NEWS insideSTORY
FUNDING FROM KENT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ENABLES SEWERS TO KEEP STITCHING
Rochester-based The Sew In Group CIC has received £ 2,000 from grantmakers Kent Community Foundation to support their core costs , enabling them to provide free and subsidised sew sessions to more people in the community .
Established by designer Naomi Benjamin in 2008 , The Sew In Group was founded to promote sewing and dressmaking for creativity , sustainability and mental wellbeing in a safe space where the wider community can get together , recharge and explore their creativity .
“ At The Sew In Group , our weekly sew sessions have blossomed into far more than just a sewing class ,” explained Naomi . “ These gatherings have grown into a tight-knit community where participants not only nurture their creative skills but also support each other through personal challenges . The sessions have become a safe and inclusive space for attendees to share their experiences , find emotional support and build meaningful connections . Thanks to grants like the one from Kent Community Foundation , our commitment to inclusivity ensures that financial barriers don ’ t stop anyone from participating , resulting in an incredibly diverse group of attendees who benefit both creatively and emotionally from their time spent with us .”
KENT GOLF CLUB SUPPORTS HEART OF KENT HOSPICE
After choosing them as their charity of the year in 2024 , Kings Hill Golf Club have raised an amazing £ 11,500 for Heart of Kent Hospice . Providing free and compassionate end-of-life care to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones in Maidstone , Aylesford , Tonbridge , Malling and the surrounding towns and villages for the past 34 years , the hospice has built an excellent reputation within the local community for the quality of its care .
With a vision for everyone living with a terminal illness to achieve the best quality of life , Heart of Kent Hospice is committed to providing comfort , independence , support and dignity to the end of their patients ’ lives .
“ The ladies , senior and men ’ s captains of Kings Hill Golf Club wanted to choose a local charity that the whole club could support for their 2023 / 24 fundraising year ,” said golf captain Allan Steves . “ We were delighted that Rachel Street and Michelle Brown kindly arranged for us to visit to personally hand over a cheque for £ 11,500 to the hospice .”
BLUEWATER OPENS ITS FIRST EVER BRICKS-AND- MORTAR INSIDE STORY STORE
The online homeware destination , Inside Story , recently opened its first ever physical store at Bluewater . With a focus on creating a timeless yet aspirational space , the store showcases an array of products from handcrafted cushions and exquisitely scented candles to luxurious linens and beautifully designed decorative accessories . James Waugh , centre director at Bluewater , commented : “ We ’ re delighted to have welcomed Inside Story ’ s first physical store to our retail lineup here at Bluewater . This is a fantastic addition to our retail mix , offering something that cannot be found at any other shopping destinations .”
A spokesperson for Inside Story added : “ Having only launched online in 2023 , we are thrilled to have now opened a 2,000- sqft flagship store at Bluewater . This retail opportunity allows us to share our passion for beautiful products and importantly showcase our full range of stylish homeware and perfect gifting solutions . With new locations planned for the next year together with further product launches , this story is just beginning .”
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