Enter at your peril. Once you have navigated the sea of mud outside, where a boot fair field used to be, the Big Top holds many surprises. For a start, it is difficult to see where you are going because of the mysterious swirling mist. And, at the heart of it, is the ring, bathed in an eerie red glow. Right from the start, this is obviously not going to be any ordinary circus. Braving the mud to reach Hell's Circus at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey Eerie red light and mist welcomes visitors to Hell's Circus on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden Video: See what all the fuss is about when Hell's Circus pitched up on the Isle of Sheppey This is Hell’s Circus and it has pitched up on a rain-lashed Isle of Sheppey at Minster. Instead of a traditional ringmaster, the show is compered, of sorts, by a sinister and often rude clown called Evil Patchy, complete with a punkish Mohican haircut. Strangely, this is the show which should never have been. Evil Patchy, the unorthodox ringmaster of Hell's Circus Patchy, alias circus creator Patrick Darnell, 33, had previously vowed he was taking a break and there would be no Hell’s Circus this year. But friends insisted he put one together for the Sheppey leg of the Paulo’s Circus tour as it coincided with Halloween. So, he called in favours and put this spooky show together for its first outing on Saturday night. It was so new that there had been no time for a run-through. Paulo's Circus owner Kenny Darnell Senior, pictured here with one of his three sons Kenny Jnr, was working the sound and lights at Hell's Circus on Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden Even Patchy’s dad, Kenny Darnell Senior, had come out of retirement to work the sound and lights. He was filling in for regular lighting guy Henry Hughes who had been drafted into the ring to become Patchy’s Viking-like henchman. Patchy’s real-life wife Hannah (the pair met when she was 16 and ran away to join the circus) opened the show with her foot juggling act. Patchy (Patrick Darnell) with his wife Hannah backstage at Hell's Circus on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden Soon after, Patchy, who also demonstrated a nice line in knife juggling, heaved a tattered trunk into the ring. From that emerged the flame-haired Fanny Noin from France who performed an aerial routine with amazing grace while caught in a giant black net. She was followed by a fire-eater called Josh. Net tricks from Fanny Noin at Hell's Circus Sword-balancer Danielle D'Ville at Hell's Circus, Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden One of the highlights was blonde speciality act Danielle D’Ville from Maidstone who swallowed razor blades, hammered a nail up her nose, laid on a bed of spikes and then climbed up a ladder of swords with her bare feet. This was one of the reasons why this show was for over-18s only. This is definitely not something you should try at home, kids. Gomez Adams, alias Alex Monterrey from Portugal, with a skilful display of lassoing and whip-cracking Bringing the show to a spectacular climax was Gomez Adams, alias Alex Monterrey from Portugal, with a skilful display of lassoing and whip-cracking. There was plenty of audience participation, including an interesting take on air guitars, and the Willy Song, which, with hindsight, was probably the other reason why the show was X-rated. Mudbath outside Hell's Circus on Sheppey There was also the secret fear that vehicles parked in the mudbath surrounding the tent were liable to stay there until the following morning. As it happened, mine somehow slithered and skidded its way back onto the main road without much trouble. A pair of willies, sorry, wellies, might be a good thing to pack in the boot if the rain doesn't stop for any future visits... Hells Circus The Midway returns on Sunday (October 25) and Saturday (October 31). Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are £13.50. Henry the Viking closed the Hell's Circus Show on the Isle of Sheppey Hells Circus presents: The Midway · Tickets Hell's Circus on Sheppey - poster

A lot can happen in a year. Just ask the musicians who made up the award-winning Sheppey St John Ambulance Band. Suddenly, out of the blue, bosses at St John Ambulance head office decreed that the band was going to be homeless. The 'hut' at Halfway, where they rehearsed and stored instruments, was going to be sold. Pleas to save it fell on deaf years. An offer to buy the building was also rejected. Even a letter to the King, Charles III, went unanswered. But, 12 months later, the band has bounced back after cutting ties with the organisation which had given birth to it 80 years ago. Isle of Sheppey Band marches down the Mall in London Now, as the reborn Isle of Sheppey Band based at Sheppey Rugby Club marches on, spokesman Richard Broster reveals what the roller-coaster ride has been like - and how it has now hit the right note… “A year ago, we honestly didn't know whether the St John Band had a future. “After nearly 80 years, the doors suddenly closed on the building that generations of our band had called home. The St John Ambulance 'hut' at Halfway which the Sheppey band had called home “Generations of musicians had walked through those doors. Children had joined the band, learned their first notes and grown up within those four walls. “Some went on to bring their own children into the band, while parents became grandparents and proudly watched another generation pick up an instrument and become part of something they themselves had loved for years. Bill Jarvis at 90 was the oldest member of the Sheppey St John Ambulance Band “For some families, the band hadn't just been part of their lives - it had been part of their family story. “There had been thousands of rehearsals. Friendships formed, love blossomed and engagements led to weddings. “Music had been learned. There had been laughter, arguments, cups of tea, wrong notes and unforgettable performances. It wasn't just somewhere we rehearsed. It had been our home. Isla Pointing at 10 was one of the youngest members of the Sheppey St John Ambulance Band “And suddenly, it was gone. “St John Ambulance was facing serious financial pressures and hundreds of properties were being sold. We understood the reasons but that didn't make walking away from almost 80 years of memories any easier. “We were left wondering where we would go, where we would keep everything and, perhaps hardest of all, whether we could actually keep our band family together. Isle of Sheppey Band cartoon “We were even told by a high-ranking officer that without the backing of a large organisation, we wouldn't get the high-profile performances and opportunities that they could offer. “For a while, perhaps some of us wondered if they were right. But something rather special happened. “Nobody walked away. “Instead, everyone pulled together. Our musicians kept turning up. Our families supported us. Friends helped us. People gave their time, moved equipment, found solutions and somehow, week by week, we started building again. How the Daily Mail reported the eviction notice for the Sheppey St John Ambulance Band “And somewhere along the way we realised something. We hadn't actually lost our band home. Because our home was never really four walls and a roof. “It was us. “Twelve months later, the Isle of Sheppey Band is a registered charity with a new home and a future that we're incredibly excited about. “And those opportunities we were told we might never have? The new Isle of Sheppey Band “We've performed at Brands Hatch - twice. “We travelled to London and marched along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. “We've played at carnivals, fetes, remembrance events and community occasions, proudly carrying the Isle of Sheppey Band name wherever we go. “But as wonderful as those moments have been, they aren't what we're most proud of. “We're most proud that we're still together. Final night at the St John Ambulance 'hut' at Halfway “We're proud that when things looked uncertain, nobody allowed nearly 80 years of history to simply disappear. “We're proud of every musician who turns up to rehearsal, every parent who brings their child along, every grandparent who stands watching from the side with a smile because they remember when it was them, every volunteer who gives their time and every person who stops to listen when we play. Final night at the St John Ambulance 'hut' at Halfway Video: Sheppey St John Ambulance Band's final night in its Halfway hut “And perhaps, somewhere among our band today, there's a young musician who will still be here decades from now, watching their own children or grandchildren put on a uniform, pick up an instrument and carry the Isle of Sheppey Band into another generation. “A year ago, we thought we were losing our home. “A year later, we understand that a building can be sold. Keys can be handed back. Doors can be locked. Messages left on the wall at the final night at the St John Ambulance 'hut' at Halfway “But you can't sell nearly 80 years of friendship, memories, music and belonging. You can't take away a family, a band family. “And that's what the Isle of Sheppey Band is. A band. A family. “And we're still here. “In fact, we're only just getting started. “Finally, a very special thank you to everyone who has supported us. “Our first year would not have been possible without the generosity of the organisations, businesses and individuals who believed in the Isle of Sheppey Band and helped us when we needed it most. Fiinal lock up after the last night at the St John Ambulance 'hut' at Halfway “A huge thank you to: “Colyer Ferguson • Minster on Sea Parish Council • Sheerness Town Council • Cantiacorum Foundation • Queenborough Fishery trust • Queenborough Town Council • Minster Rotary Club • Eastchurch Parish Council • Kent Community Foundation • Swale Borough Council • Adams Masonic Lodge • Rotary Club Community Chest • Enfinium Ltd • Kent Highways • Sharrocks Insurance • Tesco Blue Token Challenge (where customers voted for their favourite). New home at Sheppey Rugby Club for the Isle of Sheppey Band “And, of course, an equally heartfelt thank you to every member of the public who has donated to us, whether at one of our performances, through a collection or simply because you wanted to support the band. “Every pound, every donation and every bit of encouragement has helped us rebuild and keep nearly 80 years of music alive. From every member of the Isle of Sheppey Band - thank you for believing in us.” Isle of Sheppey Band badge Keep on banging the drum for the Isle of Sheppey Band

