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OUR FOUNDER
AGNES KATE MATILDA DICKENS was born in Crown Lane, Chislehurst in 1887.
Her father was a bellringer at St. Nicholas Church.
She wrote letters to THOMAS HENRY EVERIST on behalf of her sister who was albino and had poor eyesight.
Thomas found out that Agnes had written the letters and they fell in love and married.
They had seven children = Olive, Sydney, Thomas, Mabel, Norah and Donald (the survivor of twins).
It all started in 1923 when OLIVE with her striking good looks and long dark hair was noticed by the Merrie England Festival at Hayes and she was asked to become May Queen for Chislehurst.
Agnes was asked to organise the ceremonies.
The following year, Olive's sister, NORAH was Chislehurst May Queen.
The whole family were involved in making the props and paper flowers for the hoop.
Agnes never let a child rich or poor enter the Fancy Dress Competition without a costume - she kept a supply in her bottom drawer at home.
In 1945 Olive's daughter BERYL ARMSTRONG was May Queen and the Crowning was held back until June so that it would be part of the Victory Celebrations.
Sadly, two days later, Agnes died.
She is buried in the Annunciation Church in the High Street and on her gravestone is written
"In loving memory of Mrs. A. Everist from the May Queen and Children.
When the children sing and play she shall surely hear them. June 1945"
The family carried on organising the Chislehurst May Queen for a few years afterwards.
(Submitted by Colin Everist, Grandson of Agnes Everist).
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