NEWS
CHILDREN ’ S CHARITY PARTNERS WITH GARDEN CENTRE TO INVITE LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO OPEN THEIR GARDENS AND RAISE FUNDS
Dandelion Time , the Kent-based charity for vulnerable children and families , is inviting green-fingered communities across The Garden of England to open up their gardens and raise vital funds for children with challenging emotional issues as part of their Summer Gardens campaign .
Inspired by Sidcup resident Samantha Joyce , a committed supporter of the charity which provides nature-based therapy for the families of children who have experienced trauma , and who has opened her own garden since 2017 , this year the charity is delighted to be partnering with local Ruxley Manor Garden Centre for even more successful garden-based fundraising .
12 gardens have already registered , including Godinton House & Gardens which will open on 11 June and an Open Gardens event taking place throughout the village of Ightham on 23 June . Dandelion Time is looking for more individuals and communities to get involved in this seasonal fundraising campaign . “ Anyone can take part and hold a summer gardens event ,” explains Kenresa Stratford , Dandelion Time ’ s relationship manager . “ What matters is you have fun , while raising vital funds to help Dandelion provide support for more local families .”
The number of children and young people being referred to specialist mental health services in Kent and Medway has risen by more than 28 % in two years . With one in five children suffering a probable mental health disorder in 2023 , according to NHS England , the need for Dandelion Time is greater than ever . To find out more and sign up please visit Dandelion Time ’ s website : dandeliontime . org . uk insideSTORY cont ..
THE KING ’ S ARMS CROWNED BEST PUB IN KENT
For the third year in a row , Contemporary Pubs , the family-owned Kent business , has seen one of its gastropub and freehouses crowned the ‘ Kent Pub of the Year ’ in a major national awards scheme .
The King ’ s Arms , the Grade-II listed 15thcentury pub at Elham triumphed in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2024 with the latest success meaning that each of the company ’ s three pubs have now won the Kent trophy with The King ’ s Arms , which reopened following a major refurbishment in September 2023 , following in the footsteps of The Tiger Inn at Stowting in 2022 and the Marquis of Granby at Alkham winning in 2023 .
Best described as gastrofood with a twist , The King ’ s Arms offers visitors locally sourced food , beer and wine in an historic village setting , with Contemporary Pubs putting its success down to the hard work of its 25-strong team led by general manager , Will Thompson and head chef , Gareth Barber .
Contemporary Pub ’ s managing director , Will Sheldon , born and bred in Elham , said : “ Our business is all about pubs and for The King ’ s Arms to win a national award within just over six months of opening is testament to the whole team .
“ We take unloved pubs , sensitively breathe life back into them and put them at the heart of the community . Critically important is having a team who are highly trained and motivated to deliver the best quality local food and drink offering .
RUMOUR HAS IT THERE ’ S A JUICY NEW BEER IN TOWN !
Savour the bold tropical flavours of Shepherd Neame ’ s new beer Rumour Mill ( 4.3 % ABV ) this spring as it is released by the independent family brewer as the latest addition to its popular real ale initiative , Cask Club .
A juicy IPA , Rumour Mill combines four hops - Mosaic , Amarillo , Jester and Challenger - to create a complex fruity flavour with additional notes of citrus and pine . The pale golden brew is perfect to savour on a spring day with its light , refreshing finish .
Its name and eye-catching pump clip design was inspired by an historic landmark in Shepherd Neame ’ s hometown of Faversham - Chart Gunpowder Mills .
Brewing manager Rupert Hodgkins , whose signature features on the beer ’ s pump clip , said : “ Brewing Rumour Mill with a collection of powerful hops has been a fun challenge for the team , using our expertise to ensure a well-balanced flavour profile and aroma , crafting a delicious pint that pairs perfectly with a sunny pub garden .
“ We ’ re excited for discerning drinkers to give this flavoursome beer a try !”
Future ales in the Cask Club programme to look out for over the next few months include Go For Gold and returning favourite , Late Red .
“ We are in a very competitive market , with people rightly being careful about where they go and what they spend , and this award will strengthen our already strong reputation across East Kent .”
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