Latest walks and local news

Thursday 5th Feebruary 2026 11.00 am

I ventured out for my usual walk this morning despite the steady rain, and it certainly made parts of the route a challenge. The field behind Manningham House was particularly difficult, the rain has really taken its toll, and the ground there is extremely slippery at the moment.

Once past that section things improved a little, but it’s definitely a time for careful footing over the coming days.
A quick note for anyone heading out. The road on Well Street, turning right from the Watercress Beds, is currently closed while work is carried out. I can only assume it’s related to the long‑standing flooding issues in that area. I diverted through the orchard and came out just before Stickens Lane, which worked well enough as an alternative.
One thing that did leave me dismayed was the amount of discarded dog‑waste bags thrown into bushes, along with the usual problem of people not picking up after their dogs at all. It’s hard to understand why anyone would choose to spoil the very countryside they clearly enjoy walking in. If I see anyone doing this, I won’t hesitate to report it.

I also stopped by the school lake and noticed it has sprung a leak again. I’ve taken photos and passed them on, so hopefully it will be looked at soon.
Despite the weather, it was good to get out and see what’s happening around the village. If you’re heading that way, take care , it’s a bit of a mud‑fest out there.

Steve

Latest walks and local news

Tuesday 21st October 2025 10.00 am

My walk today followed much the same route as yesterday, though the weather was far kinder.
Autumn is settling in, and the trees are beginning to shed their coats in quiet preparation for winter.

This time of year always carries the promise of frosty mornings, though they rarely seem to arrive these days. I'm looking forward to having to wrap up warm again, to walk my walks on crisp white ground, and breathe the air of Winter. I believe that every season has something magical to offer....But you have to look...

I walked up Chapel Street and alongside the old school once more. Through the gate (now repaired) and out onto the open field. There I met a very pleasant man, carrying a battery hedge cutter over his shoulder, so I stopped to speak with him. His name was Stephen Hatfield, and he told me he’d been clearing the paths through the old, now somewhat overgrown, orchard to make them more accessible. I thought that was rather good of him, it isn’t his land, but he does it simply to keep the paths open for everyone to enjoy. He mentioned that he and his wife have lived in Malling for more than fifty years, and that she once taught at Clare Park School, around 1975.

Further on, I met another man who was planting bulbs along the verge at the bottom of the “Gravel Path,” which runs from Broadwater down to what was once Goldwells. He said he was planting them for a lady who, I assume, owns that stretch of the track. We stood and chatted for a few minutes. He told me he has lived in Mill Street for fifty years...another long-time resident of the village. I managed to take a picture this time, something I want to make a habit of... along with remembering to ask people their names.

Latest walks and local news

Tuesday 24th October 2025 2.30pm

Once again, the weather was kind for my afternoon walk. Apart from a cool breeze, it was sunny and set the scene for an enjoyable stroll around my favourite spots. I took my usual route, stopping to take a few snapshots along the way.

Walking down the footpath that leads to the watercress beds, I came across what I can only call a casualty of the wind — a small tree had fallen across the path, making it a little tricky to navigate. I’m not sure who’s responsible for clearing it, so if anyone knows, please drop me a message via the contact page.

It was also nice to spot some small trout in the stream flowing toward the School Lake — and when I say small, I mean small! Still, it’s surely a healthy sign for the stream.

Latest walks and local news

Saturday 1st November 2025 1.00pm

So today I didnt think a walk was going to be possible. it was pouring hard first thing, overcast and grey. Then as if it was meant to be, the sun came out and for a time there we had wall to wall sunshine.

I was so pleased to see that the W I of East Malling, had pulled out all the stops in readiness for next week (Sunday 9th) Remembrance day. They have done the village proud, and deserve lots of praise.

I never did ask them their names and I wish I had. But ladies (and Gents) Thank you so much.

It was a breezy walk, with continuous sunshine. I look forward to meeting lots of new people on my future walks.

Please say Hi if you see me on my travels, and Ill be only to pleased to mention you on here.

Latest walks and local news

Tuesday 4th November 2025 10.30am

Just a short walk today, setting off from the Institute car park and heading right towards Blacklands School, before turning left into Cottenham Close. From there, I passed under the railway and followed the path towards the Watercress Beds, where I once again stopped to chat with Paul Knight, who was working on the grounds of that remarkable property beside the Beds. He’s always cheerful and happy to take a moment for a friendly word. I’m sure I’ll see him again soon.

Continuing along Wells Street, I turned down Stickens Lane and made my way back to the Institute car park. I always feel a pang of sadness walking past what was once The Rising Sun (now converted into flats). It was there I tasted my first pint of beer, and we’d spend hours playing bar billiards in the old snug. I can’t be certain, but I think it was run by the Woodger family.

Latest walks and local news

Thursday 7th November 2025 10.30am

Set off from the Institute around 11 this morning, grey skies and a bit of drizzle in the air, but nothing much came of it.

