Tim Bennett has been giving guided tours in the village for a couple of years. It has been one of those cases when you think, must go along but then for one reason or another, you never do. We decided that this year we would go and on Wednesday afternoon, we did! Over the winter Tim has completed further research enabling him to add more information to his walk. Originally this covered Overstrand’s boys and men who fought in The Great War, a number of whom did not return and others died later as a result of their injuries. He has added facts about the railway which offered a quick link to London, the Belfry School and some of the notable people who lived and stayed in the village. Although Tim had a folder of information to refer to, I was impressed how he remembered pretty well everything, using the folder to show us photographs from the past. The final walk, unless of course Tim adds further dates, will be next Wednesday 24th July, meeting at The Belfry Centre at 1.15 p.m. for a 1.30 p.m. start and costing a modest £5 with children under 16 free. The walk takes two hours but those with limited capabilities can be assured it is not long in

Michael Clarke's Artwork

distance. There are regular stops so that Tim can point out places of interest and impart his knowledge of their history.

Before we set off on the walk, we had time to look at local artist Michael Clarke’s art work in the exhibition area at The Belfry Centre. On occasions, we have seen Michael at his easel when passing his home but we have never viewed his work. His paintings of trains are particularly impressive and I was able to take a couple of photos, down the gallery. In one of the shots there is some reflection from the frames on the opposite wall. The exhibition lasts until 21st July, so there are still a few viewing days left.

Monday 22nd July 2019 – Overstrand Fair amd More Dates for the Guided Walk in the Village

Peter is taking a rest today from marquees. To explain, as a Committee member of the Sports Club, since Friday he has spent a lot of time helping erect the Club’s marquees in preparation for Overstrand Together’s Fair on Sunday. He spent eight hours on Friday and then, following the cricket match on Saturday a further two hours finishing off; this went on into the hours of darkness. Yesterday he was back on the field for the break down and despite, saying he was taking a rest today, he did spend a couple of hours this morning tidying up along with another volunteer. But this is not the end as the frames of the marquees need to be relocated and recovered on Friday ready for Rockstock and will be left in place for Sunday’s Proms. These events rely entirely on volunteers who give up their time and pull together. I was on Seal and Shore Watch’s stall on Sunday which proved to be a very busy day. There was an excellent turnout of people coming onto the field who were able to buy items from the amazing selection of craft stalls, join in games, eat ice-cream, enjoy something from the BBQ, munch cake or sandwiches, quaff a glass of something from the bar, view the vintage cars or just sit, watch and listen to the various performances in the arena. As in previous years, being on a stall, I had little time to walk round and take photos but I did manage a few.

Overstrand Village Fair

Good news for anyone who has not been able but wanted to go on the walk in Overstrand, guided by Tim Bennett. The last walk on this year’s schedule was this Wednesday but Tim has now extended this to the end of August and to accommodate those who cannot make a Wednesday, he has included a couple of Fridays. All the dates are on the Village Calendar on my website.

Friday 26th July 2019 – More Bats and Heatwave