Podcasts about Folkestone

This episode is the first of a series on the history of the Cinque Ports in which we bring you a mixture of fascinating history alongside a glimpse into contemporary life in these vibrant and ancient maritime towns. In the eleventh century during the reign of Edward the Confessor, five ports in the south-east of England joined together into a confederation for mutual protection and trade privileges. Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover, and Sandwich were the original five ports; they were subsequently joined by Lydd, Faversham, Folkestone, Deal, Tenterden, Margate and Ramsgate which became known as ‘Limbs' of the Cinque Ports; and then Rye and Winchelsea, designated as ‘Ancient Towns'. Not only did they help each other but they also helped the Crown: in return for providing men for the King's ships they received significant municipal benefits. The nominal head of the Cinque Ports was given the title of ‘Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports' and became one of the most influential people in the Kingdom. Over time the position has retained is significance and honour and has often been held by members of the Royal Family and Prime Ministers.To find out more Dr Sam Willis explores the deep history of the Cinque Ports with archaeologist and historian Dr Andrew Richardson and also speaks with Sue Jones, former Mayor of Dover and twice Speaker of the Cinque Ports. We also bring you along for a very special day at the Royal Military School in Dover to witness the installation of the new Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Admiral Sir George Zambellas. In subsequent episodes we will explore some of the individual towns to get a sense of their intriguing past and dynamic present. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie celebrates the arrival of spring and the joys of beach hut culture along the British seaside. She shares her top five favourite unusual and extravagant beach huts, starting with the innovative Spyglass in Eastbourne, which rotates to follow the sun, and the artistic What Unearthed, inspired by local archaeological finds. The episode also highlights the quirky Crazy Golf 18 Holes in Folkestone, created from a repurposed crazy golf course, and a striking lighthouse-style beach hut by artist Pablo Branston. Finally, Natalie takes listeners back in time to Weymouth to explore a replica of the historical bathing machine used by King George III. This episode is a delightful exploration of unique beach huts that embody creativity and history, perfect for anyone planning a seaside getaway. KEY TAKEAWAYS Spring and Beach Hut Season: The arrival of spring brings longer daylight hours and the opportunity to enjoy beach days, prompting thoughts about holiday plans, particularly trips to the British seaside. Unique Beach Huts in Eastbourne: Eastbourne features two extraordinary beach huts, the Spyglass and What Unearthed, both designed as part of an initiative to create iconic beach hut designs. The Spyglass is notable for its ability to rotate for optimal views, while What Unearthed is inspired by local archaeological discoveries. Folkestone's Artistic Beach Huts: Folkestone is home to several remarkable beach huts, including Crazy Golf 18 Holes, created by sculptor Richard Wilson, which repurposes elements of a former crazy golf course, and a lighthouse-style hut by Pablo Branstein, which pays homage to 18th-century architectural styles. Historical Bathing Machines in Weymouth: Weymouth features a replica of a bathing machine, an early form of beach hut used by King George III. This wheeled structure allowed for modesty while bathing and represents a significant piece of seaside history. Exploration and Recommendations: The episode encourages listeners to explore these unique beach huts and historical structures during their summer travels, while also promoting other podcast episodes that delve deeper into specific topics related to beach huts and their history. BEST MOMENTS "The Spyglass is a unique beach hut because it was designed to move. It was mounted on a recessed turntable and the hut was designed to rotate 180 degrees to give you the best view." - Natalie Young "What's Unearthed is a striking geometric beach hut... inspired by local archaeological discoveries." - Natalie Young "He recycled an old crazy golf course, sawing it up into three sculptures in the shape of three beach huts." - Natalie Young "This fabulous hut is situated next to other brightly coloured huts along the waterfront and alongside the council's more mundane arrangements for parking maintenance." - Natalie Young "The bathing machine allowed the better off to enjoy the sea and at the same time protect their modesty whilst they took a dip." - Natalie Young Beach Huts Featured: https://jakstudio.co.uk/the-spy-glass/ https://www.foleyarchitects.com/case-studies/eastbourne-beach-hut https://www.richardwilsonsculptor.com/sculpture/18-holes-2008.html https://youtu.be/_w7u0suA7hI?si=1udIkiQLkL9Q09Up https://www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-about/the-remarkable-tale-of-the-bathing-machine-258941 HOST BIO My name is Natalie Young. I bought a beach hut to bring joy into my life after escaping an abusive relationship and a difficult divorce. Based in Christchurch, Dorset, my beach hut is affectionally called the Salty Seagull and is located on Friars Cliff beach with sea views to the Needles on the Isle of White. It is my slice of heaven. Owning and hiring a beach hut is more complicated than I realised and I am on a constant mission to discover the best ways to manage and care for your hut. I have researched the pros and cons of renting and the best ways to market and host. The beach, the sights and the sounds of the sea bring me huge joy. I hope this podcast will bring you smiles, laughter and joy too! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559730024536&sk=about https://www.linkedin.com/company/103555627/admin/feed/posts/?feedType=following PODCAST DESCRIPTION Welcome to the Bonkers about Beach Huts podcast, the show that's all about beach huts! Whether you are thinking of buying a beach hut and don’t know where to begin or if you have had a beach hut in your family for generations this podcast is for you. As I travel across the UK exploring these coastal retreats and sharing personal stories of how the humble beach hut has shaped lives, I will also be creating the UK's first beach hut map. I will give tips on where and how to buy a beach hut. And share everything you need to know about beach hut maintenance plus advice on hiring a beach hut. We will be chatting with special guests from estate agents to lock specialists, beach hut associations to beach hut builders, and artists to interior designers. If you don’t know what all the fuss is about, join us every week and you too will become a little bit Bonkers Bbout Beach Huts.

Another huge week of football, and we start with exclusive breaking news from one of the county's longest-serving managers - hit play to find out the big gossip here first! It's been a devastating week for Canterbury City as their groundshare hopes fell through, leaving them without a home and opting to return to the city - but take voluntary relegation to the Kent County League in the process. Boss Dan Lawrence talks us through a rollercoaster week as he decides it's time to move on as well. Jay Saunders' Tonbridge Angels exit was already announced - but after his Folkestone appointment was revealed, he's now heading to the coast earlier than anticipated and the experienced manager tells us why now is the right time for hi to take the Invicta hotseat. And they're halfway there - Whitstable striker Nathan Jeche dares to dream of Wembley after helping his side to victory in their FA Vase semi-final first leg. We run through the rest of the big stories in the county and still find time for some chat and nonsense, including wondering if we ever see any of our listeners, Severance, trips to Spain and loads more besides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am so excited to say that my guest on the GWA Podcast is the acclaimed painter, Rose Wylie! Born in 1934, as the youngest of seven children to Victorian parents, Wylie spent her early childhood in India before coming to England aged 5. This was in 1939, in the midst of a bomb-filled Second World War and increasingly fractured world. She went on to study figurative painting, at Folkestone and Dover College of Art in Kent from 1952–56, at a time when tutors would say to her ‘It's no good bothering with you, you're a girl, you'll get married, have children and that'll be that.' … It was then to a teacher training programme at Goldsmiths before putting art aside to raise three children. This was, until 1979 when Wylie returned to the studio enrolling at the Royal College of Art, in her early 40s. Her first solo exhibition came a few years later in 1985, but despite Wylie working in her cottage-slash-studio in Kent for the last 50+ years – where we are very excitingly recording today – it was not until the last 10–15 years that her work has been given the attention and acclaim it has always deserved. Playful and fractured, featuring text overlaid with image, witnessing a Rose Wylie painting in person is to see the world in a different way. Wylie takes recognisable elements from pop culture, history, mythology, sport, even the Bible – from flowers, battenberg cakes, sportstars, queens, to the likes of Nicole Kidman and Emily Maitlis – and shows us them anew, in her paintings that are void of perspective to the point that there is no indication of where the work starts or ends. Her paintings are sometimes full of movement – like a football being kicked, almost balletically, with players, clad in yellow, darting across the dotty canvas that surrounds its viewer. At other times they remind me of a film playing out – like the blood-clad figure lying on the floor in Kill Bill – or even a script with stage directions featuring phrases like “getting dark” or “yellow” … Wylie's paintings are full of decisions, ideas, and the more I look at them, the more her world opens up… Now 90 years old, after a celebrity-filled birthday bash, Wylie is back better than ever for her exhibition at David Zwirner London “When Found becomes Given”, opening on April 3rd, and I couldn't be more delighted to be speaking to her at her Kent-based studio today. Exhibition: https://www.davidzwirner.com/exhibitions/2025/rose-wylie-when-found-becomes-given -- THIS EPISODE IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY THE LEVETT COLLECTION: https://www.famm.com/en/ https://www.instagram.com/famm_mougins // https://www.merrellpublishers.com/9781858947037 Follow us: Katy Hessel: @thegreatwomenartists / @katy.hessel Sound editing by Nada Smiljanic Music by Ben Wetherfield

