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It seems odd that a whole generation has grown up without having watched the original Fame! television series or film. Now there is Fame! The Musical, a shorter version often performed by schools which nicely deals with a range of common teenage problems such as love, learning difficulties, body insecurities and basically having to knuckle down to work. Fame! The Musical performed by Leigh Academy Minster at the Sheppey Little Theatre The students of Leigh Academy Minster gave it their all for their end-of-term production over two nights at the Sheppey Little Theatre in Meyrick Road, Sheerness and brought the house down with whoops and cheers from the audience. From the high-energy opening chords to the final, emotional ballad the talent, dedication and sheer passion on display were nothing short of breathtaking. Not even a few problems with head mics could dampen their enthusiasm. Fame! The Musical performed by Leigh Academy Minster at the Sheppey Little Theatre For months, the cast had poured their hearts and souls into bringing the New York City High School of Performing Arts (PA) to life on the stage. There had been weeks of rehearsals, endless hours of dedication and 'Hard Work' as stressed in the opening number. Shannon Kent, head of performing arts at LAM, wrote afterwards: “We are so incredibly proud of every single one of our students. They all left their hearts on the stage and gave us performances we will never forget.” You couldn’t really argue with that. The play follows a group of youngsters determined to get their names in lights. It begins in 1980, which doesn’t seem so long ago to some of us although none of these performers were even born then. Faith Louise Reilley as English teacher Miss Sherman opened Fame! The Musical at the Sheppey Little Theatre It was Faith Louise Reilley as English teacher Miss Sherman who got the show on the road by entering from the well of the central staircase to warn her new students they were about to start a tough four-year slog. “You got big dreams? You want fame? Well, fame costs. And this is where you start paying in sweat.” Nick Piazza (Josiah Hall) encounters star-struck Serena Katz (Ruby Rumbol) in Fame! The Musical In the drama class the Shakespeare-obsessed former child star Nick Piazza (Josiah Hall) goes back to school to learn his craft properly and encounters star-struck Serena Katz (Ruby Rumbol). It leads to a heartbroken Serena singing Let's Play a Love Scene, a touching ballad sung beautifully by Ruby, exposing a moment which had the audience feeling for her. Alls well that ends well as Serena (Ruby Rumbol) gets to play Juliet against Nick's (Josiah Hall) Romeo in Fame! The Musical But Serena does get her wish when the pair end up playing Romeo and Juliet after insecure Joe, hilariously played by Tyler Bridge, gives up the part of Romeo and Serena gets her long-awaited main role alongside Nick. Streetwise Tyrone (Israel Okpaire) is partnered with the classically-trained Iris (Ellie Abbott) in Fame! The Musical In the dance class the streetwise Tyrone (Israel Okpaire) is partnered with the classically-trained Iris (Ellie Abbott) who complains about his lack of knowledge and not taking school seriously. However, as the show goes on, the pair end up making an unlikely connection and become dance partners. Miss Sherman is also concerned Tyrone isn’t taking his lessons seriously but fellow teacher Miss Bell (Lily Edwards-Woods) argues that his artistic talent is more important than his academic ability in The Teachers' Argument. This duet was powerful, tense and deeply personal and showed how much both teachers truly cared about their students. Dior Morley, right, as Mabel in Fame! The Musical Miss Sherman later embarrasses Tyrone by making him read a Superman comic out loud in class but then realises he is suffering from dyslexia. He later bounces back by reading a passage from Leaves of Grass and winning over Iris. Mabel (Dior Morley) is having problems in the dance classes because of her weight and prays for “God’s help” in Mabel’s Prayer, a hilarious, show-stopping gospel comedy number that had the audience in fits of laughter. Dior’s energy was joyous and infectious and completely filled the stage. Elizabeth Turner Oates as Latina spitfire dancer Carmen Diaz in Fame! The Musical But the star of the show was flame-haired 17-year-old Elizabeth Turner Oates (currently studying A-levels in dance and performing arts, film studies and global politics) as the self-assured Latina spitfire dancer Carmen Diaz. It is Carmen who leads the company in the rousing title track Fame!, a high energy dance number when Elizabeth performed some fantastic vocal runs. Jesse Zemura as Schlomo with Elizabeth Turner-Oates as Carmen in a scene from Fame! The Musical Unfortunately, Carmen leaves the high school to fly to Los Angeles with Hollywood agent Elliot Greene. Her friend Schlomo (Jesse Zemura) is horrified and pleads with her not to go. This led to an emotional final number featuring Jesse singing with hardly any accompaniment. It was a raw and strong moment for the young actor who was then joined by the rest of the cast. A scene from Fame! The Musical There were some nice touches at the end of each scene as drama teacher Mr Myers (Ryan Snow, who was also assistant director) insisted on taking an end-of-year photograph of the group. Also performing were Amelia Elmes as Lambchops, Molly Hollywell as Goodman and Rosie Mitchell as Mr Sheinkopf. A scene from Fame! The Musical The ensemble included Elizabeth Baker, Sophie Coulson, Mia Hurley-Sand, Benedict Kaylin Rera, Leyla Mawhinney, Evie McKinnell, Evie McKintosh, Emily Searle, Belle Servante and Naomi Woolley. The show was directed by teacher Callum Brown. Sarah Williams was the musical director and Shannon Kent was the choreographer.

