Burglary in Hoo - appeal for witnesses!

Tom Taggart, who runs Taggs Coffee Shop in Hoo, has asked that I publish an appeal for witnesses to a burglary that occurred at his storage yard on Abbots Court Road (off Vicarage Lane in Hoo).

The break-in is believed to have happened between 7pm on Saturday 18 June and 8am the following morning.

Items stolen include a vehicle trailer, a BCS 740 2-wheeled tractor (similar to the one pictured below) and numerous horse riding items belonging to his daughter.

Tom is especially keen to hear from anyone with home and business CCTV cameras with views of Bells Lane, Main Road and Stoke Road, i.e. all exit roads from the village centre.

Anyone with information should contact Medway Police on 01634 792346 (the Neighbourhood Policing Unit for the area) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, Tom Taggart can be phoned directly on 07980 752836.
 

Hoo Boot Fair at the GEC Bowls Club, Sunday 3 July 2011

Sunday Boot Fairs, organised by the GEC Bowls Club (Bells Lane, Hoo, Rochester, ME3 9DZ), continue to take place throughout the summer.

Held in the sports field next to the club, the next Boot Fair will be this Sunday (3 July). Other dates include: August 7 and September 4. Trading from 6am, bargain hunters are encouraged to get along early!

If anyone would like a pitch - just go along on the day (as early as possible). There is a charge of £5 per pitch.
 

Dickie Dutton is jumping for charity!

On the same day that I’ll be taking part in the Relay for Life event at Deangate Ridge (2 July 2011), there’ll be an even more thrilling fundraising effort taking place.

76 year old Richard ‘Dickie’ Dutton (pictured below) will be skydiving from a great height to raise cash for St. James’ Church at Cooling.

If you fancy giving Dickie’s skydive attempt your support, visit his Just Giving web page here.

Take a look at the new website of The Friends of St. James’ Church by clicking here.
 

Summer Fair (High Halstow), Saturday 25 June 2011

High Halstow Primary School’s Summer Fair is taking place tomorrow (Saturday), from 1pm until 4pm. Everyone is welcome to pop along.

There’ll be lots of things to do, including fun fair rides, a bouncy castle, pony rides, coconut shy, splat the rat (one of my favourites), stocks, tin can alley, penalty shoot out, face-painting, sand art, mouse trap, jam jar ping pong, lucky dip, hook a duck, bottle hoopla, tombola, golf challenge, pick a lolly, badge making, beat the buzzer, a BBQ, a beer tent, a Pimms tent and lots of homemade cakes – yum yum!

Let’s hope there's plenty of sunshine!
 

I’m doing the Relay for Life event on 2/3 July 2011 – please sponsor me!!!

Okay, so whilst I'm not running the London Marathon, trekking up a mountain or swimming the channel (all of which would be very much against doctors orders given my 'relaxed' approach to exercise), I will be part of the ‘Hoo R Ya’ team - taking it in turns to complete the 24 hour Relay for Life at the Deangate Ridge Sports Complex (Dux Court Road, Hoo, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8RZ).

It all kicks off at 2pm on Saturday 2 July, finishing at . . . you've guessed it, 2pm on Sunday 3 July.

Even with options to walk or crawl, there’ll be lots of stamina needed to get through this challenge without falling asleep!

Hopefully though, my fundraising efforts (so far) aren’t a sign of things to come – as I haven’t yet cleared the starting block!

So from today, I’m urgently looking for sponsorship, so I can raise lots of money for Cancer Research UK, and of course not feel too shamed in front of my relay team mates.

Just visit my fundraising page by clicking here, or drop me an email to let me know how much you'd like to sponsor (email here).

Thanks for anything you can do to support this really worthwhile cause.
 

The Big Screen comes to Hoo!

Following the success of the Christmas Fayre and recent Royal Wedding Party, the Hoo Village Events Committee is turning to the silver screen for an exciting new project.

An outdoor film festival is being planned for later in the year - to be held in the village square.

Organiser Maureen Tong-Ralphs (Hoo Village Events Committee) says the aim is to capture the history of the village and surrounding area by getting local residents to talk on camera about their memories of the village, and she’s sure there’ll be many funny and interesting tales which deserve recording for posterity. But the film festival won’t just showcase the past - there’ll be plenty of filming about life in Hoo now and the many exciting things going on locally.

If you have a story to tell, old film footage or photographs that you’d like to share, or if you’re planning an event which could be captured on film - get in touch with Maureen Tong-Ralphs on 07905 178644.
 

