NEWS
insideSTORY
LEEDS CASTLE UNVEILS NEW HOLIDAY COTTAGE: GUARD’ S HOUSE
Leeds Castle, Maidstone, has opened a new luxurious retreat: Guard’ s House, which is now accepting bookings for the first time. Sleeping up to six guests, the charming 200-year-old cottage offers a unique blend of history and modern comfort making it ideal for families or small groups. To add to the experience, all stays include access to the castle and its captivating grounds.
Providing a tranquil environment that combines elegant furnishings with light-filled interiors, Guard’ s House features three bedrooms with one super-king bed, one king bed and a twin room, as well as a living area with a wood-burning stove and Smart TV, and a large private garden.
Just moments away from historic Leeds Castle, guests can explore the breathtaking gardens, famous mazes and enjoy falconry displays, all overlooking the Kentish countryside.
Guard’ s House is available from £ 952 for a minimum two-night stay.
KENT TEAM CROWNED CHAMPIONS AT LENOVO F1 IN SCHOOLS 2025 UK PRIMARY NATIONAL FINALS
Calling themselves‘ Striking Force,’ four boys aged 10- 11 from Snodland CEP Primary School in Maidstone raced to victory in the Lenovo F1 In Schools 2025 UK Primary National Finals. One of the UK’ s largest STEM primary school competitions with over 200 students competing, the event was held at the Magna Science and Adventure Centre in Rotherham and hosted by TV personality, Radzi Chinyanganya.
The UK national champions, Leon, Jake, Thomas and Hugo were presented their award by Leah Harris from Lenovo, also winning the Fastest Car Award alongside nominations for the Portfolio Award and the Ceratizit Best Engineered Car Award.“ We’ re speechless,” said Leon, team manager of Striking Force.“ We’ ve put blood, sweat and tears into this. We’ ve worked so hard and have been doing it for three years, but it is still a massive shock to have won. We’ ve loved making the car, learning about aerodynamics and having some fun. Time management was our biggest challenge, but we learned a lot and I think it will be really good for our careers in the future.”
SHEPHERD NEAME’ S CHIEF EXECUTIVE JONATHAN NEAME APPOINTED HIGH SHERIFF OF KENT
Jonathan Neame, chief executive of independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame, was officially appointed as High Sheriff of Kent following a Declaration Ceremony on 5 April.
The High Sheriff represents the Sovereign within their county in matters relating to the judiciary and maintenance of law and order. This non-political royal appointment is held for a year in each county across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Neame, the fifth generation of his family to lead Shepherd Neame, has held numerous significant roles within the Kent community including Chairman of Visit Kent and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent. During his year in office, he has chosen to support two local charities: Victim Support and Porchlight, which both focus on community welfare and support services.
194 • www. insidekent. co. uk