Charing - the tale of a Christmas Tree

It seemed approriate that at this time of the year we take a short walk close to home so we went to Charing close to Ashford and on the road to Canterbury. Charing settles on the pilgrim's way and part of the North Downs Way and was once a resting place for the Archbishop of Canterbury. The old place was built there as a way station for the Archbishop of Canterbury on his trips between London and Canterbury. It was sold in 1629 and since then has deteriorated to the point where no self respecting Arch bishop could live there any longer. I believe in 2003 or thereabouts there was an unsuccessful attempt to gain funds to refurbish it and of late the Trust has collapsed which means that the place will be likely to fall apart even further.

Above: The arch leading to the Palace

- fat pigeons in hole to the right.

However, we stopped in the car park beside it and the church and saw an sign offering Christmas Trees so we went in through the arch, guarded by a couple of plump pigeons, and had a rare opportunity of seeing the ruins. My sister was looking for a tree and found one to her liking complete with roots for an exchange of monetry goods to the tune of ten pounds. It was a good looking tree and hopefully can be planted instead of chucked out for re-cycling.

Above: The old Palace Barn and store rooms

with Christmas trees on display.

Charing is a charming place and after we had explored the area around the church we headed for the village stopping at the millenium sun dial which didn't work - note there is a sundial on the church as well (that didn't work either) - maybe we needed to wait for the sun to shine?

The residents we met were very friendly including the people in the palace, and were willing to talk about their home village and some in particular were proud of the Christmas lights. There are a few shops in the village including a most comprehensive village store, a butcher's shop that also sells bakery products, a cafe where we had home made soup and local bread and a gem that nobody should miss. A chocolate shop! I can personally recommend the chocolate mice hand made by the owner. The chocolate is not only smooth, solid to the crunch and sweet but it is not sickly and affordable. A family went past us as a we were gobbling our mice and the children were running to get to the chocolate shop - I cannot blame them.

As a nice little stop on the way to somewhere Charing offers the charm of a historic village and a pleasant place to stroll - there is a pub in the high street and crossing the main Canterbury road there are some walks up to the hills and down again. It is a typical Downs village and one that many people would pass through but can offer some good walks - we will do some in the warmer weather and post them here.

It appears that a certain Mr Cackett was a manufacturer and engineering inventor who devised the diamond frame bicycle and made a motorcycle from parts he named the Venture. When we bear in mind that Ashford was once a railway workshops town and also had a thriving manufacturing industry that included making bicycles and mopeds one can understand the connection.

Wakeley House

Lamberhurst

Wher do you go on a cold autumn day when you have explored much of East and West Kent and do not fancy freezing on the coast or wanderinbg around a city such as Canterbury pretending to go shopping? We have enjoyed much of our local area and have sorted some routes so that we can travel quickly to favorite places. We decided that Lamberhurst was a good place to go with the intention of exploring the village or town casually and plan further visits when the weather and the season is more friendly to casual walkers. It proved to be a pleasant trip although with not a lot of walking but enough to enjoy. We also discovered a leaflet in the local shop described as the 'High Weald Welly Walk' that guides the walker to Scotney Castle estate and to places of interest around Lamberhurst and Kilndown.

Lamberhurst, just off the A21, not far from Goudhurst and close to Scotney Castle. A pretty place in the summer and naturally we visited it in the late autumn. The day was sunny and cold and therefore ideal for walking although we did not want to tromp in mud. We are not that intrepid without a guide either in the form of a map or a walk plan. We stopped in the car park in town and strolled the main street taking a look at the wonderful church built of sandstone.

The rain during the week and the night before was so heavy that golf courses were closing for play so when we walked across the course on the buggy path and public footpath we were glad there was nobody at play. We did not linger in the church as there was a group inside doing what groups in churches do but it is worth a visit.

Lamberhurst has managed to do something unique with its buildings in most of the places we saw close to the centre. Firstly the old houses are well preserved and tidy which is a great asset for the place given the number of visitors it has in the summer, and secondly many new buildings have been tastefully designed to fit in with the older styles and do not look out of place. There are some modern styles but these are gratefully suppressed and the whole place is a picture - a photographic delight. The new mixes with the old gracefully.

With sunset getting earlier the problem with our jaunts is, apart from the walking conditions, is time. We have to adjust so if we want lunch we have to work it so that we have a return to the car with a short walk and make the longer one before. The problem with that idea is we often need a warming cup so this day we walked from the centre up to the church and back and stopped in the Chequers Inn for a coffee intending to eat there if needs be. The Chequers is a grand place with a polite and pleasant welcome, a good lunch menu if somewhat on the high side for price but quality seems excellent.