Midsummer Tea Party (Cooling), Saturday 18 June 2011

Cream Tea will be served in the grounds of St. James’ Church at Cooling on 18 June, from 2.30pm till 4.30pm.

Pop along and support The Friends of St. James’ Church, whilst enjoying delicious strawberries and homemade scones. Plants and cakes will be available to buy and there'll be a treasure hunt for the children. Entry is £3.50 per person. Go on, one scone won’t ruin the diet!

Contact Caroline Long on 01634 220336 for further information. Take a look at the new website of The Friends of St. James’ Church by clicking here.
 

Marching Band required for Grain Summer Fete on Saturday 16 July 2011

Grain Fete Committee is urgently looking for a marching band to take part in their annual Summer Fete on Saturday 16 July.

Last year’s event (pictured below) was very successful, with people coming far and wide to enjoy themselves. And there’ll be even more excitement this year - with a fun fair, an events arena, live entertainment, stalls, a procession of floats, a disco / karaoke and much more - details will be added to this site shortly.

If anyone can help with the supply of a marching band, contact Veronica Cordier (Secretary of Grain Fete Committee) on 01634 271674 or by email here.
 

2011 Relay for Life (Rochester) event - still time to get involved!

People of all ages will be taking part in this year’s Relay for Life (Rochester) event, in aid of Cancer Research, on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 July.

I’ll be joining one of fifteen teams helping to raise funds for the life-saving work of Cancer Research UK.

The team I’m part of is to be known as ‘Hoo R Ya’, captained by local Hoo resident Nancy Waller.

Team members will take turns to walk, run, skip or crawl* around the running track at Deangate Ridge, with each team having someone on the track for 24 hours. And there'll be a great overnight party, with camping, music, stalls, entertainment and BBQs, to ensure a superb atmosphere.

(*for the very young or those feeling very old!)

If you’d like to sponsor the ‘Hoo R Ya’ team, take a look at our team fundraising page by clicking here.

This relay will take place at the Deangate Ridge Sports Complex, Dux Court Road, Hoo, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8RZ.

There’s still time to take part and register a team, so if you’d like to find out more, contact Nancy Waller (local event organiser) by emailing here or by phoning 01622 221254 (daytime).

For more information about Cancer Research’s Relay for Life events, visit their website.
 

Farmers’ Market (High Halstow), Saturday 11 June 2011

The next High Halstow Farmers’ Market will be this Saturday, from 9.30am to 11am, at the Village Hall (The Street, High Halstow). Pop along for meat, bread, vegetables, greetings cards, jewellery, candles and many other goods and produce. There’s also a meat raffle, with an opportunity to win a £30 voucher!

Supporting the Village Hall refurbishment programme.
 

What a load of rubbish!

Grain Coastal Park looks a great deal cleaner today, following yesterday’s successful volunteering event organised by the Kent Wildlife Trust.

Local residents and Trust members spent several hours clearing rubbish and other unwanted objects - like road signs, bollards, tyres and a rusty bucket. But thankfully no shopping trolleys!

More than a dozen bags of rubbish were collected by a team of around 20, who fought off wind and rain to get the place looking tidy. The photograph below, taken by Becky Hitchin from the Kent Wildlife Trust, shows just some of volunteers who took part.

Following many months of hard work by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, yesterday’s event was the penultimate volunteering day being organised by Paul Pearce from the Kent Wildlife Trust - a great project that has been backed by Grain Parish Council and Medway Council.

There’s plenty more left to do at Grain, so hopefully the July volunteering day will be well supported - and the weather will be a little kinder!

More details will be added to this website soon.

Kent Wildlife Trust is a leading conservation charity in Kent and Medway. If you’d like to find out more about their work, take a look at their website or facebook page.
 

Land Securities Presentation (High Halstow), Wednesday 8 June 2011

Land Securities will be attending the next meeting of High Halstow Parish Council, to give a presentation about the Lodge Hill development.

The meeting will take place at Memorial Hall, The Street, High Halstow, from 8pm this Wednesday (8 June). Residents living in other villages on the Hoo Peninsula, not just those in High Halstow, are welcome to attend.

Take a look at the High Halsow Parish Council website by clicking here.

 

High Halstow Times - June Edition

The June edition of the High Halstow Times is out now. Just click the image below to see the full copy.

The High Halstow Times is the magazine of High Halstow Parish Council. Take a look at their new website by clicking here.
 

