Enjoying the great outdoors!

With an improvement in the weather - it has been good to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

I visited the Isle of Grain yesterday for a stroll around a section of woodland in Grain Coastal Park.

Grain Coastal Park is a great place to visit with many different types of walk offered - walks to suit all preferences.

The nearest public toilet is in Lower Stoke (Grain Road).

Enjoy!
 

Engineering Hitler’s Downfall

I took the below photo (and many others) back in 2011. It shows World War Two anti-tank obstacles (Dragon’s Teeth) near Grain beach.

The history of these defences (as well as one of my photos), along with other initiatives deployed during the Second World War, are featured in a book by Gwilym Roberts called Engineering Hitler’s Downfall. It was published late last year and includes a Forward by Admiral Lord West. 

You can purchase the book online (for £18.99) by clicking here.

If you'd like to take a look at my original post from February 2011, click here.
 

Let there be light

I visited a number of local communities during the Armistice Centenary weekend earlier this month - to see the commemorations to mark the end of the First World War.

I ended my touring on the evening of Sunday 11th November at the site of the old Grain Fort, on the Isle of Grain, where St. James (Isle of Grain) Parish Council had organised the lighting of a special beacon, in conjunction with St. James Church and Kent Fire & Rescue Service (Grain).

The event was well attended by villagers, and was part of the nationwide 'Beacons of Light' tribute/commemoration.

The above image is poor quality, but I only had my phone camera available. To give you a better idea about what the Beacon actually looked like - here's a clearer image of one.

The Beacons symbolised the 'light of hope' that emerged from the darkness of four years of dreadful war.
 

Help fund important community project

The UJ Community Partnership is a community-based organisation with the objective of helping local residents gain/learn new skills as well as generally seeking to reduce levels of social isolation.

From learning something new by attending training and personal development courses, or making new friends by attending social events, the UJ Community Partnership has helped many residents from across the Hoo Peninsula since it was formed in 2003.

The long-established and much loved group is run by Veronica Cordier, who works hard to ensure the group’s survival.  Funding is always at the top of Veronica’s agenda – making sure the group can afford to offer new training courses and other opportunities for residents, as well as more routine expenses, such as heating, equipment, facilities and running costs.

With everyone tightening their belts, it has become more difficult to find funding, so if you run a local business and are able to offer funding support of any amount (it all helps), please get in touch with Veronica by phoning 01634 271807, or write to Veronica Cordier, UJ Community Partnership, The Chapel/Grain Library, Chapel Road, Isle of Grain, ME3 0BZ.

Next month the UJ Community Partnership is offering residents training/familiarisation workshops on using a tablet - particularly handy if you receive one for Christmas!  Book your place by phoning 01634 271807.

  

Village Voices (Edition 12) for Stoke, St. Mary Hoo, Allhallows and the Isle of Grain

The latest edition of Village Voices is now available online, just click here to take a look.

Take your time to browse the  selection of local businesses featured in Village Voices and show your support for them in these difficult economic times.

This edition includes local news, reports, photographs and information about community groups and events.

Take a look at the Village Voices website here.

  

A lovely cuppa at Grain Coastal Park

I popped over to the Isle of Grain earlier today to explore the ever improving Grain Coastal Park - located at the most easterly point of the Hoo Peninsula. It was a great surprise to find ‘The Beach Hut’, conveniently located opposite the main entrance to the beach car park.

The Beach Hut, with its comfortable outdoor seating area (sheltered from the wind), offers a variety of hot and cold drinks, cakes, ice cream, hot food, homemade filled baguettes, baps and sandwiches and much more.

Such a treat to have somewhere so close to Grain foreshore to enjoy a nice cuppa and something tasty to eat after enjoying a walk in the fresh air.

The Beach Hut is open every weekend and throughout the Easter holiday (see below).

Well done to proprietor Kerry Theobald and her mum Barbara, pictured above, who I met today. You’re doing a great job.

Keep up to date with The Beach Hut by viewing their Facebook page here.

Don’t forget - you can now go on a guided tour of Grain Coastal Park. Click here to find out more.

