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00:00Hello and welcome to Kent Tonight, live here on KMTV. I'm Finn McDermott and here are your
00:16top stories on Thursday 30th October.
00:19Allee, Le Rouge, Virgin Media get the all clear to speed ahead with Channel Tunnel train
00:24routes.
00:254.2 billion could be generated over a five-year period if international trains return to
00:31South East.
00:32Turquoise triumph or trouble? Voters have their say on Reform's first six months at Kent County
00:38Council.
00:39Can't seem to run a council, let alone a country.
00:43And blown away, team behind Draper's Windmill Inn Margate celebrate receiving Grade 2 listed
00:49status.
00:50On the left side, it's worthy of an upgrade to Grade 2 star, which is only about 5.8%
00:57of listed buildings.
01:03But first, our top story this evening. Trains to Europe are one step closer to returning
01:11to Kent. This is after the rail regulator gave Virgin Trains permission to use a key international
01:16depot in London. The office of Rail and Road has granted the operator access to Temple Mills
01:21Railway storehouse, challenging Eurostar's cross-channel monopoly. It comes five years after international
01:27services were cut from Ebbsfleet and Ashford. While the announcement has been greeted with overwhelming
01:32support from across the county, Virgin haven't yet fully committed to putting the Kent stops
01:37back on their route map, as Megan Shaw's been finding out.
01:41I have got something for you. Let's see what happens.
01:44Ta-da!
01:46That's better. There's a Virgin bag.
01:53And enjoy our new train service in a couple of years.
01:56It's Eurostar dominance no more, as Virgin Trains have received the green light to operate
02:03international rail services using the Channel Tunnel, which could put direct routes to Europe
02:08from Kent back on the map.
02:10The UK's rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, has announced the Branston-owned
02:15company will have access to Temple Mill International Depot, the same one used by Eurostar.
02:21The ORR have explained this could unlock 400 new jobs and 700 million in investment, as
02:28well as potential cheaper prices for customers, encouraged by the new competition.
02:33Branson's plan is to launch these new services in 2030, putting an end to Eurostar having monopolised
02:40the Channel Tunnel since 1994.
02:43But the real question is, will these new trains stop at international stations in Kent, where the
02:48Eurostar has stopped visiting?
02:51Councillors remain optimistic.
02:53So the first thing to say is that this is really, really positive, good news.
02:58It's really great to have some for a change that we're getting somewhere.
03:02We've taken a step forward on our journey back towards international rail travel from Ashford.
03:07And all in all, I'm optimistic that this is the right thing to do.
03:12I'm delighted that Virgin has won this bid, because on the day, at this big event that
03:17we had at the end of September, I had a lovely chat with one of the directors from Virgin,
03:21who'd come down especially for the event.
03:23And he assured me that if they were successful, they would stop in Kent.
03:27So the next step, really, is to persuade the government to reopen these stations.
03:32Because, of course, as soon as the stations are officially reopened and brought back up to
03:36standard, we can get those services stopping as soon as Virgin start running their trains.
03:41The Virgin group explained that should the former stations be able to accommodate international
03:46services once again, the new trains will stop in Kent.
03:51Those in Ashford seem excited by the possibility.
03:54Well, I think it's such a shame that it's there and it's not being used enough.
03:58We spent all this money getting it there for the local people to use to go further afield.
04:04And it's just not being used enough. It's such a shame.
04:07I think it brings a lot of business to the town as well. And, yeah, I think it's a very good idea.
04:14Why not? I mean, it's there. It needs to be used for something. It's just a waste of money if it sits there doing nothing.
04:18Eurostar blames Covid-related debt for pulling the plug on its Kent services.
04:23But Virgin Trains also faces financial barriers to be able to bring these stations back to life.
04:29Without updating infrastructure in Ebbsfleet and Ashford stations to accommodate new international services,
04:35these trains will be stopped at a signal, once again awaiting green light.
04:40Megan Shaw for KMTV in Ashford.
04:43And Kristen Hawthorne joins me live now from St Pancras International, where the news was announced earlier today.
04:52So, Kristen, it's quite big in St Pancras. Whereabouts are you actually in the station?
04:58Well, I'm upstairs because it's simply too busy downstairs to be doing the live.
05:04However, downstairs there are banners across the station saying all aboard and ooh la la have been put up by Virgin.
05:11It was quite a surprise and has created quite a buzz in Kent with people hoping that it could mean that the train services will return back to Kent.
05:20Yeah, and we can see some of that hustle and bustle on the screen now, certainly still busy.
05:25But the question on many people in Kent's mind, does this mean that services would be coming back to Kent?
05:32Well, not just yet, but it is a promising start.
05:38Eurostar stopped calling at Ashford and Ebbsfleet in 2020, blaming Brexit border checks and falling passenger numbers.
