NEWS
CURLY ’ S FARM SHEPPEY WINS CHILDREN ’ S CHARITY OF THE YEAR AT KENT CHARITY AWARDS
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Curly ' s Farm is a small working farm set in 10 acres of gorgeous Kent countryside on the Isle of Sheppey , which prides itself on being fully inclusive where everyone can learn and develop their farming and livestock handling skills . The youngest farmers being just three years old and Curly ’ s have no upper age limit as they want everyone to access the farm . With Curly being the figurehead of the charity and a full-time wheelchair user , his farm has been designed around the needs of those with additional needs . The charity ’ s hard work and dedication to inclusivity was recognised at the Kent Charity Awards 2022 in September , at which they were awarded Kent Children ’ s Charity of the Year . “ We work together carrying out essential and meaningful , everyday farming tasks , from which we learn new skills to improve confidence , selfesteem and working as a group . The young farmers improve their social skills and tolerance of others , and have an important role within the group and the farm team . We are really proud of winning this award ,” they commented .
MARGATE INDEPENDENT FOOD BANK RECEIVES VITAL FUNDING LIFELINE AFTER THEFT
Kent Community Foundation and the Albert Burns Children ' s Trust Fund has sent £ 2,000 to the Margate Independent Foodbank CIC after precious stock was taken during a break in . Grant-maker , Kent Community Foundation acted quickly when they heard the devastating news that the food bank had been broken into for the third time and was considering its future . John Finnegan , co-founder of the Margate-based food bank said : “ After discovering the latest break in , my initial reaction was to consider closing the food bank , but this setback was not going to defeat us . The community we serve needs us and we are determined to stay open .” When they heard news of the devastating third break in , the Kent Community Foundation team , who administer grants from the Albert Burns Children ' s Trust Fund on behalf of Boys & Maughan Solicitors , asked the fund to step in and make a one-off emergency payment . The response from the fund trustees came back immediately with an offer of a £ 2,000 donation to cover the costs of improved security measures for this vital community asset . The food bank benefits hundreds of individuals , families and children across the area .
SALOMONS ESTATE COMPLETE NEW HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Set amongst 36 acres of rolling gardens , Victorian country house Salomons Estate , situated just two miles from Tunbridge Wells , heads towards a completion date after spending nearly 10 weeks refurbishing the site ’ s 19th-century potting sheds into four holiday cottages . The brick-built sheds underused for their original purpose had their planning applications approved in July 2022 to designs by architect Gaby Higgs who started working with the estate last year . Specialising in the restoration and conversion of Georgian houses , including sensitive retrofitting for environmental performance and long-term sustainability , Gaby ’ s proposals run as part of wider investment plans that conserve the heritage of the estate . As well as a spacious bedroom , guests can expect a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom , a lounge area with TV , their own outdoor bistro-style table and chairs and all-day access to a separate , purpose-built utility room located at the end of cottage number one complete with a washing machine and tumble dryer . All four cottages will also be dog friendly and priced from £ 265 per night . With a restaurant and bar on site , and 36 acres of stunning grounds to explore , guests will have everything they need for a relaxing stay in one of Kent ’ s most historical venues .
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