Help throw the Lodge Hill project into the dustbin of bad ideas!

Yep, the outline planning application to build a new 5,000 dwelling town (or a ‘new heart for the Hoo Peninsula’ as I was unashamedly told by project architects last month) is set for its grand appearance at Medway Council’s Planning Committee within a matter of months.

The application, originally submitted in 2011, has reared its ugly head once more and local people are encouraged to speak up loud and clear.

Land Securities say numerous and extensive consultations have been carried out with local people over many years - and rightly so of course! That said, I think it strange, even bizarre, that so many local people are completely unaware of the Lodge Hill project. And those that do have knowledge of it either believe the whole thing is a done deal (because the site is owned by the Ministry of Defence) or that it’s a dead duck (referring, I suppose, to the SSSI notification - Site of Special Scientific Interest - confirmed by Natural England last year).

I believe the Lodge Hill project would have a major impact on the identities of existing villages and communities on the Hoo Peninsula. Despite this, the only ‘public’ sign of its re-emergence that I have so far seen is a solitary laminated A4 size yellow notice tied to a lamp post near SPAR supermarket in Hoo village centre - and it only uses the words ‘Lodge Hill’ once. (Update on 13/03/2014: Have seen two more signs - one opposite the parade of shops on Knights Road in Hoo and the other at Main Road (Chattenden) at the junction with Elm Avenue.

As far as I am concerned, the Lodge Hill project would bring chaos and disruption to our communities for the best part of 20 years. I see it as one of the biggest threats to the way of life enjoyed by so many on the Hoo Peninsula. Generation after generation of local families have appreciated our unique local landscape and we must do all we can to protect it for future generations.

Aside from the destruction of more countryside and the impact on wildlife (including the nightingales), there are many other reasons why the Lodge Hill project should be confined to the dustbin of bad ideas. We are told that it is ‘the most significant development in Medway’s history’, but the latest plans don’t even show any major changes or significant improvements being made to the existing road network, which already feels pressured by increased usage.

Local people can submit their views about the Lodge Hill project to Medway Council, as part of the consultation for the ‘refreshed’ outline planning application. The consultation formally closes on Wednesday 2 April, although I understand Medway Council will continue accepting responses until 12 noon the day before the application is presented to the Planning Committee. A specific date for this meeting is not yet known. (Update on 11/03/2014: The formal closing date on the consultation has been extended to Tuesday 15th April).

My advice to anyone reading this blog: get writing straightaway and submit your views to Medway Council. Be sure to tell all your friends, family and neighbours as well. Everyone needs to take this opportunity to voice their concerns, views and opinions in what is probably the very last chance to do so.

Only two exhibition events about the Lodge Hill project (concerning the refreshed outline planning application) have been organised by Land Securities (agents acting on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation). Despite the impact that this proposal would have on everyone living on the Hoo Peninsula - both events will be held in Chattenden. It is, of course, completely understandable and correct that events are held in Chattenden, as it is the front line community affected. I do think though that it would have been appropriate for additional events being held in other villages too. Nevertheless, the scheduled events will take place at Chattenden Community Centre (Swinton Avenue, Chattenden, ME3 8PH) on Thursday 20 March (6pm to 8.30pm) and Friday 21 March (4pm to 8pm).

Should approval be given - it will mean valuable parts of the Hoo Peninsula are permanently deleted from the map, no doubt opening the door to developers for many more years to come.

I wish someone somewhere had the imagination, vision and confidence to look seriously at the advantages of protecting the entire Hoo Peninsula landscape. If handled correctly, sensitively and in partnership with local communities and interest groups - our area, particularly the natural environment, historically important locations and sites of local heritage, could be positively transformed for the benefit of the whole community and visitors. This could be achieved without damaging or destroying the things we care about. Take a good look at other parts of the UK, like Scotland, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Norfolk, Suffolk, Wales etc. These areas have sympathetically and fundamentally protected important areas like the Hoo Peninsula. By doing so they have created thousands of new jobs and opportunities for local people. It can be done!