05:46Now, this decision means those stations could reopen to international services in the future.
05:51But it will depend on how quickly those routes can be agreed.
05:55But we might be seeing them by 2030, hopefully.
05:58Brilliant. Well, thank you so much, Kristen. I'm sure we'll catch back up with you later in the show.
06:03Now, just six months ago, Reform UK swept to power at Kent County Council.
06:09And it's been far from a smooth ride, from expulsions to defections and accusations of infighting
06:14between the leadership and backbench councillors.
06:17The party has faced plenty of criticism.
06:19Despite this, the party still tops most opinion polls nationally.
06:23But what do you in Kent think?
06:25Our local democracy reporter Oli Leda has been out and about in Sheerness and Maidstone for this special report.
06:32All of our energies have been focused on choosing the right person to lead this group into the future.
06:40We've already made history.
06:42It was just six months ago at Kent County Council that Reform UK swept the local elections.
06:47They won 57 out of a possible 81 council seats, painting county hall turquoise in the process.
06:57But six months is a long time in politics.
07:00And since then, we've seen suspensions, expulsions and infighting dominating the local and national headlines
07:09when it comes to our local upper tier authority.
07:13I'm just asking you.
07:15That's exactly what you're asking me to do.
07:17But what do the people that voted for them think?
07:20Are they going to give them any leeway after their first six months?
07:25And do they think that time was a success?
07:28I was really disappointed with the other party.
07:31Erm, I voted for reform.
07:33I'm sorry.
07:34You got me there.
07:35You got me there, I'm afraid.
07:37This is the first six months of Reform UK in the eyes of the people of Kent.
07:44Back in May, over 17,000 people turned up at the polling booths on the Isle of Sheppey.
07:51And of those, nearly 10,000 voted for reform candidates.
07:57Are those same people now feeling any buyer's remorse?
08:02Yes.
08:03Exactly.
08:04Yeah.
08:05Why is that?
08:06What's gone wrong?
08:07They can't seem to run a council, let alone a country.
08:11I think it's fantastic.
08:12I was all for it.
08:13And if they keep the promises that they've made, even better.
08:17I think in all parties, you get arguments and people fall out of one another.
08:24I think at the moment, people are finding their feet.
08:29And I think once things settle down, it'll be okay.
08:32We needed something different than that, definitely, from what we've had.
08:35And that's why I thought.
08:37But now I'm not, I don't know, I'm not 100% certain, sort of, what they've done, to be honest with you.
08:44Are you getting a bit of buyer's remorse?
08:46A little bit, yes.
08:48Yes.
08:49The hint of a sea change in public opinion on the shores of Sheerness.
08:55But further inland, a different story is taking shape.
09:01Maidstone is the county town.
09:04And they did elect quite a few reform councillors.
09:08Some of whom have now been expelled from the party.
09:12Even Lyndon Kemkaren, the leader of the council, is a Maidstone councillor, though, for the South East Division.
09:21So do people on the streets of Maidstone support the new party at County Hall?
09:28And do they think they've been doing a good job?
09:31Well, you can't really tell, can we?
09:33I mean, and as for them arguing, I can't see that setting to worry about, really.
09:36Because, I mean, we all get, we all get a bit hot under colour at times, don't we?
09:41So, no buyer's remorse as of yet?
09:44No, no, no, no.
09:45And I hope they go further.
09:48I hope they go further.
09:50You know, you sort of hope they do the right thing.
09:53But I suppose they've started to try and do potholes and other things.
09:58But, no, I think they do the best.
10:03That's all I can say.
10:05I'm sure everybody will give reform a chance, but it just seems to be that when they get the chance, they don't know quite what to do with the situation.
10:18Personally, the way I see it is Labour couldn't do it, Conservatives couldn't do it.
10:24So, let's give another party a chance, see what they do and hopefully they can.
10:31And let's just go from there.
10:33A county divided, much like the party overseeing it.
10:37But the leader of Kent County Council says the last six months have still been a success.
10:45It's been a huge success.
10:46Yes, we've had our ups and downs.
10:47We're a brand new political party.
10:49We achieved an historic win back in May, taking control of the whole council.
10:54There were bound to be a few hiccups along the way, but do you know what?
10:57That's yesterday's news because, as you can see, it is business as usual.
11:01There's still big questions hanging in the air.
11:05There's a £2.5 billion budget to set sooner rather than later.
11:11And many people on our high streets are wondering, will the next six months be smoother than the last?
11:20Ollie Leader at County Hall.
11:27Well, it is now time for a break.
11:29But next up, we'll have news on the ranking of the most deprived Kent neighbourhoods, which is on the rise.
11:34And we'll also take a look at the new opening of Kent's Medway and Orthopaedic Centre,
11:38where the Minister of State for Health visited staff and met them and toured their facilities.
11:43And we'll also have a quick look at the weather.
