Holcombe and Blue Bell Hill Cricket Club bowlers impress England star Chris Tremlett

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England cricket star Chris Tremlett inspired a new (and old!) generation at Holcombe and Blue Bell Hill Cricket Club when he visited their ground last night.

As the prize in a competition won by Lin Sharpe (one of HBBHCC’s U16 parents), Chris was on hand to oversee a fast bowling competition and then brave enough to face the barrage of questions from a packed clubhouse.

What’s your bowling speed?

DSCN9099 from Jaye Nolan on Vimeo.

“I’ve got to give you guys credit – that speed gun probably wasn’t quite correct and the 55mph was nearer 70mph”

Winners of the fast bowling competition were: U11s Mark Robinson, 36mph; U13s Stephen Blakeman, 38; U15s Lucas Perry, 51; U17s Michael Reader, 58; Seniors James Underwood, 59.

What will you do when your career is over?

“I’m now 31 so it’s scary to think ‘What do I do next’. Property development is something I enjoy in my spare time, coaching maybe – I have the badges. Or a personal trainer. I’ve a few ideas but wanting to make it back into an England shirt is the priority for now. I hope to be fit for New Zealand and will go to Australia or South Africa in the new year. I had knee surgery four weeks ago, so I haven’t played much, just concentrated on getting fit.”

Who’s the toughest batsman you’ve faced?

“Chris Gayle (Windies) on his day; he hits everything for six. The Aussies in their prime – Ponting; Gilchrist; Hayden for one dayers and, in test cricket, Brian Lara (Windies) would have to be number one, closely followed by Sachin Tendulkar (India) and Ricky Ponting.”

You took the final wicket in the last Ashes win over Australia – how exciting was that?

“It was pretty special week; we’d already retained The Ashes and it was a nice feeling to wake up in the morning, knowing we’d be taking them home; knowing we’d be having a celebration at some point that day was exciting. We’d blended really well as a unit which showed when we got them all out for 98 on Boxing Day.”

Is your dad (former Hampshire seamer and Hants CC director Tim) still talking to you? (After you left Hampshire for Surrey!)

“I loved Hampshire but had to leave to put me in a better position to break into the England side. Surrey are the recipe for making my return. I’d love to go back to Hants someday though – and yes, dad is still talking to me!” 

DSCN9100 from Jaye Nolan on Vimeo.

How do you cope with the long tours abroad?

“You have to learn to be independent as you can be away for up to six months. It’s tough but part and parcel of the job. But you find ways to keep yourself occupied, especially in the places where you can’t get out and about for security reasons. Technology has made it so much easier to keep in touch with family, with Skype etc. You live in a bubble, forgetting how many people are watching so we keep an eye out for everyone and just support each other.”

What do you think of Kevin Pietersen signing a new England Contract?

“Kevin’s fallen out with a few players and management; they’ll be a lot of conversations to be had but as a team and a sport you have to move forward. It’ll be tough initially but he’s one of our best players and so good to watch.”

How much has fitness training helped to change the sport?

“Back in 2000 you didn’t have a fitness trainer but every county has one now – you can’t skive, they’ll find out! You have to be fit, the game is so much quicker now. And there are separate fitness programmes for batsmen and bowlers. For a fast bowler you need core strength, so pay attention to abs, core and bottom muscles.” (Ed’s note: Yes, I think I can do that *coughs*) You have to be mentally fit too. If you bowl a shocker, you just have to get over it and bowl the next one.”

The hardest team to play against?

“Australia in 2005: Gilchrist; Warne; Ponting etc – they’d been number one for years, very hard to beat.”

And tricky bowlers if you’re batting?

“Brett Lee on a bouncy wicket just wanted to hit me on the head; Andrew Flintoff was a pretty special cricketer, shame he had to retire. He told me he was going to bounce it and still got me out.”

Who’s the best captain you’ve played under?

“Shane Warne at Hampshire, he taught me a lot and is a very good man manager too. And Andrew Strauss will always be remembered for winning two Ashes series.”

Final word: Sledging?

“You can’t sledge or swear – it’ll cost you too much money!”

