Notes from Medway's Hoo Peninsula

High Halstow Times - February Edition

2012-02-01T09:58:00.000Z

The February edition of the High Halstow Times, the first of 2012, is now available and is packed full of stories, reports and things to do. Just click on the image below to see the full copy.

This month’s edition includes a progress report on the funding bid submitted to the Sport England Olympic Legacy scheme for an Outdoor Gym, an update on the refurbishment of the Village Hall, the latest news and event dates from the High Halstow and District Gardening Club, details about the return of the Farmers’ Market (on Saturday 4 February), Parish Council surgery dates (taking place on the second Tuesday every month), a report from the Youth Club and lots lots more!

The High Halstow Times is the magazine of High Halstow Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here.

High Halstow Walkers – February Walk

2012-01-31T12:04:00.000Z

Details have now come through about forthcoming walks organised by the High Halstow Walkers right through from February to July.

The next walk is taking place on Sunday 12 February, and will start at 10am from Sutton Valence for a 5 mile wander through some classic Kent countryside to Ulcombe. The return journey in particular has lovely views from the Greensand Way. There is one modest slope and some of the paths are likely to be a bit muddy, so be sure to wear suitable clothing and footwear!

Sutton Valance can be reached by taking the A274 from Maidstone. Take a left turn at the start of the hill as you come into the High Street (where cars should be parked). If you are joining the walk, please gather near the old church in the centre of the village.

Other walks taking place in 2012 are listed below. The start time for each walk is 10am, but confirmation of this, and starting points, will be added to this website every month.

11 March - Brickhouse Farm (between St Mary Hoo and Allhallows) to River Thames and St Mary's Bay.

15 April - Upnor and Medway.

13 May - Cranbrook and Sissinghurst.

10 June - To be announced.

8 July - High Halstow to Egypt Bay.

If you’d like to find out more about the High Halstow Walkers, get in touch with Mitchell by phoning 01634 254428 or send him an email here.

Allhallows Life - February Edition

2012-01-30T10:00:00.001Z

The February edition of Allhallows Life is now available. Click the image below to see the full copy.

This month’s edition includes a notice about the next meeting of the new Allhallows History Club on 12 February, news and event dates from Allhallows Youth Club, a list of Sunday services at All Saints Church and many other reports and updates. In particular there is an update on the Project Morning, with the next session being held on 11 February.

Allhallows Life is the magazine of Allhallows Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here. The magazine also features items from St. Mary Hoo Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here.

Getting creative with the Higham Craft Club in Hoo!

2012-01-29T07:00:00.001Z

Looking to do something a little bit creative?

Well, the Higham Craft Club might just have what you’re after. From this Wednesday they will be hosting a fortnightly Card and Craft class, at Taggs Coffee Shop in Hoo.

If you’re interested, click the image below to find out more.

Enjoy!

Walking in the footsteps of Charles Dickens!

2012-01-26T13:22:00.000Z

I met up for a coffee and a chat earlier today with Rolf Williams from the RSPB.

He told me all about a special walk taking place at the RSPB Northward Hill nature reserve on Thursday 2 February - in celebration of Charles Dickens and his association with the peninsula.

In the week that we'll be celebrating Dickens’ 200th birthday, the RSPB is offering unique access to a part of the marsh at Northward Hill that is normally closed to the public.

The walk will be a 3 mile round trip, taking in the heart of the grazing marsh that was the inspiration for the opening scenes of ‘Great Expectations’.

There will be a chance to look at local wildlife habitats and some interesting buildings, and I know Rolf and his team will be able to give insights into the natural history of the area along the way.

Rolf has told me those taking part might be lucky enough to see marsh harrier, lapwing, buzzard (possibly the rare rough-legged buzzard) and Northward Hill’s iconic grey heron.

This walk seems a great opportunity to learn more about the story of the Thames marshes and the complex mix of nature and human intervention spanning thousands of years.

So it won't just provide information about the wildlife, as there will be recitals marking different periods of the area’s past, present . . . and future!

The walk will start at 10am at the main car park at Bromhey Farm. Too early? All for those who prefer their fresh air in the afternoon, the walk will be repeated at 1pm.

Please don’t forget to wear stout footwear, preferably wellies or walking boots. And wrap up warmly, as it can get very windy out on the marsh even if it seems generally mild.

So, what are you waiting for?

Sign up by contacting Rolf and the RSPB team by ringing 01634 222480 or send an email here.

Please note: The ticket price for this event will be £6 for adults and £5 for children. RSPB members receive the discounted rate of £2. Anyone who decide to join the RSPB on the day will receive a full refund.

Cleaning up the Hoo Peninsula

2012-01-24T14:03:00.000Z

There was quite a bit of community activity taking place on the Hoo Peninsula a couple of weekends ago - with ‘action days’ taking place in Allhallows, High Halstow and Hoo. The main aim in each area was to clean up litter and make things look a bit better.

In Allhallows, the Parish Council organised their fourth Project Morning - attracting 20 local volunteers, who bagged 28 sacks of rubbish. They also picked up a few bulky items, including a bed frame, traffic cone, suitcase and a torso of a life size wooden soldier!!!

The next Project Morning in Allhallows is on Saturday 11 February - meeting at Allhallows Village Hall (Stoke Road) at 8.30am. For more information, get in touch with the Parish Council by emailing here.

In Hoo, residents collected 25 bags of rubbish and an oil drum - with efforts targeted around the Village Square car park.

The next Hoo Clean Up will take place on Saturday 24 March - meeting at Hoo Village Hall (Pottery Road) at 9.30am. For more information contact Tony on 01634 255694 or by email here.

And in High Halstow, the Parish Council and local volunteers carried on with their community action, which they’ve been doing for many years - with picking up litter, repairing fences, improving playgrounds and clearing wooded walks just some of the tasks they carry out. The sessions are known as Project 90 - representing the number of minutes that each volunteer gives at each session.

Here are some photographs of previous Project 90 sessions.

The next Project 90 event in High Halstow will take place on Saturday 11 February - meeting at High Halstow Village Hall at 8.30am. For more information, get in touch with the Parish Council by emailing here.

There’ll be a special report about High Halstow’s Project 90 added to this website later this week!

RSPB January newsletter (On the Marshes) out now!!

2012-01-23T14:46:00.000Z

The January edition of the RSPB’s newsletter for the North Kent area, ‘On the Marshes’, is out now - just click the image below to download a copy!

Visit the websites of the local RSPB groups: Gravesend and Medway.

Join the Isle of Grain Youth Football Club!

2012-01-22T10:33:00.000Z

Following a very successful and enthusiastic first year, the Isle of Grain Youth Football Club is inviting children of all ages to join up and get involved.

The Club also runs a popular Soccer School every Saturday morning, from 10.30am until 12.30pm, at Seaview Meadows (Langs Field), Isle of Grain. And as a member of the North Kent Football League there are matches most Sundays during the football season.

With experienced coaches and managers available, no previous training or experience is required - and new children can just turn up! Soccer School subs are £2.50 per session, but the first session is free.

If you’re interested, or would like further details, contact Sarah Ball, Club Secretary, on 07538 719200, or by emailing here. Alternatively, just pop along on a Saturday morning and see what they’re all about!

Variety is the spice of life in High Halstow!

2012-01-22T10:11:00.000Z

Okay, I hope I can be forgiven for this blatant advert - but it’s always good to be able to promote new enterprise on the peninsula!

In case you weren’t aware, the Red Dog is the only pub in High Halstow village and, to add some variety to the mix, their restaurant is now run by Spice Fusion.

The pub is a regular stop for the many people who enjoy walking and cycling around the northern peninsula - exploring the many local walks and views, or those who visit the impressive RSPB Northward Hill nature reserve.

I popped in yesterday for a swift one and picked up a leaflet about the new Spice Fusion restaurant. It all sounds very tasty! Check out their full menu by clicking here.

So, if you fancy something spicy with your pint - High Halstow is the place to be!

Lots to do in High Halstow!

2012-01-20T15:54:00.001Z

The High Halstow Times will return in February, so in the meantime I thought I'd mention some of the events and activities taking place in the village.

Making a return to the Village Hall on Saturday 4 February will be the Farmers’ Market, from 9.30am to 11.30am. There’ll be lots of stalls and a chance of winning a £30 voucher (from Denis Hills the Butchers) in the raffle.

Click the image below to find out more about the Farmers’ Market.

Thought Christmas was over? Well it isn't in High Halstow!

If you haven’t yet booked to see the Dramarama panto, you might still be in time to get a ticket!

Performances of Aladdin will be taking place on Thursday 26th at 7.30pm, Friday 27th at 7.30pm and on Saturday 28th at 2pm (matinee) and at 7.30pm.

Tickets are only £4, so just click the image below to find out more!

To read more about what is happening in the village, visit the website for High Halstow Parish Council. You’ll find details about the special February promotions offered by the new Spice Fusion restaurant at the Red Dog, the latest news and views about the Lodge Hill development, updates on the ongoing refurbishments at the Village Hall and much more!

Allhallows Life - January Edition

2012-01-20T15:22:00.001Z

I’m a bit late this month adding the latest (January) edition of Allhallows Life. Click the image below to see the full copy.

This month’s edition includes information about criminal incidents that have occurred at All Saints Church, a special report about Allhallows Youth Club celebrating its second birthday, a list of Sunday services at All Saints Church and many other reports and updates.

Allhallows Life is the magazine of Allhallows Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here. The magazine also features items from St. Mary Hoo Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here.

Cleaning up Grain Coastal Park

2012-01-19T12:04:00.002Z

The first Grain Coastal Park volunteer activity day of 2012 took place last Sunday. There were almost 20 along to help out - of all ages, from across the peninsula.

We concentrated on litter picking this time and I'm sorry to say that we managed to fill 12 sacks of rubbish in just a couple of hours, from the area around the car park and along the beach. We also collected 3 tyres, a flower pot and an old fire extinguisher!

After a break for coffee and cake, the group had a quick tour of a proposed woodland walk, led by Michael Dale. On future activity days we'll be asking for help to create this walk, making this lovely area more accessible.

One of the volunteers was ‘Dave the Dog’.

Whilst Dave didn’t seem too happy to stand around posing for photos, he did manage to get his paws dirty - clearly much more fun!

Activity days are planned to take place every month. There will be a focus on a few specific tasks each month, but volunteers can choose what they would like to do.

Tasks will include more litter picks, clearing wooded walks, painting and clearing scrub etc.

So for those who think litter picking is a bit easy, there will be plenty of chances to get your hands dirty and burn off some calories!

And there will also be opportunities to learn about marine wildlife and local natural history - a great reason to bring along children or grandchildren and help them get interested in our unique and special environment.

Want to take an active role in organising activities?

A number of the volunteers are planning on setting up a 'Friends of Grain Coastal Park' group to help co-ordinate activities. Let me know if your are interested in this (contact details below).

The next activity day will be Sunday 19 February, from 10.30am onwards.

More information will be added to this website shortly, but it will probably include improving one of the woodland walks we looked at this time.

If you would like to know more about these Volunteer Activity Days, or if you are able to help in some other way, please get in touch with Michael on 01634 270314 (email) or Tony on 01634 255694 (email).

Who do you think you are?

