The sun came out to make the Rotarians’ first Sheppey Summer Spectacular a hit. Thousands of visitors headed to Barton’s Point Coastal Park at Sheerness on Bank Holiday Sunday to hear live bands, watch arena displays and support local businesses and charities. There was even a dog show. Cars and visitors arriving at the Sheppey Spectacular at Barton's Point. Picture: John Nurden At one stage, cars were queuing on the coast road to get in. About 250 vehicles ended up in the field and others parked along the beach. But despite the success, organiser Simon Mulchinock admitted: “There was a time when we feared we might have to cancel the whole thing. We had massive concerns about the weather. Toilets toppled by wind the night before the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: Paula Fagg “We thought trailers for the stage and fairground might get bogged down in the mud and on Saturday night we had to send an emergency party to lift up a line of portable toilets which had blown over in the wind.” But he added: “Mother Nature was kind to us on the day." However, strong winds meant some rides from C & J Attractions and Funfair Rides could not be used and the birds of prey display by the Kent Owl Academy based at the Kent Life Museum in Maidstone had to be cancelled. Mr Mulchinock went on: “The feedback has been astonishing. People have said they hadn’t seen the park that busy since the days of the Sheppey Pirates and many vendors have already asked to come back next year.” The Master Blaster was a popular attraction at the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden He said: “This was a pilot to see if such an event could work – and we proved that it can. So yes, we plan to do it all again next year. “This is what the Rotary Club is all about – helping the community. Our annual beer festival is always popular but we wanted to stage something for the whole family. It was wonderful to see so many children, parents and grandparents having a great time together." Aerial shot of the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: LDN Drone The pilot cost about £8,000 to stage and the Rotarians are hoping to have covered their costs. Mr Mulchinock explained: "We set out to make money for our charities but even if we make a slight loss it will have helped raise awareness of all the participating groups." Sheppey's town crier Bruce Horton leads Swale's mayor and mayoress and the Isle of Sheppey Band to start the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: Minster on Sea Parish Council The event was opened by Sheppey’s new town crier Bruce Horton and the Mayor of Swale Cllr Derek Carnell with music from the recently launched Isle of Sheppey Band (formerly St John Ambulance). Mayor of Swale Cllr Derek Carnell chats to PCSO Nick Beeny after opening the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden Live music from Gianni Scalera and The Jury at the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden Sarah Poole with her dog Lexi who won the Golden Oldie award in the Wonder Dog Grooming dog show. Picture: John Nurden Live music came from singer Mike Harris, rock trio Gianni Scalera and The Jury and Sheppey’s Rolling Stones’ tribute band Stoned, with support from Sheppey FM. There were arena displays by the Island Allstars baton twirlers and the Euphoric Twirlers and a dog show masterminded by Nicci Christian of Wonder Dog Grooming. The Sheppey Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets also opened their doors for the event and gave tours of their premises and boat rides. Young visitors were also encouraged to audition for the cadets’ new band by blowing bugles and banging drums. New recruits for the Sheppey Sea Cadets band. Picture: John Nurden Bandmaster Alex Mulchinock said: “My ears are still ringing. The enthusiasm from everyone who tried our musical instruments was both infectious and unstoppable.” The Sheppey miniature railway also did a roaring trade. Crowds let the trains take the strain at the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden Ice cream man Charlie Rossi said: “The whole of Barton’s Point came alive with a sea of families enjoying the fantastic day. I feel very lucky to have been a part of such an amazing event and hope to see you all again next year.” Rotary Club president 'Mad' Mike Young turned to verse at the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden The Rotary Club’s president ‘Mad’ Mike Young, a member of the Monster Raving Loony Party, voted the event a hit and summed up the day in verse. He said: “The pesky rain was held at bay, kissed by the sun on the day.” Rotarian Paula Fagg running the Shut The Box stall at the Sheppey Spectacular. Picture: John Nurden As well as supporting Island charities in many ways, including its annual Community Chest event, the Rotary Club also contributes to help in Ukraine, the Nepal and Tibet mudslide, the Turkey and Syria earthquake, polio prevention, water treatment and the fight against illiteracy. Rentals for commercial stallholders were kept low with the agreement that, if the event was successful, additional donations could be made to the Rotary Club. Anyone who would like to support the work of the Rotarians can do so using this link: https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QM3Z6TN7 Lee Jarmaine and Esther Marsh from the Sheppey Light Railway Greenway project get down to basics. Picture: John Nurden

A swimmer saved from drowning has praised his three school children rescuers. Wayne Sullivan, 63, was plucked from the sea off the Isle of Sheppey by the alert youngsters aged 12 to 13 while adults allegedly looked on and did nothing. Mr Sullivan, who spent four days in intensive care, said from his home in Minster: “If it hadn’t been for those three, I wouldn’t be here now. Heroes Ella Selfe, Max Markham and Jersie Wiles. Picture: John Nurden “Those lovely kids took charge of the situation and used their initiative to pull me out of the water and onto the beach. Their bravery saved my life. I am such a lucky man.” The former Royal Marine who served in the Falklands needed his lungs pumped clear of water and now has pneumonia. But he vowed: “When I am better I’d love to meet them. I am so grateful.” He added: “I was told later that other grown up bystanders on the beach were just standing around filming it. Luckily, these kids could see I was in a very bad way. They were extremely brave to do what they did. I must have had angels on my side.” The wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery bomb ship He said: “I’m normally a very strong swimmer and quite fit for a 63-year-old. It’s not unusual for me to swim to the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery bomb ship and back. “I was feeling a bit down so I went for a swim to cheer myself up. The water was very calm and flat and I was enjoying the swim immensely. “I was about three-quarters of a mile out when I decided to head back and realised the tide had turned and I was swimming against it. “Then I suffered a severe attack of cramp in one leg where I have an arthritic knee. “My leg seized from my ankle to my thigh. I was swimming with just one leg. I have never had cramp like it.” He went on: “Because of my military training, I didn’t panic. But I started to sink and I went under half a dozen times. I tried to float on my back but I had exhausted myself and started to submerge. The seafront at The Leas, Minster “I began swallowing water and became disorientated. It felt like my time had come. “Those brilliant, lovely kids are proper heroes. They waded out and dragged me in and put me on the beach and called the ambulance. They put me in the recovery position and knew about CPR. “I am so grateful. If it had not been for them, I wouldn’t be here now. It shows there are some really good youngsters around.” Doctors later said three-quarters of his lungs were flooded and that his oxygen levels were less than10%. Mr Sullivan, who is suffering from the effects of pneumonia brought on by his ordeal, said: “People knock the NHS and Medway Maritime Hospital but the staff were so professional. I am such a very lucky man. I was seconds from dying. When doctors called my family from the hospital they said I only had a 50-50 chance of surviving.” Heroes Jersie Willes, Max Markham and Ella Selfe. Picture: John Nurden The drama happened at lunch time on Wednesday (July 24) on The Leas at Minster. Max Markham, a 12-year-old pupil from Borden Grammar School, was celebrating the first week of the school summer holidays on the beach with his cousin Ella Selfe and her friend Jersie Wiles. The girls are both13 and go to Highsted Girls Grammar in Sittingbourne. Max from Charlock Drive, Minster, said: “We were having a paddle when we noticed a man struggling in the water. “I swam over to see if he was all right but he was gasping for air and trying to reach out to me. So I grabbed his arm to help him. “Ella was still in the shallows so I called her over to come to help me get him out.” Ella from Beckley Road, Sheerness, said: “I swam over to grab the man’s other arm to help Max take him in. By the time we got him to the edge of the water, Jersie had already run to the Sweet Hut to get help and a woman came down to help us. “We had all of the man’s weight on us because he was so weak.” The Sweet Hut on The Leas at Minster, Sheppey Max said: “Together we dragged him out. Jersie had run to the Sweet Hut because no one else was helping us on the beach. “A lady came down to help. We had the man out of the water and laid him down on some towels. “While we were doing that, Jersie rang for the ambulance.” Jersie from Kent Avenue, Minster, called the emergency services. She said: “I rang the ambulance and got through and they asked me lots of questions. It was the first time I had ever dialled 999. It was quite scary because I was in shock as well. But I had to do it to get the help the man needed. “I was doing that while everyone else was trying to support the man. The ambulance came quite quickly.” She added: “We stayed with the man when the first ambulance arrived but when the second came we decided it was best to walk off and leave it to them.” Max said: “Looking back, it doesn’t feel real. It was quite scary.” Luckily, all three are good swimmers. Max said: “That definitely helped.” No lifeguards patrol this stretch of the beach any more It is the second year running the RNLI has been unable to provide lifeguards to patrol that stretch of coastline because of a lack of recruits. Max, who captains the Sheppey United under-13s football team, said: “It’s not that great because when people are struggling there is no one to help them.” Ella, who also captains the Sheerness East under-14s boys’ football squad, added: “Especially when it was just us kids and people were just watching us get a man out of the water and they weren’t helping. There were loads of adults sitting on the beach and just watching us. “If there had been lifeguards they could have helped us.” Jersie, a member of Sheerness Swimming Club team, said: “When I went into the Sweet Hut they said they didn’t have anyone medically trained so that wasn’t helpful. Lifeguards are definitely needed.” Sheppey St John Ambulance volunteers staff a first aid tent at weekends Volunteers from Sheppey St John Ambulance are now providing first aid cover along the beach from 10am to 4pm every weekend and bank holiday until September 1. Asked if he’d give any advice to swimmers, Max said: “Don’t swim alone so at least you have someone to help you if you get into difficulties.” Mr Sullivan said: “It is appalling there are no lifeguards along that beach.” All the parents have praised their quick thinking children. Max’s mum Anneka said: “We are all really proud of the way they acted. “Their quick thinking saved a man’s life. They were in the right place at the right time and did all the right things. Max saw someone in trouble and his nature is to help, so that's exactly what he did on the day.” Ella’s mum Bex Selfe said: “They were really brave and confident. It's really nice to have some good feedback about your children. “Both Max's family and myself feel passionately about making sure they can swim well because we've always lived on the Island.” When RNLI lifeguards patrolled Minster beach. Picture: John Nurden Jersie’s dad Ross Wiles said: “We are massively proud. They saved his life and prevented a family from suffering.” Their actions were first highlighted on social media by Jade Williams, who saw the incident unfold and praised the youngsters. She wrote: “To the parents of Max Markham, Ella Selfe and Jersie Wiles. Please know that your kids have just done an incredible thing. “Between them they pulled a man out of the water at the beach, stayed with him and called an ambulance.” Their heroism was also brought up at Swale Borough Council’s full meeting on Thursday night by Sheerness councillor Dolley Wooster. The Labour councillor said: “They decided not to walk away and made tricky decisions under pressure, including a very professional 999 call. “We are incredibly proud of them. A lot of adults could learn from that type of behaviour. “There is a certain perception of our young people. They aren’t ‘feral’ – they are of excellent quality.” A spokeswoman for South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed it received reports of a swimmer in need of medical attention at Minster Leas around 1pm on Wednesday. She added: “Crews assessed and treated one person at the scene before taking them to Medway Maritime Hospital for further medical treatment.” In July 2023, Swale council, which covers the wages for lifeguards on Sheppey, announced that Minster beach would no longer have a patrol because of difficulties recruiting. Instead, the RNLI has focussed its seven days a week Island cover on Sheerness and Leysdown. A Swale Borough Council spokesman said last year: “The council has worked with the RNLI for 10 years to provide lifeguard cover at Swale’s bathing beaches, with incidents remaining low. “In recent years the RNLI has struggled to recruit local lifeguards and has been relying on bringing in people from other areas to cover our beaches. “Now, for a range of global reasons, other areas are also struggling to recruit so the pool of specially trained lifeguards is smaller. “Because of this, the RNLI has taken a decision based on risk assessments to prioritise the busy Leysdown beach and Sheerness beach where the currents are more likely to catch people unaware. “This means the quieter Minster Leas beach will not have a lifeguard presence this year and despite meeting all of the rest of criteria such as water quality will be unable to fly the Blue Flag.” Charlie Frame, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor also said last year: “Despite our best efforts, we have struggled to find new recruits to fill all the roles we have. But we’re confident the cover being provided is appropriate for the risk profiles of the Island’s beaches. “We did have several local people interested in what is a fantastic summer job but they either didn’t complete their application or weren’t able to meet the necessary standard for working on open water.” Official advice is to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you see anyone in trouble in the sea. If you would like to become a lifeguard visit the RNLI's Find a Job webpage. It pays £12.30 to £14.10 an hour. Watch exclusive video of the youngsters here https://youtu.be/MI5d8hbmTG4

