NEWS
STORY
BOYS HALL TO WELCOME SIX NEW GARDEN CABINS THIS NOVEMBER
This November, Boys Hall is entering its next chapter with the launch of six new cabins set within the grounds, alongside the restoration of its oncederelict walled garden, creating a new space for sauna, relaxation, outdoor drinks and private dining.
Taking Boys Hall from nine bedrooms to 15, the cabins are set around a new wild swimming pond, plunge pool and sauna, extending the hotel beyond the main house and its three acres of gardens. Designed to feel like a natural extension of Boys Hall, each cabin has a luxurious super-king bed and sitting room with views across the gardens and pond.
The cabins have been designed by KAGU Interiors, continuing a relationship that began with the original design of Boys Hall. Named after the plants that surround them- Mulberry, Elder, Oak, Beech, Cobnut and Hawthorn- each one has its own identity.
Outside, each cabin opens into its own private garden, with a communal fire pit providing a spot for evening drinks, while the wild swimming pond sits at the heart of the space, complete with a timber jetty for morning dips. Overnight stays in a cabin start from £ 320 per night, room only.
KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY WELCOME FIRST YOUTH GRADUATES
A new youth programme launched by Kent & East Sussex Railway has celebrated its first graduates.
Eight young people aged 13-15 received certificates recognising their achievements after taking part in the Heritage Railway Youth Programme over the last year. The initiative was designed to introduce them to every aspect of how a heritage railway operates.
Working alongside Kent & East Sussex Railway volunteers and staff, the students have gained first-hand experience of customer service, ticket and platform operations, railway safety and the operation and interpretation of the railway’ s historic steam and diesel fleet. They have also developed skills in teamwork, responsibility and communication, alongside learning about heritage railway practices.
Three of the programme’ s members have also qualified as assistant travelling ticket inspectors( ATTIs), receiving additional certificates from volunteering chief travelling ticket inspector, Murray Motley.
“ Heritage railways are about community as much as they are about engines and infrastructure,” said deputy chairman and director for people, Matt Hyner.“ We believe this investment in young people is essential if heritage railways are to flourish for future generations while continuing to make a positive contribution to our local communities.”
POWELL-COTTON MUSEUM SHINES NEW LIGHT ON ITS ZULU COLLECTION
A new permanent exhibition at the Powell-Cotton Museum aims to uncover the meanings and stories behind objects that have been held in its collections for nearly a century.
Reframing the Zulu Collection will build a more rounded portrait of the people whose personal belongings were collected by museum founder Percy Powell-Cotton and his daughters during their visit to Zululand in 1935.
The collection explores the vitality of contemporary Zulu life in the UK and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, while also reflecting the distinct identities, languages and traditions of the many neighbouring communities.
Among the exhibition’ s themes, More than Warriors: Reframing Zulu Lives highlights the Zulu men who played an instrumental role in Percy Powell-Cotton’ s journey through Zululand. The Language of Zulu Beadwork reveals the hidden messages, symbolism and cultural significance woven into vibrant Zulu beadwork tradition. Stories of Marriage, Family and Everyday Life explores what daily life was like for Zulu people, while Contemporary Voices, Living History shows how traditions and heritage remain alive today, and how they are being passed on and reimagined by new generations.
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