Woodcock;  3, G Meadows

Putting the Shot

1, F Philpott (31ft 2in);  2, W Walsh (30ft 9in);  3, E Philpott (29ft 8in)

Thee-legged Race (mixed)

Miss D Cole and C Bailey,  2, H Barton and E Tinley;  3, E Sayers and W Pascall

Relay Race

1, No 3 machine ( T Ellis, B Bailey, S Cattermole and G Finn);  2, Stock Room

Final of Tug-of War

1, Yard (A J Davis, coach; J Dawkins, G Martin, Fleming, Cummings, P Meadhurst, T Bayly, Clark, C Cheney, Sharr and Leithfield);  2, Engineers (T Bailey, coach;  W Walsh, Petley, Mcfarlane, W Baker, G Pain, H Payne, Friar, L Cannon, Smith and C Kay)

Tilting the Bucket

1, Prescott and Simmonds;  2, Robinson and Pascall;  3, Lawrence and Bailey.

Baby SHow

1, Baby Keen;  2, Baby Graves;  Baby Empson;  4, Baby Flemming; The Judges were Mrs F. L. T. Barlow and Mrs Lewis Hobday.

There were a good array of valuable prizes, and these were presented to the winners by Mrs F. L. T. Barlow.

Dancing on the Green  Brought a very enjoyable sports meeting to a close.

Wheelbarrow Race

 

Skipping Race

 

Slow Cycle Race

 

Tug-of War - Winners Yard Team who beat the Engineers Team

 

The Yard Team - Mr F Barlow (Managing Director); Mr L Hobday (Mill Manager);  Mr Davis, in the centre (coach trainer)

 

  • 4 March 1932 - BUCKLAND MILL SOCIAL - LONG SERVICE PRESENTATION - A social organised by the Buckland Mill Social Club, was held at the Town Hall on Saturday evening.

During the evening, Mr L Hobday said that some short time ago the Directors decided that employees completing 50 years continuous service should be presented with a clock, in recognition of their long service.  It was his pleasant duty that night, at the request of the Directors, to make the presentations.  They were to Mr H. Reid who had 57 years to his credit, and Mr F. W. Chidwick and Mt T. Bailey who had 50 years each in the Mill.  Fifty years was a long  way to look back upon, and it gave him a great pleasure to make those presentations.  As a young boy he knew them before before he started work at the Mill, and he had worked with them for 40 years.  Fifty years ago the Hall in which they were standing had only just been opened.  Fifty years ago Buckland Mill stood practically in the country: it was almost a separate village of its own.  Buckland Avenue and Barton Road were corn and pasture land.  At the Mill they did not consider they belonged to Dover.  There had been changes at the Mill during the last 50 years.  They were then making 5 tons of paper a week with one machine, whereas now they were capable of making 90 tons.  From 20 to 30 employees they had grown to about 450.  He thought it was a good thing to give those clocks for long service - it was something for a man to look forward to.  It was something to say in a man's favour that he had retained his position for 50 years, for it spoke highly of him and his abilities.  Those three men had sons of their own working in the Mill, and that proved they were very satisfied with their employment.

Mr Hobday then presented the veterans with suitable inscribed Westminster chiming clocks.

Mr Reid has taken an active interest in sport at the Mill and was a member of the football team and formerly a cricketer.

Last week, at the Buckland Mill, the finishing department where where he was previously a finisher, and with which he is still connected, presented Mr Bailey with a cut glass bowl and celery glass, while the staff on on which he now serves made him a present of a silver tea service.

  • 18 March 1932 -  BUCKLAND MILL CONCERT - A very successful concert, arranged by the Buckland and Crabble Mills Recreation Club, was held at the Crabble Hall on Saturday.  Nearly 300 members and friends were present, and they were excellently entertained, Messers, Stoneman and Hopper's concertina and variety performances being outstanding features.  The programme included selection by the band, songs by Miss D Saunders, Mrs T Bailey, jun, Mr Plater and Mr R Friend;  Messers T Spicer and D Akehurst gave cornet selections;  Mr W Hedgcock gave a violin solo.

