London and Paris 1925 - 1929

Folkestone Herald 13-2-1926

Obituary

We regret to state that Mr. George Gray died on Thursday at 19, Bouverie Road West. Deceased, who was in his 72^nd year, was a resident of long standing. He was originally proprietor of Gray`s Temperance Hotel, Dover Road, subsequently becoming proprietor of the Paris Hotel, Harbour Street. Before coming to Folkestone he was a moulder, and assisted in the castings of some of the famous bells now hanging in the belfry towers of churches in various parts of England. The late Mr. Gray, in his younger days, was a remarkably fine tenor vocalist, and was well acquainted with the scores of many well-known operas.

Deceased was widely-known, especially amongst cross-Channel passengers. Many of these visited his hotel many times, knowing that Mr. Gray studied their comfort and provided the best of food. He abhorred shams, and had a habit of speaking his mind pretty freely on public matters. A native of Scotland, he was one of the most generous of men, doing most of his good deeds by stealth. Up to the last, although his health was failing rapidly, he preserved his geniality and had a cheery word for all. To his widow much sympathy is extended.

Folkestone Express 20-2-1926

Obituary

We regret to have to record the death of Mr. George Barclay Gray, at his residence, 17, Bouverie Road East, which took place on Thursday in last week.

The deceased gentleman, who was 73 years of age, was for 24 years at the London and Paris Hotel, Harbour Street, and previous to that he was the proprietor of the Gray’s Temperance Hotel, Dover Road for five years. He retired from business three years ago. He was in early life a bell-caster, and had cast some of the finest peals of bells all over the country, including some at Dublin and other places in Ireland, and in Scotland. His maiden peal of bells were cast for St. Andrew’s, Wells Street, London, at Lewis’, organ builders and bell founders, Brixton. From there he went to Messrs. Maudsley, Sons and Field, Westminster Bridge, remaining with them until he came to Folkestone. He was a very fine tenor singer, and there was little music that he did not know. He sang a good deal in London before he came to Folkestone. He was a native of Scotland. He was well known among the cross-Channel passengers.  A man of great integrity, with a very genial character, he was ever willing to do what he could for others. He was very proud indeed of bell-casting and the bells he had cast. With the late Mr. Frank Davis he was the originator of the Poor Children`s Fund, and for many winters attended St. Peter`s School to help feed the little ones. He was a member of the Temple Lodge of Freemasons, and also of the Mark Masons.

The funeral took place on Monday, and a short service at the Parish Church was attended by a great many of his friends.

Folkestone Express 21-9-1929

Obituary

We have to record with deep regret the death of Mrs. Venner, the wife of Alderman P.H. Venner, of Margate, who passed away in a London nursing home on Tuesday, following an operation.

The late Mrs. Venner was well-known in Folkestone, where she resided for a number of years. Mr. Venner, it will be remembered, was the proprietor of the old Rose Hotel, the famous hostelry in Rendezvous Street, and which was demolished two years ago, and also of the Clarendon Hotel in Tontine Street. On leaving Folkestone before the War, Mr. and Mrs. Venner went to Margate to reside, and since their residence there they have most capably filled the office of Mayor and Mayoress. The deepest sympathy will be extended by his many Folkestone friends to Alderman Venner in his great loss.

 

Folkestone Herald 21-9-1929

Obituary

We regret to announce the death on Tuesday, at a London nursing home, of Mrs. Percy Venner, the wife of Alderman Percy Venner, of Devonshire Gardens, Margate. The deceased was widely known as a former Mayoress of Margate, where, through her amiable disposition, she endeared herself to all classes of the community.

The late Mrs. Venner was equally well-known in Folkestone, where, with her husband, she resided for many years.

Alderman Venner, it will be recalled, was the one-time proprietor of the old Rose Hotel at Folkestone. He is at the present time proprietor of the London and Paris Hotel, Folkestone.

To Alderman Venner and his family much sympathy will be extended. The Funeral will take place at Margate today (Saturday).