2012-01-17T09:17:00.000Z

My father came to stay for several days over the Christmas holiday and he was keen to take another look round the peninsula and the places where our ancestors lived and worked. And maybe do a little research too.

Having a quick look around Upnor High Street

With the BBC’s recent adaptation of Great Expectations, and its desolate scenes of the marshes, spurring our imaginations about how our ancestors might have lived, St. James’ Church in Cooling was the obvious place to start the tour. It’s always good to take in the views from the Church and imagine how different things would have looked in Dickens’ time, before the sea defences changed the landscape so much.

In Lower Stoke we took time to look at the building site that was, until a few years ago, the location of The Ship pub. The pub was run, from 1889 to 1901, by my great great grandfather Henry Spencer - one of my father’s favourite ancestors. I think it might have something to do with their shared experience in the victualling trade.

All the talk and memories of running pubs made my father keen to have his photo taken in front of one - so we opted for The Nags Head (opposite where The Ship once stood). The Nags Head is known for having played host to the famous painter and satirist William Hogarth, back in 1732. Hogarth stayed here, as part of a 5-day tour of Kent with four friends, before reaching the Isle of Grain (where he stayed another night) and then headed on to the Isle of Sheppey.

We then went up the road to Upper Stoke, to pay our respects at the grave of Henry Spencer (he of The Ship), which is in the graveyard of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. We also took a look at a gravestone which evokes thoughts about a time of great tragedy in our family’s history.

The ‘Watson children’ gravestone, nestled beneath the tree my father is pictured standing by, soberly lists the names of six children (all of whom would have been my father’s great uncles and aunts had they lived), who died in the space of a few short years between 1871 and 1882. The children were aged between 1 and 19, and there was also a baby just a few weeks old.

We then had a look inside the Church itself, where my father chatted to one of the church volunteers, who asked him his family name. Without prompting, he asked if we were related to an ‘old boy of Stoke’, who went by the nickname of ‘Stumpy’ Watson. My father almost passed out at the mention of ‘Stumpy’, as we have been researching him for a while with little success. We don’t know whether we are definitely connected, but have been trying to find out more about him. He was clearly a well known chap.

I then took a quick photo of my father outside The White Horse pub, also in Upper Stoke. His grandfather ran this pub very briefly from November 1904 to January 1907. The tale behind such a short tenure will have to keep for another time!

The last stop of the day, before heading back home for a cuppa in Hoo, was the Isle of Grain and the Coastal Park. I showed him some of the things improved by the work of volunteers over the past year or so.

Another really useful day out on the peninsula!

Hoo Youth Club is every Wednesday night – take note!

2012-01-12T14:31:00.000Z

Wednesday night in Hoo means only one thing if you're aged between 12 and 18 - it’s Youth Club night at Pottery Road!

I went along to Hoo Village Hall last night and the place was buzzing when I arrived. There was quite a bit going on - computer games, pool, football, table tennis, a Connexions job shop and lots of other fun stuff too. I felt worn out just walking through the door!

It was good being able to listen to what local kids had to say about living in Hoo - with topics ranging from a Thames Estuary airport, to things they’d like to see in the village for young people.

The Youth Club takes place every Wednesday, from 7.15pm to 9.15pm, at the Jubilee Hall (part of the Village Hall) along Pottery Road. The poster below gives more information about the type of activities available.

I also had a good chat with the Youth Club’s organiser, Lindsay Hartney, who is Medway Council’s Youth Detached Worker for Hoo. If you’d like to find out more, or if you know someone that might want to get involved, contact Lindsay by phoning 07795 236289.

Thank you Peel Ports!

2012-01-12T10:48:00.000Z

I’m pleased to report that Peel Ports (Medway) have kindly agreed to donate equipment and tools, worth £500, to the Grain Coastal Park volunteer activity days.

This donation will help volunteers with many important tasks and is therefore much appreciated.

If you’d like to ‘get your hands dirty’ at Grain Coastal Park, starting this Sunday (15 January), you can find out more by clicking here - or just click the image below.

I hope to see you there!

Research your local history with the Time and Tides project . . .

2012-01-10T12:09:00.001Z

A local history and arts project, sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Medway Council and the Icon Theatre (Chatham) will be launched later this month. The project will offer local residents the chance to research their local history and take part in arts and drama activities.

There will be three launch events, taking place in Cuxton, High Halstow and Upnor - giving all those attending a chance to see objects from the local museum and an opportunity to get up close and personal to archive documents.

With projects available for all age groups, local residents are invited to drop in to any of the following sessions:

Cuxton
Tuesday 24 January, 3pm to 7pm (Cuxton Junior School)
Saturday 28 January, 9.15am to 11.30am (Cuxton Junior School)

High Halstow
Tuesday 31 January, 3pm to 7pm (High Halstow Primary School)
Saturday 4 February, 9.30am to 11.30am (High Halstow Village Hall - with the Farmers’ Market also taking place)

Upnor
Saturday 4 February, 2pm to 6pm (Kings Arms pub, 2 High Street)
Friday 10 February, 6pm to 10pm (Kings Arms pub, 2 High Street)

For more information, or to book a free pitch for your organisation, contact Nicola Waddington by phoning 01634 813179 or by email here.

Hoo Church film - orders now being taken!

2012-01-09T13:01:00.000Z

Before Christmas I mentioned the news that a DVD was being produced about Hoo Parish Church.

It is a look at Church life and features many events that have taken place, like the replacement of the Church flag-pole, the Remembrance Day service and many of the different concerts the Church has hosted.

The DVD has been lovingly produced, over many hours, days, weeks and months, by Hoo resident Ralph Smythe (pictured below working on the DVD).

One person who is especially excited about the DVD is former Hoo vicar Andy Harding (pictured below with Stuart Coombes a few days before Christmas). I caught up with Andy when he was in the village visiting friends and former parishioners. He said he was looking forward to watching the film - even though it will make him miss Hoo even more than he does already!

Copies of the DVD can be obtained by making a minimum donation of £5 to Hoo Parish Church. I’m sure the DVD will make an excellent keepsake.

To order your copy, contact Stuart Coombes on 01634 251705.

Vote for better Broadband on the Hoo Peninsula!

2012-01-08T12:19:00.000Z

Broadband coverage on the Hoo Peninsula is patchy at the best of times. I sometimes feel it would be quicker to use a pigeon to send a message!

Faster broadband services could become a reality though - thanks to a partnership between Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council.

Later this month, a poster campaign will be launched across Kent and Medway, encouraging residents to ‘sign up’ to the Better Broadband Scheme.

I’ve already signed-up and you can too by going online (here) and registering your support for better Broadband – it only takes 5 minutes to register! And it is important that lots of local people do.

The more people that make the effort to register, the better the prospects of KCC and Medway Council being able to secure the private sector investment required for upgrading local broadband services.

And the information gained from the registration process will also help with further funding bids to bring improvements to the area.

It’s really important to vote - so tell all your friends, family and neighbours about it - click here and make it happen!

Stoke Village WI is launched!

2012-01-06T11:11:00.002Z

Following last month's successful formation of Stoke Village Women's Institute, I’m really pleased to be able to mention their next event - a special social evening to welcome new members on Wednesday 11 January.

It is taking place at Stoke Village Hall (Mallard Way, Lower Stoke, ME3 9ST) at 7.30pm. So pop along and meet the new committee and exchange ideas about future events and meetings. There will also be a fun quiz to keep everyone occupied!

For more information, contact Maggie Vidgen on 01634 842026.

High Halstow Walkers - January Walk

2012-01-05T11:11:00.002Z

The next walk organised by the High Halstow Walkers is taking place this Sunday (8 January) around Trottiscliffe, which is a couple of miles from West Malling. The walk will be led by Alan Marshall, who has supplied the following information:

North Downs and Coldrum Barrow Walk

Meet at the Village Hall car park, School Lane, Trottiscliffe at 10am. From the village we will be walking up the Downs to Trosley Country Park (a bit of a climb, so we'll take our time!). Then we'll walk along the main path of the park, through ancient woodland. There are some spectacular views along the way looking south towards the Weald. We'll then make our descent and visit the very atmospheric Coldrum Barrow, a Neolithic burial site, and make our way across the fields back towards Trottiscliffe village, passing the ancient church on the way.

I would estimate the walk to be 5 miles or so in length. The Plough is a great pub to have a drink in afterwards, and the food is very good there too. Make sure you have some reasonably stout footwear, as inevitably some of the tracks are a bit on the muddy side at this time of year. If you're lost, running late, or want more details in advance, call me (Alan Marshall) on 07534 989438. Look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

The High Halstow Walkers organise monthly walks and details of all those planned for 2012 will follow soon. I’m told they will include Sutton Valence and Ulcombe, St Mary Hoo, Allhallows, Cranbrook, Sissinghurst, High Halstow and Egypt Bay.

Volunteering at Grain Coastal Park - get your hands dirty!

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000Z

If you're keen to get some fresh air and exercise following a mince-pie packed Christmas, why not come and join other volunteers at the Grain Coastal Park activity day on Sunday 15 January? More details can be found here, or by clicking the image below.

I hope to see you there!

New Year Walk around Higham Marshes

2012-01-02T20:45:00.004Z

I picked a good walk to start the New Year this morning - all flat and not very long!

I started out from St. Mary’s Church, in the hamlet of Church Street and within the Parish of Higham and Merston, at the very western end of the Hoo Peninsula. Before setting off, I had a good look round this lovely old building - originally Norman, but remodelled and enlarged in the 14th century. One of two Churches on the Hoo Peninsula managed by The Churches Conservation Trust (the other being St. James’ Church at Cooling) an information board inside proudly boasts that Charles Dickens’ daughter Katey married there in 1860.

With my Ordnance Survey map in hand (Gravesend, Rochester and Hoo Peninsula -163), I headed north following the Kent County Council walking route NS138, also labelled as the ‘Naughty Nuns and Nightingales’ walk. Not sure it’s the right time of year to see either though!

Although it was a lovely sunny morning, it was predictably very muddy under foot for the long stretch northwards passing ditches, pools and the nearby Gravel Works (towards Cliffe Pools). Predictably in hindsight that is - as unusually I didn’t bother to wear my walking boots. A lesson well and truly learnt!

Eventually arriving at the Shorne Marshes Nature Reserve and Higham Saltings, there were good views across the River Thames, of Cliffe Fort and, on the opposite side of the river, Coalhouse Fort.

I then headed westward along the Saxon Shore Way towards Shornmead Fort and then, after a short distance, south towards Beckley Hill - passing Barrow Hill on route. After crossing back over the railway line, I returned on the track back to St. Mary’s Church.

Although I doubt that too many ‘festive’ calories were burnt up on this walk, it was really enjoyable all the same, and getting some New Year fresh air is never a bad idea. It took just over an hour to complete - but would have been quicker with proper boots on!

For more information about St. Mary’s Church, visit the Friends of St. Mary’s Church (Higham) website by clicking here.

More information about this walk can be found here.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T19:31:00.000Z

Christmas Carols in Hoo

2011-12-19T14:28:00.000Z

On my way to a family Christmas party on Saturday morning, I stopped off in Hoo Village Square to enjoy Carols being sung by many familiar faces from the village.

