Kent s lost forts and the history behind the former buildings
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Updated: 10:31, 17 February 2021
Once at the forefront of Britain s defences, warding off everyone from the Romans to the Nazis many of Kent s fearsome forts now sit decaying, some swallowed by the land they once protected.
Lynn Cox explores their hidden history from Henry VIII to nuclear threats. and even a fort which kept sinking.
Fort Bridgewoods used to be situated in Maidstone Road, Rochester. Picture: victorianforts.co.uk
Fort Bridgewoods, Rochester
Built on land purchased by the War Office in about 1860 and forming part of a protective ring around the then Royal Dockyard at Chatham work on this Victorian fort in Maidstone Road began in 1879 but came to a stop five years later when the money dried up.
An anonymous artist from Rochester is hiding glass hearts across Medway
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Updated: 09:00, 05 February 2021
A glassmaker has made it her mission to spread happiness and joy during these dreary lockdown times.
The artist has created small hearts and placed them around Rochester and Chatham for people to find when out and about.
The Secret Hearts are made in the artists home studio in Rochester
The glassmith wishes to remain anonymous to continue the special unknowing feel around the project.
She said: When this all started I decided to make 150 glass hearts to be given to the nurses and doctors working on the Covid wards at Medway Maritime Hospital.
Foot and mouth disease outbreak in Kent in 2001
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Updated: 07:03, 04 February 2021
The sight of dead cattle, sheep and pigs being torched in fields was an enduring image of foot and mouth disease, which plagued Kent and the rest of the country in 2001. The highly infectious epidemic had taken such a grip that even uncontaminated animals were slaughtered to stop the spread.
Warning: Contains graphic images
Allhallows, scene of the first foot and mouth case in Kent, March 10, 2001.
On February 27 the KM Group s then evening newspaper, Medway Today, published harrowing pictures of cattles bodies being burned after they were laid out on coal and straw.
Medway MPs call on council to reverse proposed changes to crematorium services amid claims it is cashing in on Covid
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Updated: 19:10, 28 January 2021
A group of MPs have written to their local council urging it to reverse a decision to change crematorium fees, amid claims they are cashing in on Covid .
Medway Council is understood to be streamlining services run from its crematorium in Robin Hood Lane, Blue Bell Hill.
Medway council plans to increase the cost of is crematorium services
Currently it charges £710 for a 50-minute service and £482.50 for a 20-minute slot. Both include 10 minutes of preparation time.
However, from March 1 all services will run for a maximum of 30 minutes plus 10 minutes prep, but the charge will remain £710.