A driver claims his life has been ruined after getting a ban for speeding on the A20 in north Kent when the limit was changed.A temporary limit was brought in between Crittalls Corner and the Swanley Interchange in October 2023. Thomas Wood lost his job after getting nine fines and a six month suspension.Also in today's podcast, a former gang member's told KentOnline a ban on ninja swords should have come into force much sooner.From August it'll be illegal to own or sell the weapons - we've been speaking to Lennox Rodgers who runs Refocus in Dartford.A grieving dad who's converting a building in Folkestone town centre has become locked in a battle with the council over an illuminated sign of his late son.William Brown Senior is turning Queens House in the corner of Guildhall Street into 32 homes and wants to include an image of his seven-year-old who died after being hit by a van in December 2023.A verbatim play aimed at addressing men's mental health will be performed at two football grounds in Kent.No One Here is Me is the work of Canterbury's Sarah Winn who was inspired to act after a family member took his own life.  The performance is based on the words of real life people who shared their stories.The sister of a man who was born with a rare genetic condition has praised the work of Demelza in Kent for supporting her family.Jamie has hypomelonosis which causes seizures that stop him breathing - he's also deaf blind. Aimee Bell is doing a skydive to raise money.And in sport,  it's a trip to fellow strugglers Harrogate Town for Gillingham and their new manager this weekend.Gareth Ainsworth has taken over at the Gills with the side 19th in the table.

There's still a long way to go this season, but we've already had our first managerial exit ahead of next season after Jay Saunders announced he was to leave Tonbridge Angels - club chair Sophie Purves reflects on that news, discusses the criteria for his replacement and looks ahead to a bright future at Longmead. Ryan Hanson is back at Dover on loan and has found a better club than the one he left - he reflects on his return and scoring the opener to help the Whites get back to winning ways over Bowers & Pitsea. Herne Bay also found the winning touch on Tuesday night, for the first time under new manager James Collins, who discusses his start to life at Winch's Field, the potential of the club and the challenges of trying to strengthen his squad. We also discuss the axing of Folkestone boss Andy Drury, the plight of Welling United and the race for the SCEFL play-offs, and have all the usual chat and nonsense, this week including Uni mates, art auctions, Wales, interior design, Chat GPT logos and loads more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two teenagers have been convicted for their role in an attack on a 16-year-old boy who suffered life-changing injuries after being chased onto train tracks in Thanet.Ted Warne-Harvey was electrocuted after falling onto a live rail at Westgate station.Also on today's podcast, a 12 week inquiry into plans to build thousands of new homes near Sittingbourne gets underway today.The Highsted Park development is made up of eight-thousand-four-hundred houses, and other infrastructure, as well as a new M2 motorway junction and a Southern Relief Road.A Folkestone woman who's in remission after having ovarian cancer is going to be walking 100km this month to raise awareness.Louise Hutchins was diagnosed in 2023 and is now taking on the challenge over four days as part of the Walk in Her Name campaign.The site of a luxury seafront development in Folkestone has been put up for sale, much to the surprise of the developers.The Leas Pavilion scheme will include 91 new flats, but it's been hit with delays and construction ground to a halt last year.People living in Teynham say traffic is clogging up streets and junctions because of new double yellow lines in the town.Residents in Station Road can no longer park outside their homes - and they're now taking up spaces in neighbouring streets.And, a two-week old kitten's been rescued after being found at the side of a road in Canterbury.Comet was severely injured and needed surgery but is now being cared for by the RSPCA.

It's been revealed more than £4 million worth of taxpayers' money was spent on plans for a new development near Folkestone which never materialised.Bosses in the previous administration wanted to build 150 homes and a leisure centre at Princes Parade in Hythe, but the proposals were later scrapped. Hear from Jim Martin who is the current leader of the council.A Kent homelessness charity's revealed a 21% increase in demand for their services in the space of a year.Footfall at Catching Lives in Canterbury has gone up from around 11,000 in 2023, to more than 13,300 last year. We've been chatting to chief executive Tasmin Maitland.A Kent woman who lost her baby at 22 and a half weeks pregnant is welcoming a change in the law which will see bereaved parents get paid leave from work.Keeley Lengthorne has been campaigning since George was born in March 2022. She's told us how the announcement came on a very poignant day.For the first time in a generation, NHS patients have begun receiving blood plasma from donors from Kent.Donations had been paused in 1998 due to fears about the spread of mad cow disease - but a ban has now been lifted. We've been speaking to Denise Dowsing from Maidstone who has Common Variable Immune Deficiency and relies on medication made from plasma.In sport, Kent's Emma Raducanu's due in action at Indian Wells later.It's her first tournament back since spotting a stalker in the crown at the Dubai Championships last month.

Seven people involved in a construction industry fraud that cheated the tax office out of £22m have been jailed.The offenders - six men and one woman - were given sentences ranging from 27 months imprisonment up to nine years and four months. Also in today's podcast, a devastated mum has warned of a “drug epidemic” in a Kent town after her son overdosed on ecstasy and died.The 16-year-old has taken the pills with a friend at home in Folkestone, and was found unresponsive the following morning.Kent has missed out being part of the government fast-tracked devolution programme.The sweeping change to local government would have seen the abolition of all 14 councils in Kent and the creation of a directly elected mayor – you can hear reaction from local leaders. An XL Bully has bitten a police officer during one of seven dawn raids in Kent designed to smash a criminal network.Zombie knives, Class A drugs and dozens of devices were seized during swoops with suspected drug dealers arrested.And a pub with a troubled past is set to have a revamp after being taken over by new management.The site at East Farleigh will be getting an upgraded patio area and brand-new cocktail bar.

