Kent weekly round-up: 13 July - 19 July 2024
Photo credit: Stormtrooper Steve The blog is where you can find all the latest news and updates. Check back regularly for new content and be sure to leave a comment with your thoughts or questions. Thank you for reading!
The man named Steve Waterman-Gay has been putting on a costume of a stormtrooper from Star Wars to raise funds for charity for the past six years.
The article about the guy who collects money for charity while dressed as a Star Wars stormtrooper has been well-liked this week. It shows how much joy he gets from cosplaying and spreading happiness to others.
Different community problems were highlighted on the BBC News platform, BBC Radio Kent, and BBC South East Today.
We have selected five stories from the previous week in case you didn't catch them.
Former Coach Proud Of Marc Guehi From England
Picture credits belong to Steve Owen
Marc Guehi grew up in Gravesend and attended school there.
Before the Euro 2024 final, Marc Guehi's old coach expressed his "great satisfaction" as the English defender got ready to play for England.
Steve Owen first noticed Guehi's talent when he was just five years old. He brought him to Cray Wanderers in South London, and from there the young defender eventually joined Chelsea.
Guehi, a student at Saint George's Church of England School in Gravesend, participated in all of England's games during the Euros, missing only one. Mr. Owen thinks he has benefitted greatly from the tournament experience.
He was impressed by Marc's performance in the tournament and said he showed great maturity for his age. He hopes Marc can continue to perform well in the future.
Rail Company Adding 220 Trains/week From December
Starting in the Fall, there will be new train services added to journey planners.
A train company in East Sussex and Kent announced that they will be increasing their timetable by adding 220 additional services in December.
Southeastern announced that they will be providing more services, such as 12 extra trains during peak hours on the Greenwich and Sidcup routes. These added services aim to make it easier for commuters to access the Elizabeth line and travel to Central London, Heathrow, Maidenhead, and Reading.
Some late night trains departing from London Charing Cross to Maidstone East will continue on to Ashford International, making stops at Bearsted, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Lenham, and Charing along the way.
The company announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the new trains will be available on the Southeastern and Network Rail apps for journey planning starting in the Fall season.
Kent's Bison Herd Thrives Freely In UK
Picture credit: Kent Wildlife Trust
The number of animals in the group wandering around the forest near Blean has grown by two times in just two years.
Environmental advocates have praised the significant effects of an innovative rewilding initiative, showcasing "the amazing ability of nature to restore itself."
Three female Bison were set free in the countryside close to Canterbury, Kent, in July 2022 as part of efforts to bring the area back to its natural condition.
After two years, the population of these animals has increased twofold, creating significant changes in Blean and Thornden woods. This herd of free-roaming bison is the only one of its kind in the UK and is making a big difference in the area.
The collaboration between the Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust has been described as a tale of optimism.
Downgrade A262 To Limit Lorries
Sarah Banbery mentioned that the villages came together to discuss how "absurd" the situation is.
People who live in three villages in Kent are worried about the dangerous A262 road that connects them. They are asking for it to be changed to a B road.
Residents in Biddenden, Sissinghurst, and Goudhurst are unhappy because of the rise in HGV traffic and speeding drivers.
Sarah Power, a resident of Goudhurst, mentioned that trucks have collided with her house "on a few occasions" and cautioned that "it's just a question of time before a fatality occurs".
Kent County Council stated that they will reconsider the petition once it has been submitted.
Uncommon Book Discovered On Home Shelf
Around 1000 copies of Oroonoko were produced in the year 1688.
An original and unique version of the book Oroonoko, written by author Aphra Behn in 1688, has been discovered in the county of Kent.
An exhibition at the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury is currently honoring the accomplishments and contributions of Aphra Behn, recognized as the first professional female writer in the world.
Anna Astin chose a book called Oroonoko from her father's old store back in the 1950s. She brought the book to the exhibit and displayed it to the employees there.
Elaine Hobby, a college professor specializing in the study of the 17th century at Loughborough University, expressed that the current situation is the most thrilling experience she has ever had, despite living a very interesting life.
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