00:01With the scarf unrolled and residents involved, the campaign begins for Chatham to be the UK's
00:08first town of culture as part of a government scheme. I'm really incredibly proud as someone
00:14who's represented Chatham for 19 years nearly, I'm really proud that the community have come
00:18together to say actually this is an opportunity actually to put right some of those naysayers
00:24and say look it's not perfect but my goodness there is so much good stuff happening here
00:28and if they were successful I've got no doubt that that funding would go not just to the people of
00:32Chatham by the nature of how Medway works of course wider Medway would benefit from that and that's
00:38great too. You might be familiar with City of Culture, a competition ran by the Department for
00:45Culture, Media and Sport that awards the city the title and funding to boost regeneration and local
00:52pride. Every town has its own unique story to tell.
00:56Now the contest has its own category for towns, we're the first one to be awarded in 2028.
01:03And there's a lot up for grabs including a three million prize for the winner and of course the all
01:09important title.
01:10Now when you think of Chatham and Culture you might think of the historic Dockyard right here behind me
01:15or Sir Thomas Waghorn who famously wears the same hat as me. But a key part of this campaign is
01:20that
01:20all of Chatham is something to be proud of and earns the title of Town of Culture.
01:25Well Chatham is completely unique, it's an industrial town but it's a town that's seen regeneration many times through its
01:33history so
01:34it's developed as a centre of innovation and technology through its ship building but the Dockyard closed a few years
01:41ago and Chatham's been on a journey ever since then as well.
01:43So it's had to deal with the closure of huge amounts of industry and the rise from the Phoenix and
01:49the flames actually being able to mark that town of Folkestone but some of the incredible things that have happened
01:54in the last 40 years is an amazing opportunity to celebrate that.
01:57But Chatham isn't the only town in Kent throwing their hats into the ring with Folkestone and Deal both campaigning
02:04for the title.
02:06So what sets Chatham apart?
02:08Tell me your favourite thing about Chatham.
02:10I think the history when you think back about what's happened.
02:12My favourite thing about Chatham is Medway Park, Sports Leisure, St Mary's Island is a definite one, the community there
02:17is incredible.
02:18My favourite thing about Chatham is the Chatham Wormering Cadet Unit.
02:22And it won't be until spring when the official shortlist is announced.
02:25So until then, residents will have to stay loyal and true to the town.
02:31Megan Shaw, CAME TV in Chatham.
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