Rodmersham and the Science Park

The pleasure of walking in the countryside is not merely to look at the countryside and to enjoy a visit to a local public house for lunch and a taste of ale or beer but to be able to continue to do so without the town or city encroaching on the unique nature of what is our Engklish heretige. Such pleasures as watching cricket played on the green or to wander across the fields and into the woods without having to walk past rows of boring houses or to look down on a series of dull factory roofs are waht we demand of a visit to our rural areas.

Unfortunately the village of Rodmersham is likely to fall victim to the industrialists who want to create a link from the M2 Motorway into the present so-called science park and to expand it beyond its present limits. Instead of wheatfields and a view across the downs unmarred by overt industrialism there is a prospect of rows of houses, with roads feeding into the already crowded town of Sittingbourne and the possibility of a yet another large supermarket springing up and the further expansion out to the motorway.

Rodmersham is a pleasant place to visit and live but with the arrival of many more people and the subsequent housing needed for them the place will be lost in a maw of boring modern buildings with little or no taste that will be unlikely to house workers from the local area but encourage an influx of workers from outside the area whose interest in it lies with making their salaries. Local people are already in housing and if the park goes ahead how many of them will be employed? That is a question that will need to be answered. Will there be jobs for our young people or will it be a case of bringing in workers from elsewhere?

The disruption of our town and the encroachment on the rural area that makes Sittingbourne a place worthwhile living in will have an impact on Rodmersham that will not be seen until it is too late and the awful buildings that seem to be sprouting up all over have taken over and absorbed what is a pretty village with a pub that has a long history for serving good food. In addition the visitor can take tea at the the local village store and if they are lucky can experience the marvellous cheese scones locally made served by people who have the customer's needs at heart.

Why all the fuss?

Simply take a look at the last picture after sampling the others and yuo will see the 'wind farm' in the distance beyond the church and the wonderful view of wheat ripening. This is a food producing area - the local pub is called The Fruiterer's Arms - and the area abounds with orchards of pears and apples and on the edge of the fields bullace plums and damsons grow wild. A walk in the area will offer views of the downas and the coastal areas that are second to none and typical of Kent and its status as the Garden of England. The science park will be one more attack on this heretige.

I would like to walk this area and see not rows of houses or the shining tops of factories or rows of electric street lamps but the waving wheat and the happy chirrup of native birds and to be able to cross the road without having to bother with a stream of cars on their way to work.

Emmetts gardens - National Trust

On this overcast day with a little sunshine peeking through and rain spitting on the windshield I headed for Sevenoaks and then to look for the turn off to Emmetts along the A25. The drive was easy and interesting but I was aware of the lowering clouds and the threat of rain but instead of being downhearted I took courage from the fact that all around me plants were showing off, trees looked cool and green and as I drove through the Seal Woods area I was excited by the mystery of the forest and imagined trolls and dwarfs and maybe even the elves of middle earth looking out on us under the green canopy (cliche alert!)

Note the intense color of the Hydrangea bush above.

However, I arrived at the gardens safely and alighted expecting noting more than a perhaps a dull day, and a dull vista, but I was pleasantly wrong. As we are aware most gardens of thie size of Emmetts and Scotney for example are usually patronised most in Spring and Autumn for the riot of color that these seasons produce. This year the flowers have been so vibrant I cannot blame visitors for preferring the two 'pretty' seasons. In fact Emmetts has a different beauty in Summer. It offers color from the trees and the small hydrangea shrubs - a speciality - on the south garden walk and the stands of birches and oaks on the lower walks.

These slender trees are on the approach to the gardens.

Like all gardens that boast trees as their forte theer are a selection of evergreens as a contrast to the familiar (and unfamiliar) decidous trees. Their colors range from deep greens to yellows and the fantastic silver greens offered by the spreading cypress.

Colorful evergreens

Wherever you walk you will see color and contrast and I enjoyed the contrasts not in spite of the rain but because of it. The fresh look of the trees and shrubs belied the mid-summer heat - it was humid and although I need a coat to keep dry I was warm - and as I walked the pathways the view across to Chiddingstone and Ide Hill was misted but with a little patience more or less became clear as my eyes adjusted to the scenery and day light.

