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Temperatures have soared in Kent this week and with plenty more spring sunshine to come
many of us are looking for ways to cool off
When the thermometer hits 20C and above, one of the best ways to beat the heat is with a dip in a pool and one Medway lido attracts visitors from far and wide every year
The Strand Lido in Gillingham is the only open air public pool found in the Medway towns and has a fascinating history
it stands as the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country
Owned by Medway Council
an exact date that the popular family attraction will first re-open in 2025 has been set
The Strand Lido will initially open for weekends only from Saturday May 24
the pool will then be open seven days a week during the school summer holidays
sessions must be booked online first before attending
the lido also features a 300 metre lazy river and slides alongside its leisure pool
riverside walks and free to use outdoor tennis courts
Pay and display parking is available on site
and The Strand can also be easily accessed via bus
When the lido re-opens this May swimmers will be able to make use of a new splash pad
a fun play area kitted out with 30 jets of water
The beach-themed splash pad is replacing the existing paddling pool and will be completely free to use from 11am to 5pm when the lido is open
Children aged three to 11 years old will be able to cool off on hot summer's day under 30 sensor-activated water jets
Standing mostly unchanged since it first opened all those years ago
making it ideal for a refreshing dip on a hot day
News of the lido’s re-opening is sure to be greeted with extra enthusiasm this year as another Medway swimming pool will be shut for more than a month. Between Monday, May 19 and Monday, June 30, several areas in the Hoo Sports Centre, including the pool, will be fully closed to the public while improvement works are completed
Visitors are advised that The Strand is cash-free and only accepts card payments. Full details on booking a slot for the Gillingham lido can be found here
Find out more about things to do in Kent with our free What’s On email HERE.
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Vale needed leaders Doncaster to drop points away at Notts County to have any chance of finishing in top spot but Rovers ran out 2-1 winners to be crowned champions
A stunning goal from Aaron Rowe secured all three points for Gillingham
who ended the campaign in 17th place on the back of a 12-match unbeaten run
Vale were the only team to register a shot on goal in a lacklustre first half
with Rhys Walters and Ronan Curtis forcing saves out of Gills goalkeeper Glenn Morris
The hosts had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock just before the break but Lorent Tolaj ballooned his effort high and wide
Gillingham looked a lot brighter after the restart and came close to taking the lead when Max Clark's strike went just wide in the 55th minute
They did go ahead moments later thanks to a superb finish from Rowe
who created space for himself on the edge of the area before firing a left-footed shot into the top corner
Jayden Stockley came off the bench straight after the goal and nearly brought the home side level on the hour mark but
having been found in the box by fellow substitute Rico Richards
his attempt was well saved by the legs of Morris
Captain George Byers had a late effort saved by Morris as Vale's hopes of snatching what was by then a relatively insignificant equaliser ended and they were forced to settle for a second-placed finish
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Webster Match OfficialsReferee: Jacob MilesAssistant Referee 1: Daniel WoodwardAssistant Referee 2: Michael WebbFourth Official: Peter WrightMatch StatsKey
Scroll LeftScroll RightPort Vale have lost just one of their last seven league games against Gillingham (W3 D3) and are unbeaten across their last four on home soil against the Gills (W3 D1)
After winning the reverse fixture 1-0 in November last year
Gillingham will be looking to record a first league double over Port Vale since the 2008-09 season
Port Vale have won just one of their last 11 final games of a league campaign (D5 L5)
scoring just five goals in total across those matches
Gillingham have lost just one of their last seven games on the final day of a league campaign (W4 D2
winning their last one on the road against Salford City in 2023 (1-0)
Rekeem Harper (Port Vale) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked
Fourth official has announced 6 minutes of added time
George Byers (Port Vale) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Shadrach Ogie (Gillingham) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Nelson Khumbeni (Gillingham) wins a free kick in the defensive half
George Byers (Port Vale) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal
Robbie McKenzie (Gillingham) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul
Connor Hall (Port Vale) wins a free kick on the left wing
Jayden Stockley (Port Vale) header from the right side of the six yard box is high and wide to the right
Assisted by Jaheim Headley with a cross following a corner
Conor Masterson (Gillingham) header from a difficult angle on the right is too high
Assisted by Max Clark with a cross following a set piece situation
Check out how to watch Port Vale v Gillingham in League Two
Port Vale have one final swing at the League Two title when they face Gillingham on the final day
Vale have secured a swift return to League One but sit one point short of Doncaster with one match left to play
They must better Rovers' result against Notts County to hoist the silverware
RadioTimes.com has rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch Port Vale v Gillingham on TV and online
Port Vale v Gillingham will take place on Saturday 3rd May 2025
Check out our live football on TV guide for the latest times and information
Port Vale v Gillingham will kick off at 3pm
You can watch the game live on Sky Sports+
Sky Sports + will feature more than 1,000 EFL games throughout the season and is included as part of Sky Sports packages
