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00:00Hello and welcome to Kent Tonight Live here on KMTV.
00:25I'm Oli Leder and here are your top stories on Wednesday the 3rd of September.
00:31Crossing costs, anniversary of Euleth's scheme marks increase in Dartford charge.
00:37Them having to travel across to get our own supplies for the business really add up, especially
00:44with the increase overall.
00:46Dancing for hope, midlife movers perfect their steps ahead of taking to the stage in Dreamland.
00:53And it was in the 60s, it was a taboo subject, couldn't talk about it, and yeah, and it's
01:01very dear to my heart, so I'll be doing this one for my dad.
01:06Image and power, Churchill's iconic outfits go on show in Sevenoaks.
01:11These items saw some of their most iconic moments in our national story of the 20th century,
01:16so to have them here on these beautiful new mounts reflecting Churchill himself is really
01:20special.
01:22Well first tonight, this week marks two years since the Euleth's border expanded and with
01:35it has come an increase to another charge that Kent commuters know all too well, the Dartford
01:41crossing.
01:42From this week, it's going to cost £1 more for standard vehicles making the trip.
01:46And while residents of Dartford and Thorpe can pay for unlimited crossings, some worry
01:51that local businesses and commuters will hit hard by the increase.
01:55Piment Dermot has been down to Dartford to hear what people make of the change.
02:01It's been two years since the controversial Euleth's border expanded to all London boroughs,
02:06meaning anyone passing into the capital with a vehicle that doesn't meet emissions standards
02:10would have to pay a charge.
02:12And for motorists travelling between Kent and London, the Dartford crossing adds more
02:16costs, which this week is increased by £1 per trip.
02:21Now for people living here in Dartford, they might not necessarily be affected by the price
02:25change and that's because they can apply for a local residence discount.
02:28But businesses can't apply for that discount, so for those trading in and around the town,
02:33they might struggle with the increase.
02:34We don't have our food delivered, we get someone to pick it up for us and them having
02:40to travel across to get our own supplies for the business really add up, especially with
02:47the increase overall on food as it is.
02:50The bills of crossing it on and off really add up and it affects also delivery drivers
02:56too that have to travel across and just everyday normal people.
03:00For a standard driver, the fee has gone from £2.50 to £3.50, while buses, coaches and
03:05vans with two axles changed from £3 to £4.20 and any with more than two axles, which were
03:11£6, are now costing £8.40 per trip.
03:15While those living in Dartford can use the residence scheme, some think the increase is
03:19unfair on commuters and businesses.
03:20Well, I don't think it's fair really for people who've got to go across there to work.
03:25You know, it's coming at their wages, isn't it?
03:28You know, I personally don't drive now, so I don't go over that way now.
03:32I used to, but I don't now.
03:34Well, putting the price up, well, people are still going to use it.
03:39I mean, so it's like when you've got a big car and they want to put the tax, people are
03:45still going to pay it.
03:46You know, that won't stop it.
03:48It makes me think a lot of what we're actually doing with our money in terms of paying taxes
03:52and stuff.
03:54Priorities, for example, do we actually have this as a priority?
03:59Since the Dartford Bridge being an expense priority, yeah, that would be my thought really, making
04:07sure that we actually understand that if it's a charge that we should be paying or not.
04:12The Department for Transport and MP Lillian Greenwood say they're aware that these necessary
04:17changes to the charges will be unwelcome news for users of the crossing.
04:21However, we will continue to support local people through the Local Resident Discount Scheme,
04:25and I have been determined to keep the nominal fee paid by local people as low as possible,
04:30as many rely on the crossing to get around their local area.
04:33Drivers who live in Dartford or Thurrock and who have signed up to the scheme will pay £25
04:37for their unlimited annual crossings from 1 September 2025, a small increase from the
04:42current annual fee.
04:44Many will hope that the charge's increase might reduce congestion rather than impact local businesses
04:49in Kent that get their supplies from across the river.
04:52Finn McDermid for KMTV in Dartford.
04:55Now, as the day nears when the Basin of Hope makes its first tour throughout Kent and Medway,
05:04many charities, communities and individuals are preparing to attend the day to share their
05:09story and support those who have been affected by suicide.
05:12Before one dance group, they're practising their moves for their performance at the finale
05:18of Hope.
05:19Daisy Page went down to their dance class to find out what this day means to them.
05:23But please be advised that this report contains some content which viewers may find distressing.
05:32The midlife movers are practising their next steps for their next stage.
05:46The group originally started in 2022 as a dance class for people over the age of 40 years old
05:52and has grown to all across East Kent and has since become much more than choreography but community.
05:59Groups of people have met and made
06:01friends with friends and they go out and we appear to be supporting many, many issues because I know that the
06:10upper age bracket are very, very complex and that can be anything from feeling lonely because they've lost loved ones,
06:20they're grieving, there's mental health issues, there's sometimes grave illnesses and of course the mental
06:27health umbrella is huge. It's connecting people and giving a lot of people a purpose.