11:45That's all after this very short break.
18:40subject of a restraining order for 15 years.
18:44Next, specialist crews are due to start clearing asbestos debris at Lorne Primary School following
18:49a fire at the nearby Portland Building in Northfleet High Street.
18:53This comes as earlier advice told residents of Factory Road in Northfleet to stay inside
18:58and keep their windows and doors closed.
19:00This has now been lifted following the major fire last weekend.
19:04Locals have raised concerns about the asbestos, which covered their cars, houses and gardens,
19:09as well as there being issues with the advice given by Gravesham Council.
19:12The UK Health Security Agency has advised there is no significant health concern.
19:18And now a multi-million pound surgical centre at Medcern Hospital has celebrated its formal
19:23naming and first anniversary with a visit from the Minister of State for Health.
19:27The Minister met staff and toured the Kenton Medway Orthopaedic Centre as the NHS struggles
19:32with growing waiting lists.
19:34Karen Smith spoke to staff about how to improve care and manage patient flow.
19:38Alfie Rowe was there.
19:40Three, two, one.
19:42A special day celebrating the important work of the day today.
19:49Whilst the Minister of State for Health, Karen Smith, is used to doing the rounds at hospitals.
19:54This time, Kent is the destination of choice.
19:57Opened in September of last year, the Kent and Medway Orthopaedic Centre deals with patients
20:01across the county in need of bone and joint treatment.
20:05Now the main reason the Minister has come here today is to see how the facility is improving
20:09patient care.
20:09So I wanted to come here today to hear from the staff here and the leaders about what
20:15they're trying to do.
20:16They've done amazing work getting down those extra long waiters down to zero.
20:20They've got more work to do, they know that, in getting down these waiting lists.
20:24We know how challenging that is across Kent and Medway.
20:27The NHS waiting list in England has risen, according to the Office of National Statistics, by 1.3 million
20:33in two years.
20:35And medical staff are feeling the strain.
20:37I think resources is the biggest problem, or the financial constraints on the resources
20:43that are available to us.
20:45We try and make use of things in the best way that we can, and we try and save as much
20:50as we can and still work efficiently, but access to more resources will definitely help.
20:55We know there's a long way to go, but we've made huge inroads in it, both with our investment
20:59of £26 billion from the Chancellor last year, at last year's budget, our improvement to
21:04urgent emergency care, which is also really important.
21:08Centres like this separate that emergency care from this planned care, so it means you can
21:12get through those lists more quickly, and that's what we're determined to do.
21:16But with the orthopaedic centre delivered as part of a national drive by the previous
21:19Conservative government, this time Labour will have to share the credit.
21:24And with the future direction of the NHS still uncertain, the government will be judged
21:28by what they do moving forward.
21:32Alfie Rowe for KMTV in Maidstone.
21:37And to sport now, Gillingham Football Club will be returning to South Wales this Saturday
21:41to face off against Newport County for the FA Cup.
21:45This is just a few weeks after the teams met at Rodney Parade in the league, where the
21:48Gilles took home three points.
21:50This is the first round tie for League Two.
21:52A victory would be a boost for the Gilles as they lost the last six competitions.
21:56They will be, however, lacking goalkeeper Glen Morris, who could be sidelined for weeks
22:00with injury.
22:01He went off injured just a few minutes into last weekend's game against Salford City after
22:05suffering a muscle strain.
22:07Staying with football now, Dartford manager Aidy Pennock is relishing this weekend's
22:11fixture against Welling United.
22:13Pennock takes charge against his former club as darts boss for the first time at Princes Park
22:18on Saturday.
22:19Pennock spent two seasons as Welling boss from 05 to 07 before leaving to take an academy
22:24role at Stoke City.
22:25It's a much-changed club now, but he told a press conference ahead of the match that
22:30he still looks back fondly on his first managerial role at Parkview Road.
22:34Next, teenage batter Jayden Denley has signed a new three-year contract with Kent Cricket
22:39Club.
22:41Denley has played 31 first-class matches and List A matches for Kent since graduating from
22:45the club's academy in 2023.
22:47He follows his uncle, Joe Denley, in extending his contract at Canterbury after the former
22:51England opener signed on for his 20th season last week.
22:54He's scored 398 runs in ten first-class matches at an average of 26.53, as well as
23:01claiming 22 wickets off his left-arm spin.
23:05Now don't forget you can keep up to date with all your latest stories across Kent by
23:08logging on to our website, that's cametv.co.uk, there you'll find all our reports including
23:13this one, where Chloe Brewster investigated a spate of post boxes being vandalised in
23:17Dartford.
23:18I'm here on the streets of Dartford, where these post boxes have been causing quite a
23:23stir.
23:24Now it's been a year and a half since 38 post boxes in the Dartford area were vandalised.