Chris Tremlett was brought to us at HBBC Cricket Club by Nat West, who run the annual Cricket Force days. These aim to inspire volunteers to pick up a paint brush or trowel for the local club and help rejuvenate its facilities for the coming season. This prize was just one of many offered by the NatWest Cricket Club this summer. Members have been able to access all sorts of rewards, from tickets to every NatWest ODI Series and NatWest T20 International match this summer to NatWest current account holders having the chance to enjoy exclusive experiences such as meeting and training with England players.

Chris also signed and personalised a brand new Kookaburra cricket bat for one lucky raffle winner – who turned out to be James Phillips. Nat West then presented Chairman John Underwood with cricket bat signed by the current England team, which will be raffled next season.

If you’d like to find out more about your local cricket team in Medway and Maidstone, visit the HBBHCC website here and when the new season starts,  do as Chris tells you below 😉

DSCN9101 from Jaye Nolan on Vimeo.

Chris said: “Every international cricketer starts their career playing for their local club, and the role community cricket plays in growing our love for the game is vital. I’ve had a great time here at Holcombe and Blue Bell Hill Cricket Club this evening celebrating their good season and saw some real talent in their young bowlers during the competition earlier.”

John Underwood, Chairman of Holcombe and Blue Bell Hill CC, said: “We’ve had a good season and enjoyed our cricket, so it was great to be able to celebrate all of our successes with an Ashes winner in Chris Tremlett. We’re all delighted Lin entered the competition. All of our members, young and old, batsmen and bowlers have had a night that they won’t forget.”

The club would like to thank both Chris and Nat West for making this wonderfully enjoyable evening possible.

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Cross the tracks: Full steam ahead for the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway

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The Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway came to the end of its first season back on the full track this weekend, after being closed for four years. Volunteer press officer, Paul Best, invited me along to tell me more about it.

Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway: Triumph

I arrived early and already a large queue was patiently waiting: families and couples, old and young individuals – everyone clearly excited to see the steam locos back where they should be, on track.

As each train departed, so another queue formed – Paul and I only just squeezed into the third one for our journey to Kemsley. An enthusiast for 25 years and in his second stint as press officer, Paul told me: “We always plan a busy timetable, but we can be flexible and run more passenger trains and less freight if need be.” He then went on to give an impromptu commentary for those lucky enough to be in our compartment; this man knows his stuff!

Press Officer, Paul Best, Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway

Alighting at Kemsley you can take a break in very reasonably priced and friendly Footplates Cafe, enjoy a stroll around the Wildlife area, let the children play in the garden or find out more about these iconic locos and their working home in the museum. The Saxon Shore Footpath runs right alongside, offering gorgeous views across Milton Creek – it’s no wonder there were many cameras to hand, especially on such a beautiful day.

While closed, the line had been subject to vandalism and theft. Consequently nothing is left on site; even the ticket office is a temporary structure, set up each morning. They opened fully again at the end of May this year, after running a limited service from Milton last year.

Paul said: “We’re preserving the history of paper making in Sittingbourne through the operation of the original locos on the original track – probably put in by Bowaters Paper Mills.” (A detailed history can be found here).

“It’s one of only three 2ft 6 gauge railways in the country (the others are in Whipsnade Safari Park and Welshpools, Llanfair.) Swale council donated some money to buy the saddle tanks needed for the Leader and Premier locos, but apart from that, it’s self funded by paying customers and run completely by volunteers. Just maintaining the viaduct has cost £100,000 in the last ten years. Unfortunately, we don’t actually own the land so we don’t qualify for Heritage Lottery Funding.

“We’ve a separate 100 year lease with Kemsley Mill on one mile of track but new developers Central Land own the line. While the legal wrangling over the land being sold was ongoing we weren’t able to run but they’ve been brilliant; they said “why would we want to do away with a tourist attraction in the middle of our development?” They’re going to pay for new steps and a ticket office as part of the ongoing development of the old paper mill land. There’ll be a supermarket, car park, housing, park, shops and restaurants – effectively another town centre and we’ll be right in the middle of it.”

Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway: Superb

There are twelve locos now owned by the railway. Among them, Superb, a Bagnall 0-6-2T steam locomotive, made her debut again this weekend, the first time she’s run this decade. Alpha, another of the same, will be the project for young volunteers to practice on and restore fully to operations. Currently interchangeable with Superb, only one of them runs at a time. Paul also mentions a link with Medway. “The four passenger coaches came from Chattenden and Upnor Admiralties Railway, with location names still relevant today: Upnor; Chattenden; Lodge Hill and Four Elms. They didn’t have doors originally but we lent them to another railway for a while and they put them on for us.”

The summer season now over, the hard work of restoring and rebuilding begins, stopping only to open up again in December for the Santa Specials. Next season should see them operating from Easter through to the end of September (watch out for special events involving Jack Station Cat and Ivor the Engine).

The enthusiasm of the volunteers adds to the whole experience, they clearly love being involved and sharing their passion and knowledge with a receptive audience fascinated by these venerable locomotives.

Paul had one last piece of news to share: “Milton Regis viaduct was built in 1915 so we’re soon to be celebrating its centenary: I’m planning on lighting it up!”

Now wouldn’t that be a sight to see?

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Exploring the culture and heritage of Sheppey

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The Isle of Sheppey has been wronged. Outsiders believe this corner of Kent to be both a cultural and physical waste ground, with maritime industries long since left and people fending for themselves with regard to their heritage and culture.

This perception is unjust. On spending just a few hours over the bridge, I found four real gems for both the resident community and visitors alike to take pride in and become involved with, to learn and evolve from.

Originally an old school building on the site of Queenborough Castle, the Castle Connections Community Centre was home last weekend to the 365 Exhibition, the photographic record taken by the community of one year in the life of Sheppey. Due to its popularity this has now been extended for a further month.

Castle Connections, Queenborough

Chrissie Williams is the manager and she took me on a tour of the building.

“Local people formed a company, the Queenborough Town Community Centre Ltd, and set about making this building what it is. It took time and money but we’re almost self-sufficient now – we’ve a dance school based here, leisure and hobby classes, a cafe and more. And we’ve 28 volunteers, all trained in either food hygiene or first aid.”

There are two beautifully restored rooms for hire with a sympathetically restored stairwell leading to them. It’s decorated with original school photos lending it an authentic air – it actually reminded me of my old primary school, which was probably from the same era; it even smelt the same (in a good way!)

Bringing Queenborough Back to Life was a recent project and this includes getting local artists involved as well as the community at large. Chrissie continued: “We have wall space for artists in the cafe at no charge, as we want to help local artists be seen; it’s really nice for local people to have art at their fingertips.”

Castle Connections believe that encouraging art, culture and history, local people will develop an appreciation of their heritage for generations to come.

Much more than a heritage centre: Blue Town’s Jewel

The only cinema on Sheppey; tourist information; history tours; music hall; museum; cafe and, coming soon-ish, a replica deck of the HMS Victory, complete with cannon!

Blue Town Heritage Centre

The Blue Town Heritage Centre, although now a registered charity, is owned and run by Ian and Jenny Hurkett, on their pensions and the kindness of volunteers and regular visitors.

It’s an awesome place, like an historic T.A.R.D.I.S – from the outside you can’t believe how huge it is on the inside. Begun with just a couple of old cameras on a shelf, it’s now a tangible, physical history lesson.

Jenny says: “We just want people to view Sheppey for our heritage and culture; our unique selling point, there’s so much of it. The community has got behind what we’re trying to do here and it’s evolved because of them. The key is to get our young people to take a pride of place and interest in the heritage – not just ours but others off the island, so we can dispel the negative connotations.”

The heritage centre houses the only cinema on Sheppey, in the Criterion Music Hall, which was reopened specially for a one off film about Blue Town – but when a hundred people turned up, Jenny and Ian realised there was a desire that needed to be sated. Says Jenny: “We bought the place originally as a bathroom showroom business but ill health put paid to that. But the turnout for the film was so amazing it gave us a whole new direction. Word is getting around now, so if anyone is having a clear out, we’re their port of call with anything we might be able to use.”

The heritage centre buzzes with individuals and groups: a job seeker seminar in the music hall, a business meeting in the Aviation Room, a workshop in the Dockyard room and mid morning coffee breakers in the cafe. Wednesday is Tea and Flicks, where the audience watch a film of their own choosing. Next year, a six week season begins in earnest.

