NEWS
KENT FA WINS AT COUNTY FA RECOGNITION AWARDS
The Kent County Football Association [ Kent FA ] has landed the Brand Engagement Award at last year ’ s County FA Recognition Awards for The Kent Football Show .
The awards , which were hosted at Wembley Stadium connected by EE , recognise and endorse the best projects , products and services delivered by County FAs over the past season while sharing best practice and learnings from around the country .
A record-breaking 242 submissions were entered from the 50 County FAs operating across England , highlighting continuous improvements and showcasing how they are innovating to improve grassroots football and increase participation across all levels of the game .
The Kent FA was handed the Brand Engagement Award for The Kent Football Show – a bimonthly YouTube show where their grassroots football community are the show ’ s stars . The Kent Football Show covers all areas of the game and includes special interviews for inspirational individuals , clubs , and leagues , the Moment Of The Match and Crossbar Challenge , match reports from Kent County Cup rounds and much more .
NO LONG FACES AS SHETLAND PONY PAYS VISIT TO KENT CARE HOME
Clip clopping around Shaftesbury Court Residential Care Home , miniature pony Xuili was greeted warmly by residents , staff and relatives , with plenty of cuddles and carrots on offer for the affectionate animal , following the Shetland pony ’ s surprise visit .
The animal therapy session with Carly Thomas and Saddles Riding Centre Ltd from Bexley was organised by the not-for-profit Sanctuary Care home , which provides respite and residential care for 40 residents from the local community .
Lenka Ulbrikova , manager at Shaftesbury Court Residential Care Home , commented : “ The benefits of animal therapy for care home residents are well-documented , particularly for those living with dementia , with many studies demonstrating that animal therapy can help to lower stress , encourage social interaction and unlock past memories .
“ The positive impact was notable with our residents , whose faces lit up as they stroked and interacted with our four-legged visitor , Xuili .
“ Our team does everything we can to enrich the lives of our residents . Organising special activities , like animal therapy , is a big part of this , creating a sense of belonging and community in our home which we know is so important for our residents to enjoy a happy and fulfilled life .”
© Nick Williams Photograpy
Darryl Haden , CEO at Kent FA , says : “ We are delighted to have won the Brand Engagement Award at the County FA Recognition Awards for The Kent Football Show . This fantastic project involves the whole Kent FA team and gives our fantastic clubs and leagues the platform to showcase their great work ! It ’ s made even more special as we recently announced a new partnership with Kent Reliance , who will be sponsoring the show for the next two years . However , the show only exists due to our brilliant Kent football community . So , to all those who have participated in or watched the show , on behalf of everyone at Kent FA , thank you .”
KENT WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH TOURISM AWARDS
The Grand Brighton once again played host to the Tourism South East Beautiful South Awards as finalists at the iconic venue celebrated the outstanding achievements of tourism businesses and experiences from across South East England .
Over 300 esteemed guests gathered at the event , dedicated to recognising the very best in the tourism and hospitality industry , as renowned radio and TV personality Toby Anstis brought his charismatic charm as the host for the evening announcing 24 Gold Awards and 25 Silver and Bronze Awards to the deserving winners .
The top Gold Awards were scooped by Cave Hotel , Nr Canterbury , in the Large Hotel of the Year category , Chapel House Estate , Ramsgate ( pictured ), for Wedding Venue of the Year , and by Boys Hall , Ashford , who took the New Tourism Business Award . The awards also saw a clean Kentish sweep in the Glamping Business of the Year category with Bronze going to Rebel Farmer Tipi , Ashford , Silver to Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts , Ashford , and Kits Coty Glamping , Ashford achieving Gold .
Fran Downton , chief executive of Tourism South East , said : “ We could not be prouder of all our wonderful finalists at the Beautiful South Awards . They all worked incredibly hard throughout 2023 and it is our pleasure to reward and recognise the high standards . They set our region amongst the best in the country .”
The full list of finalists and winners can be found at www . beautifulsouthawards . co . uk .
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