Kent Tonight - Thursday 20th July 2023
Catch up on the latest news from across the county with Abby Hook.
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00:02 - Good evening and welcome to Kentonite Live on KMTV.
00:27 I'm Abbey Hook.
00:27 Here are your top stories on Thursday the 20th of July.
00:31 Fire on Luton Road.
00:34 Women and two children hospitalized
00:36 following Chatham incident.
00:38 - They battled really hard to gain access
00:41 to the rear bottom flat,
00:43 and they rescued a family of three.
00:46 - Can Kent's Lionesses bring it home?
00:49 We chat to Chatham Town player
00:51 about England's hopes of World Cup glory.
00:55 And back on the big stage, KMTV prepare for another year
00:59 at the Priory Live Festival.
01:01 (upbeat music)
01:05 But first tonight, a woman and two children,
01:15 including an 18-month-old baby,
01:17 have been hospitalized today following a fire in Chatham.
01:20 Emergency responders were called
01:22 just after six o'clock this morning to Luton Road.
01:25 Local residents have reported hearing a loud noise
01:27 in the early hours of this morning,
01:29 as Bartholomew Hall reports.
01:31 - This was the Medway skyline
01:34 at just after six o'clock this morning,
01:36 smoke billowing from just outside of central Chatham.
01:39 At its centre, a fire which engulfed a mixture
01:42 of commercial and residential properties
01:44 in the town suburb of Luton.
01:47 Five fire engines were called to the scene,
01:49 as well as a technical rescue crew and an ambulance team.
01:53 As a precaution, Luton Road was closed
01:56 whilst crews rescued a woman and two children,
01:58 including an 18-month-old baby.
02:01 Crews were called approximately six o'clock this morning
02:04 to a fire at the car wash that you can see behind me.
02:08 On arrival, they were confronted with a well-developed fire
02:11 in the rear of the car wash.
02:13 They battled really hard to gain access
02:16 to the rear bottom flat, and they rescued a family of three.
02:21 An 18-month-old baby, a seven-year-old boy,
02:26 and a 37-year-old female.
02:27 I've been informed by the ambulance service
02:29 that they have responded to treatment at hospital
02:33 and are all doing well.
02:35 - The time now is just after 10 o'clock in the morning.
02:37 Luton Road has now reopened, but as you can see,
02:40 some fire engines and emergency vehicles
02:42 still remaining at the scene.
02:44 - I was woken up this morning by a loud bang.
02:46 It was like a thud noise, and then when I woke up,
02:48 not sure what it is, looked out the window,
02:50 can't really tell what it is.
02:51 I've come out the front there, three police cars
02:52 on the side of the road, labelled up, two fire,
02:55 fire and rescue, search and rescue cars, vans parked up.
02:58 As soon as I've come out the front way of the door
03:00 and I looked, and I could just see something crazy
03:01 is happening down there.
03:02 I'm not sure what happened, but the loud bang
03:04 caught my attention.
03:06 - This barbershop owner says he was initially unable
03:08 to open his doors, being so close to the scene.
03:12 - Now when you wake up, too much busy,
03:15 too many car police everywhere.
03:17 I see the fire in the backside.
03:19 Okay, yeah, okay, 'cause they save it now, everyone.
03:21 Save, thanks for God.
03:23 Nobody, anything happen.
03:25 This is important.
03:27 - These videos were uploaded to social media
03:29 by nearby residents.
03:30 Smoke and flames can be seen pouring
03:32 from the Premier convenience store.
03:35 Whilst the cause is yet to be determined,
03:37 it is believed that the fire began at a car wash,
03:39 which later spread to the flats and shop above it.
03:43 As the investigation into the cause of the fire
03:45 is now underway, Luton watches on as the scene
03:48 has remained under the care of the fire service
03:50 and police for the majority of the day.
03:53 Bartholomew Hall for KMTV in Chatham.
03:56 - Now, Gillingham and Raynham MP Raymond Chistie
04:01 is calling for funding to improve the town's high streets.
04:05 Following a meeting with the levelling up secretary,
04:07 he says he wants to work with the new Labour Council
04:09 in Medway to make Gillingham a destination again.
