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River Parish Council
The Parish of River
The Village of River lies about two miles from the centre of Dover in the County of Kent.
River used to come under the jurisdiction of the Borough of Dover. In the local government re-organisation in 1974, Dover Borough Council along with four other local authorities were amalgamated to form the present Dover District Council.
Following a parish review by Dover District Council, the Secretary of State for the Environment confirmed the Boundary Commission recommendation and gave notice that River Parish Council should be established on 1st April 1987 (To map showing Parish Boundary)
Crabble Corn Mill
The Village of River sits in a valley through which the River Dour flows. This stretch of river powered a series of watermills over the years. These were both paper and corn mills. The only remaining working mill now is Crabble Corn Mill which dates from 1812. It has recently been restored and is open to the public. It is operated and maintained by The Crabble Corn Mill Trust.
St Peter & Paul Parish Church
There are two Churches within the Parish, these are
the Anglican Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul in Minnis Lane and
River Methodist Church in Lewisham Road. Also in the Village is River
Primary School. This is in Lewisham Road near the Methodist Church.
River Recreation Ground
River has a large recreation ground which is run by
the Parish Council. This provides sports facilities for the
whole Dover District area. Cricket, bowls,football and tennis
are all catered for.
Kearsney Abbey
Another leisure facility is Kearsney Abbey. This is an
extensive park and gardens. The River Dour runs through the
park and widens into large lakes which are abundant with swans, ducks
and other water fowl. In the grounds are the remains of the
mansion that gave the park it's name. It is in these remains
that the abbey tea rooms are situated.
In the centre of the village is the village hall, this is run by the River Village Hall Trust, which is a registered charity. A number of village organisations meet at the hall including The Dour Dramatic Group who stage their productions there.
River unlike many villages now, is well provided for in the way of shops and services. There is a Post Office and general store, a small supermarket, a greengrocer a newsagent and confectioner and even a chinese take away. There are also three public houses within the parish boundary.
For further reading on River and it's history read,
"Reflections of River The Kentish Village"
by Douglas Welby
"The Nostalgia of River" by John Roy.
Both available locally.