A man and a duck were the surprise highlights of this year’s Minster village fair. Mark Colyer, 61, and his feathered friend instantly became the star attractions at the event in Minster Abbey’s grounds on Saturday (July 11) when he turned up wearing a Robin Hood hat and a pet duck called Kirsty tucked under his arm. Quackers! Duck man Mark Colyer with Kirsty at Minster fair. Picture: John Nurden Mark, from Gillingham, visits fetes, care homes and hospitals free of charge with his odd family. In all, he has five therapy ducks and is currently rearing two 30-day-old goslings. He said: “I took along Kirsty who is only five months old. We were there to make people smile. They could hold or cuddle her. She’s an absolute diamond. “If I put her on the floor, she will even walk beside me, like a dog.” He explained: “We like to work with people with autism or ADHD, those in care homes, people with disabilities or with cancer.” Kirsty is the daughter of his first therapy duck Goldie, who he still has. Mark said: “Goldie has brought so much love and joy to thousands of people.” Then he added: “I was cuddling Kirsty yesterday afternoon when she let out a very loud quack and laid an egg on my lap. I had tears in my eyes!” Tracy Topsom of BRfm gets the bird at Minster village fair Among those meeting her included a steady stream of fascinated youngsters plus show compere Tracy Topsom from BRFM radio and Sheppey town crier Bruce Horton, who officially opened the proceedings by ringing his bell followed by an official proclamation. Isle of Sheppey Band at Minster village fair The Rock Choir at Minster village fair Sheppey Line Dancers at Minster village fair Criterion Ukulele Strummers in Minster Abbey as part of the village fair The Island Allstars display team at Minster village fair Entertaining the record crowd were the Isle of Sheppey Band (fresh from a special appearance in London); the Rock Choir; Fiato Little Big Band; Criterion Ukulele Strummers; Sheppey Line Dancers; Island Allstars display team and members of the Big Fish Band. Tim Bell and his air ambulance helicopter at Minster village fair. Picture: John Nurden Veteran air ambulance fundraiser Tim Bell was present with his helicopter and a new drum set. He also played music including his own AI tribute songs to the Isle of Sheppey. Sheppey United’s mascot Lenny the Lion put in an appearance sporting his England flag ahead of Saturday night’s World Cup game. Sheppey United's mascot Lenny the Lion found new friends at Minster village fair. Picture: John Nurden Sheppey coastguards were hosting their “throw a lifeline” game until they had to quit suddenly to attend an emergency Mayday call. The fete was jointly organised by Minster Abbey and Minster-on-Sea parish council. Parish councillors Tom Nundy, left, and Elliott Jayes try to Splat the Rat at Minster village fair. Picture: John Nurden The council paid for Phoenix Event Hire to set up a bouncy castle and children’s games, including a popular Splat the Rat attraction run by Cllr Tom Nundy, in one section of the grounds and then allowed all youngsters to play for free. Minster parish councillor John Nurden said: “People couldn’t believe there were no charges. But we felt this was a good use of our resources.” Barbara Erskine narrates the puppet show Swampy Man Saves The Day at Minster village fair Youngsters watched wide-eyed as Island writer Barbara Erskine narrated an original puppet show called Swampy Man Saves The Day, along with sound effects, music and bubbles, in the Abbey Gatehouse Museum where there was also free chalk art and a set of ominous stocks awaiting any unsuspecting councillors. The parish council asked visitors to name their pet loves and hates of the village. Pet hates at Minster village fair Top of the complaints were too many new houses, parking charges at the Little Oyster car park, overgrown footpaths, concerns about catapults and pleas for more facilities for teenagers. The council is to launch a new youth club at Thistle Hill community centre in September along with the Oasis Youth Hub. Best things about living in Minster Visitors ranked the beach, community spirit, friendly people, history and the council’s Christmas lantern parade and festive lights as the five best things. They also called for a bandstand on The Leas and a lower speed limit for Scocles Road. Artist John Gevaux-Ross at Minster village fair Paul and Margaret Murray's cake stall for EKC Sheppey Secondary School at Minster village fair 7th Sheppey Scouts burger stall at Minster village fair There were 50 stallholders including artist John Gevaux-Ross, who was doing a roaring trade in Christmas cards and 2027 calendars; EKC Sheppey Secondary School’s cake stand; Sheppey Light Railway; Eastchurch Aviation Museum, Harmony Therapy Trust; Debbie Adams Art; Sea Worn Wonders; Sheppey 3D; 7th Sheppey Scouts’ burger bar plus Sheppey Girl Guides; Sheppey Sea Cades and Marines; the RNLI and Al’s ice cream van. Sheppey town crier Bruce Horton officially opened Minster village fair Sheppey town crier Bruce Horton officially opened Minster village fair

