Podcasts about Sittingbourne

A teenage motorcyclist who died in a crash near Sittingbourne has been described as the 'kindest of souls'. Oliver Tarvit collided with a VW transporter while riding along Lower Road in Tonge last month. The 17 year-old's parents have now vowed to improve the safety of the 60 mile per hour road. Also in today's podcast, a union's warning staff at Darent Valley Hospital are struggling to maintain safe hygiene standards because of a water supply issue. A fault in the heating system means taps in a large part of the building in Dartford have been deemed contaminated since last week. UNISON claims patients are being put at risk. Hear from their south east regional secretary and the interim chief executive of the hospital. Victims of domestic abuse in Maidstone are being given an easier way of accessing mental health support. A new pilot will see experts working alongside volunteers at a drop-in hub. Bosses at a Kent shopping centre say they're now at 100 percent occupancy, just a year after taking over the site. The Forum in Sittingbourne was struggling with nine empty units before Vanguard Properties UK Ltd bought it for £2.4 million. It's now full and average weekly footfall is up 24%. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A hearing has been told the headteacher of a school near Canterbury took her own life amid fears she was developing dementia. Alison Higgins had worked at Barham Primary for 10 years before her death, and was described as thoughtful, supporting and caring. Also in today's podcast, the head of a special needs school in Kent has warned they may be forced to make redundancies following a lower than expected funding increase. Five Acre Wood School, in Maidstone, supports nearly 900 students with severe and complex needs. They have received a 1% per-pupil uplift in cash from Kent County Council, but that doesn't account for rising inflation or additional cost pressures. Hear from the head teacher and the response from the local authority. The mother of a young cyclist who was killed in a collision with a bin lorry in Swanley is calling for improved safety measures. 19-year-old Jack Bruce died following the crash on Swanley Lane in September 2021. Investigations from the family's legal team found the refuse truck had one of its mirrors poorly adjusted, and had indicated only moments before. The MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey has led a debate in the Commons over the future of the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery. The vessel sank off the coast of Sheppey in 1944 and government contractors have now been appointed to remove the masts following safety concerns. A Medway woman is still living in a Premier Inn, six months after a car crashed into her home. Jill Robson has been staying at the hotel at Medway Valley Park since the vehicle damaged the front of her property on Cuxton Road last October. And, in sport Maidstone United face Tonbridge Angels in the final of the Kent Senior Cup tonight. The game is taking place at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Police investigating the death of a 19-year-old in Whitstable have charged two men with murder. Officers had been called to reports of an assault in Belmont Road in the early hours of Good Friday, Ashton Harrington had suffered stab wounds and died at the scene. As part of the investigation, officers arrested two people at a property in Sittingbourne on Monday afternoon. Also in today's podcast, after the boss of South East Water revealed he won't be accepting his bonus this year, the KentOnline Podcast has been told it's the least he can do. David Hinton issued a statement after being quizzed by MPs for the second time about major outages in December and January. Hear from Tunbridge Wells rep Mike Martin whose constituents were affected by water issues before Christmas. A Medway MP has joined a campaign for tighter alcohol restrictions on delivery apps following the death of a local man. Glenn Perkins died after being admitted to hospital with liver disease after spending up to £60 a day on drink which he ordered straight to his front door. Roads bosses in Kent are being urged to put in the 'strongest possible bid' for money to fix a road in north Kent that's been closed since a landslip. Traffic hasn't been able to use Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe since a large chunk fell away in April 2023. In sport, it was a disappointing result for Gillingham on the road last night. Ronan Hale scored early on for the Gills at Cheltenham Town, but two second half goals from the hosts saw the match end 2 - 1. Hear from the goal-scorer and manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"Every milliliter lost translates to delayed timelines and increased costs."For early-phase biotech companies working with limited API batches, this is the central challenge of sterile injectable manufacturing. Peter Mollison, CEO and co-founder of Eramol, a UK-based pharmaceutical CMO, has built an entire facility around solving it.Peter Mollison and David Cox, Site Director at Eramol, joined the PharmaSource podcast to discuss the company's new purpose-built sterile injectable facility opening in Q2 2026 in Sittingbourne, Kent. The 11,000-square-foot site features a 2,000-square-foot GMP Grade A/C/D clean room suite engineered to achieve less than 1% material losses, well below the industry standard of approximately 10%.In this episode, Peter and David explain the engineering decisions behind the low-waste design, how the facility's end-to-end capabilities simplify outsourcing for biotech, academia, and research clients, and what it takes to build a sterile manufacturing site that meets 2023 EU GMP Annex One standards.Read more.

