NEWS
RESTORATION REVIVES HISTORIC ARCHBISHOP’ S PALACE IN CHARING Words by Melody Foreman insideSTORY
© Melody Foreman
Major restoration work is underway at the medieval Archbishop’ s Palace in Charing, Kent, rescuing its once-collapsing Great Hall thanks to emergency funding from national heritage bodies. The Grade I listed site, which once hosted Thomas Becket and later Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon en route to the 1520‘ Field of the Cloth of Gold’ summit, is being carefully restored by archaeologists and engineers.
Led by the Spitalfields Trust in partnership with Historic England, the project has uncovered fascinating details- from 13th-century masons’ marks and witch-repelling daisy wheels to reused stone from Caen, France, linking it to Canterbury Cathedral.
Canterbury Archaeological Trust’ s Rupert Austin, who is overseeing the work, revealed the hall had been converted into a barn in the 18th century and altered significantly, yet remnants of its medieval grandeur remain. With £ 8,000 monthly upkeep costs, the trust is seeking a buyer and continued support to secure the site’ s future. The property is listed at £ 975,000.
BLUEWATER NAMES LOCAL HOSPICE AS THEIR CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Bluewater has named Kent-based charity ellenor as its Charity of the Year, from now until December 2026.
The Charity of the Year initiative gives local causes the opportunity to receive extra support and donations throughout the year, with Bluewater’ s team members selecting a new organisation annually. Donations made through guest experience initiatives such as the gift-wrapping events at Christmas will be shared with ellenor, with Bluewater also pledging £ 5,000 to start the partnership.
SUMMER WITH A SPLASH AS NEW ATTRACTION OPENS AT DREAMLAND
A major new Wild River attraction has arrived at Dreamland, Margate, in a welcome return of the classic log flume attraction to the coastal park. Taking riders on two high-thrill drops on a 30-foot plunge and 50-foot straight drop into water- with spectators joining in with coin-operated water guns- the new attraction is set to be filled with wet and wild fun.
“ This summer, we are delighted to welcome a brand new headline attraction to Dreamland’ s ride lineup,” said a Dreamland spokesperson. Wild River is a welcome return of the classic log flume to the park and we can’ t wait for guests to take the plunge!”
2025 marks 105 years of Dreamland, Margate’ s iconic amusement park and entertainment venue. A decade since Dreamland was brought back to life in its current form, the venue remains a strong favourite for the seaside town and is now open daily for the summer season.
New for this year, all-day wristbands can be purchased for endless access to the park’ s rides, including the new Wild River attraction, as well as new Free Roam VR Games- ideal for family days out.
A much-loved hospice charity, ellenor provides specialist care to adults and children living with life-limiting illnesses across Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Bexley. From diagnosis onwards, its services include an inpatient ward, hospice-at-home care and extensive wellbeing support for adults, as well as clinical nursing and respite care for children at home.
Bluewater’ s announcement of ellenor as its Charity of the Year coincides with its role as official partner and sponsor of ellenor’ s We’ re Going on a Bear Hunt public art trail, set to take place across Dartford in Summer 2026. Bluewater will host 20 bears on site, encouraging guests to explore both the shopping centre’ s interior and its 50 acres of award-winning parkland.
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