There is still time to catch a titillating art show on the Isle of Sheppey. In The Flesh, which strips away the mysteries of life drawing, reveals the naked truth at Nicole Mollett’s gallery until the end of the month. It features paintings and sketches created by members of the Swale Life Drawing club. Admission is free. Swale Life Drawing founders JohnGevaux-Ross and Laurie Harpum at the In The Flesh art exhibition at the Sheerness Economical Society Gallery in Queenborough Behind the scenes video of In The Flesh The exhibition has been curated by Island artists and club founders John Gervaux-Ross and Laurie Harpum. Laurie said: “John and I used to run the Sheppey Art Society and had life drawing sessions three or four times a year. But they weren’t particularly well attended by members. “However, John and I thought we’d have a go at setting up a specific life drawing class and we have been flabbergasted by the response. We have been going nearly three years and now have more than 40 members. About 20 come to each session. It has proved really popular.” Swale Life Drawing's Laurie Harpum at the In The Flesh art exhibition at the Sheerness Economical Society Gallery in Queenborough. Picture: John Nurden She added: “They are not just Sheppey people either, they also come from the Medway Towns, Maidstone and along the coast.” The club meets fortnightly on Tuesday evenings at the former Sheerness Dockyard Church in Blue Town. Laurie said: “It’s a different way to create communities. It takes you away from everyday worries and leaves you feeling quite refreshed. Sometimes we have complete beginners but everyone chips in to give them a hand.” An exhibit at the In The Flesh art exhibition at the Sheerness Economical Society Gallery in Queenborough So how does one become a model? Laurie said: “Primarily, you need to be able to sit still and hold a pose. It’s all very well doing something dynamic but if you have to keep that pose for 20 minutes you could end up in trouble.” She added “John’s the main model-getter. I believe he has trouble finding models sometimes. But he always pulls it off.” Swale Life Drawing's John Gevaux-Ross at the In The Flesh art exhibition at the Sheerness Economical Society Gallery in Queenborough. Picture: John Nurden John said he uses mainly agency models although some new ones were coming through. He said: “Because we create all this art, we decided to put on a bit of a display. “We are here at the gallery every weekend in October between 11am and 4pm to showcase what we do and hopefully encourage more people to join us.” He admitted he was “a bit worried” when the club began. Exhibits at the In The Flesh art exhibition at the Sheerness Economical Society Gallery in Queenborough He explained: “I used to go to Maidstone for life drawing but wondered if there was anything closer to home. I looked around and there wasn’t. So, I spoke to Laurie and we decided to start our own group. “We thought we might get three or four and were a bit worried about being out of pocket having to pay the model. But 20 people turned up that first night! We now have a regular group.” He added: “It’s not about the standard of the work, although we have some very accomplished artists, but it’s really about people creating art, picking up pencils and having a go.” Nicole Mollett hosts the In The Flesh art exhibition at her Sheerness Economical Society Gallery in Queenborough. Picture: John Nurden Nicole Mollett opened her gallery in the former Sheerness Economical Society shop in Queenborough High Street earlier this year as part of the Festival of Sheppey. She said: “It’s fantastic and exciting to see so much creativity here celebrating a group which has been running for over two years. I’ve attended it myself. “When Laurie and John approached me with this show it was an instant ‘yes’ for me because I know they are so passionate about making other people explore their creativity. I had no doubt it would be good. As I was helping to hang it, I was blown away by the standard. Sheerness Economical Society Art Gallery in Queenborough “Obviously, its naked bodies but the level of variety is astounding with different subjects and the massive range of different techniques and drawing styles makes it a beautiful experience.” Ironically, it is a bit like a homecoming for the building. A former owner also kept a number of erotic pieces on the premises. Nicole explained: “Most people know it as the former Co-op shop. Since we opened in June we have had loads of people coming in, sticking their heads round the door and saying things like they used to buy their school uniforms here. One of the exhibits in the In The Flesh art show at Queenborough's Sheerness Economical Society's gallery "But other remember the former owner who was also an artist. He was a lovely guy, a very intelligent and charming person who also happened to make erotic art! “If you are lucky enough to be invited to our house for tea you will go up the stairs and find some rather unusual sculptures on the hallway. We don’t want to remove them because they are a memory of him “Yes, I’ve been hearing all sorts of stories about the kinds of things which took place in this house so I think he would have been very happy with this show!” She also hit out at suggestions Sheppey was a cultural desert. Artist John Gevaux-Ross showing visitors around the In The Flesh art show at Queenborough She said: “I’m fine with people thinking that but I know they are wrong, so I don’t need to argue with them. “It’s funny that the cliché that Sheppey is somehow less cultured than other places in Kent still persists. It simply isn’t true. Obviously, there is a lot of deprivation and antisocial behaviour here but there are also loads of free activities, artists and writers. “This weird mix of industry and nature attracts more unusual people who want to be inspired but what isn’t the normal. If anything, it is a hotbed of artists. But perhaps it is just as well that isn’t so well known. “Once it gets more popular, that could be the death of it. As soon as anyone thinks it’s a good place that’s the end. “Look at Whitstable! I’m not saying Whitstable isn’t nice. I know a lot of nice people who live there. But I also know people who absolutely hate the amount of people who visit the town because it has become so fashionable. “So, we have to tread cautiously. They say be careful of what you wish for. I certainly apply that to Sheppey!” Nicole Mollett, John Gevaux-Ross, Laurie Harpum and Mike Whiting at the In The Flesh art exhibition at the Sheerness Economical Society Gallery in Queenborough. Picture: John Nurden Cllr Mike Whiting (Ind, Queenborough and Halfway) was at the show’s opening. He has also launched his own Sheppey Prize as part of next year’s Festival of Sheppey to showcase artists who paint on or about the island. He said: “Exhibitions like this, and what the guys are doing in Queenborough, is symptomatic of the flourishing art scene now on Sheppey. It’s a really vibrant, lively scene. “In fact, since I launched the Sheppey Prize, I have met so many artists on Sheppey who I simply didn’t know were here. Those people are passionate about Sheppey and the art they produce. The Sheppey Prize is designed to link those two together.” · In The Flesh runs Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm throughout October at the Sheerness Economical Society Gallery, 127 High Street, Queenborough, ME11 5QA. Free. In The Flesh poster

