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KING CHARLES III HONOUR FOR CHATHAM HISTORIC DOCKYARD TRUST
His Majesty the King has confirmed his patronage of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust , continuing the role he first took up in 2006 as HRH The Prince of Wales and coinciding with the award-winning charity ’ s 40th anniversary year . His Majesty last visited the Historic Dockyard , accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent The Lady Colgrain , in February 2022 to show his support for the award-winning museum and heritage attraction as it prepared to reopen for the forthcoming visitor season .
Lord Lieutenant of Kent , The Lady Colgrain , vice patron , Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust , said : “ As Lord-Lieutenant of this great county , I am absolutely thrilled to learn that His Majesty the King has confirmed his commitment to the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust by continuing in his role as patron . His Majesty has been an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of the work of the trust for many years and I am delighted that he wishes to retain his connection as the trust looks forward to the future .”
The trust has also proudly announced a new scheme that will enable free school visits to The Historic Dockyard Chatham for up to 900 students from high pupil premium schools in Medway , which has been made possible through the generosity of £ 14,213 from The Charles Burnett III Memorial Fund , administered by Kent Community Foundation .
The Dockyard Discoverers programme will provide underprivileged children and young people in Medway an opportunity to access the dockyard ’ s award-winning Learning Programmes . Pupils will be treated to a fun and interactive learning experience , where the principles of STEM are explored , explained and linked to the national curriculum .
£ 111K NATIONAL LOTTERY HERITAGE FUND FOR DAME ZANDRA RHODES ARCHIVE DIGITISATION AND OUTREACH PROJECT
Thanks to a £ 111,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant , 150 fashion pieces from internationally renowned designer , Dame Zandra Rhodes , will be digitally archived by the University for the Creative Arts ( UCA ), with Rhodes ’ accessories photographed for the first time .
The project , titled Colourful Heritage , runs from now until August 2025 and is a partnership between UCA and The Zandra Rhodes Foundation . It will record and digitise 100 garments by Rhodes , an alum of UCA , and its Chancellor Emerita , as well as 50 accessories by her , some of which were made in collaboration with contemporary milliners , Stephen Jones and Piers Atkinson . This new project builds on a digital archive of already 500 garments and more than 1,000 pages of Rhodes ’ fashion drawings , which were digitised by UCA between 2011 and 2013 .
Commenting on the funding and project , Dame Zandra Rhodes , said : “ I feel passionate about improving the wellbeing and creative education opportunities of underprivileged young people . This project will not only develop the skills and employability of students at UCA but reach and inspire new audiences for heritage , not just the most privileged groups .” The archive will be accessible online for education and research worldwide , while the project will also offer paid placements for students from UCA ’ s School of Fashion & Textiles and an outreach programme for young people from socio-economically deprived backgrounds .
OVER 500 YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING CELEBRATED IN GIRLGUIDING KENT WEALD COUNTY
Leaders from Girlguiding Kent Weald County came together recently to celebrate the dedication given by their volunteers to girls throughout Maidstone , Tonbridge , Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding villages . The ceremony , held at the Friars in Aylesford , saw six leaders presented with their 50-year service award , with several others being awarded 30 , 20 and 10 years ’ service . Over the years , these volunteers have held roles within the county and further afield ensuring that girls aged four and upwards are provided with opportunities to have fun , make lifelong friends , go on adventures and learn new skills in a safe space .
50-year service badges were awarded to : Wendy Anderson – Tunbridge Wells , Carole Hardy – Maidstone , Shan Lythgoe – Bearsted , Carolyn Parslow – Maidstone , Pauline Roots – Staplehurst , and Glenys Stittle – Allington . The event also saw the launch of the new Oast Award . Given to those who have shown outstanding volunteering within the county or the wider area for a minimum of three years , the Oast Award celebrates the enthusiasm that leaders have for Girlguiding . Dawn Archer , county commissioner , said : “ It was important for us to have an award that wasn ’ t just for the length of time volunteers have spent in Girlguiding , but to recognise the dedication of some individuals that stand out from the hundreds of amazing volunteers we have in the local area .”
Oast Awards were presented to : Cilla Christmas – Coxheath , Shan Lythgoe – Bearsted , Carolyn Parslow – Maidstone , Bev Pearce – Tunbridge Wells , Daphne Pilcher – Tunbridge Wells , and Sheena Stewart – Wateringbury . Girlguiding helps girls aged four to 25 reach their potential while building their skills and confidence in a supportive , girl-only and girlled environment . From designing apps to tracking animals to concocting mocktail recipes , there is something to challenge and inspire everyone . For further information about Girlguiding and how to volunteer , visit www . girlguiding . org . uk . www . insidekent . co . uk • 195