Below are daisies peeping out from behind a rock in the rockery

A new addition to the gardens is the rockery - known also as the 'Scree Garden' - which is a treat for the eyes and remarkably well laid out and surrounded by an attractive iron fence with entrance gates is a worth the visit alone. The water feature and the whitened rocks and stones enhance the reds of the acers and small plants so well that one could almost feel that yuo are in a Japanese garden. There is evidence of much care and reasoned design gone in to the effort. A real treat. The bonus is that the grounds which it overlooks are a picnic area and offer some fine views. Emmetts is on a hill and uses the contours well to give the visitor a variety of views.


In spite of the rain and the absence of my companion on these walks, namely my Sister, I managed to enjoy the visit. Oh, and for the curious, there is a cafe there serving the usual NT snacks and a shop with seats outside from which the surrounding contryside can be enjoyed. For the intrepid there are footpaths which lead down to Surridge and Brasted, both of which are worth a visit and to Ide Hill where one can dine in the pub and have a good walk around too.

Again the vibrant colors



On the whole the trip was a good one and I was glad I went.

Minster In Thanet - a short walk

On the way to Minster I stopped off to look at the windmill at Herne. I like villages and was put off in the past by the large sprawl of Herne Bay but today curiosity overcame my prejudice and I drove up the hill to look at it. Unfortunately the mill wasn't open for visitors until 2pm, so not wanting to wait for another two hours or so I took some photos and pushed on. I travelled via Herne on the Canterbury road and turned off toward Hoath to try the back roads to Minster.

The mill at Herne

I got mildly lost but passed by some deeply cool green woodlands and probably crossed a river or two that was significant - may be the Wantsum as it seems to be everywhere around there
and gave me some typical Thanet views. The land is undulating to flat with crop fields stretching seemingly to the horizon interspersed with runs on willows along the banks of waterways and the inevitable pub tucked away on some crossroads of small village. Lovely.

A view into the grounds of the Abbey

Although I have been to or through Minster before it has been a fleeting visit stopping in the Bell Inn for a meal and a quick look around. Today I was armed with camera and stopping at the Bell for a snack and a jar of Shepherd Neame I took time to walk. Before I tell of the walk I have to say that the Bell is a good choice for a convivial drink and lunch although on the opposite corner there is a cafe and a wine bar that is worth a look in.

I started off from the pub and walked first around the churchyard and emerged onto Church Lane intending to see if there was a chance of visiting the Augustine Abbey but being a Sunday there were devotions going on and visitors are requested to arrive on Saturday afternoons.

I went past the Abbey and on up the slight rise to a yellow bar gate to a public footpath sign and entered. A pleasant Polish worker told me that the path followed the concrete farm road but he was not too sure of the exact route from there. As it turned out I walked instead following the wall alongside the pathway and turned into a small road on the right that led back to Church Lane. On the left I discovered a footpath sign and followed that past a rest home complex. As I plodded on a fox rose from where it was resting and trotted off quickly into the bush which was odd because to disappear completely from view he had to cross a stream. I crossed a bridge and from there the track floowed the railway line crossing it just beyond the signal box past Minster station.

A view across well tilled and cropped fields close to Minster

Crossing the track was easy and I had the treat of seeing a choo-choo in the station and watched it move off. (Choo-choo?) The path followed the railway line and again we crossed on a curve - one has to be careful here - into a field turning left and then following the path to eventually reach a graded farm road. Turning left as it seemed the village must be that way because ahead of me there was a view of the power station cooling towers, a dominant sight in this flat land, following this until again we crossed the tracks.

I followed the concrete road past fields with a view of the Minster church across the way and arrived back at my starting point on the path where again I met the friendly Polish worker.

There are a few more pathways around Minster but today was a short walk (about 3km) with the intention of getting the feel for a Thanet exploration.

Anyway, the afternoon was not wasted as I enjoyed the walk in what is some delightful Kent countryside and at walking pace yields some interesting views and of course exercises the ageing body.

