Volunteers needed at Hoo Youth Club!

News from Medway Youth Service Detached Team:

Volunteers are needed:  To support a junior youth session for 10-13 year olds on Wednesday evenings. To support the senior youth session for 13-19 year olds on Wednesday evenings. To support a football project for an hour on Monday nights. To be a funding finder for Hoo Youth Project. Read on for details.

We have had lots going on over the summer, in both Hoo and Chattenden. Young people have enjoyed trips to Thorpe Park, Go-Karting and Paintball, as well as free workshops in street dance, music production, cake decorating, jewellery workshops, ceramic painting, circus skills and sports activities - about 30 young people from Chattenden and Hoo have gained an AQA in some of these workshops. We ended the summer, in both villages, with inflatable fun and a BBQ - more than 80 young people attended.

The Youth Club had a stall at Hoo village fun day in July and we would like to thank all those who attended and those who donated prizes for our raffle and tombola. We raised over £70 for the Youth Club.

The original funding that young people applied for back in 2006, to set up Hoo Youth Club, is coming to an end. If any local businesses or individuals would like to support this cause, contact Lindsay Hartney on 07795 236289 or email here.

Hoo Youth Club currently runs on a Wednesday night throughout the year, from 7.15pm to 9.15pm for 12-19 year olds at the Jubilee Hall, Pottery Road. We are always looking for volunteers for the Youth Club, as the original idea was to have a Youth Club run by the community.

Another emerging idea is to separate the age groups and run an earlier session for 10-13 year olds from 5.30pm to 7pm on Wednesday evenings, but volunteers are needed to support this initiative. We need at least three people to volunteer before we can open this session. Contact Lindsay Hartney on 07795 236289 or email here.

From discussions with the young people of Hoo, they would like us to bring back the football project that we used to run on Monday nights at Hoo School, for an hour. One volunteer has expressed an interest in helping to run this project and discussions are now taking place with Hoo Academy to see if it will be acceptable to use the astro turf again. Ideally, another volunteer is needed to help, especially someone with a keen interest in football. If anyone is interested contact Lindsay Hartney on 07795 236289 or email here.

A Youth Club also runs at Chattenden, at the Community Centre, Swinton Avenue on Monday evenings from 6.15pm to 8.30pm, for ages 12-19. For more information contact, Gemma Matten on 07534174351 or email here.

Young people who attend both youth clubs can work with youth workers around any issues which may concern them, such as improving the local area, creating a CV, or any personal issues. They can also engage in positive activities such as cookery, music, Xbox, pool, table tennis and arts and crafts and take part in AQAs.

If you know any young people aged 11-19 who might be interested in FREE cookery, music or motorbike mechanics courses - Medway Youth Service will run a series of courses across Medway. Register your interest by visiting the dedicated website, or by emailing 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!
  

Village Voices for Stoke and St. Mary Hoo (Issue 5)

The latest edition of Village Voices for the parishes of Stoke and St. Mary Hoo is now available online. Click the image below, which will take you to the editions page on the Village Voices website - then click ‘Issue 5’.

This edition includes information about local artwork being sold at JK Village Stores to help raise money for repairs to Stoke Village Hall, dates of visits by the new mobile police station, details of the monthly ‘jam nights’ at The Fenn Bell pub (they’re very good) and lots more local and parish information.

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

Visit the website for Stoke Parish Council here, and visit the website for St. Mary Hoo Parish Council here.

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

Village Voices for Hoo and Chattenden (Issue 46)

The latest edition of Village Voices for Hoo and Chattenden is now available online. Click the image below, which will take you to the editions page on the Village Voices website - then click ‘Issue 46’.

This edition includes an article written by Hoo Parish Councillor Noreen Chambers about The Medway Queen, a selection of photos from the recent RSPB Wildlife and Countryside Fair at Bromhey Farm, an appeal from Hoo and Chattenden Youth Clubs for volunteers and a piece about Hoo Brownies making their new Promise.

Village Voices - the community magazine for Hoo and Chattenden. “Your Village, Your Voice - since 2006”.

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

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

Allhallows Life - October 2013

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

This edition includes advanced warning of a visit, to the village, by Santa Clause on Sunday 22 December, information about the next Project Day on Saturday 12 October (meeting at 8.30am at All Saints Church), a special report about the makeover of Allhallows Youth Club and lots of other useful community information and news.

