Happy birthday Thomas Aveling

As co-founder of the Thomas Aveling Society (Hoo), I'd like to post the following birthday greeting.

You can stay in touch with the Thomas Aveling Society (Hoo) by visiting the group's website here (where you'll find social media links).

Digging up the Past

Ahead of gravel extraction from ‘Kingsnorth Quarry’ near Hoo, recent investigations by a team from the Museum of London Archaeology, carried out between September and October 2016, on behalf of Tarmac, found evidence of multiple periods of occupation.

Archaeologists working on site, after the topsoil was stripped.

Much of what was discovered appears to relate to features illustrated on 19th century maps, such as former field boundaries and the remains of orchards, although predictably the majority of the archaeological features were in close proximity to existing buildings or those shown on historic maps, including rubbish pits from the 18th to the early 20th centuries.

However, some pits contained fragments of medieval pottery – testifying to the continuous and lengthy occupation of the area.

Many pits contained Roman or prehistoric pottery, suggesting that the area may have been more densely populated in the past, but due to the effects of ploughing over several hundred years, only the base of these older features survive.

The only direct evidence for human occupation was recovery of partially disarticulated human bones mixed up in the lower fill of a pit, pictured below.  It is uncertain whether these remains represent one of more individuals or whether they were deposited as part of a deliberate, but unusual, burial ritual.

Human bones in probable Roman pit.

The remains were sealed under a layer of debris from a collapsed wattle-and-daub building.  An adjacent pit also had a layer of wattle-and-daub debris containing Roman pottery.  It is possible to speculate that these findings may represent the residents of a Roman settlement that might have succumbed to a violent and untimely end, although further analysis is needed by osteoarchaeologists to determine the age and gender of the remains and possibly the cause and nature of their demise.

Probable Roman field ditch (marked in yellow).

The Roman pottery recovered from the pits consisted of ‘Samian’ pottery, pictured below, a fine red tableware imported from Roman Gaul.  This distinctive pottery suggests some of the Roman features may date from the 1st to 2nd century AD.

Roman pottery from Gaul with maker’s stamp on base.

Other findings discovered included prehistoric pottery, suggesting occupation in the area may stretch back into the Iron Age or Bronze Age periods.

Information and images appear courtesy of Museum of London Archaeology, Andy Richmond of Phoenix Consulting Archaeology Ltd and David Brown of Tarmac.

  

Old BAE Club to be demolished

Following the recent purchase by Bellway Homes Limited of land at the top of Bells Lane in Hoo, previously occupied by the BAE Sports & Social Club (later known as The Village Community, Sports & Social Club and, prior to its closure, as the Peninsula Club), demolition of buildings on the site is about to commence.

According to a notice on the perimeter fence the buildings could be demolished tomorrow (28th December) or thereabouts.  It will mark the beginning of a process involving potentially hundreds of new homes being built in this part of Hoo, although at the time of writing I have not seen a formal planning application.

My own memories of this site are relatively recent.  Back in 2013 I was one of the organisers of the semi-successful Hoo Village Fun Day.  We welcomed special guests Cllr. Josie Iles (then the Mayor of Medway), Mark Reckless MP and Rochester Town Crier Robin Burfoot, and we enjoyed many attractions, including the fabulous Big Sing Choir (under the instruction of T Jae Cole), a strongman contest and a helicopter flypast.  It was an exhausting day.

It is sad knowing that this once popular facility, including its double recreation ground, will not be hosting such events ever again.

Fun Day photographs appear courtesy of the Village Voices Community Magazine.

  

Rolling back the years to 1982

Formed in 2014, the Thomas Aveling Society (Hoo), also known as TASH, is hard at work developing a project to formally recognise the life, work and professional achievements of notable agricultural engineer Thomas Aveling (co-founder of the Aveling and Porter Company).

Thomas was born in Cambridgeshire in 1824, although he and his mother moved to Hoo during his childhood.  As well as his business interests, his relatively short life saw him become active in the community – serving as Mayor of Rochester, a trustee of the Watts’ Charity and governor at the Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School.  He died at Boley Hill House in Rochester in 1882 and is buried in the churchyard at St. Werburgh Church, Hoo.

TASH volunteers (I am one) hope to install an interpretation board in Hoo and erect name plaques at places associated with Thomas and his family.  Work commenced a while ago on researching his life, compiling information and producing/submitting grant applications.