Barton’s Point Coastal Park is a gorgeous 40 acres of adventure space, just waiting to be invaded.

Barton’s Point Water Sports

Mandy Shade has been there for just 18 months and it’s so much more than just a business. She told me: “We’ve a beautiful lake, a cafe which I’m hoping to turn into a proper bistro, camping, events, venue hire, water sports, murder mystery evenings and at Halloween, we’ll be working with the miniature steam railway to bring a Ghost Train to life!”

Another local catalyst, Mandy is determined that future generations of islanders learn to appreciate everything they have. She’s keen to expand her work with schools, a key area in which to invest a sense of place in the local population. Making the facilities affordable and plentiful at Barton’s Point is just the start.

Fishing for people

Collaborating with all three venues for the Sheppey Promenade, Chris Reed of Big Fish Arts said: “It has been really amazing. I’ve been involved in three big festivals before but this one was a bunch of really busy people who managed to have short, concise meetings that got jobs done – it was the best collaborative festival I’ve been involved with.”

Chris Reed of Big Fish Arts

Normally a “people thing” rather than a “place thing”, Big Fish Arts have actually taken up residence in Sheerness High Street now and are looking forward to running more workshops. Chris continued: “We take the history of the island and turn it into drama, plays, stories, ghost walks and tours. We’ve recently been commissioned to produce the Milton Creek Memories project and our popular Lantern Parade will be taking place again, probably in early December. Now we’ve got this space the lantern making can really get underway and we’ll hope to involve as many in the local community as possible.”

It’s clear from speaking with these community doers that they share the same passion and aims for their island. With the focus on education, participation, engagement and community involvement, they seek to ensure that residents and outsiders alike understand and appreciate the culture and heritage of Sheppey.

Due to the nature of each of these projects, they aren’t open all day, every day – please check their individual websites for opening hours and take time to visit them, you won’t be disappointed. Other community and heritage centres are dotted around, see them in the photo gallery below:

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Double success for Doddington in South and South East In Bloom Awards

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Faversham, Sittingbourne and Doddington are all celebrating following the South and South East in Bloom Awards.

The Doddington churchyard volunteers, winners of the Chairman’s Award at South and South East in Bloom. (Photo courtesy of David Shaw)

David Shaw, from Doddington’s In Bloom group, was thrilled with the results overall but particularly with the Chairman’s recognition for the Churchyard Management Group of St. John the Baptist village church, who maintain the churchyard for the benefit of the wildlife. He told me: “We were gobsmacked, we weren’t expecting it at all – these awards are the Oscars of the gardening world and the Chairman’s Award is the most prestigious of the lot.”

David, who attended the ceremony in Hampshire with his wife, Sallie, continued: “It isn’t just gardening enthusiasts who benefit and take joy from the gardens, there’s a lot of community input to improve the local area, working with housing tenants and others.”

The Chairman, Peter Holman, described the churchyard as “an absolutely outstanding example of wildlife management for the benefit of wildlife and the community.”  Entries from across the South and South East in Bloom area from Dorset to Kent are eligible for this award so it’s a wonderful achievement for all concerned. The ‘stunned’ volunteers were presented with award whilst carrying out their autumn tidy and this is now on display in the church.

Doddington also won a Silver Award and was named Best Village, with the judges saying: “The sense of community is very strong here with an evident pride in the village.  The activities to date have made a major contribution to the appearance of the village and the various activities and events all make for a high level of social cohesion. It’s good to see how district and parish work together for the benefit of the community. Clean, well-managed and maintained by the community, this village and its residents are proud of their place. There is virtually no evidence of litter, graffiti or dog fouling and the style of the traffic calming measures is testimony to the Traffic Calming Group who has masterminded these will planted schemes.”

Faversham retained its Silver Gilt while Sittingbourne was awarded a Silver.

There will be more cause for celebration in Faversham on October 10th, when the Abbey Physic Community Garden will be proclaimed Community Garden of the Year in the Wildlife Garden Awards. The ceremony will take place in the garden itself, at 11am.