The Sheppey Light Railway Greenway project has begun work on the second phase of its ambitious plans to link the Island with a safe cycling track. A group of eight volunteers cut back underground at Blatcher Close, Minster, at the weekend to clear a 90-metre path following the track of the former railway line. SLR Greenway chairman Tim Foreman, centre, with some of the volunteers at Blatcher Close, Minster The area had not been used for nearly 76 years since the railway, which had linked Queenborough, in the west, to Leysdown, in the east, closed in December 1950. The volunteers have already opened a one-mile stretch of abandoned track from Power Station Road at Sheerness East, near the Sheerness Golf Club, to Scrapsgate, Minster. Viewing platform on the Sheerness East section of the SLR Greenway route The long-term scheme is to reconnect the Island with a path which can be used by cyclists, pedestrians, runners, those using mobility scooters or pushing buggies and even riding horses. During the latest session a working party of bramble-busters filled 10 one-tonne sacks of rubbish with wood, plastic, metal and glass. Some of rubbish found by SLR Greenway volunteers at Blatcher Close, Minster There are a further two large piles of rubbish awaiting collection. Swale Borough Council has agreed to take all the rubbish away. Paul Houghton, who runs Astral Building Contractors in Blue Town and is also the Greenway’s project manager, said: “The next few phases will require a larger machine, more clearing of the undergrowth and carting away surplus soil. Green line shows where the Sheppey Light Railway track ran from the Haarps in to Scocles Road “We will have to install boundary fencing as well as laying an all-weather surface as we have done in Power Station Road.” His colleague Lee Jarmain, who is behind The Pyramid Project, which supports young people not in education, training or work, said: “The Sheppey Light Railway Greenway continues to make progress across the Island.” Original route of the Sheppey Light Railway He explained: “What was once a light railway route serving communities across Sheppey could once again become an important connection for the Island, this time as a 10-mile walking, wheeling and cycling Greenway.” The Sheppey Light Railway Greenway project, created by Linda Brinklow and now chaired by Tim Foreman, has recently secured charity status. Where the new Sheppey Light Railway Greenway could go It is working in partnership with residents, landowners, businesses, councils and community organisations to push the scheme forward. Leaders have also been in talks with the Pride in Place project for the eastern end of the Island which has been awarded £20 million from the government to spend in improving the area over the next 10 years. Ashley Jones, left, from Pride in Place met members of the Sheppey Light Railway Greenway team at IslandWorks in Sheerness Dockyard Church The plan is to connect Eastchurch to Leysdown, creating a safe route for cyclists. The original line ended at Leysdown promenade. The platform, which was once part of the Seahorse pub, has since been demolished. The site is now a car park behind Mr G’s amusement arcade. Mr Jarmain said: “Our ambition is to create a high-quality, accessible route running across the length of Sheppey, connecting communities while encouraging active travel, improving access to the countryside and celebrating the Island’s unique railway heritage. Before: work building part of the SLR Greenway at Sheerness East... “Importantly, this is a community-led vision, built through collaboration and partnership. “Each conversation with a landowner, business or community partner brings us another step closer to turning the vision into reality.” He warned: “There is still much work to do but the momentum is growing. After: How the same section of the SLR Greenway looks now “By bringing together people and organisations who share a commitment to Sheppey’s future, we can create something that delivers lasting benefits for residents, visitors, local businesses and future generations. Sheppey Light Railway Greenway work in progress along Blatcher Way, Minster “We are breathing new life into an abandoned railway route which connected Sheppey’s communities in the past. We want to turn it into a Greenway which can connect and benefit those same communities for generations to come.” The project has the backing of Swale Borough Council and Kent County Council and has been supported by all the Island’s town and parish councils. Sheppey Light Railwlay's East Minster station with level crossing... ...and what it looks like today (picture Google) The original track ran between Sunnyside Avenue and Noreen Avenue and crossed Minster Road at what is now a Costcutter shop. It then ran behind the Harps Inn, parallel with Harps Avenue, until it crossed Scocles Road. Volunteers are unable to use part of that section because homes have been built across it. But they hope to skirt around a children’s playing field in Lapwing Close and then through a new housing estate via, possibly Lavender Avenue, to emerge opposite Elm Lane where it will cross fields to Brambledown. The Sheppey Light Railway ran along the back of what is now the Lapwing Close children's play area The Sheppey Light Railway was an 8.75-mile, standard-gauge light railway designed and engineered by Col Holman Fred Stephens and opened on August 1, 1901. Its steam trains had a top speed of 25mph. Its route ran from Queenborough (connecting to the South Eastern and Chatham Railway’s Sheerness line) to Leysdown via Sheerness East, East Minster, Minster-on-Sea, Eastchurch, Leysdown, Brambledown Halt, Harty Road Halt and a spur to RAF Eastchurch. It closed on December 5, 1950, shortly after the RAF moved out of Eastchurch through lack of use following the increase in ownership of motor cars.

Are you brave enough to take an emotional roller-coaster horror ride for Halloween? The Criterion Theatre in Blue Town on the Isle of Sheppey is presenting two very different attractions to celebrate the spookiest time of the year. The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Criterion Theatre, Blue Town, on Friday, October 30 On Friday, October 30, the recreated music hall is showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show – complete with audience participation – on the big screen as a tribute to the late Tim Curry who created the mad scientist Frank-n-Further on the London stage in 1973 and went on to immortalise it in the 1975 film. The actor, who said he based the way Frank spoke on the late Queen, died in Los Angeles in August aged 80. The cult show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde at the Criterion Theatre, Blue Town, on Saturday, October 31 On Saturday, August 31, one of Britain’s most talented actors is taking his one-man version of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde to the Criterion. The last time James Hyland performed this play on the island the Sheerness Times Guardian described it as “one of the most mesmerising and terrifying performances you'll ever see.” It warned: “This is an emotional roller-coaster which keeps the audience on the edge of its seats right up to, and including, the last line." James Hyland preparing to go on stage at the Criterion Theatre. Picture: John Nurden Award-winning Kent-based Hyland is no stranger to darkly fascinating productions. Criterion audiences lapped up his version of A Christmas Carol (as told by Jacob Marley’s ghost), complete with clanking chains, this time last year and pleaded for the theatre’s bosses to rebook him. He was recently named Actor of the Year by Pink Prince Theatre for his performance in his take on the Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller about deadly split personalities. The play itself, which Hyland (53 on October 10) adapted, has been rated one of the top five fringe plays of the year. Actor James Hyland in make-up. Stock photo It is based on the Scottish author’s 1886 gothic horror about the battle between good and evil. The novella was published 140 years ago, two years before the start of Jack the Ripper’s murderous spree across London’s East End. It is a tough show to be in. Hyland speaks non-stop for nearly an hour on his own on stage with nothing but a wooden lectern as a prop. Dr Jekyll is a 19th century London scientist who devises a potion that will bring out his impulsive, reckless side: Mr Hyde. Unfortunately, that means death, destruction and mayhem. Initially, the transformations are straightforward and controlled by the serum. But there comes a point when no potion is needed and it is Mr Hyde who dominates. The downward spiral is complete and the only way out for Dr Jekyll is death itself. Turning the tale into a one-man show was no easy task. The novella features several characters, including the people that Hyde terrorises, brutalises, or kills. Leaving all of this to our imaginations is a skill Hyland possesses in spades. Jenny Hurkett, founder of the Criterion Theatre in Blue Town. Picture: John Nurden Jenny Hurkett, founder of the Criterion, said: “We have had James before. He is a master of suspense. It’s going to be a great night. As for The Rocky Horror Picture Show, I dread to think what will happen there. Our mystery host is planning all manner of surprises.” · The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Criterion Theatre, Sheerness. Saturday, October 31, at 7.30pm. £22.50. To book, call 01795 662981 or visit thecriterionbluetown.co.uk