By Bel Austin The place to be on Saturday night was Sheppey Little Theatre. On offer was a programme of home-grown talent coming together to produce a show celebrating half a century of entertainment. Yes - it really was 50 years to the day that Sheppey’s community theatre opened its doors to the first concert on October 25, 1975. Showcase 50 souvenir programme at the Sheppey Little Theatre Happily, an appreciative audience helped to roll back the years, watch energetic youngsters strut their stuff and listen to established groups singing in harmony. It was an informal evening with veteran Derek Friday, chairman of Sheppey Entertainment Association, compering the acts in a smart, white tux or in his country yokel smock raising laughs with his Newington Concert Party colleagues Kevin Hayre and David Stevens. The three yokels featuring Derek Friday, Kevin Hayre and David Stevens. Picture: SEA NCP’s fourth member Clare Derek also gave a solo sketch called Thereby Hangs A Tail. Back to the 70s disco with Starquest Performing Arts. Picture: SEA The opening seventies disco dance routines by Starquest School of Performing Arts, which are based at the theatre, set the pace with Jack, the one lone male, fitting easily into the troupe. Starquest dancers perform a medley from the Wizard of Oz. Picture: SEA They returned with musical tributes to the Wizard of Oz, Queen and Abba. Manic Monkeys taking a bow at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA Youth group The Manic Monkeys introduced a tiny bit of magic as they took the audience on a theatrical history lesson from early Greek tragedy to a more modern Muppets-inspired comical puppet routine to the tune Row, Row, Row The Boat. Sounds Familiar sounding spooky at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The women-only eight-piece Sounds Familiar are always easy on the ear and their selection of Halloween-inspired songs while clad in mysterious dark cloaks added more than a little nostalgia beginning with I Put A Spell On You and ending with Little Shop of Horrors. The Isle of Sheppey Singers on stage at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The 21-strong Isle of Sheppey Singers, looking smart with green bowties for the chaps and green scarves for the ladies, tugged at the heart strings with their choice of music including Come Follow The Band and the Lambeth Walk. Janet Ransley accompanied them on piano. Newington Concert Party at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The four-piece Newington Concert Party, led by compere Derek, gave us a five-song medley including crowd favourite Sweet Caroline. Meyrick Minstrels performed Hernando's Hideaway using torches. Picture: SEA The nine-piece Meyrick Minstrels proved the show must go on. The recent loss of their leader Yvonne Walker weighs heavily on them. But they painted on smiles and sang their socks off with a six-song medley including Hernando’s Hideaway, complete with effective torch routine, and Abba’s Thank You For The Music. Finale of Showcase 50 at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The whole company returned to the stage at the end of the night for an emotional rendition of There’s No Business Like Show Business. Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Kevin McKenna, second left, joined some of the volunteers at the Sheppey Little Theatre Among those invited to the golden anniversary bash were deputy Lord Lieutenant Paul Auston (who was represented by Lady Melville), Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Kevin McKenna, Swale mayor Cllr Karen Watson and her husband Allan and theatre patron Elizabeth Tullberg, a former Kent Deputy Lieutenant. On stage there was no pomp or ceremony just "ordinary "people enjoying the best in entertainment Sheppey had to offer. As the evening wore on it, was small wonder that "ghosts" of personalities who had once trodden the theatre's boards were brought sharply into focus. Author Jeremy Thornton Too many to mention, but they had their names in roll of honour in a souvenir booklet compiled by volunteer Jeremy Thornton selling at £10. It includes everyone from visionaries and performers to backstage staff and volunteers who helped turn a neglected church Sunday school hall into a working theatre with stage, raked seating and bar in the basement. Saturday proved that whatever setbacks half a century might throw up, the show must go on.

Michael Crawford, who was brought up on Sheppey by his nan, has been honoured by USA President Donald Trump alongside Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor and the rock band Kiss. Trump says it was for the actor's work on Barnum and The Phantom of the Opera. But here on Sheppey we know it was really about his BBC sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em and, in particular, the 1975 Christmas special filmed on the Island. Michael Crawford drove a Hillman Imp off Neptune Jetty at Sheerness for the 1975 BBC Christmas special of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Picture: Barry Hollis Many still remember with fondness the day the TV star drove a Hillman Imp off Neptune Jetty and into the sea at Sheerness. Previously, he had been filmed marooned in the car on top of the Kingsferry Bridge. Scroll down to watch a behind-the-scenes video and see how many Islanders you can recognise. We spotted the ubiquitous Ray Featherstone, who popped along to try to get footage for his Stones Film Productions and ended up becoming Crawford's "minder" for the day. Ray recalled: "I had popped out for a walk along the seafront and spotted a huge crowd and a TV crew. I didn't know what was going on but I rushed back home to get my 16mm Bolex cine camera. Ray Featherstone, left, escorts Michael Crawford along Neptune Jetty, Sheerness, as the actor prepares for a final stunt for his BBC 1975 Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em Christmas special. Picture: BBC "Whenever we staged a premier for one of our films we always had a B-film and a newsreel. I thought this would be great for the newsreel." But when he returned ready for action he was in for a surprise. "I asked the production manager if he minded me filming and he said it was fine but added that he was in big trouble because of the size of the crowd now lining the promenade. "He said he thought Sheppey was a sleepy place and hadn't expected such an interest. He admitted he didn't have enough crew to cope and asked if I could lend a hand." Ray Featherstone. Picture: Sheppey Scene Ray stowed his cherished camera in nearby Wood and Sons fishmongers for safekeeping and presented himself for work. "I thought I'd be asked to carry a tripod or something. Instead, he asked me to look after Michael for the rest of the day. I was quite aghast. Until then I hadn't even realised what the show