Former partners of a carer from Sittingbourne whose lies sent an innocent man to prison, have spoken of their own ordeals after she was jailed. Lauren Kinrade made false allegations against a 71-year-old cancer patient who she was meant to be looking after. Her victim was arrested and spent three months behind bars as a result of her claims. Last month 35-year-old Kinrade from Pembury Court admitted perverting the course of justice and was sentenced to four years. Also in today's podcast, help is being offered to hundreds of parents who are scrambling to find somewhere for their children to go after the Easter break following the closure of a school in Ramsgate. St Lawrence College has been struggling financially and recently abandoned plans to merge with another private school, Dover College. Two burglars from East London have been jailed following a high-speed police chase on the Thanet Way. Officers were pursuing a Porsche which had been stolen from a property in Birchington in January. The car crashed into a Tesla and the men tried to run away through woodland. A meeting's been held to discuss plans to repair and reopen a road in north Kent - three years after a landslip. Residents in Swanscombe say they're fed up with traffic diverting and causing disruption following the closure of Galley Hill Road. And, Mimi Webb's told us she's already working on a third album. The Canterbury-born singer is back in the studio after only just releasing the deluxe edition of Confessions: An Unexpected Turn of Events. It includes five new tracks including Ends in Y which sees her riding a horse in the video. In sport, Gillingham have extended the contract of fan favourite Bradley Dack. The 32-year-old will be staying until the end of next season. Hear from him and manager Gareth Ainsworth ahead of their trip to promotion chasing Salford City this weekend. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An investigation is underway after a skydiver died at at an airfield in Kent. Emergency crews were called to Headcorn Aerodrome yesterday morning after eyewitnesses reported seeing 'an object' falling from the sky. Operators, Go Skydive, say a British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident. Also in today's podcast, police have released pictures of two men they want to speak to following a fatal stabbing in Whitstable. 19-year-old Ashton Harrington was found in Belmont Road in the early hours of Good Friday. There's a warning health services in Kent could be impacted as strike action gets underway this morning. Resident doctors, who used to be known as junior doctors, are walking out until next Monday. It's over a long-running dispute with government about pay. A young woman from Kent has been telling us about her battle to get treatment for a common condition, after nearly seven years of symptoms. Freya Baker has hyperhidrosis - which causes excessive sweating. The 25-year-old, from Teynham near Sittingbourne, says it makes it difficult to work or carry out day to day tasks. And in sport, Gillingham's six-game winless run has come to an end. They beat Accrington Stanley 2 - 0 in front of the home crowd at Priestfield yesterday. Defender Andy Smith scored his first goal for the club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you're looking to get on the housing ladder, figures today have revealed the most and least affordable parts of Kent. Property prices in Dover are just seven times residents' earnings, but in Sevenoaks it's much higher at more than 10 times. Reporter Sam Lennon has been in Dover and speaking to people who live and work in the town. Crews have been tackling a blaze at a car dealership in Canterbury which caused heavy smoke and travel disruption. Seven fire engines were sent to the Mercedes-Benz showroom on Sturry Road at around half five this morning. Plans to build 2,500 homes near Sittingbourne have been delayed. A decision on the development off Sheppey Way in Bobbing was due to be made last night, but it's been deferred by Swale Council. Hear from local democracy reporter Dan Esson. A Medway mum's been forced to give up work to look after her son after he was given a place at a mainstream school that can't support his needs. Five year-old Hudson Black has autism and sensory processing disorders but was given a place at Parkwood Primary in Rainham which says it isn't suitable. We've been speaking to Hudson's mum Charlotte. A Kent campaign group has welcomed a landmark ruling in the US, against the owners of Youtube and Instagram. Google and Meta have been found liable for young woman's addiction to social media. We've got reaction from Whitstable Unplugged. And in sport,  it's a trip to Crawley Town for Gillingham in league two this weekend. The Gills will be hoping to end a run of four defeats. Hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth and defender Sam Gale. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An investigation's underway following a fire at a café in Strood. Emergency crews were called to the High Street at about 4am and at its height seven fire engines were at the scene along with a height vehicle. Also in today's podcast, drivers have been stuck in gridlocked traffic because of a closure of the Medway Tunnel. There was a power failure overnight which led to long delays through Strood, Gillingham and Chatham. We have the latest on the situation from councillor Alex Paterson. Two of Kent's MPs are calling for a crackdown on catapults being used to hurt animals. Dartford's Jim Dickson has raised the issue in the commons, meantime, Faversham and Mid Kent's Helen Whately has been to visit an animal rescue centre where volunteers deal with wildlife that's been injured. Hear from Mark Henderson from the Columbines Wildlife Care in Teynham near Sittingbourne. Also on the podcast, we've been hearing from the mother of a young girl from Kent who lives with a rare condition that's left her locked in her own body. 11-year-old Poppy has Rett Syndrome, a degenerative disease that's rarely seen in boys but affects one in every ten-thousand girls. And in sport, Sam Northeast says he wants to help Kent secure a move back to the top flight this season. The batsman has rejoined the county after being involved in Glamorgan's promotion from league two last summer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A huge fire has engulfed several vehicles and industrial buildings after breaking out near Sittingbourne late last night. Fire crews were called to Matts Hill Farm shortly after people reported hearing loud explosions. Also in today's podcast, the father of an 18-year-old girl who died during the Kent meningitis outbreak has described his family's devastation as “immeasurable” as they call for urgent changes to vaccine access. Juliette Kenny, a Year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, died on Saturday - less than 24 hours after first falling ill. Opposition parties have stormed out of a “divisive fantasy debate” on immigration at County Hall. In scenes of high drama rarely seen at Kent County Council Liberal Democrat leader Antony Hook led the members out after saying the motion was a “political stunt” based on “discriminatory assumptions”. Dad-friendly play dates are being launched in Tunbridge Wells this weekend by support group Dad La Soul. The two hour sessions blend play and culture, offering men a place to connect and engage with their children And in football, Gillingham's run of games against promotion chasers is over, but they're still expects a tough test at Priestfield this weekend.  The Gills have conceded 12 goals in their last three games –  you can hear from striker Ronan Hale as they prepare to welcome Bristol Rovers.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The number of cases of meningitis in Kent has risen to 20. Medics say six are confirmed to be group B meningococcal disease - or MenB. Meantime, a mum has spoken of her shock after her daughter became ill and ended up in hospital. 21-year-old Keeleigh Goodwin lives in a house share in the Wincheap part of Canterbury and started to feel unwell over the weekend. The outbreak is being linked to three events at Club Chemistry in the city and anyone who went there is being urged to get antibiotics as a precaution. So far, 2,500 doses of antibiotics have been handed out at four clinics in the county. In this episode, you can also hear from Dr Anjan Ghosh who is Kent's director of public health. Other top stories, and, a Birchington man who organised the supply of class A drugs across east Kent has been locked up. Police say the 30-year-old used a luxury watch business as a cover up and was caught singing while handling his illicit money. A father and step-daughter have joined forces to bring traditional English dishes to a Kent town with a new “upmarket” eatery in a former landmark pub. Businessman Henry Cooper and Tabitha Bennet are transforming the old King's Head in Sittingbourne into a café and restaurant. And in sport, the Gillingham manager is focusing on performance, rather than results, after last night's loss to Swindon Town. They were defeated 2-0 at Priestfield despite managing 20 shots on target. Hear from Gareth Ainsworth and young striker Harry Waldock. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The family of a teenager from Faversham who died after contracting meningitis say they're 'beyond devastated'. 18-year-old Juliette Kenney was in the sixth form at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School. A student from the University of Kent has also died, while other young people remain in hospital. The UK health security agency has confirmed Meningitis B is the strain behind the outbreak. Babies have been vaccinated against it since 2015, but older students aren't protected unless they've had the jab. Also in today's podcast, the multi-million pound rebuild of a school near Sittingbourne has been completed, following more than 18 months of work. It means Teynham Primary will be able to welcome more pupils in future, as hundreds of new homes are also planned for the area. The new Archbishop of Canterbury is setting off on an 87-mile pilgrimage today - ahead of her installation at Canterbury Cathedral. Dame Sarah Mullally will walk from St Paul's Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral, joining prayer services at churches and abbeys along the way. And in sport,  the Gillingham boss has told his squad they need to toughen up ahead of tonight's clash against Swindon Town. The Gills have suffered a run of disappointing results - losing 5 - 0 to Cambridge United last time out. They're sitting 17th in League Two, while tonight's visitors to Priestfield are in 6th. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tributes have been paid to a “fiercely loyal” and “always smiling” big sister who died in a crash. Ammber Fenn was driving her car towards Sittingbourne on the A249, near Sheppey Crossing, when it collided with a BMW on January 30. Also in today's podcast, a leading expert has been asked to help with a project to tackle health inequalities in Kent. The county council say it's one of their top priorities - after stats revealed people in some coastal areas have poorer health and a shorter life expectancy that those inland. We've got the details as it's been revealed one of Kent's MPs has declared more in outside interests since the start of 2025 than any other by some distance. Tom Tugendhat has two additional jobs paying almost twice the average salary for only a few hours a month, and has taken expensive trips around the globe paid for by foreign governments and think tanks. The KentOnline Podcast has spoken to a Kent woman who's recovering from an eating disorder and says weight loss jabs are creating a worrying new dynamic for people with body image issues. Shannon Travers-Spencer says she tried to purchase them when suffering a relapse - and found it far too easy. And in football, it's a trip to promotion chasing Cambridge United for Gillingham this weekend. It follows Tuesday night's 5-1 defeat to MK Dons at Priestfield – you can hear from striker Sam Vokes who says they're determined to put things right.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

