MESSING ABOUT ON
THE MEDWAY
 |
| Paul Ross journeys to the River Medway's
source |
It is one of the South East's biggest geographical
features and part of the dividing line between Kent and Sussex.
Join Inside Out presenter Paul Ross as he messes about on the Medway.
The River Medway is one
of the longest rivers in the South East of England.
This majestic stretch of water rolling towards the Thames
flows from a modest spring at Turners Hill.
But Paul Ross' journey begins at the other end of the
Medway - a one and a half mile gap between the Isle of Grain and the Isle
of Sheppey.
Life on the waves
 |
| The
River Medway is one of the longest rivers in the South East |
The river was first opened to navigation more than 250
years ago when water transport was in its heyday.
Today the river is mainly used for sport and leisure activities.
It is also where Eileen and Tony Pinnock call home.
Eileen and Tony have lived on a Coaster for seven years.
Far from a cramped and basic existence, Eileen's imported Indian fabrics
ensure that the pair live in 127 feet of luxury.
Their boat has been happily moored next to the Rochester
Bridge, but with riverside redevelopment planned, Eileen and Tony will
have to be on the move - and so will Paul if he is to reach the river's
source.
Jobs for the girls
As Paul moves further upstream he arrives at Wateringbury
marina run by Sally Dozin.
| River Medway |
|
Sir Francis Drake learnt to sail on the River
Medway. His father, Edmund was the vicar of St. Mary's Church in
Upchurch.
Dead Man's Island and Burnt Wick Island are in
the River Medway. When the area was riddled with contagious diseases
- they used to use hulk ships as accommodation ships and put those
sufferers on board. Their bodies were then buried at Burnt Wick
Island or Dead Man's Island.
There is a stone outside Burham which commemorates
where the Romans swam across the river during the two day 'Battle
of Medway' in AD43.
There are a number of disused German Subs at the
bottom of the River Medway. During WWI Germans perfected diesel
engines better than the British. We brought some of their subs lifted
out the diesel engines and then left the subs in the River.
|
Sally's parents owned the marina for 25 years. When they
decided to sell the business, Sally jumped at the chance and has been
running it herself for four years although it's not easy!
"I work a six day week and during summer months,
the hours can be very long," says Sally.
But there are a few perks - especially if you have a passion
for heavy machinery!
"Part of my duties include driving a crane which
isn't a very girlie thing to do," explains Sally.
"I'm also involved in the buying and selling of boats
in the marina."
Flood protection
As Paul continues upstream he reaches the Leigh Barrier
- three vertical gates which hold back the river at high flows, allowing
water to be fed through at a controlled rate.
The barrier is essential to the safety of those living
in Kent towns and villages after the floods of 2000.
Environment Agency engineer Richard Francis was awarded
an MBE in recognition for his services to flood relief.
 |
| The
River Medway rises from a modest spring in Butcher's Wood |
"The wonderful thing about the River Medway is the
variety," says Richard.
"It's unique geographically; it drains the weald
of Kent. As a flood defence engineer it presents a lot of challenges."
Incredible journey
As Paul journeys past Penshurst and the weir south of East
Grinstead, the Medway shrinks from a river to a modest stream.
Along Medway Road and over a road bridge and Paul reaches
Butcher's Wood at Turners Hill - the source of the River Medway.
It is here where Paul's journey reaches an end. But for
the water rising here, the journey has only just begun.
Pipes, reservoirs, barriers and marinas all wait in store,
until 70 miles later, the river will finally arrive in the Thames Estuary. | 
