insideKENT Magazine Issue 139 - November 2023 | Page 193

NEWS
DOBBIES ’ ASHFORD STORE GETS INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WITH EXCITING LINEUP OF FESTIVE EVENTS
Dobbies Ashford has announced an incredible lineup of fun and affordable festive events in its store to make the holiday season extra special for families , with tickets for all events on sale now .
No Dobbies Christmas is complete without the famous Santa ’ s Grotto . Families in Ashford can enjoy an immersive experience where they ’ ll be guided by an elf through a Christmas tree forest , spotting magical characters along the way , before making a special item to take home . After that , they ’ ll spend time with Santa and get a special gift . Attendees can also choose to get a photo with Santa , so they ’ ll always have that special memory .
Santa ’ s Quiet Grotto will also be available on 8 December , in an experience designed to assist children with additional needs with customised sound and visual features to minimise anxiety . While dogs are not forgotten as dog lovers can bring their furry pals for a special Santa Paws Grotto experience .
The grottos will run alongside the always-popular Santa ’ s Breakfast , Dobbies ’ Festive Afternoon Tea and special Christmas Shopping Night on 30 November offering the perfect time for families to enjoy festive shopping while supporting Dobbies ’ National Charity Partner , Teenage Cancer Trust , and a Little Seedlings Christmas Party on 3 December .
To learn more about the events and bookings , please visit dobbies . com / events .
WESTWOOD CROSS LAUNCHES WINTER COAT DONATION
Westwood Cross has launched a coat donation collection scheme in partnership with local Thanet charities Rise and Oasis to help those in need this winter .
The shopping centre , based in Broadstairs , Thanet , is asking anyone who has good condition coats and jackets for men , women and children in all ages and all sizes to donate them into their Coat XChange cabin until 15 December 2023 .
The centre is supporting two charities , including the Rough Sleeper Initiative Support created by Thanet District Council , and domestic abuse charity , Oasis .
Francesca Donovan , centre manager at Westwood Cross , said : “ We know how incredibly important it is to support those in our local community who are facing struggles this winter , and so have created this initiative to help our charities keep people warm throughout the colder months .
“ If you have a coat taking up space in the back of your wardrobe , taking up your cupboard or under the bed storage , it could make a tremendous difference to someone in need .”
The Coat XChange cabin will be open every day from 11am to 4pm , located near Boots on the main mall until 15 November and then collections will move to outside The Body Shop until 15 December 2023 .
All coats will need to be in good condition and cleaned before donation .
BUSINESSES CHOOSE DESIGNS FOR SHAUN THE SHEEP IN THE HEART OF KENT ART TRAIL
Heart of Kent Hospice welcomed colleagues and businesses to a special design selection event at Maidstone Museum on Thursday 5 October 2023 which saw sponsors and partners pick their favourite designs , from those submitted by talented artists across Kent and the UK , to be used in the highly anticipated Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent art trail .
The designs chosen will see artists paint their designs onto the blank Shaun the Sheep sculptures before all 50 Shaun sculptures are unveiled as part of the free public ‘ Shaun in the Heart of Kent ’ art trail which goes live in the summer of 2024 .
Following the success of Elmer ’ s Big Heart of Kent Parade in 2021 , which raised over £ 312,000 for the hospice , this second art trail will come to Maidstone and the surrounding area between 29 June and 30 August 2024 before the sculptures are sold at another exciting auction event in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice .
It ’ s not too late to get your business involved in this exciting new fundraising initiative which provides a unique and fun opportunity to get your customers and colleagues engaged and involved in the trail and help to raise vital funds for Heart of Kent Hospice .
To find out more and to register your interest in sponsoring the remaining Shaun sculptures or being involved in other ways please contact project manager Erica Snow on 07596 856667 .
To ensure you keep up to date with all the latest news and updates visit shaunheartofkent . co . uk and follow the trail on socials using # ShauninMaidstone .
FEEL THE KENT VIBES : FAEGER CLOTHING UNVEILS A SUSTAINABLE AND STYLISH COLLECTION INSPIRED BY LOCAL CULTURE
Fæger Clothing , the new go-to destination for laidback fashion enthusiasts , is thrilled to announce the launch of their website – faegerclothing . com , which embraces the heartwarming charm of Kent ’ s local culture while championing sustainable materials .
Offering a new collection , which is not just about style but about a lifestyle that values both comfort and the planet we call home , the Kent-based casual clothing brand is dedicated to providing fashion-forward individuals with comfortable , eco-friendly clothing options . With a deep respect for Kent ’ s local culture and a passion for sustainability , the brand creates pieces that reflect the essence of the community and the planet .
Fæger is inviting you to embrace style , sustainability , and the spirit of Kent together by joining them in this fashion revolution ! Visit faegerclothing . com to find out more .
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