50th Anniversary Walk

Persistent rain, blustery winds, thunder….that is what was forecast for this 50th Anniversary walk for the West Kent and East Kent Groups. In the event we had two short sharp showers and long spells of sunshine, until the last 20 minutes when we did have persistent, heavy rain and even one thunder clap.

It is not many GOC walks where you first have to consult the maritime tide tables. But on this occasion it was necessary. The walk took us on part of the Saxon Shore Way, along the Medway Estuary from Strood to Hoo Marina. This path is impassable 90 minutes either side of high tide; which was forecast for 14.39. Hence, we had an incentive to get a move on and to keep our feet dry.

Fifteen walkers from the West and East Kent Groups and one or two visitors from London started the walk at Rochester Station. After crossing the River Medway into Strood, we turned East to walk along the estuary. Graeme pointed out the former Soviet submarine that had been moored in the estuary for over 20 years and the gay owned and gay friendly pub. There followed the only real ascent of the day to Frindsbury before descending past a medieval tythe barn to the attractive and quirky village of Upnor, giving fine views over the Chatham Historic Dockyard (where incidentally Graeme and Nick got married). Upnor is the training depot for the water borne activities of the Royal School Of Military Engineering. We walked past their depot, but alas today there were no soldiers on parade in their wet T shirts.

Next came the time critical part of the walk, along the foreshore between the ever-narrowing strip of dry land between foreshore and wooded bank. Jokes were made about being marooned and having to call out the RNLBI. This time the Gods were smiling on us and we passed the narrowest gap and kept our feet dry. We probably had about 20 minutes to spare.

We walked on to Hoo Marina. An eclectic mix of house boats, Dutch barges and repurposed light vessels. I am sure it would be a fascinating Bohemian community to live in.

We turned inland, by which time the troops were getting restless for lunch. Unfortunately, this is just as the clouds were gathering above and we had our second shower. We ate beneath some trees. After lunch we continued on the inland and dry alternative loop of the Saxon Shore Way until we reached Upnor again. Here we stopped for a lovely pint in a very old ‘Tudor Rose’, which gives a clue to the origins of Upnor, which indeed does have a Tudor castle, built to protect the dockyard at Chatham.

After our pint we retraced our steps back to Rochester, to continue the day with the 50th Anniversary Celebration Tea.

50th Anniversary Celebration Tea

The walk leader, Graeme, hosted a Celebration Tea for the 15 walkers and a few others who couldn’t make the walk. When planned, back in February, he had romantic notions of sitting in the sunshine in the garden. However by 4.30, the rain had definitely set in. Hence, we were confined to the house which gave the celebration a cosey feel.

Thanks go to my husband, Nick, who stayed behind and prepared the house. By the time we arrived, the balloons had been hung, banners and flags positioned, the food plated and the kettle on.

I admit that I cheated. I did not bake the cakes, nor make the sandwiches. My grateful thanks go to the Trustees who kindly agreed to pay for food platters and Cava as part of the Club’s 50th Anniversary. This allowed me to put on a fine spread (thank you Morrison’s) for over 20 people.

Everyone had a great time, all were well fed and watered, to the backing sound track of ‘Priscilla Queen of the Dessert’. Conversation flowed about good time had courtesy of the best gay club in the UK.

The time came to light the candles on the cake, to open the Cava and to toast the health of GOC. We gave thanks for friendships made, the companionship and in some cases even to life-long partners found.

We had among our number two former Chairs of GOC – David White and Graeme Brown. They were invited to blow out the candles.

After more time talking and reminiscing the celebration finished. People departed having had an interesting and varied walk and a friendly celebration. They were thankful to belong to such a wonderful club.

Graeme Brown

Walk Leader and Host.