  • 7 July 1933 - The Town Clerk said that attention had been called to the fact that a big advertisement which had been placed on Buckland Mill had no licence issued in respect of it.  He had received a letter from Mr Hobday of 103 Buckland Avenue, asking for his permission to continue the advertisement until 10th July, and apologising for not having made application for permission to exhibit it in the first instance.  The size was 60 feet by 40 inches.  He was unaware at the time that it was necessary to make an application for permission, or he would have applied when he did the banner.

Permission was granted for the advertisement to remain until 10th July [It advertises the Scouts Fun Fayre, etc on Friday and Saturday.]

  • 12 January 1934 -  MR. L. HOBDAY RETIRING. - It will be learned with regret that Mr L. Hobday, the Manager of Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co's Paper Mills at Dover for many years, has announced his intention to retire.  He will terminate his office in March.  His Successor will be Mr J Gordon, of Aberdeen.

  • 9 March 1934 - RETIREMENT OF MR L HOBDAY - After forty-five years as manager of the Wiggins, Teape Paper Mills at Dover, Mr Lewis Hobday, of Buckland House, Crabble Hill, has retired.  He terminated his office at the end of February, when Mr J Gordon from Aberdeen, took over his duties.  The employees at the Mill made a presentation to Mr L Hobday of a silver teapot and coffee pot before he left.  His son, Mr Maurice Hobday, the assistant manager of the mill, who transferred to Devonshire, left Dover earlier in February.  Presentations were made to him by the employees of the Mill and by the Sports Club.

  • 27 April 1934 - ELECTRICITY FOR BUCKLAND MILL - The report of the Electricity Committee of Aril 18th stated:- "Buckland Mills - A letter was submitted from Messers, Wiggins, Teape and Co. (1919), Ltd, inquiring whether, in connection with the change of frequency, the corporation are prepared to supply part or bear part of the cost of a converter in lieu of carrying out necessary alterations in their various motors at Buckland Mills;  and stating that if this course were adopted they would probably be able to close down the steam plant at least six hours earlier at weekends.  As it would appear to be to the advantage of the department, we instructed the Borough Electrical Engineer to inform the firm that the Corporation would be prepared to contribute towards the provision of the converter the costs of making the necessary alterations in their motors. - We recommend that out action be approved.

  • 6 July 1934 - WELL SINKING AT DOVER - In an article on water supplies in the "Daily Telegraph" on Wednesday, a tribute is paid to the work of the well known Kentish Water Engineers, Messers R. D. Batchelor, of Chatham.  It stated that one of the important contracts was at Messers, Wiggins, Teape and Co's Buckland Paper Mills, at Dover, Where three borings yielded 3,400,000 gallons of water a day.

Great as this quantity of water is, water supplies at the base of the chalk hills in this district seem almost unlimited.  Large springs empty into the sea just beyond the Eastern Arm, at Lydden Spot between Dover and Folkestone, and the old spring (which gave a name to spring place at the Pier) which empties into the Tidal Harbour.  The amount of good water that goes to waste  in this way is undoubtedly greater that the supply at the Dover Water Works.

  • 3 August 1934 - NEW BUILDING - Plans were submitted .................. as also were plans for Messers Wiggin, Teape and Co for a new testing room and lavatory at Buckland Mills to be built over the river supported on piers.

  • 19 October 1934 - Plans were approved submitted by Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co Ltd, for a new stock room at Buckland Paper Mill for cut paper and reels.

  • 14 December 1934 - MESSESR. WIGGINS, TEAPE & CO. SUMMONED. - CONTRAVENTION OF FACTORIES ACT - At the Dover Police Court on Monday, Messers, Bradley, W. L. Law and S. Lewis, Dr C. Wood, and Miss Elnor,

Messers. Wiggins , Teape and Co Ltd, of Buckland Paper Mills, were summoned for having, on 29th October, being the occupiers of a certain factory, the same being an industrial undertaking within the meaning of employment of Women and Young Persons Act, 1920, employed Douglas Charles English, a young person under 16, at night, contrary to the provisions of the Act.  There were similar summonses in respect of Frederick George Harvey and Reginald Arthur Chaney.

Mr P. G. Horster, H.M. Inspector of factories, prosecuted; and Mr Scorer appeared for the defendants, who pleaded guilty.

