NEWS
CHUFFED TO BITS : K & ESR STATIONMASTER WINS TOURISM SUPERSTAR AWARD
A Kent & East Sussex Railway volunteer has won this year ' s prestigious VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Award 2023 following a public vote .
Chief stationmaster Geoff Colvin steamed to victory , at the conclusion of English Tourism week , after he received 33 % of the final online vote ahead of nine other worthy finalists from tourist venues and attractions across England .
The prestigious annual competition recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry and is awarded to an individual who goes the extra mile to create exceptional visitor experiences .
Geoff is the first representative from a heritage railway to not only be shortlisted but to ultimately win the coveted award in its 11-year history .
GEOFF COLVIN , K & ESR CHIEF STATIONMASTER
HEVER FESTIVAL THEATRE CELEBRATES 40 EXCEPTIONAL YEARS !
KING ’ S PUPIL WINS MEDWAY ROTARY YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
It was a night of celebration as Medway witnessed a variety of musical talent at the final of the Medway Rotary Young Musician of the Year . Isla , a Year 9 pupil and music scholar at King ’ s School Rochester , won the competition with her rendition of Autumn by Lisznyay S Gabor and Tzig-Tzig by W H Squire on the cello . Isla was one of four other King ’ s pupils ( Caoimhe Mallon , Hugh Davies , Toby Sell and Alex Scott ) who reached the final .
John Mountford , director of music at King ’ s School Rochester , said “ Music is a cornerstone of our school and we encourage all our pupils , no matter their ability , to get involved . I ’ m incredibly proud of everyone who reached the final stage of this competition and have a huge amount of praise for Isla , who is already an accomplished celllist at such a young age .”
Hever Festival Theatre , a unique treasure in the heart of Kent is celebrating its 40th anniversary from 27 May .
Created by Richard Palmer and his family as the Kent Rep Theatre , its aim was to produce a new , varied and exciting programme of theatre for Kent . The group of local actors , directors and designers , who present their work in the repertory format , have now performed more than 70 plays . Opening with A Midsummer Night ’ s Dream in the magical atmosphere created in the Italian Garden , The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle was born . The festival soon became one of the most popular open-air venues in the South-East , still attracting many thousands of visitors each summer .
Commenting on the milestone , festival director Ailsa Molyneux said : “ We are so proud of The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle . Our stunning venue , staff and performers are a tribute to our breathtaking home . We can ’ t wait to celebrate being 40 with our audiences . That will be when the real fun begins .”
187