The bars of the Chequers are hung with paintings by local artist Jane Grey and worth a look. She uses colors and adds a wonderful excitement to her scenes. The paintings are well framed

and for sale. We didn't lunch there as it turned out finding the rest of Lamberhurst more interesting than hurrying back part way for a meal. Instead we nipped into the Swan where the locals were watching the Irish beat the South Africans at Rugby. A pint of local Sussex ale and a light lunch was taken and recommended as a place to go for food. We were treated to a pleasant, unobtrusive service, good food served by cheerful staff and heated by a warm open fire with a gentle reminder that Christmas is coming.

In all the day was pleasant and intruduced us to another part of the Weald that needs to be visited. Filled with history of Iron making, charcoal burning and clay work this area also has the Scotney estate and was once a Hop Growing area. I am glad because the beer in the Swan was good.

Battling around Battle

On this exciting day of wind and rain we spent a few hours in Battle. We made the border crossing past Hawkhurst and followed the signs leading to the A21. We followed the signs to Battle and parked in the Abbey car park with the intention of looking around Battle but did the trip to the Abbey as well. Even on a grey day with occasional sunshine, heavy rain and wind the place is impressive. The autumn colors set off the dreariness of the old buildings although the town is attractive. We had intended to walk the battle of Hastings site but the weather was not helpful and we decided against getting wet and cold and confined our stroll to having a look at the battlefield from Harold's point of view. A bit one eyed you might say but under the circumstances a wise move - which is more than could be said of Harold.

The battlefield does not create much of an impression until you can imagine a wall of Saxon shields on the ridge looking down on the approach (the line of trees mark the flat where Willy had to come) knowing that whatever you did the buggers would still be up there on the hill ready to hammer the daylights out of you if you backed off. An uncomfortable feeling even for expert fighters such as the Normans.

As the seat of our modern history it is underplayed which means that we get to see it without all the trappings of hyped up tourism in the off season. The idea of walking around the battlefield is excellent in warmer weather but the day was not conducive; nevertheless we saw much and gathered much potted information from the hand held speaking guides. Still, it was a sly French trick to use better tactics and win thus setting the pattern for the English propensity for turning certain victory into utter defeat. We learn that Harold was a little over hasty to get to grips with William and stretched his forces out too much. He had no back up and instead of directing the fighting from above he was part of it and could not see what was happening. When the Normans did their false retreat his lot lost the plot and raced after the retreating soldiers and were in turn surrounded and murdered. Mind you - Henry V got his revenge in the return match at Agincourt (but by then most of England was Norman anyway). We determined to return in more favourable weather and 'do' the walk. In the meantime exploring Battle itself was a treat despite the obvious. One of the treats was seeing Anglo-Saxon names for streets and places. So did William really win?

Battle is old so we expected to find old buildings popping up all over the place. Right beside the Abbey gate there are two ancient buildings both eating houses and worth a visit and these form part of a town square with ancient buildings on all sides functioning as thriving shops and stores. The council workers were putting up the Christmas Tree (Yes, Christmas Tree) doing a manful job in the wind. They seeemed to be enjoying the job adorning what is a delightful town centre with a seasonal - sorry Christmas Tree for a Christmas celebration - bringing the thought that it is that time of the year again.

We walked a public footpath and got our bearings admiring the Police Station as we passed it and the new Library building that both seeemd to fit in; the former from an earlier time and the latter modern and tasteful instead of modern and 'orrible.

On the way we saw the Old Court Cottage and the magnificent Old Court house, now a dwelling, and a Tudor building that looked like something out of Disney movie.

We will be back later, next year maybe, to walk the battlefield and to explore the town and environs. Having explored much of Kent and enjoyed that we decided on a sudden whim to explore Sussex. Notable is the change of countryside as we move across the border into Sussex.

The High Weald seems different and the buildings are built differently to those of Kent which adds a sense of the new to what we are seeing. It will be a pleasure to explore our neighboring county.

Around Penshurst Place

A day out in the countryside is always a pleasant thing and is made much better when the weather is good. This November day Kent looked magnificent and was waiting to be walked on, visited and driven through.

We decided to re-visit Penshurstand take a walk to the park instead of guessing our way around without a map. There was a rumor that a map could be obtained from the gift shop in the park itself so we dids't take a walk there, located the leaflets and partook of a cup of coffee brewed and sold for a donation to a charity by a hard working lady. We parked in the village near the church and Liecester Square and from there we walked to the gift shop meeting many walkers on their way from elsewhere coming in the opposite direction. No matter. We had no idea where we going to end up until we had the leaflets.

The idea was to walk and look back at the view as we climbed and perhaps do the shorter walk but instead we chose to do the longer route and as a result we made the right choice. We were warm and feeling good from the cooler weather and happy to walk on a well mapped path. The attraction apart from the views across the fields and the park itself was the huge Oak trees dotted around the estate. The woods showing autumn colors and the flocks of birds diving and flying; crows landing and feeding on the insects in the soil.