Mr Horster said that the relevant part of the Act was section 1 (3), under which no young person or women could be employed at night, in any industrial undertaking, except to the extent and in the circumstances in which such employment was permitted under parts 2 and 3 of the schedule at the Act.  Part 2 allowed the employment of male young persons between the ages of 16 and 18 at night under certain industries, one of which was a paper mill, but young persons under 16 were definitely prohibited from night employment in any factory or industrial undertaking.  The circumstances of the case were that on Monday, 29th October, the three young persons named in the information, all under 16, were employed from 2 o'clock in the afternoon until midnight.  The firm, or any occupiers of papermaking, were required to affix a notice, which stated very clearly that young persons between ages 14 and 16 were allowed to be employed during part of the night, that is, between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., so that 10 p.m. was the absolute limit for male young persons under 16.  He did not know if the Court want the young persons concerned to give formal evidence.

Mr Horster said that he would like to say, on behalf of the firm, that as soon as it was brought to the Manager's notice the night employment stopped at once.

Mr Scorer said that he would like to explain the matter a little.  The firm were very sorry that such a thing had occurred.  It seemed to have passed unnoticed.  The arrangements at the mill were that the cutter boys worked two shifts, either in the morning from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., or evenings from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight on Saturdays, to make a 46 hour week.  The other shift was between 2 and 10 p.m. every day of the week.  It seemed to have gone on indefinitely and the contravention had passed unnoticed.  At one time, of course,  they employed no cutter boys under 16, and the Bench would appreciate that when young boys came along it passed unnoticed.  The firm were very sorry indeed, and immediately it was pointed out they stopped it.  They, of course, never intended to take any mercenary advantage; it really worked against the boys.  It was a technical offe3nce, and having regard to the position, he suggested that the case could be met by payment of costs.

The Court inflicted a fine of £1 in each case, and 13s 6d costs.

  • 18 October 1935 - Plans were passed by the Surveyor:........... Messer, Wiggins, Teape, Ltd, for the construction of a Turbine House at Buckland Paper Mills........

  • 22 November 1935 - BIG ALTERATIONS AT THE PAPER MILLS - £30,000 EXPENDITURE ON NEW POWER HOUSE - The well known firm of paper makers, Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co (1919) Ltd, have decided to carry out extensive  alterations to the production and transmission of power in the Buckland paper Mills, Dover.  Wiggins Teape is one of the oldest Paper Houses in the Country and one which has been steadily growing, due to its success in the making of consistently high class papers in the United Kingdom.  Lord Portal, who was raised to the Peerage this year, is at the head as Chairman of Wiggins Teape and its associated companies.  Wiggins Teape papers are easily recognised by their Trade Mark, the Gateway Device shown below.

Which is incorporated in the watermark in every sheet of Wiggins Teape "Gateway" paper, not the least of which are the famous "Conqueror" papers, which are made in the Buckland Mills and used all over the world.

For many years the driving power at the Papers Mills at Buckland has been by steam engines of many types and horse power located in various parts of the Mill and which in turn transmit the power through shafting to the washers and beater, paper machines, Calenders, etc.  Although there is ample evidence that the present method of power transmission is maintained in a high state of efficiency, many engines have been called upon to do work in excess of their efficient capacity and in fact one or two engines which have given continuous service for over 50 years are now taking much bigger loads than were originally intended. Moreover the design of most of the engines is obsolete for  for present day needs, and the Directors therefore decided that the power plant should be brought up to date by a change over to electric drive.

Plans have been submitted and approved and the work has already begun on the erection of a new power house in which will be installed a power unit consisting of of a turbine to run at approx 6000r.p.n. and having an output of  approximately 2,000 kilowatts coupled through a gearing to an alternator at 1000 r.p.m. with an output of 1500 kilowatts at 440 volts 3 phase 50 cycles and a 400 kilowatts 220 volts D.C. generator in tandem.  The output from the alternator will be used to drive eight 170 h.p. A.c. motors for washer and beater drives and twenty other A.C. motors varying from 5 to 85 h.p. for other drives.  These motors will replace the  existing steam engines.  With regard to the generator, this will be used to drive the existing D.C. motors in the mill, numbering 70 in all and varying from 5 to 30 h.p.  The engineers responsible for the installation are International Combustion, Ltd of Derby, and the contractors, metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Co, Ltd, of Manchester.  It may also be interest to note that all materials to be used are of British manufacture and the total cost of the installation id £30,000.

