NEWS
TUNBRIDGE WELLS STUDENT RECEIVES RENOWNED AWARD FROM KENT HOUSEBUILDER
Award-winning homebuilder Eastern recently presented local student Isobel Aves with an accolade for her outstanding academic achievements at Tunbridge Wells Girls ’ Grammar School ’ s ( TWGGS ) annual awards ceremony . As part of Elivia Homes ’ rewarding Encouragement Pack initiative , Isobel was recognised for her impressive contributions to A Level geography and was joined by Elivia ’ s associate director of customer service , David Gregory , to be presented with her prizes of an engraved trophy , a £ 50 book token and a cheque for £ 50 .
Now in its 15th year , the Encouragement Pack initiative was established to celebrate the achievements of exceptional local students across Kent and East Sussex . “ At TWGGS we are all immensely proud of Isobel and all that she achieved in her time with us ,” said Katie Marchant , headteacher . “ As such an enthused and dedicated student of geography , it is very fitting that she should win the A Level geography prize . We thank Elivia Homes for their continued commitment in sponsoring this award .”
SPACENK ANNOUNCES PLANS TO OPEN IN BLUEWATER
SpaceNK is to open its 77th store , located in Bluewater shopping centre , in April 2025 . Set to open within Unit 132 , the store has been designed with the customer experience in mind , offering a warm welcome to new and existing customers through the tones and materials featured . A place in which customers can rely on the expert curation of the world ’ s best beauty brands , SpaceNK at Bluewater is sure to provide bespoke shopping experiences for its customers .
This opening also marks a return to the shopping centre for SpaceNK after the original store closed in 2012 . Charlie Evans , head of retail at Space NK , explained : “ We are excited to announce the opening of our new store - the 81st store in our portfolio - at Bluewater shopping centre , a renowned hub for shopping and leisure . With its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional visitor experience , Bluewater is the ideal location for us to connect with even more customers and showcase our unique offerings in the heart of Kent . This opening marks an important step in expanding our presence in the region and we ’ re thrilled to become part of the dynamic Bluewater community .”
FOLKESTONE ’ S BIGJIGS TOYS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF PLAY
Folkestone-based Bigjigs Toys is celebrating an impressive 40 years in the toymaking business with a look back at its remarkable journey of dedication , perseverance and family values . To mark this exciting milestone , Bigjigs Toys will be expanding its collection with over 100 new products launching throughout its anniversary year .
Founded in 1985 by husband-and-wife duo , Peter and Liz Ireland , Bigjigs Toys began as a humble side project . While working as teachers , Peter and Liz spent their spare time handcrafting wooden puzzles in their garden shed and selling them at markets and fairs across the country . “ It was hard work ,” said Liz . “ But we believed in what we were doing and were driven by a love of making toys and the joy they bring to children .”
Continuing the celebrations , 2025 will see Bigjigs Toys unveil its debut Montessori range featuring simple wooden toys designed to inspire independent learning , as well as new plush toys from its Simply Scandi range alongside dress-up and role-play sets , musical instruments , outdoor activities and educational puzzles .“ These new launches are a celebration of the creativity and innovation that has driven Bigjigs Toys for 40 years ,” added Liz . “ We can ’ t wait to share them with the world .” www . insidekent . co . uk • 193