Sky Sports customers can live stream the game via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices including most smartphones and tablets as part of their subscription
NOW can be streamed through a computer or apps found on most smart TVs
In working partnership with the Radio Times, bet365 has provided the following betting odds for this event:
bet365 odds: Port Vale (13/20) Draw (5/2) Gillingham (5/1)*
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What channel is Port Vale v Gillingham League Two match on
live stream and kick-off timeCheck out how to watch Port Vale v Gillingham in League Two
They must better Rovers' result against Notts County to hoist the silverware
RadioTimes.com has rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch Port Vale v Gillingham on TV and online
Check out our live football on TV guide for the latest times and information
You can watch the game live on Sky Sports+
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In working partnership with the Radio Times, bet365 has provided the following betting odds for this event:
bet365 odds: Port Vale (13/20) Draw (5/2) Gillingham (5/1)*
*Odds subject to change. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Michael PottsSport EditorMichael Potts is the Sport Editor for Radio Times
covering all of the biggest sporting events across the globe with previews
He has worked for Radio Times since 2019 and previously worked on the sport desk at Express.co.uk after starting his career writing features for What Culture
He achieved a first-class degree in Sports Journalism in 2014
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marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day
when the Second World War came to an end in Europe
the heart of the VE Day celebrations will be focused on commemorating in our communities with the 5th of May being dedicated to community celebrations
Street parties, picnics, and barbecues will take place and millions across the UK are expected to join in the ‘Great British Food Festival‘ to celebrate 80 years of peace and to remember the many sacrifices made
If you’re looking for inspiration to get the party going. the official 80th anniversary website offers a wealth of tips and inspiration for party planners including The Big Lunch Guide to Bringing People Together, ideas for food
quiz sheets and templates for home-made bunting
For details of events in Gillingham visit the town council’s Facebook page
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Joe Gbode had come off the bench to put the hosts in front
but Wright beat veteran goalkeeper Glenn Morris with an excellent strike against his former side to earn a point
should have taken the lead within the opening few minutes
but Connor Ripley made a stunning point-blank save to deny Elliott Nevitt
Ripley was also alert to deny Shad Ogie's long-range shot
with Morris saving well from both Gavin Kilkenny and Tom Nichols
Gills took the lead when a forward pass from Sam Gale found Aaron Rowe who
beat his man and threaded an inch-perfect pass for Gbode
He held off his man well before producing a clinical finish from just inside the box
Ian Holloway's side were level when Wright's free-kick from 25 yards was beautifully struck into the bottom right corner
Jonny Williams was shown a second yellow card
with Gbode receiving his marching orders for a second bookable offence for an off-the-ball incident
Swindon boss Ian Holloway speaks to BBC Radio Wiltshire
Two Yellow Cards at 90 minutes plus 4Number 33
substituted for Botan Ameen at 78 minutesNumber 17
Westley Match OfficialsReferee: Neil HairAssistant Referee 1: Conor FarrellAssistant Referee 2: Damith BandaraFourth Official: James HurstMatch StatsKey
Scroll LeftScroll RightGillingham have lost just one of their last 16 league games against Swindon Town (W7 D8)
Swindon Town have won just one of their last 39 away league games against Gillingham since 1930 (D14 L24)
scoring just 0.78 goals per match over that time
Gillingham are unbeaten across their last 10 league games (W3 D7)
their longest run since February 2020 (15 games)
Swindon have won each of their last two away league games 4-0 and could win three matches on the road in succession by a 4+ goal margin for the first time in the EFL
Second yellow card to Joseph Gbode (Gillingham)
Miguel Freckleton (Swindon Town) is shown the yellow card
Second yellow card to Jonny Williams (Gillingham) for a bad foul
Paul Glatzel (Swindon Town) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Fourth official has announced 5 minutes of added time
Delay in match because of an injury Ollie Clarke (Swindon Town)
Conor Masterson (Gillingham) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Gavin Kilkenny (Swindon Town) wins a free kick on the left wing
Dominic Corness (Gillingham) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Dominic Corness (Gillingham) wins a free kick in the attacking half
who are now unbeaten in seven games under Gareth Ainsworth
went in front just after the hour when Gbode produced a powerful effort from inside the box to beat goalkeeper Owen Goodman
The visitors had created chances to go ahead themselves
but his header from a James Tilley free-kick cleared the crossbar
Alistair Smith also came close but his drilled effort from the edge of the box was struck wide of the left-hand post
Those missed opportunities proved costly just after the hour when Remeao Hutton threaded through a nice pass for Bradley Dack
whose first-time effort flew into the back of the net
Johnnie Jackson's side sent men forward in the closing stages
but the hosts defended resolutely to claim back-to-back home wins
AFC Wimbledon remain in the play-off places with two games to play
Yellow Card at 44 minutesOmar Bugiel 57'
substituted for Omar Bugiel at 57 minutesSubstitutesNumber 16
Ward Match OfficialsReferee: Gavin WardAssistant Referee 1: Hugh GilroyAssistant Referee 2: Carl Fitch-JacksonFourth Official: Russell JonesMatch StatsKey
Scroll LeftScroll RightGillingham are unbeaten across their last four home league games against AFC Wimbledon (W3 D1)