House-building plans are in jeopardy as South East Water has warned that it has the capacity to supply water to only one third of all the new homes being planned. Bosses in Tonbridge and Malling are in the process of drawing up a new Local Plan which allocates land for more than 19,000 new homes across the borough by 2042 - expanding the borough's population by over a third. Also in today's podcast, the 999 call an e-bike rider made to the emergency services after striking a 91-year-old as he put the rubbish out has been released. Clifford Cage has become the first cyclist in British legal history to be convicted of manslaughter but has avoided being sent to prison – you can hear from the daughter of the victim who spoke following the sentencing.  A mum-of-three who created an award-winning podcast after losing her husband in a scuba diving tragedy has published her first book about coping and recovering from losing a partner. Ben Moss from Faversham failed to resurface during a trip near Dover and his body's never been found – wife Rosie started a podcast to share her story and hear from other widows.  The owner of an animal sanctuary has spoken to us about her relief after legal proceedings against her were dropped. The action had been brought against the Happy Pants Ranch near Sittingbourne after it was alleged that the animal sanctuary had failed to comply with a noise abatement order it had served after neighbours reported disturbance. And a visitor car park at one of the UK's most famous beauty spots is now being locked overnight following a surge in anti-social behaviour. The National Trust has introduced the restrictions at a 300-space site serving the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New proposals to create two Traveller sites have been submitted just weeks after legal action started because several mobile homes had been stationed without permission. It follows several ongoing planning disputes over the use of the farmland near Gravesend in the past three years.  Also in today's podcast, dramatic police footage has emerged showing a fleeing thief leaping from a second-floor window to avoid being arrested. When officers tried to arrest Bobby Thorpe, he refused them entry to the Tonbridge property, and they forced their way inside. A campaign started in Kent calling for the age women are first called for a mammogram to be lowered could now be debated in parliament. It's after a chemotherapy nurse noticed an increase in the number of younger women with breast cancer.  The boss of a dedicated live music venue opening this weekend says it will bring “quality entertainment” to a town that is currently “underserved”. Stuart Cameron is launching The Swale Assembly in what used to be Life nightclub in Sittingbourne High Street.  And in football, Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has spoken of the ‘seemingly endless resources' available to midweek visitors MK Dons. They're second in the League Two table ahead of their visit to Priestfield tonight, five points behind leaders Bromley and with a game in hand. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Sittingbourne man's avoided jail after becoming violent and punching the windscreen of a packed school bus when he was denied entry by the driver.  He was “extremely intoxicated” at the time and demanded to be let on board while the vehicle had been stopped in traffic.  Also in today's podcast, you can hear from a Kent charity who say they've had a record year for the amount of surplus food they've redistributed. FareShare collects products from supermarkets that would otherwise go to waste - bosses say they've hit targets they haven't seen since the pandemic.  Parts of a former Debenhams are set to undergo a major transformation starting this week - with a medical centre earmarked for the site in Folkestone.  Plans to transform the Art Deco section of the town centre building, known as Folca Two, have been in motion to bring the property back into public use. We've got the details on a bid to make Thanet the “Isle of Culture” for 2029  Artist and Margate resident Dame Tracey Emin, along with East Thanet MP Polly Billington, have kickstarted the campaign. And in football, we've heard from manager Gareth Ainsworth after a late equaliser denied Gillingham victory on Saturday. The Gills looked set to earn all three points before Fleetwood struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a point, the game ending 1-1. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Friends and family have paid tribute to a popular restaurant manager – saying the “inspiring” young woman died “far too young”.  Charlotte Redsell was a much-loved and well respected boss at Fish 55 in Rochester but the community was rocked by her death last October at the age of just 26.  Also in today's podcast, a killer captured on CCTV shouting "I've got a nice surprise for you" as he swung a machete-style blade at his victim before chasing him to his death has been jailed for 16 years. Chris Maclean could also be heard yelling "Game over" after the pursuit of Jay Gerrett in Sittingbourne tragically ended with him falling from a height of 13ft down an embankment and retaining wall into the path of a passing car on the road below. A window cleaner whose heart stopped nine times while he was working at a pub admits it is a “miracle” he is still alive. Joe Carver suffered a cardiac arrest while on a job in November 2025 – he spokes to us and says it was the wake up call he needed.  You can hear from a Kent teen who only last summer left school but is now running her own business. 18-year-old Daisy Webb has opened The Boat and Bean cafe bar in Wateringbury after deciding university was not for her.  And in football, after a disappointing 3-nil defeat last time out, Gillingham head to Barrow this weekend. They've dropped to 16th in the league two table and are 12 points off the play-offs – we've spoken to defender Robbie McKenzie ahead of the match.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plans have been put in to add another shop to the retail park in Sittingbourne. The owners want to convert an area of land that's currently used for parking between Carpet Right and Dunelm at the site in Mill Way. Hear from reporter Alex Langridge who has been covering the story. Also on today's episode, a Sheppey woman who lost her dad to cancer is calling on peers not to stand in the way of the assisted dying bill. MPs voted it through last June with a narrow majority. It's now being debated in the House of Lords, but faces more than 1,000 amendments. Claire Blythe's dad Thomas passed away in December after being diagnosed with lung cancer, she's been speaking to reporter Joe Crossley. Nurseries in Kent are taking on a challenge to read at least four books a day, as data show children's reading has hit a 20-year low. Figures from the National Literacy Trust show one in ten children don't own a book and only half of parents read with their child daily.   Busy Bees Nurseries across the county are taking part in a nation wide initiative to help promote reading at home. A former arcade on Sheppey is set to reopen as a sports lounge. The site in Beachfields in Sheerness has been empty for several years after closing during Covid. Neptune Sports Lounge is moving from its current location in Neptune Terrace and we've been speaking to owner Charlie Minta. Bosses at Rochester Cathedral are hoping to install solar panels on the roof of the historic building. The Church of England has set targets for all of its sites to be carbon neutral by 2030, and we've been speaking to Simon Lace who's Chief Operating Officer at the Cathedral. And in sport,  it was a very disappointing weekend Gillingham. They were beaten by 3-0 by Oldham at Priestfield on Saturday, leaving them 16th in League Two. We've got reaction from manager Gareth Ainsworth and midfielder Bradley Dack. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A driver has issued an urgent warning to Kent residents selling vehicles online after ruthless “black oil” scammers sabotaged his car.The Folkestone man says conmen posing as buyers distracted him while secretly pouring oil on the engine of his Mercedes in a calculated bid to convince him it was worthless.Also in today's podcast, an inquest has heard a much-loved dad died after being crushed by a concrete drain at the construction site he was working on. Joe Heath was helping build a new logistics centre for COOK Classic in the Eurolink Industrial Estate in Sittingbourne when his death occurred. Angry residents say their new-build homes have been “ruined” by a spiked metal fence installed just feet from their windows.Homeowners and council tenants at the Woodlands development in Broad Oak, near Canterbury, told KentOnline they now feel like prisoners.People living in a country lane are fed up with flooding on the road outside their homes – but there's no obvious cause. There is a section of Vicarage Lane in East Farleigh that floods every time it rains and then remains flooded for days afterwards.And in sport, Tunbridge Wells' Matt Weston is a double Olympic champion - and a history maker twice over - after steering Team GB to victory in a dramatic inaugural team skeleton event at Milano Cortina.Following a record-breaking victory in the men's event, Weston once again proved he is the world's best with a storming run with he and his partner topping the podium in a landmark moment for British sport. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A busy country lane plagued by potholes is damaging cars every day and one woman fears it will affect her business.She's been documenting the downfall of the stretch in Hartlip, which has left her out of pocket due to damaged tyres.Also in today's podcast, a final report into the deaths of at least 27 asylum seekers in the Channel has found the coastguard at Dover had been placed in an "intolerable position". Systemic failings have been identified in search and rescue efforts when a small boat overturned in 2021.One of Kent's historic waterways has 10 times more bacteria than the River Seine in Paris had when Olympic events were postponed because of pollution.For years, residents have complained about the smell in Sittingbourne and now research shared with the KentOnline Podcast shows just how bad the water quality really is. The boss of a wild cat conservation charity says plans are already underway to rescue a Lynx from war-torn Ukraine.Ursa was found being kept illegally as a pet and she's currently living in a centre in Kyiv, but £100,000 has been raised to bring her to Kent.And in football, they Gillingham boss is expecting this weekend's visitors to Priestfield to be tough opposition. The Gills are looking to regain some form with recent defeats leaving them 14th in the table – you can hear from Gareth Ainsworth ahead of kick off tomorrow.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Ellis, an estate agent from Sittingbourne, shares his honest experience with Lifesycle CRM, exploring mindset, intent based data, and AI to win more instructions and improve client conversations.