This month I'm playing a selection of my favourite records I've played out recently in Folkestone, Kent in the UK. funk, soul and disco vibes for this Aquarius season! For more info and tracklisting, visit: https://thefaceradio.com/sophisticated-sister/Tune into new broadcasts of Sophisticated Sister, Monthly, First Tuesday from 6 PM - 8 PM EST / 11 - 1 AM GMT (Wednesday)//Dig this show? Please consider supporting The Face Radio: http://support.thefaceradio.com Support The Face Radio with PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/thefaceradio. Join the family at https://plus.acast.com/s/thefaceradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A property management company has frozen the accounts of residents in Folkestone after complaints about an increase in service charges.Some people living on the new Shorncliffe Heights development have seen their fees double, with others being asked to pay hundreds more annually.The town's MP is backing their concerns and we've been getting reaction from Green party councillor Mike Blakemore.Also in today's podcast, a Maidstone man who stabbed a police officer with scissors is starting 30 years in prison.Robert Jenner, 50, attacked the PC who'd gone to his home in Albion Place with a colleague following reports of someone exposing themselves in a nearby park.A Kent charity boss has been telling the podcast how easy it was for him to get weight loss jabs online.Neil Charlick runs Gillingham Street Angels and has been speaking after it was revealed those wanting to buy the injections will face more stringent checks.The MP for East Thanet is urging the government to consider social tariffs to help people with high energy bills.Labour rep Polly Billington says too many families are struggling to afford increasing gas and electricity prices.A Maidstone man who's just completed what's known as the world's toughest row has told the podcast it certainly lives up to its name.Andy Purvis and his team mate spent 49 days at sea travelling 3,000 miles across the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Antigua. Andy did it to raise money for Medway baby loss charity Abigail's Footsteps.And in sport, Sam Gale has signed a new contract at Gillingham.The deal will keep the 20-year-old at Priestfield until the summer of 2027.

A Folkestone man who charged at his girlfriend with a knife after she went to the cinema without him has been locked up.The court heard Wayne Burford, 44, of Foord Road South had previous convictions for crimes against his partner, including for controlling and coercive behaviour.Also in today's podcast, a man who caused the death of an 18-year-old woman in a crash in Canterbury has been jailed for six years.Footage from body-worn cameras shows Jack Cracknell telling police he was speeding at the time of the collision. If you live in Tonbridge, you're being asked what you think on redevelopment plans around the Angel Centre.It's been confirmed a new leisure facility is going to be created and now, the council want to know what should be built on the surrounding land - to the east of the High Street.A year after a Folkestone road was closed following a landslide, bosses have admitted it may not re-open until 2026.Tonnes of debris has been removed from the Road of Remembrance - while drones have been used to survey the site.The owners of an business in Deal have admitted it'll feel strange not to be working - after deciding to shut up shop.Skinner's Electrical Supplies has been in the High Street for 14 years.It's been revealed the University of Kent is still spending £7,000 a month on a student bar which closed down five years ago.The lease on the Cargo Bar in Liberty Quays in Gillingham doesn't come to an end until 2029.Football, and Gillingham's winless run has continued.They've now gone eight games without a victory after losing 2-1 to Notts County at Priestfield on Saturday.A Kent wheelchair rugby club is looking for a new home, after losing the use of their sports hall.Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby club has been using the Northfleet Youth Centre for eight years, free of charge.

A Kent mum whose daughter was hit by a driver on a zebra crossing has spoken to the podcast about her anger that he's been spared jail.11-year-old Dollie Giglia was knocked down on Tram Road in Folkestone in January last year. She suffered multiple fractures and a brain injury.Also in today's episode, five members of a crime group have been sentenced after police uncovered a cocaine network in Thanet.Footage at KentOnline shows the moment the ringleader was arrested at his home on Highfield Road in Ramsgate.Campaigners fighting to save two children's centres in Kent say they've won another battle, but not the war just yet.There's been anger at the idea of closing Seashells in Sheerness and Millmead in Margate.Now a scrutiny committee's decided to put the decision to shut them on hold.Concerns have been raised after a report found what's been called a 'Boy's Club' culture within the ambulance service that covers Kent.The GMB union surveyed almost 900 staff members, however, a source close to SECAmb has questioned the credibility of the research.Two festivals are happening in Kent this weekend, to help us shake off the winter blues.Community arts organisation Cohesion Plus is putting on Lunar New Year celebrations in Maidstone and a Magical Winter Festival in Ebbsfleet's Platinum Jubilee Park.And in sport, promotion chasing Notts County are the visitors to take on Gillingham this weekend.The home side have gone seven games without a win and dropped to 17th in league two. Tomorrow's opponents are up in third.

A Faversham woman who was caught stealing from her bosses, says she acted out of desperation after being hounded by bailiffs. Paula Gray, 61, of Lower Road stole more than £1,300 from solicitors David Simmonds and Donaghey in Gillingham after falling into debt following the death of her husband.Also in today's podcast, wildlife groups say there will continue to challenge the building of the Lower Thames Crossing, after the government gave the project its support.Rachel Reeves confirmed in a speech on growth yesterday they will be looking to the private sector to help fund the £9 billion road link between Kent and Essex.Hear from the Kent Wildlife Trust and chief exec of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.A victim of a rogue salesman has told the KentOnline Podcast how she was conned by the 'very friendly and pleasant' man - before his lies began.Lewis Blake, 43, from Whitstable is now in jail after claiming to be a window shutter installer - but using clients' cash on gambling and adult websites.Eight years after it closed, work's started on restoring the famous Leas Lift in Folkestone.More than £6 million is going to be spent on the Grade 2 star listed structure.And, a Kent man has completed an epic challenge to row the Atlantic.Andy Purvis from Maidstone has reached Antigua, with team mate Tim Cox, after 49 days, 8 hours and 53 minutes at sea.The pair set off before Christmas and have travelled 3,000 miles to raise money for charity.

The Chancellor's made a significant announcement on the future of a project to build another tunnel linking Kent and Essex.During a major speech on how to boost economic growth in the UK, Rachel Reeves backed the Lower Thames Crossing and revealed the government's looking at privately financing the £9 billion scheme.Also in today's podcast, the family of a woman found dead after going missing from Folkestone believe police may have missed opportunities to find her while she was still alive.Leah Daley was discovered at the Warren last May 12 days after she'd last been seen.A criminal gang linked to west Kent and thought to be making £7,000 a week through drugs have been jailed.The men were part of a cocaine network that was uncovered during a stop and search in Tonbridge.A decision to close a leisure centre in Deal for nine months is going to reviewed after a backlash from people who use it.We told you earlier this month how Tides is due to shut in April until a new operator's found to run it from next January.But those using the pool, tennis courts and sports hall weren't happy.A Medway councillor says he's prepared to call for a referendum over a bid for the Towns to be granted city status.Leader Vince Maple announced the authority's fifth push for the title at a meeting last week. Hear from Michael Pearce, who represents Hoo St Werburgh and High Halstow - and the leader.Elon Musk has been told to keep his 'hands off' the English Channel after suggesting it should be re-named.The Tesla boss posted on X suggesting the stretch of water is called the George Washington Channel instead. Reporter Sam Lennon has been finding out what people in Dover think.Football, and  it was another game without a win for Gillingham last night.They drew 1-1 at Grimsby Town after the hosts equalised with just seconds to spare. We've got reaction from manager John Coleman and goalkeeper Glenn Morris.