06:37But their latest dance aims to raise awareness of suicide prevention.
06:41Perfecting their routine before performing at Dreamland this September where they'll be performing at the
06:48Evening of Hope which will mark the end of the event of the Battle of Hope's first ever visit to Kent and Medway.
06:53Making its way from Medway through Maystone and Canterbury before finishing the day at Margate.
06:59It will be carried by bearers who all have their own personal stories.
07:03I mean this means a lot to me because in the late 60s I lost my dad to suicide.
07:10And it was in the 60s, it was a taboo subject, I couldn't talk about it.
07:15Yeah, and it's very dear to my heart so I'll be doing this one for my dad.
07:22The button is a physical symbol of the work the charity is doing to boost conversations around mental health and saving lives.
07:29But in the lead up to the 22nd of September, the midlife movers will keep practicing their steps ahead of the day.
07:40Daisy Page for KMTV in Sandwich.
07:43If you've been affected by the issues raised in this report, the Samaritans can be reached on 116 123.
07:56Very inspiring stuff there.
07:58Now, Hyde is expected to see a lot of pink this weekend as Evie Dove Foundation is hosting its big coastal walk.
08:07The event will see over 250 people walk along the coast on Saturday to raise funds for paediatric health workers
08:15in memory of a teenage girl who died from a brain tumour in 2022.
08:19Well, joining me on the line now is Callie Di Nello from the Foundation.
08:25Callie, it's great to have you with us.
08:27What is the Big Coastal Walk?
08:29What's it all about?
08:31Thanks so much, Oli, and lovely to be here.
08:34Yeah, I'm Callie from the Evie Dove Foundation and really, really thank you for having us.
08:39The Big Coastal Walk is our big annual walk for the Foundation where we aim to have around 250 people walking from Hyde,
08:49about a 16 mile walk, plus we have a smaller walk for younger walkers.
08:55And where we are trying to raise some money for the Evie Dove Foundation and which funds the, as you say,
09:04the training of people working in healthcare for sick children.
09:08The foundation is set up in memory of my beautiful niece, Evie, who passed away in 2022 with a brain tumour.
09:15And to make some purpose of what felt like a really senseless loss to us as a family,
09:21the Evie Dove Foundation was set up with the hope of raising funds to support people who work in healthcare,
09:30based on some of the amazing people that we'd met during Evie's journey of treatment.
09:36And in the last three years, Oli, we've raised almost £450,000, which is absolutely incredible and beyond our wildest dreams.
09:45To see that amount of money raised from such a tragic event.
09:49Like, how does it feel to kind of see that impact in your day-to-day life?
09:53I work in the NHS, so I'm the trustee who basically links the foundation through to the NHS.
10:01And so I can both see the money being raised that really, you know, is so inspiring.
10:07So many people giving so much effort and time and giving of their energies to raise money.
10:15And can also see the impact on the NHS where we're funding people who work in children's services,
10:21who wouldn't otherwise have access to training and development.
10:25And they are then learning new skills so they can go on and care for other sick children, you know, more effectively.
10:32And they speak to us every day, the people we call our heroes,
10:36and talk to us about what a difference that training has made and how the foundation has helped them to really,
10:43you know, to really progress in their career and provide better care for people.
10:47So I'm hoping this is the site that anyone in Hyde will see, the one that you're showing on the screen now.
10:53There's lots of pink t-shirts walking down the coastal path.
10:56You're already wearing yours, ready for the occasion tonight.
11:00I'm just wondering, what can we expect from this weekend?
11:03And what do you hope to see on the streets of Hyde?
11:06Thank you so much.
11:08So, yeah, it's from Hyde to Folkestone and round.
11:11So anybody in that area, please look out for us.
11:14If you'd like to join us, there's still a few spaces left.
11:17So if you feel like a lovely walk with some like-minded folk, please do come and join.
11:23There's no expectation that people will need to raise lots of money.
11:27Just come and join.
11:29Share with us in Evie's memory of our beautiful girl who lived a short yet amazing life and celebrate that.
11:36Callie, on that note, we'll have to leave it there.
11:38Thank you so much for joining us on the program.
11:40Send us all your pictures.
11:41And we'll be back after the break with our health expert, Dr. Julian Spinks.
11:45See you in a few minutes time.
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15:11Hello and welcome back to Kent Tonight, live here on KNTV.
15:15And to some business news now, as Visit Kent, the county's official tourism board, has ceased
15:21trading, and is set to be liquidated.
15:24The decision follows the collapse of Umbrella Group Go To Places, which also runs Visit
15:29Herefordshire.
15:30Based in Canterbury, Visit Kent promoted the county at home and abroad.
15:34It's behind the popular Kent Big Weekend, but the future of that scheme is now in doubt.
15:40Leaders say a perfect storm of pressure has made the charity unsustainable.
15:45Financial services firm Crow UK has been brought in to oversee the liquidation.