The crew of Sheerness lifeboat made a detour to Minster beach to thank a mother-and-daughter team of artists for including the RNLI in a new seaside mural. Julie Bradshaw, a 68-year-old grandmother of 13, and her daughter Anna Piles, 42, a mum of three, were commissioned by Minster on Sea parish council to create a new artwork on The Leas. Artists Julie Bradshaw, left, and her daughter Anna Piles on Minster beach with the Sheerness lifeboat. Picture: John Nurden Anna said: “We thought it would be a good thing to include the lifeboat because the guys give up their time to keep everybody safe. They are a big part of the seas surrounding the island, so it was really important to get them in. Her mum waded in: “By sheer fluke, the coxswain drove past while we were painting the lifeboat and we had a chat and learned a lot more about the lifeboat and how it works. “He even gave us its official number which we were able to include on the mural.” Sheerness lifeboat 13-38 on the beach at Minster. Picture: John Nurden Lifeboat painting on the seawall She added: “It was wonderful that they came to say thank you. They brought the boat in as close as possible and we were able to chat to them from the beach.” The Judith Copping Joyce, operation number 13-38, is a Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat which went into service at Sheerness in April 2021. It uses water jets instead of propellers to allow it to operate in shallow water. It cost £2.2 million. Anna Piles and her mum Julie Bradshaw began work on the mural at The Leas, Minster, during the August heatwave. PIcture: John Nurden The two women spent a week painting the mural in August during the summer heatwave. Anna said: “We’d like to give a massive thank-you to all the residents who turned up with ice creams, drinks and sweets while we were working during that incredibly hot week. They were also incredibly supportive with their comments and appreciative of our work. The "paint wagon" helped provide some shade for mural painters Julie Bradshaw and her daughter Anna Piles. Picture: John Nurden “It was a wonderful experience but also incredibly challenging because of the heat. The paint dried as soon as it touched the wall because it was so hot and the wall itself was full of undulations. But it was really fun to do.” The mural replaces a faded depiction of Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire. The new artwork includes a mermaid, an octopus, a seal, a Thames sailing barge and the wreck of the “bomb ship” SS Richard Montgomery complete with all three masts. The masts of the wreck of the Sheppey 'bomb ship' SS Richard Montgomery can still be seen on the mural at The Leas, Minster. Anna explained: “We were asked to include the Richard Montgomery and its masts but, of course, they have now been taken down. “But the mural shows how quickly things can change. It is important to keep the masts on the mural for future generations. There will be children who won’t remember them, so they will see them on the seawall and ask questions about them. It will help teach them the history of the island.” Turner's The Fighting Temeraire was a blaze of colour on The Leas at Minster when it was first painted How Turner's The Fighting Temeraire faded on The Leas at Minster. Picture: John Nurden Councillor John Nurden, who is vice-chair of the council’s community committee, said: “The Fighting Temeraire was a blaze of colour at the beginning of The Leas when it was first painted by Sheppey artist Richard Jeferies five years ago. But over time it faded and had become difficult to pick out.” So, the council commissioned the mother and daughter team to create a completely new mural. Cllr Nurden said: “Although the heritage of the Island is very important to us, we wanted to remind visitors that this is still very much a seaside destination. Our award-winning beach and promenade are popular with everyone. Original sketch for the new mural on The Leas at Minster Finished mural on the seawall at The Leas, Minster. Picture: John Nurden “We gave Julie and Anna a rudimentary sketch and asked them to make it appear as if people were looking through a hole in the seawall. We wanted them to include a mermaid, but not like the moody one in Sheerness, and an octopus. They have done a superb job.” Julie said: “We went met the committee and they spoke about the things they wanted so we went away and made some drawings and the mural developed from there. Mermaid on the new mural on The Leas at Minster Octopus featured on the new mural on The Leas at Minster “We were asked to include certain things such as a mermaid and an octopus which the committee considered would be lovely for the children - but the adults like them, too!! “There were historic items like Sir Robert de Shurland and the legend of Grey Dolphin but we got around that by putting him in a treasure chest.” Sir Robert de Shurland, depicted as a knight riding his trusty horse Grey Dolphin on the Minster mural. According to legend, he beheaded the animal with a sword after a witch told him it would be the death of him. She added: “Apart from us sweating all the time, this mural was a delight to do. Lovely people kept coming up and chatting and drivers would beep their horns and give us the thumbs up.” The mural also features Sheppey wildlife like cormorants, seaweed, shells and fossils and the historic Second World War Maunsell sea forts. There are distinctive red-sailed Thames barges and Sammy the seal which is a regular visitor to The Leas. Sammmy the seal is featured on the mural at The Leas, Minster The paint was donated by Dulux who also provided materials for another mural the pair painted for the parish council on the approach to the Abbey Gatehouse museum at Minster.

Britain’s water bosses should be running for cover now that former EastEnders “bad boy” Danny Dyer has them in his sights. Speaking at an anti-pollution rally in Leysdown, where he is filming the second series of his Sky TV show The Dyers’ Caravan Park with his daughter Dani, he let rip in a four-letter rant. Danny Dyer of Priory Hill at Sheppey's water protest rally. Picture: John Nurden “My holidays used to be in a caravan in Canvey Island. It was a bit of a sh*thole but I could always get in the sea,” he told the crowd. “But I didn’t realise how bad the pollution was these days until I stumbled on it filming this show. Now I’m just f***ing fuming about it. What is apparent to me is that the elite are taking the p*ss out of all of us. SOS Whitstable water protest at Leysdown on the Isle of Sheppey. Drone photo: Leon Butcher “We have got to stick together to make the change. Our water bills are going up so we are paying them more to pump the sh*t into the sea. Some of the stories I heard today have broke my heart. “Fame is a toxic thing but you have to use your platform in the right way. So I want to add my voice to it, as does my Dani, to make a little bit of noise. “Will anything be done? Probably not. But we have to stand up and be counted. The UK is a beautiful place. We are an island with a beautiful coast all around us. We should be able to use it, especially as we are paying for it. “Let’s see if we can organise a flotilla or something to go up the Thames to make a lot more noise. Let’s not give up the fight. You are proper people in Leysdown. I’ve fallen in love with the Isle of Sheppey. You are all grafters. We need to take (this fight) to the next level.” BBC South East reporter Michael Keohan on the wrong side of Danny Dyer He carried on his rant during follow-up interviews with the media and ended up saying an even ruder word to BBC South East reporter Michael Keohan when asked what he thought about new prime minister Andy Burnham. Dyer snapped back: “I don’t know who the new prime minister is, mate. Do you? I didn’t vote for him." The rally, in a field overlooking the sea next to the Garden Café and within a stone’s throw of Priory Hill and Nuts Farm holiday parks where the Dyers are based, was organised by the SOS Whitstable protest group. Some of the crowd at the SOS Whitstable water protest at Leysdown, Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden Speakers included singer Becky Hill; former water worker and GMB union activist Cliff Roney; Ash Smith who founded the River Windrush Against Sewage Pollution group; and mother Julie Maughan who lost her daughter to E.coli after a swim in the sea during a family holiday in Devon. Swimmer Ed Acteson, who co-founded SOS Whitstable five years ago after a number of sewage discharges into the sea, said: “We wanted to know why sewage was being discharged into the sea, if it was safe for our families to swim, and what the water companies were doing with the money we paid them. Ed Acteson, co-founder of SOS Whitstable, on the isle of Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden “Five years later we have learned a great deal. But very little of it has made us feel better. “We are here to say stop polluting our rivers and seas, put public health and the environment above shareholder profit and we are demanding the end of the failed privatisation of our water industry.” He added: “This is not the result of an occasional accident. It’s a national scandal. In 2025, water companies discharged sewage into England’s waterways 291,492 times, that’s nearly 800 sewage spills every day. Those discharges lasted for 1.9 million hours – the equivalent of one pipe pumping sewage continuously for 210 years.” Some of the younger protesters at Leysdown's SOS Whitstable water really. Picture: John Nurden He claimed that when England’s water industry was privatised it was debt free. By 2025, the total debt stood at £82.7 billion. At the same time, water companies had paid their shareholders more than £80 billion, he said and described it as an “extraction machine”. He went on: “Water is not a luxury product. We cannot choose to stop using it and we cannot switch to a competitor. It’s a natural monopoly essential to our health and survival. “Bringing water into public ownership will not repair every pipe overnight but it is the essential first step.” Union activist Cliff Roney, centre, is heading back to Leysdown. Picture: John Nurden Union campaigner Cliff Roney said: “I did 40 years in the water industry, including before it was privatised, so I know it can work. It will take millions of pounds but we can’t continue to pour sh*t into that sea! I want my grandchildren to go down onto a beach and