  • 25 February 1938 - BUCKLAND MILLS EXTENSION - The Duty Surveyor reported that a building notice from Messers, Wiggins Teape for a small addition to part of their premises, Buckland Paper Mills.  This would comply with the existing bye-laws and form an extension to the existing building.

  • 30 September 1938 - Tests have been made this week with the warning syren used during the last war, but it did not prove satisfactory, and a new one will be delivered shortly and installed at Buckland Mill.

  • 23 December 1938 - Buckland Mill had to be shut down on Tuesday, just before 2 p.m., owing to a burst in the boiler room.  Repairs were quickly carried out, and work was resumed at 6 p.m. the same day.

  • 27 January 1939 - THE SIREN -  The organiser reported that the siren used during the last war had been repaired, and was again tested from Buckland Mill on the 13h instant, but reception was poor in the lower half of the town.  We gave instructions that an additional steam siren be installed at the premises of Messers Stevens Services Ltd, Market Lane, and an electrical siren at the Fire Station, on trial, and that a report as to their efficiency be submitted after testing.

  • 5 May 1939 - Plans from Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co for an extension, consisting of cloakroom, to the engineering shop at Buckland Mill.

  • 16 June 1939 - ANCIENT BUILDING UNEARTHED AT BUCKLAND - The foundations of an ancient building have been found in the garden of Buckland House, Crabble Hill, adjoining the Conqueror Mills of Messers Wiggins, Teape and Co Ltd.  Buckland House is the residence of Mr J. D. Gordon, Manager of the Mills, and the excavations are being made for providing A.R.P. shelters for mill workers.  Mr Gordon, this week, very kindly allowed us to inspect the excavations, in company with Mr E. G. R. Amos, the Honorary Archeologist to the Dover Museum.  These ancient foundations appear to date back three or four hundred years, and parts are probably older.  There is a tradition that a corn mill existed on the site of the Paper Mills.  It is not certain how long ago, but about 1777 there was a paper mill there was a paper mill there belonging to Ingram Horne.  Buckland House was built about the year 1800 for Mr Thomas Horne, then the owner of the mills and also Buckland Farm, on the other side of London Road.  Quite possibly the farm buildings extended on both sides of the road in the days before paper making.  The foundations include several very thick walls consisting mainly of big flints, but including blocks of stone and chalk here and there.  At one place there is a floor paved with thick tiles-bricks, some about 8 inches square.  Beneath this is a flint and clay conglomerate soil, which is not many feet above the river level.

  • 21 July 1939 - BUCKLAND TRAM SHELTER - The Town Clerk stated that a letter had been received from Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co Ltd, drawing attention to the dilapidated condition of the tram shelter at Buckland Bridge.  It was becoming a nuisance - in fact, it had been used as a convenience - and they suggested that the Council should go into the matter to see whether the shelter was nor really needed.  The Town Clerk said that he had consulted the Surveyor on the matter, and he stated that he had the shelter examined and estimated that the costs of repairs and painting at £15.  But he was doubtful whether the repairs would be worth while and suggested that the shelter should be removed.  In any case, it would be taken away when the improvement scheme was carried out.

Alderman Russell said that, judging by the use made of it, he thought it should be removed.

This was agreed.

The old tram shelter can be seen in this photo from 1932

  • 28 July 1940 (but not reported until 8 July 1949) - On the Sunday there were no bombs, but in an air fight high over the town during the afternoon, a spitfire was shot down.  Many people saw it twisting and falling like a leaf until it crashed on to the roof of Buckland Mill.  The pilot was too seen coming down by parachute and he landed safely near Bunkers Hill.

  • 6 September 1940 - PAPER MILLS CLOSED - One of Dover's principal industries, Messers. Wiggins, Teape and Co's Buckland and Crabble Paper Mills, will cease production at the end of the week.  This decision was taken solely owning to present condition, and it is expected that work will be resumed there after the war.

About 500, including over one hundred girls, were employed before the war, but the numbers have reduced since enlistment into the Services.  It is hoped to find work for some of those displaced at other mills belonging to the company, but nothing yet has been decided.

  • 8 June 1945 - PAPER MILLS FUTURE - The Surveyor said that he had been approached by by the architect to Messers. Wiggins Teape regarding a proposal to erect a rag boiler house  in the yard at Buckland Mill with an overhanging gangway to convey the pulped rags from one new building to the existing one.  It would run over a piece of land in the mills procession, and abut about 2½ ft ???r the path near Buckland Churchyard at a height of about 14ft.  He recommended they agreed in principle to the suggestion in view of the fact it would not greatly interfere with the footpath and they were anxious that the industrialists should return to the area (Hear, hear.)  The Surveyor also recommended the the effluent discharge should be properly treated.