The event lasted a couple of hours or so and was organised by members of Hoo Parish Church. Anyone passing was welcome to grab a song sheet and join in. Fortunately for people who were out and about, I wasn't able to stop long enough to share the sound of my dulcets!

It was showtime on the Isle of Grain . . . Oh yes it was!

2011-12-13T21:31:00.003Z

I joined a packed audience last Saturday evening, to watch the second of two performances of this year’s Isle of Grain pantomime, Hamelin.

The show was put on by the Showin’ Grain Theatre Group, with the panto written and directed by Moira Pearn.

I can’t tell you what a hilarious evening it was. I don’t think anyone in the audience can have had so much fun or laughed as much in ages!

The cast kept everyone gripped - right through to the ‘triple’ finale, which included great performances of Take That’s ‘Never Forget’, Merry Christmas (lots of audience participation required of course!) and a hilarious song about ‘Butter and Margarine’. It was so funny, it has stayed with me for the last three days and I haven’t been able to stop smiling!

Some of the panto cast, including director Moira Pearn (wearing a wild black wig, on the left!), who also appeared as the lovable ‘Lou Natic’.

Moira (pictured again below) told me that she couldn’t put into words how proud she was of everyone involved in the production. “They all work so hard and I am so strict with them - ‘Speak up!’, ‘Don’t mumble your words!’, ‘I can’t hear you!’ - they will all recognise these uttered words.”

Moira would especially like to thank Edward Cordier, who is the group’s ‘technician magician’ - without whom many of her spectacular ideas wouldn’t have come to fruition.

I for one had a great night. The whole production was put together brilliantly. Excellent music and a great cast (all named below), who were all clearly enjoying themselves. And plenty of audience participation - no matter how hard I tried to hide!

Who needs the West End?!

The Showin' Grain Theatre Group will also be appearing at The Village Sports & Social Club in Hoo this Friday (16 December) - best of luck! Don’t miss it!

Lodge Hill, Outline Planning Application - consultation deadline extended

2011-12-12T12:21:00.002Z

Application No: MC/11/2516
Applicant: Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Agent: Land Securities

Medway Council, in recognition of the scale of the application and with the pressures of Christmas and new year, is pleased to provide an extension of time for the submission of comments on the above application to the 13 January 2012. Please make comments in writing either by email by clicking here, or by letter to Development Management, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TR and marked for the attention of Carly Stoddart.

For more information, visit Medway Council’s website by clicking here.

Hoo’s up for a great Christmas!

2011-12-11T01:41:00.050Z

Yesterday was the Hoo Christmas Fayre - a fantastic afternoon of festive celebrations, once again organised by the Hoo Village Events Committee.

Local singing sensation Matthew Crane - the UK’s youngest classical baritone - captivated the crowds with an hour long performance of classic tunes, before switching on the Christmas tree lights. Matthew, who was the champion of the 2006 BBC talent show ‘Let Me Entertain You’, is pictured below with event organisers Maureen Tong-Ralphs, Linda Perfect and Nancy Waller.

And Matthew wasn’t the only entertainment on offer!

Not only was everyone treated to belly dancing (Yes, belly dancing in December!), there was live music from duo ‘True Blue’ - featuring Grain’s soprano sax playing Parish Council Chairman, and singing local Councillor Chris Irvine (both pictured below).

Chris Irvine with Hoo Parish Councillor Ron Sands

I was in good company for much of the time, wondering around the square with Hoo Parish Councillor Ron Sands (pictured above). Ron is a former wrestler and once had the ‘pleasure’ of going head to head (or should that be belly to belly?!) with the legendary Big Daddy.

Despite the nip in the air, the sun shone brightly across the Village Square and the event was a tremendous success. There were lots of stalls offering local produce, mulled wine, mince pies, cakes and much more besides! I’m a bit of a big kid when it comes to Christmas, and it’s at times like this that I really do wish it were Christmas every day!

I wrestled past a queue of eager children to get a photo of Santa and his helper in Santa’s Grotto. Sorry kids for pushing through to the front - but it was important to get evidence that he is real to prove any doubters wrong!

Santa gave me his assurances that, despite not being at the North Pole to supervise the toy making, all is in hand for the Christmas Eve deliveries.

But Santa wasn’t the only special guest. We were joined by royalty too!

It was good to be able to chat with John and Peggy Scott who, although from Hoo, are the Pearly King and Queen of Highgate. John and Peggy have spent 40 years fundraising for good causes and charities and were delighted to be on hand to support the Anim-Mates Animal Sanctuary (based in St. Mary Hoo), as well as the whole Christmas Fayre.

Despite getting bitterly cold towards late afternoon, everyone had a great time catching up with friends and enjoying some good old fashioned festive spirit!

New for 2012 - get your hands dirty at Grain Coastal Park!

2011-12-09T17:19:00.003Z

The volunteering activities to improve and tidy up Grain Coastal Park that were led by the Kent Wildlife Trust earlier this year were a great success.

New signs, re-laid paths, extra benches and sack loads of cleared rubbish were testament to the hard work carried out by dozens of local residents.

The Kent Wildlife Trust, in partnership with St. James Isle of Grain Parish Council and Medway Council, previously organised monthly volunteering sessions - involving litter picks, landscape maintenance, painting, gardening and much more besides.

Many people from across the Hoo Peninsula (and beyond) were involved and everyone had lots of fun!

That project ceased earlier this year, as the funding arrangement was only for a set period. But there is still more to do to ensure this lovely part of the peninsula is maintained for the enjoyment of all.

So there is a new project launching in January 2012!

A good number of the original volunteers from this year's project have organised a brand new volunteering initiative - to continue the improvements and to create a ‘Friends of Grain Coastal Park’ group.

Click the image below to find out more about the volunteer activity days that are being launched in January 2012.

Please come along and ‘get your hands dirty’ - it’s a really worthwhile project and a great way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday morning once a month.

There’s a promise of fresh air, ‘light’ exercise and free refreshments - not to mention some tasty cake!

The new volunteering activities are again supported by St. James Isle of Grain Parish Council.

Here’s a small selection of photos from the previous volunteering project:

If you’d like more information about the 2012 Grain Coastal Park volunteering sessions, or to confirm your attendance, please get in touch using the contact page.

I hope to see you at the first session on January 15!

New DVD about Hoo Parish Church . . .

2011-12-08T13:18:00.001Z

I heard some news at the weekend which will be quite exciting to those with an interest in the life of the Hoo community. It was about a film being produced locally about Hoo Parish Church.

It will be a ‘year in the life’ of the Church and will feature many of the events that have taken place.

The DVD is being produced by Ralph Smythe (pictured below working on the DVD). Ralph is Secretary of the Hoo Peninsula Model Railway Club and Treasurer of Hoo-ARA - to name but two of the local groups he’s involved with!

I popped along to see Ralph the other day and had a sneak preview of the film.

Things seem to be shaping up nicely and I was impressed with all the technology involved in producing what I’m sure will be an impressive local film.

It will also make for a really memorable keepsake.

The DVD will be available in the New Year, but orders can be placed now by getting in touch with Stuart Coombes on 01634 251705.

A minimum donation will be requested for copies of the DVD, but all money raised will go to Hoo Parish Church.

Christmas Events

2011-12-01T14:33:00.000Z

Many local Christmas events have been added to this site in the last couple of weeks. To see information about those events - simply click the button to the right of the screen, or click on the below label marked ‘Christmas Event 2011’.

Have a good time and please support as many local events as you can!

If you have an event that you would like mentioned on this site, get in touch using the contact page.

Carols at Cooling

2011-12-01T09:13:00.000Z

There will be a Carol Service at St. James’ Church in Cooling on Saturday 17 December, from 6pm. This will be followed by a serving of mince pies at the Village Hall.

The Church isn’t heated, so please do wrap up warmly if you are able to attend. I’m quite sure though that plenty of singing will quickly get everyone warmed up!

The Friends of St. James’ Church, who are organising the event, are always very busy organising events to raise money for the upkeep of the Church and to keep this lovely old building open to the public.

For more information, take a look at their website by clicking here.

Support Stoke Community School’s Christmas Fair!

2011-11-30T09:44:00.000Z

Stoke Community School (Allhallows Road) will be holding their Christmas Fair on Friday 9 December, from 2.30pm.

Help the school raise much needed extra cash and support all the local children (from Year’s 5 and 6), who have worked so hard to make the event a great success! There’s a rumour that Santa might even be popping along!

There’ll be lots going on, including a raffle and a tombola. And there’s a promise of some tasty homemade cakes and plenty of other festive stalls as well.

If you’d like to donate a raffle prize - contact the school by phoning 01634 270268.

A new WI for Stoke this Christmas!

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000Z

Stoke Village Hall will host the formation meeting of a brand new branch of the Women’s Institute. The meeting will take place on Wednesday 14 December. Click the image below to find out more details.

If you’d like to get involved in the new WI group, contact Maggie Vidgen on 01634 842026.

If you do manage to get along - have a great time!

Happy Christmas in High Halstow!

2011-11-29T10:42:00.001Z

The December edition of the High Halstow Times is now available. Just click on the image below to see the full copy.

This month’s special Christmas edition includes information about the Memorial Hall Mini Christmas Fayre (on Sunday 4 December), High Halstow Primary School’s Christmas Fair (on Thursday 8 December - more details below), Carol Singing (on 14 December), a special Christmas Eve visit to the village by Santa, Fairy George and the Parish Elves, details of Christmas services at St. Margaret’s Church, events at The Red Dog and information about Dramarama’s colourful production of Aladdin (showing in January). And there’s a lot more!

On a different theme entirely, the magazine also includes an urgent update on the Lodge Hill development proposals.

The High Halstow Times is the magazine of High Halstow Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here.

Click the ‘Christmas Event 2011’ label below to see all the Christmas events taking place locally (those that I have been told about anyway).

Allhallows - life and soul of the Christmas party!

2011-11-29T10:09:00.001Z

The December edition of Allhallows Life (also featuring St. Mary Hoo) is now available. Just click on the image below to see the full copy.

This month’s festive edition includes details of a special fundraising event at the Village Hall (on Saturday 3 December), details of the monthly Village Project Morning (on Saturday 10 December) an Indoor Market at The British Pilot (on Saturday 10 December), days and times of Christmas services at All Saints Church, a special visit to the village by Santa (on Sunday 18 December) and news about the ‘Cleaner Village Campaign’ Poster Competition. And there’s much more!

Allhallows Life is the magazine of Allhallows Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here. The magazine also features items from St. Mary Hoo Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here.

And you think that’s a lot of Christmas events for one village? There’s at least one more!

Allhallows Primary School (Avery Way) will be having a Christmas Bazaar on Friday 2 December, from 2.30pm.

Click the ‘Christmas Event 2011’ label below to see all the events taking place locally (those that I have been told about anyway).

My first weekend of Christmas events . . .

2011-11-27T14:04:00.011Z

Like many others in Hoo, I headed down to Hoo Parish Church yesterday morning for their Christmas Fair - the first of many Christmas events taking place locally. And despite getting there just after opening time, the place was already buzzing!

Hoo resident Alan Page.

It was good seeing Stuart Coombes and Mick Hollands (pictured below) handing out flyers for the Church’s special morning of carols, taking place on Saturday 17 December at 10.30am. Carol singing for an hour in the Village Sqaure followed by mince pies and coffee in the Church.