The Bell Inn

Sissinghurst in Summer

The charm of Sissinghurst gardens is that whatever season you arrive there is always something different to see. This day I was determined to see the White Rose Garden in its full summer glory. I was lucky. The garden was at its best with the sun shining, people marvelling at the layout and the abundant white roses, plus the other white themed plants that abound in the formal layout.

As I said with Sissinghurst there is always something different to see and, answering a call of nature I was surprised to see a Swallow sitting on a nest in the entrance to the Gent's toilets - naturally I took a picture.

There are more Swallows in the Barn which I notice is being refurbished. It is also the way out to see the new vegetable garden which has, so I was told, been shown on the telly. News to me, as i do not watch the telly.

A Swallow looking confused and bemused in an unlikely place.
Extremely busy!

This was a brief visit to look at the rose garden devised by the Sackville-Wests as I have always only seen it when it was finished or just beginning to blossom.

I was impressed.

I was also impressed by the myriad different colors in the gardens as I wandered around. The gardens always please and are ever changing so I offer these few pictures as a contrast to the white roses.

A delightful corner of extreme color - whatever the planst are they are very pretty.

Mind you, I enjoyed seeing the Swallows.

Gunpowder experience

The Gunpowder Works at Oare, now a Countryside Park is part of Kent's heritage and this dangerous activity was once a mainstay of Oare and Faversham's manufacturing. Faversham, that ancient town, home of Shepheard Neame brewery, the Hop Festival and the centre of the apple and pear growing was also the home of a thriving gunpowder industry and to learn the extent of the trade a visit to the Oare Gunpowder Works is an education.

Part of the old works buildings

Set in the Bysing Woods the vistor is treated to a casual walk, a pleasant place for a picnic and on July 12th 2009 an entertainment to boot!

Artists in the Woods is the theme where artists will show off their skills and give the public a chance to take part. Musicians wiill play and sing and where you are likely to come upon some wandering poets who will read and recite.

As a bonus there are a pair of swans with their cygnets on the lake for the visitor to see and as the music will be acoustic the visitor can listen to the birds and catch sight of fleeting squirrels.

We liked the pathways that allow access to most of the site by wheelchair and buggy and most of all the place is green and tranquil.

Myself, James Apps and my two fellow Island Artists Bob Collins and Bill Anthony will be performing.

However, the place is worth a visit especially if you also take a trip to the Three Mariners at Oare and sample their ale and food.

Part of the gentle walking path

Ellen Terry's home - Smallhythe

Smallhythe House is steeped in theatrical history. Once the home of the Victorian Actor Ellen Terry it is now part of the National Trust who naturally take a pride in celebrating the actor's history and performances. The house is old but then so is the area - as far as people living there are concerned - and was once a port on the Stour. Today the house is a museum of the Victorian stage which inside is well worth a visit although having already seen the inside for this day I chose to see the gardens alone and leave the house to another time.

The gardens were designed by the actor in part and today we can enjoy the Rose garden and enjoy the roses that clamber over the building adding color to the 15th century walls. I wandered the gardens enjoying the sudden bright color that although not overwhelming seemed to be abundant offering little surprises as I walked around the cut lanes through the nuttery and peeped at the house through gaps in the hedges.


I mentioned that the house is a museum but to imagine it as a deadly dull train of exhibits would be wrong; the place is alive with the presence of Ellen Terry as if living there she claimed it for her own and made a mark on it that will not be eradicated. And as if to emphasise that life there is the barn which is being thatched but still open and in use as a theatre. It is there that memories of great actors are embedded in the story of the house where greats have stood on the stage and played their parts and where many others have contributed to its running. It is there that a program of plays and performances is carried out during the year and in the Summer there is to be played a Shakespeare play. This year's offering is As You Like It and I hope to be one of the audience.