23:28Some spray-painted in gold, just like this one, and others were slightly more interesting.
23:33A Cadbury's Cream Egg and Mr Blobby.
23:35These are just some of the varied designs Danny Wiskin, a 34-year-old from Chaucer Way in Dartford,
23:40left on post boxes in this town last year.
23:43Gold was the most popular design of choice by Wiskin, emulating those featured in the
23:46home towns of 2012 Olympic medal winners.
23:49While many of the vandalised post boxes were repainted back to their familiar bright red
23:53base, it seems the designs unleashed a wave of copycat vandal Van Goghs.
23:57I did actually think they looked alright, but at the same time not, because it's public property
24:02at the end of the day, and obviously that's Royal Mail.
24:03It makes it look very tatty, makes the town look untidy.
24:06Yeah, I must admit, I don't think that they look good at all.
24:10Well, I think they brighten the place up a bit actually.
24:13I know you're not meant to do it, but I think they look quite good.
24:17I hesitate to actually put anything in them because they do this, because I think if they
24:22do that on the outside...
24:23Are they going to be vandalised?
24:24...are they vandalised inside.
24:26A Royal Mail spokesperson said,
24:28We are aware of the vandalised post boxes and are arranging for them to be repainted.
24:32Royal Mail regularly inspects and maintains all its post boxes across the UK.
24:37Any that are damaged or vandalised are added to our maintenance programme and repainted
24:41as soon as resources and weather conditions allow.
24:43But what do the people of Dartford want done with their post boxes?
24:46The art could be better and if it's not going to be excellent, then I think the traditional
24:53post box would impress people more.
24:55I don't mind them.
24:56If they were professionally painted and they looked very professionally done, then I've got no objection.
25:04I still think they should be red.
25:06Oh yeah.
25:07Public holidays for a year day, stuff like that, you could do something with them.
25:11Invite Banksy.
25:12Whether you're missing the familiar red or feel the post boxes have become part of the
25:16culture here, we're sure Royal Mail are hoping no more repainting bills arrive in the post.
25:21Chloe Brewster from KMTV in Dartford.
25:24Now, later in the show, we'll be going in-depth on windmills.
25:28And if you can keep up, I've been hiding some wind puns all along that piece.
25:33So let's have a look at the weather and see how the wind will fall.
25:37That isn't one, but there are some real ones coming up.
25:39So let's take a look at the weather.
25:41And it's mostly cloudy skies with some light rain and a hint of heavy rain and temperatures
25:50sitting around 13 degrees.
25:52You can expect cloudy skies with light rain and a hint of sun tomorrow morning with temperatures
25:56raining at across 14 degrees across the board.
25:58More rain there.
25:59Now for the afternoon, cloudy skies will dominate with temperatures sitting at mostly 15 degrees
26:04across Kent.
26:05And here's the coming days.
26:06Outlook shows Saturday reaching a temperature of 15 degrees with a fall to 12 on Sunday,
26:11a rise of 15 on Monday.
26:13It's raining cats and dogs on Saturday.
26:14Now it is time for a break.
26:23And during that time, maybe you can help me think of some more weather-related puns.
26:27But while you're doing that, do keep in mind we'll be returning back to our top story all
26:32about Virgin International trains that will stop at Ashford and Ebbsfleet.
26:36That is if the stations are updated.
26:38And we'll also be going into a few other stories as well, including my windmill one.
26:43Keep an eye out for that one.
26:44But for now, we'll have a quick break.
26:46See you in a few minutes.
26:47We'll see you in a few minutes.
26:48We'll see you in a few minutes.
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31:20let's see what happens. There's a Virgin bag and enjoy our new train service in a couple of years.
31:34It's Eurostar dominance no more as Virgin trains have received the green light to operate
31:40international rail services using the Channel Tunnel which could put direct routes to Europe
31:45from Kent back on the map. The UK's rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road has announced the
31:52Branston owned company will have access to Temple Mill International Depot the same one used by Eurostar.
31:59The ORR have explained this could unlock 400 new jobs and 700 million in investment as well as
32:06potential cheaper prices for customers encouraged by the new competition. Branson's plan is to launch
32:12these new services in 2030 putting an end to Eurostar having monopolised the Channel Tunnel since 1994.