Bosses in Deal are being urged to crack down on campervans parking outside homes.People living near Sandown Castle Community Garden say it's led to rubbish, including gas canisters, being dumped near their properties.Hear from our reporter Louis Walker who has been covering the story.Also in today's podcast, a Kent woman says she's 'lost all faith in the NHS' after being diagnosed with an incurable cancer.Victoria Rodwell from East Malling first went to her GP with throat issues 16 months ago. She's been speaking to reporter Davina Jethwa.A Dartford man is starting a campaign to have defibrillators in all schools and colleges after managing to save his wife's life.Suzanne Cutler suffered a cardiac arrest while travelling home from a family celebration with her husband and daughter.Pupils at a Kent school who have been taking part in a smartphone detox, have told the podcast they would support a ban on social media for under 16s.The government is consulting on the idea of introducing restrictions similar to Australia.A couple who run escape rooms in Chatham have expanded to a third site in the county.Rob and Nikki Kimber set up Hysteria Games eight years ago after visiting a similar venue in London on a date.The new venture is based in a unit in Sittingbourne - our reporter Joe Crossley has been along to get a sneak peak.Football, and Gillingham have made it back-to-back wins in league two.They beat Harrogate Town 3-0 away from home on Saturday, following a victory over Newport County the previous weekend.Hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth and goal scorer Conor Masterson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A woman who died in a motorbike crash in Kent just days before Christmas has been remembered as 'loving and free spirited'.Syntia Franczak is thought to have been the pillion passenger on the bike that was involved in a collision on the A228 Pembury Northern Bypass on December 20th. Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has been covering the story.Also in today's podcast, we've got an update on the water supply issues that have been affecting Kent over the past week.The taps are flowing again in Tunbridge Wells but not before a calf died of suspected dehydration at a farm.The Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP is leading calls for the government to treat gambling as a public health emergency.Kevin McKenna has hosted a debate in Westminster Hall addressing how problem gambling has long lasting and serious impacts on children.Meantime, the Dartford MP has spoken in the commons about the importance of investment in grassroots sports facilities.An entrepreneur is about to embark on a new venture - opening the first Caribbean takeaway restaurant in Maidstone.Mitchell Bennett has spent the last 15 years as a music promoter presenting Garage National events at venues across the town.And in sport, bottom of the table Newport County are the visitors to Priestfield this weekend.Gillingham have gone two weeks without a game after their match with Notts County was postponed because of a frozen pitch, hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A campervan has been torched in a suspected arson attack just an ‘arm's length' away from where a young family was sleeping in Sittingbourne. Firefighters were called to battle the on-fire Volkswagen in the residents' car park outside the Litmus House flat block off Vellum Drive in the early hours of Monday morning. Also in today's podcast, a man accused of repeatedly stabbing a uniformed British Army officer in the street has pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder.Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court via video link from high security psychiatric hospital, he admitted trying to kill Lt Col Mark Teeton near Brompton Barracks on July 23, 2024.A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued as Storm Goretti is set to batter areas of the Kent coast.The Met Office says gusts in exposed areas could reach 70 mph, with the caution covering seaside towns in the south of the county. You can hear from a young mum who says writing about her husband's death made her go back to therapy, but also forced her to face the worst moments of her life.Emma Charlesworthdidn't want her partner to become just “another statistic” and hopes her new book will bring comfort to those who have been widowed young. And a 30th birthday party's being thrown for Ashford International Station - as a campaign to bring it back into use continues.The facility opened on this day in 1996 - the same year Legoland also welcomed visitors for the first time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A waste company has apologised after workers were filmed taking a homeless woman's possessions from outside a store in Dover, and dumping them in their truck.Footage at KentOnline shows the Veolia staff removing a mattress and personal items from outside the Boots store in the town centre. Hear from reporter Millie Bowles who has been covering the story.Also in today's podcast, people living in Tunbridge Wells woke up to another day of water issues earlier. South East Water say a series of bursts at one of their sites was to blame.It comes after boss David Hinton faced MP's yesterday over an outage that left customers without supplies for two weeks in the lead up to Christmas. He has faced further calls to resign from local MP Mike Martin.There are suggestions the Port of Ramsgate could open up again, to help relieve pressure on Kent's roads.Plans are reportedly under consideration as part of the preparations to reopen Manston Airport for freight. But, this comes as Thanet District Council are looking to reduce the amount of money they have to invest to keep the facilities in working condition.A hard hitting play written in Kent about young people and mobile phones is being performed in parliament.Generation FOMO is based on interviews and conversations with students at schools and at the Uni of Kent.A new event space has opened up in Folkestone, taking over a site that's been abandoned for the last 50 years.The Loft is situated on the upper floor of the Petticoat Emporium which opened it June last year but the building had previously been home to M&S and Wilko.And finally, the KentOnline Podcast has been hearing how Kent's only greyhound racing track has managed to survive when so many others have shut down.Central Park in Sittingbourne has been running dog races since 1994. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A woman has told how she was left lying on a hospital floor for more than five hours, vomiting and in agony, as staff walked straight past her.The 61-year-old says she was treated “appallingly” at the William Harvey in Ashford after being taken to the busy A&E via ambulance.Also in today's podcast, a landlord has smeared white paint over CCTV cameras around his pub causing more than £6,000 worth of damage. He used rollers to cover the lenses as well as sensors on car park barriers and says he was trying to protect the privacy of his customers. A charity helping women on probation to rebuild their lives has opened a new centre in Kent.Many of those who use Advance are victims of domestic abuse, caught in the criminal justice system as a result of some kind of trauma.Dozens of pharmacy customers, including many Blue Badge holders, have been fined for parking at the entrance to an industrial estate while collecting their medication.For decades, visitors have been stopping on the double yellow lines at the entrance to the London Road industrial estate in Sittingbourne while grabbing their prescriptions but they've suddenly started receiving fines. And in football, the Gillingham manager says unacceptable defensive mistakes and missed chances led to defeat at Fleetwood on Saturday.You can hear from Gareth Ainsworth, as well as midfielder Armani Little, following the 2 -1 loss.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Parents say their children have been left traumatised after being shot at with paintballs near Sittingbourne.Four boys aged between seven and twelve reportedly had to hide behind a bus shelter in Iwade after being targeted by suspects wearing balaclavas in a black SUV.  Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has been following the story.Also in today's podcast, a mum from Broadstairs has been found guilty of attempted murder, after stabbing her disabled daughter.Carla Lovejoy attacked 28-year-old Isabella at their home in Guy Close in St Peter's on March 20th this year - the victim suffered wounds to her chest and abdomen.The 53-year-old will be sentenced in the new year.Health bosses in Kent are warning the impact from strike action by resident doctors could roll into the new year.Today is the start of a five day walkout as members of the British Medical Association continue to push for better pay and conditions. We've been speaking to Dr Kate Langford who is the chief medical officer for NHS Kent and Medway.A damning report has been released by prison inspectors following a visit to HMP Swaleside on Sheppey.The findings reveal it has one of the highest rates of violence of all prisons in England, while drones were also being used to fly in drugs and weapons. Hear from Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor.Business bosses in Kent say they are not surprised to see unemployment numbers rising.Figure show 39,645 people were claiming out of work benefits in October, that's a rise of of 370 compared to the previous month.In sport, Gillingham's young players are in FA Youth Cup action tonight.The under 18s are taking on Stevenage in the third round at Priestfield - hear from boss Joe Dunne. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thousands of motorists have been told they must “face the consequences” after a campaign was launched to overturn speeding fines on one of Kent's busiest routes.Drivers have been ordered to pay £100 after police started enforcing a temporary 50mph limit on the Sheppey Crossing – almost two-and-a-half years after it was reduced from 70mph.Also in todays podcast, police have responded to “horrendous” scenes at a council HQ after a debate about making the borough a “district of sanctuary” for asylum seekers turned ugly.One of the men's toilets on the first floor of Swale council's offices was damaged and taps were left running, flooding the floor and causing water to leak through to the ground floor.The family of a mum who suffered a catastrophic stroke while living her dream life in France have been left heartbroken by her sudden death.They're now facing a bill running into the thousands to have her body returned to Kent. Next week's planned strike by resident doctors has been raised in the commons by a Kent MP.The medics are whether or not to walk out for five days from next Wednesday – Ashford's Sojan Joseph is concerned about the impact it'll have.And you can hear from Kent charity bosses as they react to new government plans to tackle homelessness. They've unveiled their stratgey with funding for support services and measures to stop people ending up on the streets. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An over-21s bar in Sittingbourne could have its licence suspended after complaints about “irresponsible bottomless brunches” and "excessive noise”.Lang's Bar & Cocktail Lounge, in the town centre, could also have its opening hours cut back and manager removed following a hearing this week.  Also in today's podcast, a Maidstone woman who has a sight condition has told us about the moment she was almost hit by an e scooter.She was walking through an underpass with her guide dog Mabel when it happened and is warning parents against buying them as a Christmas gift this year. A swimming ban at a popular beach is to be lifted following the release of new water quality results.Deal Castle Beach was rated ‘poor' by the Environment Agency in November 2024, prompting advice to stay out of the water - with some swimmers also reporting feeling unwell after taking a dip.New proposals for a Traveller site have been submitted after it was revealed a previous plan was approved for the wrong field.Permission was granted for one mobile home, touring caravan and day room on a plot in Sole Street by the Planning Inspectorate earlier this year.And a Kent mountaineer who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan is getting ready to complete his latest challenge. Hari Budha Magar, from Canterbury, has been scaling the highest peaks on each of the seven continents and it about to head to Antarctica to tackle the final one.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Faversham couple have spoken about their decision to pull their children out of school and travel the world.James and Liberty Carew have decided to swap their traditional 9 to 5 jobs for real-world experiences across the globe.Also in today's podcast, the owner of a Kent animal sanctuary hit by bird flu, fears she may have to find 16-thousand pounds to have other animals there tested for the virus.More than 60 birds at Happy Pants Ranch in Newington near Sittingbourne had to be culled at the end of last month.Villagers in Hadlow say plans for hundreds of homes are going to 'take the soul' out of their community.An application for 116 homes and a community car park on agricultural land in Court Lane have been submitted, following another application for 100 properties on the edge of the village.Bosses at a Kent Christmas tree farm say the quality on offer this year is better than ever.It follows general warnings we could see "gappy" trees this years after growers battled low rainfall over summer and mild temperatures in autumn - hear from the owner of Hole Park Christmas Trees in Rolvenden.And in sport, the Gillingham squad have been playing Traitors as part of a bit of team bonding.They're doing challenges to win shields and trying to work out who's a faithful. Hear from defender Remeao Hutton and manager Gareth Ainsworth who's been chatting about tomorrow's game against Barnet. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People living on a road in Sheerness say they are having sleepless nights and suffering 'horrendous noise' coming from a house being turned into an HMO.The podcast has been told work at the property on Alma Street has been going on for more than two months. Hear from a neighbour who claims it has also caused damage to her home.Also in today's episode, a Kent charity that supports young refugees has criticised the government's plans to overhaul the asylum system.Under proposals announced yesterday, most will have to wait 20 years to apply to settle here permanently.A Kent dad says children's lives are being put at risk due to a lack of pavement along a stretch of road in Sittingbourne.Daniel Thomas is calling for pavements to be installed on Highsted Road following a series of near misses. He's told our reporter there's been a lack of action since a nearby housing estate was finished in 2007.A Kent woman who became the legal guardian of 15 children at the age of 22 has been telling us how she's helping families in Tanzania.Letty McMaster travelled there on a gap year and ended up taking over an orphanage that would otherwise have closed down.And in sport, Gillingham's young players are in FA Youth Cup action tonight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A hearing has been told how a 95-year-old man from Herne Bay stabbed his partner of 30 years while suffering from delirium, days after being discharged from hospital.Ernest Gray killed Margaret Day - who was 86 - at their home in Broomfield Road in November 2023.Also in today's podcast, we've been hearing from a Kent supermarket worker as a new survey shows more than 70% have suffered verbal abuse.Retail trade union Usdaw say nearly half of workers have been threatened and 9% have actually been assaulted. In the run up to Christmas, one worker has shared his experience.There are calls for urgent action from tech companies as figures show a rise in online grooming crimes in Kent.The NSPCC says cases have reached a record high - with 298 recorded in the county last year. We've been speaking to the charity.A Sittingbourne woman who was told she was too young to have breast cancer has created a bucket list after being told the disease is now terminal.Shanice Bennett from Sittingbourne was diagnosed when she was just 23, three years later, the cancer has spread to her bones, lungs and liver.A Maidstone dad says his street is like a "lorry formula one" - with HGVs constantly breaking the 30-mile-per-hour speed limit.Luke Knightly-Jones moved to a house in Heath Road in Boughton Monchelsea in August, he's been speaking to reporter Elli Hodgson.And, a former student at the University of Kent has been shortlisted for a prestigious TikTok award.Joy Anokwuru covers all things entertainment, celebrity news and trending topics in her viral videos shared with her 45,000 followers.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A car dealer is still in limbo more than four months after a wall collapsed onto his forecourt, leaving him hundreds of thousands of pounds out of pocket.Tom Bowles, who runs the business in Sittingbourne, said his “heart sank” when he arrived to find many of his vehicles had been crushed by the fallen rubble on July 2.Also in today's podcast, the mother of a 16-year-old girl killed in a car crash almost two years ago says she feels her daughter has been “forgotten about” as the long-running police investigation continues.Alisha Marie Ponter died after the car she was a passenger in overturned in Maidstone last February. Details of two garden settlements totalling 7,000 homes have been released for public consultation - despite campaigners calling for delays. They include one for a 5,000-home settlement at Lenham Heath to be known as Heathlands, and one for a 2,000-home settlement at Lidsing, on the border with the Medway Towns. In football, Gareth Ainsworth says Gillingham's exit from the EFL Trophy at the hands of big-spending Wycombe Wanderers was a learning experience for everyone.Wycombe won the game at Priestfield 3-0 to eliminate the Gills from the competition and take second spot in the group.And as we make our way through Movember, the KentOnline Podcast has been hearing about the ongoing impact of Covid on young people's mental health.Students at the Uni of Kent have launched a campaign to raise money and awareness by rowing 700 kilometres this month. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It looks like a derelict hotel on the A2 near Gravesend will be turned into a petrol station and M&S food store.Plans for a £10 million redevelopment of the Tollgate site have been recommended for approval.Also in today's podcast, a Kent turkey farmer has told us it's 'business as usual' despite restrictions coming in to try and stop the spread of bird flu.There has been at least one confirmed case in the county - with more than 60 birds having to be culled at the Happy Pants Ranch near Sittingbourne.Councils across Kent and Medway have released five different suggestions of what local council reform could look like.New maps show how the county could be split up into unitary authorities. The leader of Medway Council, Vince Maple, has been talking us through them.Work is underway to convert an old toilet block on Sheppey into a brand new event space.Plans were originally submitted by the boss of Elmley Nature Reserve back in 2017 - but it was delayed by Covid.And in sport,  the Gillingham manager has revealed more about his heart surgery, and why it couldn't wait.Gareth Ainsworth was found to have a murmur during a routine health check.You can also hear from striker Seb Palmer-Houlden who has been chatting ahead of the weekend's game at Bristol Rovers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textIn this episode we'll be visiting two national railway museums, in Utrecht and York, a gala event at the East Lancashire railway, and riding on standard and narrow gauge heritage lines, the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway, run entirely by volunteers in Kent, and the STAR museum railway in the Netherlands, and along the way, discovering a replica broad gauge pioneer, running on rails 1945mm apart...Links to all the railways and museums below:Home Page - The East Lancashire RailwayHome of 80097 BR 4MT Restoration and Ivatt 46428 - Bury Standard 4 GroupThe Class 56 Group – Class 56 Locomotive PreservationNational Railway Museum - YorkEurostar.com: Book Europe train tickets and holidaysKom naar het Spoorwegmuseum | Het leukste station van Nederland - Dutch National Railway Museum in Utrecht, NetherlandsHome - Museumspoorlijn STAR - STAR Museum Railway, Stadskanaal, NetherlandsSittingbourne and Kemsley Railway This podcast is produced by Laura Raymond and presented by Alasdair Stewart and Sharon Gregory. Our 'Making Tracks' music is with kind permission of composer and musician Richard Durrant. It is a unique piece inspired by the rhythm of the historic rolling stock on the Ffestiniog Railway on the scenic journey from Harbour Station to Tan y Blwch. You can listen and download the full 'Tan y Bwlch' Ukulele Quartet here: Thank you to voice artist David King - for the Railway Ride outs voice over. Ukulele Quartet No. 1 "Tan y Bwlch" Ukulele Quartet No. 1 "Tan y Bwlch" Richard Durrant · Single · 2019 · 3 songs.

