MEN OF KENT AND KENTISH MEN (BROMLEY & BECKENHAM BRANCH)

Chislehurst Caves have been put to many uses since the first tourists were attracted to them 100 years ago, Dr Eric Inman told Bromley and Beckenham Men of Kent and Kentish Men branch members at their February meeting.

A munitions depot in World War I and an air raid shelter for some 1500 people in World War II, the caves have also been used for growing mushrooms and been the backcloth for jazz concerts and TV programmes.

At the meeting, members paid silent tribute to Freddie Gates, branch chairman from 1984 to 1991, who died in January.

The next branch meeting is on March 6 at 7.45pm and will be a social and bring-and-buy sale at Bromley Methodist Church Hall, College Road, Bromley. Visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed. Free car parking is available.