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Extreme makeover for Medway
LAINA TUFF
Chat to friends about Medway and problems such as graffiti, half sunken trolleys along the riverbed and an under-sized shopping centre will nearly always crop up.
But over the next 20 years we will see Medway transformed from the Cinderella of Kent. With the help of 16,000 new homes, 20,000 new jobs and one hell of a makeover, the towns’ current population of 250,000 is expected to rise to a citylike 300,000.
An estimated £1billion development programme aims to transform our historic and industrial towns of Chatham, Rainham, Rochester, Gillingham and Strood and unite them into a modern and sophisticated new city.
But why is regeneration so important? I got in touch with Brian Weddell, Head of Medway Renaissance, to find out more.
He explained: “Medway needs to regenerate itself following the closure of the naval dockyard to provide more jobs and homes for the future. It is a regional centre and should rise to attain its rightful place as the river city of north Kent.”
So, what’s happening near you?
Chatham will be reborn as Medway’s new city centre, where 1,500 new homes are to be constructed and 3,000 new jobs created.
The Pentagon Shopping Centre will undergo major redevelopment, creating a further 150,000 square feet of space for new stores. This expansion will make it the second biggest shopping centre in the south-east, next to Bluewater.
The development plans will also see the Sir John Hawkins flyover, which leads into Chatham town centre, demolished. A new and much-needed £5million bus station will be built.
The waterfront has already seen the arrival of the Dockside Outlet Centre, Odeon cinema, Dickens World and several restaurants. Further plans for the area include a 2,000 seat auditorium called The Reach that will stage West End shows, new apartments, a park, a hotel, more cafés and restaurants, a new primary school, a doctor’s surgery and a community centre, as well as three miles of cycle paths and river walks.
There is even talk of a cable car system that would aim to bring Chatham closer to the surrounding areas. It would run from Chatham Waterfront through the Pentagon retail area and university sites, then across the river, stretching as far as Strood and Rochester and providing an alternative to bridges, buses and trains.
Another transformation will take place at Rochester Riverside, where 2,000 homes, office spaces, parks, shops, a hotel with conference facilities, a school and doctors’ surgery are to be constructed. Gillingham Waterfront will see another 1,000 homes and 200 jobs created plus new shops, leisure and community facilities, while Strood and Temple will together experience similar changes, adding approximately 1,000 more homes and 500 new jobs.
Medway will be unrecognisable with so many new buildings and other structures such as the new bridge at Rochester Riverside.
Medway will welcome a new, up-to-date riverside city with class, popularity, a modern image and plenty of things to do - whether it’s living it up among the riverside nightlife or enjoying a family day out at one of the peaceful riverside parks.
To see artists’ impressions of future Medway views, or to find out more, visit www.medwayrenaissance.com.
Caught by the fuzz
MADISON BRITCHER
Being a police officer is a tough job, but just how tough can it be? Media coverage sometimes focuses on the continuing struggle between police and young people. We sent Madison Britcher to Medway Police Station in Gillingham, to find out what police life is really like and what the police really think of young people.
Speeding through Medway, sirens blaring and lights flashing was the last thing I thought I’d experience when I went to meet Inspector Roscoe Walford. I expected a day of lectures about youth behaviour - I have always thought the police had a negative attitude towards young people. But talking to Insp Walford I realised that we don’t make it easy for the police. Their job isn’t to punish us; it’s to look after us.
One of the demands of the job, it seems, is to be prepared for anything. This I found out, while slowly driving around Medway in a police car on what I thought was just going to be a quick spin round the block to see what the car was like. About two minutes into the trip a call came through; an officer needed emergency assistance. The control pad for the lights and sirens was activated and the car immediately came to life. I was on my way to a call out. Insp Walford seemed to know the roads like the back of his hand, which was reassuring as I saw the speedometer hit 70mph.
In a few minutes we were there helping at a drunk and disorderly incident. When we arrived there were two officers trying to calm the situation down. I watched from afar – safe inside the police car - as Insp Walford took control. In a few minutes we were back on the road again, satisfied that the incident had been resolved.
It was only lunchtime and I was already worn out! As we headed back to the station – at a much slower pace – I felt like I was in a fish tank. Everyone was staring in at us. There were even a few who hurled verbal abuse at us for no reason at all. This really opened my eyes to what the police have to deal with.