Allhallows Life - June Edition

The June edition of Allhallows Life is out now. Just click the image below to see the full copy.



Allhallows Life is the magazine of Allhallows Parish Council. Take a look at their new website by clicking here.

 

High Halstow Hikers (June Walk), Sunday 12 June 2011

The High Halstow Hikers will be heading west of the Hoo Peninsula for this month’s walk.

June’s walk (Sunday 12) will begin at 10am in Shoreham, taking a circular route along the Darent Valley Path to Otford, which is about 7 miles.

The meeting point is the road opposite Shoreham Place, in the road that leads from the A225 past Shoreham Railway Station towards the village. An area map is available here (courtesy of Google Maps).

Other High Halstow Hikers walks will take place on 10 July (Oare Marshes), 14 August (Kits Coty) and 11 September (Cuckmere Valley and Seven Sisters). More information will be added to this site when available, or contact Mitchell Dowsett by emailing here.
 

‘Putting on the Glitz’ - Dramarama (High Halstow), 2/3/4 June 2011

Dramarama, the High Halstow amateur dramatics group, proudly present ‘Putting on the Glitz’ on Thursday 2 June, Friday 3 June and Saturday 4 June. Performances begin at 7.30pm at the Recreation Hall in High Halstow. Tickets are £4.

For more information and bookings, contact Fred and Hazel (01634) 251135, Noleen (01634) 271026, Joanne (01634) 250911 or Wenda (01634) 253169.
 

Hoo Boot Fair at the GEC Bowls Club, Sunday 29 May 2011

Sunday Boot Fairs, organised by the GEC Bowls Club (Bells Lane, Hoo, Rochester, ME3 9DZ), are taking place throughout the summer.

Held in the sports field next to the club, the next Boot Fair is this Sunday (29 May). Other dates include: July 3, August 7 and September 4. Trading from 6am, bargain hunters are encouraged to get along early!

If anyone would like a pitch - just go along on the day (as early as possible). There is a charge of £5 per pitch.
 

Farmers’ Market (Allhallows), Saturday 28 May 2011

The next Allhallows Farmers’ Market will be this Saturday, from 10am to 1pm, at Allhallows Village Hall (Stoke Road, Allhallows, ME3 9PF).

Pop along for fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat, bread, cakes, honey, homemade cards, pet food, plants, sweets, bags, jewellery, candles, gifts, charity mugs and much more!

To book a stall, contact 01634 270360.
 

New to You Clothes Sale (Hoo), Thursday 26 May 2011

The Five Bells pub in Hoo (1 Stoke Road, Hoo, ME3 9BE) will be hosting a 'New to You Clothes Sale' tomorrow (Thursday), from 4.30pm to 7pm - free admission.

Organised by the Hoo Village Events Committee.
 

Volunteering at Grain Coastal Park

Volunteers have given hours of their time and their enthusiasm to help improve Grain Coastal Park – a partnership project between Grain Parish Council, Medway Council and the Kent Wildlife Trust.

Tasks have so far have included clearing litter, pruning bushes, painting bollards and shelters, digging holes, erecting new information signs and surveying plant life. A big difference has been made, but there’s still plenty more to do. New volunteers are always welcome – and just a few hours a month will make a big difference.

I went along to the May volunteering day, and along with project co-ordinator Paul Pearce, from the Kent Wildlife Trust, I was tasked with re-locating a litter bin from one end of the car park to the other.

Sounds simple enough? Well, that’s what I thought, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

However, I’m pleased to say that a couple of hours later, following the addition to our team of two extra volunteers, heavy lifting chains, a wheelbarrow, a trolley mover and an hydraulic concrete breaker – the bin was indeed moved and looking very much at home next to the new information signs (see the photograph below).

I never thought I’d get such a great sense of satisfaction moving a rubbish bin – but it’s great seeing all the improvements coming together, of which this was just one.

Don’t worry if this all sounds a little too strenuous – there are plenty of gentle tasks for people of all ages to help out with too.

The next opportunity to help will be on Sunday 5 June, starting at 10am (until 12 noon), with an afternoon session from 2pm. The focus will be on cleaning up the beach. And there’ll also be an opportunity to learn about marine wildlife. Click the image below to find out more.

Take a look at the Kent Wildlife Trust website for more information about their work.
 

New website for St. James’ Church at Cooling

The Friends of St. James’ Church at Cooling, who work in partnership with The Churches Conservation Trust, have gone online with a new website.