English: The Abbey Physic Community Garden, Fa...

The Abbey Physic Community Garden, Faversham Off a footpath that runs past the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, the garden is viewed here from its entrance gate. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A charity which aims to develop a community based, working environment for the people of Kent to enjoy, the garden is set in the heart of Faversham, offering a unique opportunity to establish a tranquil, health-giving, environment enabling people from all areas of society to come together. It’s situated in a beautiful, walled, wild-life friendly and organically managed space, with the emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of horticultural activities. A wide range of spray-free vegetables, fruit, plants and flowers are for sale to visitors in return for donations. Initially funded, this wonderful garden is now self sufficient.

Hidden Gems – Pulse Cafe and the Eco Shed, Sittingbourne

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Nestling amongst the terraced houses in Park Road, off Sittingbourne’s main thoroughfare, The Pulse Cafe is a thriving and welcoming space in which to relax, enjoy a coffee and browse.

It’s a beautifully green cafe – and I don’t mean in the colour-on-the-walls sense. Pulse operates a zero waste policy and aims to be a model of eco-friendliness. Already with photo-voltaic cells on the roof to generate green electricity, they’ll soon be adding rain-water harvesting tanks to flush the toilets.

Raising awareness and promoting excellent environmental practices by engaging and interacting with a wide variety of individuals and groups, the cafe is managed by the Skillnet Community Interest Company. It also houses an emerging social firm, the Eco –Shed, within its walls.

I spoke with Project Leader for the Eco-Shed, Richard Carrier, who’s been involved for five years. He says: “We support disadvantaged people to create stuff and currently employ four people with disabilities, working at their own pace and making the most of their strengths so that the Eco-Shed evolves. The products made are sold at craft fairs, local country parks and other centres as well as here. Both the cafe and the Eco-Shed give people the chance to practise the skills they’re developing, in real life settings.”

Richard Carrier and Sioux Peto

Jamie Flaherty works for Skillnet and he showed me some of the instruments and jewellery made from forest found and recycled pieces, telling me: “We go on wood walkabouts to find things; turning wooden crates into bird boxes, fallen elder wood into whistles and using shoelaces for instrument strings. And we’re making Olympic Torches out of found wood too!”

Jamie Flaherty

Pulse also welcomes the Ethical Artisans Market every month, featuring local artists and makers showcasing and selling their wares.

Sioux Peto, a member of the Swale Arts Forum, brings along her Polka Dot stall, full of nik-naks made from recycled items. Clearly passionate about her community she says: “Swale is full of hidden treasures; it’s special but not many people know about it. We need to get all the groups here working together, Skillnet and the Swale Arts Forum are doing it but there are more out there.

People in the community know about everything from arts to film, conservation etc but to be involved in them they need to be engaged in a language they understand and Pulse is making every effort to do that.”

Sioux Peto on the Polka Dot stall, with volunteer, Shazida Hussain

Louise Allen, Project Leader for Training and Sustainability at Skillnet and a manager at Pulse, said: “There are a lot of pubs and cafes in Sittingbourne but nowhere for parents with young children or people needing extra access to go for good quality drinks and healthy snacks at an affordable price.” Louise would love to hear from any local artists, craftspeople who’d like to be involved, either showcasing their work in the cafe, running workshops during the day, or volunteering to serve in the cafe.

Pulse managers Louise Allen (left), Michelle Huggins and volunteer Shazida.

They’re also looking for volunteers to get involved with their allotments in Milton. If you are interested in knowing more, please contact Louise on 01795 599899 or 07780 985245 or email pulse@skillnetgroup.co.uk Their website can be found here.

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Hey, Mr DJ! In conversation with Daniel Nash of BRFM

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The freelance world is a lovely place to be on a bright and warm early Autumn day. I took a drive out East to Sheppey – the highest point in Sheppey actually – where the studio of BRFM sits atop the Windy Ridge overlooking the Thames Estuary, within sight of the wind turbines to the right and the old forts dead ahead.

My quarry was Daniel Nash, who brings a slice of culture to Sheppey’s Monday nights with his community show on BRFM, Sheppey’s local radio station on 95.6fm. Interviewing interesting people doing interesting things in the local community, Daniel, an artist himself, is keen to make art accessible to as many folk as possible.