I chatted to Insp Walford about the struggle between the police and young people. He explained that the police have to think of everyone who make up a community – older people, adults, young people and children. It’s not all about us. Some older people feel intimidated when there are large groups of us hanging around. If the police are called they have to respond. We are left feeling agitated and harassed (for what we feel is for no reason), but if the police don’t respond, then older members of the community feel vulnerable. It’s a tricky situation that the police have to handle.
If we gave them a chance we’d see that they don’t turn up to ruin our fun but to remind us that there are other members of the community and we need to think of how we are perceived by others – even if we’re not doing anything illegal. The police aren’t criticising, they are trying to deal with the perception of teenagers hanging around. They are working with young and old people alike to try to overcome this misconception. We have a right to wear hoodies and not be judged and everyone in the community has a right to feel safe.
Back at the station I was shown around the cells. I was quite surprised at how well people in custody were treated. The cells were white and airy and almost pleasant, though I certainly wouldn’t want to have to spend any amount of time in them. The station has 40 cells and an average weekend will see almost all of them full – police life is certainly a busy one.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day with the police. They really are here to help us, but they need us to do our bit as well. In every town we have community support officers and their job is just to keep us safe and happy. Why don’t you get to know them, they won’t bite. You can find out who your officer is by going to www.kent.police.uk.
I'm a teenager, get me out of here!
MICHAEL DARE AND BRANNAN HANCOCK
Some say that camping in the big outdoors is becoming a thing of the past with people wanting warmer temperatures and the creature comforts of a hotel. And camping in Medway is almost unheard of...until now.
We sent Michael Dare and Brannan Hancock to Capstone Farm Country Park in Gillingham, to see if modern-day boys had what it takes to survive a night in the wild. They dragged Charlotte Edwards and Fay Coffin (not teenagers) from the council’s Communications Team along for the experience and were joined by rangers from the park. As the team prepared to make their own tents, build a campfire and learn how natural tools could help, here are Michael and Brannan’s initial thoughts:
Michael: Catching your dinner, surviving in the wilderness and building your own shelter – not the first things on your average to-do list! Fearing the worst, I got ready for what I thought may be my last few hours on this earth.
Brannan: It’s only for one night, what’s the worst that could happen?
Saturday, 2pm
Michael: I was ready to brave the big outdoors armed with my huge rucksack, while everyone else had gone for the carry light technique. The rangers gave us the all-important safety talk, showing us how to use the tools that would help us build our shelter. I wasn’t optimistic!
Brannan: We arrived at Capstone with rucksacks that were set on pulling us backwards. The setting was perfect for a survival weekend - flat land with a forested perimeter. I listened as we were told how billhooks, spikes, loppers, bow saws, spades and mallets would help us to survive a night in the wild. Well, it was either that or hospital!
2.30 to 5pm
Michael: The lecture over, we grabbed our tools and set off into the woods. We immediately set eyes on potential shelter material. Brannan and I thought we could show our manhood by cutting a tree up in front of Charlotte and Fay. We were brilliant, if I do say so myself. Then it was the girls’ time to shine. A baby would have better sawing skills than those two put together! Our next challenge was to turn the end of the wood into a spike before we banged it into the ground. Again, Brannan and I thought we would be the best. We were mistaken. It was a man’s job and I am obviously not yet a man. Charlotte seemed to be a dab hand at it, which badly damaged my ego.
Brannan: This was the best part of the challenge for me; not for Michael though. He couldn’t wait for the fire. We went into the woods armed with a 24-inch bow saw (under strict supervision of course). We needed eight large pieces of wood: Three for the main structure of each tent (we made two) and two more to cut up for pegs around the edge.
5.30 to 6pm
Michael: Fire-building time. Brannan and I frantically placed stick after stick on our fire pit, but it wasn’t good enough so we had to call in a favour with the rangers. I stood by the fire for ages, adding new wood to keep our creation burning. Did I hear someone say pyromaniac?
Brannan: Keeping it alight was a new challenge altogether!
6 to 9pm
Michael: This was my favourite time...dinnertime. Fay was our head chef cooking Michelin cuisine - burgers, sausages and… well, a roll for each one. Up next were ghost stories round the campfire.
Brannan: It was finally time to sit down, rest and eat. We all had a laugh and heard about the camper that haunts Capstone.
9 to 10pm
Michael: It was time. The big hike. I was terrified. Not only do I hate walking, but I’m scared of the dark too. The good part - I heard some bats on the rangers’ sensor. The bad part - I stepped in dog poo.
Brannan: This was it; the late-night walk where torches were forbidden. We went over stiles and down through fields. It was steep and treacherous - well I thought it was! We were on the lookout for bats using a detector to pick up their supersonic sounds. The walk really created an atmosphere and showed us how much there was to Capstone. It’s not just the lake that everyone knows.