To read the refreshed outline planning application for the Lodge Hill project (MC/11/2516) click here. By clicking the ‘documents’ tab you will find all application documentation. To go directly to the feedback section, click here.

Alternatively, you can email your responses to: planning.represenations@medway.gov.uk and quote reference MC/11/2516. You can also write to: Development Control, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TR - remembering to quote the application number on all correspondence.

If you would like further reading - take a look at an informative article by Martin Harper (RSPB Conservation Director). This was produced earlier this year - click here.
  

Wild about you!

Join other local residents and the RSPB for a monthly wildlife adventure at Northward Hill, getting hands-on with nature whilst enjoying the fantastic local landscape.

As well as these monthly sessions, I highly recommend a visit to RSPB Northward Hill. Fresh air, great views, stunning nature and plenty of exercise (if you want it).

Take a look at the RSPB Northward Hill website by clicking here.

I’ve previously mentioned some of my visits to this beautiful part of the Hoo Peninsula, take a look 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.

  

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!

  

Wild about you!

Join the RSPB for a monthly wildlife adventure at Northward Hill, getting hands-on with nature whilst enjoying our fantastic local landscape.

Click the image below to find out more.

Aside from these monthly sessions, I highly recommend a visit to RSPB Northward Hill. Fresh air, great views, stunning nature and plenty of exercise (if you want it).

Take a look at the RSPB Northward Hill website by clicking here.

I’ve previously mentioned some of my visits to this beautiful part of the peninsula, take a look by clicking here.

  

Join the RSPB for a Guided Walk (Hoo’s Herons), Sunday 11 March 2012

One hundred pairs of grey herons, and another hundred little egrets, are nesting at the RSPB Northward Hill Nature Reserve.

They are the first to kick-off the spring at the heronry and this is the best time of year to observe them - before the trees go into leaf.

Join the RSPB for a guided walk to view the birds and learn more about how the team monitors the health of the wildlife, whilst considering the impact of climate change.

When the walk arrives at the heronry viewpoint, a nice hot cuppa will be available and staff and volunteers will talk more about heron life - even offering a few historic heron themed recitals too!

Photograph taken by Simon Ginnaw (RSPB).

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for the walk by getting in touch with the RSPB on 01634 222480 (between 9am and 5pm) or send an email here.

Booking is essential - tickets are £6 for adults and £5 for children. RSPB members receive a discount of £2. And if you decided to become a member of the RSPB on the day - you'll receive a full refund.

The walk will start at 10am (on Sunday 11 March) from the main car park at Bromhey Farm (RSPB Northward Hill Nature Reserve, Bromhey Farm, Lipwell Hill, Cooling, ME3 8DS). The walk is expected to take a couple of hours to complete.
  

Who do you think you are?

My father came to stay for several days over the Christmas holiday and he was keen to take another look round the peninsula and the places where our ancestors lived and worked. And maybe do a little research too.

Having a quick look around Upnor High Street

With the BBC’s recent adaptation of Great Expectations, and its desolate scenes of the marshes, spurring our imaginations about how our ancestors might have lived, St. James’ Church in Cooling was the obvious place to start the tour. It’s always good to take in the views from the Church and imagine how different things would have looked in Dickens’ time, before the sea defences changed the landscape so much.

In Lower Stoke we took time to look at the building site that was, until a few years ago, the location of The Ship pub. The pub was run, from 1889 to 1901, by my great great grandfather Henry Spencer - one of my father’s favourite ancestors. I think it might have something to do with their shared experience in the victualling trade.

All the talk and memories of running pubs made my father keen to have his photo taken in front of one - so we opted for The Nags Head (opposite where The Ship once stood). The Nags Head is known for having played host to the famous painter and satirist William Hogarth, back in 1732. Hogarth stayed here, as part of a 5-day tour of Kent with four friends, before reaching the Isle of Grain (where he stayed another night) and then headed on to the Isle of Sheppey.

We then went up the road to Upper Stoke, to pay our respects at the grave of Henry Spencer (he of The Ship), which is in the graveyard of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. We also took a look at a gravestone which evokes thoughts about a time of great tragedy in our family’s history.