A warning letter's been sent out by a school in Margate as a number of pupils have fallen ill.There's been an outbreak of respiratory and gastrointestinal sickness at Hartsdown Academy.Also on today's podcast, plans for a major transformation of Folkestone harbour have been rejected.The shock decision came at a meeting last night with councillors on the planning committee raising concerns about the proposals for new homes and commercial units on the seafront.The ideas had been submitted by Sir Roger De Haan's Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company.People living on an estate near Maidstone say they've had to pay out £50,000 of their own money to try and sort a sewage issue.Blockages, leaks and overspills have been affecting Castor Park in Allington over the past year.Southern Water bosses have been grilled by MPs after deciding to bills by more than any other firm in the UK.Customers in Kent will be among those paying 53% more over the next five years.A Gravesend mum who's been diagnosed with stage four brain cancer is calling for better access to scans.Kelly Heather had initially been told she had a non-spreadable melanoma in 2017.And, Firefighters in Kent have unveiled their latest piece of kit, a robot.It's one of the first of its kind in the UK and will help keep crews safe as well as reduce the amount of time spent at incidents.

A Thanet teenager is facing prison time after she threatened to kill her parents.18-year-old Zoe Dunn from Fairfield Road, Broadstairs,  had only just been released from court on a suspended sentence for beating them up at their home in Thanet on January 6th.Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, we've been hearing what his second presidency could mean for us here in Kent.Trump will be sworn into office - becoming the 47th President of the United States.From today, if you're driving around Medway you could be fined for breaking traffic rules at 17 locations across the Towns.ANPR cameras have been installed to catch motorists who do things like stopping in a yellow box junction or doing an illegal turn.Hotpots include Chatham High Street and Station Road in Strood.The recent budget has been blamed for the closure of a Medway restaurant within a distillery.Copper Rivet has been making gin since 2016 and opened The Pumproom in their converted Victorian building just over four years ago.Bosses at the site in Chatham Maritime say a hike in National Insurance contributions and rise in the minimum wage mean it's no longer financially viable.Police are investigating after £500 was stolen from a 90-year-old woman in Folkestone.Maria Lenko had withdrawn the cash from her bank and put it in a zip up pocket in her trolley.Football, and Gillingham have dropped to 16th in league two following a disappointing start in charge for new manager John Coleman.They were beaten 1-0 by Doncaster Rovers at Priestfield on Saturday.

A disabled pensioner has had to abandon his housing association home for the over 55s after a large chunk of the ceiling in his living room collapsed.The KentOnline podcast has heard the disaster is only the latest in a long line of maintenance failures at his flat near Maidstone by his social housing landlord, Anchor Hanover Housing.Also in today's podcast, a screw head, a throat pack and swabs are some of the 37 items reportedly left behind in patients after surgery at Kent's hospitals.The new data reveals the number of clinical claims and incidents at the county's hospitals relating to a “retained instrument post-operation” or a “foreign body left in situ”.A hygiene inspector who discovered a “completely dry” hand basin at an all-you-can-eat buffet told staff they must wash their hands after using the toilet.The environmental health expert also found unsealed raw meat in a fridge, mouldy walls, and a grease build-up during an inspection at the Ashford restaurant. You can also hear about a loft insulation surveyor who stole highly valuable jewellery from the homes of elderly and vulnerable customers out of "heartless greed".The thief's been branded a "disgrace" by a judge for his "mean and callous" crimes committed over three months last year.And it's crunch time for the most significant transformation of a Kent town in decades with a planning decision set to be made next week.Councillors will determine whether controversial plans for Folkestone harbour can go ahead.

A charity is warning people to be wary of fraudsters collecting money in its name after a woman in Tonbridge became the latest to be scammed.The cafe customer thought she was donating to Disability Rights UK when she was approached by a young girl presenting as deaf. Also in today's podcast, a thug who left the mother of his child “unrecognisable” after a ferocious beating told police he had "destroyed her face".He made a harrowing 999 call after he had viciously assaulted his ex-partner with such force that he broke her jaw in three places.Council bosses in Ashford have apologised after a workman buried his cat in a tenant's garden.The woman said she was left stunned when the subcontractor turned up with a shovel and made the bizarre request during the refurbishment of her bathroom.A Tunbridge Wells mum says she and her children were left upset and disappointed after taking them to see Santa at a tourist attraction only to find it had shut without notice.She says she received a confirmation email that morning - but when they got there it was locked up with no-one in sight. And in football you can hear from Gillingham striker Elliott Nevitt and from boss Mark Bonner ahead of what's shaping up to be a busy festive period. It all kicks off on Boxing Day when the Gills travel to take on Colchester United. 

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Thomas Plimmer Woman says struck off sex GP tried to choke her Selena Gomez announces engagement to Benny Blanco Storm Darragh not a storm, Kidderminster man told by insurers Rural Kent on the frontline of PMs housebuilding battle 20mph Which Welsh roads have seen most offences Ofgem She died because of me five words that changed the Sara Sharif trial XL bully Baby seriously injured in dog attack in Folkestone Bowel cancer rates rising among younger people Shopkeeper tracks down mum stealing Jellycat toys to sell on Vinted

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv She died because of me five words that changed the Sara Sharif trial Ofgem Storm Darragh not a storm, Kidderminster man told by insurers 20mph Which Welsh roads have seen most offences Shopkeeper tracks down mum stealing Jellycat toys to sell on Vinted Selena Gomez announces engagement to Benny Blanco XL bully Baby seriously injured in dog attack in Folkestone Thomas Plimmer Woman says struck off sex GP tried to choke her Bowel cancer rates rising among younger people Rural Kent on the frontline of PMs housebuilding battle

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv 20mph Which Welsh roads have seen most offences She died because of me five words that changed the Sara Sharif trial Storm Darragh not a storm, Kidderminster man told by insurers Shopkeeper tracks down mum stealing Jellycat toys to sell on Vinted XL bully Baby seriously injured in dog attack in Folkestone Thomas Plimmer Woman says struck off sex GP tried to choke her Ofgem Rural Kent on the frontline of PMs housebuilding battle Bowel cancer rates rising among younger people Selena Gomez announces engagement to Benny Blanco

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Shopkeeper tracks down mum stealing Jellycat toys to sell on Vinted Bowel cancer rates rising among younger people Rural Kent on the frontline of PMs housebuilding battle XL bully Baby seriously injured in dog attack in Folkestone Storm Darragh not a storm, Kidderminster man told by insurers Thomas Plimmer Woman says struck off sex GP tried to choke her Ofgem Selena Gomez announces engagement to Benny Blanco She died because of me five words that changed the Sara Sharif trial 20mph Which Welsh roads have seen most offences

An eight-month-old girl has been airlifted to hospital in a serious condition after being attacked by an XL Bully. Two people have been arrested after the dog, which has been described as “normally a very friendly dog”, bit the infant at a home in Hawkinge. Also in today's podcast, a thug convicted of murdering his disabled girlfriend after he viciously punched, kicked and stamped on her has been jailed for life.You can hear the moment Huseyin Kalyoncu, a driver at an Edenbridge takeaway, was arrested following the savage attack. The owner of Kent's worst-rated hotel has admitted it is “rundown” - after a homeless guest said he would “rather sleep on the street” than stay another night.Pictures and videos sent to KentOnline show blood-splattered walls, dirty carpets, stained bed sheets and plug sockets next to a sink at the Windsor Hotel in Folkestone.You can hear from former JLS star JB Gill about the struggles farmers are facing, following a go slow protest in Westminster. Hundreds of tractors flooded the capital and clogged up the roads over planned changes to inheritance tax. And plans to create a youth mayor in Medway have been slammed as “madness”. It's been suggested it could cost more than 30-thousand pounds per year, but council say it would encourage primary school children to engage with politics. 

