Rat and Sparrows were deemed by farmers and landowners to be pests, destroying crops and stored grain, and so they created a form of pest control by offering a bounty for them. Paying a small price for rats tails and sparrow heads. This then resulted in villages having Rat and Sparrow Clubs, where mainly men gathered to claim their bounty and as most often this was held in the local public house, the bounties often went across the bar for a bar. Records show clubs formed in the 18th century, Eastling formed their club in 1760. Borden’s club was formed a lot later in 1880. Changes in the law, new methods and attitudes led to the demise of the clubs, in the 1960s.

A report on the East Kent Gazette of 23 May 1958 records several thousand rats, pigeons, magpies, sparrows, queen wasps and squirrels had been killed. The report was on their annual dinner and concert held at the Parish Hall. The report named Alex Greenlees (president), Phil Woodman (chairman), Derek Kemsley (vice-chairman), and W. Bailey (secretary) and several members; Mr E. J. Roe, Mr W. Hinds, R. Spinks, G. Waters, E. Poynter, L. Gates, J. Deverson, P. Jessop, F. Beer, and David Ledger.

John Crunden could only name two of the people, they are twins Peter and Percy Jessop pictured 3rd & 4th from left in the row nearest the camera.

I expect someone will be able to name the others.

John Crunden