The recommendations were approved.

  • 15 March 1946 - SMOKE FROM THE MILL - The inspector said that last October there was a ground for complaint as to the emission of smoke and grit from Buckland Mill, and the Chief Engineer was seen.  There had been considerable improvement since, and there was no grounds for Statutory action.  It was mainly due to inferior coal, which contained as much as 25 per cent, of ash.

Councillor Simmonds said he knew the firm did all they could, and they should not interfere with them too much.

Alderman Brazier said that they should interfere so long as it affected health.

  • 7 June 1946 - BUILDING NOTICES - The following building notices were approved:- ............ erection of rag boiler house at Buckland Paper Mill, for Messers. Wiggins Teape.

  • 9 May 1947 - DEATH OF MR J. D. Gordon. - The death took place at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Folkestone, on Tuesday of Mr James Donald Gordon, who had been Manager of the Wiggins Teape Paper Mills at Buckland since 1934, when he Succeeded Mr Lewis Hobday.  Mr Gordon who was 61 years of age, had been on poor health for some time and in hospital just over a week.

Directors and Officials at Wiggins Teape and employees of Buckland Mill, will attend the funeral which takes place this (Friday) afternoon at Charlton Church.

  • 23 May 1947 - PAPER MILL MANAGER - Mr T. C. Davidson, Assistant Manager at the Chorley, Lancashire, Wiggins, Teape Mill, has been appointed Manager of Buckland Paper Mills in succession of Mr J. D. Gordon, whose death occurred recently.  Mr Davidson is expected to take up his new duties in a few weeks time.

  • 30 May 1947 - SMOKE NUISANCE - The Health Committee, being dissatisfied with an explanation from Messers. Wiggins, Teape (1919) Ltd, about smoke from their chimney at Buckland Paper Mills, instructed the Town Clerk to take such action as he deemed necessary.

Councillor Constable said he felt that they had left the Town Clerk to hold the baby, although it would be in very capable hands.  As a Council they wished to help local industries but it was also their duty to protect the ratepayer from nuisances.  For many years now, those living in Barton Rd and neighbouring districts had been put to a great deal of inconvenience and results of the smuts and dust from the mill chimney.  If a power station could be run without emitting smoke, surely a Paper Mill could convert coal into energy and not waste it in soot on the surrounding district.

The Mayor said that they would do their best it was long overdue.

  • 27 June 1947 - THE MILL SMOKE - Alderman Bushell said he would like to make a statement on the smoke nuisance.  The matter was not referred to in this month's minutes, but he thought the Council and members of the public living in the Buckland would be pleased to know that as a result of steps taken by the Town Clerk, further discussions had taken place with Messers, Wiggins, Teape and Co, and their Technical advisor as regards the serious smoke and grit nuisance from the chimney at Buckland Mill.  The discussions seemed to be progressing very favourably and they were satisfied that the Company now appreciated the justice of their complaints, and promised to to take immediate steps which they all hoped would result in abatement of the nuisance.  They were told that the situation would begin to improve in the course of the next week.  There would be a further report to the Health Committee at their next meeting, and to the Council in a months time.

The mayor: that is very good news.

2 January 1948 - The Works Committee, of which Councillor Gillam has been appointed Chairman, reported to the Town Council at its monthly meeting on Tuesday that it recommended approval of the application of Messers. Wiggins Teape and Co (1919) Ltd to discharge trade effluent at the rate of 144,000 gallons per 24 hours into the public sewer in Crabble Meadows.  The Borough Engineer's report stated that the highest rate of discharge would be 180 gallons per minute, and effluent were unobjectionable and the sewer was adequate to receive the substantial increase in flow he recommended that consent be given under the Public Health (drainage of Trade Premises) Act 1937.

14 May 1948 - THEY SAY that the concrete tank traps near Buckland Paper Mill will soon celebrate their eighth anniversary.