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Bright on Buddhism - Episode 99 - What is the history of anti-Buddhist thought in Japan? What is its social and political context? What is the state of Buddhism in Japan today? Resources: Hur, Nam-lin. 2007. Death and Social Order in Tokugawa Japan: Buddhism, Anti-Christianity, and the Danka System. 1st ed. Vol. 282. Harvard University Asia Center. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1tg5pht.; Ketelaar, James Edward. 1990. Of Heretics and Martyrs in Meiji Japan: Buddhism and Its Persecution. Princeton University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv173dzs8.; LaFleur, William R. 1986. The Karma of Words: Buddhism and the Literary Arts in Medieval Japan.; Nihon Koten Bungaku Daijiten Henshū Iinkai (1986). Nihon Koten Bungaku Daijiten (in Japanese). Iwanami Shoten. ISBN 4-00-080067-1.; Ono, Motonori Shinto: The Kami Way; Starrs, Roy (2005). "The Kojiki as Japan's National Narrative", in Asian Futures, Asian Traditions, edited by Edwina Palmer. Folkestone, Kent: Global Oriental, ISBN 1-901903-16-8; Wittkamp, Robert F. (2018). "The Body as a Mode of Conceptualization in the Kojiki Cosmogony" in「東西学術研究所紀要」第51輯 (Tōzai gakujutsu kenkyūsho kiyō 51, pp. 47–64, PDF online available).; Wittkamp, Robert F. (2020): "Re-Examining Japanese Mythologies: Why the Nihon Shoki has two books of myths but the Kojiki only one" in「東西学術研究所紀要」第53輯 (Tōzai gakujutsu kenkyūsho kiyō 53, pp. 13–39, PDF online available).; Yamaguchi, Yoshinori; Takamitsu Kōnoshi (1997). Nihon Koten Bungaku Zenshū: Kojiki. Tōkyō: Shogakukan. ISBN 4-09-658001-5. Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by finding us on email or social media! https://linktr.ee/brightonbuddhism Credits: Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host

A bus company's investigating after a driver was filmed telling a passenger she gave 'disabled people a bad name'.The confrontation happened after Nargis Fakhri, who uses a wheelchair, tried to board the 140 Arriva service at Strood Retail Park.Also in today's podcast, we've been hearing how "Do Not Swim" warnings for some of Kent's busiest beaches will be a blow to local businesses.The water quality at Dymchurch, Littlestone and near to Deal Castle has been rated 'poor' following investigations by the Environment Agency. It's led to fears it could impact summer tourism next year.Hear from the leader of Folkestone and Hythe council.The Chatham and Aylesford MP has been leading a debate in parliament over what can be done to tackle fly tipping.Millions of pounds is being spent annually on clean ups and Tris Osborne says many people face a postcode lottery when it comes to dealing with it.As one of the biggest stores at Bluewater closes for the final time today, another new shop is opening.Reporter Cara Simmonds had a sneak peak around Sephora and spoke to the managing director.And finally, a trader who's been selling ice creams, burgers and buckets and spades from a kiosk on Sheppey for more than 50 years has decided to call it a day.Janet Deadman has made the difficult decision to leave the business in Beachfields, Sheerness. She's been speaking to reporter Joe Crossley.

There are growing fears history is being “demolished” at a long-abandoned railway works as construction progresses on 303 flats in Ashford. Drone images taken in recent days of the site have sparked concern as brickwork at the Grade II listed engine sheds seems to have been taken down. Also in today's podcast, you can hear from the boss of a playground that's been rated “outstanding” who's had to make the “crushing” decision to close after being unable to find a new home. The nursery in Sheerness employs 16 staff, has 56 children on its books and is due to take an another 30 next year – but will now shut for good next month. Business owners say they've been left homeless after a dispute about shopping centre leases. The shops in New Ash Green have had the locks changed amid claims they were being illegally sub-let. You can also find out how much house prices are rising and falling in Kent – any why. The Podcast has spoken to a property expert about why two Kent districts have dramatically bucked the trend. And, two friends have launched a bid to revive the world's first music town. They've put in plans for a new bar that will host live bands and attract people from all over the county to Folkestone. 

Hundreds of people are backing a grieving mum's campaign for dogs to be banned from a cemetery - after she saw the animals “weeing on headstones”.She says she's been left “absolutely disgusted” by walkers letting their pets run around and defecate while she is visiting her 16-year-old daughter's grave.Also in today's podcast, two people have been violently attacked near their homes after complaining about a neighbour's music being too loud.A Halling woman has appeared in court, accused of hitting, punching and scratching them when they confronted her. You can hear from a Kent MP who's urging the government to “finish the job” and extend the Elizabeth Line into Kent. MP Jim Dickson says it was originally meant to run through the Ebbsfleet – which would benefit the thousands of new families that are due to move into the area. There was disappointment for Gillingham last night after they secured a win in the EFL Trophy, but couldn't do enough to make it through to the knockout round. We've got reaction from manager Mark Bonner. And the mystery as to why an historic clock on a Kent high street runs more than an hour slow could, finally, be solved.The landmark in Folkestone is more than 100 years old but is now useless for anyone who needs to know the time. 

Residents in a block of flats in Sheerness have been told to pay £14,000 within 30 days for new fire regulations - or they could be evicted.An external staircase needs to be built at Portland House on the High Street to comply with rules introduced after the Grenfell Tower fire. We've been speaking to one resident who says she hasn't slept since receiving a letter about it.Also in today's podcast, French authorities say two people have died after a boat carrying asylum seekers sank in the Channel.Around 50 people are thought to have fallen into the water just after 8am today.The government's launched an independent review into the water industry to address concerns about bills and sewage.One of the options being considered is abolishing regulator Ofwat.It comes just a day after it was revealed water companies in Kent want to increase bills by even more than first planned. We've been getting reaction from Catherine Chapman who's part of campaign group SOS Whitstable.A road in Folkestone is going to stay closed until next August following two landslides.The Road of Remembrance,  which connects the seafront and town centre, has been shut since January and investigation work is ongoing.In showbiz, Tom Grennan has been on our sister radio station kmfm chatting about his new song.'Higher' is his latest single - released from his upcoming fourth album, which at the moment has no title.And in sport,  it's gone from bad to worse for Gillingham as they've suffered another league two defeat.They were beaten 2-0 by Newport County at Priestfield last night - their fifth loss in a row. Hear the thoughts of Gillingham manager Mark Bonner.

An independent inquiry set up to examine the crimes of Kent killer David Fuller has made a urgent calls for regulation of the funeral sector.Fuller was able to abuse bodies in hospital mortuaries while he was employed as a maintenance worker – you can hear from the mother of one of his victims.Also in today's podcast, bosses of a Chinese restaurant in Folkestone have been told to clean up their act – after inspectors found mouldy chopping boards and flies in egg fried rice.They've been handed a one-star hygiene rating after council officers also discovered evidence of people smoking and card games in a food preparation area.Developers have been warned they'll commit "environmental vandalism" by felling trees to make space for a wetland on a new housing estate by concerned councillors.It's after planning permission has been granted for the first 144 properties on the former Ashford International Truckstop site on Waterbrook Park.You can also hear from the boss of an award-winning Indian restaurant in Rainham that's taken over the pub next door.From working part-time as a waiter to help pay his student tuition fees, to becoming the boss of his own restaurant - Saif Islam is nothing short of inspirational.And the fixtures have been released for the first round of the FA Cup.While Gillingham face Blackpool and Maidstone United have been drawn away against Altrincham or Solihull Moors – we'll talk to Tonbridge Angels boss Jay Saunders about their match against Harborough Town.t Harborough Town. 

