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.

  

Something special and local for Christmas?

If you fancy localising the Christmas cards you send this year, with festive images of Rochester, then look no further! Local artist Chris Norman has a variety of cards available on his website and he recently added to his already very impressive range.

Take a look at the Rochester Cards website by clicking here.
 

Localise your Christmas cards!

If anyone still needs to buy Christmas cards, there is an excellent way to localise your Christmas greetings! Local artist Christopher Norman (Roffensis Studio) has produced a collection of cards that feature local landmarks, including Rochester Castle, Rochester Cathedral and Eastgate House.

Christopher Norman has his own Rochester Cards website, where you can browse through his designs and make an online purchase. His cards are also available at Rochester Visitor Information Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LX.

According to Royal Mail, the last posting dates for standard mail deliveries are: 18 December for second class mail and 21 December for first class mail (UK and Channel Islands).

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!!!