  • 25 June 1948 - BUCKLAND PARENTS ASSOCIATION - Mr Marsden, Assistant Manager at Buckland Paper Mill gave a talk on Papermaking to the Association on Wednesday, Members realised that some of the finest paper in the world is produced at Buckland Paper Mills, using water pumped from what is supposed to be a subterranean lake and Kent Coal.

  • 14 January 1949 - BUCKLAND MILL PARTY - Buckland and Crabble Mills Sports and Recreation Club gave their annul party to more than one hundred children of employees of the Mills at the Club Recreation Hall on Saturday.  The even was as usual, a great success and represented efficient planning by those who had worked hard to make it go with a swing.  A feature of the evening was the arrival of Father Christmas (Mr Gilbert Pascall), who appeared from the middle of a huge "Snowball," which had been pulled onto stage on a sleigh.  The children who had been welcomed by the Manager of the Mill, Mr Davidson had  had an excellent tea and after games, singing and entertainment, each received a gift.  The entertainment included a Punch and Judy Show, and performances by juvenile tap-dancers.

  • 6 October 1950 - BUCKLAND MILL EXTENSION - Plans for and extension to Buckland Mill, to form a chest house, for Messers, Wiggins, Teape and Co, were approved by the Works Committee on Tuesday.

The Borough Engineer reported that the plans conformed to the bye-laws, and has recommendation that they passed was adopted.  The plans will require consideration under Town Planning.

Asked by Alderman R Eckhoff the nature of the extension, the Borough Engineer replied that it was a vertical extension along Crabble path.

  • 3 April 1987 - Award Winners,

Four staff at Buckland paper Mill in Dover have gained top awards for their work.

Gary Maile (second left) of Marine Terrace, Folkestone received a City and Guilds silver medal from mill manager Mr Stuart Carver for coming top out of students nationally in paper-making industry qualifications.

They are flanked by Mr Perry Matcham (left), of Longfield Road, Mr Graham Perry (extreme right), of Farncombe Way, Whitfield, and Mr Andy Nash of Whitstable, who have gained who have gained the Paper and Board Industry Federation's foundation course diplomas.

Mr Nash, a foreman, also gained top marks from his course rivals all over the country.

 

  • 17 June 1988 - 100 Years of Conqueror

 

 

  • 7 October 1988 -

  • 6 January 1989 -

 

  • 4 May 1990 - Wiggins Teape to go it alone - Many of the 260 workers at Buckland Paper Mill at Dover are anxiously watching developments in the BAT demerger plans for Wiggins Teape Appleton (WTA).

BAT, with many interests is demerging many of its businesses to escape the clutches of Sir James Goldsmith's Hoylake's and now abandoned unwanted take-over bid.

One of those businesses is WTA, due for a stock exchange listing on June1,  WTA's chairman and chief executive Stephen Walls says they will have a strong financial base offering the opportunity for expansion.

WTA will be the biggest British-owned paper company and the fourth largest in Europe.  Assessments of WTA's value vary between £1.2 billion and £1.5 billion.

It is likely that WTA will establish a London headquarters while Wiggins Teape will continue to be operationally based in Basingstoke.

Wiggins Teape have owned the Dover mill since the end of the last century but the mill's history goes back over 200 years.  It is estimated that Buckland Mill pumps out up to £10 million a year into the local economy through its payroll and buy-in requirements.  The aim is to use Buckland Mill as a springboard for deep sales penetration into the growing EEC market which will be given a boost with the single market in 1992.

  • 2 April 1993 - Dedicated Derek's off after 47 years at the mill! - ARJO Wiggins Ltd bid farewell to one of its longest serving employees, Derek Brown who retires after 47 years at Buckland Mills.

Sixty-four-year-old Derek, from Aycliffe, Dover started at the mill in 1946 when he was 17 and by 1970 had worked his way up to supervisor.

He worked mainly on the production of the Conqueror brand of paper and by the time he retired he had been with the company longer than anyone else on site.

Derek and his wife Elsie have one son Philip - who has worked with Arjo Wiggins since 1969 - and three grandchildren.

A spokesman for the firm said; "Derek is well respected across the mill for his papermaking knowledge and he is a father figure to his shift team.  "We are all sorry to see him retire but he has agreed to come back occasionally to look after our Heritage Centre."

NB, it is actually Colin Britchford Mill Manager, not John Gaunt

 

28 April 1994 - Those were the days my friend! - Bob Hollingsbee