Weather Forecast

So far this week, the weather has been hot, sticky and humid, despite some minor periods of drizzle. Trying to get to sleep at night hasn't been easy, so let's hope these cows, located in a field near Bells Lane in Hoo, are right to predict showers to come! I note that one cow is standing - there's always one!!!  Apologies for the poor photo quality - this was taken on my phone.

Grain Festival (Isle of Grain), Saturday 17 July 2010

My family (my sister and her husband) stayed over for a long weekend and we headed for the Grain Festival on Saturday afternoon. We arrived within hours of the event starting, but nearly missed out on buying some homemade cakes - a particular weakness of mine! The event was well attended and there was something for everyone - from traditional summer fete stalls and live music, to rather lively fairground attractions. There was even a dog show, with some very cute pets displaying their skills and discipline! We spent time in the fairground and, despite throwing many darts, balls and coconuts, we only managed to win ourselves consolation cuddly toys - all of which were given to my sister of course. Luckily, I managed to get myself some reasonably priced plants for the garden, so I was happy enough! The below photographs were taken at the Grain Festival and include shots of my sister and her husband, as well as of me (in a red shirt).

New Book - Medway Tales: Life on the Dividing River, Wilf Lower

Further to an earlier post, I have now purchased a copy Wilf Lower's new book (Medway Tales - Life on the Dividing River). I popped along to Baggins Book Bazaar in Rochester High Street and got myself a signed copy, which is great! Having had a quick browse through, the book looks very interesting, so I will read it in more detail in the coming days.

Visit the Baggins website.

St. Mary Hoo, Village Photographs

Following an earlier post about the Spencer family and St. Mary Hoo, I thought I would add some photographs of this location.

With the weather continuing its warm spell, I went over to St. Mary Hoo at the weekend, whilst on route to the Summer Fete at Stoke School and then, yet again, on to spend some time at Grain Beach.

St. Mary Hoo is located off the Ratcliffe Highway (which is off the A228) and the entire village sits on Hall Road, which is a no through road. The 2001 census states that the village had a population of 244 and I doubt this has changed very much since that time.

Although the Church is privately owned, I had a walk around the outside to look at the graves. I couldn’t find any connected to my family, but there are clearly many gaps where stones have either been removed (because of damage and age) or simply because people (like my own family) couldn’t really afford them.

I would really like to find old photographs of St. Mary Hoo and the surrounding areas.