04:12 It comes at a time where high streets are on the decline,
04:15 with many businesses closing
04:16 and less residents shopping locally.
04:18 - For me, Gillingham is my hometown.
04:21 I grew up in Gillingham.
04:23 In 1984, I was six years old.
04:25 My parents lived there.
04:26 I saw the high street.
04:27 You had Marks and Spencer.
04:29 You had Halfords.
04:31 You saw the high street go over years,
04:33 see the various different changes it had.
04:35 We've got different challenges now.
04:38 You've got Bluewater not far away.
04:39 People have got the cars to get to Bluewater.
04:41 You've got Hempstead down the other side
04:43 where people can park freely in that regard.
04:45 You've got people going online shopping.
04:47 And therefore, we then have to look at our town centres
04:51 and how can we create them
04:53 and working with local residents in a way
04:56 where you bring in more inward investment opportunities
04:59 and the retail sector that is supportive
05:03 of the local community.
05:04 But I've always said as a member of parliament
05:07 is there needs to be fair allocation across the board,
05:10 you know, local authority working with members of parliament
05:13 and its member of parliament.
05:14 I've continuously pushed for the case of regeneration
05:17 of Gillingham High Street.
05:19 I've had meetings with the current administration,
05:22 Labour administration, I'm a Conservative member of parliament,
05:24 but we've said we work together in the common good
05:26 to get inward investment.
05:27 So there has been historic challenge
05:29 in where Gillingham has, you know,
05:31 previously not secured the allocation it should have had
05:34 from central government in the levelling up rounds.
05:37 And that's why it's my job to make sure
05:38 that I do everything I can to fight for funding
05:42 for Gillingham and Renham.
05:45 And now commuters travelling to and from Kent
05:49 are facing travel disruption
05:50 as more than two thirds of the county stations are closed.
05:54 Thousands of RMT members, including station staff
05:57 and train managers are striking in a long running dispute
06:00 over pay and working conditions.
06:01 So we caught up with RMT's Ivor Rodale,
06:04 who was out on the picket lines earlier today.
06:06 We started this industrial action in June last year.
06:11 We still have not received any rate wage rise
06:15 or any offer of a wage rise that meets our aspirations.
06:19 Our general secretary hasn't met with the secretary of state
06:21 for transport since January.
06:25 So they're not keen to jump into talks and keep talking.
06:29 What they want to do is force their agenda down their throat.
06:32 The Medway town itself has five stations,
06:35 which are all under threat of complete closure.
06:39 And they want to do all this on the cheap.
06:44 We were close to possibly getting a deal
06:47 on last year's pay in May.
06:50 And then they said, well,
06:51 the goalposts have changed slightly.
06:53 You just got a 91% yes vote in a re-ballot
06:57 to continue your industrial action mandate.
06:59 You will have to stop that and surrender that
07:02 before we talk to you about anything.
07:05 Well, that's like cutting off your arms
07:07 before you go into the room.
07:08 I feel there probably will be more strike dates
07:11 unless there's a change,
07:13 a change in mood from this government.
07:16 I know it's difficult with people trying to get to work
07:19 and we don't want to stop this.
07:20 We want to go back to work.
07:22 You know, we're losing money when we're doing this,
07:24 but we feel so strongly about this
07:27 that we have to do what we're doing.
07:29 And we call on the commuters
07:31 and other passengers as well to support us,
07:33 which by and large they do, it seems.
07:36 A Department for Transport spokesperson said,
07:39 "The government has met the rail unions,
07:40 "listened to them and facilitated improved offers
07:43 "on a pay and reform.
07:44 "The union leaders should put these fair
07:46 "and reasonable offers to their members
07:48 "so this dispute can be resolved."
07:51 Now, next tonight, final preparations are being made
07:53 by Kent's very own Alessia Russo and Laura Coombs
07:56 and their fellow Lionesses
07:57 as the FIFA Women's World Cups kicked off.
08:00 The tournament takes place in New Zealand and Australia
08:03 with the England side's first match
08:05 set for Saturday against Haiti.