What do you think of it so far? What made Morecambe and Wise tick? Why were Eric and Ernie so funny? Comedy impressionist Christopher Gee goes behind the laughs in a special illustrated show at the Criterion Blue Town on Wednesday, July 15, to reveal some of pair’s secrets. Christopher Gee, left, and Keith Slater in the Shamrock and Roll show at the Criterion Blue Town Christopher, who last appeared at the Sheppey theatre in March with his Shamrock and Roll comedy show with fellow entertainer Keith Slater, said: “I give a number of talks about comedians but this one is the most requested. Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise “These two great performers had a wonderful chemistry between them. But their life stories, about how they became the nation’s favourite double act, are even more fascinating. “What many people might not know is the tremendous struggles they suffered early in their careers and how Ernie, as the business brains of the partnership, kept pushing them on. “They were always so professional in their work and surrounded themselves with people who understood the duo’s dynamics. Writers like Eddie Braben forged the comedy routines in an unforgettable way. They were always clever, loveable, funny, well-written, beautifully timed, non-offensive comedy.” He added: “Eric and Ernie were also determined to remain a family-friendly act. When other entertainers turned to blue jokes on the club circuit to get a quick laugh, Eric and Ernie refused to swear on stage. They were never crude. I talk about the ‘comedy triangle’ which became their trademark.” Christopher Gee as Eric Morecambe Christopher admitted: “I love impersonating Eric and some of his mannerisms have now become part of my own daily life. I give Ernie my best shot. So, did Christopher, who lives on a canal boat, ever meet them? He revealed: “For a while, I was a travel agent in the same town where Ernie lived. He turned up at the shop as Mr Ernest Wiseman, his real name. I had watched him on the TV like everyone else and was so in awe of him I tried to get him upgraded. But as he was booking a domestic flight to Scotland there was only one class!” Christopher Gee as Eric Morecambe at the Criterion Blue Town Morecambe and Wise, also known as Eric and Ernie, were an English comedy double act comprising Eric Morecambe (1926 –1984) and Ernie Wise (1925 –1999). Eric’s real surname was Bartholomew. He took his stage name from the town where he was born. Ernie shortened his surname from Wiseman to Wise. The pair worked their way up from variety theatres, including a stint at the racy Windmill Theatre known for its nudes, and on radio shows before eventually taking the world of TV by storm. Their Christmas specials became legendary, attracting millions of viewers and a host of surprise special guest stars including conductor Andre Previn trying to get Eric to play Grieg’s Piano Concerto (with all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order); rock star Elton John; actress Glenda Jackson; newsreader Angela Rippon and even The Beatles. The song and dance men adopted Bring Me Sunshine as their signature tune. Famous sketches included remakes of Singing’ In The Rain and There Is Nothing Like A Dame and preparing breakfast to the music of The Stripper. Eric Morecambe would have been 100 this year Their partnership lasted from 1941 until Eric’s death from a heart attack in 1984 at the age of 58. This May would have been his 100th birthday. The Criterion Blue Town, a former kitchen show room, was turned into a working music hall by Jenny Hurkett 15 years ago. The original Criterion Theatre stood on the site before it was destroyed by German bombers in the First World War. It now also boasts a three-storey museum. Christopher also gives talks on Tony Hancock, Tommy Cooper, Frankie Howerd, Benny Hill, comedy writers Croft and Perry who created Dad’s Army and the story of the Carry On films. His Morecambe and Wise talk, presented without notes (but all in the right order) features photos and TV clips of the pair’s comedy sketches. It is at the Criterion Theatre, 69 High Street, Blue Town, Sheerness, on the Isle of Sheppey, on Wednesday, July 15, at 1pm. Tickets are £10 from www.criterionbluetown.co.uk. For more details email criterionbluetown@outlook.com or call 01795 662981.