15:51Now the driver of a tractor that fell from a motorway bridge onto the M20 is now in stable
15:57condition.
15:58The dramatic incident happened on August 18th in Rotham, between Junction 3 for Addington
16:05and Junction 1 for Swanly.
16:07Video shows the tractor's trailer lifting off the ground before separating and smashing
16:11onto the carriageway below, with the tractor following shortly after.
16:15Emergency services including paramedics and air ambulance attended and the driver was
16:19extracted and taken to King's College Hospital.
16:23Police closed the roads for around 12 hours for repairs and now appealing to witnesses to
16:27come forward.
16:30Now let's take a look at some of the topics filling the health headlines with our resident
16:33expert, Dr Julian Spinks.
16:36Julian, thank you for joining me in the studio and let's dive into one of the biggest headlines
16:47of the week, energy drink ban for under 16s.
16:51I think up to a third of UK children are thought to consume these types of drinks every week despite
16:55most supermarkets having already introduced a voluntary ban.
17:01What does this mean for our young people here in the county?
17:04It's been recommended for a couple of years and there are warnings on these cans that they
17:09shouldn't be drunk by children and younger teenagers, but it's been widely ignored and
17:15people managed to get hold of them.
17:18Some of them have surprising amounts of caffeine in them.
17:23If you're looking at some of the larger cans, you're looking at the equivalent of about three
17:29double espressos in one can.
17:31And I certainly know if I had that much caffeine, I would be jittery and so on.
17:37And if you're smaller, if you're a child or a young teenager, that's going to have a
17:40bigger impact.
17:42So Julian, with this, what is it, because this is banned for children, do you recommend
17:47these drinks to adults as well?
17:51I think in moderation we can allow that sort of thing.
17:53Because if you're larger, then some of the cans are actually not much more than a cup
17:59of instant coffee.
18:00Surprisingly, instant coffee has more caffeine than the espresso types of coffee.
18:05But for children, there's some clear evidence that it's associated with behavioural problems,
18:10with sleep problems.
18:11And ironically, although people think that caffeine makes you concentrate, when you're
18:15coming down off it, then you're less good at concentrating and so it can impact on school
18:19performance.
18:20I know as a journalist, I drink lots of coffees.
18:23What are some of the health risks or potential health benefits from my consumption habits
18:29when it comes to caffeine and any tips to kind of cut down?
18:32Well, I think as long as you're saying moderate, actually there's more benefits than losses
18:37with coffee.
18:38It does, the caffeine does slightly stimulate you, it can help you get through when you're
18:43feeling very tired and it's pleasant to drink and there's fluids.
18:46So there's lots of things that are in its benefit.
18:49It's when you go over the top, it's like everything else in life.
18:52Have too much of it, then you can start to get sort of dependent on it because you will
18:56come down when the caffeine starts to go down.
19:00It's not the same as being addicted to sort of drugs and alcohol and so on.
19:04There isn't a physical addiction in that way, but you get psychologically addicted to
19:08having that coffee there.
19:10So best thing to do, don't go cold turkey, just cut down the amount you're having.
19:14And maybe in the evenings, go for caffeine-free coffee so that it's not going to interrupt
19:19your sleep as much.
19:19Lots of useful tips here for us at home.
19:23Thanks Julian, always a pleasure.
19:27Now don't forget to keep up to date with all your latest stories across Kent by logging on
19:31to our website, kmtv.co.uk.
19:34There you'll find all our reports, including this one, about solar panels.
19:39The future of farming in Old Romney may be harvesting energy rather than food on the land.
19:46With proposed developments of a new solar and energy storage park, which is said to provide
19:51enough clean energy to power around 20% of all households in Kent every year.
19:56But residents are speaking out against what they are calling solar sprawl.
20:00Around 60 residents have been walking along the borders of farmland and the marsh to raise
20:06awareness of the solar panel plans for the land.
20:09Hands off our marsh say they are not against clean energy, with the land already home to a wind farm and solar panels.
20:15But they are concerned over the size of the industrial solar plant.
20:19And the solar panels will be up to five metres high because we're in a flood zone, so depending
20:25on the solar panels they choose, but we're anticipating that they will need to be raised above the ground
20:30significantly to avoid flood risk.
20:33And the battery storage units will need to be built on concrete plinths and they'll be housed in shipping containers
20:42that are about four and a half metres high.
20:45So if you imagine the size of Gatwick Airport and covering that with these huge solar panels
20:51and huge battery storage containers, we're really talking about proper industrialisation of beautiful green countryside.
20:58They worry that not only does this mean a lot of grade farmland, but there's scenic walks and wildlife too.
21:04Our concern is around using prime land to put solar in an area where we have really high winds,
21:12we're on a flood plain, and we don't get a lot of sun today being an exception.
21:17And we just don't think it's the most efficient place to do it.
21:20Put it on top of car parks, on buildings, but we just don't want it on farmland.
21:28And our other main concern living in the marsh is the drainage system that we have around here.