build a sandcastle – not a poo castle. We now have CEOs earning in excess of a million pounds a year. If we fail at work we get the sack. But with this lot we give them even more money. It can’t carry on any longer.” He worked on the Channel 4 TV show Dirty Business. Singer Becky Hill using her phone to help at the water rally on Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden He said: “If you haven’t watched it already, please watch it. It will make you cry. We have now got to the point where if you turn up at a beach you have to check an app to see if it is safe to enter the sea.” Speaking to Sheppey Scene afterwards he said he would return to Leysdown to test the waters. The beach currently has a two-star rating which means it is “good”. Award-winning singer Becky Hill, herself an open-water swimmer, said the campaigners were “inspiring” and added: “I can’t stress how important it is to go and watch Dirty Business. I watched it in March and I was completely radicalised.” Julie Maughan's eight-year-old daughter died after swimming in the sea. Picture: John Nurden But perhaps the most haunting speaker was Julie Maughan whose eight-year-old daughter Heather died in 1999 after contracting E.coli during a family holiday at Dawlish Warren. She said: “This is a public health crisis which everyone needs to get involved in. We are not safe in the water. The water companies and the environment agency are not going to project you. You have to protect yourselves. “The most alarming thing to me is what happened to Heather. We went away to a holiday park as a family of four and came home as a family of three. Heather died a horrible death. It liquified her from the inside out and destroyed her brain stem. “I can’t get across how important this is to every single one of us. Go and tell people to watch Dirty Business. It is the most important programme you can watch and then help raise awareness.” Close to tears, she added: “The saddest thing is, we lost Heather in 1999. And it’s worse now than it was then.” Former police detective Ash Smith at the water rally at Leysdown. Picture: John Nurden Former police Detective Superintendent Ash Smith also asked the crowd to watch Dirty Business. “It will make you righteously angry,” he said. On Monday he launched a parliamentary petition calling for a referendum on returning the water industry to public ownership. It remains open until October 1. SOS Whitstable has its own petition calling for the water industry to be nationalised and already has 316,000 signatures. Two stars for water quality at Leysdown. Picture: John Nurden Southern Water maintains its 10-year, £1.5 billion Clean Rivers and Seas Plan is "already starting to make a difference" with investment at Queenborough and Swalecliffe to “dramatically reduce storm overflows in the area." Link here: Petition · Return the Water Industry to Public Ownership - United Kingdom · Change.org

The sun came out to make the Rotarians’ first Sheppey Summer Spectacular a hit. Thousands of visitors headed to Barton’s Point Coastal Park at Sheerness on Bank Holiday Sunday to hear live bands, watch arena displays and support local businesses and charities. There was even a dog show. Cars and visitors arriving at the Sheppey Spectacular at Barton's Point. Picture: John Nurden At one stage, cars were queuing on the coast road to get in. About 250 vehicles ended up in the field and others parked along the beach. But despite the success, organiser Simon Mulchinock admitted: “There was a time when we feared we might have to cancel the whole thing. We had massive concerns about the weather. Toilets toppled by wind the night before the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: Paula Fagg “We thought trailers for the stage and fairground might get bogged down in the mud and on Saturday night we had to send an emergency party to lift up a line of portable toilets which had blown over in the wind.” But he added: “Mother Nature was kind to us on the day." However, strong winds meant some rides from C & J Attractions and Funfair Rides could not be used and the birds of prey display by the Kent Owl Academy based at the Kent Life Museum in Maidstone had to be cancelled. Mr Mulchinock went on: “The feedback has been astonishing. People have said they hadn’t seen the park that busy since the days of the Sheppey Pirates and many vendors have already asked to come back next year.” The Master Blaster was a popular attraction at the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden He said: “This was a pilot to see if such an event could work – and we proved that it can. So yes, we plan to do it all again next year. “This is what the Rotary Club is all about – helping the community. Our annual beer festival is always popular but we wanted to stage something for the whole family. It was wonderful to see so many children, parents and grandparents having a great time together." Aerial shot of the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: LDN Drone The pilot cost about £8,000 to stage and the Rotarians are hoping to have covered their costs. Mr Mulchinock explained: "We set out to make money for our charities but even if we make a slight loss it will have helped raise awareness of all the participating groups." Sheppey's town crier Bruce Horton leads Swale's mayor and mayoress and the Isle of Sheppey Band to start the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: Minster on Sea Parish Council The event was opened by Sheppey’s new town crier Bruce Horton and the Mayor of Swale Cllr Derek Carnell with music from the recently launched Isle of Sheppey Band (formerly St John Ambulance). Mayor of Swale Cllr Derek Carnell chats to PCSO Nick Beeny after opening the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden Live music from Gianni Scalera and The Jury at the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden Sarah Poole with her dog Lexi who won the Golden Oldie award in the Wonder Dog Grooming dog show. Picture: John Nurden Live music came from singer Mike Harris, rock trio Gianni Scalera and The Jury and Sheppey’s Rolling Stones’ tribute band Stoned, with support from Sheppey FM. There were arena displays by the Island Allstars baton twirlers and the Euphoric Twirlers and a dog show masterminded by Nicci Christian of Wonder Dog Grooming. The Sheppey Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets also opened their doors for the event and gave tours of their premises and boat rides. Young visitors were also encouraged to audition for the cadets’ new band by blowing bugles and banging drums. New recruits for the Sheppey Sea Cadets band. Picture: John Nurden Bandmaster Alex Mulchinock said: “My ears are still ringing. The enthusiasm from everyone who tried our musical instruments was both infectious and unstoppable.” The Sheppey miniature railway also did a roaring trade. Crowds let the trains take the strain at the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden Ice cream man Charlie Rossi said: “The whole of Barton’s Point came alive with a sea of families enjoying the fantastic day. I feel very lucky to have been a part of such an amazing event and hope to see you all again next year.” Rotary Club president 'Mad' Mike Young turned to verse at the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden The Rotary Club’s president ‘Mad’ Mike Young, a member of the Monster Raving Loony Party, voted the event a hit and summed up the day in verse. He said: “The pesky rain was held at bay, kissed by the sun on the day.” Rotarian Paula Fagg running the Shut The Box stall at the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden As well as supporting Island charities in many ways, including its annual Community Chest event, the Rotary Club also contributes to help in Ukraine, the Nepal and Tibet mudslide, the Turkey and Syria earthquake, polio prevention, water treatment and the fight against illiteracy. Rentals for commercial stallholders were kept low with the agreement that, if the event was successful, additional donations could be made to the Rotary Club. Anyone who would like to support the work of the Rotarians can do so using this link: https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QM3Z6TN7 Lee Jarmaine and Esther Marsh from the Sheppey Light Railway Greenway project get down to basics. Picture: John Nurden

