1874 - Rose & Crown, Green St Green

This account of an outing in 1874 was published in the local newspaper:

 

WORKMEN'S TREAT

 

The annual outing of the men in the employ of Messrs. T. Herbert and Sons, scale makers, gas fitters, &c., of Smithfield, King's-cross, and St. George-street, took place on Saturday, the place chosen this year (in pursuance of the practice always adopted by this firm of courting novelty in the selection of their places of enjoyment) being Green-street Green, a pleasant hamlet a short distance from Farnborough, in Kent, on the Sevenoaks road and certainly a more charming drive or pleasanter place for such a meeting would be difficult to find. The start was made from St. George-street, shortly after eight in the morning, by four-horse omnibus and wagonette and the party reached its destination about twelve, the weather, which in the morning looked threatening, proving to be all that could desired. Dinner was served at the "Rose and Crown” in a very satisfactory manner, and received ample justice, Mr. T. Herbert presiding, and Mr. George Herbert occupying the vice-chair. As soon as the cloth was removed and the loyal toasts had been proposed by the chairman and duly honoured, the toast of the day, "Prosperity to the Firm of Herbert and Sons,” was proposed by Mr. Bone, one of the oldest of the employees, in a brief but hearty manner. It was spoken to by Mr. Keighley, on behalf of the visitors and as an old friend of the family, expressing satisfaction at the manifest feelings of cordiality that prevailed between employers and men, and which meetings such as this were well calculated to foster. The toast was drunk in an enthusiastic manner. The "Workmen” was the next toast, and for this Mr. Bond and Mr. Hewlett (who had been twenty-six years continuously in the employ of Mr. Herbert sen.) responded. Messrs. Ferry, Fereday, and others followed in brief speeches, expressive of goodwill and hearty wishes for the continued prosperity of the firm; and dessert being finished, the party then broke up for out-door games, or for a visit to Knockholt Beeches, about five miles off, from whence a view of considerable extent and the utmost loveliness is obtained. There was another reunion for a substantial tea, and the return journey was then commenced, town being reached shortly before midnight, when the company separated with three cheers, carrying to their homes very pleasant memories of the outing, the tenth, we believe, and certainly not the least gratifying, that Messrs. Herbert have provided.