Sunday Walk (Stoke), 28 November 2010

Along with a surprising number of people ‘enjoying’ the frost, the weather wasn’t enough to stop me from getting out for some fresh air this morning.

Setting-off from Upper Stoke at 9.30am, I followed walking route RS35 across open fields to Middle Stoke, and then towards Stoke Saltings – crossing the railway line and passing the micro-light airstrip.

I continued along walking route RS34, taking a quick look at the boats moored near Creek Lane. Continuing past some rather cold looking horses, it was then over another railway crossing connecting me with a farm track up to Stoke Road (RS33) – arriving back in Upper Stoke after just over an hour.

Christmas Fayre (Hoo), Saturday 27 November 2010

Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church (Church Street, Hoo) present their Christmas Fayre on Saturday 27 November, from 10am until 1pm. There will be cakes, books, bric-a-brac, fresh produce, crafts, food, refreshments and much more.



Diary Date: Village Christmas Fayre (Hoo), Saturday 11 December 2010

A Village Christmas Fayre will be held in Hoo on Saturday 11 December, from noon to 3pm. The Gravesend Borough Band is set to perform a selection of festive tunes (for an hour from noon) and other live entertainments will follow until 3pm.

Many treats will be available on the day, including: mulled wine, mince pies, sausage rolls, roasted hot chestnuts, homemade pickles and other goods, refreshments, festive crafts and a tombola! The Rev. Andy Harding (from Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church) will be switching-on the Christmas tree lights.

Anyone wishing to book a stall should contact Linda Perfect (Event Organiser) on 01634 252795.

Sunset over the Medway

These photographs were taken earlier this week near Kingsnorth Power Station, looking across the River Medway towards Gillingham and Chatham. Although a very cold evening walking from Hoo to Kingsnorth, the sunset views made it worthwhile.

Farmers' Market (Hoo), Saturday 20 November 2010

There will be a Farmers' Market at Hoo Village Hall (Pottery Road, Hoo) on Saturday 20 November, from 10am. Pop along for local produce, pet food, jewellery, a range of crafts and much much more!

Out and about in Allhallows

I went along to Allhallows Primary School this week to join their special Remembrance Assembly. It was really nice to see the children taking time to think about the sacrifices made on our behalf by previous generations.

Afterwards I walked around Allhallows, from the border with Lower Stoke to the Leisure Park. The weather was terrible, but knowing I was heading for lunch at The British Pilot made the soaking bearable!

The British Pilot (above) is open from 12 noon every day, serving food from 12 noon to 2.30pm, and then from 7pm to 9pm (Monday to Saturday). On a Sunday, food is served from 12 noon to 6pm (for Sunday Roast). The British Pilot is on Avery Way, Allhallows-On-Sea, Rochester, Kent, ME3 9QW. Telephone: 01634 272198.

Lodge Hill Development - Public Exhibitions

There will be a series of public exhibitions next week about the proposed Lodge Hill Development at Chattenden. For more details about these events, click the image below.

Bonfire and Fireworks (Allhallows), Friday 12 November 2010

There will be a bonfire and fireworks event (sponsored by Allhallows Parish Council) at Allhallows seafront tonight (Friday). A 'judge the guy' competition will commence at 6.30pm, followed by the lighting of the bonfire at 7pm and a fireworks display at 7.30pm.

Pedestrian access to Allhallows seafront is via Allhallows Leisure Park. Refreshments and other goodies will be available throughout.

WWI - Remembering William and Harry

Two nephews of my Great-Grandfather Herbert Watson joined many others from the Hoo Peninsula in putting their lives on the line during World War I.

So today, when everyone in Britain is thinking about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, I’m remembering William Watson (Lower Stoke) and his cousin Harry Stratford (St. Mary Hoo) who left their respective villages, and families, to fight for King and country. Never to return.