A swimmer saved from drowning has praised his three school children rescuers. Wayne Sullivan, 63, was plucked from the sea off the Isle of Sheppey by the alert youngsters aged 12 to 13 while adults allegedly looked on and did nothing. Mr Sullivan, who spent four days in intensive care, said from his home in Minster: “If it hadn’t been for those three, I wouldn’t be here now. Heroes Ella Selfe, Max Markham and Jersie Wiles. Picture: John Nurden “Those lovely kids took charge of the situation and used their initiative to pull me out of the water and onto the beach. Their bravery saved my life. I am such a lucky man.” The former Royal Marine who served in the Falklands needed his lungs pumped clear of water and now has pneumonia. But he vowed: “When I am better I’d love to meet them. I am so grateful.” He added: “I was told later that other grown up bystanders on the beach were just standing around filming it. Luckily, these kids could see I was in a very bad way. They were extremely brave to do what they did. I must have had angels on my side.” The wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery bomb ship He said: “I’m normally a very strong swimmer and quite fit for a 63-year-old. It’s not unusual for me to swim to the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery bomb ship and back. “I was feeling a bit down so I went for a swim to cheer myself up. The water was very calm and flat and I was enjoying the swim immensely. “I was about three-quarters of a mile out when I decided to head back and realised the tide had turned and I was swimming against it. “Then I suffered a severe attack of cramp in one leg where I have an arthritic knee. “My leg seized from my ankle to my thigh. I was swimming with just one leg. I have never had cramp like it.” He went on: “Because of my military training, I didn’t panic. But I started to sink and I went under half a dozen times. I tried to float on my back but I had exhausted myself and started to submerge. The seafront at The Leas, Minster “I began swallowing water and became disorientated. It felt like my time had come. “Those brilliant, lovely kids are proper heroes. They waded out and dragged me in and put me on the beach and called the ambulance. They put me in the recovery position and knew about CPR. “I am so grateful. If it had not been for them, I wouldn’t be here now. It shows there are some really good youngsters around.” Doctors later said three-quarters of his lungs were flooded and that his oxygen levels were less than10%. Mr Sullivan, who is suffering from the effects of pneumonia brought on by his ordeal, said: “People knock the NHS and Medway Maritime Hospital but the staff were so professional. I am such a very lucky man. I was seconds from dying. When doctors called my family from the hospital they said I only had a 50-50 chance of surviving.” Heroes Jersie Willes, Max Markham and Ella Selfe. Picture: John Nurden The drama happened at lunch time on Wednesday (July 24) on The Leas at Minster. Max Markham, a 12-year-old pupil from Borden Grammar School, was celebrating the first week of the school summer holidays on the beach with his cousin Ella Selfe and her friend Jersie Wiles. The girls are both13 and go to Highsted Girls Grammar in Sittingbourne. Max from Charlock Drive, Minster, said: “We were having a paddle when we noticed a man struggling in the water. “I swam over to see if he was all right but he was gasping for air and trying to reach out to me. So I grabbed his arm to help him. “Ella was still in the shallows so I called her over to come to help me get him out.” Ella from Beckley Road, Sheerness, said: “I swam over to grab the man’s other arm to help Max take him in. By the time we got him to the edge of the water, Jersie had already run to the Sweet Hut to get help and a woman came down to help us. “We had all of the man’s weight on us because he was so weak.” The Sweet Hut on The Leas at Minster, Sheppey Max said: “Together we dragged him out. Jersie had run to the Sweet Hut because no one else was helping us on the beach. “A lady came down to help. We had the man out of the water and laid him down on some towels. “While we were doing that, Jersie rang for the ambulance.” Jersie from Kent Avenue, Minster, called the emergency services. She said: “I rang the ambulance and got through and they asked me lots of questions. It was the first time I had ever dialled 999. It was quite scary because I was in shock as well. But I had to do it to get the help the man needed. “I was doing that while everyone else was trying to support the man. The ambulance came quite quickly.” She added: “We stayed with the man when the first ambulance arrived but when the second came we decided it was best to walk off and leave it to them.” Max said: “Looking back, it doesn’t feel real. It was quite scary.” Luckily, all three are good swimmers. Max said: “That definitely helped.” No lifeguards patrol this stretch of the beach any more It is the second year running the RNLI has been unable to provide lifeguards to patrol that stretch of coastline because of a lack of recruits. Max, who captains the Sheppey United under-13s football team, said: “It’s not that great because when people are struggling there is no one to help them.” Ella, who also captains the Sheerness East under-14s boys’ football squad, added: “Especially when it was just us kids and people were just watching us get a man out of the water and they weren’t helping. There were loads of adults sitting on the beach and just watching us. “If there had been lifeguards they could have helped us.” Jersie, a member of Sheerness Swimming Club team, said: “When I went into the Sweet Hut they said they didn’t have anyone medically trained so that wasn’t helpful. Lifeguards are definitely needed.” Sheppey St John Ambulance volunteers staff a first aid tent at weekends Volunteers from Sheppey St John Ambulance are now providing first aid cover along the beach from 10am to 4pm every weekend and bank holiday until September 1. Asked if he’d give any advice to swimmers, Max said: “Don’t swim alone so at least you have someone to help you if you get into difficulties.” Mr Sullivan said: “It is appalling there are no lifeguards along that beach.” All the parents have praised their quick thinking children. Max’s mum Anneka said: “We are all really proud of the way they acted. “Their quick thinking saved a man’s life. They were in the right place at the right time and did all the right things. Max saw someone in trouble and his nature is to help, so that's exactly what he did on the day.” Ella’s mum Bex Selfe said: “They were really brave and confident. It's really nice to have some good feedback about your children. “Both Max's family and myself feel passionately about making sure they can swim well because we've always lived on the Island.” When RNLI lifeguards patrolled Minster beach. Picture: John Nurden Jersie’s dad Ross Wiles said: “We are massively proud. They saved his life and prevented a family from suffering.” Their actions were first highlighted on social media by Jade Williams, who saw the incident unfold and praised the youngsters. She wrote: “To the parents of Max Markham, Ella Selfe and Jersie Wiles. Please know that your kids have just done an incredible thing. “Between them they pulled a man out of the water at the beach, stayed with him and called an ambulance.” Their heroism was also brought up at Swale Borough Council’s full meeting on Thursday night by Sheerness councillor Dolley Wooster. The Labour councillor said: “They decided not to walk away and made tricky decisions under pressure, including a very professional 999 call. “We are incredibly proud of them. A lot of adults could learn from that type of behaviour. “There is a certain perception of our young people. They aren’t ‘feral’ – they are of excellent quality.” A spokeswoman for South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed it received reports of a swimmer in need of medical attention at Minster Leas around 1pm on Wednesday. She added: “Crews assessed and treated one person at the scene before taking them to Medway Maritime Hospital for further medical treatment.” In July 2023, Swale council, which covers the wages for lifeguards on Sheppey, announced that Minster beach would no longer have a patrol because of difficulties recruiting. Instead, the RNLI has focussed its seven days a week Island cover on Sheerness and Leysdown. A Swale Borough Council spokesman said last year: “The council has worked with the RNLI for 10 years to provide lifeguard cover at Swale’s bathing beaches, with incidents remaining low. “In recent years the RNLI has struggled to recruit local lifeguards and has been relying on bringing in people from other areas to cover our beaches. “Now, for a range of global reasons, other areas are also struggling to recruit so the pool of specially trained lifeguards is smaller. “Because of this, the RNLI has taken a decision based on risk assessments to prioritise the busy Leysdown beach and Sheerness beach where the currents are more likely to catch people unaware. “This means the quieter Minster Leas beach will not have a lifeguard presence this year and despite meeting all of the rest of criteria such as water quality will be unable to fly the Blue Flag.” Charlie Frame, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor also said last year: “Despite our best efforts, we have struggled to find new recruits to fill all the roles we have. But we’re confident the cover being provided is appropriate for the risk profiles of the Island’s beaches. “We did have several local people interested in what is a fantastic summer job but they either didn’t complete their application or weren’t able to meet the necessary standard for working on open water.” Official advice is to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you see anyone in trouble in the sea. If you would like to become a lifeguard visit the RNLI's Find a Job webpage. It pays £12.30 to £14.10 an hour. Watch exclusive video of the youngsters here https://youtu.be/MI5d8hbmTG4

