NEWS insideSTORY
TRAVELLER’ S CHOICE ® AWARD WIN FOR THE KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY
DARTFORD’ S ORCHARD WEST WINS AGAIN
The Kent & East Sussex Railway( K & ESR) is celebrating a global Tripadvisor ® Traveller’ s Choice Award for the second year in a row.
The award honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing winners amongst the top 10 % of listings of places to visit around the world on Tripadvisor. As the world’ s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travellers and diners. This award is based on authentic, first-hand feedback from visitors over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of great places to visit.
Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards
2025
“ Delivering a first-class experience day in and day out takes a huge team effort from our staff and our wonderful army of volunteers,” said chairman, Derrick Bilsby.“ Our heartfelt thanks therefore go not only to our wonderful visitors for their support and positive reviews, but to the dedicated home team who truly keep things‘ on track’ and deliver such high-quality customer service time and time again.”.
Orchard West have announced the team’ s win at the UK Theatre Awards 2025 for Excellence in Workforce Culture.
“ Winning this award is a testament to the extraordinary resilience and dedication of The Orchard Theatre team,” said theatre director, Tal Rosen.“ When The Orchard Theatre was forced to close, our staff, together with Dartford Borough Council and Trafalgar Entertainment, turned challenge into opportunity, creating Orchard West and building a stronger, more united workforce.”
Previously, Orchard West was named Innovation of the Year at The Stage Awards 2025, and Temporary Structure of the Year at the Festival Supplier Awards making this the third award for the venue and its team.
Since 1991, the annual UK Theatre Awards have celebrated the creative excellence and outstanding work seen on and off stage throughout the UK. This year, sponsored by Encore, a premier provider of lighting equipment for theatre productions, the awards evening provided excellent opportunities to meet other members, network and celebrate the past year’ s successes.
CARL VINCENT
SUCCESS FOR GIRLINGS SOLICITORS IN THE 2026 LEGAL 500 RANKINGS
Girlings Solicitors has announced its success in the 2026 Legal 500 rankings, with all five submitting practice areas retaining their positions in this year’ s ratings- a huge achievement recognising the strengths in depth and consistency present across the firms.
The firm has also achieved an increase in the number of solicitors who have been individually recognised as Recommended Lawyers- a prestigious accolade highlighting outstanding expertise in their field.
2026 marks the seventh consecutive year in the rankings for the Wills, Tax and Estate Administration team, while the Family Law team celebrated its fifth consecutive ranking, Commercial Property received its fourth listing, the Corporate and Commercial team achieved the status for their sixth consecutive year, and the Employment team was also ranked for the fourth successive year- all with Recommended Lawyers in the teams.
“ The Legal 500 rankings provide specialist industry validation of the high standards we uphold for clients across our practice areas,” said chairman, Carl Vincent.“ The recognition which comes from these rankings is satisfying, but of more importance is the message it conveys about our deep expertise, the standards we set and the good work we do for our clients.”
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