With festive tunes echoing around the Church, Ron and Muriel Bewsey (pictured below) were being kept busy cooking a hog roast which was clearly a very popular choice for many, especially with it being so cold outside.

There were lots of stalls and raffles (I won a bottle of Sherry) and plenty of handmade crafts and local produce. I picked up some very nice looking Christmas cards of Hoo Parish Church.

Despite my enthusiasm for ‘cake tasting’ I managed to resist the temptation this time - even though there were more cakes than I had seen in one place in a long long time!

With that, and having caught up with local news and gossip, I headed over to the Isle of Grain to catch the Christmas Fair organised by GOFFS (the Grain Over Forty Fives group) at Grain Village Hall. There were lots of stalls, so I thought it best to catch my breath first and have a quick cuppa and bacon roll!

I had a good look round, but my nose seemed to be taking me in the direction of a cake stall at the far end of the hall. My earlier resilience was waning.

And they were fantastic looking cakes too! I had a good chat with the stallholders (pictured below) before finally giving in and buying four cakes which were neatly boxed up and kept aside for my collection later.

I had a chat with Veronica Cordier and Moira Pearn, who were on the stall for the Showin’ Grain Theatre Group. Moira (pictured below) is directing the panto, which will be performed on Friday 9 December and Saturday 10 December. I’m looking forward to hearing Veronica singing - I’ve been told she’s very good!

There were some really fantastic looking raffle prizes dotted around the hall, including amazing Christmas hampers - like the one pictured below on a stall belonging to Jenny and Pat (pictured below with Nigel).

The two Christmas events in Hoo and Grain yesterday were really enjoyable and I’m looking forward to attending some more soon.

Don’t forget - click the ‘Christmas Event 2011’ label below to see all the Christmas events taking place locally (those that I have been told about anyway).

Sorry, but before I forget . . . no I didn’t leave my boxed up cakes behind!

Destination Cooling, a weekend walk . . .

2011-11-27T12:53:00.003Z

With what seems like more Christmas events in the offing than there are days in the month, and the associated risk of enjoying far too many mince pies, I made an important decision last Sunday - to get out and do a lot more exercise! (Well a bit more anyway.)

So setting off from Hoo as the fog cleared last Sunday morning, I headed towards Cooling starting out at Dux Court Road, and joining RS45 onto Wybournes Lane. This leads to Wybournes Way bridleway, which runs along the northern side of Lodge Hill Wood and down towards New Barn Farm. It’s here where I then joined the lane to Cooling, walking under the railway line and by Cooling Court Farm.

Arriving at Cooling Castle I realised I had left my wallet at home, so without the possibility of a pit stop in the Horseshoe and Castle pub, I headed back up towards Mount Pleasant - watched intently by a flock of sheep, clearly a little annoyed that I had interrupted their lunch. When I got back to the bridleway, I then started retracing my earlier steps back towards Wybourne Farm and Dux Court Road.

I’ve marked on the map below the route I took.

I did this walk just a few days before Christmas last year when we were all up to our knees in snow. So with the sun shining brightly and sky clear blue (once last Sunday morning’s fog had cleared) the scenery looked a little different this time round.

The walk took about two hours, but it could have been done much more quickly had I not stopped so many times to take in some great views of our local unspoilt landscape. But what's the rush on a Sunday?

I'm not sure exactly how many calories I used up, but surely enough to compensate for festive treats enjoyed this week!

There are quite a few other good walks around High Halstow and Cooling. Click here to visit High Halstow Parish Council’s website, where there's a dedicated section about local walks, including an easy-to-use map with details of the many marked walks in this very special and peaceful corner of the peninsula.

Gearing up for a great Christmas on the Isle of Grain!

2011-11-24T14:47:00.007Z

There’s quite a bit going on around the Hoo Peninsula this Christmas. I’ve already mentioned events happening in Hoo, so now it’s the turn of the Isle of Grain.

The fun begins this Saturday (26 November), when GOFFs (the Grain Over Forty Fives group) hold an Autumn/Christmas Fayre at the Village Hall (Chapel Road). This will take place from 11am until 2pm, when there’ll be plenty of stalls offering cards, gifts, a tombola, a raffle, refreshments and lots, lots, more.

Then on Saturday 3 December the Grain Fete Committee will be having their Christmas Quiz at the Village Hall, from 7.30pm.

Make sure you’re feeling suitably creative though, as you could win a prize for having the best decorated table! Live music will be provided by councillors Chris Buckwell (Parish Council Chairman) and Chris Irvine. The Fete Committee quiz nights are usually held every second Saturday, except in July, August and December. They help raise much needed cash for Fete expenses. Tickets are £5.50 per person and a hot meal is provided at half time. Sounds good to me! Click on the image below for more information.

As mentioned on this site last month, the Showin’ Grain Theatre Group are putting on this year’s pantomime on Friday 9 December and Saturday 10 December at the Village Hall.

Sunday 11 December, sees St. James Church (High Street - towards the beach) present ‘Christingle’ from 6pm, where there will be plenty of carols to be sung! If you’re able to pop along and enjoy the festive spirit - please take a donation of new toiletries for the Salvation Army to distribute to the homeless.

And finally, on Saturday 17 December the band of the Salvation Army will be performing at St. James Church for lots of Carols and festive tunes. The start time will be confirmed shortly (I’ll provide an update accordingly). Everyone is very welcome to attend.

My apologies if I haven’t mentioned your Christmas event - just let me know all the details by getting in touch using the contact page. But it looks like there is going to be so much festive cheer in Grain this year. Any Scrooges should be packing their bags already!

I’ll be including Christmas events taking place in other parts of the peninsula shortly, so please get in touch if you’d like your event to appear on this site.

Click on the ‘label’ below marked ‘Christmas Event 2011’ to see all the Christmas events mentioned on this site so far.

The Beacon, Parish Magazine of Hoo St. Werburgh (December edition) - Out Now!

2011-11-23T21:37:00.004Z

The latest edition of The Beacon parish magazine is now available. Copies may be purchased from local shops in Hoo, including Choicemeats at 1 Fourwents Road and the Newsagent at 35 Knights Road.

For further information, contact the Editor (Mrs Muriel Bewsey) on 01634 252129.

Lots of ‘Ho Ho Ho’ in Hoo this Christmas!

2011-11-21T16:44:00.003Z

There’s lots of festive fun to be had in Hoo this Christmas, with at least four Christmas events taking place in the village. Well that’s four I’ve already been told about anyway!

The fun begins this coming Saturday (26 November) when Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church hold an Autumn/Christmas Fair - with lots of entertainment for the whole family. This is taking place from 10am until 1pm. Click the image below for more information.

Then there’s a Christmas Bazaar, which is being held at Hoo Village Hall (Pottery Road), on Wednesday 30 November. This is being organised by Hoo District Girlguiding - with cakes, competition prizes and crafts on offer. Click the image below to find out more.

On Saturday 3 December it’s the turn of the Red Cross Christmas Fayre, at the Red Cross Centre just along Stoke Road (from the Village Square). The fun will include a raffle, tombola, refreshments and much more besides, so please pop along and show your support. Take a look at the image below to find out more. I bought some very tasty cakes at last year’s event, which, needless to say, didn’t quite survive until Christmas.

And on Saturday 10 December Hoo Village Square will come alive with the Hoo Village Events Committee presenting their Christmas Fayre. There’ll be lots going on, so you’d better make time to pop along and enjoy the festive atmosphere. There’ll be live music and entertainment (including local singing sensation Matthew Crane), seasonal stalls, local produce and a great deal more! Last year’s event was a stonking success, and there’s sure to be something for everyone again this time. Click the below images to find out more.

My apologies if I haven’t mentioned your Christmas event - just let me know all the details by getting in touch using the contact page.

I’m hoping to include Christmas events taking place in other parts of the peninsula shortly, so please get in touch if you’d like your event to appear on this site.

I hope to see you soon . . .

Don’t miss out on Police Male Voice Choir concert tickets!

2011-11-21T15:40:00.000Z

Tickets are going fast for the Kent Police Male Voice Choir concert at Hoo Parish Church in a couple of weeks. But there’s still plenty of time to book your place, although I wouldn’t leave it too late!

The popular Choir will perform at the Church on Sunday 4 December at 6.30pm.

Book your ticket(s) soon to avoid disappointment and to help raise much needed cash for the Church restoration fund.

For tickets (a donation of £7) contact Stuart on 01634 251705.

New players wanted at the Isle of Grain Youth Soccer School . . .

2011-11-16T09:02:00.000Z

Following on from an article that I wrote on this site in September, the Chairman of the Isle of Grain Youth Soccer School, Paul Peachey, has been in touch this week to appeal for more new players.

Paul is keen to encourage more youngsters to join the many league football teams set up by the Isle of Grain Youth Soccer School. Members of all ages are welcome, but Paul is especially keen to strengthen the following teams: U10s (year 5 at school), U12s (year 7 at school), U8s (year 2 at school). Paul also told me that he’d like to get kids involved in two new teams - for the U7s and U6s (year 1 and reception at school).

As well as the league teams, the Youth Soccer School is looking to attract new recruits - for all those aged between 3 and 16. They meet at Seaview Meadow (Lang’s Field) at the Isle of Grain every Saturday from 10.30am till 12.30pm.

If you’d like to get involved, or know someone that would, contact Paul Peachey on 07818 558036.

High Halstow Photographic Competition - Winners Announced

2011-11-14T07:30:00.001Z

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I’d been invited to join the judging panel for High Halstow’s annual photographic competition.

The winning entries were announced at a Parish Council meeting last week, attended by lots of local residents.

Congratulations to Ella Kitney, who was the overall winner with her photo of a wintry wooded walk, which also came top in the ‘Under 18s’ category. Ella's winning photo is on January’s page in the 2012 High Halstow calendar. Other entries and category winners are featured from February to December.

Parish Council Chairman George Crozer and Vice-Chairman Gary Thomas are pictured below holding copies of the calendar. To find out how to buy a copy click here.

I think the calendar makes for a really good Christmas gift. Especially so, given that all profits will be donated to the HUGH fund (fundraising for the Village Hall).

For the full list of category winners and to see their photos click here. And to see the winners collecting their prizes click here.

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae

2011-11-13T09:30:00.001Z

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

2011-11-12T20:45:00.000Z

Yesterday I wrote about my visit to northern France to visit the graves of my ancestors William Watson and Harry Stratford. I first learnt about their involvement in the Great War, and their deaths, when I visited the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Upper Stoke last year, as part of a local history walk led by Alan Marshall.

Both their names were listed, along with sixteen others, on a plaque (pictured below) commemorating those from the Parish who had given their lives in the service of King and country.

Wondering how I might go about locating their graves, I thought how impossible that was likely to be given the hundreds of thousands who died in northern France and Belgium between 1914-1918. But after a bit of digging on various genealogy websites, I managed to track down war records for both William and Harry, detailing personal information and their service history, including the date of their deaths.

I was then able to use the website of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to track down the location of William’s grave and the place where Harry’s name is listed amongst tens of thousands who have no known grave.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission was established by Royal Charter in 1917. It pays tribute to the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the two world wars by maintaining graves and memorials across the world, the bulk of which are in northern France and Belgium.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website doesn’t just give the detail of servicemen’s graves, but also provides quite a lot of very specific information about the individual battles in which these young men died.