  

At the heart of the Hoo Peninsula - Village Voices for the Isle of Grain (Issue 4)

The latest edition of Grain Village Voices is now available online. Click the image below, which will take you to the relevant editions page on the Village Voices website - then all you have to do is click ‘Issue 4’.

The bi-monthly publication is produced in partnership with St. James, Isle of Grain, Parish Council.

This edition includes reports and news from St. James, Isle of Grain, Parish Council, news from St. James’ Church, updates from the UJ Community Partnership and huge amounts of other parish and community information.

Take a look at the Village Voices website by clicking here.

  

Guided tours of Grain Coastal Park

My old friend Michael Dale, who served as Police Officer on the Hoo Peninsula from 1966 to 1992, is very busy these days organising guided tours of our fabulous Grain Coastal Park.

Having been involved with the Friends of Grain Coastal Park in their formative period, it’s great to see that so many improvements have now been made to enhance and improve the foreshore and surrounding countryside.

The guided tours are an excellent way to learn more about the history of Grain and its fascinating military past.

Last year the guided tours attracted 165 people - well done Michael and to everyone else involved.

  

Village Voices for the Isle of Grain (Issue 3)

The latest edition of Grain Village Voices is now available online.

The bi-monthly publication is produced in partnership with St. James, Isle of Grain, Parish Council. Take a look by clicking the image below, which will take you to the editions page on the Village Voices website - then click ‘Issue 3’.

This edition includes reports and news from the Parish Council, feedback on the recent village pantomime by the Showin’ Grain Theatre Group, news from St. James’ Church and lots more local and parish information.

Take a look at the Village Voices website by clicking here.

  

Volunteer at Grain Coastal Park (Sunday 16 February 2014)

The next opportunity to volunteer at Grain Coastal Park will be on Sunday 16 February.

The Friends of Grain Coastal Park will meet at 10am at The Pavilion Car Park (Pintail Close, Isle of Grain, ME3 0DW).

Find out more about the work of The Friends of Grain Coastal Park by clicking here.

  

Village Voices for the Isle of Grain (Issue 1)

The very first edition of Grain Village Voices has been produced and is now available online. This new bi-monthly publication is produced in partnership with St. James, Isle of Grain, Parish Council. Take a look by clicking the image below, which will take you to the editions page on the Village Voices website - then click ‘Issue 1’.

This edition includes reports and news from the Parish Council, a detailed update about the excellent work undertaken by The Friends of the Isle of Grain Coastal Park, an item from Glenn McWatt (Vicar of Grain with Stoke), exciting news about the coming Showin’ Grain pantomime and lots more local and parish information.

Take a look at the Village Voices website by clicking here.

Let’s keep it local - let’s support our excellent community mags!
  

Showin' Grain present Death of a Songbird

The Showin’ Grain Theatre Group are back with an interactive murder mystery on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June, at the Village Hall, Chapel Road, Isle of Grain.

'Death of a Songbird' has been written and produced locally by Moira Pearn.

You won't just be an audience member, as you'll play detective in teams of six per table. And there's a chance of winning a bottle of champagne.

Doors open at 7pm, with the action beginning at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6, which includes food. Tickets can only be purchased in advance from Veronica Cordier on 271807 or 271674.

Have a great night!

  

Take a trip to Grain Coastal Park

If you’d like to experience our dramatic local landscape, you’re definitely spoilt for choice on the Hoo Peninsula.

The much improved Grain Coastal Park is a great place to begin and it’s perfect for appreciating some of the history and character of the Hoo Peninsula.

Enthusiastic volunteers have undertaken huge amounts of improvement work over the last couple of years, firstly as part of a Kent Wildlife Trust project and then in the form of the Friends of Grain Coastal Park volunteer group - set up specifically to promote and improve the park. The site is owned by the St. James Isle of Grain Parish Council.

I had a great time at Grain on Sunday afternoon, walking from one end of the park to the other, exploring many new and existing walks, paths and seating / viewing areas. The place is looking stunning and volunteers have done a remarkable job.

Take a look at the Friends of Grain Coastal Park website by clicking here. You’ll find details of organised walks planned for May, June and July - led by volunteer and local Parish Councillor Michael Dale.