Allhallows Life is the magazine for Allhallows Parish Council, take a look at their website by clicking here.

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

Village Voices for Stoke and St. Mary Hoo (Issue 4)

The latest edition of Village Voices for the parishes of Stoke and St. Mary Hoo is now available to read online. Just click the image below, which will take you to the editions page on the Village Voices website - then click ‘Issue 4’.

This edition features lots of local information, including photographs, Parish Council reports, updates from The Villager community transport scheme, news about the winning entry (from Lower Stoke) of the recent MHS Homes Gardening Competition and lots more!

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

Visit the website for Stoke Parish Council here, and visit the website for St. Mary Hoo Parish Council here.

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

  

Village Voices for Hoo and Chattenden (Issue 45)

The latest edition of Village Voices is now available to read online. Village Voices is the community magazine for Hoo and Chattenden. Just click the image below, which will take you to the editions page on the Village Voices website - then click ‘Issue 45’.

This edition includes all the latest local news and diary dates. You’ll find news about the plans to re-locate Hoo Post Office, delays with opening a new children’s play area, results of the recent MHS Homes Garden Competition and lots more.

Village Voices - the community magazine for Hoo and Chattenden. “Your Village, Your Voice - since 2006”.

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

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

  

Allhallows Life - September 2013

Here’s the latest edition of Allhallows Life. Click the image below to see the full copy.

This edition includes a special feature about Allhallows Youth Club, details of the next Project Day this Saturday (14 September) - meeting at All Saints Church, an update about the ongoing efforts to restore Slough Fort (well worth a read) and plenty of other useful local information and news from the Parish Council.

Allhallows Life is the magazine for Allhallows Parish Council, take a look at their website by clicking here.

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

  

Village Voices for Stoke and St. Mary Hoo (Issue 3)

The latest edition of Village Voices is now available to read online. Village Voices is the community magazine for the parishes of Stoke and St. Mary Hoo. Just click 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 updates from both Stoke Parish Council and St. Mary Hoo Parish Council. There's also information about local events, news, fundraising and letters from local people.

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

Visit the website for Stoke Parish Council here, and visit the website for St. Mary Hoo Parish Council here.

  

Village Voices for Hoo and Chattenden (Issue 44)

The latest edition of Village Voices is now available to read online. Village Voices is the community magazine for Hoo and Chattenden. Just click the image below, which will take you to the editions page on the Village Voices website - then click ‘Issue 44’.

This edition includes all the latest local news and diary dates. There’s also a photo-feature special about the recent Hoo Village Fun Day, details of many exciting events taking place at Hoo Parish Church and Rolf Williams from the RSPB gets all ‘foxy’ in his latest column! 

Village Voices - the community magazine for Hoo and Chattenden. “Your Village, Your Voice - since 2006”.

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

  

Allhallows Life - August 2013

Here’s the latest edition of Allhallows Life, covering July and August. Click the image below to see the full copy.

This edition includes plenty of information, local news and diary dates. You’ll also find some interesting articles, especially one about Slough Fort - well worth a read!

Allhallows Life is the magazine for Allhallows Parish Council, take a look at their website by clicking here.

  

High Halstow Times - August 2013

Here’s the latest edition of the High Halstow Times - packed full of stories, reports and things to do. Click the image below to see the full copy.

This edition includes details of the High Halstow and District Gardening Club’s Annual Show (on Saturday 24 August), an update on the ongoing Village Hall refurbishment works, a report from the High Halstow Hikers and information about the very exciting fun packed High Halstow Charity Fun Day taking place on Saturday 21 September.

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

  

Wildlife and Countryside Fair at RSPB Northward Hill (8 September 2013)

It’s almost that time of the year again - when the RSPB hold their annual Wildlife and Countryside Fair. And the fun event is held right here on the Hoo Peninsula.

Always very well supported by local people, the free event will take place on Sunday 8 September.

I hope to see you there!

  

Musical Evening at St. James' Church, Cooling

Enjoy an evening of light classical music and conversation at St. James’ Church in Cooling this Saturday (10 August), who will host a Musical Evening with Charles Timberlake.

Tickets are £12.50, which includes a glass of wine and nibbles, and are available from Alison Bucknall on 01634 220204. The event begins at 7.30pm.