By Bel Austin The place to be on Saturday night was Sheppey Little Theatre. On offer was a programme of home-grown talent coming together to produce a show celebrating half a century of entertainment. Yes - it really was 50 years to the day that Sheppey’s community theatre opened its doors to the first concert on October 25, 1975. Showcase 50 souvenir programme at the Sheppey Little Theatre Happily, an appreciative audience helped to roll back the years, watch energetic youngsters strut their stuff and listen to established groups singing in harmony. It was an informal evening with veteran Derek Friday, chairman of Sheppey Entertainment Association, compering the acts in a smart, white tux or in his country yokel smock raising laughs with his Newington Concert Party colleagues Kevin Hayre and David Stevens. The three yokels featuring Derek Friday, Kevin Hayre and David Stevens. Picture: SEA NCP’s fourth member Clare Derek also gave a solo sketch called Thereby Hangs A Tail. Back to the 70s disco with Starquest Performing Arts. Picture: SEA The opening seventies disco dance routines by Starquest School of Performing Arts, which are based at the theatre, set the pace with Jack, the one lone male, fitting easily into the troupe. Starquest dancers perform a medley from the Wizard of Oz. Picture: SEA They returned with musical tributes to the Wizard of Oz, Queen and Abba. Manic Monkeys taking a bow at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA Youth group The Manic Monkeys introduced a tiny bit of magic as they took the audience on a theatrical history lesson from early Greek tragedy to a more modern Muppets-inspired comical puppet routine to the tune Row, Row, Row The Boat. Sounds Familiar sounding spooky at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The women-only eight-piece Sounds Familiar are always easy on the ear and their selection of Halloween-inspired songs while clad in mysterious dark cloaks added more than a little nostalgia beginning with I Put A Spell On You and ending with Little Shop of Horrors. The Isle of Sheppey Singers on stage at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The 21-strong Isle of Sheppey Singers, looking smart with green bowties for the chaps and green scarves for the ladies, tugged at the heart strings with their choice of music including Come Follow The Band and the Lambeth Walk. Janet Ransley accompanied them on piano. Newington Concert Party at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The four-piece Newington Concert Party, led by compere Derek, gave us a five-song medley including crowd favourite Sweet Caroline. Meyrick Minstrels performed Hernando's Hideaway using torches. Picture: SEA The nine-piece Meyrick Minstrels proved the show must go on. The recent loss of their leader Yvonne Walker weighs heavily on them. But they painted on smiles and sang their socks off with a six-song medley including Hernando’s Hideaway, complete with effective torch routine, and Abba’s Thank You For The Music. Finale of Showcase 50 at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The whole company returned to the stage at the end of the night for an emotional rendition of There’s No Business Like Show Business. Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Kevin McKenna, second left, joined some of the volunteers at the Sheppey Little Theatre Among those invited to the golden anniversary bash were deputy Lord Lieutenant Paul Auston (who was represented by Lady Melville), Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Kevin McKenna, Swale mayor Cllr Karen Watson and her husband Allan and theatre patron Elizabeth Tullberg, a former Kent Deputy Lieutenant. On stage there was no pomp or ceremony just "ordinary "people enjoying the best in entertainment Sheppey had to offer. As the evening wore on it, was small wonder that "ghosts" of personalities who had once trodden the theatre's boards were brought sharply into focus. Author Jeremy Thornton Too many to mention, but they had their names in roll of honour in a souvenir booklet compiled by volunteer Jeremy Thornton selling at £10. It includes everyone from visionaries and performers to backstage staff and volunteers who helped turn a neglected church Sunday school hall into a working theatre with stage, raked seating and bar in the basement. Saturday proved that whatever setbacks half a century might throw up, the show must go on.

Michael Crawford, who was brought up on Sheppey by his nan, has been honoured by USA President Donald Trump alongside Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor and the rock band Kiss. Trump says it was for the actor's work on Barnum and The Phantom of the Opera. But here on Sheppey we know it was really about his BBC sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em and, in particular, the 1975 Christmas special filmed on the Island. Michael Crawford drove a Hillman Imp off Neptune Jetty at Sheerness for the 1975 BBC Christmas special of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Picture: Barry Hollis Many still remember with fondness the day the TV star drove a Hillman Imp off Neptune Jetty and into the sea at Sheerness. Previously, he had been filmed marooned in the car on top of the Kingsferry Bridge. Scroll down to watch a behind-the-scenes video and see how many Islanders you can recognise. We spotted the ubiquitous Ray Featherstone, who popped along to try to get footage for his Stones Film Productions and ended up becoming Crawford's "minder" for the day. Ray recalled: "I had popped out for a walk along the seafront and spotted a huge crowd and a TV crew. I didn't know what was going on but I rushed back home to get my 16mm Bolex cine camera. Ray Featherstone, left, escorts Michael Crawford along Neptune Jetty, Sheerness, as the actor prepares for a final stunt for his BBC 1975 Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em Christmas special. Picture: BBC "Whenever we staged a premier for one of our films we always had a B-film and a newsreel. I thought this would be great for the newsreel." But when he returned ready for action he was in for a surprise. "I asked the production manager if he minded me filming and he said it was fine but added that he was in big trouble because of the size of the crowd now lining the promenade. "He said he thought Sheppey was a sleepy place and hadn't expected such an interest. He admitted he didn't have enough crew to cope and asked if I could lend a hand." Ray Featherstone. Picture: Sheppey Scene Ray stowed his cherished camera in nearby Wood and Sons fishmongers for safekeeping and presented himself for work. "I thought I'd be asked to carry a tripod or something. Instead, he asked me to look after Michael for the rest of the day. I was quite aghast. Until then I hadn't even realised what the show was they were shooting. "I'd never met Michael before but my mum used to tell me he lived in The Crescent at Halfway with his gran. I used to watch him playing a cabin boy in a children's TV show about pirates." Ray escorted Michael to the Roman Catholic church hall which the star was using as a changing room. Michael Crawford crashed this Hillman Imp through a barrier at Sheerness for the 1975 Christmas special of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Picture: BBC Ray said: "I waited outside as he got into a wetsuit and put his clothes on over the top. Then we walked to the jetty and I helped keep autograph-hunters away. At times, Michael signed some on the bonnet of the car. "We walked to the end of the jetty to check on the tide and I made the mistake of leaning on one of the guard rails. It fell off in my hand. They had taken all the metal ones out and replaced them with rubber ones so the car could crash through them. They also created a trellis wall for the car to drive through. "At the end of the jetty was a ramp and a cannon which fired the car into the water at high speed. "Until then, I'd just seen Michael playing an idiot on television. Now I realised how professional he was as he checked every aspect of the stunt. "There was even an oxygen cylinder in the car in case he ended up trapped under the surface and needed to breath. It as pretty dangerous stuff. "While we waited for high tide, Michael went over the road to the Napier for lunch. There was a huge crowd outside clamoring for his autograph. He let me collect autograph books and signed them in the pub." Michael Crawford waves to the crowd after completing his stunt for Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Picture: Barry Hollis After the stunt, which ended with Crawford waving wildly from the open sunroof of the car surrounded by waves, the star returned to the church hall to change. Ray recalled: "I waited for him outside but unknown to me he was taken out by another door and straight into a waiting car and driven away. I never got a chance to say goodbye and the production crew never even knew my name. I wasn't paid and to this day he won't know who I was." Ray's brief time of rubbing shoulders with TV royalty was captured by a BBC documentary unit shooting behind the scenes. A few seconds of Ray walking along the jetty next to Crawford was included in a Channel 5 documentary Michael Crawford: Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Ray said: "Purely by chance, we were both wearing black roll-neck jumpers and check jackets." He never managed to get any film of the event which turned out to one of Sheppey's enduring highlights of the small screen. But one person who caught the deed was Barry Hollis, a 21-year-old photographer on the Sheerness Times Guardian. Barry, 67, from Waverley Avenue, Minster, said: "I think it was a Sunday. I was definitely not working. Someone mentioned Michael Crawford was filming on the beach so I wandered down and ended up staying the rest of the day." He snapped away taking both colour and black and white pictures. Michael Crawford climbs out of the sunroof of the Hillman Imp after completing filming for Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em at Sheerness. Picture: Barry Hollis He said: "The stunt team spent about half