Passed the old Deers shop (opposite the King and Queen) and noticed the work on the new coffee shop is really taking shape! I’ll share the opening date here once I find out

Also snapped a photo of the woodland area (Below) behind Manningham House. It’s always caught my eye, looks like it was purposefully planted, mostly with native English trees. It’s just to the left of the footpath that runs through the old orchard, on the way to the Watercress Beds.

Does anyone happen to know anything about its history or how it came about?

Latest walks and local news

Sunday 9th November 2025 10.00am

Residents of East Malling did us proud again today with their attendance at the church for Remembrance Sunday. It was wonderful to see so many people making the effort to come along. The sun shone, and it turned out to be a lovely day all round.

A big thank you to the current owners of the soon-to-be tea rooms opposite the King and Queen, who kindly provided free tea and coffee for everyone. They tell me the shop will officially open on 12th December, so do look out for that and give them your support, I’m sure it will be a great success.

Thanks also to the gentleman who allowed me to photograph him proudly displaying his medals. Unfortunately, I didn’t get his name, so if anyone knows, please use the contact page so I can add it.

I also managed to catch a few minutes of the football match in the park, where I bumped into an old friend, Dennis Nyburg, on the touchline. He told me it was the East Malling First Team playing (of which he is Chairman) and they were leading 2–0!

It’s always good to see familiar faces still around.

Latest walks and local news

Tuesday 11th November 2025 12.00 Midday

It’s now 13th November, and since my last entry, I’ve been on several walks. The weather has been unusually mild, making each stroll a little easier on this old body of mine!.

Today, as I reached the top of the park near the old Institute, my heart sank. That grand old Horse Chestnut, the one that has stood sentinel over the once sand pit for decades, was surrounded.

Several guys in hard hats, and brightly coloured vests, had cordoned off the area around its base, and one was up in its highest boughs, chainsaw in hand.

For a moment, I feared the worst.

This was the tree that had witnessed a main stay of our many childhood games...Conkers.

I could almost see us, long ago, throwing sticks into its branches to knock the chestnuts down, then drilling holes in them and threading them onto strings, (no one had shoe laces during this season) and taking turns to swing our conkers at our opponents, until one shattered.

Memories of fun, of friendly rivalry, of the simple joy of autumn, all lived in that tree.

Thankfully... after speaking to the men, I learned it was nothing to worry about, just a “short back and sides” to keep it healthy.

Relief washed over me. There aren’t many of us left who remember the park as it once was, who remember this grand old Horse Chestnut in all its glory. We can’t afford to lose too many more.

Today...at least... it stands a little prouder, still watching over the sand pit, still a silent witness to our memories, and still a friend to those of us who cherish it.

Latest walks and local news

Thursday 20th November 2025 11.00 am

I’ve missed my walks this past week, having been busy with projects for my son and his wife, fitting a new UPVC door and installing an exterior light. These days, jobs I once rushed through take a little longer, and I find myself forgetting the odd thing here and there. With seventy fast approaching, this body that was once built for speed isn’t quite as efficient as it used to be… but I get there in the end!
Today, the sun was shining and the sky was a clear, brilliant blue...a blessing in itself.

I set off from the Community Centre, strolling through the park, past the King and Queen, then up by the railway station. From there I walked under the bridge and on towards Manningham House, cutting through on the footpath that leads to the Watercress Beds.
It was a quieter walk than usual, with fewer people about. But as I approached the Beds, I spotted a familiar van parked nearby. Sure enough, there in the stream was Paul Knight, wading in as he cut back the watercress. For some reason, it has flourished more than ever this year, almost impeding the flow. I stopped for a chat, Paul is always happy to talk, and it’s heartening to see a local lad still working in the area.
Moments like these remind me why East Malling’s stories, people, and places are worth preserving... so they can be remembered and cherished for generations to come.

I always seem to go the same route, and made my way along Wells St turning right at the old Red Fox Pub, and down past Broadwater Farm, up and over the Railway bridge, turning right down the Gravel path and onto the School lake.

It was a really nice walk today, and well worth the effort....It always is!!

Latest walks and local news

Sunday 23rd November 2025 10.30 am

Football at East Malling was a big part of my youth, it was about friendship, and the thrill of pulling on that red shirt. I played alongside lads like Mole Stanford, Alfie Page, and Billy Swaisland, with Harold Oliver guiding us from the touchline. Together we shared victories, defeats, and countless moments that stitched themselves into the fabric of our youth.
But memory is a fickle tool. I can recall some names clearly, while others slip just out of reach. What remains sharp, though, is the feeling of those days, the energy, and the sense that we were part of something bigger than ourselves.
I also remember the day I decided to stop playing. It was a winter’s morning at East Farleigh, the rain driving sideways across the pitch, six inches of mud filling each goalmouth. As I stood there, soaked and weary, I wondered what on earth I was doing. That was the moment I knew my boots had run their last match.
Now, at 69, I watch from the sidelines. The pitch still calls to me, but in a different way, as a place of memory rather than competition.

But though my playing days are gone, the spirit of those times lives on, carried forward by the new generation who chase the ball across the same grass where we once stood.