Following the demise of established local builders and undertakers Messrs Arthur Hope Constable in 1932, former apprentice and craftsman, Henry James Johnston, carpenter and joiner began trading as H J Johnston Builder, operating from a small yard at Rogues Hill Penshurst, carrying out traditional works, maintenance and repairs within the vicinity of the village.
Alongside his role as builder and joiner, Henry Johnston (Harry) continued providing a service as the local undertaker.
Incidentally, the undertaking business remains family owned and run, as a separate operation.
Henry Johnston was joined by his son David in 1959 later to become partners, trading as H J Johnston & Son Builders and Decorators until 1980.
General development and expansion, led to the building business being registered as a limited company under the directorship of David Johnston, his Father and the late Ken Alexander and Raymond Palmer.
Henry James Johnston passed away in 1987 having been actively involved with the building business until 1980 aged 79 years and continuing beyond that, assisting David with funerals and in a consultancy capacity as a director of the company.
Expansion during the early eighties led to the recruitment of additional office staff and development of the premises at nearby village Chiddingstone Causeway in 1979.
Under the third generation, H J Johnston & Son Ltd remains family owned and is principally managed by David Johnston and his sons Stephen and Neil. |