AFC Wimbledon have won each of their last two league games against Gillingham and will be looking to win three in succession for the first time
Gillingham have lost five of their last seven league games played on Easter Monday
though one of those draws did come in their last home match on this day (0-0 vs Fleetwood Town in April 2022)
AFC Wimbledon have won just one of their nine games played on Easter Monday (D2 L6)
Ryan Johnson (AFC Wimbledon) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Remeao Hutton (Gillingham) is shown the yellow card
Glenn Morris (Gillingham) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Fourth official has announced 4 minutes of added time
Alistair Smith (AFC Wimbledon) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked
Jayden Clarke (Gillingham) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul
Riley Harbottle (AFC Wimbledon) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Sam Hutchinson (AFC Wimbledon) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul
Joseph Gbode (Gillingham) wins a free kick in the attacking half
Gareth Ainsworth's Gills had opened the scoring inside two minutes after a clever free-kick routine caught their hosts cold
Jack Nolan threaded a low pass into the box
allowing Chelsea loan prospect Jimmy Jay-Morgan to slot the ball past Joe Day for his second goal of the season
Day had to keep out a low shot from Elliott Nevitt and Conor Masterson headed wide from a good position as Gillingham pushed for a second
with Arkell Jude-Boyd drawing a save from Taite Holtam
They levelled when Ryan Haynes' free-kick was nodded in by Stubbs in the 22nd minute
Sam Gale had the ball in the net for Gillingham after a scramble just before half-time but it was disallowed for an infringement in the box
Day blocked from Morgan at his near post early in the second half and Tommy Backwell volleyed wide for Cheltenham
Ethan Williams forced Holtam into a diving save before Day made a fine reaction stop from Masterson at the other end as it finished all-square
Williams Match OfficialsReferee: Graham ScottAssistant Referee 1: Sean RothwellAssistant Referee 2: Daniel FlynnFourth Official: Daniel RobinsonMatch StatsKey
Scroll LeftScroll RightCheltenham Town are unbeaten across their last five league games against Gillingham (W2 D3)
keeping three clean sheets during that time
Gillingham have lost just one of their last four away league games against Cheltenham Town (W2 D1)
netting seven goals in total across that time
Cheltenham are unbeaten across their last three home league games played on Good Friday (W1 D2)
the last of which ended in a 2-2 draw with Gillingham in April 2022
Gillingham are unbeaten across their last five league games played on Good Friday (W3 D2)
since a 1-0 loss to Fleetwood Town in April 2015
Matty Taylor (Cheltenham Town) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right
Oliver Hawkins (Gillingham) header from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the top centre of the goal
Jonny Williams (Gillingham) header from very close range misses to the right
Fourth official has announced 3 minutes of added time
Matty Taylor (Cheltenham Town) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left
Arkell Jude-Boyd (Cheltenham Town) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Tommy Backwell (Cheltenham Town) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Ryan Haynes (Cheltenham Town) wins a free kick on the left wing
Conor Masterson (Gillingham) header from the centre of the box misses to the right
Assisted by Max Clark with a cross following a corner
Remeao Hutton (Gillingham) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked
The midfielder latched onto Conor Masterson's header across goal following a Max Clark free-kick and smashed home from close range in the fifth minute of added time
Ainsworth's men had the better of the opening exchanges in terms of possession
with the first opportunity falling to Sam Gale
The defender's low drilled effort from the edge of the box was palmed away by Craig MacGillivray
Scott Hogan had the ball in the net for the visitors shortly after
MacGillivray then made a strong save to deny Remeao Hutton
getting down low to his left to parry away a fierce effort
Both sides had early sights at goal in the second half
but neither Hogan or Clark could test the respective keepers
The game looked destined to finish goalless
but Dack was well placed following a late set-piece and he kept his composure to give the Gills victory
"It wasn't the greatest game of football I've watched
but I thought the boys dug in and competed" - MK Dons interim boss Ben Gladwin
White Match OfficialsReferee: Robert Massey-EllisAssistant Referee 1: Andrew BennettAssistant Referee 2: Ross MurphyFourth Official: Alex BradleyMatch StatsKey
Scroll LeftScroll RightGillingham are looking to complete their first Football League double over MK Dons since 2013-14 in League One
MK Dons have conceded in all 10 of their away Football League games at Gillingham (23 goals conceded)
Gillingham have drawn each of their last six league games; the last fourth tier side to draw seven in a row within a single season were Stockport County from March to April 1989
MK Dons have picked up just 46 points across their 41 league games this season; at the same point in all four of their previous League Two campaigns
the Dons had at least 70+ points by this stage
Bradley Dack (Gillingham) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner
Assisted by Conor Masterson with a headed pass following a set piece situation
Armani Little (Gillingham) wins a free kick on the left wing
Jack Sanders (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Armani Little (Gillingham) right footed shot from outside the box is too high following a set piece situation
Kane Thompson-Sommers (MK Dons) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul
Oliver Hawkins (Gillingham) wins a free kick in the attacking half
Alex Gilbey (MK Dons) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul
Armani Little (Gillingham) wins a free kick in the attacking half