NEWS
KENT SAILOR NAMED RYA YACHTMASTER OF THE YEAR
After showing exceptional demonstration of sailing skills during her RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence exam , 25-yearold sailor , Harriet Averns from Rochester has been named as the recipient of the 2022 Royal Yachting Association ’ s Yachtmaster of the Year .
Harriet was presented with the prestigious trophy by Richard Falk , RYA Director of Training and Qualifications on Thursday 13 January 2022 , at Trinity House in London .
Harriet said : “ I couldn ’ t believe it when I found out ! I really struggled with my confidence and believing in myself in the lead up to the exam , but the award has given me a massive boost .” Having planned to go to university to study business , Harriet ’ s plans changed when she was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and had to leave school early . After researching alternative careers once recovered , Harriet signed up for a ‘ Zero to Hero ’ Watersports Instructor course , eventually leading her to success .
The RYA Yachtmaster qualification is highly respected across the globe and a recognised entry ticket to the maritime industry , with previous winners including medal-winning Olympians .
MUCH LOVED HORSE STATUE REFURBISHED AFTER 20 LONG YEARS
A unique horse sculpture that overlooks the A28 Great Chart Bypass in Ashford has been recently brought back to life by the Stevenson Brothers and Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council .
The statue , which shows a family of five with a horse , was built next to the bypass as part of the ‘ Gateways to Ashford Project ’ which saw key roundabouts across the town rejuvenated with art . Since then , the sculpture had begun to rot and fall into disrepair , but has since been given a new lease of life by original sponsors , bespoke rocking horse makers , Stevenson Brothers , as they prepare for their 40th anniversary .
While there is no specific story behind the design , Tony from Stevenson Brothers , which is based in Bethersden , says it represents ‘ family values ’ and depicts parents leading their three children into the future . The three children now wear blue and purple uniforms to represent the nearby Wyvern School , and the horse ’ s new colour was inspired by the Kent Invicta horse .
HEVER CASTLE RAISES MORE THAN £ 14,000 FOR MAKE A WISH UK
Visitors to Hever Castle over Christmas helped raise more than £ 14,000 for Make a Wish UK , the charity that grants life-changing wishes for critically ill children , by donating while pre-booking tickets online .
Stephanie Witt , director of income & engagement , Make-A-Wish UK said : After a 40 % drop in our income last year and with the rising number of children in the UK who are living with critical illness , the support of the public has never been so important . So we ' re incredibly grateful to Hever Castle and everyone who attended the Christmas event for their generous support in helping us light up the lives of children and their families at the darkest of times . Your generosity will help us grant the wishes of over five children and help them and their families create magical memories that will last a lifetime . Thank you .”
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