Take a look at the website for The Friends of St. James’ Church by clicking here.

  

Village Voices for the parishes of Stoke and St. Mary Hoo (Edition 2)

The latest Village Voices, for the parishes of Stoke and St. Mary Hoo, is now available to read online.  Click the image below to see the full copy (this directs you to the Village Voices website).

This edition includes reports and updates from Stoke Parish Council and St. Mary Hoo Parish Council. There's also information about a Summer Fete being held at Stoke Community School on Saturday 6 July, details of the Anim-Mates (local animal rescue sanctuary) Summer Fete taking place at The Fenn Bell pub on Saturday 21 July and lots more!

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

Visit the website for Stoke Parish Council here, and visit the website for St. Mary Hoo Parish Council here.
  

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!

  

Summer Fair at Hoo Parish Church (29 June 2013)

Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church will be holding their Summer Fair on Saturday 29 June, from 10am until 12 noon.

A great selection of stalls, games and attractions is planned, in and around the Church, and there'll even be a Dalek popping by to enjoy having photographs taken with residents!

Take a look at the poster to find out more.

See you there!
 

Village Voices (June 2013 Edition)

The June edition of Village Voices is now available to read online. This is the community magazine for Hoo and Chattenden. Just click the image below, which will take you to the 'editions' page of the Village Voices website - then click the June edition.

This edition includes promotion of the coming Cabaret Night being held at Taggs Coffee Shop and Wine Bar on Thursday 20 June (in aid of the Hoo Village Carnival Committee), a history of Lodge Hill (from a development perspective) by Parish Councillor Lionel Pearce, a very interesting article about ‘identity’ by Rolf Williams from the RSPB and much much more!

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

  

Allhallows Life - June 2013 Edition

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

This edition includes information about the next Slough Fort Project Day on 8 June, reports and information from the Parish Council, details of services at All Saints Church, community contacts, events in the village and lots more!

Allhallows Life is the magazine for Allhallows Parish Council, take a look at their website by clicking here.

  

The Hoo Peninsula is open for business!

With half term approaching, I’d like to encourage you to visit the Hoo Peninsula - a fantastic landscape offering wilderness and heritage.

It stretches from Cliffe (or thereabouts) in the west to the Isle of Grain in the east. Our villages include Upnor, Cliffe and Cliffe Woods, Cooling, Hoo St. Werburgh, High Halstow, St. Mary Hoo, Stoke, Allhallows and the Isle of Grain.

We have a fabulous, and in my view unrivalled, network of dramatic walking routes, marshland, wildlife, heritage, farmland and vibrant communities. There are many local shops and businesses, including a super selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants and we are never short of fetes and community events.

We are very proud to be the home of RSPB Cliffe Pools Nature Reserve, Upnor Castle, RSPB Northwood Hill Nature Reserve, Grain Coastal Park, St. James’ Church at Cooling (made famous by Charles Dickens), Deangate Ridge Golf Club near Hoo, Medway Microlights at Stoke Airfield and Port Werburgh in Hoo (just some of our attractions).

If you’ve never been - please come and see us and enjoy the great outdoors right on your doorstep. You’ll have a great time!

Take a look at Medway Council’s website for more information about local activities, search the Hoo Peninsula on the internet or browse this site.

We are open for business and ready to welcome you!

  

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.
 

Proposal to move Hoo Post Office - have your say!

Residents are invited to take part in a consultation to move Hoo Post Office from its current location in the village centre, to 112 Main Road (near the junction with Pottery Road).

If you'd like to have your say, click here to give your feedback, and to see the proposals in full.

The consultation ends on 27 June 2013.
 

Battle of the songsters!

It was good to catch up with Rolf Williams from the RSPB earlier today in Hoo for a coffee at Taggs Coffee Shop, promoting the coming North Kent Walking Festival.

Click here to take a look at the walking festival guide I posted on Sunday.

Following the information I was given by the RSPB at the weekend (Going for a song - Nightingales in North Kent), I thought you might also like to hear two singing Nightingales competing with each other at RSPB Northward Hill. This was recorded by Rolf recently.

Enjoy listening to the Nightingales on the video below.

Thanks Rolf for sharing this!
 

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.
 

