VE Day 75

The Bank Holiday weekend of 8th/9th/10th May was set to include a huge nationwide celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day - the end of the Second World War in Europe.

As a result of the Covid-19 lockdown - most celebrations have either been cancelled or postponed. Activities would have included street parties, exhibitions, parades and other community events.

The organisers of 'VE Day 75' hope to move some of the planned activities to the weekend of 15th/16th August (the 75th anniversary of VJ Day - Victory over Japan Day).

For more information and updates, visit the 'VE Day 75' website.

Many folk had intended to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day by organising street parties. Some have now decided to arrange 'stay at home street parties' instead.

If you organise a 'stay at home street party' on 8th May - send your pics to Village Voices Publishing for inclusion in a future community magazine. Get in touch by emailing: office@villagevoicespublishing.co.uk

During these odd and worrying lockdown times, I'm going through my local history collection and archive. 

A few years ago I bought 49 copies of a WW2 magazine called 'The War Illustrated'. I'm checking each magazine to see if I can find any items relating to the Hoo Peninsula and Medway Towns - for inclusion in my local history columns in the Village Voices Community Magazine and the Strood & Hoo Peninsula Times.

  

Birdsong

With most of us spending considerably more time at home (and in the garden) many people are enjoying the sound of birdsong - all day long!

The Covid-19 lockdown has resulted in fewer vehicles on roads, almost deserted skies and a cleaner, more peaceful, environment. Birdsong seems amplified by the reduction in other noise.

Birdsong is really relaxing - the perfect tonic in these worrying times. 

It's disappointing when people complain that 'birds are too noisy' or feel they're a nuisance because they might poo on a garden fence! 

The Hoo Peninsula is best known for having a vibrant bird life. 

Along with the wider Thames Estuary, the Hoo Peninsula is a vital migration hub for hundreds of thousands of wintering wildfowl and wading birds, as well as providing a summer breeding ground for migratory birds.

From garden birds to nightingales at Lodge Hill and herons at High Halstow - our local landscape provides rich pickings and a safe haven for many species. They enjoy hedgerows and gardens, farmland, waterways, wetlands, salt marshes, mudflats and woodlands.

Keep tweeting birds - and make everyone feel a little bit better.

  

Old Black House in Allhallows

This old photo was submitted a while back by Allhallows resident Colin Davis and shows the Old Black House in Allhallows.

Although no longer standing, the building was near to Avery House (also known as Avery Farm House) where the main entrance of Allhallows Leisure Park is now located.

During its life, the Old Black House was apparently rented as the second poor house (in Allhallows) when the first (the former post office near All Saints Church) was no longer able to cope.

If you have any information about the Old Black House, please get in touch with me by submitting your details in the contact box (right).