Sunday, 6.30 to 7.30am
Michael: It wasn’t a great night’s sleep but at least I got some. Fay’s Cafe, as we had christened it, served a much-needed bacon and sausage roll. Rather tasty.
Brannan: 6.30am! A bit too early for my liking! Breakfast soon got me going though.
7.30 to 9.30am
Michael: It was time to pack away our supplies. I began the tedious task of packing my bag before taking down our beloved shelter. When the deed was done we had a challenge - who could throw the wood furthest into the fire. Again, Charlotte won. Another nail in the coffin for my ego!
Brannan: We packed away and dismantled our shelter. We saw who could throw the pegs the furthest. Charlotte was victorious, putting us boys and Fay to shame.
9.30 to 10am
Michael: It was time to say our goodbyes. What a great way to spend a weekend and the best part was I didn’t get eaten by any grizzly bears!
Brannan: We had survived! I positioned the biggest piece of wood in the centre of the fire as a tribute to a great weekend.
Vive Le Tour
MICHAEL DARE
There are 21 teams, 189 riders, 3,569.9Km and a bright yellow jersey...All together they make up the Tour de France; said to be the toughest sporting event in the world. It takes the riders through cities and over mountains until it finally ends in Paris. This year the race started here in Britain and I was lucky enough to be invited to the prologue, which took place in London.
When we arrived at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre we were given our VIP passes and our promotional bags that contained all sorts of Tour goodies. We then sat in the midday sun having on-demand orange juice and fantastic French nibbles. Then the race cavalcades came through the streets throwing samples of their products into the crowds, before we were called in for a special lunch.
After a delicious array of fine cuisine, that frankly I knew I wouldn’t get in any old cafe that I’m used to; we went back outside to see the time trials and enjoy yet more food as they brought out afternoon tea and cake. The riders were fantastic; they were so fast I could barely catch the action on camera! All I saw was a rainbow of different colours come zooming past every minute or so, followed by their team cars and police escort. The noise was incredible too as thousands of people screamed messages to them. You couldn’t hear yourself think when the British riders came through.
While this was going on we spotted Gary McGowan, who works for Transport for London and who had helped plan the Tour in the capital. He was so surprised that we wanted his autograph that he took us up into the QEII press room where we spoke to members of LBC radio and saw them do a live broadcast over the phone.
It was getting later. All the cake trays had been taken in as the final riders crossed the line. The huge screen beside the green where we were sat was showing the day’s best coverage from all over the course and we just sat back and relaxed as we knew our VIP experience would soon come to an end. We had had a great day and left with a few unexpected souvenirs such as Mayor of London’s Ken Livingstone’s signature.
I loved the day as it showed me just how utterly fantastic the Tour de France is.
Le Tour
LAINA TUFF
There was plenty of lycra and sunshine to go round on 7 July in Westminster, as the Mixit team was given VIP entry to watch the Grand Départ of the Tour de France (the day before the main race).
After the busiest underground journey I’ve ever embarked on, we arrived on the scene to a surreal, bustling London, seeing some of the top sites –Big Ben and Westminster Abbey- caged in by empty roads.
After picking up our passes and goodie bags from the QEII Conference Centre, and me being most upset by the incredibly wrong type on my pass that read, “MR Liana Tuff”, we headed over to the green opposite the Abbey, to spend the rest of the afternoon in style!
We were soon being served fresh orange juice from the marquee and soaking up the sun under a white parasol, while live coverage was brought to us on the big screen. Birds-eye views of central London showed the track from Whitehall to The Mall. Delicious appetisers were brought out as an added bonus to get us in the mood for dinner, ranging from tasty Stilton cheese to oriental prawn bites.
In my element, I was shocked to see the host of the day, Ken Livingstone, enter the VIP area. An opportunity not to be missed, I was eager to meet the Mayor of London, only to find him accompanied by the Mayor of Paris! Both were very pleased with the day’s turnout. They commented on how it had brought together so many people in such a positive way.
At 1.30pm we were called in for lunch. Asparagus with lemon vinaigrette to start, black pearl cod in a white wine sauce for main and for sweet, a mouth-watering raspberry pancetta.
An hour later and we were back on the green; the sun was still shining and the crowd preparing for the 3pm race start. The roadside was filled, as parade floats were soon to be followed by those speedy men in Lycra! Leaving at one-minute intervals from Whitehall, it was a job to catch any of the 189 cyclists on camera as they whizzed past, but I managed a few shots timed against the Mexican wave of applause up the road!