32:20But the real question is will these new trains stop at international stations in Kent where the Eurostar
32:27has stopped visiting? Councillors remain optimistic. So the first thing to say is that this is really
32:33really positive good news it's really great to have some for a change that we're getting somewhere
32:40we've taken a step forward on our journey back towards international rail travel from Ashford
32:45and all in all I'm optimistic that this is the right thing to do. I'm delighted that Virgin has won this
32:51this bid because on the day at this big event that we had at the end of September I had a lovely chat
32:57with with one of the directors from Virgin who'd come down especially for the event and he assured me
33:02that if they were successful they would stop in Kent. So the next step really is to persuade the
33:07government to reopen these stations because of course as soon as the stations are officially reopened
33:12and brought back up to standard we can we can get those services stopping as soon as Virgin start
33:17running their trains. The Virgin group explained that should the former stations be able to accommodate
33:23international services once again the new trains will stop in Kent. Those in Ashford seem excited by the
33:31possibility. Well I think it's such a shame that it's there and it's not being used enough we spent all this
33:37money getting it there for the local people to use to to you know go further afield and it's
33:42just not being used enough it's such a shame. I think it brings a lot of business to the town as
33:48well and yeah I think it's a very good idea. Why not I mean it's there it needs to be used for something
33:54it's just a waste of money if it sits there doing nothing. Eurostar blames Covid related debt for
33:58pulling the plug on its Kent services but Virgin Trains also faces financial barriers to be able to bring
34:05these stations back to life without updating infrastructure in Ebbsfleet and Ashford stations
34:11to accommodate new international services these trains will be stopped at a signal once again
34:17awaiting green light. Megan Shaw for KMTV in Ashford. Well Kristen Hawthorne is down at St Pancras
34:25International where the news was announced earlier today so Kristen tell me whereabouts are you at the
34:32station I'm aware it's quite a big place. Well I've moved from the last time I was here I've actually
34:39moved to where you can hopefully see more of the signs which gives a bit of an impression of what
34:43is downstairs and also if you're keeping a close eye you might be able to see it behind me as well so
34:48it's all across the station it's really quite exciting. Yeah we can see those pictures now all aboard
34:53being advertised there by Virgin Media so tell me have the office of road and rail agreed with Virgin on
35:00these proposals? Well so the office of rail and road has granted Virgin access to the Temple Mill to
35:08Temple Mills International Depot in East London that's the key engineering site Eurostar uses for
35:14its international trains it's a big deal because for nearly 30 years Eurostar has had a monopoly on
35:20services through the channel tunnel and now this move breaks that monopoly allowing other operators like
35:26Virgin to start planning routes to mainland Europe. I see and um does this mean that services are coming
35:34back to Kent what can you tell us about that? Well not just yet they won't be coming to Kent just yet
35:41but it is a promising start Eurostar stopped calling at Ashford and Epsley back in 2020 I'm sure everyone
35:47will remember blaming Brexit and border checks and failing passenger numbers falling passenger numbers
35:53now this decision means those stations could reopen to international services in the future but it will
36:00depend on how quickly those new routes can be agreed Virgin will still need commercial deals
36:06safety approvals and funding before trains can actually run so we're probably talking about 2030
36:12before we could be seeing trains the international trains back in Kent. I see and apart from
36:18ooh la la and all aboard what else have Virgin been saying? Well Virgin have said that Virgin is taking
36:27talking to Kent County Council and other stakeholders about stopping at both Epsley and Ashford as it set
36:32out its ORR submission reopening the stations to be able to accommodate international services requires
36:39commitment and resources from all parties and operators but if the stations are opened Virgin will stop at Kent.
36:48I see and thank you so much for your time Chris and I believe that is all we have from you so thank
36:55you for bringing us this story
37:00now a Mepham dad is demanding answers after his young daughter narrowly escaped serious injury this is
37:06when a harness snap sorry a harness strap snapped on a bungee trampoline at an event in Swanly Park
37:13Ray Curran's 10 year old daughter Georgie hurtled towards the ground at force when the cord broke on
37:18the dinosaurs in the park attraction held this half term. Mr Curran who's the operations manager at
37:23the Chatham Dockside shopping centre is also a health and safety expert he grabbed his daughter
37:28from the jump mat and a first aider rushed to help. Mr Curran said it beggars belief that the attraction
37:33carried on with around four children still on the board with the damaged strap left dangling from the
37:38frame. A spokesperson for dinosaurs in the park has said the required safety documentation was in place and
37:44the equipment had been signed off by an independent health safety specialist. Next after 200 years of
37:51serving locals the valiant sailor near to Folkestone will be shutting its doors. In a public statement
37:56the pub's management have announced the closure declaring that financial pressures have made it
38:00no longer possible for them to continue trading. Locals have expressed their sadness saying the pub had a
38:05welcoming atmosphere and they hope for it to thrive once again. Now the team behind one historic landmark
38:12in Margate certainly have the wind in their sails told you the weather uh told you the weather puns
38:17would be coming there they managed to save it from demolition and after years of restoration work the
38:22Draper's windmill has now been awarded a new grade two star listing status from historic England. What that
38:29basically means is the windmill has more protections as a site and could potentially earn more recognition
38:34volunteers and grants. It's also quite rare only about five percent of historic England recognized
38:40historical sites actually have this star listing it just means like i mentioned there more protections
38:46and what's especially quite unique about the windmill is that it actually still works and i was inside
38:52checking it out. Kent has deep historical significance as a county no matter when or where you look whether
38:59it's military roman or nautical but how do you decide what is official verified history or not?