News from Anim-Mates animal sanctuary

Anim-Mates animal sanctuary, based at St. Mary Hoo, is always looking for new homes for their animals. The poster below features four cats seeking new homes.

Anim-Mates is a registered charity.  Take a look at their website by clicking here.

  

They’re coming from the Rhondda Valleys!

My mate Stuart Coombes from Hoo is very busy organising another concert at Hoo Parish Church. This one will be held on Saturday 25 May with entertainment provided by the Morlais Male Choir, who will travel all the way from Wales for their third performance in the village.

Tickets are available by making a donation of £8, as per the details listed on the poster below (click to enlarge).

There’s still plenty of time to get hold of tickets, although they are going fast. To find out more phone Stuart on 01634 251705.

It’ll be a good night!

  

Meeting for The Chimes and Pastures Residents’ Association

Residents from the new developments east of Bells Lane in Hoo will be meeting on Saturday 25 May at 12 noon, at The Village Community Sports and Social Club (top of Bells Lane).

A number of topics will be on the agenda for discussion, including concerns about service level agreements with OM Property Management. The meeting will also, hopefully, elect a new Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Association.

If you’d like further information, send an email here.

  

Summer Fete at the Nags Head pub

Take note of this exciting event in Lower Stoke, as there will be plenty of fun things to do at the Nags Head pub Summer Fete on Saturday 25 May.

Click the image below to find out more.

With plenty of stalls to keep everyone occupied, live entertainment will also be provided in the form of The Newz - a popular a rock 'n' roll band.

The Nags Head recently underwent a refurbishment, so please try and pop along with your family to show support for this community pub, and to enjoy a great day out.
 

Our great outdoors is waiting for you!

I’m sure many of us don’t need an excuse to get out the house and enjoy our fantastic local landscape. I certainly don’t, as it’s long been one of my favourite pastimes.

But it’s really good to see that a North Kent Walking Festival has been organised, with walks and events taking place from Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June.

Even more exciting is the fact that seven of the events listed on the guide, shown below, are being held right here on the Hoo Peninsula - all of which look fabulous fun! They include Grain Coastal Park, RSPB Northward Hill, Allhallows-on-Sea, Great Chattenden Wood, St. James’ Church at Cooling, RSPB Cliffe Pools and Cliffe Marshes.

I hope to see you at some of the walks and events planned, let's just hope the weather stays nice.

Time to enjoy our great outdoors!

  

Big turnout for the Hoo Clean Up!

The April Hoo Clean Up (pictured below on the May event poster) was possibly the most well attended session to date.

20 local residents came along to help collect litter from the village square, the car parks behind Co-Op and Spar supermarkets, Church Street and parts of Main Road, Stoke Road, Vicarage Lane and Bells Lane.

Another fantastic effort from the volunteers, finished off with refreshments and some tasty nibbles back at Taggs Coffee Shop.

Having attended every Clean Up event since they were created in January 2012, it was especially nice on this occasion to welcome along a few new faces. The next opportunity to get involved will be on Saturday 25 May at 9.30am. The meeting point will again be Taggs (Church Street, Hoo).

The Hoo Clean Ups are supported by Village Voices (the community magazine for Hoo and Chattenden), MHS Homes and the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. No funding is received (or sought) from Medway Council or Hoo Parish Council.

If you’d like to find out more about the Hoo Clean Ups, get in touch with Michael Pearce (Clean Up Co-Ordinator) on 07919 693095 or send an email here.

  

Going for a song - Nightingales in North Kent

With half term fast approaching, I thought I’d share some information supplied by the RSPB about events taking place at Northward Hill:

Nightingales are back for the summer on the Hoo Peninsula, probably the most important site in the UK for this species, and now is the best time to hear their song. To celebrate their return the RSPB is hosting a series of guided walks at some of the best places to hear and perhaps see these shy birds.

Nightingale photo by John Whitting.

Alan Johnson, Kent’s RSPB reserves manager said, “Now is the time because once the male has found his mate he falls silent. I never tire from hearing the nightingale’s song and we’d like to give everyone else the opportunity. Despite the bird’s popular appeal many have never heard one singing and the birds are disappearing from our countryside fast!”