A view of the house from the rose garden

As a romantic and soppy cat owner (I am soppy not the cat) I like to wander around thinking about soft furry animals, birds, bees and other creatures. As a result I have time to sit and reflect on the slow growth of a garden and how it changes and develops over many years and yet when one returns to it the changes are not always that obvious. Smallhythe is like that and as the years pass so the garden seems to mature but although I am sure it was different the last time I visited it I am sure it was the same. I found that reassuring.

Roses in the rose garden

To sit where Ellen Terry may have sat and contemplate such silly things as my cat and the evidence of Rabbits trying to take over the grassy knolls; and try to visualise the ship building and the nature of the port ( the name Hythe says such was the nature of the place) and imagine water where there are now fields. On leaving the place I took the road to Oxney Island and as I passed the river flats I could see the water meadows that are now part of the land.

The Rose arbor from the Gazebo

Smallhythe house is a part of our heritage and well worth a visit. The atmosphere is peaceful yet alive as if the Victorians have left behind a spirit (Gin I expect) that is there for the visitor to absorb and take a little away with them as an inspiriation for their own creative bent. I felt the atmosphere in the barn as the stage unfolded to my view. A person was dressing a figure in costume and we chatted recognising the actor in each other - she an actor and myself a poetry performer and actor - she showed her enthusiasm and declared that being on stage and also in the audience at the Barn is a wonderful experience.

Visit Smallhythe and feel two parts of our history - that connected to the stage and that of our maritime prowess. You will not be disappointed. Also, a treat, a pair of Swallows nesting in the cafe.

Some Have Greatness Thrust Upon Them

We aimed for Sarre and the windmill but instead we turned off at St Nicholas at Wade and saw there was an open garden event going on. So we circled the village and ended up parking in St Nicholas Court where we bought tickets and started on the hike around the open gardens. The guide sheet had a little paragraph at the bottom to say that 'we hope you enjoy your visit to St Nicholas at Wade' and we have to say that we did indeed enjoy it.


This is an ancient Pyrocanthea that Daphne is pointing at. I mean ancient!

We were impressed not only by the gardens which were all working gardens and lived in except for 12A that was put together at the last moment and looked as if the owner had worked on it up to the day of showing. She had! The result was a garden under development that was fresh, bright and surprisingly, once the visitor had stopped to take a good look at it, a well laid out garden that had great potential.



The 14thC undergrond chapel at St Nicholas Court





The treat was visiting St Nicholas Court - and later we learned that this had been owned by the family Tapp whome we met later in the day. The Grandfather grew roses in tandem with fruit trees, mostly apples and the result was a wonderful combination of emerging fruit and rose blooms that entwined with the branches. The rest of the Tapp family had adopted a similar approach and here it gets complicated - the granddaughter and her husband, a most charming couple, live in a house that once belonged to the grandfather and hence there was an ancient apple tree with an equally ancient rose bush embracing it. In the grandaughter's mother's garden there was a similar invasion.





The amazing thing about the visit was the friendliness and the enthusiasm of the people for their church and village. Nothing was pristine which was refreshing and at each place we went the owners were happy to chat and happy to know that two out of towners were willing to come and look at their offerings.



A typical gable end



St Nicholas at Wade is one of those villages that are set off the main road and warrant only a sign pointing the way yet when the visitor arrives it is obvious there is more to the place than merely a pub and a few houses. The buildings are unusual and from the shapes of some gable ends one can see a Dutch influence. The older houses in the most cases have been added to but their 18thC origins remmain and from were the occasional Tudor house is placed it is also obvious that there were more Tudor originals. In other words the place is steeped in history which we have yet to discover.





This cottage is set in a disused chalkpit - circa 1720 which means the pit was worked out by the lime burners sometime before 1800.



We took many pictures of the gardens and the village and as the week end was devoted to the restoration of the church we were also pleased to add to the coffers in return for the openess of the residents. I took a picture of the restored church tower and naturally chose to take it framed by trees and roses. We had said that this time of year is the best time for roses although roses are seen for a long time during the summer.

We can recommend taking time to visit St Nicholas at Wade and maybe combining the visit with a walk to Sarre.





As an accidental visit the day was most enjoyable and has increased our desire to explore Thanet more widely.