39:06Well historic England have a grading system where they'll recommend buildings to become grade listed
39:11and one of Margate's oldest sites which might have some new wind in its sails has managed to earn an
39:15upgrade. Draper's windmill was listed as grade two since 1973 which is the most common for listed buildings.
39:22Doing research and looking at it again we've decided it's worthy of an upgrade to grade two star
39:29which is only about 5.8 percent of listed buildings a grade two star. What that means is that it's of
39:35more than special interest it's a particularly important building this building's particularly
39:41important because it's a 19th century smock mill that survives in remarkable condition and survives with
39:50a lot of its original machinery and it still works which is really fantastic. Now windmills used to cover
39:56the entire country and very few actually still remain standing and even fewer actually work and that's one of the
40:03reasons why draper's managed to earn its grade two star listing. But it's not always an easy path from
40:09restoration to this kind of recognition. As I said the milling business was very prosperous in the 19th century
40:15and in about the 1880s the miller built a fine new villa next to the the second windmill which became my
40:27family home and I grew up there went to the school which is just across the road and takes its name from
40:33the windmills draper's mills school and when the mill was threatened with demolition the head teacher
40:41of the school and my mother and the rest of the family and lots of other you know parents of children
40:47at the school got together to form a charity which saved the mill and that's why we are where we are
40:54today. Since saving the site Michael has gone on to work with the team to keep the mill not only well
40:59maintained but even up and running producing their own flour. The new listing means more legal protections
41:05for the 182 year old building as well making it less likely to be turned into houses which has been the
41:11case for many other mills of its age across the country. Draper's windmill is the sole survivor
41:17compared to the other two windmills that used to neighbour it little draper's mill and the pumper
41:21and the trust hope that the new grade means the mill will survive for many years more earning itself
41:26another second wind. Finn McDermid for KMTV in Margate. After this break we'll meet the Eurasian
41:35Lynx that's returned to Kent with a new enclosure near Canterbury as part of a reintroduction project
41:39we'll also meet Kent author Adam Weymouth who's followed a wolf's journey across Europe for his
41:44new non-fiction book and we'll catch up with all things spooky and scary with Kent Film Club's
41:48Chris Deesey after this short break.
42:09you
45:09Welcome back to Kent Tonight Live here on KMTV.
45:14Now, you might be familiar with the successful reintroduction of bison in Blean Woods near
45:18Canterbury.
45:20Well, the team who brought the bison back say that three times fast have now turned their
45:24attention to the Eurasian lynx.
45:25The Wildwood Trust have opened a new enclosure near Canterbury to breed the animal for reintroduction.
45:30The predator was once native to the UK but was brought to extinction in medieval times
45:34through hunting and habitat loss.
45:36Sticking with animal news and Kent author Adam Weymouth has successfully completed a 1,000-mile
45:43trek across Europe, retracing the incredible journey of a wolf named Slavik.
45:48His new book, Lone Wolf, follows the animal from Slovenia to Italy and explores the return
45:52of wolves to areas they once vanished from.
45:54It has been shortlisted for the prestigious Bailey Gifford Prize for non-fiction.
45:58Weymouth says his inspiration often comes from the Kent coast, where he lives and writes
46:03in Ramsgate.
46:05Bet he can do a good wolf impression at the pub.
46:07Now, don't forget, you can keep up to date with all your latest stories across Kent by
46:10logging on to our website.
46:12That's kmtv.co.uk.
46:14There you'll find all our reports, including this one, about how the Stour Centre in Ashford
46:17was giving people the skills to save a life.
46:20Restart a Heart Day is exactly what it sounds like.
46:26It's about teaching people how to save lives through one simple technique, CPR.
46:34To start CPR, after checking to see that the big girl isn't responding, breathing, after
46:41the big 10 seconds.
46:42Next step is to place the palm of your head onto them, lock your arms together, and use
46:52your upper body strength.
46:54Start the machine down on the big girl's chest, and break down, and cut 20 beats.
47:03Lessons were taking place at the Stour Centre in Ashford to equip visitors with a
47:11skill that could save someone's life.
47:14So it's really important that members of the public understand or know how to do CPR.
47:18Well, first of all, understand and know how to recognise that someone is in cardiac
47:22arrest, and what to do if they find someone in cardiac arrest.
47:26Although the Ambulance Service prioritises cardiac arrest patients, as there are category
47:30one incidents, it's what the members of the public, family, and members of the community
47:38do, in the meantime, whilst the Ambulance is on the way, that makes the biggest difference
47:42between a life lost and a life saved.
47:44I mean, from personal experience, I've been in a situation where I've had to do CPR out
47:49in public.
