insideKENT Magazine Issue 88 - July 2019 | Page 166

NEWS
CLARE BALDING ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF
LEEDS CASTLE ‘BIG 900’ STORY WRITING CHALLENGE
This year, over 700 children entered the Leeds Castle ‘Big 900 Stor y Writing
Challenge’ which celebrated literacy in y ounger visitors. All those shortlisted
were invited with their mums and dads to a prestigious prize-giving ceremony
in the Castle Library, held on the 30th May. Lead Judge and children’s author
Clare Balding announced the two winners and two highly commended runners
up and described Leeds as “the friendliest Castle I’ve ever been to!”
Children from across the country entered incredible stories on the themes of
‘Castles’ and ‘Time Travel’. Clare noted the g reat variety in interpretation of
the theme and particularly enjoyed the cheeky references from children towards
their siblings or parents in their stories!
A panel of 12 r eaders from the Castle’s Education Department spent hour s
reading all the entries carefully, where they shortlisted 20 finalists. Ten finalists
were chosen from each age category; 5-9 years and 10-13 years.
Ella Davey, aged 12, was declared as the winner of the 10-13 years category with
her ghostly tale named “Nine-Hundred Years”.
Theo Nyland was announced as the winner of the younger age category, with
his captivating story “Thomas’ Time Traveling Adventure”. Theo was one of
two Nyland brothers that got through to the final 20 and w ere involved in the
event held at Leeds Castle.
Pawel Blawat, aged 12, was the highly commended runner-up of the 10-13 years
category, with his story “Digging for Adventure”; and Charlotte Fromow-Dorman,
the youngest of the finalists at only aged 6, was highly commended for her story
“The Magic Crayon Journey”.
The winner’s prizes included tickets for the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular
2019, a family stay at the Knight’s Glamping and private tour of the Castle as
well as a hamper of goodies.
The winner’s stories are available online, and will also be b uried in the Leeds
Castle time capsule, which was unveiled by HRH Princess Ale xandra on the
25th June, during the Castle’s Royal Garden Celebration Week.
ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE ANNOUNCES
MULTI-MILLION POUND RENOVATION
Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells is set to benefit fr om an £11 million
investment by its owners, British Land.
Scheduled to start in autumn this y ear, renovation work across the centre will
enhance the public spaces for visitors, creating a high-quality shopping environment
for local shoppers.
The renovation works will involve upgrading to new modern flooring throughout
the centre, fitting new high-quality sea ting areas, installing bespoke r ooflight
features and housing a new piece of artwork, which will be created by a local
designer, all inspired by Tunbridge Wells’ heritage.
Nicky Blanchard, Centre Manager at Royal Victoria Place, said: “We’re so excited
to announce the plan for our renovations. We’ve been working hard to produce
a design that will help modernise Royal Victoria Place, as well as create a relaxing,
feel-good space for our visitors. The works represent a significant investment for
us, and we can’t wait to see the end result.”
Councillor Alan McDermott, Leader of the Council, said: “This is very welcome
news from British Land. This is a major investment in the town and the renovation
will bring the centre up to date and offer a much improved visitor experience.”
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