Dating back to the late thirteenth century, St. James’ Church is well known for its association with Charles Dickens, who is thought to have set the opening to Great Expectations in the churchyard.

The Church is fascinating and full of history. It's also worth taking time to enjoy the rural setting of Cooling itself - one of the most picturesque parts of the Hoo Peninsula.

If you would like to support The Friends of St. James’ Church – visit their new website here.

 

BBC Domesday Reloaded on the Hoo Peninsula

I suppose that even those of us not destined to make it to Monarch, President, renowned scientist or even famous celebrity, all have our own little place in history. But until this week, I had forgotten about my modest involvement in the 1986 Domesday project - an ambitious attempt to record a snapshot of everyday life across the UK for future generations. A much less sinister motive than the tax revenue driven record of property and land ownership by our French cousins 900 years earlier.

I think it was either late 1985 or early 1986 when a couple of school friends and I were given a 'vital task' - sent to interrogate the local part-time Librarian about what she liked and disliked about her job!

I can't say our findings have been at the forefront of my mind these past 25 years, but having heard about the recent publishing of all the Domesday project material, I decided to have a browse.

We learned that books weren’t being returned to the library after they were borrowed. Not exactly crime of the century perhaps, but given the perennial budgetary constraints on such community services, as much of a selfish nuisance then as it is now I suppose!

Searching around the site, I see that a number of villages from the Hoo Peninsula participated in this project as well, submitting written reports and photographs – all of which are available to view on the BBC Domesday Reloaded website. Not surprising, given that over a million people took part nationwide.

There are sections (D-Blocks as they are known on the site) for Cliffe, Cliffe Woods, Hoo, St. Mary Hoo, Stoke, Grain, Chattenden and Lower Upnor.

The section about Hoo (D-block GB-576000-171000) includes submissions about family life, ‘interesting’ local people, shopping patterns, leisure and recreation, housing, local news and events.

The section about Stoke (D-block GB-580000-174000) includes submissions about Mackays Court Farm, Stoke Church, Hoppers Lane, Microlights, St. Mary Hoo and general information about village life.

Take a look at the BBC Domesday Reloaded website and see what was recorded back in 1986. You never know, you may find your name in its own little place in history.
 

Get involved in the 2011 Relay for Life!

People of all ages will be taking part in this year’s Relay for Life (Rochester) event, in aid of Cancer Research, on Saturday 2 July from 2pm.

Local teams of friends, families, neighbours and work colleagues will be helping to raise funds for the life-saving work of Cancer Research UK. Team members will take turns to walk, run, skip or crawl around the running track at Deangate Ridge for 24 hours. And a great overnight party, with camping, music, stalls, entertainment and BBQs, will be taking place to ensure a superb atmosphere.

With the walking option likely to appeal to many (including me - and I’ll be adding sponsorship details here soon!) this is a perfect way for everyone to get involved with this great fund-raising effort.

This relay will take place at the Deangate Ridge Sports Complex, Dux Court Road, Hoo, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8RZ.

If you’d like to find out more about taking part, contact Nancy Waller by email here or phone 01622 221254 (daytime).

For more information about Cancer Research’s Relay for Life events, visit their website.
 

Petition for Hoo Parish Church – signed, sealed and delivered!

Several months ago, an independent petition was launched by members of the community who wanted to help safeguard the future of Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church. The petition asked the Bishop of Rochester and the Archbishop of Canterbury to "provide adequate funding to keep Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church open." It was hoped the petition would also highlight the huge financial problems being faced by the Church and encourage donations.

On 29 April, whilst attending the the Hoo St. Werburgh Royal Wedding Party, Maureen Tong-Ralphs (Hoo Village Events Committee) presented the petition to Rev. Andy Harding in Hoo Village Square. The petition contained more than 1,000 names – demonstrating how people feel about the local Church. It will hopefully do much to highlight the urgent need for donations.

More information about getting involved with the Church’s financial appeal is available here.
 

English Heritage Project Update (April 2011) Hoo Peninsula Historic Landscape

A project update has been published by English Heritage, about their work to raise awareness of the historical development of the Hoo Peninsula landscape.

Photograph: Copyright, English Heritage.NMR

The purpose of the project, outlined on this website in September 2010, is to ensure the historic environment makes a positive contribution to the area’s future development. Read the project update below (just click):

More information can be obtained by visiting the English Heritage website.
 

High Halstow Hikers (May Walk), Sunday 8 May 2011

The High Halstow Hikers will be heading west of the Hoo Peninsula for this month’s walk.