08:07 Russo and Coombs are key players in the squad.
08:09 So will Kent's connections be reaching for that trophy?
08:12 Well, I'm pleased to say Tash Stephens,
08:14 a new Chatham Town Women's signing,
08:16 joins me on the line now.
08:18 Tash, thank you so much for joining me.
08:20 I've got to ask you, how do you think they'll do?
08:22 I wouldn't be very professional to say,
08:25 I think they'd win it.
08:26 No, I think they've got a really good chance
08:28 and hopefully it's as successful as last time was.
08:31 And as you said there, the success that they saw last time,
08:34 it sparked a lot of support actually for the female game.
08:37 Being a female player yourself,
08:39 have you noticed that change?
08:40 And do you think this World Cup as well for the women
08:44 will make that change as well?
08:46 Yeah, massively.
08:48 I think it really helped to be in a home tournament.
08:50 There were so many girls that got the opportunity
08:52 to go down and watch matches.
08:54 And it gave them that kind of that moment to dream
08:56 and see people being a professional footballer.
08:59 And that is, it sparks a joy,
09:02 it sparks a passion in players
09:03 and it lets girls know that it's a place for them.
09:05 When I was a kid,
09:07 it wasn't possible to be a professional footballer.
09:09 So I think just now it's really just sparked
09:12 that kind of fire in the girls and across our country.
09:15 And I work in football and I see it at work,
09:18 I see it on the sidelines of my pitches every week.
09:20 And yeah, I think it's really changed everything.
09:22 And hopefully another decent tournament
09:24 will help that grow even quicker.
09:26 And when you started off in football,
09:27 I imagine a lot of these women,
09:29 especially the Kent connections, were your idols as well.
09:33 Where do you think that all started from you
09:36 and how has it changed since you've been in football?
09:38 Yeah, so for me, it was watching a World Cup
09:42 that changed it for me.
09:43 And honestly, it just, I went out into the playground
09:46 and kicked the ball around with the boys.
09:48 And I was like, "Oh wow, I really enjoy this."
09:49 And those are my friends that were girls,
09:51 they weren't interested
09:52 and they started joining in and playing.
09:53 Having that kind of moment,
09:55 it does spark something in you.
09:56 And yeah, the change now where when I was younger,
10:00 there wasn't many girls teams around,
10:02 there wasn't an elite pathway,
10:03 but now there's so many opportunities for girls out there
10:05 and long may that continue.
10:06 We can see on the screen now some of the Chatham Town.
10:10 Now I visited them where they were still Gillingham women,
10:12 but you're a new signing now
10:14 for the Chatham Town women's team.
10:16 Why the move to Chatham?
10:17 Yeah, I signed there because they've got a great set up.
10:22 I know a lot of the players from other playing with them
10:24 are playing against them.
10:25 Personally, I'm glad I'm now on the same team as them
10:28 'cause they're always tougher to play against,
10:29 but it's a club that's taking women's football seriously.
10:32 They're trying to do things the right way.
10:33 They're trying to become more professional
10:35 and that's needed in women's football
10:36 and they really are trying that.
10:37 So it's an exciting time to be a part of it.
10:40 Some friendly competition there.
10:41 Do you think that Chatham Town women
10:43 can be that sort of localised face of female football
10:46 that we're seeing replicated in the Euros, in the World Cup?
10:49 Do you think we could see that locally?
10:51 Yeah, I hope so.
10:52 There's no reason why not.
10:53 Last season, they had really, really good turnouts.
10:56 They were one of the best in the league
10:57 and hopefully that will continue to grow.
10:59 And again, another successful tournament.
11:01 Hopefully more girls will come down.
11:02 But yeah, as many fans, as many young girls
11:06 that want to come in and come and watch us, please do.
11:08 It's an afternoon, it's such a nice atmosphere.
11:11 Hopefully it can grow and people can see us
11:14 and aspire to be like us.
11:16 Amazing.
11:16 And I have to ask, will you be watching every single match
11:19 or just the England games?
11:20 Do you know what?
11:23 I'm at three in the morning,
11:23 so I'm not sure I'm awake after that.
