NEWS
GORDON VINCENT STANDS BESIDE THE GAMECOCK
SHEPHERD NEAME SUPPORTS HISTORIC OYSTER BOAT RESTORATION
Faversham-based brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame is helping to sponsor the renovation of an iconic boat that was once involved in Whitstable ’ s famous oyster trade .
The Gamecock , a traditional Oyster Yawl built just yards from Shepherd Neame pub the Smack Inn , at Island Wall , Whitstable , in 1907 , is one of only three to survive intact , having spent its working life dredging oysters in the Swale .
The uniquely designed boat , similar to the vessel seen on the labels and pump clips of Shepherd Neame ’ s award-winning Whitstable Bay beer range , is registered as a National Historic Vessel , and was acquired six years ago by the charity Whitstable Maritime , who have set about the painstaking job of renovating the craft at a cost of c . £ 80,000 , with an estimated timescale of 2 years .
Shepherd Neame ’ s head of customer relations , Giles Hilton said : “ Shepherd Neame takes pride in being at the heart of its community , and when we were approached to support this fantastic local project , we were delighted to get involved . The Gamecock is not only an important part of our Kent heritage , but it also has a special connection to Shepherd Neame as this type of oyster yawl helped inspire the design for our Whitstable Bay range .”
The Gamecock has now been given a permanent dry berth by Canterbury City Council at South Quay , Whitstable Harbour , where it can be admired by members of the public whilst work to renovate the vessel continues .
Following its restoration the boat will be used as a ‘ community asset ’ able to take small groups on short trips .
BLUEWATER WELCOMES NEW BRANDS
Bluewater has welcomed new brands as shoppers return after restrictions – with more exciting new additions planned .
New stores at Bluewater include innovative sleep smart brand Sleep 8 , kitchenware and cookware retailer ProCook , plus sustainable luxury fashion brand Moyenne which has launched a pop-up shop .
ROBERT GOODMAN
Watchmaker Swatch has moved to the Upper Rose Gallery with an immersive market stall-inspired design offering more than 300 different watches , and Nespresso has also moved to a new home .
The new additions follow in the footsteps of other arrivals that joined the line-up at Bluewater just before lockdown , including Hamleys and , new for food-lovers , Wingstop , Slim Chickens and Greggs . Bluewater is also now home to the only John Lewis store in Kent .
The Zara store also expanded just before lockdown , upsizing to two floors and introducing Zara Home – creating the brand ’ s first UK concept store of its kind .
Robert Goodman , senior centre director at Bluewater , said : “ As guests return after lockdown , they will notice some exciting changes and new names that have joined the line-up here at Bluewater . We ’ ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring on board new brands whilst enhancing our leisure offering , giving people even more reasons to visit Bluewater . Alongside the new arrivals we are carefully curating a calendar of events including Luna Cinema , which has already proved popular .”
Bluewater will also welcome England ’ s longest and fastest zip wire – Hangloose Adventure Bluewater . The adrenalin-fuelled visitor attraction is more than 700m in length and will be set amongst 50 acres of stunning parkland .
CHARITY SUBMITS PLANS FOR NEW NURSING ACCOMMODATION
Demelza Hospice Care for Children is working with an award-winning Kent housebuilder to bring forward plans for vital nursing accommodation at its Hill Farm site .
Demelza , which provides specialist care and emotional support for children with serious or terminal conditions and their loved ones , has submitted a joint planning application with Longfield-based Esquire Developments to deliver new nursing accommodation , a new wheelchair-friendly parking area for up to 80 vehicles , alongside 30 new homes and landscaping , across the road from the existing hospice headquarters and care facilities .
Commenting on the application , Lavinia Jarrett , deputy chief executive at Demelza said : “ While the demand for our vital care is increasing , there is a national shortage of specialist end-of-life nurses . The situation is compounded by the lack of affordable rental accommodation in the area , meaning we often lose candidates to other hospitals elsewhere in London and the South East , where accommodation can be more easily provided .
“ This new staff accommodation is vital to our work caring for over 750 children and their families each year .”
David Braddon , director at Esquire Developments , added : “ Our proposals will deliver the nurses accommodation , improve local road safety and deliver a small development of high-quality new homes in Bobbing , which will help meet wider housing needs for Swale .
“ As a longstanding supporter of ellenor hospice , we know only too well the challenges life-affirming charities such as Demelza face in supporting young children and their families during incredibly difficult times . All of us at Esquire are committed to making this development work for everyone , including the local community .”
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