Take a look at the website of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission by clicking here. Be sure to navigate to the ‘debt of honour’ page where you can search for specific ancestors. You can also visit the very useful website of the War Graves Photographic Project by clicking here - another excellent resource!

Remembrance, 11-11-11

2011-11-11T18:07:00.002Z

I’ve mentioned my family history research a few times on this site, and this time last year I wrote about two recently identified relatives who both lived on the Hoo Peninsula and died in the Great War.

Over the last year I’ve been researching their lives and thinking about the sacrifice they made on behalf of their country, and how interesting it would be to visit their final resting places in France. So, earlier this week, I went off to Arras in northern France for a couple of days.

I headed for Queen’s Cemetery, just outside the small village of Bucquoy, south west of Arras. This is where William Watson, who was my great grandfather’s nephew, is buried. William was born in Lower Stoke and was just 21 when he was killed on 17 February 1917, serving with the Royal Marine Light Infantry. This was during the ‘Battle of Miraumont’, one of the many long forgotten battles fought over a few hundred yards of muddy farmland, in a war which led to the deaths of such unimaginable numbers of young men.

William’s grave is marked by one of the tens of thousands of smart headstones caringly maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. His cousin Harry Stratford’s name doesn’t appear on its own headstone anywhere. He was 24 when he was killed, and his name is listed on the Arras Memorial, together with those of 35,941 other servicemen of the British Empire who have no known grave. The names are listed by regiment, in Harry’s case the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), rather than rank. In the sacrifice of death, all ranks are equal.

A plaque outside the Arras Memorial informs visitors rather coldly about 159,000 commonwealth soldiers dying there in just 39 days during the spring of 1917. But when seeing so many names, carved neatly in stone, it really makes you appreciate the huge loss of life that took place during the 1914-18 war. As do the 54,896 names listed on the Menin Gate in Ypres and the 73,367 listed on the huge memorial at Thiepval, a few miles south of Bucquoy.

Menin Gate Memorial

Thiepval Memorial

These memorials, and the hundreds of lovingly maintained graveyards dotted around northern France and Flanders, mean that the sacrifice of so many will never be forgotten.

‘Hoo for Heroes’ walk returns for third year

2011-11-10T08:20:00.000Z

Students and staff from the Hundred of Hoo School will once again be showing their support for the armed services by undertaking the third annual sponsored walk to the Cenotaph.

Over the weekend of 12 and 13 November, a group of 30 will walk from Gravesend to Whitehall, raising money along the way for the Help for Heroes Campaign. Students will seek donations and sell key-rings made by them in a school Technology project. The walk is being supported by Blackheath Rugby Club: the pupils will appear at the club’s home match on Saturday afternoon to raise money, and will sleep in the clubhouse on Saturday night before setting off early on Sunday morning to arrive at the Cenotaph at 1100.

One of those taking part is Year 7 student Paul Cook who is proudly walking in memory of his great, great, great, great grandfather, Albert Hall, a captain in the Royal Flying Corps who was awarded a Victoria Cross for valour during the First World War.

Mr Gary Squires, Assistant Head Teacher, who is leading the walk, said: ‘The whole community has really got behind this event. The school historically has close ties with the armed forces, and the walk is a way in which we can both honour those who have given their lives for their country, and provide financial support for wounded soldiers and their families in current conflicts’.

The school has raised in excess of £5000 in the previous two years, and the aim this year is to raise a further £5000 for this very worthy cause.

Students on a previous year's Hoo for Heroes walk

Dr Holden, Executive Principal, said: ‘Events such as these really demonstrate the spirit and enthusiasm of our students and staff. We want all of our pupils to excel in their time at Hoo, and part of this achievement is to go out into the world as active, engaged citizens. We are exceptionally proud of all of them’.

To make a donation, or for further information, contact the school’s Community Manager, John Keeley, by emailing here or phoning 01634 257510.

High Halstow Times - November Edition

2011-11-09T12:41:00.000Z

The November edition of the High Halstow Times is now available. Just click on the image below to see the full copy.

This month’s edition includes information about the Mini Christmas Fayre at Memorial Hall (on Sunday 4 December), news from High Halstow PTA (The Blossom Tree), details of Remembrance commemorations at St. Margaret’s Church, the St. Margaret’s and All Saints Christmas Market being held at Allhallows Village Hall (on Saturday 12 November), an update on the refurbishment of High Halstow Village Hall and lots lots more!

The High Halstow Times is the magazine of High Halstow Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here.

Murder, Sex and Mayhem in English Churches (Cooling)

2011-11-06T15:44:00.000Z

That’s the subject of a talk that will be given by John Vigar on Monday 14 November at Cooling Village Hall, at 7pm.

The event will follow a short AGM held by the Friends of St. James’ Church and refreshments will be available. Entrance is free, although I’m sure donations will be very welcome!

The Friends of St. James’ Church are always very busy organising events to raise money for the upkeep of the Church and to keep this lovely old building open to the public.

For more information, take a look at their website by clicking here.

Something special and local for Christmas?

2011-11-06T15:35:00.000Z

If you fancy localising the Christmas cards you send this year, with festive images of Rochester, then look no further! Local artist Chris Norman has a variety of cards available on his website and he recently added to his already very impressive range.

Take a look at the Rochester Cards website by clicking here.

Fresh air soon in Hoo . . . Pong Update!

2011-11-04T13:16:00.001Z

Following a post on this site in September, about the unpleasant smell coming from Chatham Docks and sweeping across Hoo, Peel Ports have now released an update on the situation.

Click the images below to enlarge:

I can't wait for some fresh air!

Panto Season on the Isle of Grain

2011-11-03T15:59:00.002Z

With all the talk of an airport on the Isle of Grain this week, and the possible ramifications for those of us living on the Peninsula, it is nice to be able to think about something more mundane. Like Christmas!

And as it happens, a group of local residents have this week sent me some information about their upcoming pantomime.

The Showin’ Grain Theatre Group are very busy at the moment rehearsing their panto ‘Hamelin’, which will be showing at Grain Village Hall on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 December.

Click the image below to find out more.

If you’d like any further information about the production, contact its writer, director and producer Moira Pearn on 01634 270127. For tickets phone Veronica Cordier on 01634 271807, or pop along to The Old Chapel / Library (Chapel Road).

Too early to be thinking about Christmas? Oh NO it isn’t!!!

Would you like a stall at the Hoo Village Christmas Fayre?

2011-11-01T10:07:00.000Z

The Hoo Village Christmas Fayre will be taking place on Saturday 10 December in Hoo Village Square. And there’s still time to become a stallholder at this popular event - find out how by clicking the image below.

More details about this event will appear on this site soon.

Allhallows Life - November Edition

2011-10-29T13:46:00.000+01:00

The November edition of Allhallows Life is now available. Just click on the image below to see the full copy.

This month’s edition includes information about Christmas events, news from Allhallows Primary School, a list of services at All Saints Church, details of Remembrance commemorations, a Fireworks Extravaganza at Allhallows Leisure Park (on Saturday 5 November) and the first meeting of the new local history group (on Sunday 6 November). And lots lots more!

Allhallows Life is the magazine of Allhallows Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here. The magazine also features items from St. Mary Hoo Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here.

High Halstow Photographic Competition

2011-10-29T13:22:00.001+01:00

I was really pleased to be invited along to join the judging panel for the High Halstow Annual Photographic Competition the other evening.

All the photographs entered into the competition were impressive and really showed off the unmistakable beauty of our local area. Many of the photographs entered will appear in the special 2012 High Halstow Calendar, with the winners in each category announced at November’s Parish Council meeting at 8pm on Wednesday 9 November (at Memorial Hall, The Street, High Halstow).

Above: an entry from last year!

The 2012 Calendar will also be unveiled at the meeting, with copies on sale. They’ll be priced at £6 (large) and £5.50 (small) and will also be available at the Village Shop on Christmas Lane and at the Church Market, taking place in Allhallows (more details on that event to follow shortly).

I was chuffed to help judge the competition and I’m looking forward to seeing all those who took part and congratulating them on a job well done!

…and judging these photos has prompted me to get out and about with my own camera again soon!

The Battle of Grain

2011-10-29T12:31:00.002+01:00

Many thanks to Michael Dale, a Parish Councillor at St. James Isle of Grain, who recently sent me a copy of an old newspaper article (pictured below), with the headline ‘The Battle of Grain’.

The article appeared in the Chatham Standard on 28 May 1980 and showed events that the newspaper described as 'Medway's most dramatic industrial clash'.

Michael was a Rural Police Officer here on the Hoo Peninsula, from 1966 to 1992, and has many stories to tell about his time on the beat, some of which I will try and share on this site very soon. If he’ll let me!

High Halstow Hikers – upcoming walks . . .

2011-10-21T12:23:00.001+01:00

A couple of walking dates for your diary . . .

November Walk

On Sunday 13 November the High Halstow Hikers will be walking along the Medway, taking in Teston, West Farleigh and Wateringbury - a varied walk with lovely views across the river. Just over 2 hours to complete, the distance will be about 5 or 6 miles. It might be muddy, depending on what the weather has been like, so wearing appropriate footwear is encouraged. Dogs will need to be on leads for much of this route. And for anyone interested - there’s excellent ale and food served in the Tickled Trout afterwards - so don’t forget to bring some money if you’ll be staying for food!

Setting out at 10am, the meeting point will be the public car park at the bridge by Teston lock - a short distance from the A26 on the B2163.

December Walk

On 18 December the group will be taking a local route right here on the Hoo Peninsula. It’s one of my personal favourites, taking in Northward Hill Woods and the farm tracks leading towards Cooling and the RSPB reserve at Bromhey Farm. This walk will take around 2.5 hours and cover 6 miles or so.

Meeting at 10am at the High Halstow Village Hall Car Park (The Street, High Halstow).

For further details contact Mitchell by emailing here, or phoning 01634 254428 - or if you want to join the group for one of these walks, just turn up!

Christmas Events on the Hoo Peninsula

2011-10-19T10:00:00.002+01:00

I know it’s only October, but I thought I’d mention that details of Christmas events taking place here on the Hoo Peninsula will be added to this site soon. I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on opportunities to stock up on mince pies and other tasty festive treats!

Please let me know about any event you are planning by using the contact page.

Latest from Lodge Hill - Public Exhibition on 21 & 22 October 2011

2011-10-18T15:02:00.000+01:00

Land Securities have arranged a final exhibition before submitting an outline planning application to Medway Council. The exhibition will be staffed by members of their development team and will take place later this week, on:

Friday (21 October)
3pm to 7pm - The Lodge, Lodge Hill Lane, Chattenden, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8NE

Saturday (22 October)
11am to 3pm - The Lodge, Lodge Hill Lane, Chattenden, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8NE

As part of the exhibition, Land Securities are offering a guided tour of the former Chattenden Barracks (now demolished) and part of the Lodge Hill Training Area. This will be by vehicle. Places should be booked in advance and will be provided on a first come first serve basis. The tours will run approximately every half an hour during the public exhibition sessions. Call 0845 683 2544 to book a place on the tour.

Visit the Land Securities (Lodge Hill) website by clicking here.