Private William Stephen Watson

- 3 Gravel Pit, Lower Stoke -

1st Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry

Died: 17 February 1917 - aged 21

Buried: Queen's Cemetery, Bucquoy (pictured below)

Private Harry Stratford

- Moat Farm, St. Mary Hoo -

6th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment)

Died: 12 April 1917 - aged 24

Memorial (no grave): Arras Memorial (pictured below)

 

Christmas Market (High Halstow), Saturday 13 November 2010

A Christmas Market will be held at the Recreation Hall (Village Hall, The Street) in High Halstow on Saturday 13 November, from 12 noon onwards. Plenty of festive fayre will be available and a special visitor from the north pole will be making an appearance!

Grain Over Forty Fives Group (GOFFS) - Winter / Christmas Fair (Isle of Grain), Saturday 13 November 2010

The Grain Over Forty Fives Group (GOFFS) will hold their Winter / Christmas Fair on Saturday 13 November, between 11am and 2pm. The event will take place at the Village Hall, Chapel Road, Isle of Grain. To book a stall or for further information, phone Jenny on 01634 271759 or Cynthia on 01634 272478.

High Halstow Hikers (November Walk), Sunday 7 November 2010

I joined the High Halstow Hikers this morning for a nine mile trek along country lanes and farm tracks between High Halstow and Cliffe - with the farmers’ permission where there were no public footpaths. The weather was crisp and sunny and almost 20 people turned-up. We set-off from High Halstow Village Hall at just after 9.30am and headed down Cooling Road, turning into Wybournes Farm and then towards Cooling. After stopping for a quick look at St. James’ Church in Cooling, we headed for Cliffe, passing through Rye Street. The return journey to High Halstow took us through Morning Cross, Cooling Street, Spendiff and Cooling Court, before a pit-stop at The Horseshoe and Castle, in Cooling. We arrived back at High Halstow at just after 1pm.

It was nice to meet so many people enjoying a really well organised walk. High Halstow Hikers’ next event will be held in early December and posters will be displayed around High Halstow village.

Bonfire Night Party and Sing-a-Long (Allhallows), Friday 5 November 2010

There will be a Bonfire Night Party and Sing-a-Long at Allhallows seafront tonight (access via Allhallows Leisure Park). The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and there will be refreshments and other goodies available.

A second bonfire event will be held next week, on Friday 12 November, sponsored by Allhallows Parish Council. More details will follow on this site shortly.

Medway Neighbourhood Watch on the Hoo Peninsula

Medway Neighbourhood Watch would like to hear from residents concerning the setting-up of new Neighbourhood Watch schemes on the Hoo Peninsula. For further details and an information pack, please contact John Haddaway (Watch Liaison Officer) on 01634 792131.

Visit the website of Medway Neighbourhood Watch.

The Beacon (November) Parish Magazine of Hoo St. Werburgh - Out Now!

The November edition of The Beacon Parish Magazine is out now! The magazine is full of information about local events and community articles. Although delivered to many areas in the village, copies can also be obtained from some local shops, 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.

Farmers' Market (High Halstow), Saturday 6 November 2010

There will be a Farmers' Market at the Village Hall in High Halstow (The Street, High Halstow) between 9am and 11.30am on Saturday 6 November. Pop along for fruit, vegetables, cakes, honey, gifts, plants, bulbs, pickles, chutneys, sweets, pet food, jewellery, greeting cards and much more!

High Halstow Farmers' Market is held on the first Saturday of the month at the Village Hall.

Red Cross - Autumn Fair (Hoo), Saturday 6 November 2010

The Red Cross in Hoo will hold their Autumn Fair on Saturday 6 November, from 1pm. The event will take place at the Red Cross Centre, Stoke Road, Hoo.

There will be a tombola, raffle, cakes, toys, books, bric-a-brac, refreshments, games and much more! Admission is 20p for adults - children free.

Autumn Fair (High Halstow), Sunday 31 October 2010

I went along to the High Halstow Autumn Fair yesterday afternoon, held at Memorial Hall. It was good that lots of others had turned-out, despite the weather. Amongst a variety of stalls, I can happily report there was a great selection of tasty homemade cakes!

Following the Autumn Fair, it was a short walk along the road to the Red Dog. It was nice to see the pub so busy after only a few days of being re-opened.