21:35We're really, really concerned about the impacts on our wider community from a flooding perspective.
21:41The South Kent Energy Park is just one of three proposals planned for the area.
21:46But developers of the site Low Carbon say that they are carefully reviewing the survey data
21:51and the feedback they have received.
21:53Adding that the changing climate poses a threat to UK agriculture and food security.
21:58They said their firm believes that their energy projects can benefit UK wildlife.
22:03Though the land's future remains uncertain, residents will continue to walk and raise awareness
22:08of their concerns about the loss of their scenic farmland.
22:11Daisy Page for KMTV.
22:14Now one for our history buffs, you can now get up and close with the garments
22:20from one of the most iconic figures in British history.
22:24He made Kent his family home.
22:26From this week, visitors will be able to see key outfits from the life of who's said to be
22:32the UK's most famous Prime Minister.
22:35We're of course talking about Winston Churchill.
22:37And we sent our reporter Gabriel Morris to Chartwell House
22:41to take a look before the display opens to the public.
22:45It's as if he's actually in the room with you.
22:50For Winston Churchill, much of his power came from his image.
22:54And he's certainly dressed to impress.
22:56His former residence Chartwell House is opening its doors to display iconic outfits from his time.
23:03Some have not been seen publicly since he last wore them, like this army officer's great coat.
23:09What I really hope is that visitors come to Chartwell and see these incredible items of clothing,
23:14not just as things that Winston Churchill wore, but as witnesses to history.
23:19These items saw some of their most iconic moments in our national story of the 20th century.
23:24So to have them here on these beautiful new mounts reflecting Churchill himself is really special.
23:29After Churchill's death, this part of his home was converted into a museum,
23:34looking a little bit like this adjacent room with 1960s displays.
23:39But now the National Trust has spent more than a year restoring the space.
23:43And this is what it looks like now, reminiscent of exactly how Churchill would have known it.
23:49In fact, this would have been the guest quarters.
23:52People like Charlie Chaplin and Lawrence of Arabia sleeping in this very room.
23:57The restoration also uncovered original 17th century beams and fireplaces.
24:03It's also the first time any outfits have been displayed on custom-made mannequins,
24:07designed to match Churchill's measurements, posture and gait,
24:11reflecting how he actually stood, walked and addressed a crowd.
24:15Around half a million people visit the house every year,
24:18and the National Trust says without them, any restoration wouldn't have been possible.
24:22People do have a fascination with Churchill, but actually when they get here,
24:26they see a family home and they see gardens as well.
24:28And we love it when people get out and explore the gardens and wider estate too.
24:32The National Trust is Europe's largest conservation charity.
24:35We look after this place forever.
24:37But you're right, it doesn't come cheap.
24:39So we rely on support from our members, from supporters, from donors.
24:43And we've been incredibly lucky that we've been able to generate the income
24:46in order to redo the uniform room.
24:48And as I say, we're delighted with the result.
24:50His silhouette was iconic, a bowler hat, a bow tie, and you couldn't forget the cigar.
24:58I have to ask, obviously he was quite a big cigar smoker.
25:02Up close and personal with some of these garments, could you smell any of that at all?
25:07Given that it's 60 years since Winston Churchill wore these garments,
25:11it's tricky just to say the extent to which scent remains,
25:14but cigars were definitely featured alongside him wearing them.
25:17And the siren suits, in fact, the upper pockets tended to be where his next cigar would be kept.
25:22Gabriel Morris for Kane TV at Chartwell House.
25:29Now from our darkest hour to the dark skies above us, here's the weather.
25:33Tonight is looking partly cloudy. Temperatures around 15 to 16 degrees.
25:44Some clear skies in Dartford and Medway.
25:46But tomorrow, lots and lots of rain across much of the county.
25:5017 over in Margate. Clearing up ever so slightly into the afternoon.
25:55Some sunshine peaking through 19 down in Maidstone.
25:59And for the weekend, cloudy on Friday. Sunny over on Saturday and Sunday.
26:0522 degrees throughout.
26:17Now it's time for a quick break.
26:19But once we're back, we'll be looking at our top story today.
26:23The increases at prices at the Dartford Crossing.
26:26The two year anniversary of the ULES to the Kent border.
26:30A very controversial story, that one.
26:32We'll also be finding out how Kent police is using money flogged from auctions
26:37to make for community projects up and down the county.
26:41All that and more in just a few minutes time.
26:44Please stick with us.
26:45Thank you for joining us.
27:01Thank you for joining us.
27:04Thank you for joining us.
30:08Hello and welcome to Kent Tonight, live here on KMTV.
30:15I'm Oli Leder and here is your recap of the top stories on Wednesday, the 3rd of September.
30:21Crossing Cost, anniversary of ULED ski marks increase in Dartford charge.
30:27Dancing for hope, midlife movers perfect their steps in a taste to the stage in Dreamland.