Tomorrow’s walk (Sunday) begins at 10am from the main car park of Shorne Country Park (meeting close to the Visitor Centre). A map of the location is available here.

The walk will be through well-established woodland tracks and will follow the Darnley Trail, which is about 6.5 miles.

More High Halstow Hikers walks will take place on 12 June, 10 July and 14 August – more details will be added to this site when available, or contact Mitchell Dowsett by emailing here.
 

Grain Coastal Park (May Volunteering Day) - do you have any spare time to help?

Volunteers from across the area will be helping with work to develop and improve Grain Coastal Park tomorrow (Sunday). These photographs show some of the things that have been achieved over the past few months.

Although a lot has already been done to improve the local environment, like clearing paths, pruning bushes, painting car park bollards and installing new information signs, there's still more work to do. New volunteers are always very welcome, just a few hours a month really will make a difference!

If you're interested in getting involved tomorrow, there’ll be plenty of practical tasks to do. And help is needed with a plant survey in the afternoon.

If you would like to lend a hand, sessions will be from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm (meeting at the beach car park). Volunteering days will be held on Sunday 5 June and Sunday 3 July.

This project is being led by the Kent Wildlife Trust, with the support of Grain Parish Council and Medway Council. If you would like more information, or to discuss how you can help, please contact Paul Pearce (Kent Wildlife Trust) on 01622 662012 or send an email here.
 

May Concert at Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church - book your tickets now!

There’s still time left to book your place to see the Snowdown Colliery Welfare Brass Band (pictured below), when they take centre stage at Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church on Saturday 14 May at 7.30pm.

They will perform a variety of tunes, including a special selection of music from the 1940s. There’ll also be a sale of works by St. Werburgh Craft Club.

To book tickets (donations of £7), or for more information, contact Stuart on 01634 251705. Proceeds from this event will go to the Church restoration fund.

Farmers’ Market (Allhallows), Saturday 30 April 2011

The next Allhallows Farmers’ Market will be held this Saturday, from 10am to 1pm, at Allhallows Village Hall (Stoke Road, Allhallows, ME3 9PF).

Pop along for fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat, bread, cakes, honey, homemade cards, pet food, plants, sweets, bags, jewellery, candles, gifts, charity mugs and many other stalls.

To book a stall, contact 01634 270360.
 

Getting ready for the celebrations!

The village square in Hoo will this Friday host a Royal Wedding Party extravaganza, organised by the Hoo Village Events Committee.

With the bunting in place and months of hard work and planning coming to a head, the ticket only event has now completely sold out! Those attending are set for a glorious day celebrating the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

It will be an exciting occasion for Hoo and I’m sure everyone will have a memorable time!
  

Boot Fair and Farmers' Market (Allhallows), Sunday 10 April 2011

A Farmers’ Market will return to Allhallows Place (Touring and Caravan Park) this Sunday, from 9am to 5pm.

There’ll be a good selection of stalls and activities, including a play area for the kids and a licensed bar for the adults! Hot food and refreshments will be served all day, so pop along and enjoy what will hopefully be a relaxing day in the sun!

Allhallows Place is at Stoke Road, Allhallows, Rochester, Kent, ME3 9PD. Visit their website here.
 

Farmers’ Market (Lower Stoke), Saturday 9 April 2011

The next Lower Stoke Farmers’ Market is tomorrow (Saturday), from 10am to 1pm, at Stoke Village Hall (Mallard Way, Lower Stoke, Rochester, Kent, ME3 9ST). Pop along for fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, honey, sweets, handmade cards, jewellery, handbags and many other goods and produce.

To book a stall, contact 01634 270360.
 

May Concert (Hoo), Saturday 14 May 2011

Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church is holding a concert on Saturday 14 May at 7.30pm.

Performing a variety of tunes, including a special selection of music from the 1940s, the Snowdown Colliery Welfare Brass Band will take centre stage. There’ll also be a sale of works by St. Werburgh Craft Club.

To book tickets (donations of £7), or for more information, contact Stuart on 01634 251705. Proceeds from this event will go to the Church restoration fund.
 

Easter Market (High Halstow), Saturday 16 April 2011

There’ll be an Easter Market at High Halstow Memorial Hall (The Street, High Halstow) on Saturday 16 April.

Starting at 12 noon and going on until 3pm, you can pop along to buy tasty Easter treats and goodies, including chocolate eggs, cakes, refreshments and lots lots more!
 