11:25 You're now committed.
11:26 I don't think my mood will allow me to do that.
11:31 But yeah, all the ones during the daytime,
11:33 I'm lucky in work we have them on in the office.
11:34 So yeah, I'll watch as many as I can.
11:36 You need plenty of rest for that training as well.
11:38 Thank you so much for speaking with us, Tash.
11:40 It's great to speak with you.
11:41 That's all we've got time for, unfortunately.
11:44 We'll be back after this very short break.
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15:04 - Hello and welcome back to Kentonite live on KMTV.
15:15 Now a man has died following a crash in Lennon
15:18 between a motorcycle and a lorry
15:19 on a main road this morning.
15:21 Police and ambulance crews attended the collision
15:23 on the A20 between Ashford and Maidstone.
15:26 The 30 year old motorcyclist was confirmed dead at the scene.
15:30 The area remains closed and cars are being diverted
15:32 through Lennon village.
15:34 The serious collision investigation unit
15:36 are carrying out inquiries
15:37 and are appealing for any information.
15:41 Next tonight, rents are on the rise
15:42 and landlords are selling up in Kent,
15:44 leaving many fearful of where to turn.
15:47 Even though demand in the market is growing
15:49 and mortgage rates have fallen
15:50 for the first time in two months,
15:52 according to one estate agent,
15:53 95% of landlords are raising prices
15:56 or pulling out entirely.
15:58 Meanwhile, the average price of renting a house
16:00 in Kent has risen.
16:01 Earlier, I spoke to Caroline Meek,
16:03 a business manager from Red Door Homes,
16:05 to find out more.
16:07 So, Kent Online has revealed that the number of houses
16:09 available for under £1,000 a month
16:12 has almost halved in the past year,
16:15 from 45 now down to just 26.
16:18 Why do you think that is?
16:20 I think landlords are leaving the market.
16:23 Some landlords are leaving the market.
16:24 I think that it's been a difficult few years.
16:28 There's been a lot of changes,
16:29 Covid, of course, had a negative effect,
16:32 tax implications,
16:34 and legal requirements have changed.
16:36 They've significantly improved for tenants,
16:38 but there was a cost to landlords.
16:39 And I think that for some landlords,
16:41 they've made a decision that,
16:42 is it worth it?
16:43 The money's not there that it was, I think.
16:46 A lot of conversations around the price of rent,
16:50 it all goes back down to the renters
16:51 and them not being able to afford this.
16:53 But it is also the landlords it affects too,
16:56 because it's just sometimes not financially viable
16:58 for them to continue.
17:00 So, what can landlords do in this case?
17:03 What can they do to help their income?
17:08 I think it's looking at the portfolio
17:10 or their property as a portfolio as a whole,
17:12 trying to look at all of the numbers.
17:13 So, it may be not just the rent,
17:15 but what are you spending?
17:17 And sometimes that's not just saying not to spend,
17:19 spend that money to make the improvements
17:21 because you might get better tenants,
17:22 longer-term tenants.
17:24 And I think it's really that just looking
17:26 at the whole situation, not looking at short-term.
17:28 I think a lot of people are looking at
17:30 what's happening in the next six or 12 months.
17:32 And I think for landlords,
17:33 you should look at what's happening in the next five,
17:35 what's happening in the next 10 years.
17:36 So, trying to look at the overall figures,
17:39 can they ride that storm for say a year,
17:41 if it's going to get better for the following four?
17:43 I think that would really make a difference
17:44 for a lot of people.
17:46 And what about those renters
17:47 who possibly have had their rents raised,
17:51 but also just can't find somewhere
17:54 that is less than £1,000 a month,
17:55 if that's not within their budget,
17:58 if that goes over their budget,
17:59 what can they do?
18:02 It's the million-dollar question.
18:03 I don't know.
18:04 And that's something that's going to be really difficult.
18:07 I suppose in property, the only option to do,
18:10 is price and location.
18:11 And that's always been the way.
18:13 So, I think the only thing that you can look at doing
18:15 is either downsizing, so you lose a bedroom,
18:17 or moving area to a slightly cheaper area.