Diary Date: Hoo Christmas Fayre

2011-10-18T10:03:00.000+01:00

Advanced notice about Hoo’s Christmas Fayre - this year taking place on Saturday 10 December in the Village Square. I’ve no doubt this will be another great success!

More details to follow soon . . .

Still time to vote for the UJ Community Partnership!

2011-10-17T16:19:00.008+01:00

There’s still time to cast your vote for the UJ Community Partnership, from the Isle of Grain, in the Natwest Bank CommunityForce award scheme.

As I mentioned on this site a couple of weeks ago, your vote could help this group, which promotes social-inclusion by providing a range of learning opportunities and the chance for people to meet and share experiences.

A win would mean a £6,000 award. Every vote counts and those with the most votes (in each category) get the money - it’s as simple as that!

Please cast your vote before the closing date, which is next Monday (24 October) at midday. Just click here.

RSPB October newsletter (On the Marshes) out now!!

2011-10-17T06:00:00.006+01:00

The October edition of the RSPB’s newsletter for the North Kent area, ‘On the Marshes’, is out now - just click the image below to download a copy!

Visit the websites of the local RSPB groups: Gravesend and Medway.

Allhallows - an award winning village!

2011-10-16T17:36:00.000+01:00

The 2011 Kent Village of the Year awards were presented at a ceremony in Dunkirk last week - the Dunkirk near Canterbury that is!

It is great news that Allhallows scooped two of the awards up for grabs, picking up the top award in the Social Action category, and also being named Best Newcomer. (It was Allhallows’ first entry!)

Noleen Skudder, who is the Treasurer of Allhallows Youth Club and a Parish Councillor, submitted the bids and said: “our success is testament to the commitment, hard work and dedication of a number of volunteers within our community, whom all deserve recognition and praise. None of this work would have been possible without the generous funding and support we've received from a number of organisations and individuals and we thank them all.”

The annual competition is run by ‘Action with Communities in Rural Kent’.

Take a look at the website of Allhallows Parish Council by clicking here, where you’ll find more information about these awards and details of events taking place in Allhallows.

Neighbourhood Watch on the Hoo Peninsula - would you like to get involved?

2011-10-05T14:30:00.002+01:00

Medway Neighbourhood Watch is keen to hear from anyone interested in helping to set up new schemes here on the Hoo Peninsula. If you'd like to get involved and want to find out more, contact John Haddaway (Watch Liaison Officer) on 01634 792131 for a chat. Alternatively, send John an email by clicking here.

Visit the Medway Neighbourhood Watch website here.

Cast your vote for the UJ Community Partnership!

2011-10-04T10:07:00.001+01:00

Voting has now opened in NatWest’s 2011 CommunityForce awards programme. The scheme gives hundreds of community projects and charities the chance of winning a valuable £6,000 award. And there’s a fantastic group here on the Hoo Peninsula seeking your support and, more importantly, your vote!

The UJ Community Partnership (pictured below on a carnival float) is based on the Isle of Grain, but supports everyone living on the Hoo Peninsula. The group provides many different activities that promote social-inclusion, through organising events and learning opportunities.

The Partnership helps people learn, or improve, IT skills and runs first aid courses for young mums looking to work with children. A course is being planned that will help people with personal financial management and a new activity-filled Lunch Club is also set to launch.

Set-up in 2003, the UJ Community Partnership is run by a team of hard working local volunteers. They're always very busy raising money, which allows them to continue providing vital services to local people.

Veronica Cordier, who manages the group, told me this week: ‘We need everyone to go online and vote for us. If our bid is successful, we will use the NatWest award to install good economical gas heating at our Grain facilities, which will improve the atmosphere of our building and make us more financially efficient - meaning our cash donations can be much better spent’.

To show your support, and to find out more about this impressive community project, click here and look for the ‘Vote for Us’ button.

Please cast your vote for the UJ Community Partnership before the closing date on Monday 24 October 2011 (at midday).

Another fantastic fund-raising total from Macmillan High Halstow

2011-10-03T19:38:00.003+01:00

Last Friday morning I joined a good many other local residents at the Memorial Hall in High Halstow, for the Macmillan Cancer Support 'World’s Biggest Coffee Morning'.

With it being another incredibly hot day, I opted for a cold orange juice rather than coffee, which went down nicely with some rather tasty homemade carrot cake - I only had the one slice I promise!

It was good catching up with Rena Digby, Ann Smith and Angela Forward (all pictured below), of the High Halstow branch of Macmillan, who worked incredibly hard to make the event such a great success.

Whilst I kept to one piece of cake, I do have to admit to buying some homemade strawberry and blackberry jams and a pot of marmalade - all looking very tasty and made of mostly locally picked produce. I can’t wait to tuck in. All in the name of charity of course!

It was good seeing a few familiar faces at the coffee morning. And it was good to bump into new High Halstow Parish Councillor Christine Watson (pictured below).

I don’t think we’re related, but it was really good hearing about the many exciting local projects that the Parish Council have in the pipeline.

I’m pleased to report that Macmillan High Halstow’s coffee morning exceeded last year's total (when they raised over £600), this time raising £750. The total might increase as more and more donations are received - I'll keep you posted. A really tremendous effort!

Wow, now that’s hot!

2011-10-01T17:03:00.000+01:00

The record has been broken for the highest temperature recorded in October, at 29.9c (85.8f) in Gravesend at 2.42pm this afternoon.

This beats the previous 26-year record of 29.4c (84.9f) recorded on 1 October 1985, which was recorded in the market town of March in Cambridgeshire.

Of course, there isn’t a weather station here on the Hoo Peninsula, but we are usually slightly warmer than Gravesend - it certainly feels like it today.

Bring on the water bottles please!

High Halstow Times - October Edition

2011-10-01T15:51:00.000+01:00

The latest edition of the High Halstow Times is now available. Just click the image below to see the full copy.

The High Halstow Times is the magazine of High Halstow Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here.

Allhallows Life - October Edition

2011-10-01T15:47:00.000+01:00

The October edition of Allhallows Life is now available. Just click the image below to see the full copy.

Allhallows Life is the magazine of Allhallows Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here. The magazine now features items from St. Mary Hoo Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here.

It’s a scorcher!

2011-09-30T09:33:00.002+01:00

I was in Grain earlier this week enjoying the scorching late summer sun, whilst taking in some of the views around Grain Coastal Park. I had a good look around many of the new and existing walks in the area and things are shaping up nicely.

I then headed off to walking route RS361 (photos below), which passes Port Victoria Road and Smithfield Marshes (towards Cockleshell Hard) located to the south east of Grain Coastal Park. Many thanks to Grain Parish Councillor Michael Dale for letting me know about this particular walk.

The warm sunny weather looks set to continue this weekend, so definitely a good time for everyone to get out the house and explore some of the many walks on the Hoo Peninsula. OS Map 163 (Gravesend and Rochester) is a very useful resource!

Can you smell something in Hoo?

2011-09-29T11:42:00.001+01:00

If you live in Hoo or the surrounding area, you might have noticed an unsual smell sweeping across the village in the past few days. I can now confirm its cause - thanks to information supplied by the Environment Agency (below).

Press Statement - Odours from Chatham Docks

The Environment Agency, which regulates waste legislation in England and Wales, is actively working with the owner and operator of Chatham Docks, Peel Ports, to resolve the current odour issues being experienced in the area surrounding the docks.

The root cause of the odour is from stockpiles of wood chip that are being stored at the site prior to onward shipment to Sweden where the material is used in the generation of heat and electricity. Recent movements of the wood chip, that had been on the dockside for longer than is typically expected, resulted in the release of odours associated with the natural degradation of the wood. These odours have been carried off site by the wind, and have caused a nuisance to those living near the site.

We have prioritised our efforts on this site and the activities that are giving rise to the odours. We have recommended a number of measures to minimise the smell. Peel Ports have plans in place to ensure that the material will be moved to Sweden as soon as possible and are bringing equipment on to the site to minimise the problem in the interim. These measures will include suppression systems designed to control airborne particles and odours.

Jon Griffin, Senior Environment Officer said "We understand that strong odour can cause a lot of distress to communities. This site and the reported issues are a top priority and we are working with the operator, Peel Ports, to resolve the problems related to their activities as quickly as possible. In the interim we would appreciate anyone who is experiencing odour and dust problems to call our hotline on 0800 807060."

Environment Agency - Kent and South London

Kent Police Male Voice Choir - coming to Hoo in December!

2011-09-27T05:30:00.003+01:00

Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church hosts many exciting concerts and performances, and that trend is set to continue. Following an enjoyable performance from Soprano Beatrice Danesfield earlier this month, the Kent Police Male Voice Choir (pictured below) will perform at the Church on Sunday 4 December at 6.30pm.

Book your ticket(s) early to avoid disappointment and to show your support - not least because the event will help raise much needed cash for the Church restoration fund.

For tickets (a donation of £7) contact Stuart on 01634 251705.

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning (High Halstow), Friday 30 September 2011

2011-09-26T11:00:00.000+01:00

Having raised more than £600 at last year’s successful coffee morning (part of the ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event), the High Halstow branch of Macmillan Cancer Support are aiming to do even better this year, with their coffee morning this coming Friday (30 September), from 9.30am onwards.

Macmillan High Halstow have raised a staggering £2,600 over the last 7 years - and you can help them add to this amount by popping along to show your support.

The coffee morning will be held at the Memorial Hall (pictured below), and there’ll be plenty of tea, coffee, homemade cakes and scones with jam and marmalade. There’ll also be a chance to buy bespoke greetings cards and jewellery. Not forgetting a raffle and a ‘Pick a Duck’ game where everyone’s a winner, it certainly looks like every effort is being made to exceed last year’s total.

If you’re unable to make it along and want to show your support, you can order a box of tasty cupcakes that will be delivered directly to your door - for only £5.

If you fancy ordering some cupcakes (local deliveries only, i.e. High Halstow, Hoo etc), get in touch with Ann on 01634 251914.

Find out more about Macmillan Cancer Support by clicking here.

Hundred of Hoo School - War Memorial Project

2011-09-25T07:00:00.001+01:00

The Hundred of Hoo School is busy working on a programme of events to commemorate this year’s Remembrance Day - adding to the school’s ties with the armed forces and the support they show for the Help for Heroes campaign. The school is researching information about local people who gave their lives during the First World War and whose names are commemorated on the war memorial at Hoo Parish Church (pictured below with pupils from the school).

The school’s John Keeley said: ‘We feel that it is vitally important for our students to learn about, and appreciate, the sacrifices made by previous generations which enabled our young people to enjoy the freedoms and privileges they do today. By remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, our students are not only learning about their area’s history, but are also able to appreciate the very important notion that freedom should not be taken for granted, and sometimes demands a heavy price for its defence’.

If anyone can help supply information about any of those listed on Hoo’s war memorial (shown more closely below), please get in touch with Mr Sims, a member of staff at the school, by sending an email here.

11-11-11-11

Remembrance Day silence, when the nation pauses to remember all those who have given their lives for their country, comes with a special once-in-a-lifetime date and time this year, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th year of the decade.

Take a look at the Royal British Legion website by clicking here, or visit the Help for Heroes website here.

Celebrating the history of Hoo!