British Trust for Ornithology research has revealed that the UK‘s nightingale population halved between 1995 and 2008 and their distribution is retreating towards the southeast of England. The Hoo Peninsula is now, probably, the most important area for the species in the country. Well over 1% of the national population nests at Lodge Hill and there are healthy populations at RSPB Cliffe Pools and Northward Hill, Chattenden Woods and Blean Woods.

The nightingale, a charismatic avian lyricist, litters our literature as far back as the 8th century BC. Chaucer, Shakespeare, Shelley and Keats couldn’t resist writing about nightingales, and the alleged songster of Berkeley Square has itself been sung about by Vera Lynn, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and even Twiggy and Rod Stewart! Many people confuse song thrushes, robins and blackbirds for nightingales since these birds will sing by the light of a street lamp but the real thing is unmistakable.

A choice of guided walks are available to the public over the next few weeks and full details can be found on the RSPB website here, or by clicking here. You can also phone the RSPB office on 01634 222480.

Sunday 19 May, from 10am to 12pm
RSPB Northward Hill “Wild About You” Bird Ringing 

Tuesday 28 May, from 7am to 9am
Great Chattenden Woods “North Kent Walking Festival” Walk* 

Wednesday 29 May, from 6am to 8pm
RSPB Northward Hill “Spring Strings” North Kent Walking Festival Walk and cello* 

Sunday 9 June, from 10am to 12 noon

RSPB Northward Hill “Wild About You” Bird Ringing

*A donation is appreciated, all other walks have a fee. 

RSPB Northward Hill is well worth a visit, so please try and pop along to one of these events!

  

Village Voices (parishes of Stoke and St. Mary Hoo), May 2013 Edition

Here's the first edition of Village Voices, especially for the parishes of Stoke and St. Mary Hoo. Click the image below to see the full copy (this directs you to the Village Voices website).

This edition includes reports and updates from Stoke Parish Council and St. Mary Hoo Parish Council.  There's also information about the Nags Head Pub Summer Fete, to be held in the village on Saturday 25 May.

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

  

High Halstow Times - May 2013 Edition

Here’s the latest edition of the High Halstow Times. Once again the magazine is packed full of stories, reports and things to do in the village. Click on the image below to see the full copy.

This edition includes a feature about the High Halstow Golf Open (to be held on 17 July), a report from the High Halstow Hikers, an update on the annual village photographic competition, news from High Halstow Primary School and much much more.

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

  

Village Voices (May 2013 Edition)

The May edition of Village Voices (the community magazine for Hoo St. Werburgh and Chattenden) is now available to read online. Just click the image below to see the full copy.

This edition includes an article from The Chimes and Pastures Residents Association, a Bird Names Wordsearch, a photo feature from the Strood Division of Girlguiding UK, a special report by Rolf Williams from the RSPB, local events and diary dates, a report from the Hoo Village Carnival Committee, advice for teenagers in the ‘adolescent angle’ feature and plenty of local insight in a double-whammy of ‘hobbies and pastimes’.

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

  

Allhallows Life - May 2013 Edition

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

This edition includes an interesting review of the Parish Council’s work over the last two years (since elections were held in May 2011), information about village events, advice on becoming a volunteer Master Gardener and much more!

Another packed edition, with lots of local information and news.

Allhallows Life is the magazine for 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.

  

Hoo Clean Up (April 2013)

The next Hoo Clean Up event will take place on Saturday 27 April, at 9.30am.

Meeting at The Chequers pub in Church Street, volunteers will spend around 90 minutes collecting 'enemy' litter from around the village square. There'll be free refreshments back at the pub after the session for everyone that helped.

If you’d like to find out more about the Hoo Clean Ups, or to sign up for this excellent community activity, contact Michael Pearce (Clean Up Co-Ordinator) on 07919 693 095, or send an email by clicking here.

  

Easter Bonnet Parade at The Chequers

During the Easter weekend I popped down the pub (The Chequers in Hoo), but not for a pint this time! I was asked to judge a children’s Easter Bonnet Parade and Picture Painting Competition.

Well done to all the kids for attending with their parents and for creating a superb selection of colourful bonnets and paintings. It was extremely difficult to choose winners!

Special thanks to Sarah, who runs the pub, and DJ Marky Mark (both pictured) for providing great entertainment all afternoon.

I believe there’ll be some more photos of this event in the May edition of Village Voices, so watch out for that!

Find out more about the many events taking place at The Chequers by visiting their website.