An hour of uninterrupted white noise. Naturally occurring and fully spatial. Captured by the Lento box last weekend from a tree overlooking the beach under Folkestone Warren. Low soft rumbling of the crashing waves. Mid-range curtains of dark grey-blue backwash, that seem to billow and shimmer like hanging fabrics. Fine layers of crisper whiter noise, formed from the frothing and fizzing sea water as it is churned and blown by the night wind. The subtle hiss as countless leaves catch in the undulating wind.  The scene is of the wide open beach. And of the tide, very gradually going out. A breeze, quite firm at around 18 knotts, is whisking up the waves. The place is entirely deserted. It's around 4:30 am. Several hours until dawn breaks. Being a raw location recording there are a few planes that traverse the sky, though their sound easily dissolves between the waves. Something, perhaps a small mammal, pads up to the tree holding the mics, then carries on to wherever it's going. A dark bush cricket occasionally starts up as well. It's quite late in the season for them.   The ground underneath the tree holding the mics is layered in dry leaves left over from the summer. Just ahead, down a steep drop, the ground transitions into large jumbled boulders. This strip of loose rock is in range of the high tide, and probably is semi-submerged when the spring tide coincides with a North Sea surge. During the day people pick their way over these rocks in search of fossils. Folkestone is so we're told a fossil rich area. Our objective for travelling back to this beach location in Folkestone was to capture the reflected sounds the high tide makes as it laps around the boulders under the trees. We witnessed these sounds earlier in August, but ran out of time to properly record them. Returning last weekend to try again we found there was an 18 knott wind whipping everything up, and a different and wilder seascape. What we have managed to capture though is how the receding tide in this particular location produces a rich and very stable source of uninterrupted natural white noise. Naturally occurring white noise sounds so simple and yet is infinitely complex. These seemingly contradictory qualities may be why natural white noise from real places like this promote both wakeful concentration and vigilant restfulness, that unconscious conscious state of mind where you seem to be able to perceive  everything around you as one fulfilling thought. A thought so in and of itself complete, it frees you from the need to think of anything else.

A verdict of accidental death has been recorded in the death of a child who fell from a quad bike in West Kerry. Five-year-old George Francis Freddie Davenport of Folkestone, Kent died on August 6th, 2023 at Liscarney, Cloghane. Radio Kerry journalist Amber Galwey was at the inquest.

A Deal woman who bravely battled ovarian cancer, has died at the age of just 33. Emily Hubble is being remembered throughout the town as "the ultimate girl's girl, everyone's bestie, an amazing wife and daughter".Also in today's podcast, the government has once again delayed a decision on a new £9 billion road tunnel between Kent and Essex.We'll have to wait until next May to find out whether the Lower Thames Crossing will go ahead. We've got reaction the chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.As fighting continues in the Middle East, we've been speaking to a Kent expert about the situation.Israel's warned people to move away from Lebanon's Mediterranean coast as their military targets Hezbollah positions. Hear from Dr Yaniv Voller, who is a Senior Lecturer in Middle East politics at University of Kent.There are fears part of Kent could become a 'no-swim zone' after a sports centre closed and concerns were raised about the quality of seawater.Council bosses say there's a chance four of the six bathing areas in Folkestone and Hythe could be rated 'poor' in 2025. We've got reaction from council leader Jim Martin.Figures seen by KentOnline show almost 27,000 people in Kent and Medway are waiting to be assessed for autism and ADHD.Included in that figure is 13,000 children as council bosses admit there's been a 'rapid increase' in demand for services. Lisa Lloyd is a mum from Larkfield who has two autistic children and has written a book about her experience.And in sport, Gillingham boss Mark Bonner has been nominated for league 2 manager of the month for September.He already won the August award after a strong start to the season.

It is first light. Birds are waking. Beginning to fill the air with sonorous sounds of life. A few dark bush crickets are still cricketing, just, though soon they'll go quiet for the day. The view is of green. More green. And yet more green. A whole valley of thickly growing thickets, trees, and dense shrubs, slowly emerging into visual reality under an increasingly luminous dawn sky.  Another form of energy that illuminates this steep verdant valley, is from the sea about a third of a mile down from the recording location. It's acoustic presence perfuses the air, just as light does from the sky. The aural daylight if we can call it that, is brightest at high tide, and darkest at low. Sea light does not flow evenly as light from the sky does. It flows in slow undulating breaths. Follows every contour of the ground. Brushes through every tree, branch, leaf and shrub. Reminds us that like the sky, a huge mass of something unimaginably huge, is there, and moving, beyond our view.  * This is the third segment from the new series of sound landscape recordings we made last month at The Warren in Folkestone. Episode 235 was from the dead of night, and this segment is how dawn sounded at the same location.   ** NOT sleep safe due to noisy gulls and wood pigeons!

A Folkestone teenager has died after falling onto a railway line during a night out.Tom Watson, who was 18, had been out with friends last Thursday and is understood to have accidentally fallen onto the tracks at Canterbury East Station.Also in today's podcast, £6 million pound plans to build a new sea cadets base on Sheppey have been scrapped.Bosses at the site in Minster had been hoping to demolish their current buildings and replace them with two new blocks. Reporter Joe Crossley has been along to have a look.A Kent wildlife charity has joined forces with specialists in Surrey to get an MRI scan for a brown bear who's been suffering seizures .The Wildwood Trust have been looking after Boki at their wildlife park near Canterbury and say he's loved by everyone for his cheeky antics. They've been explaining how the procedure was done.We've got an incredible story of courage and determination as a blind veteran from Ramsgate prepares to compete in the Dartford half marathon this weekend.Paul Jacobs was injured while serving in Afghanistan when he was just 20. He's been speaking to Lucy Hickmott about preparing for Sunday's race.A Maidstone art trail that's been delighting families through the summer holidays is coming to an end this weekend.More than 100 Shaun the Sheep sculptures have been scattered through the town to raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice and will all be under one roof for the next few days.Sam Lawrie's got a round-up of everything else going on in Kent this weekend. In sport, Gillingham prepare to host Tranmere Rovers at Priestfield in league two this weekend.The home side will be looking to bounce back from last Saturday's defeat to Doncaster Rovers.