The race finished at 6.30pm, but during this time there was somehow still more to come, as waiters produced continuous trays of coffee and fresh cream cakes! – I certainly can’t criticise the food service!
It came as no surprise to hear some of the biggest cheers from the million-strong crowd dedicated to the five English cyclists participating. This includes Bradley Wiggins, who finished in fourth place at nine minutes, 13 seconds, with his hopeful first swiped 23 seconds beforehand by Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara who took the Yellow Jersey, being the only rider to finish in under nine minutes.
We’d like to add a special thanks to Debbie and Cob Rumble for accompanying us on this Mixit outing and for such an enjoyable day!
Get Jamming at New Skatepark
When Shelley Yates got told off for skateboarding in places that were seen as unsuitable, she decided to do something about it. She got in touch with Medway Council and the rest, as they say, is history. Charlotte Edwards talked to Shelley to find out more about the exciting new skatepark project in Rochester.
I understand that a new skate park is going to be built at the Jackson's Recreation Ground. How have you been involved in this project?
Well, I really like skateboarding and I’ve been skating everywhere, but I’ve been getting fined. In Rochester moat I got an £80 fine, so I decided to get a skatepark. I went round knocking on people’s houses and I got more than 600 signatures and then rung up the council, sent the signatures in and then got a meeting. It went on from there.
Were the local residents taken into consideration when you planned the park?
Yes, because when I got the petition I was asking people if they would be interested in having a skatepark and I didn’t really get any complaints. They were very happy about it. Also, the skatepark’s going to be built out of concrete – that’s proven to be quieter than wood and metal. So there’ll be less noise, which is what people normally moan about. So it’ll be better.
What are the benefits of the skatepark?
Getting teenagers off the streets – people are always moaning about teenagers these days, they’re thugs etc. This will give them something to do.
Skating will bring all the different stereotypes together because you get chavvies and you get grungers all skating together.
It’s healthy exercise – you’ve got the Jamie Oliver campaign about eating healthily and this is getting kids out there, it’s healthy, it’s fun, it’s different. It’s also challenging, so it will give young people something to work towards.
It’ll bring so much to Rochester because Rochester normally concentrates on Dickens, but this will bring more young people into the local shops – getting them into the visitor information centre and if the skatepark is a success, which it will be, then they will hold skate jams where pro-skateboarders will come down. This will benefit Rochester.
How much time has gone into planning this?
I started it about three years ago. It started off with just me but over time support has grown.
Have you actually designed the skatepark and had a say in what’s going to be there?
Yeah, we got a pro-skateboarder from London – Mark Churchill, who rides for Vans. We got him to come down with Gravity to give us some ideas. We told him what we wanted and he put it into position so that people wouldn’t ride into each other.
What can people expect to see there?
A bowl in one corner and then a street course following it round. A vert wall for bmx’. A small mini and some ledges to grind.
Will it suit all abilities, from people who want to start skateboarding to those who have been doing it for years? Can anyone go down there and still have a good time?
Yeah, it was designed so it would be ready for development because there’ll be some skateboarders who’ve been skating for years who’ll be able to skate the larger stuff. Then there’s smaller stuff and those skateboarders, who stick with it, can go from the smaller stuff to bit bigger, bit bigger and develop
Will there be people on-site to keep an eye on safety or is this left up to the individual?
There’ll be wardens who go round now and again and there’ll also be CCTV put in once the park has been built. There will also be lighting – because people may moan about that, the lighting will be on a timer – so it’ll go off at a certain time so it doesn’t disturb the neighbourhood.
The skate park is going to be outside - does this mean it will be free to use?
Yeah, it’s free and open to anyone.
The unit 1 skate park had a skate bus making it easy for young people to get to the park. Will there be anything like this at the Jackson's Skate Park?
No, because Jackson’s is central. So you’ve got the two main roads – City Way and New Road. Then you’ve got two train stations – Chatham and Rochester and also surrounding bus routes. We chose to put it there so that young people could get there. We made sure this is easy to get to – you can walk, ride your bmx or skateboard.
At the end of January one of the most famous Olympians of all time, Sir Steve Redgrave, was in Medway at a black tie dinner to mark 2012 days to the London 2012 Olympic Games and the start of Medway’s bid to be actively involved in the huge sporting event. Tickets were hard to come by but we managed to get James Gibson and Laina Tuff from Mixit SHOUTbOX at the dinner. Here’s what they thought of the evening.
