Solar eclipse on Sheppey

Where did you see the solar eclipse on Sheppey?

A small crowd gathered at the top of Minster’s Bunny Bank where they enjoyed uninterrupted views of the once in a generation phenomenon.

Solar eclipse-hunters gathered at the top of Bunny Bank at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden

Solar eclipse-hunters Matt 'Judders' Judd, Charlotte Clark and her son George at the top of Bunny Bank at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden

Among them was BRFM radio presenter Matt “Judders “ Judd with "white witch" Charlotte Clark with her son George.

Charlotte said: "The eclipse marks a whole new beginning for everyone."

The Butler family of mum Katie and dad Mark arrived with pinhole cameras made from cardboard boxes for their daughters Isla, nine, and Maisey, 13.

The Butler family on Bunny Bank, Minster, Sheppey, with their homemade solar eclipse viewers. Picture: John Nurden

Isla Butler, 9, with her homemade solar eclipse viewer at Bunny Bank, Minster, Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden

Mark said: "It was one of the designs I saw on the BBC."

Sheerness greengrocer Lewis Feaver turned up with a viewer made from a toilet roll and grabbed a ringside seat at the top of the hill which had recently been mown by a community service team working on behalf of Minster on Sea parish council.

Greengrocer Lewis Feaver with his toilet roll eclipse viewer at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden

Some had managed to grab official viewing glasses but teenagers Harrison Carr and Joseph Taylor, both 18, resorted to sharing a welder's visor.

Although it wasn't a total eclipse, "totality" was about 98%.

Eclipse-hunters Harrison Carr and Joseph Taylor, both 18, resorted to sharing a welder's visor. Picture: John Nurden

Eclipse-hunters Harrison Carr and Joseph Taylor, both 18, resorted to sharing a welder's visor. Picture: John Nurden

Those using the special glasses could pick out a slight crescent of the sun as the moon passed in front of it.

For the rest, the sun continued to shine although the temperature plunged as the sun's strength faded, only to return half and hour later.

Eclipse-hunters at Queenborough on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: Mike Whiting

Larger crowds gathered at Queenborough where the Old House at Home pub was holding an 'eclipse barbecue'.

Eclipse-hunters at Bunny Bank on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden

The solar eclipse happened on Wednesday, August 12. It began at 6.17pm and took one hour and 49 minutes to complete. Totality was at 7.13pm.