It's coming up to the final weekend of the month-long Festival of Sheppey. Organiser Jenny Hurkett said: "We'd like to thank everyone for supporting this festival. The response has been beyond our wildest dreams. Despite a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes, it has all been worthwhile. "Hopefully, we will get the chance to do it all over again next year. But instead of concentrating on the Island's culture and heritage, we would like to put Sheppey's science innovations in the spotlight." There are, however, a few last minute changes to the running order (see updated What's On guide). Thames sailing barge Raybel An expected two-day appearance by artist Ben Judd and his Camera Obscura project aboard the rennovated 1920 Thames sailing barge Raybel had to be pulled because Mr Judd said he had been unable to secure funding. A spokeswoman for Ideas Test insisted the event had only been "rescheduled" but was unable to give any new dates. Chas 'n' Dave tribute duo The Spice Chavs A planned concert at the Criterion Blue Town on Sunday afternoon by Chas 'n' Dave tribute duo The Spice Chavs to finish the festival had to be cancelled at short notice because 'Chas' went down with laryngitis. Refunds will be issued. However, it has not been all bad news. A 60s and 70s concert by Fiato, billed as Sheppey's self-styled "little big band" at the Criterion Theatre on Saturday has sold out. Seaside event at the Criterion Blue Town for Sky TV And the Criterion was packed on Thursday for a special "seaside event" created by Sky TV to augment its documentary series The Dyers' Caravan Park which is filming its second series at Priory Hill Holiday Park at Leysdown. The audience was entertained by Sheppey singer Annie Love and a slide show of old Sheppey photographs from Martin and Rosemary Hawkins. Annie Love at the Criterion for the seaside event for Sky TV Many members were interviewed for the TV show. Peter West, the curator at Eastchurch Aviation Museum, is to introduce the 1965 movie Those Magnificent Ment in Their Flying Machines at the Criterion on Friday at 1pm. Admission is £5 on the door. Last week John Nurden gave a talk at the Criterion about Michael Crawford and his early days growing up on the Island before 1975 BBC Christmas special of the show Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, which was shot partly on Sheppey, was shown. Ray Fatherstone was Michael Crawford's unpaid minder. Picture: John Nurden Michael starred as the hapless Frank Spencer and performed all his own stunts. Ray Featherstone, who acted as unpaid "minder" to Michael during the shoot on Sheerness seafront, and former MP Gordon Henderson, who lived in the bungalow Michael lived in with his Nan, also took part in the talk.

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More than 1,200 cyclists gathered at The Leas at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey on Saturday morning (June 20) for the start of the Chase The Sun endurance bike ride. They left at dawn on the longest day of the year and planned to arrive at the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare, 200 miles to the west, as the sun set at around 9.30pm. Start of Chase The Sun 2026 at The Leas, Minster, on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden/Sheppey Scene For an hour or so, Sheppey was flooded with bikes as the cyclists converged on the seafront, many accompanied by support vehicles but some cycling on their own. Then, as the sun appeared over the sea, they set off on their epic coast to coast journey which took them through Rochester, south London, Chertsey, Devizes and the Cheddar Gorge. Each had paid at least £79 to take part in the challenge. Chase The Sun founder Olly Moore. Picture: John Nurden/Sheppey Scene It was the brainchild of Olly Moore who set out with two friends to see how far they could cycle back in 2008. It has since grown into a massive event with courses in the north of England, Ireland and Italy. Olly, married with a young family, was on hand to wave off the cyclists. He said: "This is our biggest year yet. We had around 1,100 last year and we have more than 1,200 this year." Start of Chase The Sun 2026 at The Leas, Minster, on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden/Sheppey Scene But he added: "We had to cap the numbers to allow them to all get off safely. In fact, we let some riders go just before dawn for that very reason. Everyone was very keen and a little nervous, so we started the riders early.” Asked why the ride, which is non-competitive, starts on Sheppey, he replied: “In 2008 I set off on my bike to find out how far I could ride in a single day – and for that I chose the longest day of the year. Sunrise over Sheppey for the 2026 Chase The Sun. Picture: John Nurden/Sheppey Scene “It meant picking this spot where you can see the sun rising over the sea and then moving across the country to where the sun will set. So, ocean to ocean, sunrise to sunset, east to west - that’s why we picked Minster-on-Sea.” He added: “It was an absolutely beautiful sunrise." Olly’s first attempt could have put him off permanently. He finished in the dark, three hours after sunset. He admitted: “It felt a very bad idea at the time. The most common thing participants say, even now, when they cross the finish line is ‘never again!’