A former nurse who groped a lone woman near a shopping centre whispered, “You're not like the other ones who usually scream.”He'd spotted the stranger before subjecting her to the terrifying ordeal near Ashford Designer Outlet in broad daylight. Also in today's podcast, the boss of an animal sanctuary says her “heart is numb” after revealing her birds are at the centre of an outbreak of avian flu - and will all have to be culled.Amey James, who runs Happy Pants Ranch in Newington says several ducks, turkeys and cockerels fell ill last week.Changes are on the way for the ambulance service that covers Kent as it merges with another to form a larger group. Union bosses says the merger between South East Coast Ambulance and South Central Service must protect jobs, pay and conditions. Fees at Kent's priciest public car parks are set to increase again in a move branded “diabolical” and “greedy” by residents.The most expensive sites in Canterbury and Whitstable are proposed to rise by 10p an hour, despite fears it will have a “huge knock-on effect” on small businesses.And one of Kent's biggest foodbanks is launching a campaign with the help of former boxer Barry McGuigan to get enough food to help families over winter.You can hear from bosses at Canterbury food bank who want us to get involved in their Reverse Advent Calendar. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

And our host Ally Pitts is introducing the screening in Banbury! Sergei Eisenstein's 1925 masterpiece finishes its centenary run in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on Sunday 26th October 2025 with screenings at The Light cinemas. Those The Light locations are in: Addlestone, Bolton, Bradford, Cambridge, Huddersfield, New Brighton, Redhill, Sheffield, Sittingbourne, Stockport, Thetford, Walsall, and Wisbech. The film is screening as part of The Light's Iconic strand. Ally also mentions the musician Hugo Max's current UK tour accompanying the silent films Cabinet of Dr Caligari, Nosferatu, Häxan, and Der Golem for the spooky season. Links: https://banbury.thelight.co.uk/ https://thelight.co.uk/  https://banbury.thelight.co.uk/iconic https://hugomax.co.uk/halloween-with-hugo-uk-tour-2025https://hugomax.co.uk/scoring-silent-cinema https://hugomax.co.uk/upcoming-performances  https://letterboxd.com/ally_pitts/list/silent-films-with-scores-by-juliet-merchant/ https://www.bfi.org.uk/bfi-film-releases/battleship-potemkin Klassiki: Battleship Potemkin is also on the streaming service Klassiki with a score by Max Reinhardt & the Instant Orchestra. For a 30-day free trial: https://klassiki.online/arussiansovietmoviepodcast/  If you use the code RUPOD50, you can get 50% off an annual subscription. https://letterboxd.com/ally_pitts/list/my-klassiki-recommendations-updated-regularly/detail/  Contact us/socials: All the links for a Russian & Soviet Movie Podcast and Ally Pitts you're ever likely to want or need: linktr.ee/russiansovietmoviepodcast linktr.ee/ally_pitts  We changed the name of the show a little while back, but the social handles/contacts are a bit of a mishmash. Email: russophilesunite@gmail.com Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/Ally_Pitts/ Instagram: instagram.com/russiansovietmoviepodcast/  instagram.com/ally_pitts_movies_etc/  Listen to Ally's other podcast appearances on Podchaser

