Fascinating, thanks. I especially enjoyed the way he illustrated his talk. Although I have been to Chatham a couple of times, I can't say that I know it well, but he brought it to life for me. I love the language of the time, such as describing the effect it had on people's 'countenances'.
This was published to record the history of the local volunteer fire brigade.
Bit tatty but happy to scan for anybody interested.
Reports are credited to the local newspapers of the period.
It would appear the local water company held a knees up at years end to announce its progress and all the good and great were invited.
This taken from a later page, a pithy comment from a representive of a local insurance company.