NEWS
UNIVERSITY HONOURS PIONEERING FEMALE ENGINEER
Canterbury Christ Church University ’ s new multi-million-pound facility for science , technology , health , engineering , and medicine , one of the largest STEM facilities in the county , will be named the Verena Holmes Building , in honour of one of the country ’ s most pioneering female engineers .
Born in 1889 in Ashford , Verena became a trailblazer for women in the industry as arguably the first female in the UK to have a full-time career as a professional mechanical engineer . In 1919 she was a founding member of the Women ’ s Engineering Society ( WES ), became the first female member elected to the Institute of Mechanical Engineers ( IMechE ) in 1924 and in her own engineering firm , set up in 1946 , she employed only women .
Professor Rama Thirunamachandran , vice-chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University , said : “ Verena led the way for women , creating a successful career not only for herself as a mechanical engineer , but also encouraging , advocating and training other female engineers at a time when the world of industry was dominated by men . The building is also home to the first Kent and Medway Medical School ( a joint venture between Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent ), providing a centre in the region for medical education and research to develop the area ’ s health workforce , and transform health care provision in Kent and Medway .”
TAYLOR WIMPEY LAUNCHES NEW HOMES AT FORMER BARRACKS
Taylor Wimpey has released a new phase of homes at its Shorncliffe Heights development in Folkestone . Officers Mess offers a choice of one and two bedroom apartments and three , four and five bedroom houses , located on the former MOD Shorncliffe Garrison barracks off Royal Military Avenue .
Residents at Shorncliffe Heights will benefit from a wealth of new facilities including a pavilion , sports pitches and play areas , which will be delivered as part of the redevelopment of the barracks . Officers Mess also boasts areas of green open space such as the Seabrook Valley , as well as a choice of shops , primary and secondary schools and transport links , making it an ideal place for young couples , growing families and downsizers to call home .
Jason Stokes , sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey South East , said : “ Shorncliffe Heights is about so much more than building houses , it ’ s a brand new community and we ’ re delighted to have already welcomed many residents into their new homes . Our latest phase , Officers Mess , offers a range of houses and apartments to appeal to a range of people and we ’ re excited to see the community continue to grow .”
NEW TONGUE-TINGLING GIN LIQUEURS
A high-end family-run craft gin , whisky and vodka distillery based in Chatham , has launched a new range of flavoured gin liqueurs to broaden its offer after securing £ 1 million in debt financing from HSBC UK .
Founded in 2016 by three Russell family members , Russell Distillers , owner of the Copper Rivet Distillery , is one of just a handful of gin distilleries in the UK to brew and distill from farm to glass . Branded R3 , the new range of colourful and affordable gin liqueurs includes excitingly-retro flavours such as Jaffa Cake , Rhubarb and Custard , Lemon Sherbert , Strawberries and Cream , and Cola Bottle .
The Covid-inspired diversification follows Russell Distillers ’ successful move into hand sanitiser production , as well as the successful launch and sell-out of its first batch of Copper Rivet Distillery ’ s Masthouse Whisky in 2020 .
Co-founder and commercial director , Stephen Russell , said :
“ As a result of the pandemic , we ’ ve accelerated plans to broaden and diversify Russell Distillers ’ capabilities . Whilst there remains a substantial and growing customer base who seek out what we are known for and what I call ‘ serious ’ spirits , there is a new opportunity to engage consumers who want fun spirits , and that is why we have launched R3 .
“ It ’ s a truly exciting range of flavoured gin liqueurs . Our relationship director at HSBC UK , Ian Nichols , has been incredibly helpful and , without the bank ’ s support , we wouldn ’ t have been able to launch the product with such speed .”
Russell Distillers ’ new range of flavoured gin liqueurs are available to purchase at www . amazon . co . uk
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