was they were shooting. "I'd never met Michael before but my mum used to tell me he lived in The Crescent at Halfway with his gran. I used to watch him playing a cabin boy in a children's TV show about pirates." Ray escorted Michael to the Roman Catholic church hall which the star was using as a changing room. Michael Crawford crashed this Hillman Imp through a barrier at Sheerness for the 1975 Christmas special of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Picture: BBC Ray said: "I waited outside as he got into a wetsuit and put his clothes on over the top. Then we walked to the jetty and I helped keep autograph-hunters away. At times, Michael signed some on the bonnet of the car. "We walked to the end of the jetty to check on the tide and I made the mistake of leaning on one of the guard rails. It fell off in my hand. They had taken all the metal ones out and replaced them with rubber ones so the car could crash through them. They also created a trellis wall for the car to drive through. "At the end of the jetty was a ramp and a cannon which fired the car into the water at high speed. "Until then, I'd just seen Michael playing an idiot on television. Now I realised how professional he was as he checked every aspect of the stunt. "There was even an oxygen cylinder in the car in case he ended up trapped under the surface and needed to breath. It as pretty dangerous stuff. "While we waited for high tide, Michael went over the road to the Napier for lunch. There was a huge crowd outside clamoring for his autograph. He let me collect autograph books and signed them in the pub." Michael Crawford waves to the crowd after completing his stunt for Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Picture: Barry Hollis After the stunt, which ended with Crawford waving wildly from the open sunroof of the car surrounded by waves, the star returned to the church hall to change. Ray recalled: "I waited for him outside but unknown to me he was taken out by another door and straight into a waiting car and driven away. I never got a chance to say goodbye and the production crew never even knew my name. I wasn't paid and to this day he won't know who I was." Ray's brief time of rubbing shoulders with TV royalty was captured by a BBC documentary unit shooting behind the scenes. A few seconds of Ray walking along the jetty next to Crawford was included in a Channel 5 documentary Michael Crawford: Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Ray said: "Purely by chance, we were both wearing black roll-neck jumpers and check jackets." He never managed to get any film of the event which turned out to one of Sheppey's enduring highlights of the small screen. But one person who caught the deed was Barry Hollis, a 21-year-old photographer on the Sheerness Times Guardian. Barry, 67, from Waverley Avenue, Minster, said: "I think it was a Sunday. I was definitely not working. Someone mentioned Michael Crawford was filming on the beach so I wandered down and ended up staying the rest of the day." He snapped away taking both colour and black and white pictures. Michael Crawford climbs out of the sunroof of the Hillman Imp after completing filming for Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em at Sheerness. Picture: Barry Hollis He said: "The stunt team spent about half a day checking everything out with Michael before he took the wheel of the car. "He was very professional, checking out how the car should react when it hit the water. The car was packed with polystyrene to help it stay afloat and had an oxygen bottle and breathing apparatus which Michael tested beforehand. "People got to hear what was happening and by the afternoon there were hundreds all lined up along the side of the Catholic church but out of sight of the cameras. "I saw the car crash through the wall, smash through the barriers at the end of the pier and then fly across the water. It all seemed to go so smoothly. It was just luck I happened to be there. "I don't think any of us realised this would become such an iconic episode." Many still remember the filming. In a post on the The Sheppey History Page on Facebook, Mark Soave wrote: "If you watch the film two people, Mick Bronger and Norman Girt, are fishing at the end of the pier. The rumour is that they were asked to move and refused so the BBC paid them £10 each to stand where they were." Mr Girt replied: "True story! But they paid us £50. We had to sign contracts in the Dolphin Cafe." Lynda Pearce swears her "other half" still has the gear knob from the Imp. Apparently the car was eventually pushed ashore by a tug from the docks. Wendy MacKenzie revealed she once refused to go on a date with the star when he was younger. She said: "He asked me out when he visited his nan. He came into the garage (Vidgens) where I worked and filled up his Lambretta scooter. He wore a blue and white striped T-shirt and was a bit spotty and skinny, so I said no." Years later he had swapped his scooter for a brand new red BMW. The episode also created controversy when it was re-shown recently. When it opens, Frank is dressed as chief of the pixies in Santa's Grotto and is called a derogatory term by a boy. The episode now carries a warning at the start saying the show "contains language and attitudes of the time that may offend." Former Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson confirmed he once lived in Crawford's old home at 6 The Crescent, Halfway, which is featured in the entertainer's autobiography Parcel Arrived Safely: Tied With String. Michael Crawford's former home on the Isle of Sheppey Mr Henderson recalled: "I actually lived there for almost 30 years but I never had any fans knocking on the door. However, I remember on one occasion I was working on the roof when this huge Winnebago pulled up outside my home and Michael got out. "He wandered over and explained he had brought his gran (who he doted on) down to see her old home. He pointed at the front garden wall, which was leaning over badly and which I kept promising to repair, but never got round to it. "Michael told me proudly that he had built the wall. I said: 'I believe you!' and he gave me one of his Frank Spencer smiles. "We had a little chat about things and then he drove off. Sadly, his gran passed away a few months later." Michael Patrick Dumbell-Smith, OBE and CBE, was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 1942 at the height of the Second World War after his single mum Doris moved out of London to dodge German bombers. Michael Crawford with his nan Edith Pike She later moved back to Sheppey where she lived with her Irish-born mother Edith Pike in what Crawford described as a "close-knit Roman Catholic family". His grandmother lived to be 99. In a 1996 interview, Crawford said: "My early memories of life were always of large-breasted aunts. I was always nestled in someone's bosom. I thought life was wonderful. "They were some of the best years of my life. I didn't get near another bosom until I was 19 or 20." Crawford, who turns 84 later this month (January 19) now switches between his two homes in south west London and New Zealand. He lives with his American-born wife Natasha McAller, a former dancer. They met while performing in the 1991 production of The Phantom of the Opera in Los Angeles. Video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1488251282278120 * Quotes first published by John Nurden on Kent Online, November 2022.