Hoo Boot Fairs at the GEC Bowls Club

Sunday Boot Fairs, organised by the GEC Bowls Club (Bells Lane, Hoo, Rochester, Kent, ME3 9DZ) will take place throughout the summer.

Held in the sports field next to the club, the first Sunday Boot Fair will be on April 3 and other dates include: May 1, May 29, July 3, August 7 and September 4. Trading from 6am, bargain hunters are encouraged to get along early!

If anyone would like a pitch – just go along on the day (as early as possible). There is a charge of £5 per pitch.
 

Farmers’ Market (High Halstow), Saturday 2 April 2011

The next High Halstow Farmers’ Market is tomorrow (Saturday), from 9.30am to 11am, at the Village Hall (The Street, High Halstow). Pop along for meat, bread, vegetables, greetings cards, jewellery, candles and many other goods and produce. There’s also a meat raffle, with an opportunity to win a £30 voucher!

The High Halstow Farmers’ Market is held on the first Saturday of every month, at the Village Hall.
 

Farmers’ Market (Allhallows), Saturday 26 March 2011

There will be a Farmers’ Market at Allhallows Village Hall (Stoke Road, Allhallows) this Saturday, from 10am until 1pm. Pop along for local produce and many other goods.
 

The Beacon (April) Parish Magazine of Hoo St. Werburgh - Out Now!

The latest edition of The Beacon is now available, containing details of local events and other interesting features. Although delivered to some areas of the village, copies may be purchased from local shops, including: Choicemeats at 1 Fourwents Road and the Newsagent at 35 Knights Road.

For further information, contact the Editor (Mrs Muriel Bewsey) on 01634 252129.
 

New to You Clothes Sale (Hoo), Thursday 24 March 2011

The Five Bells pub in Hoo (1 Stoke Road, Hoo, Rochester, Kent, ME3 9BE) will host a 'New to You Clothes Sale' this coming Thursday, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The event will be held in the function room and admission is free.

The event will help raise funds for the Royal Wedding Street Party (organised by the Hoo Village Events Committee), set to take place at the end of April.
 

Royal Wedding Party (Allhallows), Friday 29 April 2011

Allhallows Village Hall (Stoke Road, Allhallows) will play host to a Royal Wedding Party on Friday 29 April.

Kicking off at 3pm and going til late, there will be games and fun from 3pm, including a special ‘Mr & Mrs’, Bingo, face painting and a best hat / crown competition. There will be a buffet between 5.30pm and 6.30pm and a chance for the best movers in Allhallows to show their dancing talents in a disco from 7pm onwards.

Everyone is welcome to go along and have some fun! All children will receive a commemorative ‘Wills & Kate’ medal!

Tickets are priced at just £3 (Adults), £1.50 (Children) and £8 (Family ticket). For more information or to buy your tickets – contact Maria on 07919 968353 or Lisa on 01634 272942.
 

Appealing for your help!

I was invited along to Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church this week to find out more about the current financial problems, which have been widely reported in local newspapers. I met Rev. Andy Harding and Church Warden Mick Hollands - pictured below - Mick (left) and Andy (right).

The Church is currently facing a huge financial problem and is appealing to the local community for help. A letter of appeal (below) will be published in the next edition of Village Voices and in The Beacon (Parish Magazine). Information is also being delivered to local residents in coming weeks.

The long and short of the situation is that the Church’s expenditure exceeds their income by at least £2000 per month. This has been made worse by the recent discovery of a major structural problem that will cost around £165,000 to repair.

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 do read the letter of appeal (below) for more background information about the financial situation.

With limited options for raising additional income, the Church is desperately seeking financial support from the local community.

Attached to this post are copies of the relevant Gift Aid, Direct Debit and Donation forms. To open these forms – just click on the images and print. You can also get in touch via the Contact Page of this website and I’ll email these forms to you. The donation forms are also available at TAGGS Coffee Shop (25 High Street, Hoo).

As well as the financial appeal from the Church itself, an independent petition has been launched by members of the community who want to help safeguard the Church’s future. The petition is asking the Bishop of Rochester, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, to "provide adequate funding to keep Hoo St. Werburgh Parish Church open."

Hundreds of local people have already signed the petition, demonstrating a real sense of how people feel about the local Church. It will hopefully do much to highlight the urgent need for donations.

For further information, contact any of the following: Stuart Coombes on 01634 251705, Rev. Andy Harding on 01634 250291, Mick Hollands on 01634 251979, Laura Judges on 01634 251253 or Linda Jones on 01634 253378.