The ‘Watson children’ gravestone, nestled beneath the tree my father is pictured standing by, soberly lists the names of six children (all of whom would have been my father’s great uncles and aunts had they lived), who died in the space of a few short years between 1871 and 1882. The children were aged between 1 and 19, and there was also a baby just a few weeks old.

We then had a look inside the Church itself, where my father chatted to one of the church volunteers, who asked him his family name. Without prompting, he asked if we were related to an ‘old boy of Stoke’, who went by the nickname of ‘Stumpy’ Watson. My father almost passed out at the mention of ‘Stumpy’, as we have been researching him for a while with little success. We don’t know whether we are definitely connected, but have been trying to find out more about him. He was clearly a well known chap.

I then took a quick photo of my father outside The White Horse pub, also in Upper Stoke. His grandfather ran this pub very briefly from November 1904 to January 1907. The tale behind such a short tenure will have to keep for another time!

The last stop of the day, before heading back home for a cuppa in Hoo, was the Isle of Grain and the Coastal Park. I showed him some of the things improved by the work of volunteers over the past year or so.

Another really useful day out on the peninsula!
 

Carols at Cooling

There will be a Carol Service at St. James’ Church in Cooling on Saturday 17 December, from 6pm. This will be followed by a serving of mince pies at the Village Hall.

The Church isn’t heated, so please do wrap up warmly if you are able to attend. I’m quite sure though that plenty of singing will quickly get everyone warmed up!

The Friends of St. James’ Church, who are organising the event, are always very busy organising events to raise money for the upkeep of the Church and to keep this lovely old building open to the public.

For more information, take a look at their website by clicking here.
 

Destination Cooling, a weekend walk . . .

With what seems like more Christmas events in the offing than there are days in the month, and the associated risk of enjoying far too many mince pies, I made an important decision last Sunday - to get out and do a lot more exercise! (Well a bit more anyway.)

So setting off from Hoo as the fog cleared last Sunday morning, I headed towards Cooling starting out at Dux Court Road, and joining RS45 onto Wybournes Lane. This leads to Wybournes Way bridleway, which runs along the northern side of Lodge Hill Wood and down towards New Barn Farm. It’s here where I then joined the lane to Cooling, walking under the railway line and by Cooling Court Farm.

Arriving at Cooling Castle I realised I had left my wallet at home, so without the possibility of a pit stop in the Horseshoe and Castle pub, I headed back up towards Mount Pleasant - watched intently by a flock of sheep, clearly a little annoyed that I had interrupted their lunch. When I got back to the bridleway, I then started retracing my earlier steps back towards Wybourne Farm and Dux Court Road.

I’ve marked on the map below the route I took.

I did this walk just a few days before Christmas last year when we were all up to our knees in snow. So with the sun shining brightly and sky clear blue (once last Sunday morning’s fog had cleared) the scenery looked a little different this time round.

The walk took about two hours, but it could have been done much more quickly had I not stopped so many times to take in some great views of our local unspoilt landscape. But what's the rush on a Sunday?

I'm not sure exactly how many calories I used up, but surely enough to compensate for festive treats enjoyed this week!

There are quite a few other good walks around High Halstow and Cooling. Click here to visit High Halstow Parish Council’s website, where there's a dedicated section about local walks, including an easy-to-use map with details of the many marked walks in this very special and peaceful corner of the peninsula.
 

Murder, Sex and Mayhem in English Churches (Cooling)

That’s the subject of a talk that will be given by John Vigar on Monday 14 November at Cooling Village Hall, at 7pm.

The event will follow a short AGM held by the Friends of St. James’ Church and refreshments will be available. Entrance is free, although I’m sure donations will be very welcome!

The Friends of St. James’ Church are always very busy organising events to raise money for the upkeep of the Church and to keep this lovely old building open to the public.

For more information, take a look at their website by clicking here.

 

High Halstow Hikers – upcoming walks . . .

A couple of walking dates for your diary . . .

