This afternoon we had the great pleasure of officially naming the above Viewpoint in honour of the late Mr and Mrs Owen and Linda Sweeney. Both fantastic and loveable people. Linda sadly passed away a fair while ago now. Not only was she group Leader of the Medway Local Group for several years, she was also a terrific fund-raiser for the Group and the plaque in her memory has been at the viewpoint for many years, sadly but entirely appropriately joined last year by a similar one in memoriam for her husband Owen.
What can one say about Owen that hasn't been said before. He was a tireless defender of the natural world, from airports, nightingales to metal detectors and paint-ballers mis-using, abusing land and the inappropriate use of our open spaces and woodland by all and sundry. Latterly he fought for the Nightingales at Lodge Hill and the Medway Councils' plan to build 5,000 housed on SSSI protected land. It was pleasing to see representation from Kent Ornithological Society, British Trust for Ornithology and Medway Local Group, including two past Leaders attending.
Pictured above left to right are Zoe Sweeney, Paul Sweeney, David Saunders, Murray Orchard, Steve Goodrich, Adrian Thomas, Marie Tilley, Sue Carter and Carol Felix, picture by Des Felix.
After a brief introduction I handed over the Adrian Thomas to say some words about the venue and Linda and Owen.
It is fair to say the affair was by no means sombre, rather a celebration of two very special individuals, made even more special by the fact that Lindas' Father Stan lived in a house directly north across the River Thames and in sight of the hillock upon which the signage stood.
After Adrian said a few words, Owen and Lindas' son Paul gave a small impromptu speech concering his parents and thanking the RSPB for generously funding the sign, special mention was given to the Site Manager Julian, and the Wardens Will and Ruby.
Fortunately the predicted rain kept away, many waders were out on the flood including 200+ Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing and Avocet. Aerially Swallows, Kestrel and Cuckoo showed and called well, a special afternoon dedicated to two special and sadly missed people, gone but definitely not forgotten.
The view from the point is spectacular as the following photo illustrates
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The North Kent Marshes are a very special area and worth preserving at all cost.