30:34And Image and Power Church's iconic outfits go on show in Sevenoaks.
30:40Now this week marks two years since the ULED border expanded and with it has come an increase to another charge that Kent's commuters know all too well.
30:52That's the Dartford crossing and from the 1st of September this week has cost £1 more for standard vehicles making the trip.
31:01And while residents of Dartford and Thorough can pay for unlimited crossings, some worry that local businesses and commuters will still be hit hard by the increase.
31:11Phil McDermott has been down to Dartford to hear what people make of the change.
31:16It's been two years since the controversial ULED border expanded to all London boroughs, meaning anyone passing into the capital with a vehicle that doesn't meet emissions standards would have to pay a charge.
31:27And for motorists travelling between Kent and London, the Dartford crossing adds more costs, which this week has increased by £1 per trip.
31:36Now for people living here in Dartford, they might not necessarily be affected by the price change and that's because they can apply for a local residence discount.
31:44But businesses can't apply for that discount, so for those trading in and around the town, they might struggle with the increase.
31:50We don't have our food delivered. We get someone to pick it up for us and them having to travel across to get our own supplies for the business really add up, especially with the increase overall on food as it is.
32:06The bills of crossing it on and off really add up and it affects also delivery drivers too that have to travel across and just everyday normal people.
32:15For a standard driver, the fee has gone from £2.50 to £3.50, while buses, coaches and vans with two axles changed from £3 to £4.20, and any with more than two axles, which were £6, are now costing £8.40 per trip.
32:30While those living in Dartford can use the residence scheme, some think the increase is unfair on commuters and businesses.
32:37Well, I don't think it's fair really for people who have got to go across there to work. You know, it's coming at their wages, isn't it?
32:43You know, I personally don't drive now, so I don't go over that way now. I used to, but I don't now.
32:51Well, putting the price up, well, people are still going to use it. I mean, so, it's not when you've got a big car and they want to put the tax, people are still going to pay it.
33:02You know, that won't stop it.
33:03It makes me think a lot of what we're actually doing with our money in terms of paying taxes and stuff.
33:08Priorities, for example, do we actually have this as a priority? Is the Dartford Bridge being an expense priority?
33:21Yeah, that would be my thought really, making sure that we actually understand that if it's a charge that we should be paying or not.
33:28The Department for Transport and MP Lillian Greenwood say they're aware that these necessary changes to the charges will be unwelcome news for users of the crossing.
33:36However, we will continue to support local people through the Local Resident Discount Scheme,
33:41and I've been determined to keep the nominal fee paid by local people as low as possible, as many rely on the crossing to get around their local area.
33:48Drivers who live in Dartford or Thurrock and who have signed up to the scheme will pay £25 for their unlimited annual crossings from 1st September 2025,
33:56a small increase from the current annual fee.
33:59Many will hope that the charges increase might reduce congestion rather than impact local businesses in Kent that get their supplies from across the river.
34:08Finn McDermid for KMTV in Dartford.
34:10Now, the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner has announced a new scheme to help community groups across the county.
34:21Money from the Police Property Act fund raised from police auctions is already being used to help groups like the Scouts, for example.
34:29But as I've been finding out, plans are there to make this much broader.
34:35A new scheme from Kent's elected police and crime commissioner to lift the police tape on funding for charities and community groups.
34:45The Police Property Act fund has existed for some time, with money coming from the auction of goods that have been stolen or unclaimed,
34:55which then goes back into helping people here in Kent.
34:58But the rejigged model could now see up to 50 to 75 projects receiving funding.
35:05With a greater scope than ever before.
35:08And it will be things that you might see that are quite visible, such as community clear-ups,
35:13or it could be for victim support groups who have started running gardening projects with their clients.
35:22And people are quite positive about it because we're increasing the amount that is available from the fund.
35:27Hopefully we'll be able to dish out it to more organisations, but ultimately it could be for equipment such as burglar alarms or key chains and things like that to prevent crime from happening in the first place.
35:39Or it could be ways in which it builds bridges between the police and the public.
35:44Applications have just opened, but the commissioner hopes this money will play a crucial role in preventing crime in the community.
35:53Now, as the day nears when the Baton of Hope makes its first tour throughout Kent and Medway,
36:04many charities, communities and individuals are preparing to attend their day to share their story,
36:10support those who have been affected by suicide.
36:13But for one dance group, they are practising their moves for their performance at the finale of Hope.
36:19Desi Page went down to their dance class to find out what this day means to them.
36:24But please be advised that this report contains content which some may find distressing.
36:39Flooding to the dance floor to groove the night away,
36:42the midlife movers are practising their next steps for their next stage.
36:46The group originally started in 2022 as a dance class for people over the age of 40 years old
36:53and has grown to all across East Kent and has since become much more in choreography, but community.
36:59Groups of people have met and made friends and they go out and we appear to be supporting many, many issues
37:07because I know that the upper age bracket are very, very complex and that can be anything from feeling lonely
37:18because they've lost loved ones, they're grieving, there's mental health issues, there's sometimes grave illnesses
37:26and of course the mental health umbrella is huge.