November Walk

On Sunday 13 November the High Halstow Hikers will be walking along the Medway, taking in Teston, West Farleigh and Wateringbury - a varied walk with lovely views across the river. Just over 2 hours to complete, the distance will be about 5 or 6 miles. It might be muddy, depending on what the weather has been like, so wearing appropriate footwear is encouraged. Dogs will need to be on leads for much of this route. And for anyone interested - there’s excellent ale and food served in the Tickled Trout afterwards - so don’t forget to bring some money if you’ll be staying for food!

Setting out at 10am, the meeting point will be the public car park at the bridge by Teston lock - a short distance from the A26 on the B2163.

December Walk

On 18 December the group will be taking a local route right here on the Hoo Peninsula. It’s one of my personal favourites, taking in Northward Hill Woods and the farm tracks leading towards Cooling and the RSPB reserve at Bromhey Farm. This walk will take around 2.5 hours and cover 6 miles or so.

Meeting at 10am at the High Halstow Village Hall Car Park (The Street, High Halstow).

For further details contact Mitchell by emailing here, or phoning 01634 254428 - or if you want to join the group for one of these walks, just turn up!
 

Heritage Weekend on the Hoo Peninsula

The Heritage Open Days celebrations are running from 8 to 11 September, and there’ll be at least a couple of special activities taking place right here on the Hoo Peninsula.

St. James’ Church at Cooling (pictured below) will exhibit old photographs of Cooling, including past events, activities and local people. Entry is free, but with the Friends of St. James’ Church currently raising funds to preserve this lovely old building, please don’t forget to take some money so you can treat yourself to tea and cakes in aid of the preservation fund!

If you’d like to pop along, doors open at 10am and close at 4pm on both Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September.

Visit the website of The Friends of St. James’ Church by clicking here.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the peninsula, All Saints Church at Allhallows (pictured below) will be opening its doors to those interested in looking back in time through the photos and historical information which will be available to browse.

My great great Grandfather John Watson was baptised at All Saints Church in 1833. I’ve often thought about how very different the village must have looked in those days. Although being a mainly Norman structure, I don’t suppose the Church itself has really changed that much.

It really is a fabulous old building. My favourite ‘design feature’ is the weather boarded bell turret, a fairly recent addition in comparison with the rest of the building - added as it was in 1890!

All Saints Church opens its doors between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 10 September and there’ll be tea, coffee and cakes.

Well worth a visit - take a look at the Allhallows Parish Council website for more information.
 

Lots of fun at the countryside fair!

This year’s RSPB Wildlife and Countryside Fair took place yesterday (Sunday) at Bromhey Farm between Cooling and High Halstow.

Having really enjoyed last year’s event, I was glad that the weather stayed fine so I could go along with my sister and brother in-law who were up for the weekend (pictured on a hay bale at the end of this post).

Once again, my highlight was the sheep dog trials, which were fascinating to watch. Such well trained dogs - and obedient sheep!!!

There were lots of stalls, a wildlife walk, the opportunity for a bit of ditch dipping and fun and games for kids of all ages. One of us even managed to actually hit a coconut this year!

It was nice seeing a selection of local craftspeople and trades showing off their produce, with lots of people getting the chance to ‘have a go’ at some of the tasks.

The RSPB’s Rolf Williams (pictured below) was clearly being kept very busy making sure things were going well and everyone was happy. And volunteers from the Rochester and Chatham Dickens Fellowship (also pictured below) helped remind us of the many connections our peninsula has with the great author and his many tales.

The Marshwarblers (pictured below) provided a relaxing atmosphere for people enjoying a tasty hog roast or hot dog - including me!

Once again, a really enjoyable few hours getting back in touch with a bit of nature!

All part of a busy weekend entertaining - including a visit to Rochester Cathedral, a walk along Rochester High Street, taking in the Guildhall Museum and a look inside The Six Travellers Almshouses, plus a quick stop off at St. James’ Church in Cooling after the countryside fair. We even managed to squeeze in some boating (and swimming in the rain) at Grain Beach. But before you ask - absolutely no photos appearing of that!