. Chase The Sun desptach team at the Abbey Hotel, Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden/Sheppey Scene "But then they reconsider and many come back. And that was exactly what I did after that firThe second year he missed his self-imposed deadline by just five minutes. At his third attempt he was in Weston-super-Mare an hour before sunset. He previously said: “You have to remember that this is a ride, not a race. It is about enjoying the riding and taking in the countryside. It is a unique experience. And the riders aren’t doing it alone. It’s a collective, who come together with a shared goal.” Signing in for Chase The Sun 2026 at the Abbey Hotel, Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden/Sheppey Scene Many of the cyclists were riding to raise money for charity, especially Macmillan Cancer Care. Within an hour of the start, organisers had removed the plethora of flags and banners from the promenade and had taken them in a fleet of vans to the next section. By 6.30am there was little left to show that a fleet of cyclists with their safety helmets and lights had even been there. Start of Chase The Sun 2026 at The Leas, Minster, on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: John Nurden/Sheppey Scene This year’s ride was promoted as part of the month-long Festival of Sheppey. Watch our video here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eu53yuCZZ5n0Fr4SfhXFKapr7gs1bXk5?usp=drive_link

The Arts Council might have dismissed the Isle of Sheppey as a “cultural desert” but great grandmother Jenny Hurkett is determined to ring the changes. As part of the month-long Festival of Sheppey she has hired not one but two classical acts to add a touch of culture to what she describes as “Kent’s own Treasure Island”. On Sunday (June 21), flautist Mark Underwood and pianist Carol Anne Wells take the stage at the revamped Criterion Music Hall in Blue Town, Sheerness, to perform a selection of “audience friendly” classical favourites. Pianist Carole Anne Wells at the Criterion Blue Town. Picture: John Nurden This will include Rimsky-Korsakov’s frantic Flight of the Bumblebee (famously turned into a humorous song by veteran music hall star Arthur Askey), Greensleeves, a medley from My Fair Lady, Irish dances and topical songs such as Those Lazy, Hazy Crazy Days of Summer, Never on a Sunday, I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside and What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor? Flautist Mark Underwood at the Criterion Blue Town Australian-born Mark, who now lives in Gravesend, said: “We thought it would be nice to perform some seaside songs while on the Island.” He will also be performing his own jazzy variation on the Oz classic Waltzing Matilda. Carol Anne, who comes from Bexleyheath, is no stranger to the Criterion, having accompanied many variety acts on the theatre’s rare 1870 Bechstein grand piano over the years. Carol Anne Wells at the Criterion's grand piano Warming up the audience for the pair will be the Preston Ensemble. The five-piece group of London-trained musicians, now all based in Kent, will perform Schubert’s String Quintet in C major Op 163. They comprise Antony Dennant and Jo Saul on violins, Sara Thorpe on viola and Rachel Waltham and Sophie Shackleton on cellos. Leader Antony, who lives in Sheerness, said: “Beyond our work in London, we are known locally for our regular recitals in Faversham’s Assembly Rooms and, more broadly, around the rest of Kent.” Tickets are £15 from the Criterion on 01795 662981 or visit www.thecriterionbluetown.co.uk. Price includes interval tea. The show starts at 3pm. Other highlights coming up: Friday, June 19. Noon. Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em. Criterion Blue Town Not many people know that Phantom of the Opera star Michael Crawford was brought up on the Isle of Sheppey by his Nan and used the location for the BBC’s 1975 Christmas special of his comedy show Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em. The show starred Michael as the hapless Frank Spencer. In this episode he ends up marooned on the top of the Kingsferry Bridge and then drives a Hillman Imp off the jetty and into the sea at Sheerness. John Nurden introduced scenes from a documentary about the actor’s early life and then shows the entire Christmas episode, which now carries warnings in case it upsets modern audiences. John also promises to introduce at least two special guests who remember Michael. Tickets £5 on the door. Hundreds of cyclists will leave The Leas at Minster at dawn for the start of the 2026 Follow The Sun bike ride. Picture: John Nurden Saturday, June 20. Dawn. Start of the 200-mile Follow the Sun cycle ride from The Leas, Minster, to Weston super Mare. Dutch invasion of the Medway Saturday, June 20. All day. Queenborough celebrates its Independence Day. In June 1667 the dastardly Dutch dared to invade Queenborough on their way to maraud Medway. Queenborough townsfolk didn’t fancy a fight so they hauled up the white flag giving them the dubious honour of becoming the first part of England to surrender to foreigners since the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Fast forward to June 17, 1967, and the Dutch finally remembered to give the town back to Britain. Cue much celebration in the town’s pubs with live music. Saturday, June 27. Sacred and Profane, Holy Trinity Church, Queenborough. Island-based international baritone Colin Morris will perform a selection of classical songs from operas and musicals called Sacred and Profane at Holy Trinity Church, Queenborough on Saturday June 27 as part of the Festival of Sheppey. He will be accompanied by pianist Timothy Barratt. Tickets are £12 on the door. Music starts at 7.30pm. Proceeds go to the church’s vestry rebuilding fund. Chas 'n' Dave tribute duo The Spice Chavs at the Criterion Blue Town Sunday, June 28. Spice Chavs at the Criterion Blue Town. 2pm "Dahn to Sheppey" What better way to bring the festival to a close than with a Cockney knees-up! Sheppey has always been a favourite haunt of EastEnders. So why not go out with a bang with Chas ‘n’ Dave tribute duo the Spice Chavs?