Capturing the experience and 'sound-feel' of crashing waves is always a challenge. Strong on-shore breezes and the unbridled energy of thousand ton waves breaking over unyielding rock can simply be too much for sensitive microphones. Yet as we sit on the concrete sea defences, bathed in hot afternoon August sun, waiting for the first tingles of cold sea spray to land on our legs, the experience is as serene as it is thrilling. How can this be? Something huge, heavy and aurally overwhelming is also serenely calming and relaxing? Our ears hear the landscape around us and let us feel its space and physicality. Hearing, in a way, is a kind of touching. Given the power and tumult of these waves as they break over the rocks, it isn't possible to be bodily touching them, but we can touch their weight and mass through our ears. Layers of white noise produced by crashing waves, rising and falling, folding over each other, straddling us with their weight, reveals how mere vibrations in the air that land on our eardrums are instantly sensed and translated into physical responses. Responses that are felt as a result of being heard. This is what we mean by 'sound feel'. We might say the thrill is the head's response, the excitement that comes with loudness and chaos. The serenity is the bodily response. Nerves, bones and muscles, relaxing, as they do when massaged.  So sitting on the sea wall facing crashing waves, hot in the sunshine and still in earshot of the odd cricket hiding in the seagrass, is a bath and a massage. Wild sweet peas dancing in the breeze on an empty path. Buzzards circling overhead. We feel drawn to this ragged edge of land and to capture it as an audio experience that can be re-experienced when we cannot physically be there.  * This piece of time we captured in early August from a nearby location to last week's episode (235) from Folkestone in Kent. This stretch of exposed beach at the foot of The Warren. Two perspectives on the same stretch of coast called the Strait of Dover. Without the sea, The Warren would not exist in the aurally rich way it does. 

The boss of a shop in Dover has blamed new EU border rules for the closure of his store - just months after another trader quit for the same reason.He's told the podcast repeated delays mean customers already struggle to reach his business because of long queues blocking the roads and it will only get worse when new Entry/Exit System (EES) checks come into force in November. Also in today's podcast, you can hear from a leading asylum charity who says more people will die in the Channel unless safe routes are set up. It follows the death of at least 13 people who lost their lives when a small boat capsized yesterday. There are calls for compensation to be given to those affected by a major internet outage which sparked chaos over the weekend.The blackout in Dartford hit more than 6000 people for as long as 33 hours. Fans have been left disappointed after a band set to perform at Dreamland this week have cancelled their gig following the death of a crew member.Scooter have posted on social media to say they're "devastated" and have made the decision to reschedule. And, people living in Folkestone have been left baffled following a bid to bring back public phone boxes. Plans have been revealed to introduce futuristic, touch-screen boxes - but it raises the question of who will actually use them? 

Welcome back to a new Lento season of captured quiet. Sound landscapes from real places. This segment of spatial audio, best through headphones, was captured on the Kent coast in early August from beside a winding path in a steeply wooded area of Folkestone called the Warren. France is visible from this elevated spot. Around half a mile below, is the beach and the crashing waves. It is midnight.  The ground here is sandy and dry. The only way through is the path which winds down and around and down again, almost endlessly, between trees huddled behind thick shrubs and blackberry bushes. Eventually you come out by a railway line. It seems out of place so close to the sea. Before you reach the beach, there's a cluster of tall trees with long rope swings. The environment is so green and steep and tangled that it has a uniquely soft sound feel.   Here, on this August night, dark bush crickets form the main sound-scene against a back drop of distant crashing waves. One stridulates close to the Lento box. Another type of cricket, lower in tone, is audible over to the left. We have not heard this type of night cricket in England before. A few trains pass in the valley below, and a few planes too, though Folkestone has generally quite a quiet sky.  To get the true aural essence from this audio, which is from an exceptionally soft and quiet location where you'd need to strain your ears to hear everything that is there, try to listen with headphone volume set so you can just hear the murmurings of the sea below. Find somewhere quiet to listen to this episode and you'll get more from it. 

The owner of cafe that opened just weeks ago in Folkestone say it might have to shut already due to a lack of customers.It comes as traders in the town, recently named the best place to live in the south east, say while the much-hyped harbour area is bustling, parts of the town centre are struggling.Also in today's podcast, a controversial 450-home application on farmland in Medway has been given the go-ahead.The KentOnline Podcast has heard from the Chatham and Aylesford MP says lack of a local plan forced the committee's approval of the Gibraltar Farm development, despite more than 700 objections. The grandfather of two children out littler picking says he was horrified when they uncovered a zombie knife. The weapon was found hidden in a bush just weeks before they're due to be outlawed. Maidstone Leisure Centre has been forced to make changes to its special swim sessions after facing backlash on social media. Parents accused the facility of being “thoughtless” about the timings of new SEN sessions at the splash pad. And in sport, you can hear from the Gillingham manager and midfielder Armani Little ahead of their league two clash this weekend. The Gills are sitting top of the table after three games and are looking forward to welcoming Chesterfield to Priestfield. 

Furious residents say their estate near Ashford still smells like “rotten eggs” - despite a water company spending £4.3 million upgrading a nearby sewage works.Some say the foul stench still stops them from opening windows in the summer, while others even have to stop their children from playing outside.Also in today's podcast, a cash-strapped garden centre is set for a £3 million overhaul complete with a larger restaurant in a bid to attract more customers.The owner says he's struggling to make a profit at the “outdated” site in Folkestone. A shopper says she was left “disgusted” after discovering something that looked like an animal's poo in her salad.She had almost finished her lunch, which she had bought from Sainsbury's when she noticed the odd lump.A teenager and a “frightened” seven-year-old girl had to be rescued after they were found a mile offshore on a paddleboard.The RNLI was called out to Minster on Sheppey over the weekend. And in football it was another weekend to remember for Gillingham who are now sitting top of the League Two table. You can hear from boss Mark Bonner on the important the point from their nil-all draw.

Businesses that import meat could have to pay up to six times more than they were expecting to get each lorry through border checks; that's according to the British Meat Processors Association. Since April businesses that import through Dover and the Eurotunnel through Folkestone have been paying what's called a Common User Charge.Bracken is a large and very prolific fern, and it can be a big problem for farmers, particularly in the uplands. It eats into grazing land, it harbours ticks and it's difficult to control, especially since last autumn when Asulox, the only herbicide used to kill it, became permanently withdrawn from the UK and Europe. The Innovative Farmers Network has just started trialling non-chemical approaches to bracken control, one of which involves using cattle to trample it. Curlew are an iconic and beautiful bird of moorland and wetland areas, but curlew numbers have diminished significantly over the last few decades, placing them firmly on the RSPB's red list. A project in Wales, funded by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, is using drones to locate nests which can then be protected. All week on Farming Today we've been visiting rural communities all around the UK's coastline and finding out how they're meeting the challenges they face. Sarah Swadling has been to the Devon village of Beer to find out how they're keeping the community and tourism vibrant.60 years ago, the first ever BBC Radio 4's On Your Farm programme aired, as an early morning outside broadcast from a family farm in Rutland. To mark the programme's diamond anniversary, Vernon Harwood has visited that same farm to discover what's changed over the past six decades.Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Body worn cameras have captured the moment police stopped, tasered and arrested a drug-fuelled driver who was ramming through stationary traffic on the A2. He caused “absolute mayhem” when police chased him from the M2 at Medway to Gravesend in a stolen high-value Jaguar.Also in today's podcast, bosses of a ‘gorgeous' garden centre near Wingham which ‘offers solace' have announced a shock closure.A sign has been posted on the gates saying this will be the last week of trading – it's prompted an outpouring of heartfelt messages. Good news for foodies, a new M&S food store and BP service station could replace an empty hotel which has been shut for nearly two decades.The derelict site along the A2 near Gravesend could be set for a new lease of life after closing in 2006.A support network set up to help Dads across the county is set to expand You can hear from the founder of DadSpace and how he plans to help other fathers with their mental health. And a restaurant in Folkestone has been given 30 days to fix “unbearable” noise coming from an extractor fan after neighbours likened the constant humming to the sound of a “jet engine starting up”.Tenants in the flat above say they're stuck with the noise for 13 hours a day, five days a week. 