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

Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! A retired schoolteacher has been appointed the first town crier for the Isle of Sheppey. Bruce Horton, 60, pipped two other contestants to the new voluntary role after a shout-off at the Criterion Theatre in Blue Town on Saturday morning (February 14). He will now become the face – and voice – of the month-long Festival of Sheppey in June. Sheppey's new town crier Bruce Horton, right, gets some advice from Mike Billingham, the town crier of Rochester. Picture: Barry Hollis After the auditions Bruce said: “I feel very humbled to have been chosen to be the first town crier for the Isle of Sheppey. Coming from across the Swale, Sheppey doesn’t always get the best of press and that is a shame and wrong. “That is why this role is so important. I see it as raising up the standing of this noble Isle with its fascinating history and welcoming people, not just among Islanders but with those who look down on it and see it as something different and other. “It IS different and other. But in a positive way. It is that side of things, bringing those positives into peoples’ lives and to remind them of all the good things, both historical and current, about Sheppey, I think is the most important part of being a crier “It is something I am looking forward to.” Retired schoolteacher Bruce Horton in full flow. Picture: James Buttenshaw of JB Imagery The father-of-one, who lives in Kemsley, near Sittingbourne, with his wife Fiona, had taught in schools for 20 years before retiring. His last one was Leigh Academy Ebbsfleet secondary school near Gravesend. Bruce added: “When I retired last year, I found I had time on my hands. I have always been a history buff and have always liked standing in front of people and talking to them, or at them, and that was something I thought I could continue doing in my retirement. “I am sure my wife is going to be very proud but also delighted that I am going to be out of the house! She says I get under her feet and that I keep meddling.” He was up against two other contenders for the title from the Isle of Sheppey. Town crier contestant Chris Reed. Picture: James Buttenshaw of JB Imagery There was flame-haired Chris Reed, another former teacher who runs the Big Fish Arts group, and former working men’s club steward and local radio presenter Ray Seager. Bruce admitted: “The competition was daunting. There were some excellent speakers. When I heard them, I became quite worried. The questions the panel asked were also probing. But overall, it was a very enjoyable process.” Ray Seager agreed to be deputy town crier. Ray Seager addressing the judges. Picture: John Nurden The panel comprised the mayor of Swale Cllr Karen Watson; the mayor of Queenborough Cllr Richard Darby; Cllr Dolley Wooster, who chairs Sheerness Town Council; Peter West, who is the curator at Eastchurch Aviation Museum and Janet Beake who chairs the board of trustees at the Criterion. Cllr Watson said: “The candidates were all absolutely amazing. They were very confident and knowledgeable. Any of them could have done Sheppey proud. But our winner just had that certain edge. “I believe this will instil more pride to Sheppey and help show off everything which is fantastic about the Island. It will also give Sheppey a voice.” The judges with the contestants for Sheppey's first town crier. Picture: Barry Hollis Jenny Hurkett, who organised the contest on behalf of the Island Forum, said: “We had three amazing candidates who were all different. Each had something unique about them. It made it very difficult for the judges. There were only a couple of points in it. But I think Bruce will do us proud.” Each candidate was given two proclamations to read, one serious and one light-hearted. Before the contest began, the current town crier from Rochester – Mike Billingham from Gillingham – turned up in his red and gold livery, tricorn hat and bell – to explain the history of the role. Mike Billingham with Swale's mayor Cllr Karen Watson. Picture: James Buttenshaw of JB Imagery Mike, a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers, said: “Long before we had newspapers, radio, television, telephones or the internet we had the town crier. The Normans brought what they called bellmen over when they invaded us in 1066. “The town crier’s job was to spread the news. Remember, most people could not read or write. The news could be good or bad, including announcements that the king was raising taxes again. So, no change there, then!” Town criers were appointed by towns and cities. A common misconception was that they were the king’s messengers and that people could be executed if they attacked them, hence the saying ‘don’t shoot the messenger’. Judges marked the contestants out of five in eight categories: vocal volume without microphone; clarity and projection; commanding presence; impact of entrance; sense of humour; improvisation skills’ crowd engagement and confidence. The contest was compered by Cllr John Nurden, a member of Minster-on-Sea parish council. Festival of Sheppey town crier and sheep logo

Sheppey is about to get the spotlight shone at it as part of a new six-part Sky TV series. All last summer a film crew took over Priory Hill and Nutts Farm holiday parks at Leysdown to follow EastEnders star Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani. Dad Danny, 48, who played Mick Carter in the BBC soap, had decided to do his bit to revive the great British seaside caravan holiday and roped in his 29-year-old daughter to help. Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani putting their feet up at Priory Hill Holiday Park. Picture: Sky TV The pair set up base in a mobile home as staff from the family-owned business tried to show them the ropes. Danny, who also stars in the new series of the bawdy romp Rivals, admitted it had been a “baptism of fire.” He explained: “This is all I ever knew as a child; that was our holiday every year. “It’s a very working-class holiday. I would hang out with my nan, grandad, my aunts and uncles and cousins, it’s such a beautiful thing for me. “They were very simple days that I really do miss. So, I thought, with the might of Sky behind me, let’s see if we can make caravans interesting again to some people, with my firstborn child, of course.” Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani get down to business at Priory Hill. Picture: Sky TV Daughter Dani said: “We have worked together quite a few times. We’ve travelled around Italy - that was one of the first main things we did together. We’ve also done Gogglebox, too. “We get on so well. The filming days were really long sometimes but we just make each other laugh and we get each other through it. I think we both bring something different to the show. “He’s very cheeky but the residents love him. “I think it was lovely for them to be around him, and us, and bring something different to the caravan park. It’s just easy. It doesn’t feel like work when we’re together.” Dad and daughter Danny and Dani Dyer from their podcasdst Live and Let Dyer Dad Danny added: “We were just two Danny Dyers trying to make the whole thing work. I needed her to calm me down a little bit because I struggle to run a business, trying to juggle a lot of jobs at once.” But he admitted: “It was a baptism of fire because we didn’t have a clue what we were doing – and I think that comes across. But I think we got a few things right as well. It’s a comforting show to watch.” He went on: “If you want to get involved, get involved. I’m very frivolous. That’s why I needed Dani by my side to rein me in slightly. Danny Dyer checking taps as part of his advert for Priory Hill Holiday Park. Picture: Sky TV “I didn’t know how much these things cost but we do talk about it in the show, how expensive everything is now. Look at how much butter is… Lurpak is seven quid! “I don’t think enough working-class voices are on television. “This is a very, very British show. People are also struggling with what being British is at the moment. But these are real characters and without them, this show doesn’t work. So, you’ve got Dani and me trying to do the right thing.” Danny had to master the art of buggy driving - and grass mowing. Picture: Sky kTV He added: “The caravan owners take their caravans very, very seriously, as they should. They spend a lot of money on them. “It’s £4,500 a year for ground rent. But they want one of the best holidays they possibly can. So, they got over having two famous people minting about pretty quickly.” Dani admitted she had gone on caravan holidays as a girl, too. She said: “Yeah, I went with my friends. That was my first teenage holiday and my first bit of freedom being able to just go up to the clubhouse and be with my best friend. I felt like an adult at 12.” Park manager Darren Lawrence gets a helping hand from Dani Dyer at the park's open day. Picture: Darren Lawrence Club manager Darren Lawrence, who is expected to become an unlikely star of the show, has been asked to comment. All staff were originally made to sign non-disclosure agreements by the TV production company Expectation – the same one behind Clarkson’s Farm – at the start of shooting this time last year. Cheers! 