Bad weather has forced organisers to postpone a free Festival of Sheppey open-air creative art event. Harry Farmer from the Museum of London Archaeology has abandoned plans for his Coasts in Minds beach walk at Warden Bay this afternoon (Thursday). Instead, the event will be moved to next Monday (June 15) evening. He said last night: “We have been closely monitoring the weather forecasts and have taken the decision to postpone tomorrow’s event due to high winds and heavy rain throughout the day.” People already registered have been notified. But Mr Farmer added: “We want as many people on the Island to have the opportunity to join this. The later low tide timings on Monday mean it will be more accessible for people to attend after work.” The session will also feature Sheppey artist Laurie Harpum. Creative beach walk at Warden Bay postponed. Picture: MOLA New details are: Creative Beach Walk Monday, June 15, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Meet: Cliff Drive car park, Warden Bay, ME12 4SA Participants will be guided to create an “ephemeral sculpture and artwork” on the beach by Island artist Laurie Harpum using materials such as pottery shards, driftwood, shells and grasses. Participants will be encouraged to explore the coastal environment, considering the history and origin of the objects with Museum of London Archaeology members. Anyone wanting to attend should register for a free space using the below link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/molamuseumoflondonarchaeology/2127060

A dangerous driver who ran from a car crash after inflicting serious injuries on four innocent people has been jailed. Luke Wells, 31, from Minster was behind the wheel of a speeding red Vauxhall Astra when it smashed into a grey Peugeot being driven by Terrance Brown. Mr Brown and his wife Susan were on their way to a family wedding anniversary at Sheerness East Working Men’s Club, with their granddaughter Chelsea Brown and her boyfriend Jack Fitzgibbon, in the back at the time of the crash. CCTV image of Wells' car, right, about to crash into the Browns' car. PIcture: Kent Police All four were seriously injured. Mrs Brown was initially trapped in the wreckage and had to be cut free by a fire crew. Wells’ vehicle ended up facing in the opposite direction and the Brown’s car was catapulted into the driveway of a nearby house by the force of the impact. A court heard that instead of helping his victims, Wells then turned and ran, throwing off his shows as he fled. Luke Wells arrested at his home in Minster. Picture: Kent Police Police later tracked him down to his home in Lapwing Close where he initially denied being involved. The crash happened in Queenborough Road, Halfway, as Mr Brown was turning right into the club’s car park. Video released by Kent Police shows Wells’ car approaching at 58mph from the direction of the traffic lights and crashing into the passenger seat of Mr Brown’s car, trapping Mrs Brown, at around 7.40pm on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Luke Wells' red car came to rest facing in the opposite direction. Picture: Sheppey Scene The road, which has a 30mph speed limit, was closed for several hours as rescuers treated the injured and then cleared away the debris. A Kent Police spokesman said: “Officers attended the scene, along with paramedics and Kent Fire and Rescue Service. “All four occupants of the Peugeot were injured during the collision, including the front seat passenger who received serious, life-threatening injuries including multiple fractures. The driver and another passenger also suffered fractures.” The Peugeot came to rest in the drive of a nearby house. Picture: Sheppey Scene Witnesses told officers they had seen the driver of the Astra, later identified as Wells, flee on foot towards the direction of Queenborough, discarding his sandals in a driveway as he ran. Following enquiries, officers located Wells at his home at 9pm. He denied being in the car and told officers he had sold it a few days before. He said he had been to the Coop on his pushbike. Evidence that Wells had tried to change his appearance by shaving off some of his hair and beard was also found when officers discovered a freshly used towel and hair shavings in his bath. Jailed: driver Luke Wells. Picture: Kent Police His identity was further corroborated when officers compared pictures witnesses had taken of him at the scene. Forensic evidence found inside the car also proved he had been in the car at the time of the crash. Wells was charged with three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Queenborough Road at Halfway was closed following the crash. Picture: Sheppey Scene On Wednesday (June 3) at Maidstone Crown Court he was sent to prison for three years and 10 months. He had pleaded guilty to the charges at an earlier hearing. He was also banned from driving for four years. Investigating officer PC Sean Browne said: “Wells has shown himself to have no regard for the welfare of others, thinking only of himself when he decided to leave the scene of the collision. “He knew exactly what he had done and, by trying to change his appearance, also showed a total disregard for the law. “I’d like to thank the witnesses in this case who ensured we were able to bring this man to justice.” According to Kent Online, Mr Brown spent six days in hospital after suffering six broken ribs and a partial collapse of both lungs. His wife, who had been in the front passenger seat, was airlifted to King's College Hospital in London where she spent four weeks in an induced coma. Her injuries included a broken collarbone, 12 broken ribs, broken breastbone, broken pelvis and broken left arm. She also suffered a partial lung collapse. At one stage, doctors told her family to fear for the worst. Her granddaughter was later diagnosed with concussion, whiplash and bruising. Her boyfriend sustained fractures to a rib and wrist as well as injuries to a kidney. He spent five days in hospital. · Police video of crash and arrest here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY15aJQ9OSE