47:50I think if everybody can have those skills, and know at least that it's okay to try your
47:58best in this situation, that actually that's all we need.
48:03Restart a Heart Day has an important meaning to healthcare workers, as around 30,000 people
48:11in the UK have a sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
48:17I connected today with Amber, it's a lovely foundation to do some CPR training.
48:26I'm luckily, already know a little bit about CPR, but I found today as kind of like a really
48:35helpful refresher.
48:37Medical staff are hoping that the public take these lessons to heart.
48:45Henry Luck, for Kane TV, in Ashford.
48:50Now, let's take a quick look at the weather.
48:57Mostly cloudy skies with some light rain and a hint of heavy rain as well, temperatures
49:01sitting around 13 degrees.
49:02You can expect cloudy skies with light rain and a hint of sun tomorrow morning, with temperatures
49:06remaining at 14 degrees across the board.
49:08For the afternoon, cloudy skies will dominate, with temperatures sitting at around 15 degrees
49:13across Kensington High wind speeds there as well.
49:15Here's your outlook for the coming days.
49:18Saturday, reaching a temperature of 15 degrees, fall to 12 degrees on Sunday, followed by a
49:22rise to 15 degrees on Monday.
49:24You can see some rain there on Saturday as it goes.
49:34And finally, as ever on Thursdays, we're joined by Chris Deasy from the Kent Film Club as they've got a new episode right after this.
49:40In a moment, we'll be discussing the news that legendary composer John Williams will be returning to score Steven Spielberg's next film for historic 30th celebration.
49:49But first, it's spooky season.
49:51And to celebrate, we want to see how many freaky films we can identify as being filmed from here in Kent.
49:56So, Chris, I hope you're prepared for a particularly spooky Kent quiz.
50:00Well, we'll see.
50:01I don't always do too well on these.
50:03I can see you're dressed in all black.
50:04Well, quite deliberately.
50:05There is a mask as well, but I thought that might, you know, at this time of evening, I think this is sufficiently spooky.
50:11Fair enough.
50:12Well, first of all, we have four questions.
50:14First off, which of these films use the old town hall in Gravesend to film?
50:19Autopsy of Jane Doe, American Werewolf in London, The Plague of Zombies or The Wicker Man?
50:25OK, I'm definitely not D. Ooh, I don't think I've seen The Plague of Zombies.
50:30Don't think The American Werewolf in London was filmed in Kent.
50:34No, not unless they took...
50:35I'm going to go for C, actually.
50:37C, The Plague of Zombies is unfortunately incorrect.
50:39It is the youngest of these films.
50:41Ah, the Jane Doe.
50:42Autopsy of Jane Doe.
50:44So, no luck with that one so far, but let's see if we can keep going.
50:47OK, let's have a look at our next one.
50:49Which 2021 horror film was shot entirely in Kent?
50:54A, The Shepherd, B, The Power, C, The Last Right or D, Censor?
50:59Oh, I'm fairly sure it's The Last Right, C.
51:02I think you are correct. Let's have a look.
51:04It is The Last Right, C.
51:06So, OK, we're halfway there, 50%.
51:09Let's see if we can get any more.
51:11Moving on, which two of these 2017 films use The Home Farm,
51:15which is an American-style country house located in Kent countryside?
51:19Is it A, Slumber, B, The Ritual, C, Ghost Stories or D, The Risen?
51:24By the way, how many of these have you seen?
51:25Have you come across from any territory?
51:27Some of the films like The Ritual, because this film's called The Right.
51:29There's lots of variations on this, so I don't know which one.
51:32I'm going to go for Ghost Stories.
51:34Unfortunately, you would be incorrect.
51:36I believe the answer is...
51:38Oh, it's actually C. It's both.
51:40Oh, it's Slumber and The Risen, so it's a trip question there.
51:42Oh.
51:43I would have awarded half points if you...
51:44OK.
51:45So, not quite on that one.
51:46And next we have...
51:48Which adaptation of a classic horror novel used the historic
51:52dockyard in Chatham with their remake?
51:54Is it A, Nosferatu, B, Victor Frankenstein, C, The Strange Case
51:59of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde or D, The Turn of the Shrew?
52:03I'm going to go possibly for Victor Frankenstein.
52:06And you would be correct.
52:07It is indeed Victor Frankenstein.
52:10So, in the end there, I believe that is two out of four.
52:13Two and a half.
52:14Two and a half.
52:15Yeah, we'll call it two and a half.
52:16Not bad.
52:17OK.
52:18Well, let's move on now to our other news.
52:20From horror now to the local spooky showcases, to more of an international flavour,
52:26the celebration of two film icons.
52:29John Williams and Steven Spielberg began their collaboration over 50 years ago.
52:33Their first film together was, I believe, The Sh...
52:35Oh, I was going to say Jaws, but yeah.
