The loss of a great local character

Medway Council announced earlier today that Robin Burfoot (Rochester Town Crier) sadly passed away yesterday (22nd March).

Robin was a true gentleman – generously giving so much of his time and energy to helping many community groups and charities locally.

I was privileged to meet him on numerous occasions – both in Rochester (when he was at work entertaining tourists and locals) and when he frequently visited the Hoo Peninsula – particularly Hoo Village Fun Day in 2013 and at annual shows organised by High Halstow & District Gardening Club.

As an organiser of the Hoo Village Fun Day, I think our event would have felt very different without Robin’s input and involvement. He really ‘worked the crowd’ and made sure everyone, young and old, had an enjoyable time, especially during the fun Town Crier competition and Strongman contest.

Like many of those who met Robin over the years, I’ll never forget him or his sense of humour – he was a genuine and much loved local character.

I send my condolences to Robin’s family.

  

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.