Back in 1982 an event was held in Hoo to mark the centenary of his death.  This included steam rollers (and enthusiasts from around the country) driving through the village and along Church Street and Vicarage Lane (to St. Werburgh Church).

If you have any old photographs of this centenary event, I would very much like to hear from you.  If you have hard-copy photographs – they can easily be scanned and returned, just get in touch by emailing me here.

  

Step up to oppose a massive game-changer in Hoo!

It’s (almost) that time again for battle plans to be decided upon and drawn up to oppose yet another mad-cap idea of building even more houses in Hoo – destroying what I thought were precious greenfield sites!

Although housing developer Taylor Wimpey are yet to submit a formal planning application for ‘their’ land west of Hoo, a leaflet about their proposal claims they are looking to build up to 500 houses.

Taylor Wimpey recently submitted a ‘scoping opinion document’ to Medway Council’s Planning department, number MC/14/1391. The purpose of this is to inform an Environmental Impact Assessment, which will eventually accompany an outline planning application.

For me, the idea of building west of Hoo is a massive game-changer. Not only would it destroy the existing ‘entry landscape to the Hoo Peninsula’ of open green fields, but it would just about join the villages of Hoo and Chattenden together, albeit with a road acting as an insignificant separation.

For what it’s worth – I feel a proposal to build 500 houses west of Hoo is completely unacceptable and would destroy something very special forever.

I will certainly add more information to this blog when more details are known about the contents of the planning application, but in the meantime – it is worth attending the exhibitions planned by Taylor Wimpey this week.

They will be held at Hoo Village Hall (Pottery Road) on Friday 27th June from 3pm to 8pm and on Saturday 28th June from 10am to 2pm.
  

Hoo Clean Up on Saturday 24 May 2014

If you can spare a couple of hours on Saturday 24 May, from 9.30am, join the Hoo Clean Up!

Meeting outside Hoo Library (Church Street, Hoo), the monthly litter picking session is always a great opportunity to meet up and chat with other villagers.

After the session, everyone goes back to the library for free tea, coffee and nibbles, as generously supplied by Spar Supermarket.

See you there!

  

Village Voices (Edition 53) for Hoo, Chattenden and High Halstow

The latest edition of Village Voices is now available online, just click here to take a look.

Take your time to browse the  selection of local businesses featured in Village Voices and show your support for them in these difficult economic times.

This edition includes local news, reports, photographs and information about community groups and events.

Take a look at the Village Voices website here.

  

At the heart of the Hoo Peninsula - Village Voices for Hoo and Chattenden (Issue 52)

The latest edition of Village Voices for Hoo and Chattenden is now available online. Click the image below, which will take you to the relevant editions page on the Village Voices website - then all you have to do is click ‘Issue 52’.

This edition includes information about the 90th birthday of the Medway Queen, good news from the Hundred of Hoo Academy as pupils receive recognition for their business skills, a special report about the refreshed outline planning application at Lodge Hill (for a new town), news from Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church about a war memorials project, details of a petition handed to local MP Mark Reckless from residents of Hoo Marina Park and huge amounts of other parish and community information.

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

  

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.
  

At the heart of the Hoo Peninsula - Village Voices for Hoo and Chattenden (Issue 51)

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 51’.

This edition includes news of a meeting held to discuss improving youth provision in the parish of Hoo St. Werburgh, details of a photography competition launched by the RSPB, the latest from the Hoo Clean Up team of volunteers and huge amounts of other parish and community information.

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

  

Hoo Church needs you!

The vicar of Hoo Parish Church, Reverend John Smith, is appealing to the community to support a fantastic new fundraising project.

The church needs to raise money locally, in order to qualify for the recently awarded, but conditional, £250k grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Statement from Reverend John Smith:

St. Werburgh Church would like to offer you a unique opportunity to have your name written into the fabric of the church.

In January we announced that St. Werburgh Church has received a £250,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The grant will pay for the conservation work that needs to be undertaken to address the problem caused by woodworm infestation and for laying a new stone floor. We need a further £90,000 to pay for under floor heating which must be installed at the same time as the stone floor.