The day was wonderfully bright and warm for early November and although at times I took off my coat I did have to put it back feeling the nip in the air suggesting winter is not far off. The weather belied that thought and we basked in warm sunshine. There were two walks offered, the Parkland Walk and the Riversdie Walk. We chose the parkland walk and was treated to lovely views back toward Penshurst Place and when we reached the top views across the weald and as far as Tonbridge. The path climbs from the car park normally reserved for visitors bypassing Well Place to join a cycle way (route 12) and deviates past some charming houses to the river Eden and then across the fields to the banks of the Medway.

We crossed a field where some beautiful cows were gathering near the water troughs looking content.

We thought this was a nice touch as we have followed the Medway during the summer and early autumn. The path leaves the river and follows a busy road but we used part of the cycle track and when a path was offered further along the road we took it to avoid the vehicles that seemed to want to hurry along and miss the bright day.

The path climbs a hill and again we can view Tonbridge in the distance. Walk through a squeeze gate and onto an avenue of what we think might be Maples and then down through another avenue of Beech to the parkland passing the shattered oak and back to the village via the church. The oak is given the title 'Sidney Oak' to reflect the fact that it was there when Sir Philip Sidney of Elizabethan times was alive. From the size of it one would deduce that it is much older than 450 years since then and perhaps was closer to 800 years old. I think the fence is new.

Take this walk and enjoy it. The cycle track is linked to the Hayesden Park tracks and if you have the time try a walk either from the Country park to Penshurst and back or perhaps start from Penshurst early in the morning and walk back over the hills to the village allowing for a visit to the Liecester Arms for a meal. I suggest making it know you want to return and imbibe. Of course you need to look into the church where the Sidney family have their tombs.

I believe we will return for the riverside walks if the weather holds.

Penshurst Village and Beyond

We went to Penshurst with the intention of walking around the village, and in a way we did. The day began wet and misty and as we had by now got the hang of going through Tonbridge to get to Haysden Country Park we managed Penshurst with hardly a tremor of the direction finder. The map we normally carry with us to guide us to the place unnerringly showed us the way. We found a place to park and disembarked for a wander. So we didn't take the map with us. And so we did not expect sunshine and dressed for rain. The first stop was at the garage come general store and post office for an ice cream. The next was to wander along the highway and look for a footpath to circumnavigate the village - which we did. We walked up Warren road beside the primary school and past some neat houses on a private road following the pathway down to the River Edge, crossing that to Salmon House where we saw ducks on a pond some flying in and one nervous creature who took off in front of me.

The greatest pleasure of the day apart from the exercise was the way the weather changed and revealed the autumn to us. As we had both been to Penshurst place separately and together we decided to walk around the area. We discovered later at the Quaintways Teashop that we could get the information from the gift shop at Penshurst Place itself and decided that a return visit and walk the second part of the village and take a look at the church as well was a good idea.







It was a treat to see the ducks and a couple of posing sheep. The day warmed up and so did we and so far we were on the right track - more or less. The sun came out. We stopped and doffed our coats and enjoyed the warmth. We followed the bridleway rather than the yellow arrow path and reached the top of a rise.





Now, this is where the map would have come in handy and the sunglasses because by this time it was coats off and blinking in the wonderful October sun taking in the autumn colors and the smells of the woods. We passed Wat Stock Plantation and instead of turning right we turned left. If we had had the map turning left would heve been the option. As it was we got on to the road eventually and walked through Weller's Town and onward until we took the road marked Penshurst at Larkin's farm (Hampkins Hill Road). It was at this point we realised that we had strayed a bit from our intended course - we recognised places we had walked past some two years before on a visit to Chiddingstone.

The track near the River Edge - you leave its course otherwise you end up backtracking and keep the woods in front of you and the bridge behind you. The river bends away to Chiddingstone and that is out of your way.




I recognised a gate and a pathway and some houses we had seen before and so we knocked on a door and asked the occupants for directions. We were directed to keep going left down the pathway to find the Railway station. Looking at the map we took the right way and instead went closer to the Vexour Bridge across the River Edge and found a path that led to Station Hill.


(The walk itself would take the path from the Vexour bridge and follow the natural direction that suggests itself - if you want accuracy well do waht we do - guess it)


The Penshurst place has a lodge or gatehouse (on the right)






We met another local who told us that if we walked up the hill, turned right and walked a for about twenty minutes we would arrive at Penshurst. He was right. We did. And once we had unloaded our coats into the car we sought a cafe for some tea and muffins. Quaintways Tea Shop is a delightful and popular place - much better than the pub I think for walkers.

As a bonus we saw the rear end of the Penshurst Place estate, and I happen to remember that the original approach to the estate was along the avenue you can see in the picture above right. The avenue is in fact a little further along but the picture is nice anyway.