One night, two guests of honour, six Olympic gold medals and 2012 days…
JAMES GIBSON
More than 200 guests were packed into the Corn Exchange, Rochester, to celebrate 2012 days to the London Olympics - Medway’s high and mighty, potential young people who would be competing in the games, Rob Smith from BBC South East, Danny Crates who won the 800m gold at the 2004 Paralympic Games and some guy called Sir Steve Redgrave, who apparently won five gold medals in five consecutive games.
The night began with my ticket collection; I was lucky enough to be on two tables, one as a journalist and one as an athlete. I decided to sit at the London 1948 table, it wasn’t quite 2012, but it was close enough. Next it was on to the firework display at Rochester Esplanade. Several neck straining minutes later it was over, worth the wait but the warmth of the Corn Exchange beckoned. I sat next to several other youth athletes - a boxer, trampolinist and pentathlete, as well as fellow Mixit member Laina and several members of Medway Council’s Sports Development Team. After three courses of food, it was down to business… the speeches.
First was Sir Steve, who talked vividly and at great length of his experiences at past games and how they had succeeded or failed. His focus was on legacies of the games and how they had benefited local community and business. This was what the evening was about, how the Olympics were going to benefit Medway.
We heard about Medway’s ambitions to be a gateway to the games and a sporting centre of excellence. This would include a complete refurbishment Gillingham’s Black Lion Leisure Centre, training facilities for foreign athletes, and the first Youth Disability Games in Medway. Let’s hope that Sir Steve and the other guests at the evening will not be disappointed when these changes take place…let the countdown begin.
Sporting legend inspires us all
LAINA TUFF
Inspiration. That’s what it was all about at the Corn Exchange in Rochester. I was thrilled to be invited to ‘the Sir Steve Redgrave champagne and dinner reception’ (as my ticket read!) with young future Olympian hopefuls, councillors and other guests to celebrate the 2012 days to the 2012 London Olympics.
After a typical womanly time of three hours getting ready (record for me!) and a stomach half jumping for joy, half flying away with butterflies, I arrived at the venue at 8pm to a catwalk of best suits complete with bow ties and beautiful evening dresses.
Once inside I met up with fellow Mixit SHOUTbOX colleague and local triathlete James Gibson, and was directed upstairs to the bar, where I reluctantly chose orange squash over the free champagne – I think I deserve a medal for that!
In the main hall large round tables identical to ours filled the hall, each with a white tablecloth set off by the surrounding red décor of carpet, drapes and chairs, all romantically lit by three chandeliers. The main focus was at the front of the hall, where the black star-studded stage eagerly awaited the night’s guests.
The hall fell silent as we were reminded of the evening’s theme in an emotional and inspiring video showing young athletes world-wide, aspiring to become Olympic medallists. This was followed by the entrance of the true stars of the evening - five-times Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave and Paralympian, Danny Crates, who were welcomed into the hall with tremednous applause. Professor Keith Mander, of the University of Kent at Medway, talked about Medway’s efforts in developing the Black Lion Leisure Centre as Medway Park, a centre of sporting excellence.
Then it was the moment we’d all been waiting for - Sir Steve’s speech! Although he couldn’t go without an introduction and what an inspiring one it was, the hall was silent again as we watched some of Redgrave’s finest moments on screen.
“If anyone sees me go anywhere near a boat, you’ve got my permission to shoot me.’’ The famous words echoed around the room. And we became even more intent watching the final metres of his amazing gold win in Sydney 2000. (Check out what advice Sir Steve had to offer coming soon to MixitOnline.
Believe it or not, the best bit of the night was still to come. After his speech I plucked up the courage to go and meet the sporting legend myself, armed with camera and ticket to get signed – a true fan! What an amazing, inspirational man and an incredible night!
Love football? Love the Gills? Then why not kick it with them and keep fit this season?!
LAINA TUFF
Football in the community (FITC) is a scheme run by every football club throughout the country by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA). I caught up with ex-pro footballer and current manager of FITC, Steve Lovell, to find out more about what makes the Gills’ approach to the scheme such a fun and unique experience.
Soccer schools play a major part in the scheme. Although they run throughout the year for ages 5-14, volunteers aged up to 20 have the chance to get involved and help out. These take place in schools between Gillingham and Strood and as far out as Sittingbourne and Sheppey, providing a great opportunity for fun and fitness!