A hearing's been told how a young man died in a tragic accident on a railway line in Kent as he attempted to leave the UK.An inquest was told the 25-year-old Albanian national was trying to cross the tracks near the Motis Lorry Park last September.Also in today's podcast, There's been a mixed reaction to new bus fares that've come into force in parts of Kent.Stagecoach have increased their prices by 10p for short or medium-length journeys. We've been hearing what people in Maidstone think while Stagecoach have told us why the price hike is necessary.Plans for 100 new homes and sports facilities in a village near Maidstone have been delayed again.Residents in Lenham have been waiting six years for a decision on the development off Old Ashford Road. Hear from the chairman of the parish council.Kent Fire and Rescue are praising the work of their volunteer unit, as it celebrates its tenth anniversary.The Volunteer Response Team is on call 365 days a year and works with crews at the scene of fires and floods.Drivers have helped rescue three dogs after they were dumped by a roadside in Sittingbourne.The animals were seen being left by a van driver on Ruins Barn Road before the vehicle sped off.In sport, hear from the Gillingham manager who has revealed he will be undergoing planned heart surgery this week.Meantime, Gillingham's unbeaten run under Gareth Ainsworth has come to an end. We've got reaction from midfielder Bradley Dack. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

​A woman spared jail for lacing a bottle of coke with laxatives which left a man with severe diarrhoea boasted on Facebook she was free within hours of leaving court.The 38-year-old poured more than half a bottle of lactulose into the fizzy drink which was then guzzled by the unsuspecting victim.Also in today's podcast, a rugby referee rushed to hospital after almost collapsing during a match is warning others not to ignore their body if they are not feeling right.He was officiating a tie between Duke of York School in Dover and King's Rochester in Medway when he began struggling just minutes after kick-off.There are calls for more of us to have conversations about organ donation as figures reveal 120 people from Kent have died while on the transplant list over the last decade.Numbers given to the KentOnline Podcast also show 118 people from the county received potentially life-saving surgery over the past year.A hairdresser is cutting her losses and has transformed her salon into a private healthcare clinic in Sittingbourne - with the help of a former client.She's been in the hair industry for 40 years but says the salon had become unprofitable in recent years so she made the “devastating” decision to close it.And, a “nurturing and inclusive” music school for youngsters with special needs is set to move into its new home.Specialist college SupaJam will set up shop at the former NatWest building in Swanley next year – you can hear from their CEO about who they are and what they do.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A pregnant woman who pulled into a McDonald's car park after feeling faint has been forced to pay a £100 fine for overstaying the time limit.The mother-of-four stopped at the fast-food restaurant in Orbital Park, Ashford, as she feared she would pass out at the wheel.Also in today's podcast, we've got more reaction to the news the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich are going to merge to form one “super uni”.We've spoken to university bosses who haven't ruled out redundancies, and the Canterbury MP who's unhappy about how the news broke.Floral tributes and touching messages have been placed at a school as heartbroken staff, pupils, and parents mourn the loss of a much-loved teacher.Concerned colleagues went to the 45-year-old's home on Monday, after she did not turn up for work and failed to call in sick.A Reform UK councillor has launched a campaign to try and prevent drink spiking after he was targeted at a pub in Ashford.Dean Burns is thought to have had his beer tampered with while out with friends and was left virtually unconscious.And a former boxing coach is hoping to launch a pie and mash empire after opening his first east London-style shop to much fanfare.You can hear from the owner of Julian's Pie and Mash in the Forum Shopping Centre in Sittingbourne which opened last week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Universities of Kent and Greenwich are set to ‘merge' in a shock move that's the first of its kind.An email's been sent to staff at the University of Kent this morning announcing the "formal collaboration" – it follows a difficult period financially for the Uni of Kent.Also in today's podcast, a group of MPs says our food security could be at risk as 'alarming amounts' of meat and diary products are being illegally imported into the UK.A report by the committee has described conditions within a facility at the Port of Dover where checks are carried out as 'inadequate'.A  man who had just put down a deposit on a house with his partner is fighting for his life after suffering four strokes and a bleed on the brain.The 23-year-old from Maidstone had suffered a headache all week when he sneezed in Costco last month. A town that has been without direct train services to London for almost four decades could see them return.Since 1989, passengers heading to the capital from Sheerness have had to get off at Sittingbourne and wait for a connection – but Southeastern is looking to bring back a direct service. And final preparations are being made for a relay around Kent and Medway to spread the message of suicide prevention. More than 130 baton bearers will carry the Baton of Hope across the county in memory of people who've been lost - we've spoken to one of the organisers. 

Disgruntled drivers are refusing to pay their admin fees and say they're prepared to go to court over parking fines at one of Kent's country parks. It's after it was revealed some were issued penalty notices, despite having proof they'd paid to park. Also in today's podcast, a drink-driving teacher has avoided being banned from the profession after claiming he only got behind the wheel because he “feared for his life” following a knife attack.The former head of chemistry was more than double the legal limit when he was stopped by police. People living on newbuild estates across part of north Kent are banding together to help others in their battle with management companies.Firms have been coming under the spotlight following reports of charges going up - but work not being carried out.You can hear from wildlife experts who were against plans for 2000 homes near Canterbury and are now welcoming news the land's been removed from the city council's local plan.The site is not included in a revised document which sets out where building could take place - meaning properties will need to go elsewhere in the district.And with children back at school this week and autumn under way - we're being encouraged to make sure winter vaccines are booked in.Online bookings have opened for Covid and flu jabs which will start to be delivered next month.

Police have taped off the car park of a council office building in Sittingbourne.Officers were called to Swale House on East Street last night while paramedics were also reportedly seen early this morning. Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has also been there.Also in today's podcast, a Sittingbourne mum has told us how it took her having a 'breakdown' in an A&E ward to find out her daughter has a life-changing condition.Morgan Austin from Teynham gave birth to Matilda in January and was told her baby had reflux. She was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy and now needs extensive physiotherapy.Police have told the podcast they won't be arresting anyone for putting up flags in public places across Kent.You may have noticed Union Flags appearing on lamp posts in recent days while roundabouts and road markings have been spray painted to look like St George Crosses.A popular shop in Rochester has reopened two days after a suspected arson attack.The door and front of Get Ready Comics on the High Street was badly damaged when a floral arch outside was reportedly set alight early on Tuesday morning. Hear from the owner who has been chatting to us while a police investigation is underway.And in sport, Kent's Emma Raducanu says she's looking to build on progress every day as she continues her strong run at the US Open.She's through to the third round after beating Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen.

A four-year-old boy has died after being hit by a bus outside a Kent hospital.Emergency crews rushed to the car park at the QEQM in Margate after it happened yesterday afternoon.The little boy has been named as Zaahir Jan and his mum has posted a heartbreaking tribute online.Also in today's podcast, two men have been charged with murder by detectives investigation the death of another man in Sittingbourne.He reportedly fell from a wall and collided with a vehicle after being chased in the town centre on Saturday night.A housing company's being urged to do more to support residents in Strood who say they're dealing with ongoing sewage problems.We're told waste from toilets has been coming up through sinks at Kingswear Gardens. We've been speaking to someone who lives there.It's feared more people in Kent could be glorifying animal cruelty on social media for likes and shares.The RSPCA has released figures showing a 27% rise in reports across the country between January and May - hear from the charity.A Dover businessman's hit out at the local town council after a public bike rack was installed directly in front of the doorway to his new property.Roger Knight's planning to launch an art gallery on the first floor of the former Barclays bank building in Market Square.A group of young people are preparing for their first performance of one of the most popular musicals - after just two weeks of rehearsals.Medway Academy of Performing Arts launched a summer intensive programme and will put on a production of Les Misérables over the next three days.And in sport, it's Gillingham's first home game of the season this weekend...They're taking on Walsall in league two at Priestfield after drawing with Accrington Stanley last Saturday.