Enjoy!

  

Public Convenience

Janet Keates, from Cliffe, recently sent me a scan of an old 1950s newspaper, referring to a major dispute between villagers living on the Isle of Grain. The subject of the row was the siting of a toilet block in the centre of the village!

The story appeared in the Daily Express in April 1959. And if you want to know what happened - the toilets were granted permission and they served the community for many years, until being demolished in the 1990s.

In 2000, the Cat and Cracker pub and the Working Men's Club were also demolished, leaving the village with only one watering hole for the first time in a century (The Hogarth).

Another snippet of our local history.
 

Grain and the floods of 1953

The floods of 1953 will be the subject of a couple of very interesting events being held at Grain library in June. Take a look at the below poster to find out more.

In addition to the talk being given by Norma Crowe, there'll no doubt be many fascinating photographs and accounts from local people.

See you there!
 

Get involved at Grain Coastal Park

I've had many happy times volunteering on the Isle of Grain with the very successful Friends of Grain Coastal Park group.

They're a great bunch and are completely devoted to making sure the parkland can be enjoyed by everyone.

The Friends group meet every month and the next volunteering session is this Sunday (19 May), from 10am. Take a look at the poster below to find out more.

 
If all this sounds a little too strenuous for you, please pop over to Grain for a leisurely stroll around Grain Coastal Park and enjoy one of the most dramatic foreshores in the area.

You won't be disappointed!

The website for the Friends of Grain Coastal Park can be viewed by clicking here.
 

Too pew to mention!

Here's St. James' Church on the Isle of Grain. The building dates back to the 12th century.

The photographs below give us a snapshot of its interior over a hundred year period. They were taken in the 1920s, 1954, 1975 and one from more recent times (they appear in this order).

The interior seems largely unchanged. There is a noticeable absence of pews, but I’m not entirely sure that any ever existed – certainly, it’s beyond the living memory of those who currently use the church. Perhaps the lack of evidence has something to do with the re-building and restoration projects of 1815 and 1904/5?

However, pews were, until a few years ago, in the chancel for the choir. They were removed though due to damage caused by woodworm.

Also, note the lack of pulpit in the 1920s photo, compared with later photos!

Take a look at a previous post I produced about the exterior of the building, by clicking here.

  

Grain Youth Club

The Youth Club on the Isle of Grain meets at St. James’ Pavilion, Pintail Close, Isle of Grain, ME3 0DW.

Sessions are held on a Thursday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm (after-school club for 8 to 10 year olds) and, also on a Thursday, between 7pm and 9.30pm for 11 to 19 year olds.

The Youth Club is run by fully trained and CRB checked staff from Medway Council. For more information contact Karen Yusuf on 01634 338743 or 07740 590115, or send an email by clicking here.

  

Quiz Night at Grain

The Grain Fete Committee will be holding a quiz night on Saturday 16 February, at Grain Village Hall, Chapel Road, Isle of Grain, ME3 0BY.

Doors will open at 7pm. Take along your own nibbles and drinks, but there will be tea, coffee and hot chocolate available. Children and families welcome.
  

Helping local people in Grain and beyond!

The UJ Community Partnership, based at The Chapel, Chapel Road, Isle of Grain, supports local people by providing different activities that promote social-inclusion, through organising events and learning opportunities.

The Partnership helps people learn, or improve, IT skills. They also run a variety of other useful courses, including first aid workshops and help with personal financial management.

The group was set up in 2003 and is run by a team of hardworking local volunteers. Veronica Cordier (pictured below), who manages the group, is always keen to attract new people, and funding!

The UJ Community Partnership runs courses in basic computing, through to an accredited course, along with a manual book keeping course. The group also hopes to continue their lunch and craft club for the over 50s - usually held on the second and fourth Monday’s of the month. However, Veronica is keen to find new funding to cover the running costs of these activities. The group is not government funded and they have to apply for funding to cover their activities and courses.

If you’d like to find out more about getting involved in the UJ Community Partnership, regardless of where you live on the Hoo Peninsula, or if you'd like to help fund this important group, please get in touch with Veronica Cordier on 01634 271807.