Take a tour of Gad’s Hill in Higham

Don’t miss visiting Gad’s Hill Place in Higham. The building was purchased by Charles Dickens in March 1856 and is now part of Gad’s Hill School.

Tours (with volunteer guides) will be at 1pm, 2.15pm and 3.30pm on 4th and 5th April, 2nd and 3rd May, 6th and 7th June, 11th and 12th July, 8th and 9th August, 12th and 13th September and 10th and 11th October.

Tickets (includes a delicious cream tea) are £9.50 for adults, £5 for children (aged seven to 12 - free for six and under), available by phoning 01474 337600 or by emailing: info@visitgravesend.co.uk

Charles Dickens lived at Gad’s Hill until his death in 1870, aged 58. 9th June 2020 will be the 150th anniversary of his death.

The Great Escape - a walk from High Halstow to Allhallows

With improved weather and a need to lose a few pounds (or more), I escaped the hustle and bustle of village life last weekend, to explore some of the great wilderness right here on the Hoo Peninsula.

With my Gravesend, Rochester and Hoo Peninsula map (Ordnance Survey 163) and some tasty spam sandwiches in hand, I set out on Saturday morning along footpath RS42, at the end of Longfield Avenue in High Halstow.

After zig-zagging through fields and a bluebell filled woodland I eventually joined up with Decoy Hill Road, where I headed north for Egypt Bay – on the signposted ‘Curlews, Convicts and Contraband’ walk.

Egypt Bay is at the end of Manor Way, along Halstow Marshes, and this quiet spot marked the completion of my first couple of miles – making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat (a spam sandwich no less). Aside from imagining Abel Magwitch wading ashore from a dirty old prison hulk, made famous in the opening sequence of Great Expectations, Egypt Bay is a great place to observe shipping activity on the Thames and to glimpse over to the container port at London Gateway and neighbouring Canvey Island. The only interruption was a herd of curious cows (there must have been more than 50).

After the excitement of the cows, it was time to head east along the northern coastline, in the direction St. Mary’s Bay, St. Mary’s Marshes and Dagnam Saltings.

Although only a handful of miles from some of our local villages, the route along the Hoo Peninsula’s northern edge can feel extremely remote and distant. I met only four other walkers, a cyclist and a couple fishing the entire time I was out.

Four hours after setting off from High Halstow and having covered a distance of eight miles – I finally arrived in Allhallows, to the rear of The British Pilot pub. I didn’t have time though for a swift ale on this occasion.

It was great getting out to enjoy the fresh air and nice weather, and to spend some time appreciating our unique local landscape.

I hope to go for more long walks this summer, but maybe with fewer spam sandwiches next time!

  

Walking in the footsteps of Charles Dickens!

I met up for a coffee and a chat earlier today with Rolf Williams from the RSPB.

He told me all about a special walk taking place at the RSPB Northward Hill nature reserve on Thursday 2 February - in celebration of Charles Dickens and his association with the peninsula.

In the week that we'll be celebrating Dickens’ 200th birthday, the RSPB is offering unique access to a part of the marsh at Northward Hill that is normally closed to the public.

The walk will be a 3 mile round trip, taking in the heart of the grazing marsh that was the inspiration for the opening scenes of ‘Great Expectations’.

There will be a chance to look at local wildlife habitats and some interesting buildings, and I know Rolf and his team will be able to give insights into the natural history of the area along the way.

Rolf has told me those taking part might be lucky enough to see marsh harrier, lapwing, buzzard (possibly the rare rough-legged buzzard) and Northward Hill’s iconic grey heron.

This walk seems a great opportunity to learn more about the story of the Thames marshes and the complex mix of nature and human intervention spanning thousands of years.

So it won't just provide information about the wildlife, as there will be recitals marking different periods of the area’s past, present . . . and future!

The walk will start at 10am at the main car park at Bromhey Farm. Too early? All for those who prefer their fresh air in the afternoon, the walk will be repeated at 1pm.

Please don’t forget to wear stout footwear, preferably wellies or walking boots. And wrap up warmly, as it can get very windy out on the marsh even if it seems generally mild.

So, what are you waiting for?

Sign up by contacting Rolf and the RSPB team by ringing 01634 222480 or send an email here.

Please note: The ticket price for this event will be £6 for adults and £5 for children. RSPB members receive the discounted rate of £2. Anyone who decide to join the RSPB on the day will receive a full refund.
 

Dickens Summer Festival (Rochester), June 2010

Not an event held on the Hoo Peninsula, but certainly one that involves many of its residents, either as participants or as visitors.  I thought I would give the 3-day Dickens Summer Festival a mention on this blog. I went along with my family yesterday afternoon (Saturday), following a busy morning on the Hoo Peninsula – visiting pubs, shops and other places of interest!

It’s great seeing so many people dressed-up in their Victorian finery in celebration of Charles Dickens. I believe the festival started in 1978 and is now attended by people from across Medway, across Kent, across the Country and, according to one gentleman I met yesterday, from across the World, which I can easily believe!

It was yet another fine event and everyone taking-part deserves heartfelt congratulations for making it such a fun experience for all those attending.

Below:  My Mother and Medway Councillor Ted Baker, who has been taking-part in the Dickens Festival since 1978.

Below:  This gentleman produced amazingly entertaining tunes with the simplest of instruments!

  

 

Below:  Of all the costumes, these people won it for me with their less glamorous approach!  Perhaps because of my own family history (on the Hoo Peninsula) and the hardships they endured - I always find the the dress of more ordinary folk the most charming.  Well Done!!!