52:38Apparently not.
52:39Apparently it's The Sugar Land Express.
52:40Oh, The Sugar Land Express with Goldie Horn.
52:41Yeah.
52:42And then they've continued with classics like Jaws, E.T. and Jurassic Park.
52:45What is it about this geo that makes it so iconic?
52:47It's often been said, and George Lucas has said the same thing, that it's almost like if you take the music out of their movies, the films are bereft.
52:57You know, I mean, even John Williams himself has said that a lifetime, you know, is not enough for music.
53:03But, you know, people might think that music is enough to fulfil their lifetime.
53:07But it's the indelible imprint.
53:10Think of Jaws and the...
53:12And apparently John Williams played that on the piano in Spielberg.
53:15But what are you going to do with that?
53:16And of course, that's legendary.
53:17Think of Jurassic Park.
53:18Think of the way in E.T.
53:20The music here is legendary.
53:22And John Williams has scored them all, Schindler's List.
53:24And at 93, there are rumours that they're going to be collaborating one more time for a Spielberg movie,
53:31as yet unknown, possibly about UFOs, which wouldn't be unfamiliar territory to him, to come out in 2026.
53:37I see.
53:38And we were talking...
53:39This might seem like a bit of a left turn.
53:40We were talking a bit about Johnny English before.
53:42I quite like the film.
53:43I quite like that movie.
53:44But do you think that what makes this duo so special is it's not only that John Williams' music, of course, is so amazing,
53:51but his style complements that kind of grand movie that Spielberg likes to make,
53:57whether it's the emotions of E.T. or the sinister nature of Jaws.
54:00And also things like Oliver Stone and JFK and Home Alone as well.
54:04So it's the way in which he's...
54:06And he's collaborated, certainly, with Spielberg on pretty much everything.
54:09But also he's worked with other filmmakers who are looking for that same grand scale.
54:14JFK being a very fitting example.
54:16I actually went for an evening in London when it was all John Williams' music.
54:20You know, not conducted by John Williams, I hasten to add.
54:22But it was all the music.
54:23And, of course, everyone knew the movies just by listening to the first bars.
54:27You know, I mean, Superman, Indiana Jones, this is legendary.
54:30It's a collaboration like none other.
54:32Obviously, they're not all Spielberg films, but Spielberg is right at the heart of that collaboration.
54:36That's right. They actually played at the Indiana Jones theme of my graduation.
54:39Yes.
54:40When I graduated from my bachelor's.
54:41And I think when young people talk about wanting to get into the movies,
54:45it's often the actors, the directors.
54:47Do you think someone like John Williams may have inspired people
54:49to get into the music side of film,
54:51which is something we don't really hear too much about?
54:53It's like when sometimes people will say,
54:55What do you think of the film? What was it about?
54:57And you start to recount the plot and realise that that's not why you like the film.
55:01It's the underlying mood.
55:02I mean, Jaws is a good example.
55:04The plot is great, but it's the underlying terror.
55:06It's the uncanny.
55:07It's the numinous.
55:08And the music is what gives that its edge.
55:10So I think you're absolutely right.
55:12I mean, you take the music out of these films
55:14and you know that the films wouldn't carry anything like the same weight.
55:17So I think that you're right.
55:18I think that when you think about the collaborative nature of film,
55:22unlike writing a book, you need good cinematography,
55:25you need good producers and technicians as well as good actors.
55:28Absolutely. It's a collaboration all around.
55:30Yeah.
55:31Now, Universal described the project as a new original event film all about UFOs.
55:35What kind of film would you like to see considering Spielberg's previous movies on the theme?
55:40Obviously E.T. I doubt it.
55:41And Close Encounters as well.
55:42Close Encounters, of course.
55:43Yeah.
55:44So do you think it's going to be moving away from that style if you had to sort of make a guess?
55:47I would guess.
55:48You see, he's very good at the intimate dramas on a big scale.
55:51So it's like always foregrounding family.
55:53There's always often like a missing father figure.
55:55You know, his films are grounded in something we all identify with.
55:58E.T. is a perfect example.
56:00And it's as though the space is then taken by the surrogate who's an alien,
56:04but in a way is more human and certainly apes the human
56:07and, you know, effectively becomes like the human as the film develops.
56:11So I suspect it will be on that sort of canvas, you know, intimate but huge vista.
56:16Absolutely.
56:17And we've got a new episode of Kent Film Club coming up.
56:20Can you give us a quick preview before we go?
56:22With Ilyas?
56:23No, we have four films which are actually mostly international.
56:28There's one set in Scotland with Scarlett Johansson,
56:30but films with a very international edge and films which Ilyas hasn't always watched in many years.
56:37It's like these films made such an impact.
56:39He put them in a box and said, amazing.
56:41I can't wait to see it.
56:42But that's all the time we've got.
57:17You
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