'Captain' Danny Dyer and his 'mermaid' daughter Dani at Leysdown carnival. They won first prize. Picture: John Nurden The only time the public caught an official glimpse of the Dyers was during the town’s summer carnival in July when they climbed aboard a Priory Hill trailer dressed as a cruise ship captain and a mermaid - and ended up with first prize! Another highlight of the series is expected to be an impromptu game of football when soccer royalty Harry Redknapp, the former manager of West Ham, Spurs, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Southampton, returned to the pitch. Priory Hill's raggle-taggle football team. Picture: Paul Shaw At the age of 78, he was hauled out of retirement to coach a rag-tag team representing Priory Hill. To be fair, visiting Leysdown was nothing new for the veteran footballer. He was a regular at the resort as a lad because his mum and dad had a holiday caravan on the neighbouring Nutts Farm site overlooking the sea. A source at the park revealed: “Whenever Harry was down, he’d soon be in a makeshift team playing on the field using jumpers for goalposts. Sometimes Harry's son Jamie would be in the team, too. It was a great family affair.” Harry Redknapp, right, takes on the might of Danny Dyer's Priory Hill All-Stars. Picture: Callum Osmond This time, Redknapp had been summoned by actor-turned-holiday park boss Danny. Television cameras were there to cover Redknapp’s return to the pitch as he stepped out in shorts. But instead of having to use jumpers as makeshift goalposts, the holiday park team had marked out a proper pitch. Its players turned up in a smart blue kit with the former EastEnders actor drafted in to make up numbers. Behind the scenes: Sky's film crew. Picture: John Nurden What happened on the pitch and in the changing room afterwards is remaining under wraps until transmission. But we can also reveal that a different kind of sport also sparked the imagination of Dyer and his daughter. They were spotted watching one of the weekly wrestling matches in the clubhouse run by Steve Manelli. At the last minute, club manager Darren Lawrence was roped in to act as referee. Will it be only a matter of time before “Dangerous” Danny Dyer gets the call to join the tag team? One of the other tasks Dyer Senior had to get to grips with was the tricky art of mowing the grass. But it wasn’t all work. Birthday drink from Danny Dyer and Sheppey comic Miki Travis. Picture: Miki Travis During the series Danny managed to celebrate his birthday in the clubhouse with his mates including fellow EastEnders actor-turned-karaoke star and Sheppey resident Shaun Williamson, Island comic Miki Travis and former Spandau Ballet singer Martin Kemp. Shaun Willliamson and Miki Travis having a birthday singalong for Danny Dyer. Picture: Miki Travis In the meantime, Danny’s daughter Dani was also busy behind the scenes preparing to compete in Strictly Come Dancing and filming the series SAS Celebrity Who Dares Wins. Just before the start of filming at the 75-year-old holiday park in Wing Road she had also married West Ham football club captain Jarrod Bowen Danny and Dani Dyer celebrate the end of the first day of shooting on Instagram In his first public appearance at the gates of Priory Hill to launch an open day, Danny told the waiting crowd: “I am proud to be part of this gaff, as is my little Dani, who has just got back from her honeymoon. “I’m very jealous. I wanted to go on that honeymoon,” the West Ham fan added. Danny, who also stars in the Nick Love film Marching Powder, went on: “If you want a cuddle or a photo or whatever, I am here for you. Enjoy your day out.” Sky’s executive director Phil Edgar-Jones said: “The Great British Holiday is about to get a turbo-charged makeover like never before as the Dyers’ Caravan Park prepares to open its gates. “If anyone can make caravanning cool again, it’s Danny and Dani, and we cannot wait to see them bring the fun.” The Dyers’ Caravan Park begins on Sky One and NOW on Tuesday, February 24.

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

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?

When the Arts Council told great grandmother Jenny Hurkett that her beloved Isle of Sheppey was a “cultural desert” she saw red. To prove them wrong, she has almost single-handedly created a month-long Festival of Sheppey for June to show off the Island’s heritage and put it in the spotlight. Jenny Hurket outside the Criterion Theatre in Blue Town on the Isle of Sheppey Jenny, 77, who is part of the Island Forum, which was created to improve and promote Sheppey, said: “I was gobsmacked when I was told the Island was a cultural desert. They obviously had no idea what we have here. Perhaps, we just don’t shout about it as loud as other areas.” But that is all about to change. After she put the word out that she wanted to create an annual festival for Sheppey, dubbed Kent’s own Treasure Island, she was inundated with offers of help and to stage events. There are now just under 100 talks, walks, shows, exhibitions, musical performances, films and workshops scheduled across the Island. Jenny said: “It’s gone bonkers!” The Festival of Sheppey runs throughout June Everything kicks off on Monday, June 1, with a civic launch at the Belle and Lion pub in Sheerness. It’s part of the JD Wetherspoon chain. Jenny, who has four children, two stepchildren, 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, explained: “Sheppey has always been a little bit quirky so we thought why not have the launch for the festival in ‘Spoons? Besides, the pub is packed with pictures, paintings and information about the Island’s history.” Even Southeastern is getting in on the act by running a special Sheppey Shuttle from Sittingbourne to Sheerness on the day. Sheppey's new town crier Bruce Horton rings in news of his appointment VIPs will be greeted by the Island’s new Town Crier, retired schoolteacher Bruce Horton, who will be showing off his new livery. Bruce, 61, who was picked after a shout-off for the prestigious job, said: “I feel very humbled that I have been chosen to be the first town crier for the Isle of Sheppey – an Island which doesn’t always receive the best press. But it has so many positives. “To be able to bring those into peoples’ lives, and to remind them of all the good things, both historical and current, about Sheppey is something I am looking forward to.” The festival also coincides with the Queenborough Independence Day celebrations on Saturday June 20. It was in 1667 that the dastardly Dutch captured the town on their way to attacking Chatham. Queenborough has the dubious honour of being the only place in England to have surrendered to foreign invaders since the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The Dutch only remembered to give it back to the British in 1967 – 300 years later. The Big Lunch at Eastchurch The festival encompasses the Swale Vehicle Enthusiasts’ annual classic car show at Halfway on Sunday, June 7 and the Big Lunch at Eastchurch, on the same day. Watch out, too, for hundreds of cyclists taking part in the annual Chase the Sun bike ride from Sheppey to Weston-super-Mare on Saturday, June 20. The cyclists will be leaving The Leas at Minster at dawn. Some of the other highlights visitors and residents can look forward to include: Gerald Dickens presents his one-man show of Great Expectations at the Criterion Blue Town · Great Expectations. A one-man performance of Great Expectations at the Criterion Blue Town on Wednesday, June 3, by Gerald Dickens, the great, great grandson of Charles Dickens. Dickens spent his early years on Sheppey. It is believed he based the characters of Magwitch, the escaped convict in Great Expectations, and Fagin from Oliver Twist on people he encountered while on the Island. William Hogarth perigranted his way to Sheppey in 1732 · Peregrination of Hogarth. Dramatised account of William Hogarth’s five-day tour of Sheppey in 1732 with his pals. Performed by Big Fish Arts at the Criterion Blue Town on Wednesday, June 17. · Assorted workshops run by artist Laurie Harpum and the Museum of London Archaeology under the banner of Coasts in Mind. Teatro Vivo usherettes are on their way to the Isle of Sheppey · Arts company Teatro Vivo will be sending “usherettes” to events across the Island to get inspiration for a play about