2011-09-24T17:22:00.001+01:00

Back in March, I mentioned the search for old photos and postcards of Hoo by Tom Taggart, of TAGGS Coffee Shop and Wine Bar. He was hoping to create an interesting ‘history photo wall’ inside his Church Street premises.

So when I popped into TAGGS earlier this week, I was really pleased to see a whole wall covered in lots of old photos (pictured below).

And the display seems to have got everyone talking about old times. People coming into the coffee shop were fascinated by the array of photos, which sparked off many debates about the whereabouts of each location!

Having had a good look myself, I discovered some of the more unknown historic landmarks of yesteryear. So for anyone interested in Hoo’s history, this photo display is a very welcome addition!

Pop along and take a look for yourself - and you can always let Tom know if you have any old photos that you’d like to share.

A message from the RSPB

2011-09-22T06:00:00.020+01:00

I've been sent a brief update from the RSPB about their activities locally, supplied by their representative Rolf Williams (pictured below).

'Beefing up our birds'

It is a testament to the reserve teams’ expertise and skillful water management that 2011 has been a good year for breeding birds on the marshes. The unusual weather patterns in 2011, with a spring drought followed by early summer deluges, may be a portent of things to come since this matches leading climate models of our future. The RSPB’s North Kent reserves feel like wild places at the mercy of the weather but half of them are working farms, coastal grazing marshes that we manage in the interests of nature. They produce hay (for horses), wool, lamb, and beef, but, in a complex relationship between water, vegetation, and grazing, the right habitat is also created for internationally important wintering and breeding birds.

Through the hard graft of reserve staff, volunteers and contract graziers, and despite the unseasonal weather, the birds have done all right this year. We managed to utilize what water we had in such a way that breeding bird figures are as good, if not better, than normal years for precipitation. Numbers of breeding lapwing at Shorne Marshes, Cliffe Pools and Elmley Marshes were excellent, totaling 132. Redshank traditionally fluctuate in their breeding numbers but 180 pairs at Elmley Marshes broke a six-year record. The herons at Northward Hill are showing recovery after two particularly harsh winters - 96 pairs, and 45 nightingales filled the air with their song on the Hoo Peninsula reserves. Now we look forward to the winter spectacle as thousands of birds fly in to the Thames, Medway, and Swale Estuary… and why not join them for a wild day out?

Rolf Williams
RSPB North Kent Marshes Nature Reserves

If you'd like to find out more about the RSPB, take a look at their Northward Hill website by clicking here - where you'll find links to other RSPB sites in North Kent, including Cliffe Pools. You can get in touch with Rolf by clicking here.

Thanks for the update Rolf!

Hoo Peninsula Film Project

2011-09-21T06:00:00.005+01:00

Over the past few years, I’ve been meeting lots of the peninsula’s longer-standing inhabitants, or ‘peninsula elders’ as I like to call them! And I’ve been recording on camera their stories and memories about living and working here.

Often more than just the typical - and edited - recollections you tend to read in history books, I’ve heard some fascinating tales, some of which have been truly shocking in their detail. Always unique and personal insights into everyday life in this often overlooked corner of Kent and Medway, it’s been a real joy and privilege to have listened to them.

I now have a growing selection of recordings, each of which is being very slowly and carefully edited. When finished I’m planning to donate them to historical archives and any interested local history groups for posterity and, hopefully, for watching by future generations of historians, and residents, seeking to expand their knowledge of local social history.

All those ‘elders’ I’ve had the pleasure to meet so far have been very generous in their willingness to be recorded on film. Not always an easy process, especially when an amateur like me is doing the filming!

I have a whole list of people on my list to get through in the coming months, but it’s always good to hear of anyone else with a few interesting stories to tell.

Just get in touch via the contact page.

Grain Coastal Park (Isle of Grain) - Michael Dale’s Photographs

2011-09-20T11:24:00.000+01:00

Michael Dale (pictured below) is a Parish Councillor on St. James Isle of Grain Parish Council. He’s sent some of his photographs of Grain Coastal Park – kindly giving permission for their use on this site.

These photos show views of Grain Coastal Park, taken at different times of the year.

The old ‘dummy battery’ along Port Victoria Road.

A wintry scene with views towards Grain Tower and Queensborough Docks.

One of many walking routes.

Church Beach looking very calm at high tide.

A ‘Quay Crane Transporter’ passing Garrison Point at the mouth of the Medway (between the Isle of Grain and Sheerness).

Another crane transporter arriving for Thamesport from China.

Seaview Meadow.

Seaview Meadow with early morning mist.

These are really great photos and I’d like to thank Michael for allowing me to share them.

Do you have any photos of the area that you would like to appear on this site? Just get in touch via the contact page.

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning (Hoo), Friday 23 September 2011

2011-09-19T08:46:00.001+01:00

Hoo Village Institute (Main Road, Hoo) will be putting on the kettle to take part in Macmillan Cancer Support’s ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ event this Friday (23 September), from 10am till 1pm.

Pop along to Hoo Village Institute (pictured below) and show your support - all are welcome!

This local event is being organised by Heather Sherman - find out more about the work of Macmillan Cancer Support by clicking here.

More improvements at Grain Coastal Park

2011-09-18T15:52:00.001+01:00

I was on holiday in Devon and Cornwall the week before last - probably enjoying too many cream teas than I ought to admit to! So I headed over to Grain yesterday afternoon for a brisk walk around Grain Coastal Park while the weather was nice and sunny - luckily it only turned dull when heading back home.

It seems that, whilst away, some more improvements have been made to the area. There are now a couple of nice looking picnic tables and chairs overlooking the beach and some smart, sturdy benches on the path by the shore (all pictured below).

I got back home just in time to avoid the downpour. What lovely weather we’re having!

Beatrice Danesfield is coming to Hoo!

2011-09-04T14:01:00.000+01:00

Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church hosts many exciting concerts and performances, and that trend is set to continue, with Soprano Beatrice Danesfield (pictured below) presenting ‘A Night at the Opera’ on Saturday 17 September, from 7pm.

Whilst out doing a bit of shopping in Hoo this week, I bumped into Stuart Coombes, who helps organise events for the Church. Stuart told me he hopes that, in addition to residents from the Hoo Peninsula, there’ll be many others that come from far and wide to see Beatrice perform and to have a great evening - not least because the event will help raise much needed cash for the Church.

For tickets (a donation of £7) contact Stuart on 01634 251705.

Lodge Hill Consultation

2011-09-04T14:00:00.001+01:00

Further to the public exhibitions held last November, Medway Council has produced a draft Development Brief for the proposed development of the Lodge Hill site. This document sets out the Council’s detailed objectives for the new settlement and its relationship to the surrounding area.

The consultation started last week and comments and feedback must be sent in to Medway Council by 5pm on Monday 14 October (the closing date).

There’ll be a series of consultation events taking place locally, where the Council’s Planning team will be available to talk about the draft Development Brief.

The consultation events take place during the next few weeks:

High Halstow Memorial Hall
Wednesday 14 September, 2pm to 4pm / 5.30pm to 8pm

Chattenden Community Centre
Friday 16 September, 2pm to 4pm / 5.30pm to 8pm

Cliffe Woods Community Centre
Monday 19 September, 2pm to 4pm / 5.30pm to 8pm

Red Cross Centre (Hoo)
Tuesday 20 September, 2pm to 4pm / 5.30pm to 8pm

Wainscott Memorial Hall
Monday 26 September, 2pm to 4pm / 5.30pm to 8pm

Click here to visit Medway Council’s website - where you’ll find more detailed information about the Lodge Hill development proposal.

Visit the Land Securities website by clicking here.

Big Dreams - Isle of Grain Youth FC

2011-09-04T13:58:00.001+01:00

Isle of Grain Youth FC (pictured below on their float at the recent Grain Carnival) has gone from strength to strength since their creation in November last year. Starting out with just a handful of local kids, they now have more than 50 - coming from across the Hoo Peninsula to take part. A real local success story that is getting more exciting every month.

They entered the Real 60 Summer Football Tournament, held at Borstal last weekend. Their teams drew in two of their four games, sadly losing the other two. But one of the games was a thrilling 3-2 defeat to league champions, Chatham Riverside - so a really creditable set of results for such a new club and a fantastic effort from all the kids and coaches.

Isle of Grain Youth FC is part of the Sheppey Youth Sunday League, where they have teams for the U8s, U9s and U12s.

The Club’s Chairman Paul Peachey, told me this week: “I created the football school to give the Isle of Grain’s youngsters something positive to do. I am totally chuffed at what everyone has achieved to get us this far, both the kids and the adult volunteers. Of course, we now have a new objective - to achieve lots of wins within our league and, who knows, maybe even bring home a trophy or two - it’s time to put the Isle of Grain on the football map!”

The Youth Soccer School is still looking to welcome new members, aged 3 years to 16. Activities take place at Seaview Meadow (Lang’s Field) every Saturday from 10.30am till 12.30pm - pop along and get involved!

And the Club is also keen to hear from anyone wanting to get involved in their Sunday league team activities - this though is for those entering school years 7, 5, 4 and 3.

If you’d like to get involved, or know someone that would, contact Paul Peachey on 07818 558036.

Heritage Weekend on the Hoo Peninsula

2011-09-04T13:53:00.000+01:00

The Heritage Open Days celebrations are running from 8 to 11 September, and there’ll be at least a couple of special activities taking place right here on the Hoo Peninsula.

St. James’ Church at Cooling (pictured below) will exhibit old photographs of Cooling, including past events, activities and local people. Entry is free, but with the Friends of St. James’ Church currently raising funds to preserve this lovely old building, please don’t forget to take some money so you can treat yourself to tea and cakes in aid of the preservation fund!

If you’d like to pop along, doors open at 10am and close at 4pm on both Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September.

Visit the website of The Friends of St. James’ Church by clicking here.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the peninsula, All Saints Church at Allhallows (pictured below) will be opening its doors to those interested in looking back in time through the photos and historical information which will be available to browse.

My great great Grandfather John Watson was baptised at All Saints Church in 1833. I’ve often thought about how very different the village must have looked in those days. Although being a mainly Norman structure, I don’t suppose the Church itself has really changed that much.

It really is a fabulous old building. My favourite ‘design feature’ is the weather boarded bell turret, a fairly recent addition in comparison with the rest of the building - added as it was in 1890!

All Saints Church opens its doors between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 10 September and there’ll be tea, coffee and cakes.

Well worth a visit - take a look at the Allhallows Parish Council website for more information.

New website for Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church

2011-09-04T13:50:00.000+01:00

It’s really good to see a brand new website launched by Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church. The site is very user friendly and contains lots of useful information about the history of the Church, forthcoming events, service times, contact details and much more besides.

Visit the website by clicking here.

Egypt Bay - feedback from Mervyn King

2011-09-04T13:47:00.000+01:00

Following my recent posts asking if anyone knew how Egypt Bay came to get its name, I have received another interesting suggestion, this time from Mervyn King.

Mervyn told me about a reference to Egypt Bay in a book called ‘The Thames’ by A. P. Herbert, which was published in 1966 by Weidenfield & Nicholson (pictured below).

A. P. Herbert (Sir Alan Patrick Herbert) says: ‘Egypt Bay, a strange sandy indent, so named, I suppose, because of the sand’.