18:19 But as the study shows, in Kent,
18:22 there's really nothing under £1,000.
18:25 So, it is proving really difficult.
18:28 But it does seem that it's the way of things to come.
18:30 And it's extremely difficult for tenants now.
18:33 And it's got harder year on year.
18:34 It's going to make things tougher.
18:37 Talking about numbers, with these figures in mind,
18:39 have you seen a lot of landlords
18:41 actually rising their rents?
18:43 Are all of them doing it?
18:46 Yes. Yeah. I think a real large number.
18:48 And we have had a few where they've said,
18:50 "I don't want to do it."
18:51 But they're in a position
18:52 that they need to pass that cost on.
18:54 And it's the difference between whether or not
18:56 they keep the property or sell the property.
18:58 And I think most landlords have looked at it
19:01 as wanting it to be a long-term investment.
19:03 And therefore, sadly, they are having to pass these costs on.
19:06 So, I would say, yeah, I'm in a good 90%, 95% of rents,
19:10 yes, have gone up.
19:12 Well, thank you very much for joining us, Caroline,
19:14 and giving us some more details.
19:15 It's a complicated situation
19:17 that affects both renters and landlords too.
19:19 But we appreciate your help and some advice there too.
19:23 Thank you.
19:25 Now in some more business and financial news,
19:27 from refurb to regeneration.
19:29 This week in Kent, businesses around the county
19:31 are opening their doors for the first time
19:33 and revealing future plans.
19:34 Like in Maidstone, where a 1960s train carriage
19:37 is being moved onto a school campus
19:39 and converted into a cafe,
19:41 being ran by none other than the pupils.
19:43 Well, with this story and more,
19:44 here's Cameron Noble with the Roundup.
19:47 This week's business roundup for Kent
19:49 stretches out across the county.
19:51 Starting off in Gravesend,
19:53 new owners of The Grapes will be welcoming
19:55 new and old customers back,
19:57 but into an unrecognisable setting.
19:59 The historic pub opens its doors tomorrow
20:01 for the first time since its £200,000 revamp.
20:06 After closing its doors last year,
20:07 businessman Steve Bassi snapped it up only months later.
20:12 Manager Esther Lani said that it is
20:14 a complete building refurbishment,
20:16 from the garden, flooring, lighting, bars and toilet.
20:20 Everything is new.
20:22 Both Steve and Esther want the pub to have
20:24 an upmarket and premium feel,
20:26 similar to what punters would find in London.
20:29 Moving towards Maidstone,
20:30 a train carriage is set to be transformed
20:32 into a working cafe at a school
20:35 and will be staffed by the pupils.
20:37 Five Acre Woods School have been granted
20:39 planning permission to move the carriage
20:41 onto the Boughton Lane site,
20:43 which will take a massive three cranes.
20:46 Head teacher of the school, Tim Williams, said
20:48 it will become a hospitality training academy.
20:51 He said that "we'd love if trade and companies
20:53 in the area can get behind us to help us
20:56 renovate it because it will need renovation
20:58 to bring it up to the specification that we would like
21:01 and that our pupils deserve."
21:03 The structure, which worked for the British Rail
21:05 between 1964 and 1975,
21:08 is due to be installed in its new home this month,
21:11 but there is no set date for when it will open as a cafe.
21:14 And our final business story for tonight.
21:17 Architects have unveiled their vision
21:19 for an enhanced community centre,
21:21 port and harbour facilities in Ramsgate.
21:24 The works are expected to help train young people
21:27 in an array of skills.
21:28 These fresh plans for the seaside town could benefit
21:31 from a £19.8 million overhaul
21:35 in a bid to boost the economy.
21:37 That was your Business Roundup with Cameron Noble
21:39 for KMTV.
21:42 Now it's time for us to take a very quick look
21:44 at the weather forecast.
21:46 (Music)
21:52 Tonight, temperatures between 15 and 16 in the county.
21:55 Cloudy skies expected too.
21:57 Tomorrow morning, the sun's out right across Kent,
22:00 17 degrees in most parts, 18 towards the west.