But it’s not all about football, as the soccer schools also help in developing communication and teamwork skills, as well as confidence. Steve explains: “Someone can turn up and show very little confidence, but put them on a pitch with a game and they beam with it! Football is definitely a great vehicle!”
FITC has also set up a Girl’s Centre of Excellence and Wheelchair Football Project, so there are plenty of opportunities for everyone!
On top of this the scheme plays a great role in education. Qualified coaches attend maths and English lessons in schools and take part in after school clubs and PE lessons, while Gills players are regular hosts at school presentation events.
FITC has made a huge impact in the community, with more soccer schools bringing more young people every year. – Score some goals for the team this month with some of our very own local heroes!
Wanna find out more or get involved?
Contact Steve Lovell:
Tel: 01634 350125
Fax: 01634 350200
Email: fitc@priestfield.com
Web: http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com
-Download a free application form from the site!
Olympics should benefit Medway
JAMES GIBSON
Two things stood out for me when London won the rights to host the Olympics. First of all we beat the French, (always a good thing) and secondly I thought about the effect it would have on Medway.
No doubt you are looking forward to the prospect of the Olympics coming to Britain and maybe have set yourself a target to be there at the games themselves. Have you considered that the effect will be felt in Medway too?
Sport England has already started to increase funding for potential medal winners at the games. Clubs all over the country have sent in their applications for funding. When bidding for the games, it was one of Sebastian Coe’s main policies – emphasising the importance of Britain’s youth having the games as a legacy. This extra funding is a way of ensuring that the development of sport in Kent and Medway is as strong as possible.
But don’t worry if you’re not into sport or unable to compete! The Olympic Games will still benefit everyone still living in Medway.
Not only will you be able to sign up to be a volunteer on the London 2012 website. Lots of jobs will be created in construction, hospitality and marketing as the new stadiums and venues are built.
The rail link will also mean that Kent and Medway’s tourism levels will rise and it is a real possibility that some of the national teams will use Medway facilities in their training running up to the event.
Also, 10,000 of the 70,000 journalists reporting on the events are expected to use Kent and Medway as a base, which alone will generate an investment in the local economy of £20million. The Olympic Zone, (which includes Medway) will benefit from a series of long-term development projects.
A day on the ocean wave (well river) beackons for us
MADISON BRITCHER & LISA ELLISON
“ORANGE WHAT?!” Life jackets. We got told we had to wear life jackets.
Now you would think we would have known we had to. Power boating kind of implies the need for some kind of floatation device (well, aside from the boat of course!), but, like stubborn children, we stared in shock. I mean, no one, but no one looks good in orange!
Oh well, needs must. So you’ve probably guessed, a few of the Medway Matters girlies went power boating. Girlies being us, Charlotte who keeps the SHOUTbOX team organised and…well…Luke.
Picture the scene, all of us get ourselves down to the Outdoor Education Centre at The Strand in Gillingham (it’s run by Medway Council). The wind is howling and our ‘good hair’ day suddenly transforms itself into a Rocky Horror tribute all of its own accord. Typical.
Shivering away and staring blankly at the River Medway, we’ll admit we were worried. After all we did get told to take a complete change of clothing, even underwear! The jokes about us having to swim back home made us cringe.
So enough of all that, we waded our way on to the boat and began our voyage! In all honesty we went in with low expectations. We thought: “Oh great, we get to sail along the River Medway in a stupid colour while some guy tells us all about the three-eyed fish or something.”
Time for some more honesty? We LOVED it!!
Not only did our instructor tell us about what we were seeing, we actually enjoyed the view as well! Medway really does look stunning from the water.
We even got to drive the boat ourselves! For most of the journey in fact! Add that in with a beautiful backdrop, fun and laughter all round and an all-round amazing experience, the messy hair didn’t matter one bit.
Near the end we were allowed to go as fast as we liked, jumping waves had never been so much fun. A fair bit later we were drying off, completely abandoning the negative attitude we had at the beginning. We didn’t regret being there (or bringing a change of underwear!).
The outdoor education centre doesn’t just do power boating! You can do pretty much anything. From campcraft to rock climbing and team building, there literally seems to be something for everyone! Give it a go.
Find out more about Medway Outdoor Education Centre
Sporty facts
MICHAEL DARE
Did you know?
1. The first sport to have a world championship was billiards in 1873.
2. Rapper 50 Cent was a talented boxer who nurtured ambitions to turn professional.
3. Eminem is a keen darts player.
4. At one stage in the 1920s Chelsea had three players who were medical students.
5. There are two sports where a team has to go backwards to win - tug of war and rowing .