I recently looked online for some old maps of the area, and there’s a really good website called Old Maps. A very useful commercial site that contains many old maps of the area, dating back to 1872, all of which can be easily viewed online.

The 1872 map itself shows Egypt Bay to have been joined by a sizable stretch of marshland known as Egypt Saltings – with ‘The Kite, Coast Guard Station’ located near its mouth with the Thames. The indent of the bay was much bigger in those days, with most of what was Egypt Saltings having long since silted over.

Any more ideas? Use the contact page to let me know if you have any views on how Egypt Bay got its name.

Rob Trice is doing a Charity Wing Walk

2011-09-04T13:36:00.000+01:00

Lifelong Hoo Resident Rob Trice is doing something remarkable next weekend.

Rob will be heading to an airfield to do a charity ‘wing walk’ - raising cash for the Kent Air Ambulance and Hoo Parish Church. And when I spoke to him earlier this week, he was very excited about his upcoming flight! Rob told me that he’s always been keen to do a wing walk and is looking forward to being strapped to a plane and flown high into the skies. He’s a very brave chap!

If you’d like to sponsor Rob on this mission, get in touch with Hoo Parish Church.

Very best wishes to Rob!

Allhallows Life - September Edition

2011-09-03T06:15:00.000+01:00

The September edition of Allhallows Life is now available. Just click the image below to see the full copy.

High Halstow Times - September Edition

2011-09-02T07:30:00.003+01:00

The latest edition of the High Halstow Times is now available. Just click the image below to see the full copy.

The High Halstow Times is the magazine of High Halstow Parish Council. Take a look at their website by clicking here.

All the fun of the Fayre!

2011-08-26T22:00:00.001+01:00

I spent much of last Saturday in Hoo Village Square at the ‘Fayre in the Square’. I arrived just after midday and the square was the busiest I had ever seen it. There were plenty of activities and stalls to keep everyone occupied and the promised sunny intervals turned out to be quite long - with only a couple of rain spells to briefly dampen spirits.

One person that was particularly happy to see everyone enjoying themselves was fellow Hoo resident Ben Reeves (pictured below), who was with wife Jenny.

Ben was once Mayor of the City of Rochester-upon-Medway, from 1988 to 1989, and served as Deputy both before and after this as well. He represented Hoo for many years at both district and parish level.

It was really good catching up with Ben, who I joined for a stroll around the square – talking about the history of the village and other local gossip besides!

The Hoo Village Events Committee (and all their helpers) worked really hard to make the Fayre in the Square such a great success.

I’m looking forward to their next event!

Things are hotting up in Hoo!

2011-08-19T15:47:00.001+01:00

With the BBC Weather website promising ‘sunny intervals’, I hope the weather will stay nice and warm for the Fayre in the Square tomorrow (Saturday).

Kicking off at 12 noon, there'll be lots to keep everyone occupied - take a look at the images below to find out more.

I hope to see you there!

Winged Mini-Beasts Walk (RSPB Northward Hill), Sunday 21 August 2011

2011-08-19T15:22:00.000+01:00

Join RSPB Field Teacher Julie Peeling (a dragonfly expert) to find out about these fabulous creatures and many other winged mini-beasts, on a summer stroll through the reserve.

It’s all taking place this Sunday, from 10am till 1pm, at RSPB Northward Hill, Bromhey Farm, Eastborough, Cooling, ME3 8DS – meeting at the main RSPB car park at Bromhey Farm.

Visit the RSPB Northward Hill website for more information.

Treasure Hunt (High Halstow), Saturday 20 August 2011

2011-08-19T15:14:00.000+01:00

A Treasure Hunt is being held in and around High Halstow tomorrow (Saturday). Click the image below to see how you can get involved.

Good luck to everyone taking part!

Youth activities in Hoo!

2011-08-14T12:02:00.001+01:00

There’s a ‘Total Wipeout’ test of skill and agility on a sweeper arm inflatable - just like the one on the TV - on Monday 22 August in Pottery Road Park (pictured below), next to Hoo Village Hall. There will also be circus skills, a variety of sports and a BBQ at the event, which takes place between 12 noon and 3pm.

On Thursday 25 August there’s a Paintball trip for those aged between 13 and 19.

And Lindsay Hartney (Youth Development Worker and Organiser for Hoo Youth Club) has told me that the Football Project and Youth Club will both re-start next month. From 12 September, there’ll be football activities every Monday, from 6pm till 7pm at the Hundred of Hoo School on Main Road - just turn up and join in! The Youth Club, kicking off again at the end of September, will be every Wednesday evening from 7.15pm till 9.30pm at Hoo Village Hall on Pottery Road (50p entry). Anyone aged 12 years and over is welcome to attend.

To receive more information, and a consent form for the Paintball trip (which costs £25 each), contact Lindsay on 07795 236289.

High Halstow Blog

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Blogging away since February, High Halstow Parish Council is keeping residents up to date with news and views about local activities. Their excellent new blog is packed full of useful information, including an events calendar, an archive of the High Halstow Times (viewable online), details of local voluntary groups, clubs and societies and lots of information about the history of the village. Certainly worth a visit, just click here to take a look.

The site also includes details of formal business, a list of parish councillors and information about parish council responsibilities.

Egypt Bay – feedback from Malcolm Coomber of High Halstow

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Following my recent post about how Egypt Bay got its name, I’m really pleased to report an interesting development!

My thanks go to Malcolm Coomber, from High Halstow, who got in touch with a possible explanation . . .

Dear Tony,

In response to your enquiry about how Egypt Bay got its name, I may have come up with a long shot that might be worth exploring.

I have a book called ‘The Hoo Peninsula’, written by local historian Philip MacDougall in 1980, which mentions Phoenician artefacts being found in Hoo and Higham.

This book states the following:

"During pre-historic times Hoo St. Werburgh was probably a fairly important settlement. The discovery of a Phoenician coin at a point just south of the present village also suggests that Hoo may also have been a small trading centre. The coin was discovered in 1903 and is said to be a drachma dating from the reign of Philip of Macedon. This particular king will probably be better recalled if one remembers that he was the father of Alexander the Great.

The importance of the coin demonstrates that Kent had trading links with the Phoenicians, traders who ranged far and wide bringing with them such saleable commodities as silver, high quality pottery and wines. Perhaps, indeed, it was the Phoenicians who brought the imported pots found near Cliffe. It should be pointed out that these pottery fragments do not come from so far east but would have been collected by the Phoenicians on their journeyings.

Hoo is not the only place in North Kent where Phoenician coins have been found. Not very long ago a number of such coins were unearthed at Higham. They were all contained inside a hollow flint purse."

The Phoenicians came from a land called RETENU (CANAAN) which had a direct boundary with EGYPT.

Just a thought! Did they sail up the Thames to trade and come across what we know as Egypt Bay, and named it such due to the unlikely event of finding a sandy beach in an unlikely spot on the River Thames? Stranger things have happened!

Best wishes - Malcolm.

Many thanks Malcolm for getting in touch and sharing your thoughts. A possibility certainly worth looking into!

Personally, I hope he’s right. Having been to Egypt and spent time exploring the Nile near Luxor, it would certainly be nice to think the two distant, but equally tranquil, locations were somehow connected.

I'm also grateful to everyone who got in touch to share stories about enjoyable walks around this bit of the peninsula.

Use the contact page to let me know if you have any views on how Egypt Bay got its name.

It’s all happening in Allhallows!

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With the Parish Council website looking fresh and revitalised, and lots of events in the offing - there’s not much chance of getting bored in Allhallows right now!

There’s a Youth Club Summer Camp on 18, 19, 25 and 26 August (at The Brimp - click the image below to find out more), a Summer BBQ and Fete on Sunday 21 August at the Village Hall, Fun Days at Allhallows Leisure Park from 27 to 29 August, a Prom Night at the Village Hall and an Open Day at All Saints Church - both taking place on Saturday 10 September.

Find out more about all these events by visiting the Parish Council website, where you’ll find many more dates for your diary!

The Allhallows Parish Council website is full of interesting information, including a directory of local services, a gallery of village photographs, news items and all the latest announcements from the Parish Council.

I really hope to get along to some of these events. So I might see you there!

Fayre in the Square (Hoo), Saturday 20 August 2011

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Hoo Village Events Committee have been very busy organising the Fayre in the Square on Saturday 20 August.

An event for the whole family to enjoy, it's taking place (as the name suggests) in Hoo Village Square from 12 noon till 9pm.

It’s going to be a day to remember and one not to be missed!

There’ll be music, entertainment, a variety of stalls, games for the kids, local produce to buy, a bucking bronco and lots more to boot!

The entertainment includes The Desert Flowers Belly Dancers, who will be dancing to their very own exotic beat (sounds like one for audience participation!) and Kent based band ‘Get Carter’ who will perform live in the Square.

This year’s Fayre is taking place in conjunction with Evolution Hairdressers, who are celebrating their 5th Birthday on that day. Happy birthday!!

Click the image below to find out more.

I hope to see you there!

Kit’s Coty Walk (High Halstow Hikers), Sunday 14 August 2011

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High Halstow Hikers are heading to Kit’s Coty, close to Bluebell Hill, Maidstone, for their August trek this Sunday.

The walk begins at 10am, meeting at the first car park you come to when arriving at the Friars at Aylesford Priory, ME20 7BX (N.B donation for parking requested).

Directions: Leave the A229 at the bottom of Bluebell Hill and drive to Aylesford through Eccles. The Friars is then signposted on route.

The walk, which includes some hilly areas, will be 5 ½ miles and take around two and a half hours to complete.

Michael Bannar-Martin, who will be leading this walk, can be contacted on 01634 251075 if you would like more information.

Lots of fun at the countryside fair!

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This year’s RSPB Wildlife and Countryside Fair took place yesterday (Sunday) at Bromhey Farm between Cooling and High Halstow.

Having really enjoyed last year’s event, I was glad that the weather stayed fine so I could go along with my sister and brother in-law who were up for the weekend (pictured on a hay bale at the end of this post).

Once again, my highlight was the sheep dog trials, which were fascinating to watch. Such well trained dogs - and obedient sheep!!!

There were lots of stalls, a wildlife walk, the opportunity for a bit of ditch dipping and fun and games for kids of all ages. One of us even managed to actually hit a coconut this year!

It was nice seeing a selection of local craftspeople and trades showing off their produce, with lots of people getting the chance to ‘have a go’ at some of the tasks.

The RSPB’s Rolf Williams (pictured below) was clearly being kept very busy making sure things were going well and everyone was happy. And volunteers from the Rochester and Chatham Dickens Fellowship (also pictured below) helped remind us of the many connections our peninsula has with the great author and his many tales.

The Marshwarblers (pictured below) provided a relaxing atmosphere for people enjoying a tasty hog roast or hot dog - including me!

Once again, a really enjoyable few hours getting back in touch with a bit of nature!

All part of a busy weekend entertaining - including a visit to Rochester Cathedral, a walk along Rochester High Street, taking in the Guildhall Museum and a look inside The Six Travellers Almshouses, plus a quick stop off at St. James’ Church in Cooling after the countryside fair. We even managed to squeeze in some boating (and swimming in the rain) at Grain Beach. But before you ask - absolutely no photos appearing of that!