by Angela Coleacole@thekmgroup.co.uk

A new generation of Kent Messenger readers can now sing along to
the sounds of an anthem for the paper’s young readers in days gone
by.

Eighty years ago this year, the KM launched a club for young
readers, called the Keg-Megs, which proved hugely popular and gave
youngsters of the day – and for several decades to come – a badge,
certificate and a promise to keep to.

In 1930, the KM also released a record of the group’s anthem, the
Keg-Meg Song, composed by F. Wyndham Peasant and played by J
Wilbur’s Band.

At a reunion of the club this summer, held as part of the KM’s
150th anniversary celebrations throughout 2009, the highlight was a
rousing chorus of the song, performed by the Jim Hawkins Trio, and
sung by Keg-Meg members who attended.

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A copy of the record, loaned to us by Barbara Arnold
(nee James) of Bearsted, was on display at the reunion, but was
unable to be played.

Thanks to an appeal in the KM, which provoked a number of offers of
help, the record can now be played and listened to 21st-century
style.

Neil Webb, from Yalding, offered his services to play the old 78
record.

Although badly warped over time, the record played well on a
wind-up record player of Mr Webb’s.

The music and singing may sound very dated to today’s listeners,
but has a catchy tune, complete with xylophone in places.

The B side has the dulcet Scottish tones of the first Kousin Mac,
regaling children with some of his witty anecdotes.