medway Archives - Page 4 of 5

Rochester Dickensian Christmas Weekend 2017

6th January 201823rd December 2017

A couple of weekends ago, we went to Rochester Christmas Market. We chose that particular weekend, as it was also the Dickensian Christmas Weekend. Charles Dickens lived locally in Higham and many of his novels were inspired by the surrounding area. This is one of two festivals in Rochester throughout the year in which Dickens enthusiasts, re-enactors and many others gather and celebrate Charles Dickens with members of the public.

We arrived just in time for one of the first parades of the day. It’s always such a delight to see so many beautiful outfits and smiley faces. It’s great fun and feels very festive!

PYO Pumpkins at Beluncle Farm

12th September 202318th October 2017

In recent years, it has become very popular to go pumpkin picking in the weeks leading up to Halloween. There are several in Kent, but the most local to us is PYO Pumpkins at Beluncle Farm in Hoo, Rochester. Entry is free, there’s ample parking, there are toilets and refreshments and they even accept card payments! They also support Crohn’s & Colitis UK and CICRA, causes close to the organiser’s hearts as their son suffers from Crohn’s disease.

I visited them for the first time in 2015 with two of my best friends. However, after the birth of Autumn last year, I decided to start a family tradition!

Medway Council are keeping 13 Children’s Centres open…

27th February 202018th August 2017

I’ve previously written about Medway Council’s closure of Sure Start Children’s Centres. The consultation period is over and there has now been a new proposal, as announced last week.

The new proposal means that 13 of the 19 children’s centres will remain open, but the services offered in some of them will be different.

Celebrating 20 years of Harry Potter at Strood Library

6th January 201827th June 2017

As all big fans of Harry Potter, (or ‘Potterheads‘) will know, this is a very important week indeed. Monday 26th June marked the 20th anniversary of the first book, The Philosopher’s Stone being published. In the two decades that have ensued, the hearts and imaginations of children and adults worldwide have been captured.

Many have been celebrating, and J.K. Rowling has thanked her fans.

20 years ago today a world that I had lived in alone was suddenly open to others. It's been wonderful. Thank you.#HarryPotter20

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2017

When I found out that Strood Library/Community Hub were also celebrating the 20th anniversary, I was so delighted that I almost felt 8 years old again!

Emma’s Diary Baby of the Month photo session

6th January 20187th June 2017

If you’re a new mum or mum-to-be, you’ve probably signed up to Emma’s Diary and collected your free goody bags. You may also have heard of their Emma’s Diary photo sessions and Baby of the Month competition. When the opportunity arose to go to our nearest participating photographer and try it out, I couldn’t resist.