37:32It's connecting people and giving a lot of people a purpose.
37:37But their latest dance aims to raise awareness of suicide prevention.
37:42Perfecting their routine before performing at Dreamland this September
37:47where they'll be performing at the Evening of Hope
37:49which will mark the end to the event of the Battle of Hope's first ever visit to Kent and Medway.
37:54Making its way from Medway through Maystone and Canterbury
37:57before finishing the day at Margate.
37:59It will be carried by bearers who all have their own personal stories.
38:04I mean this means a lot to me because in the late 60s I lost my dad to suicide
38:10and it was in the 60s, it was a taboo subject, I couldn't talk about it.
38:17Yeah, and it's very dear to my heart so I'll be doing this one for my dad.
38:22The baton is a physical symbol of the work the charity is doing
38:25to boost conversations around mental health and saving lives.
38:29But in the lead up to the 22nd of September
38:32the midlife movers will keep practising their steps ahead of the day.
38:36Daisy Page for KMTV in Sandwich
38:43If you've been affected by the issues raised in this report
38:46the Samaritans can be reached on 116 123
38:50Very inspiring story there
38:55but don't forget you can keep up to date with all your latest stories from across Kent
39:00by logging on to our website, that's kmtv.co.uk
39:03There you'll find all our reports including this one about birds in the county.
39:09It's a flying success for Kent's red-billed chuff population
39:12as one of the baby birds has become the first to fledge in more than 200 years.
39:18Fledging is where the chuff grows enough to develop feathers that then allow it to fly
39:22and the fact it's taken to the skies is a promising site for the reintroduction project.
39:26So having a chick come out of the nest and survive and get through to that stage is in itself such an achievement
39:35and I think because it's learnt and it's learnt its flying skills in those Dover winds
39:41it's quite a good flyer
39:43so hopefully it will survive winter and go on itself to start breeding pair in the wild with another bird.
39:49The chuff has plenty of ties to Kent, being on the Canterbury Coat of Arms, part of the legend of Thomas Beckett
39:56and having their reintroduction project in a secret Dover location.
40:00So these are captive-reared birds that are experiencing the outside world for the first time
40:06like I said, experiencing those winds, challenges of the peregrine
40:09but also just the general sights and sounds of Dover and getting used to that area
40:13so we're trying to keep disturbance to a minimum for their benefit so that they've got the best chance of success.
40:19The species only began their rewilding in Kent three years ago after they vanished in the 1800s
40:25due to a loss of their natural habitat, chalk grasslands, which was hurt by farming practices at the time.
40:30But efforts have been made to restore the natural environment.
40:33The chuff rely on chalk grasslands for them to survive.
40:38They need the habitat to forage on insects.
40:43They also rely on the grazing animals that we use on the chalk downland.
40:49So the grazing animals provide dung, which a lot of insects then use and populate and breed in,
40:57which the chuff also used for foraging, particularly in winter months when the insects aren't necessarily around in the grassland.
41:04The project's five-year plan is to introduce up to 50 birds in the southeast, including the Kent population,
41:10with the goal to eventually link chuff populations across southern England.
41:14But with the county now having new chuffs in its clear blue summer skies,
41:18there's no longer the same dark cloud that once hung over Kent's most iconic bird species.
41:23Finn McDermid for KMTV.
41:25They are beautiful, aren't they?
41:28But it's time for a very quick break.
41:30But coming up, we'll be joined by Julian Spinks, our resident health experts,
41:35as well as some of the other big stories of the week,
41:39including an exhibition at Winston Churchill's house displaying some of his iconic outfits.
41:45All that and more in a few minutes' time.
42:15that is all the importing of the Heartland area.
42:16Thank you so much for sharing.
42:17That's what if the nurses, our residents are asking for questions.
42:19Thank you so much.
42:20I'm very excited for sharing your story.
42:21That's all it has here.
42:22Thank you so much for sharing.
42:23A couple of their thoughts are gonna be joining us today.
42:24Thank you so much for sharing your story.
42:25Thank you so much for sharing your story.
42:26We've been very excited to thank you.
42:27You can thank you for sharing your story.
42:28That's all it's coming to us today,
42:30but we'll be here.
42:31You may have to ask you again.
42:33Your audience is kind of as a gift.
42:35You can we allow our public help?
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45:10Welcome back to Kent Tonight Live here on KMTV and let's take a look at some of those
45:16health headlines as our children across the county head back to school.
45:21Of course, our health expert, Dr. Julian Spinks, is back in the studio with us, many children
45:32this week.
45:33And today we'll be back at school and it's a time where people are really worried about
45:37getting the flu, nits, all these sorts of things.
45:41What should parents watch out for?
45:42How can we keep our children happy and healthy this term?
45:46I think that going back to school is a tough day, particularly for very young children because
45:51they're just starting out and also people moving from primary school to secondary school where
45:56there's a big change.