The walk, which I can recommend took about three and a half hours - we stomped the last bit - and streteched our legs for about ten kilometres which is not bad for a couple of casual walkers. On the way we chatted with people and took some pictures as well as took in the scenery. We had time to stop and stare but next time we will take the map with us.

Walking in Wet Wingham

Wingham, a historic town between Canterbury and Sandwich which we discovered goes way back to Roman and Saxon times. The Dog Inn has been there for a long time in some form or another and the Red Lion appears to be a well established tavern. We also learned from a local resident that the Anchor was newly opened and likely to serve lunches in the future. However, we had a sandwich in the Red Lion and enjoyed reading the historical bits plus the friendly service. It is the season for pub walks and pubs as anchors for our traipsing around.




As usual at this time of the year - October - the trees are shedding their leaves and the colors are magnificent as many Kent towns and villages will be at this time of the year.



We walked the town and was pleased to note that the shops were entering into the spirit of the season, Halloween, and had displays in their windows. We were impressed with the fierce pumkin displayed in the local dentists window. We were also impressed by the display in the local bakery - yes bakery with home-made pies, cakes, bread and buns. In fact Wingham seemed to be modestly serviced by shops that aimed to please.


The place seemed to impose itself upon us and we were apprached by locals who volunteered snippets of information about themselves and the town. The fact that there was a fairground nearby which is fiercely defended by locals and the hunt that comes to Winham - agree or not the hunt is a pretty sight even if the fox would disagree.











The major problem is that the road is busy with cars and trucks which takes the edge of the experience - some drivers refusing to obey the rules of the road and insist on speeding through the town.


We chose to go there for two reasons.





One reason was that we have passed through the place a number of times and ignored it and the other was that as it was raining we thought that there would be places to shelter (a pub) and we were right. This is a good place to visit and we also learned that there are some walks around the area connected to the coal miners and again we saw how connected with Sandwich and the early settlers that Wingham itself is.



We looked at the church and met up with the driver of a vintage Rolls Royce employed to convey the bride and groom from the church to their reception. (She was beautiful - oh, the car and the Bride!) We had a chat with the driver who told us about the car's history and his business and we saw how happy the young woman looked when she and her newly wedded husband took their seats in the immaculate car.



We were impressed by the gentleman with the Rolls Royce and his attitude toward his clients. Rosie the 1933 Roller was immaculate and so with no embarrassment we would reccomend Vintage Vows for a wedding car and blatantly suggest you call them on 01227 794706 or 07734934209 - this is a luxury not to be missed by a man who has the day of the bride in mind.









However, there are some pleasant spots and here and there we wandered into places that were so quiet that the traffic passing through seemed to disappear and we saw what many small towns and villages in Kent seem to offer - surprising little treats of ancient buildings and even more impressively ancient trees. Wingham has a lot to offer in history and in beauty.



I think the idea that you there for the bird and wild life park is only part of the story. Wingham goes back to Roman times and I would say that with the river there and the arable land there must have been an earlier settlement well before even the Romans arrived to plant there villas. There is in fact a villa there (site of) but given the time we did not have the chance to find it.

Sheffield Park - Autumn 2009

The thing with Sheffield Park is that it is different in all seasons and never the same in any. We took a trip down there for the Autumn aware that we may not get down there at the height of the fall season but wanting to witness the change. It was a dull day but the colors emerged in all their glory. The drive there was a pleasant experience with evidence that the Autumn was coming; chestnuts falling, leaves turning and the planting alongside the main roads showing the colors. This Capability Brown joker has the right idea and as we stood on the bridge between two lakes we were impressed once more by the sheer audacity of design; the ability of a man to project his vision on a piece of land and create a thing of beauty that although artificial appears so natural.



I took nearly two hundred photos on the day and it was with some difficulty that I have selected these to show a little of what we saw on the day. From the view of the lakes - hence the panoramas above and the huge chestnuts that have fallen to leave their fascinating stumps behind to the exotic Nikau Palms with

their clusters of ripening berries there is variety. The gardnes are not a static display but one that will change with the seasons and als as plants dies off and need to be replaced.


Mostly we go there for the lake and the changing seasons but on each visit I am sure I see more and different aspects of the park that make it come alive. I know that both of us, my

Sister and myself were surprised by the impact it had on our senses and once more appreciated what the past has left for us to enjoy.






And if you think that what I have written is sickly then maybe you should go and see the place for yourself.


The simple truth is that we are attracted by gardens such as these and from what we learned on our journey the estimated number of visitors for that day was about two thousand. Which information was considerable because the Bluebell Railway was also open for visitors.






It remains only to visit the place in Winter when there is snow and enjoy the magic of a real winter garden. maybe at sunset with tall glasses of Rose wine and the promise of warm winter soup and pictures taken of icicles with the sun glinting through them. Or maybe watch for the winter fairies and feed the ducks and swans.