When the new floor is installed there will be more than 1,000 tiles laid in the church. You can have the opportunity to have your name and the names of members of your family inscribed on the back of the tiles. This will mean that in 100, 200 or however many years time, when the tiles are lifted for repairs to be undertaken, your name will be there!

Most of us want to leave a mark to say that we have passed this way - that we have been valued members of our family and community. That is why we purchase headstones and memorial plaques. This is an opportunity for your name to be cemented into a nationally recognised Grade 1 listed building which will continue to be here for more than a thousand years. You can also remember a loved one who has died in this way.

In addition to having your name written on a tile, if you wish, we will record your name in a book printed especially for the purpose. The book will be kept in the church and be displayed. Alongside your name, you will be able to write a short message which will be there for future generations to see. There will also be space in the book for a small photograph of yourself on your own or with other members of your family beside your name. The book will be kept as part of the archive of the church for people to see in generations to come and will form an important record of this generation of residents in Hoo.

Please inform family and friends who have moved away from Hoo who you think might like to take part in this venture.

We hope that people will be willing to donate between £30 and £50 per tile. We will be very grateful for larger donations of course! We will also accept donations of £10 or £20 as we would not want anyone to miss this opportunity for financial reasons. This is especially the case for young people of school age or in full time education who are not part of a family group.

We realise that this may seem a lot of money to some. This is because we have a lot of money to raise and the easiest way is to spread the cost evenly amongst a large number of people! Please give generously and play your part by investing in the heritage of Hoo St. Werburgh. Your contribution will be remembered for many generations through the tiles and the book.

Please contact us in one of the following ways if you would like to donate and we will send you a form. If you are a tax payer please remember to fill in the part of the form which says that you will Gift Aid your donation. The Inland Revenue will give us an extra 25%, at no extra cost to you - this will be a great help - thank you. If you have any questions about Gift Aid please contact us.

Please send your name, address and contact number by emailing here, or by post to: The Organiser, Hoo Church Tiles Project, The Vicarage, Vicarage Lane, Hoo, Rochester, ME3 9BB. You can also telephone or text the St. Werburgh Church Appeal Line on: 07530 374332.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Even if, like me, you aren’t a regular church goer, there’s no doubt having a church in the village does help maintain a sense of community, so please help this worthy cause.
  

Village Voices for Hoo and Chattenden (Issue 50)

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 50’.

Following last month’s announcement that Hoo Parish Church will be receiving a £250k grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, this edition includes another article from the Reverend John Smith about a new and very exciting fundraising project at the church. You will also find updates and diary dates from the Milly Moo Right Now Foundation, the latest news about Deangate MX (a junior motorcross site in Hoo), Ann Sheppard’s Parish Reporter column, details of the new operating company that is running the old BAE Club at the top of Bells Lane (now re-named the Peninsula Club) and huge amounts of other local and parish information.

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

  

The first Hoo Clean Up of 2014

It was good to join the first Hoo village litter pick of the year, last Saturday (25 January). It was great to see 20 local residents turning up to help!

The Hoo Clean Up meets every month (usually the last Saturday of the month) and the new meeting point is Hoo Library (Church Street, Hoo). Many thanks to the staff at the library for all their help and assistance with organising the refreshments after the session. Special thanks to SPAR supermarket for supplying all the cakes and nibbles (for free).

The next opportunity to get involved is on Saturday 22 February, meeting at 9.30am outside Hoo Library.

See you there!

  

The first Hoo Clean Up of 2014

The next Hoo Clean Up event will be on Saturday 25 January, meeting outside Hoo Library (Church Street) at 9.30am.

As well as being the first litter pick of 2014, those attending the event will celebrate the second anniversary of the Hoo Clean Up group. The first ever event was held in January 2012 (pictured below).

Well done to all of those who have given up their time every month to help make the village ‘litter free’, albeit for a little time each month. Such a great effort all round!

The last Clean Up session of 2013 (held on Saturday 30 November) was the most well attended event to date (pictured below).

See you on Saturday 25 January!

  

Police Choir to return to Hoo Church

Some early notice now for a concert at Hoo Parish Church on Saturday 10 May. The special guests, returning for another performance in the village, will be the Kent Police Male Voice Choir.

As usual, tickets can be obtained by contacting Hoo resident Stuart Coombes, who is also a member of the choir and is pictured on the promotional flyer!

  

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!
  

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!

  

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.

  

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.