A furious Swale Borough Council has hit out at Minster Medical Group’s plans to boycott a new purpose-made surgery being built for it in Sheerness. The council is creating a new GP hub at the Sheppey Healthy Living Centre as part of its £20 million government-funded Sheerness Revival project. But the Minster GPs say they don’t want to return and want to stay at Sheppey Community Hospital in Minster. How the new Sheppey Healthy Living Centre in Sheerness will look. Picture: Swale Borough Council They say looking after their patients across two sites has become “increasingly challenging” because of “workforce constraints”, travel and transport limitations and low patient numbers at the Sheerness centre. They want to concentrate care at Minster and have been running a 12-week public consultation which closes this Wednesday (June 10). The Sheppey Healthy Living Centre serves a registered population of 14,283 patients, making it the largest GP practice on the Island. Cllr Tim Gibson, leader of Swale Borough Council Council leader Tim Gibson (Lab, Roman) said last night: “I have reiterated the sizeable health and community benefits of returning to their new, modern, accessible and state-of-the-art facility being built as part of our Sheerness Revival project. “The surgery was a key part of our bid to the government for funding and has been involved throughout the project. "This included providing valuable input into the specifications for the new purpose-built practice. “Furthermore, we have improved accessibility by moving the surgery to the ground floor, increasing its size allowing for an additional consultation room and space for enhanced provision such as minor surgeries, improved ventilation and a separate entrance.” How the new GP surgery at the Sheppey Healthy Living Centre will look. Picture: Swale Borough Council He added: “The Sheerness site benefits from multiple regular bus services and a direct rail connection making it accessible for patients across the Isle of Sheppey and beyond.” In a letter of support for the project, the surgery originally wrote that the rebuild would be “be a transformational opportunity for our practice and patients, with innumerable positive health and equality outcomes.” Cllr Gibson said: “We firmly believe that this is still the case. “Health services in Sheerness and across Sheppey are a huge concern for Islanders. We are committed to continuing to work with the integrated care board to ensure residents in Sheerness can continue accessing high quality healthcare.” Cllr Hannah Perkin (Lib Dem, Abbey) He was joined by Cllr Hannah Perkin (Lib Dem, Abbey) who chairs the council’s housing, health and communities committee. She said: “We have put a lot of time, effort and funding into the important health element of our Sheerness Revival project to improve access to essential health services and address entrenched inequalities experienced on the Isle of Sheppey. “Residents face significant barriers in accessing care, with Swale having one of the highest patient-to-GP ratios in the country, making the retention of this accessible infrastructure even more critical. How the new GP surgery at the Sheppey Healthy Living Centre will look. Picture: Swale Borough Council “Life expectancy in Swale remains below the regional and national averages, reflecting long-standing health inequalities. The GP practice has a significant proportion of patients that have elevated need.” The council says removing GPs from the centre would “disproportionately impact the most vulnerable residents within Swale.” Swale already has one of the worst patient-to-GP ratios in the country, approximately 3,300 patients for every doctor. Sheerness residents can expect to die earlier than others with a life expectancy as low as 77.4 for men and 81.5 for women, compared to a national average of 83 years. The Sheerness centre is due to reopen later this year. Sheppey Community Hospital in Plover Road, Minster Minster Medical Centre says it needs to close its Sheerness site and focus its efforts on Minster. It says the hospital site in Plover Road has been “operating successfully” while the healthy living centre has been shut for the past 15 months for building work. In a letter to patients, it stressed: “During the period SHLC has been closed, we have seen that patients can access care efficiently at Minster. “The site offers several benefits that improve patient experience, including better access to appointments with extended hours giving patients more choice and flexibility.” It says there is more coordinated care with all staff and services in one place, improving communication and being more efficient. Sheppey Community Hospital in Plover Road, Minster It adds: “Minster Medical Centre is on a hospital site with free parking and a bus stop directly outside, making it easier to attend appointments compared to SHLC, where traffic, limited parking and public transport accessibility made attending more difficult.” It insists that Minster is a “modern, fully accessible environment with convenient facilities, reduces travel stress and supports safe, high-quality care.” It has offered patients two one-to-one sessions on May 27 and June 3 to discuss the proposals. Patients have until 10 June to respond. Visit https://www.sheppeyhealthylivingcentre.co.uk/notification--proposed-permanent-closure-of-sheppey-healthy-living-centre-shlc-site

Swale council has axed its Sheppey area committee because not enough residents were bothering to attend. But it is trying again by relaunching it under the new title of a councillors and residents’ forum. Under the old format, only councillors could speak and vote. Members of the public were allowed to take part but only during a special section. Council leader Tim Gibson (Lab, Roman). Picture: Swale Borough Council Cllr Tim Gibson (Lab, Roman Ward), the leader of the council, said: “These new forums provide the perfect opportunity to discuss what matters most to you with your local councillors, providing local insight that can help guide the council’s decision-making.” The forums will include free tea, coffee and biscuits and a chance to have “informal chats” with ward councillors where residents can suggest improvements to the area. Cllr Gibson added: “Going forward, the meetings will also highlight how your feedback has made a difference, with regular updates on the actions we have taken to address your concerns or implement your ideas.” Leysdown village hall The first Sheppey meeting will be next Thursday (June 11) at Leysdown Village Hall, Wing Road, Leysdown, ME12 4RS, from 7pm, although councillors will be around from 6.30pm for “informal