a day checking everything out with Michael before he took the wheel of the car. "He was very professional, checking out how the car should react when it hit the water. The car was packed with polystyrene to help it stay afloat and had an oxygen bottle and breathing apparatus which Michael tested beforehand. "People got to hear what was happening and by the afternoon there were hundreds all lined up along the side of the Catholic church but out of sight of the cameras. "I saw the car crash through the wall, smash through the barriers at the end of the pier and then fly across the water. It all seemed to go so smoothly. It was just luck I happened to be there. "I don't think any of us realised this would become such an iconic episode." Many still remember the filming. In a post on the The Sheppey History Page on Facebook, Mark Soave wrote: "If you watch the film two people, Mick Bronger and Norman Girt, are fishing at the end of the pier. The rumour is that they were asked to move and refused so the BBC paid them £10 each to stand where they were." Mr Girt replied: "True story! But they paid us £50. We had to sign contracts in the Dolphin Cafe." Lynda Pearce swears her "other half" still has the gear knob from the Imp. Apparently the car was eventually pushed ashore by a tug from the docks. Wendy MacKenzie revealed she once refused to go on a date with the star when he was younger. She said: "He asked me out when he visited his nan. He came into the garage (Vidgens) where I worked and filled up his Lambretta scooter. He wore a blue and white striped T-shirt and was a bit spotty and skinny, so I said no." Years later he had swapped his scooter for a brand new red BMW. The episode also created controversy when it was re-shown recently. When it opens, Frank is dressed as chief of the pixies in Santa's Grotto and is called a derogatory term by a boy. The episode now carries a warning at the start saying the show "contains language and attitudes of the time that may offend." Former Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson confirmed he once lived in Crawford's old home at 6 The Crescent, Halfway, which is featured in the entertainer's autobiography Parcel Arrived Safely: Tied With String. Michael Crawford's former home on the Isle of Sheppey Mr Henderson recalled: "I actually lived there for almost 30 years but I never had any fans knocking on the door. However, I remember on one occasion I was working on the roof when this huge Winnebago pulled up outside my home and Michael got out. "He wandered over and explained he had brought his gran (who he doted on) down to see her old home. He pointed at the front garden wall, which was leaning over badly and which I kept promising to repair, but never got round to it. "Michael told me proudly that he had built the wall. I said: 'I believe you!' and he gave me one of his Frank Spencer smiles. "We had a little chat about things and then he drove off. Sadly, his gran passed away a few months later." Michael Patrick Dumbell-Smith, OBE and CBE, was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 1942 at the height of the Second World War after his single mum Doris moved out of London to dodge German bombers. Michael Crawford with his nan Edith Pike She later moved back to Sheppey where she lived with her Irish-born mother Edith Pike in what Crawford described as a "close-knit Roman Catholic family". His grandmother lived to be 99. In a 1996 interview, Crawford said: "My early memories of life were always of large-breasted aunts. I was always nestled in someone's bosom. I thought life was wonderful. "They were some of the best years of my life. I didn't get near another bosom until I was 19 or 20." Crawford, who turns 84 later this month (January 19) now switches between his two homes in south west London and New Zealand. He lives with his American-born wife Natasha McAller, a former dancer. They met while performing in the 1991 production of The Phantom of the Opera in Los Angeles. Video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1488251282278120 * Quotes first published by John Nurden on Kent Online, November 2022.

A furious Swale Borough Council has hit out at Minster Medical Group’s plans to boycott a new purpose-made surgery being built for it in Sheerness. The council is creating a new GP hub at the Sheppey Healthy Living Centre as part of its £20 million government-funded Sheerness Revival project. But the Minster GPs say they don’t want to return and want to stay at Sheppey Community Hospital in Minster. How the new Sheppey Healthy Living Centre in Sheerness will look. Picture: Swale Borough Council They say looking after their patients across two sites has become “increasingly challenging” because of “workforce constraints”, travel and transport limitations and low patient numbers at the Sheerness centre. They want to concentrate care at Minster and have been running a 12-week public consultation which closes this Wednesday (June 10). The Sheppey Healthy Living Centre serves a registered population of 14,283 patients, making it the largest GP practice on the Island. Cllr Tim Gibson, leader of Swale Borough Council Council leader Tim Gibson (Lab, Roman) said last night: “I have reiterated the sizeable health and community benefits of returning to their new, modern, accessible and state-of-the-art facility being built as part of our Sheerness Revival project. “The surgery was a key part of our bid to the government for funding and has been involved throughout the project. "This included providing valuable input into the specifications for the new purpose-built practice. “Furthermore, we have improved accessibility by moving the surgery to the ground floor, increasing its size allowing for an additional consultation room and space for enhanced provision such as minor surgeries, improved ventilation and a separate entrance.” How the new GP surgery at the Sheppey Healthy Living Centre will look. Picture: Swale Borough Council He added: “The Sheerness site benefits from multiple regular bus services and a direct rail connection making it accessible for patients across the Isle of Sheppey and beyond.” In a letter of support for the project, the surgery originally wrote that the rebuild would be “be a transformational opportunity for our practice and patients, with innumerable positive health and equality outcomes.” Cllr Gibson said: “We firmly believe that this is still the case. “Health services in Sheerness and across Sheppey are a huge concern for Islanders. We are committed to continuing to work with the integrated care board to ensure residents in Sheerness can continue accessing high quality healthcare.” Cllr Hannah Perkin (Lib Dem, Abbey) He was joined by Cllr Hannah Perkin (Lib Dem, Abbey) who chairs the council’s housing, health and communities committee. She said: “We have put a lot of time, effort and funding into the important health element of our Sheerness Revival project to improve access to essential health services and address entrenched inequalities experienced on the Isle of Sheppey. “Residents face significant barriers in accessing care, with Swale having one of the highest patient-to-GP ratios in the country, making the retention of this accessible infrastructure even more critical. How the new GP surgery at the Sheppey Healthy Living Centre will look. Picture: Swale Borough Council “Life expectancy in Swale remains below the regional and national averages, reflecting long-standing health inequalities. The GP practice has a significant proportion of patients that have elevated need.” The council says removing GPs from the centre would “disproportionately impact the most vulnerable residents within Swale.” Swale already has one of the worst patient-to-GP ratios in the country, approximately 3,300 patients for every doctor. Sheerness residents can expect to die earlier than others with a life expectancy as low as 77.4 for men and 81.5 for women, compared to a national average of 83 years. The Sheerness centre is due to reopen later this year. Sheppey Community Hospital in Plover Road, Minster Minster Medical Centre says it needs to close its Sheerness site and focus its efforts on Minster. It says the hospital site in Plover Road has been “operating successfully” while the healthy living centre has been shut for the past 15 months for building work. In a letter to patients, it stressed: “During the period SHLC has been closed, we have seen that patients can access care efficiently at Minster. “The site offers several benefits that improve patient experience, including better access to appointments with extended hours giving patients more choice and flexibility.” It says there is more coordinated care with all staff and services in one place, improving communication and being more efficient. Sheppey Community Hospital in Plover Road, Minster It adds: “Minster Medical Centre is on a hospital site with free parking and a bus stop directly outside, making it easier to attend appointments compared to SHLC, where traffic, limited parking and public transport accessibility made attending more difficult.” It insists that Minster is a “modern, fully accessible environment with convenient facilities, reduces travel stress and supports safe, high-quality care.” It has offered patients two one-to-one sessions on May 27 and June 3 to discuss the proposals. Patients have until 10 June to respond. Visit https://www.sheppeyhealthylivingcentre.co.uk/notification--proposed-permanent-closure-of-sheppey-healthy-living-centre-shlc-site