NEWS insideSTORY
THIS IS US DANCE CIC AWARDED CORE FUNDING GRANT BY BBC CHILDREN IN NEED
This Is Us Dance offers regular and accessible creative movement classes in and around the West Kent area for children and young people with additional needs. Having recently been awarded a core funding grant over a two-year period by BBC Children in Need, this grant will enable the organisation to increase their inclusive creative movement offerings and help make a difference to the lives of children and young people facing disadvantages in West Kent.
Inclusive dance teacher, Hannah Rotchell, said:“ This is Us is not just about the dancing- each class and opportunity we offer allows these young people to feel seen, heard and to belong. Through creative, fun and accessible activities, dancers join our community and embrace what it is to be themselves. It is this safe and nurturing environment that enables them to feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. This grant will go on to change the lives of so many young people and give them the support they need.”
NICOLAS HAMILTON REVS UP INSPIRATION FOR THE CHILDREN AT BEAMS
British racing driver Nicolas Hamilton, known for his incredible achievements in the British Touring Car Championship despite living with cerebral palsy, recently met with children from We Are Beams charity for a special press event. Offering family advice services such as parenting programmes, support groups and one-to-one clinics as well as short break schemes and payroll services, We Are Beams is a local charity that supports disabled children and their families.
Held at Brands Hatch, the event gave the young attendees the rare opportunity to meet the racing star, explore his specially modified car and experience the thrill of live superbike action. As the half-brother of Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Nicolas shared his unique journey of overcoming personal challenges, showing the young people that determination and passion can lead to success on and off the track. One lucky child, George, even had the chance to interview Nicolas for his own social media page. For the children and young people at Beams, seeing Nicolas’ s success despite his disability served as a powerful reminder that anything is possible, no matter the obstacles.
THE KNIGHTS OF ROYAL ENGLAND RETURN TO HEVER CASTLE’ S SUMMER JOUSTING TOURNAMENT
Hever Castle’ s 2025 Summer Jousting Tournament, taking place from 12 July to 31 August, will be joined by The Knights of Royal England.
Set in an authentic medieval arena, the event features displays of action, stunts, falls and fights. Victoria can join Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Royal Foot Soldiers in a procession to the arena, followed by a 75-minute tournament with fanfares, introductions, professional commentary and music.
“ With our re-creation of the tournament at Hever Castle, we try and condense all the highlights, thrills and spills into our 75-minute tournament with an emphasis on the action. The horses we use are the same breed used for jousting in medieval times so they have a natural aptitude making them fearless in battle,” said Jeremy Richardson of The Knights of Royal England.
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