A family have been forced to leave a Kent holiday park in the middle of the night after finding bugs on their bedding.The Allen's had booked a five-night stay at Parkdean Resorts in St Margaret's Bay, near Dover - hear from reporter Oliver Leonard who has been following the story.Also in today's podcast, a Margate mum, who's battling breast cancer, says she's stuck in a nightmare legal battle to evict a tenant from her former family home.Kelly Eastland needs £60,000 to pay for pioneering treatment in Germany. She's been explaining what has happened over the past few months.Police have launched a crackdown on catapult crime in Kent following concerns about people and wildlife being targeted.Since the start of June, the force has received around 14 calls a day about the use or possession of the weapons. Hear the moment officers confronted children in Maidstone and Rochester.The boss of a Kent coffee business has thanked everyone who donated to a GoFundMe after they suffered a devastating fire.Around 100 emergency crews were called to Sittingbourne's Eurolink Industrial Estate when Hormozi Coffee went up in flames in April.New data's revealed thousands of pounds worth of premium bond winnings has been left unclaimed in Kent.The investment scheme works by entering savers in a monthly draw for tax-free prizes of up to £1 million.And in sport, ahead of Gillingham's first home game of the season, Armani Little has been speaking about being named captain.The midfielder was handed the armband ahead of Saturday's trip to Accrington Stanley.

The family of a 30-year-old battling a cancer so “horrific” that medical professionals cried while performing radiotherapy is pleading for help with more treatment.Chatham man Alex Able is believed to be the only adult ever recorded in the UK to be diagnosed with the very rare and aggressive Rhabdoid tumour and is now in a race against the clock.Also in today's podcast, you can hear from a Kent campaigner who agrees the system for regulating water companies should be overhauled and Ofwat replaced. It's after a landmark review of the sector outlined 88 recommendations to the government to turn the industry around. A grandmother forced to ‘claw' her way from addiction has reconnected with family thanks to a £4,000 government cash injection.Sarah is among a small group in Kent, being supported by Canterbury-based charity Porchlight, to have joined a first-of-its-kind trial, examining the effects of giving former rough sleepers greater financial help.An animal sanctuary owner says she is “hoping for a miracle” with less than seven weeks before an eviction deadline.Amey James, who runs Happy Pants Ranch, is trying to raise £500,000 to buy the land where she and more than 400 animals live.And in football, the Gillingham manager is confident the goals will come this season - and says ‘don't judge us yet!'You can hear from Gareth Ainsworth after the Gills suffered a 2 – 0 loss to Luton Town in their pre-season friendly. 

A Kent man who had the privilege of travelling with a megastar for one of the biggest global events has been reliving the memories of Live Aid 40-years on. You can hear from broadcaster Steve Blacknell who flew on Concorde with Phil Collins as the singer jetted from the London show to Philadelphia in July 1985. Also on today's podcast, investigations are underway after an Amazon delivery driver died following a collision involving a train near Sittingbourne. Rail services had to be suspended due to the crash in Teynham – one of our reporters has been at the scene. You can also hear from a Medway woman who's been telling us how scary it was to be diagnosed with skin cancer after years of using sunbeds.Levi-Mariah Verrall had to have a biopsy after noticing a small pigmentation on her face in 2022 and now she's hoping her story will serve as a warning to others. A former international athlete knocked down by a car while out jogging managed to get to her feet and run more than half a mile home - despite suffering a fractured spine.The driver has appeared in court after the runner was struck near Canterbury, sending her tumbling into a grass bank and onto the road.And in football, Gillingham's draw against Reading gave their manager a good feeling about what the team could achieve in the future.We spoke to Gareth Ainsworth after Saturday's match. 

A huge fire's broken out at an industrial estate in Strood - with smoke visible from miles away.Crews were called to the Viridor recycling centre on the Medway City Estate just before six this morning. Hear from a reporter at the scene and a man who works nearby.Also in today's podcast, a hosepipe ban has been announced for a large part of Kent as the hot weather puts pressure on supplies.South East Water say in recent weeks demand has increased to record levels for this time of year. We've been hearing from the Water Supply Director at the company.A car salesman has told us he could be forced to close his business in Sittingbourne after a wall collapsed onto a number of vehicles.Tom Bowles reckons the damage to his fleet of vehicles could reach £120,000 - he has been speaking to reporter Joe Crossley.The first electric aircraft of its kind has crossed the Channel to Kent.The two-seater plane touched down in Lydd before making the onward trip to Rochester Airport.A team of four pilots aged between 17 and 23 and involved in the project to reduce CO2 emissons and noise pollution.A Kent dad who plays in a Madness tribute band will honour his daughter by performing at a festival more than two years after her death.Caitlin Goodsell was aged just 17 when she passed away in 2023 - after being diagnosed with a complicated heart condition when she was just eight weeks old.Preston Summerfest in Canterbury is raising money for Demelza children's hospice.And in sport,  it's another pre-season friendly for Gillingham this weekend.They're hosting Reading at Priestfield tomorrow.

A couple say their new build home in Kent is still suffering from flooding issues eight years after they moved in.The most recent happened during a severe storm earlier this month when water got into the front room of the building in Aylesham Village near Canterbury. Hear from reporter Millie Bowles who has been following the story.Also in today's podcast, two housing estates in Maidstone could receive funding for upgrades, after being selected for a "trailblazing neighbourhood" scheme.Senacre and Park Wood will receive £20 million over the next ten years as part of community-led renewal efforts.One of Kent's new Reform UK councillors has told us we'll be 'blown away' by what a DOGE team have uncovered at county hall.They were sent in to examine the finances at the county council after the party swept to victory at the local elections in May. Hear from Councillor Maxwell Harrison who is the new deputy cabinet member for communications and engagement.The next phase of a £60 million regeneration project is due to get under way in part of Maidstone.More than 100 new homes are already being built in Shepway.A terminally ill Rochester woman has had her tongue rebuilt after a sore in her mouth turned out to be cancer.Emma Byron was first diagnosed in 2023 before the disease returned the following year. She's now decided to do a 200-metre-high zip line above Lake Bled in Slovenia and has been speaking to reporter Charlotte Philips.Students have moved into a multi-million-pound new building aimed at doubling the intake at Teynham Primary School.Plans for expansion of the site near Sittingbourne were submitted in 2023 and work began last spring.And in sport, Kent's Alex Mitchell and Ben Earl have arrived in Australia for a tour with the British and Irish Lions.It follows their defeat to Argentina in Dublin on Friday night.

This week two managers with different weeks behind and ahead of them. First up, Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell, who has already seen his step 4 side dispense of Southend United among others in one-off games this season. Burgess Hill Town their visitors on Friday in their play-off final, a game he's very much looking forward to. Next, a manager who bowed out last weekend after 34 years as boss at Camelford FC. Reg Hambly may have hung up his gaffer's jacket at the south west peninsular club, but it's clNear non league will still be at the heart of his life Play offs, non play offs and managerial moves will fill this weekend's Non League Paper and Jon Couch gives us a heads up of how he thinks it may all pan out. .

Will Jodie in Sittingbourne beat Alison in Redditch in the race for the smart speaker?