networking”. It will be chaired by Cllr Lee-Anne Moore (Con, Sheppey East) replacing Cllr Elliott Jayes (SIA, Sheppey Central). Vice-chair is Pete Neal (Con, Sheppey Central), replacing Cllr Dolley Wooster (Lab, Sheerness). Cllr Lee-Anne Moore (Con, Sheppey East) is to chair Swale Borough Council's new Sheppey Councillors and Residents Forum The agenda will include an update from Kent County Council on the amount of secondary school places available on Sheppey and updates on the Sheerness Revival project and Swale’s consultation on the future of the Island’s parish councils. An attempt to call for one council to cover the whole of the Island has been thrown out because not enough Islanders voted for it. Garry Ratcliffe, the new chairman of Pride in Place, which will spend £20 million og government money over the next 10 years on the eastern end of the Island, will introduce himself. Empty spaces at Halfway car park after charges were introduced Time has also been set aside to debate the controversial subject of car parking on Sheppey following Swale council’s decision, against public opinion, to introduce charges to five previously free car parks. The decision has already led to businesses in Queenborough and Halfway reporting a drop in custom as drivers shun the car parks. A council spokesman said: “These forums aim to improve the quality of life and council services in communities and to bring greater local insight into the council’s decision-making. “In the future, members of the public will also be able to vote on certain items, agreed by the chair of the forum, and the topics covered will be shaped by local interests and concerns.” He added: “An important function of the meetings is to engage with the public, parish and town councils and community groups about key local issues that matter most to the area’s residents; changes to council services and new policies and strategies; council-led projects in the borough and changes in government legislation which may impact residents.” They will include more updates on the action “taken by the council in response to concerns raised by local people, to better show how residents’ voices are heard and help improve their community.” The meetings will be broadcast online with “new audio equipment to make sure speakers can be heard clearly.” The new forums will meet three times a year. The last Sheppey Area meeting was at the Criterion, Blue Town, on February 3. Your 14 Sheppey councillors are: Andy Booth (Con, Minster Cliffs) Hayden Brawn (Lab, Sheerness) Angela Harrison (Lab, Sheerness) Elliott Jayes (SIA, Sheppey Central) Peter MacDonald (Ref, Minster Cliffs) Peter Marchington (Con, Queenborough and Halfway) Lee-Anne Moore (Con, Sheppey East) Peter Neal (Con, Sheppey Central) Tara Noe (Con, Sheppey East) Tom Nundy (SIA, Minster Cliffs) Ashley Sheil (Lab, Queenborough and Halfway) Mark Tucker (Con, Sheppey Central) Mike Whiting (Ind, Queenborough and Halfway) Island Forum logo · The Island Forum, which is a non-political group of councillors, businesses, organisations and individuals determined to put Sheppey first, will meet the following week on Tuesday, June 16, at 6.30pm, also at Leysdown village hall.

Two ducks and their ducklings have died, according to reports, after apparently being used as target practice for catapults. The dead and injured birds were discovered at The Fleet in Sheerness over the weekend. Sheerness Town Council has published an impassioned plea for the cruelty to stop as police launched an appeal to track down two boys aged between 12 and 14 who were seen in the area. Duck family on The Fleet. Picture: Sheerness Town Council The town council wrote: "These innocent animals have suffered horrific and completely unnecessary deaths. Based on the injuries sustained, it is believed that catapults may have been used. "This level of cruelty is sickening. It is unacceptable, it is criminal, and it will not be tolerated." It said the council was taking immediate action by installing CCTV in the area. It added: "We are also working with Kent Police and other partner agencies to put measures in place to tackle this behaviour and protect the wildlife at The Fleet for the future. "We want to be absolutely clear; anyone responsible for these acts should expect to face the consequences of their actions." A catapult and stones previously seized by police. Picture: Kent Police It went on: "If you think killing animals is amusing, entertaining, or somehow justified, then you need to take a long, hard look at yourself. The deliberate targeting of defenceless wildlife is not a prank. It is not a game. It is an act of cruelty." It warned: "Parents also have a responsibility. If you are aware of this behaviour and choose to ignore it, excuse it, or turn a blind eye to it, you should seriously reflect on the example you are setting. Communities have a right to expect better. "We are asking the public to remain vigilant. If you witness anyone attacking wildlife, using catapults, or engaging in any act of animal cruelty, call 999 immediately. Do not assume someone else has reported it. "Our community should be a safe place for people and wildlife alike. The senseless killing of defenceless animals has no place in Sheerness. "Enough is enough." More catapults seized by police Kent Police has launched an appeal for information. They say two ducks were "found deceased" and "a pair of ducklings were injured" near the waterway along Hawthorn Avenue. Officers visited the site at 11.30am on Saturday (May 30). A spokesman said: "Steps were taken to safeguard remaining wildfowl and an investigation was commenced that included the examination of available CCTV footage." Inspector Julia Bassindale said: "We suspect the birds were injured by a catapult and officers are working to identify those responsible. A pigeon shot by a catapult in a separate incident at Minster "Local enquiries have been completed and we want to speak to two boys who were seen in the area at the time. "They are described as being aged between 12 to 14 with dark hair and were wearing shorts and grey t-shirts." Witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police and anyone with information that may assist should contact the appeal line on 01795 419119, quoting reference 46/86974/26. Information can also be left with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.