A Kent mum and her two young sons have to sleep in their living room because rats have infested the upstairs bedrooms and loft.Ebonie Evans has told the KentOnline Podcast how the vermin have “destroyed everything” at the house near Folkestone, including her £200 trainers.Also in today's podcast, drivers say they're facing "absolute mayhem" at a controversial new junction as traffic lights have failed four times in as many months.Contractors spent more than a year ripping out a roundabout in Ashford and replacing it – but angry motorists say it is “lucky nobody has been killed”. An amphibian and reptile club has hit back at claims made by a welfare charity that it does not look after its animals correctly at its exhibitions.The Amphibian and Reptile Club, which holds meet-ups in venues across Kent, is refuting allegations including animals are kept and sold in plastic takeaway tubs and refused water. It's been called the “end of an era” – a family-run Kent company has closed after almost 50 years. The bus business has been transporting residents and pupils across the county since it was founded in the mid-1970s.And you can hear from the Gillingham manager ahead of their Carabao Cup clash later. Swansea away in the first round wasn't a draw many fans will have welcomed but Mark Bonner says he's picked a team to give it their best shot.

There's shock today at the sudden closure of Folkestone Sports Centre.Trustees have released a statement saying the facility can “no longer afford to remain operational”. We've got reaction from Folkestone Swimming Club which uses the pool. A petition has also been set up in a bid to save the facility.Also in today's podcast, a mum from Faversham has written a book to try and raise awareness after being diagnosed with a mostly symptomless condition that can cause infertility.Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb and can be extremely painful.An urgent search is underway for more dog and cat foster carers in Kent to help victims of domestic abuse.Charities that run the service have seen a rise in demand from people who are fleeing violence.Lucy's been chatting to Becci Philpott from the Dogs Trust's Freedom project.In sport, Kent's Nathan Hales has won gold for Team GB in the men's trap shooting final at the Olympics in Paris.He set a Games record by hitting 48 out of 50 targets in Paris.Meantime, Kent rower Emily Craig has been back in action at the Games.She was in the semi-finals of the women's lightweight double sculls with partner Imogen Grant.

The family of a woman who died after spending months on an NHS waiting list say she was 'let down'.43-year-old Jo Sharpe from Ashford had been referred to a specialist after suffering a seizure in January - but passed away earlier this month.Also on today's podcast, there's a warning temperatures could top 30 degrees in Kent today.A heat health alert is in force across the county and won't end until Friday morning. We've been chatting to Kent's deputy director of public health.If you live in Folkestone, you're being asked what you think should happen to the town's library.The building on Grace Hill has been closed since December 2022 because it became unsafe for customers and staff. We've been speaking to a campaigner who's keen for the facility to re-open.There are fears introducing parking charges in part of Kent will kill the town centre.Until now, shoppers heading into Tonbridge on a Sunday didn't have to pay.But, plans have been approved to extend week-day charges to 8pm, and at weekends, Sunday charging will be introduced. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has been getting reaction.And in sport, Kent's Emma Raducanu has got off to a winning start in the Washington Open.She beat Belgium's Elise Mertens in three sets.

A man's been charged with attempted murder after a soldier was stabbed near an Army base in Medway.24-year-old Anthony Esan from Mooring Road in Rochester is due in court accused of carrying out the attack near Brompton Barracks on Tuesday evening.Also in today's podcast, every council leader in Kent has signed a letter calling on the government to reduce the risk of disruption when the new EU entry exit system is introduced this autumn.There are concerns the biometric checks at the port of Dover and Eurotunnel at Folkestone will cause traffic congestion in the county. We've been speaking to Kent County Council leader Roger Gough.If you regularly travel from the mainland to Sheppey, you're probably well aware the Kingsferry Bridge has been closed recently for major repair work.The steel ropes that help the bridge move up and down need replacing. Reporter Joe Crossley has been to the site to see how work is progressing.Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat has put name forward to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservative Party.The shadow security minister says he wants to be the next Tory Prime Minister.More than 19,000 children in Medway are already signed up to activities in the Towns this summer.MedwayGo kicks off on Monday and will run for four weeks of the school holidays. Hear from Councillor Teresa Murray who is the deputy leader at Medway Council.And, and the Gillingham boss has praised their new signing Marcus Wyllie.The 25-year-old gave up a job teaching in a special needs school to join the Gills from non-league Enfield Town.

A man's been arrested following reports of a sex attack in Gillingham.An area was cordoned off by police earlier - hear from our reporter Sean McPolin who was there earlier.Also in today's podcast, The mum of a boy who died in a hit and run in Folkestone is calling for reforms to the justice system.Seven-year-old William Brown Jr was trying to collect a football from Sandgate Esplanade when he was struck last December.Almost 40 fines have been issued to food delivery riders in Canterbury after new rules came into force.The public spaces protection order bans riders from aggressive driving, dangerous manoeuvres, excessive noise and putting others at risk.Footage has been released of the moment police arrested a Maidstone man as part of an investigation into half a tonne of cannabis.A bloodstain found amongst the drugs in a storage container was forensically linked to John Small, 61, from Brunswick Street.There's been a significant increase in the number of cases of rickets in part of Kent - according to figures seen by the KentOnline Podcast.122 were recorded in 2019 by East Kent hospitals trust - that had risen to 580 last year.Cricket, and Kent's Zak Crawley says he'll continue to play aggressively as England take on the West Indies in the second Test.England have a 1-0 lead after winning by more than an innings at Lord's last week.

Election 24, Episode 27Imagine a selection box only filled with the best chocolates. Now imagine that in audio form.You've just imagined this episode. Today's candidates are: Emily Thornberry, Labour, Islington South and Finsbury@EmilyThornberryhttps://www.emilythornberry.com/ Damian Collins, Conservative, Folkestone and Hythe @DamianCollinshttps://linktr.ee/damiancollins Thomas Daw, Green, Weston-Super-Mare@CllrThomasDawhttps://northsomerset.greenparty.org.uk/general-election/ Christian Wakeford, Labour, Bury South@Christian4BuryShttps://christianwakeford.org.uk/Just 539 to go...If you are a candidate or know one who'd like to come on the show, email politicalpartypodcast@gmail.comSEE Matt at the Edinburgh Festival in August: Matt Forde The End of an Era Tour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode: We discuss why it's so important to attend conferences and other meetups, share the best moments from your careers, and play an all-new game: guess how many credit cards Mikaela has? - Exploring Mars from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at NASA: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/exploring-mars/id6475634958 - Paul's iOS Simulator tip: https://x.com/twostraws/status/1760304617441952038?s=20 - Apple's International Women's Day event: https://developer.apple.com/events/view/M3M552SRZ6/dashboard - iOS Dev Happy Hour: https://iOSDevHappyHour.com - Cocoa Conferences: https://cocoaconferences.com - SwiftCraft in Folkestone: https://swiftcraft.uk - Deep Dish Swift: https://deepdishswift.com - SwiftConf: https://swiftconf.com - Danielle Lewis on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dlewisdev - Apple's Racial Equity and Justice initiative: https://www.apple.com/racial-equity-justice-initiative/ - Form to be featured in the App Store: https://developer.apple.com/contact/app-store/promote/ - Telemetry Deck: http://bit.ly/3T9Gfqb