NEWS
FIRST VIRTUAL PLANNING COMMITTEE APPROVES
NEWTOWN WORKS FILM STUDIO APPLICATION
Ashford Borough Council’s first fully virtual meeting
has approved the ambitious plans for a £250m film
studio-led regeneration of a derelict railway works
in Newtown, Ashford.
The scheme will put the town on the map as a key
UK hub for the creative industries, boosted further
by fast connections to London and Europe from the
adjacent international station - with Amazon and
Netflix among a number of global streaming giants
poised to back the scheme.
Cllr Neil Shorter, portfolio holder for planning, said:
“The TV and film studios will bring significant
benefits to Ashford in terms of investment and job
creation and will play a key role in our economy’s
future recovery.”
Cllr Gerry Clarkson, leader of Ashford Borough
Council, adds: “Not only will this development put
Ashford on the map nationally and internationally,
it will also create sought after film studio space,
provide thousands of jobs and make the town a hub
for the creative arts industry, which is set to grow
significantly in the future.”
The approved plans will see developer Quinn Estates
create four new-build films studios, to be equipped
with the highest acoustic and lighting specifications,
and a 120-bed hotel. As well as repurposing the
SHEPHERD NEAME
SUPPORTS LOCAL HOP GROWERS
WITH BUMPER ORDER
Grade II listed locomotive sheds to create workshops,
apartments, a rooftop restaurant, and car park, as
well as space for a new Kent Film School.
BARNES LODGE RESIDENT
BEATS CORONAVIRUS
Shepherd Neame has provided a
much-needed boost for local hop
growers this week, by placing a
bumper order for Kentish hops.
Following shifts in production
requirements prompted by the
ongoing Covid-19 situation, the
Faversham-based independent
family brewer has tripled its usage
of Kentish hops and has
purchased an additional 4,000kg
of Kentish hops from local
growers to meet demand.
Senior brewer Stewart Tricker said: “Shepherd Neame has always been
committed to supporting local hop growers, and we typically use around 85%
Kentish hops in our ale portfolio, which includes great British classic ales such
as Spitfire.
“Following the Government decision to close all pubs last month, our current
operational focus is to continue production at the brewery and maintain sales
to supermarkets. The majority of these orders are for premium bottled ales,
so we are now focusing our efforts almost exclusively on beers that use Kentish
hops, such as Spitfire and Bishops Finger. This temporary change in demand
has therefore resulted in an increase in our usage of Kentish hops.”
The large order placed by Shepherd Neame offers much-needed support for
the Kentish hop growers, many of whom have seen a collapse in demand
from brewers following the closure of pubs.
Chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “Hops are an intrinsic part of Kent’s
heritage, and Shepherd Neame is proud to have been based in the heart of
hop country for more than 400 years. We are committed to supporting local
businesses, and we hope that our order will go some way to helping Kentish
hop growers in these extremely difficult times.”
Jack Angus, a resident at
Barnes Lodge Care Home,
contracted Coronavirus but has now
beaten it, being able to rejoin his
fellow residents at the Tonbridge
care home.
Jack, who turned 90 last month,
showed symptoms of Covid-19
with tests confirming his positive
diagnosis, but just two weeks later,
he has made a full recovery coming
out of isolation stronger than ever,
holding a sign of thanks to staff as
they wheeled him excitedly through
the home singing Peter Kay’s version
of (Is This the Way to) Amarillo, to
cheers and applause.
Barnes Lodge Care Home, in
Tudeley Lane, Tonbridge had
already put measures in place to
protect their residents, which includes
family members being unable to visit
their loved ones. Whilst it was
extremely worrying that Jack had
Coronavirus, staff took it in their
stride and were determined to see
him through it.
Jack’s daughter, Sue Whiteing, who
had been missing her dad,
particularly whilst he has been unwell
said: “The staff have been wonderful,
so supportive. As you can imagine
it has been a huge worry and very
stressful. We were so relieved that
dad has recovered, and so swiftly! I
just can’t thank the Barnes Lodge
team enough, they are so efficient,
kind and caring.”
Nicky Pett, general manager of
Barnes Lodge said: “Staff have done
an incredible job caring for our
residents and keeping everyone
calm and safe. They truly go above
and beyond the duty of care,
watching them keep all our residents
in touch with their loved ones during
such a difficult time has made me so
proud. I can’t thank them enough
for their amazing efforts in this
challenging time.”
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