Daniel Nash at the BRFM studio, Sheppey

“There’s a big arts community here – Big Fish Arts Trust, The Swale Arts Forum – the Sheppey Little Theatre is always involved, particularly with Promenade this weekend – but many local people get involved with organising things, like in the Art, History and Tourism Celebration in 2009, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight by in Britain, by a Briton (JTC Moore Brabazon), which took place in Leysdown in 1909.”

The station is manned by volunteers: there are no brand new branded motor cars here, just a couple of trailers, an aerial – and a distinct lack of being governed by commercial interests, although the station is supported by local businesses and other partners.

The BRFM Roadshow trailer

“BRFM support whatever area you’re in – I’m arts so they help with that. The island boundary makes it a very close knit community and the DJs bring their expertise to the radio station. It’s a nurturing network, whether it’s football, art or tourism, as long as it benefits the local community, making the most of the volunteer’s expertise.”

For aspiring DJs, Daniel recommends beginning with hospital or internet radio or a media course to gain some insight and experience.

“It’s increasingly harder to find a way in, as many bigger stations are now networks. The BBC is a good place to try, as they employ a lot of volunteers behind the scenes. I started out at the local community hospital here – just two wards, a waiting room and reception. I was interested in the technology side of things and I volunteered about nine years ago. I got the freedom to practice and make mistakes; it was a really good training ground. Then BRFM did a series of trials and from being involved in some shape or form for a few years, I progressed to the community show six years ago, interviewing someone every Monday.”

Having studied at the University of Creative Arts in Rochester, Daniel has a degree and MA in 3Dimensional Design, specialising in concrete sculptures. With a keen interest in photography, which plays its part in recording his work, art is his ‘day job’ but there’s always been a fascination with radio.

“I was involved with art long before radio, although when I was younger I used to make my own tapes and record my own shows. I grew away from it at Uni until I came across hospital radio and decided to get involved. But yes, my day job is as an artist. I’ve had a couple of exhibitions but I’m just starting out and getting known.”

The view across the estuary from BRFM’s vantage point on Windy Ridge

It isn’t just the arts community that Daniel promotes on BRFM. He works with many other individuals and organisations on the Island to ensure the community are fully informed of what’s happening in the area.

“The coast guard is a regular visitor, along with the Sheppey Horticultural Society – there’s a regular slot for them to give gardening advice throughout the seasons. Depending on what’s happening, the neighbourhood PC pops in, as does the Fire Brigade with safety reminders – they’re due again soon, with Bonfire Night nearly upon us. Another regular is James Crane, our Community Warden. I’ve known him since the early days and it’s he who organises things like the Emergency Services Day, bringing all of them together in a fun day out for the family.”

Mid morning DJ, Mark Rogers (left) with Daniel. He was doing ‘Guess the Year’ which I did – 1978 – with the playing of Sylvester’s ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)!

It’s easy to understand why the community have embraced their local radio station: camaraderie between the presenters is obvious, as is a love of what they’re doing. Providing an effective portal with which to engage and share, BRFM operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with live presenters between 7am and 10pm each day. Daniel’s Monday night show is on between 7pm and 10pm and he also does the weekend breakfast shows, from 7am – 10am.

Sheppey Promenade 2012: What the Dickens!

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The Isle of Sheppey steps back in time this weekend, with their Dickens themed Promenade.

365 A Year in the Life of Sheppey, the photographic exhibition made up of photos taken by the local community, will be showing at Castle Connections in Queenborough daily from 10am to 5pm. The project was designed to bring the residents together and encourage participation in civic life, as well as help them take pride in where they live.

People from all sections of the community have been submitting their photos taken across the region and one from every day of the year (2011) was selected for inclusion. The photos create a diary for today and a record for the future; capturing hidden scenes and everyday life.

Other workshops and exhibitions are installed, including readings and talks, plays and film. The Minster Gatehouse, Bluetown Heritage Centre and Sheppey Little Theatre are all major locations, as is Bartons Point, the venue for a Victorian Family Fun Day on Sunday between 10am and 4pm. The lovely Litter Angels will also be weaving their recycled magic with various workshops.

