NEWS
SHEPHERD NEAME TEAM SLEEPS OUT TO HELP HOMELESS VETERANS
Shepherd Neame ’ s chief executive Jonathan Neame was among four senior brewery team members to brave the cold , wind and rain and sleep outside , helping to raise more than £ 24,000 for charity in conjunction with 15 other businesses .
Sleeping out in their respective gardens , fashioning makeshift shelters to try to keep out the worst of the weather , the fundraisers ’ aim was not only to raise funds for RBLI , which is Shepherd Neame ’ s Charity of the Year , but to also raise awareness of the estimated 6,000 veterans that are currently homeless in the UK .
NEW EVENTS , ART AND MUSIC VENUE LAUNCHES IN MARGATE
Boasting panoramic sea views , interactive art installations , a cutting edge sound system and a custom built broadcast suite , Faith in Strangers is set to elevate the dynamic cultural scene in Margate .
The open plan , 350-capacity venue , set across a 6000sqft , harnesses Margate ’ s kaleidoscopic skies and sea , with sunset DJ sets to become a prominent feature at the cultural hub which aims to combine a relaxed house party feel , sumptuous soft furnishings and welcoming vibe with cutting edge futuristic energy .
�y day , the venue will offer workspace with a difference for freelance creatives� who can hot desk , hot sofa or even hot sunlounge�� before the space transitions , with a careful curation of sound , lighting and scents , into a bar atmosphere in the evenings and weekends .
Jonathan Neame said : “ I was delighted to take part in this year ’ s Great Tommy Sleep Out for our charity of the year . Shepherd Neame is proud to support RBLI , which inspires and helps so many deserving individuals to find work and lead independent lives . We have been overwhelmed by the number of donations received and would like to thank all those who supported us .”
Lisa Farmer , RBLI ’ s director of strategic development said : “ We cannot thank Jonathan and the team enough for taking part . They have done all they can to ensure our military veterans are well supported . Every single penny raised as part of our Great Tommy Sleep Out will go directly to supporting those who are most vulnerable .”
Donations can still be made on Shepherd Neame ’ s JustGiving page www . justgiving . com / fundraising / shepsgiving2019
The aim is that Faith in Strangers will play host to arts , cul ture , sci ence , tech , and ideas from all kinds of peo ple from all kinds of places . As Richard Randles , co-founder of Faith In Strangers explains : “ Margate has a long history of inspiring people from Joseph Turner to modern-day . We couldn ’ t think of a better place for this venue and hope that people who visit �aith �n Strangers might find ideas and inspiration as well .”
�eremy Duffy , co�founder of �aith in Strangers adds : “ �e ’ ve been crafting this for nearly � years now . �he lockdown has been tough for many and we ’ re happy we can provide a new space for the neighbourhood . When we talk about a cultural venue , it ’ s not about having high brow art or the latest trend … It ’ s about exploring the things people can enjoy together , making memories and sharing moments . That ’ s what we want to provide , the cocktails , music , guest chefs etc . are all catalysts for people to get together and find things they have in common with each other . �e wanted to create an atmosphere where people can indulge in something other than a distraction .”
A cultural programme ranging from selectors to scientists with a mixture of local talent and people further afield will be announced over the coming weeks and months .
ELMER TO BRING COLOUR AND JOY THIS SUMMER !
Heart of Kent Hospice are excited to announce that Elmer ’ s Big Heart of Kent Parade will be taking place in Maidstone this summer .
Running from Saturday 19 June until Sunday 22 August , and coinciding with the hospice ’ s 30th anniversary year , the parade ’ s blaze of colour and creativity , will see Elmer and his friends bring a ton of fun and laughter to town in a covid-secure way .
�ver the past six months , �eart of �ent �ospice has been working behind the scenes with the o�cial heritage partner , �aidstone �orough �ouncil and o�cial logistics partner , �allagher �roup to plan how the nine-week trail can go ahead in a Covid-secure way . Social distancing measures will be accommodated at each sculpture , and there are three suggested walks within the trail , totalling around six miles .
Cheri Strudwick , head of supporter development at Heart of Kent Hospice , said : “ We are so excited to welcome Elmer ’ s Big Heart of Kent Parade to Maidstone . This free outdoor trail will provide a muchneeded boost to everyone ’ s well being and the economy .
“ This is the perfect opportunity for everyone to get outside and have some fun while discovering the huge range of �lmer designs created by some incredibly talented artists .”
The location of each Elmer will be revealed via a beautifully hand-illustrated map available at key town centre locations across Maidstone or via the free Parade app available on 19 June .
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