45:58And I think actually giving them psychological support is really important and sort of reassuring
46:03them that things are going to be OK.
46:04Because I think it is a difficult time.
46:06However, also, we're moving into the sort of sneezing and wheezing season, which means that there's more things
46:12like flu and so on, which will be coming along soon.
46:15For me, the best bit of advice you can try and get into their heads is to actually wash their
46:19hands a lot.
46:20The one thing we learnt during COVID was the precautions we took early on, which is a lot
46:25of hand washing and to some extent masks, actually prevented flu.
46:30We had virtually no flu in the first year of COVID.
46:33And so that's one important way to deal with it because actually your kids pick up flu, then
46:38bring it back to your house.
46:40And then the older child or the younger child goes to their school and it goes on to another
46:43family.
46:44So it's a very easy way for it to spread.
46:46Super spreaders exist for all different kinds of these diseases, right?
46:51And with this sort of thing, are there telltale signs that your child may be under the weather?
46:57We know the usual ones.
46:58They may have a temperature or a runny nose.
47:01What are some of the early warning signs that can keep other children in the classroom and
47:04the rest of the family safe and healthy?
47:07Really, the most obvious one is fever.
47:10If you're going to have an infectious disease, the body will respond by putting
47:13your temperature up.
47:15And so a fever is a very early marker that the child is unwell.
47:19This time of the year, you're going to get lots of sort of coughs and colds.
47:24And a runny nose and a cough and a slight fever generally is a cold and you can just treat
47:30it simply at home.
47:31If they're starting to get a much higher fever or they're getting breathing difficulties
47:35or if they already have something like asthma and you're concerned, that's when you
47:39need to be seeking help.
47:41I'm not a great fan of sending kids into school when they're ill.
47:45I know there's a big push to try and stop them taking time off.
47:49But at the same time, all that's doing is importing more infections into the schools and
47:53they don't perform that well anyway.
47:54But I do have debates with my teacher friends over that.
47:58Are there any new diseases or new illnesses knocking about that we should be aware of?
48:04Because we always hear this year about different areas this time this year about what is coming
48:09up in terms of these sort of health trends and whatnot.
48:12Is there anything else to keep an eye out for this term?
48:15I've seen a few cases of chickenpox coming along and that happens every few years because
48:20what happens is it goes through all the children and then there's nobody can catch it for a
48:24few years and then there's a new group that come in.
48:27At the moment, we're not vaccinating against it.
48:29From January, younger children are going to get a vaccine, which is going to be good
48:32news and we'll reduce that.
48:35We never really know what type of flu is going to arrive.
48:38There's predictions coming from the Far East and from Australia because they're ahead of
48:42us in this. But at the same time, we're looking at the high-risk children being vaccinated
48:47to protect against that.
48:50We have – COVID is around, but we don't seem to have major problems at the moment and
48:55particularly not going into a form in which you end up in hospital.
48:57Let's end on a nice fun one because Men of the Maritime Hospital are bringing back their
49:03book trolley after 25 years.
49:06The question is, how could a good book actually help a patient in their recovery?
49:13Is there any reason to bring this trolley back?
49:16I think it's great.
49:17And I was working in Medway Hospital when it was there.
49:21And, you know, hospital's an unpleasant place to be and it's very difficult to actually sort
49:26of keep yourself occupied.
49:27So having a book you can read is a great way of doing it.
49:30Any recommendations for books you should be reading on the wards?
49:32Oh, dear. That's – I think some Dickens is quite good. But it depends on what you like.
49:38You could even go for the light novels that they get from Japan, which are very easy reads
49:42as well.
49:43Perfect. Julian, plenty of books to add to your Goodreads. We'll catch you very, very soon
49:48for more health headlines.
49:51Now, with a yellow health weather warning in place for thunderstorms until 8pm tonight,
49:57let's take a look at the weather for the coming days.
50:02Tonight is looking partly cloudy. Temperatures around 15 to 16 degrees. Some clear skies in
50:11Dartford and Medway. Tomorrow morning brings light rain in most parts of the county. The
50:16sun peaking through temperatures in the mid-teens and into the afternoon. Some of that rain clearing
50:21up. Sunshine peaking through 19 up in Dartford. And for the weekend, that cloud dissolving into
50:29sunshine by Saturday and Sunday, 22 degrees, by the end of the weekend.
50:33And finally, one for our history buffs. You can now get up close and personal with the
50:48garments for one of the most iconic figures in British history, who made Kent his family
50:53home. From this week, visitors will be able to see key outfits in the life of someone who's
50:59said to be the UK's most famous prime minister. Any guesses? Of course, we're talking about
51:04Winston Churchill. And we sent our reporter, Gabriel Morris, to Chartwell House to take a
51:09look before the display opens to the public.