22:04 But enjoy the sun while it lasts, cloudy by 4pm.
22:07 Temperatures between 20 and 21 degrees.
22:10 And here's your weekend.
22:11 And look into next week.
22:13 A mixed Saturday, raining Sunday,
22:14 potentially thunderstorms on Monday.
22:18 (Music)
22:27 Well, we're certainly hoping for good weather
22:29 for this next guest.
22:30 Well, what started back in 2014 as a community music event
22:34 has now grown into a fully-fledged
22:36 grassroots music festival.
22:37 On Saturday, the 5th of August,
22:39 the Priory Live Music Festival will be taking place
22:41 once again right here in the south-east.
22:43 And we're proud to say that KMTV will be joining
22:45 the festival running the second stage,
22:47 packed with Kent-based acts for the second year in a row.
22:50 Well, joining me in the studio to tell us more about
22:52 the festival is the founder, Nick Barkley.
22:54 Nick, thank you so much for coming in.
22:56 Priory is one of our favourite events to cover,
22:59 and second year we're going to be there as well.
23:02 What can you tell me, what's going to be different
23:04 about this year?
23:05 Right, well, Abby, it's, as you say, it's grown.
23:09 It's grown year on, year on, and we just try to keep
23:11 making improvements each year.
23:13 So we've got bigger bar areas, bigger tent areas.
23:17 We've also introduced a new thing for this year,
23:20 it's a vinyl village, so it's a dance tent.
23:22 It's just DJs playing vinyl, so that's a whole other
23:25 sort of string to it, you know.
23:27 Oh, wow, to be able to draw in so many different people
23:29 with all sorts of different interests, that's what,
23:31 when I was there last year, that's what I saw,
23:33 so many different people there.
23:35 And we're going to have some pictures coming up
23:36 on the screen of last year as well.
23:38 You had producers and artists as well.
23:41 Tell me about some of the artists you're going to have there.
23:43 Yeah, so, as you know, it's all about original artists
23:46 and creativity, so it's a non-covers or tribute environment.
23:49 This year we've got a whole plethora of young,
23:51 emerging artists that are playing on the main stage
23:54 as well as on the CAM TV stage.
23:57 One in particular, Isabella Caustock, who's actually
23:59 supporting, she's in main support to The Who at the moment,
24:01 and she's playing Priory, you know, which is great.
24:04 But we've got creative makers there as well,
24:07 in the Made in Kent market, which is brilliant.
24:10 So, again, it's all about celebrating creativity,
24:12 you know, and getting people to understand
24:14 that that's got much more value.
24:16 Of course. We report a lot here at CAM TV
24:19 about the cost of living crisis, and that's something,
24:21 when we talk about festivals and these events we have on,
24:24 we wonder and we worry, will people still be going to these events?
24:27 So, what have you seen in the way of ticket sales
24:29 and the amount of people that you're expecting?
24:31 Yeah, well, because of the success of last year,
24:34 we've got a bigger licence and a bigger capacity,
24:36 so we're using more of the space.
24:39 But the ticket sales are actually, we've sold four times
24:41 as many tickets at this point as we had last year.
24:45 But I will say, on the cost of living side of things,
24:47 we took a decision, despite all the rising costs,
24:49 which are quite high, to keep our ticket prices the same this year.
24:52 So, we're trying to say to people, you know,
24:54 come and support us, stick with us, we're sticking with you, you know.
24:57 Amazing.
24:58 The VIP completely sold out, I think, five weeks ago.
25:01 Wow.
25:02 So, you can get family tickets and general admission tickets still.
25:05 And are there any plans for even next year?
25:07 I mean, if you just keep growing at this rate, this trajectory,
25:10 it's going to be your, what, 10th year next year as well?
25:13 Yeah, 10th anniversary next year.
25:15 I mean, third year doing it this way.
25:16 Getting you thinking about that already while you're still doing it.
25:19 We are already talking about, "Oh, I wonder if we can get to play next year."
25:22 But we did always say we want to keep it as exactly what it is,
25:25 a grassroots music festival,
25:26 so we have no desires to turn it into a great big sprawling monster.