For a full schedule, please see the Promenade website here.

A workout for your mind

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That’s how I view coFWD, the coworking space in Rochester, where interesting people do interesting things. Don’t take my word for it – watch a video here, containing a snapshot of those people. Take from it the inspiration to be brave and follow your dream.

coFWD, based at 161 Rochester High Street

I have. I gave up the ‘day’ job in March, to concentrate on writing full time. Sadly, badly timed, as the cushion I had writing for a hyper-local website was whipped away from behind me last month. Then, after a panic stricken two weeks, I stopped applying for random jobs and settled down to think about what I really want to achieve:

The Rochester Literature Festival: One successful launch event down and planning for the next underway, leading to a major event next year; To run some workshops on blogging and social media – there are a lot of folk out there a bit scared of the old interwebby thing – I know I can help so I’m working on it; Freelance writing – now I actually have time to pursue it properly, to experience many different things, people and places and to capture those experiences in text and share them; To take time out each day for fiction and scriptwriting; To collaborate with comedy writers and see through the sitcom idea whirring around in my head; A stand up career in comedy. Don’t laugh. I mean, do laugh, obviously. I’m still trying to figure out how or why I agreed to do this but one thing I will do is go for it, with a what-the-hell attitude. I can always move to the Outer Hebrides or something afterwards (and it’s a one off, in the pub with a bunch of mates!) What can possibly go wrong?

Concentrating on these and rejecting the office jobs my head tells me I should be applying for (ok, I’ve found myself a nice little bar job for bread money) is something I probably wouldn’t have done had I not been part of the coFWD family for the last couple of years. And it all began with a visit to a room upstairs in a pub, for what I thought was a networking event called Tuttle101. Turns out no business cards were required, just a mind open to possibilities.

A coFWD away day to London. It was a fact finding mission, not a jolly, honest 😉

Looking for inspiration, collaboration, creativity and fun? Then come along to the next Tuttle on Monday, September 17th at The Deaf Cat Coffee Shop from 9.30am, because that’s where you’ll find it. For those of you who will be At Work – no excuses, there’s an evening equivalent called Tipple101 on Thursday, September 27th at the Britannia Bar Cafe.

See you there 🙂

Nominations Open for Medway Culture and Design Awards 2012

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Medway Council are once again looking to celebrate excellence in the arts, culture, design and heritage of Medway.

Created to recognise groups and individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the area’s cultural vitality, the awards aim to highlight the projects, people, businesses and organisations that contribute so much to the community.

Previous category winners include cultural and community space, Light Vessel 21, the Deaf Cat coffee shop art gallery and celebrated local milliner and artist, Zara Carpenter.

The nominations are open to anyone living in the Medway area, past or present, with three distinct categories. Click each link for the breakdown in each category.

Culture includes music, performing arts, fashion, visual arts, media, tourism, literature and, new for this year, food and drink. The aim here is to give recognition, rewarding excellence and promote the development of talented local individuals or groups.

Design includes heritage, open spaces, public realm and new build and recognises developments that have had a big impact on Medway’s landscape. Large or small, urban or rural, new or old – this category can involve commercial, community or residential developments, public space or a mixture of uses.

Special Achievement This award is for projects or individuals that have surpassed all expectations. It’s given at the judges’ discretion in recognition of putting Medway on the map through culture and design.

All entries are scored out of ten in six criteria, with those shortlisted then asked to send in work examples. The criteria, along with nomination forms, can be found on the council website here. The deadline for nominations is October 12th.

Appeal after incident at Newsagent in Rochester

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Logo of the Kent Police.

Logo of the Kent Police. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kent Police is investigating an incident at McColls Newsagents in Orion Road, Rochester and appealing for witnesses and information.

Two men entered the shop around 6.30 am this morning, threatened staff and stole cash.

One of the men is described as white, of stocky or fat build, and was wearing a grey hooded top and grey bottoms with three white stripes running down each leg. The other man was also white and was wearing a dark blue tracksuit.

Officers are currently in the area making enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 101 or, alternatively, if you have information but would prefer to remain anonymous, call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.