Sheppey. Experience a camera obscura with Ben Judd on board the Thames sailing barge Raybel at Queenborough · Experience the camera obscura aboard the renovated Thames sailing barge Raybel with artist Ben Judd at the all-tide landing stage at Queenborough on Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25. · History talks including a day-long event at the revamped Sheerness Dockyard Church at Blue Town on Saturday, June 13. Speakers will include Martin Verrier, Andrew Byrne, Martin and Rosemary Hawkins and Patrick Wright. Learn what happened with Michael Crawford filmed Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em on Sheppey · Film shows at the Criterion Blue Town featuring movies made on, or having close links to, Sheppey. They include Cockleshell Heroes (1955) and Dunkirk (1958) on Friday, June 12; the 1975 Christmas special of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em starring son-of-Sheppey Michael Craford on Friday, June 19; and Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965) introduced by Peter West of Eastchurch Aviation Museum on Friday, June 26. · Classical music concert on Sunday, June 21, at the Criterion Blue Town with pianist Carole Anne Wells and flautist Mark Underwood plus the Preston Ensemble string quintet led by violinist Antony Dennant and featuring fellow violinist Jo Saul, Sara Thorpe on viola and Rachel Waltham and Sophie Shackletonon cellos. Chas 'n' Dave tribute duo The Spice Chavs close the festival in style · Cockney knees-up with Chas ‘n’ Dave tribute duo the Spice Chavs will close the festival at the Criterion Blue Town on Sunday, June 28. For the latest information, visit the Festival of Sheppey Facebook page, sheppeyscene.co.uk or Sheppey Explorer. Island Forum The Island Forum was relaunched in October 2024 to promote Sheppey, improve facilities and to encourage investment in the Island. It is a non-political body comprising individuals, councillors, organisations, schools and firms who all share one goal: a passion for Sheppey. Its aim is to raise the profile of the Island, boost pride in the area, attract investment and boost the community. The group was originally formed in 2018 by the Rev Steve Chalke as the Sheppey Community Development Forum. Mr Chalk was founder of the Oasis Academy which was, at the time, the only secondary school on Sheppey. It pushed for a tourist information centre in Sheerness, campaigned for brown tourist signs for the Isle of Sheppey to be installed on the M2 motorway (it’s still waiting), introduced park runs and launched the Sheppey Support Bus. Mr Chalk said: “A rising tide floats all boats. All projects like these, help make the Island more attractive to professionals to work here such as teachers, nurses and doctors. “Sheppey is a lovely Island but it still struggles with an undeserved image.” It is now co-chaired by teacher Paul Murray for EKC Sheppey Secondary School and retired journalist John Nurden who runs the local Sheppey Scene Facebook page and website. Mr Murray said: “The Island needs an independent, non-political body to take a strategic overview on what is needed – and then be committed to make I happen. This is a great opportunity for those who are passionate about Sheppey to help decide what is needed and then work together to make it happen.” The Festival of Sheppey has been driven by the Forum’s tourism group led by Jenny Hurkett. Jenny Hurkett at the Criterion Jenny Hurkett Jenny Hurkett is no stranger to challenges. She was born in Calcutta to Anglo-Indian parents and moved to England as a young girl, originally settling in Gillingham. She recalled: "There were no other children of colour in our road so I became used to be being different. "Life was complicated, to say the least. But I was always a stroppy little madam!" She later moved to Scotland with her first husband and organised community street parties, becoming known as "Jenny from the Block". On returning to England, she helped form one of the first Home Start centres in Medway and then spent a stint back in India battling to get justice for women. She ended up on Sheppey, which is where her marriage broke down and she was left to bring up four teenage boys on her own. At her lowest ebb, she launched a singles group and met her new husband, Ian. The couple ran a kitchen business and showroom where the Criterion now stands. "We had no idea it used to be music hall," she recalled. Fifteen years ago, she set about bringing it back to life. It now boasts a vibrant music hall theatre with a very rare grand piano, a cinema, tearoom and a museum over three storeys packed with memorabilia and artefacts from Sheppey's history, including a reconstruction of Nelson's cabin aboard HMS Victory and a replica Cooperative shop. Kingsferry Bridge and the Sheppey Crossing Isle of Sheppey Sheppey was first dubbed the Isle of Sheep by the Romans. It is also the birthplace of British aviation. Those magnificent men in their flying machines first learned to take off at Shellness and then the pioneering Short Brothers, with help from Charles Rolls of the Rolls Royce car company, built the first aircraft factory at Eastchurch. In 1667, Queenborough became the only place in England to surrender to a foreign power since 1066 when the dastardly Dutch captured it on their way to attack Chatham. It was only in June 1967 – 300 years later – that the Dutch remembered to hand it back to the British. Lord Nelson’s body was famously brought back to Sheerness in a barrel of brandy following the Battle of Trafalgar. King Henry VIII holidayed at Shurland Hall, Eastchurch, with his wife-to-be Anne Boleyn. Author Charles Dickens and diarist Samuel Pepys both spent time on Sheppey. Sheppey is home to the American “bomb ship” SS Richard Montgomery which sank in a storm off Sheerness in August 1944 packed with 1,400 tonnes of explosives destined for Europe. It is still there – although there are plans to remove its distinctive masks which can still be seen from the shore. Showbiz legends Michael Crawford and Rod Hull (plus Emu) were brought up on Sheppey. Crawford, star of Phantom of the Opera and Barnum, even filmed the 1975 Christmas special of his sitcom Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em on the Island. Take That’s Robbie Williams has filmed a music video on the Island and lately former EastEnders’ actor Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani have taken over Priory Hill holiday park at Leysdown for their Sky TV show The Dyers’ Caravan Park. Danny Dyre and his daughter Dani are working on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: Sky TV

Were you lucky enough to be sent to the Saturday morning flicks? There was always a cartoon, a main film and lashings of popcorn. If you want to let your children or grandchildren share that experience, you are in luck. The Criterion Blue Town has reintroduced Saturday morning cinema in time for the school summer holidays. Every Saturday throughout August, starting this weekend (Saturday, August 1), the revamped music hall is opening its doors to youngsters to sample the delights of the cinema. Saturday morning flicks are back on the Isle of Sheppey thanks to the Criterion Blue Town Criterion founder Jenny Hurkett said: “Mums and dads will no longer need to drive off the Island to find something to keep their youngsters happy during the long school summer holidays. "Vintage Saturday morning-style cinema is back on Sheppey and right here on their doorstep. Just like the old days, we will have an ice-cream tray and tuck shop-type sweets for the interval.” Under its licence, the theatre is not allowed to say what the main feature film will be in advance. But Jenny said: “This Saturday’s theme is all about forest animals and I can reveal that all our main movies are classic cartoons. So, I will leave it up to mums and dads to hazard a guess.” Adults go free but must be accompanied by at least one child. Tickets are £3 for youngsters. That includes a special activity. A cartoon and the main film are free. The two-hour sessions begin at 11am. Future themes will include circus animals, pets and princesses. The theatre already runs a Friday afternoon community cinema at 1.30pm. Tickets cost £5. Future titles include Elvis Presley in Concert (August 7); Glenrothan (August 14); Michael (August 21) and Mother’s Pride (August 28). Criterion bosses are also experimenting with Friday evening films with The Greatest Showman on August 7 and Bohemian Rhapsody on August 21. Evening shows begin at 7pm and cost £5. An optional fish and chips supper can be ordered for £13. The Criterion, which also hosts the three-floor Blue Town Heritage Museum, is at 69 High Street, Blue Town. Book tickets at www.criterionbluetown.co.uk. For more details, email criterionbluetown@outlook.com or call 01795 662981.

