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Is Rochester's Catalpa Tree
the oldest in the country?

The Catalpa (C.bignonioides) originates from America and is known more commonly by the names Catawba, Indian Bean Tree, Indian Cigar and Bean Tree. It is a hardy, deciduous tree with large leaves, panicles of trumpet-shaped flowers in summer followed by long, black, bean-shaped inedible fruit in winter. It can grow up to fifty foot high. The first catalpa was introduced into the UK in 1726 and has been popular in parks and gardens ever since.

The Rochester Catalpa, situated just in front of Rochester Cathedral is estimated to be 140 - 150 years old and could now be one of the oldest living Catalpa trees in the country. It has recently been registered as an ancient tree and is in need of extensive conservation work.'The Rochester Catalpa Tree Appeal' has been set up by Cllr Sue Haydock, supported by Fern Alder, a landscape designer and Medway Tree Warden, and Russell McVeigh, who has created the web site www.rochestercatalpatree.co.uk .

The appeal needs to raise in the region of £22,000 for new oak props, cable bracing, groundworks to improve soil compaction, pruning and propagation, new railings to give greater protection to the branches and work to repair ledger stones, as the tree is located in an old burial ground. Local businesses are supporting the appeal with fund-raising (see links on website) and many people, not just locals, have made contributions. A local band leader has offered the services of his 18-piece band free for a jazz concert yet to be arranged. The Cathedral authorities have paid £1,500 for the survey of the ledger stones, before work can commence.

Ways to help the appeal include making a donation by cheque made payableto Rochester Catalpa Tree Appeal and sent to "Rochester Catalpa Tree Appeal", c/o Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR, or by visiting the web site and using PAYPAL. Volunteers are always welcome to help with the fund-raising programme which is getting underway. Offers of help can be made via the Medway Council address or via the web site.

Article first appeared on and reproduced here with kind permission by  www.rochesterpeople.co.uk

Interesting Museums in Kent

Roman Museum, Canterbury
Tucked away underground near the Catherdal in Canterbury, below the bustling streets of the city, is a small museum that strips away the layers of history back to the Roman town of Durovernum Cantiacorum. It features the preserved remains and mosaics of a Roman town house and includes reconstructions of everyday Roman life. There is a fascinating array of excavated real objects, delicate glassware, jewellery and everyday items such as earspoons to grab your attention. A computer generated reconstruction of the house explains the site and there are some hands-on displays to explore as well to help bring to life the Roman town.

For opening times and admission fees visit the website:
www.canterbury-museums.co.uk
 

Minster Gatehouse Museum, Isle of Sheppey
Sitting next to Minster Abbey, the Gatehouse Museum holds a varied collection of local history, curios and fossils from around the Isle of Sheppey. The small tower building itself is intriguing with great views from the battlements over the island.

For opening times and admission fees please contact:
Minster Gatehouse Museum ~ 01795 872303

Dover Museum, Dover
As well as covering the history of Dover town and port, the museum is home to the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world's oldest known sea-going vessel, found under the town and now preserved in a special gallery with hands-on exhibits about bronze age life and boat building. Look out for the stuffed polar bear as you travel around the rest of the museum!

For opening times and admission fees visit the website:
www.dovermuseum.co.uk