Hopping in Kent
The first train to Paddock Wood was 1844 (this
was the year, not the time). Before this time people would hitch or walk
from the East End of London. By the fifties the railways were the best
and cheapest form of transport. Special trains would be laid on from
London Bridge to Paddock Wood. The Hopping Train. The hop farmers would
send letters to known families telling them of the arrangements. Many
generations of the same family would go Hopping.
Whole families arriving at Paddock wood.
Pickers at work.
Work done time for tea.
Families would meet up with old friends for their time in the country. This would be their holiday. The only time the children would see the country side. Many families would bring almost their whole home with them. Husbands would go back to London during the week leaving the wife and children to do the work. Returning for the weekend festivities.
Looking after the children in the creche.
The pay book for the wages
The Salvation Army would be on hand to look after the younger children. Everybody would muck in to help so that all would benefit.