Remy Noe was expelled from art school and airbrushed out of a landscape artist of the year TV show. But the painter from Sheppey has bounced back and is now hosting his own solo exhibition at the newly opened Sheerness Economical Society Gallery in Queenborough. At its launch on Sunday (August 9), more than 30 curious art lovers crept in through the old wooden door of the former Co-op store and, much to Remy’s delight, agreed to buy two of his works there and then - leaving two conspicuous spaces on one of the walls. Artist Remy Noe at his solo exhibition at Nicole Mollett's Sheerness Economical Society Gallery in Queenborough. Picture: John Nurden Remy, 51, who is married to Swale councillor Tara Noe (Con, Sheppey East), was unphased. “I have lots more back home,” he revealed before scurrying off to fill the gaps. By day, Remy makes his money selling motor parts in Maidstone. But in his spare time his thoughts turn to art. “I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I started when I was seven. I just seemed to have a natural aptitude.” He wasn’t exactly following in the family’s footsteps while growing up in the Walderslade enclave of Medway. His dad was a motor mechanic and his mum was a stay-at-home housewife. Svartheim oil on canvas by Remy Noe 2026 - selling for £100 But his teachers at Vinters Boys School in Maidstone recognised his potential which led to Remy enrolling in art school. He picked the Kent Institute for Art and Design (KIAD) which was created in August 1987 by the merger of the three art colleges of Maidstone, Rochester and Canterbury. He joined a roster of students including the so-called Stockists comprising Medway’s Billy Childish (erstwhile boyfriend of Tracey Emin), Charles Thomson and Bill Lewis. That led to his downfall. Matka Kalama (my life as a fish), oil on canvas by Remy Noe. 2026. Selling for £500 “I was expelled,” he admitted, with a whiff of undisguised pride. “We had a series of guest lecturers including Damien Hurst and the Chapman Brothers Jake and Dinos. They were hailed as the Young British Artists. But among the Chapman Brothers’ work was a portfolio of 80 etchings of Francisco de Goya’s Disasters of War which they had reworked by drawing all over them. “I thought it was rubbish and told them so to their faces. I said in my best Medway accent: ‘You must be ‘aving a larf’. Seasalter by Remy Noe. Oil over wood, bronze, copper and canvas, 2017 “The next thing I remembered was being escorted out of the college’s hall by security staff and then told I was no longer welcome on the campus.” Licking his wounds, he applied to the rival Canterbury Christ Church College and ended up with First Class BA degree and a Masters. He recalled: “Christ Church had world class lecturers from Slade like John Long and Greg Ward. I really enjoyed my time there.” He paints in his own inimitable way, eschewing brushes for bits of stick or even just his bare hands. Dunwich Heath by Remy Noe He explained: “When I’m out in the open, I just take paint and a canvas. I don’t use an easel. I lay the canvas on the ground and then cover it in paint while grunting and growling.” This technique did not impress the producers of Sky TV’s Landscape Artist of the Year. Remy admitted: “I don’t think I fitted in. The other artists were very middle class, wearing straw hats and using easels. I just threw my canvas on the ground and started grunting. When the cameraman came round, the producer said ‘no’ and moved on. I was edited out of the entire show. Remy Noe with one of his paintings. Picture: John Nurden “I still apply to be on it every year, just for the satisfaction of getting a rejection letter!” His life, as you might imagine, is far from normal, even down to how he met his wife. The pair were both using a dating website. Remy was still living in Medway but Tara, who originally comes from Canada, was in China teaching English. The pair hit it off straight away and within three days Remy had packed his bags and was on a plane to Forshan City to meet the new love of his life. Seven years ago, they moved to Queenborough. Remy said: “One day, Tara needed some fish for a meal she was cooking. There aren’t many fishmongers in Medway but she’d read about one on Sheppey. So, we drove to Queenborough and immediately fell in love with the place. It’s a beautiful town and, although you might not know it, it has a thriving art scene.” Nicole Mollett at the opening of her Sheerness Economical Society Gallery at Queenborough. Picture: John Nurden Among those leading the way is fellow artist Nicole Mollett who bought the former Co-op store in Queenborough High Street with her partner Marc. They gutted the downstairs and turned it into a white-walled gallery. Her first exhibition called Voyages was in June as part of the Festival of Sheppey. This is her second. She isn’t charging Remy for the premises hire or taking a commission. She said: “At the moment, I’m just doing it for the love of giving emerging artists a place to show off their work, as and when suitable ideas come up.” Jutish Mythology art exhibition by Remy Noe at the Sheerness Economical Society Gallery in Queenborough Remy’s exhibition runs to the end of the month. Many of his works are traditional oil on canvas landscapes. But the thrust of his current show is Jutish Mythology featuring four bright giant circular works based on myths and legends. Catch him during a quiet moment and he will tell you all about them. The Sheerness Economical Society Gallery is at 127 High Street, Queenborough, ME11 5AQ. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5pm. For details email nicole@nicolemollett.co.uk or call 07445 497401.