FEPS TRIPS FRI SEPT 26TH (for travel), SAT SEPT 27TH, SUN SEPT 28TH 2025
ISLE OF SHEPPEY and ROCHESTER
The Isle of Sheppey lies off the North coast of Kent. Originally there were 3 islands off the north coast of Kent: The other two were the Isle of Harty (to the South East) and the Isle of Elmley (to the South West). The water ways between the islands became silted up so Sheppey is now one single island. Much of it is VERY LOW and marshy; being a good area for wildlife.
The Kent mainland is connected to the Isle by 2 bridges—-one is for pedestrians, cyclists, light vans and cars together with railway lines; the other bridge is much higher and takes heavy lorries, The first bridge can be raised to let tall boats pass under. The Island economy is heavily dependent on the docks—they take the largest volume of imported cars, fruit and timber.
The population is about 40000, spread largely across SHEERNESS, QUEENBOROUGH, and MINSTER (largest) and highest—all 78 m of it. There are stations at SHEERNESS ON SEA, and QUEENBOROUGH, on the Island, and SWALE is the last town (with a station) on the Northern coast of Kent. Trains go to Sittingbourne, with one, or two, rush hour trains connecting directly to Victoria
The geography of QUEENBOROUGH is such that one of the docks faces onto the River Medway, whilst the other docks face onto the River Thames. Sheerness was a naval port initially.
The coast offers both sandy beaches and some shingle beaches. High tides in the storms can throw the shingle up onto the roads and over some buildings—-note the very high flood walls.
The largest town, MINSTER, is based on a monastic background: it is the most Easterly town, and the remotest. The lane beyond the town takes you to the beach for naturists.
There are 3 prisons on the Island hosting about 2-3000 prisoners. Attempts have been made from time to time to get the steel works started again.
Whilst the Isle of Sheppey has a varied offering for you, ROCHESTER offers something different again. The Town has a High Street with interesting buildings. There are also a Cathedral, and a Castle, and a dock with unusual boats (on my last visit).
Please let TREVOR and MUNJAL know if you wish to come. I suggest arriving as early as convenient on Friday to get a feel of the area.
(I suggest you aim to find accommodation in Sittingbourne, as it will lie between the Isle of Sheppey, and Rochester.)
TREVOR HYDE (020 8866 2435) MUNJAL RAWJI (07894 455550)
QUEENBOROUGH MENDING NETS
TIDES OUT AT QUEENBOROUGH
REPAIRS IN THE DOCKS
ROCHESTER CASTLE
*Fancy an ‘ad-hoc’ photographic outing during the Summer break? Please post your ideas on the ‘Field End outings’ WhatsApp group and let us know if you like the idea of a few hours around London, an afternoon or evening after work.
Please contact the trip organisers with your ideas for FEPS Outings, e.g. on our ongoing theme of: ‘Backstreets of London’.
FEPS Trips are open to all members. Locations vary and include local trips, visits further afield and sometimes overnight stays with a view to explore the unfamiliar in a variety of different locations. All trips are thoroughly researched by trip organizers for photographic interest.
For all trips, members are responsible for all their personal costs; travel, food, refreshments, accommodation (where relevant) and all members are responsible for their own safety.
Please refer to FEPS policies such as Equality and Respect and the Safeguarding policy prior to attending a trip.
Trip information is shared in advance and subject to weather conditions, travel restrictions and availability of leaders. Keep an eye on the website, the ‘Field End outings’ WhatsApp group and your email for updates. The organisers are very happy to answer any questions.
