NEWS insideSTORY
MILLBROOK GARDEN CENTRE WINS SOUTH EAST LOCAL GARDEN CENTRE OF THE YEAR
Teams at Millbrook Garden Centres in both Gravesend and Staplehurst are celebrating after scooping awards at the Garden Centre Association ( GCA ) regional presentation evening .
Millbrook Staplehurst was named Local Garden Centre of the Year and came first for Best Customer Service , while the Gravesend branch won joint first for Best Food Hall / Farm Shop . Both centres also scored highly in the Environment and Sustainability category , ranking 2nd ( Gravesend ) and 3rd ( Staplehurst ) respectively out of 59 member garden centres across the South-East region .
Speaking at the event , GCA inspector Alyson Haywood , who made unannounced visits to 59 member garden centres in the South-East area across a 12-week period , said : “ It was a pleasure to judge the South-East region for the GCA inspections . The centres were looking good with some great examples of creativity and innovation , and some super plant ranges , too . I thoroughly enjoyed all my visits this year .”
Millbrook managing director , Tammy Woodhouse , was delighted with the results of the 2024 regional awards , commenting : “ I ’ m really proud and very pleased that Millbrook has achieved so much in the GCA regional awards this year , for both centres and across such a wide range of areas . This is testament to how hard the team works together to do their best for the centres and for our customers . Thank you to our staff , and our amazing customers for supporting us to win these awards .”
The Staplehurst plant area was also nominated for the Ruxley Rose Award , which will be judged later in the year .
HRH THE DUKE OF KENT VISITS HORNBY HOBBIES IN MARGATE
Hornby Hobbies , a leading manufacturer of model trains , slot cars and other collectibles , has hosted His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent at its headquarters in Margate , marking a significant moment for the company and the local community , celebrating the rich heritage and innovation in British modelmaking .
During his visit , His Royal Highness met Hornby Hobbies ’ CEO , Olly Raeburn , who talked about the history of the company , its commitment to quality and the latest advancements in product development , and toured Hornby Hobbies ’ retail experience , The WonderWorks , which showcases an extensive range of products and offers interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages .
Mr . Raeburn expressed his gratitude for the visit , stating : “ Having His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent visit Hornby Hobbies is a great honour for us . His presence here highlights the importance of our mission to preserve and celebrate British heritage through our
products . Our team is incredibly proud of the work we do , and it is wonderful to have His Royal Highness see the passion and dedication that drives our creativity and innovation .”
During the tour , His Royal Highness had the opportunity to meet with several employees , gaining insight into the company ’ s brands , their history and latest developments . He also viewed some of Hornby ’ s most celebrated models including the iconic Flying Scotsman and the latest editions in the Scalextric and Airfix ranges .
GREEN FLAGS FLYING FOR KENT !
Maidstone Borough Council and Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe are celebrating having received a prestigious Green Flag Award – an international quality mark for parks and green spaces .
Maidstone Borough Council ( MBC ) celebrated four of its parks being presented with the award : Clare Park , Cobtree Manor Park , Mote Park and Whatman ( Millennium River ) Park .
Cllr Clive English , MBC cabinet member for environmental services , said : “ I feel very proud that our MBC Parks Team have achieved this recognition for four parks . It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green spaces so that visitors and residents can enjoy them . Parks and open spaces are a vital green space for communities in Maidstone to socialise , enjoy nature , for children to play safely and to provide important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health .”
Bluewater was recognised for the eighth year for its Nature Trail , with Keep Britain Tidy ’ s Green Flag Award Scheme manager , Paul Todd MBE , commenting : “ I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Bluewater on achieving a Green Flag Award . We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement . It ’ s important that our free-touse spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard , making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected .”
The Green Flag Award scheme , managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing , Communities & Local Government , recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces , setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world . www . insidekent . co . uk • 195