51:15It's as if he's actually in the room with you. For Winston Churchill, much of his power came
51:20from his image. And he's certainly dressed to impress. His former residence, Chartwell House is opening
51:26its doors to display iconic outfits from his time. Some have not been seen publicly since
51:32he last wore them, like this army officer's great coat.
51:36What I really hope is that visitors come to Chartwell and see these incredible items of clothing,
51:41not just as things that Winston Churchill wore, but as witnesses to history. These items saw some
51:47of their most iconic moments in our national story of the 20th century. So to have them here on these
51:52beautiful new mounts, reflecting Churchill himself, is really special.
51:56After Churchill's death, this part of his home was converted into a museum, looking a little bit
52:03like this adjacent room with 1960s displays. But now the National Trust has spent more than a year
52:09restoring for space. And this is what it looks like now, reminiscent of exactly how Churchill
52:15would have known it. In fact, this would have been the guest quarters. People like Charlie Chaplin
52:21and Lawrence of Arabia sleeping in this very room. The restoration also uncovered original 17th
52:28century beams and fireplaces. It's also the first time any outfits have been displayed on custom-made
52:34mannequins designed to match Churchill's measurements, posture and gait, reflecting how he actually
52:40stood, walked and addressed a crowd. Around half a million people visit the house every year,
52:45and the National Trust says without them, any restoration wouldn't have been possible.
52:50People do have a fascination with Churchill, but actually when they get here, they see a family
52:54home and they see gardens as well. We love it when people get out and explore the gardens
52:58and wider estate too. The National Trust is Europe's largest conservation charity. We look after
53:03this place forever. But you're right, it doesn't come cheap. So we rely on support from our members,
53:08from supporters, from donors. And we've been incredibly lucky that we've been able to generate
53:13the income in order to redo the uniform room. And as I say, we're delighted with the result.
53:17His silhouette was iconic. A bowler hat, a bow tie, and you couldn't forget the cigar.
53:25I have to ask, obviously he was quite a big cigar smoker. Up close and personal with
53:31somebody's garments. Could you smell any of that at all? Given that it's 60 years since
53:36Winston Churchill wore these garments, it's tricky just to say the extent to which scent remains.
53:41But cigars were definitely a feature alongside him wearing them. And the siren suits, in fact,
53:45the upper pockets tended to be where his next cigar would be kept.
53:49Gabriel Morris for KMTV at Chartwell House.
53:52Gabriel joins us in the studio now, as well as a very stylish outfit that Churchill used to rock.
54:04And I think that's a big question. Is lots of people know who Winston Churchill is?
54:09Was there any surprises that you learned today about his fashion choices and who he was as a person?
54:14Well, I think we could have a look at this. This is a siren suit.
54:16It's an iconic outfit. He had many different versions of this. It's a bit like a boiler suit.
54:21And this is made out of velvet. And actually, the company who created this, actually, if you fancy this and like it,
54:29you can actually still go and get a custom-made one in the style of Winston Churchill to your size.
54:33But there's a little bit of a story behind this. He actually used to be a bit of a bricklayer.
54:37And he actually built some walls. That's his house, Chartwell, near Sevenoaks.
54:42And he just found this a very comfortable outfit. And particularly during World War II, if there was an air raid
54:47and he needed to run out to a shelter, this was the perfect thing to put on.
54:50Still looked smart, in his opinion. A little bit of a Selensky style there.
54:54You know how Selensky has his set style these days. Not the suit.
54:58It was quite controversial when he went to Trump's office.
55:00But this was Winston Churchill's sort of casual but still-looking smart war outfit.
55:05And you can see him wearing this in many iconic images, particularly during air raids.
55:11And I was talking to the curator, Catherine Carter, a little bit about this. Let's have a look.
55:16...when bricklaying here at Chartwell. And then when the Second World War came,
55:21it was very handy for Churchill to have a garment that he could throw on quickly,
55:25say, in the middle of the night when there's an air raid and there's a meeting as a result.
55:29Have this and he can be meeting ready in minutes.
55:31And it's also a very comfortable garment, so he remained fond of them.
55:34I think the curious thing about Churchill is he lived so many different lives.
55:41How did his fashion change over the years as he progressed through his political and historic career?
55:48Well, this is one of the challenges. Obviously, his size changed as well, and his dimensions.
55:52And all these mannequins that they have now at Chartwell are all customised to his size.
55:57So they've had to go through and have a look at the measurements of the internals,
56:00the width of the arms and the chest and the waist, and then go and adapt those to a mannequin.
56:07But his early trademarks was those bow ties, white dots.
56:11When he went into more of the military outfits, we saw some of the siren suits towards the end.
56:17And he also had some sort of accessories, you know, I mean, having slippers and cigars.
56:23And that is that kind of iconic silhouette he has, the bow tie and, of course, the cigars.
56:30Very, very interesting man with a very, very interesting wardrobe.
56:34That's everything. Thanks so much, Gabriel, from us tonight.
56:37We'll have more news at 8pm. We'll catch you very, very soon.
56:41Good night.
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