NEWS
BROMPTON PLAN TO BUILD REVOLUTIONARY BICYCLE FACTORY OF THE FUTURE
Brompton , the UK ’ s largest bicycle manufacturer , has taken the first step towards creating a revolutionary new factory in Ashford , by announcing its intention to submit a planning application for the development , designed by leading Kent architect Guy Hollaway .
The new factory will be constructed on a floodplain , which will provide an opportunity to restore the wetland and promote walking and cycling for the local community . The innovative scheme will house a world class production facility as well as becoming Brompton ’ s global headquarters . By 2027 , the company expects to employ over 1,500 staff , and once fully operational , the proposed development will result in around 4,000 jobs being supported locally . With the proposals equating to a £ 100million investment into the local economy , the development also marks a restoration of Ashford ’ s cycling heritage with Brompton intending to work closely with universities and colleges in the county to develop a highly skilled workforce in Kent for generations to come .
BENENDEN STUDENTS FACE THE CHASER IN SCHOOL SHOWDOWN
Benenden School students have bravely taken on one of TV ’ s chasers from the hit show The Chase , in a quick-fire quiz . Benenden students and staff were delighted to spend an evening with Shaun Wallace , hailed ‘ one of the best brains in Britain ’, for an insightful talk on his legal career , success on the intelligence-based game show circuit and his lived experience as a black man growing up and living in Britain . Following the after-dinner discussion , Shaun faced a team of Benenden sixth formers in a quick-fire quiz round , similar to the final round in the TV programme The Chase . Students put in a great effort and managed to knock the Chaser back twice during the quiz round , but they were ultimately defeated by the Mastermind winner . Shaun commented : “ My visit to Benenden has been fantastic . To inspire the next generation of future leaders and superstars has been amazing , it is one of the best events I have ever done .”
DOBBIES LAUNCHES ITS NATIONWIDE ‘ HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY GROW ’ INITIATIVE IN GILLINGHAM
Dobbies , the UK ’ s leading garden centre , is helping Gillingham ’ s green spaces blossom this spring with the return of its much-loved Helping Your Community Grow initiative , with an enhanced sustainability focus for 2022 . Launched in 2010 , the initiative encourages people across Gillingham to take care of their green spaces . For 2022 , Dobbies is seeking local groups striving to help their community space flourish in a sustainable way . Whether it ’ s a community allotment project to get kids eating more fruit and vegetables , a wildflower garden with pollinating flowers for bees and insects or a calming outdoor space for boosting mental health , Dobbies wants to help communities in Gillingham transform their local areas .
KENT MINING MUSEUM OPENS AT BETTESHANGER COUNTRY PARK
The £ 1.7m free-to-enter museum and stunning new visitor centre will officially open on Saturday 2 April . The first facility of its kind in the county , the state-ofthe-art museum celebrates Kent ’ s mining heritage , telling the unique story of Kent ’ s mining communities and the former Betteshanger Colliery . The interactive exhibits will educate , inform and even challenge perceptions about the county ’ s mining heritage , using a combination of video and audio content from the miners themselves , and impressive displays of historic mining collections . The projects have been driven by Quinn Estates in partnership with the Kent Mining Heritage Foundation and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund .
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