CELEBRATION !!!

Yes, it's 'party in deepest Kent' time again.

SUE AND IAN ARE ENGAGED ! Yes, we know, "about time too !" and all that stuff, and no, we don't know when we're tying the knot yet - we're still getting used to the idea of getting engaged !

Saturday September 1st is the day - afternoon ( from around 3pm ) for those who want to get away early ( or just want to make an absolute pig of themselves ), then through the evening for the late crew. We may go up to Leeds Castle on the Sunday, if there is interest from those who are staying over.

We'll try for a barbecue, so please bring dead carcass or whatever more wholesome option you would like burnt to a cinder, and some liquid - preferably alcoholic, and ideally in a bottle, rather than inside you. We will provide buns to cover the incinerated stuff with, salad, nibbles, etc.

Public transport is conveniently close, but stops early - trains from London Victoria to Ashford and Canterbury West take just over an hour to get to Bearsted station, and it's a 5-10 minute walk up Thurnham Lane from the station. Last train back to London, however, leaves Bearsted at 22:22 !

By car, take the M20 to junction 7, turn right onto the A249 towards Maidstone, left at the next roundabout past Newnham Court Farm ( signposted Bearsted ), straight on at the next roundabout, and turn sharp left ( Thurnham Lane ) after the station ( all yellow roads on the map below ). Don't worry if there are 'Road closed' signs, ant closures occur further down the lane. Keepers Cottage is on the left hand side, just after the 'no speed limit' ( national speed limit ? ) sign - you know, white circle with a black diagonal line. Number 1 is the far ( right hand ) half of the cottage.

The cottage is small, but has lots of ground around it - so if anyone wants to stay over, they are welcome, but they'll have to bring a tent and sleeping bag !

Please let us know if you are coming - we need to work out what we are catering for, and whether or not to panic !

Map of Bearsted ( courtesy of streetmap.co.uk )
On the map, the cottage is the last blob on the left before the motorway ( opposite the woods )

Train time lookup ( courtesy of Railtrack )

Hotels in the ME14 area ( courtesy of Yellow Pages )

Guest Houses in the ME14 area ( courtesy of Yellow Pages )

R.S.V.P. :

See you there !!