25:30 And all the risks associated with that as well,
25:32 we want to keep the beauty of it.
25:34 You know, I mean, it was described three years ago
25:36 as a love letter to music by somebody in broadcasting,
25:38 and I thought that was a really fantastic phrase,
25:40 and we still use it today because that's exactly what it is.
25:43 You know, if you like real music and you love real music,
25:45 this is the place to come and see it.
25:47 And it's amazing to build that rapport with the area as well, the South East.
25:50 Keep it local so the people who attend it know that it is local
25:53 and it does care about the local people too, I suppose?
25:55 Yeah, exactly, because where we sit in Orpington,
25:57 it's sort of on this side of Kent and that side of South London,
26:01 so it kind of attracts an audience in quite a small area,
26:07 but it's a dense enough area.
26:09 But, you know, we try and straddle that kind of area.
26:13 Amazing. Now, just before we go, we've sadly run out of time,
26:16 but what are you looking forward to the most?
26:18 I'm going to be brutally honest,
26:20 I'm seriously looking forward to seeing Stereo MCs.
26:23 I saw them four years ago in Crystal Palace Park,
26:25 and they are absolutely sensational live act,
26:27 and I would advise people, get your tickets early
26:30 if you want to see the Stereo MCs.
26:31 I can imagine that you'll be getting front seats as well to that,
26:33 seeing as you are the founder and organiser.
26:35 I won't be front seat, I'll be seeing them on the side of the stage
26:38 and running around dealing with all sorts of other issues.
26:40 On the stage as well. Well, thank you so much, Nick, for coming in.
26:43 Thank you, Abby.
26:43 Everybody at home, watch out for the 5th of August
26:45 for Priory Live Festival, back after this short break.
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45:01 Hello and welcome back to Kentsonite, live here on KMTV.
45:15 Now, don't forget, as well as watching us here live every day at 5.30,
45:19 you can keep up to date on all things going on in Kent
45:21 by visiting our website, kmtv.co.uk.
45:24 There you can check out some of our latest stories,
45:26 including this video about Spitfires and Hurricanes
45:29 taking to Headcorn Aerodrome for the annual air show.
45:32 # Airplane engine roars
45:35 # Music plays
45:37 Cloudy skies and neat plane dives -
45:39 the perfect combination as pilots in Kent prepare to take off
45:43 for the last time at the Battle of Britain air show.
45:46 Families watch together on fields below
45:50 as Spitfires, Lancasters and Hurricanes dance their way through the skies.
45:55 # If nothing is detected... #
45:58 Keith, now 90, was just a schoolboy when World War II broke.
46:02 He was gifted the opportunity to see the Kent show live
46:06 as an early birthday present from his two sons.
46:09 # Airplane engine roars
46:11 I was born before the war,
46:14 so we experience a lot of what's gone on in real life.
46:20 So this now has brought it back again
46:24 to remind me what we went through in the early part of the war.
46:27 It's just such an experience I'll remember.
46:31 I am old, but I'll certainly remember this for a long time.
46:35 # Airplane engine roars
46:37 AeroLegends, who runs these events,
46:39 began with the aim to make World War II aircraft
46:42 more accessible to individuals.
46:44 Now, years on, up to 40,000 people can experience
46:48 what flying inside a war aeroplane was really like.
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46:54 And for one events marshal,
46:56 today was his favourite show out of the three-day long event.
47:00 It's very well today. It's been very well.
47:03 It's been on for three days.
47:05 This is the best day.
47:07 It's doubled since Saturday.
47:10 Here at Headcorn marks the final day of the 2023 air show
47:15 many from Kent visited.
47:17 And as you can hear from the noises behind me,
47:19 the pilots are taking to the skies.
47:21 Cameras at the ready,
47:23 and furry friends also enjoying the excitement,
47:26 the day proved to be a huge success.
47:29 ...leading rights in the Tiger Club and then became the Manatee...
47:32 # Airplane engine roars
47:35 As locals capture the memories,
47:38 let's hope it's not too long before Kent sees another air show.
47:42 Naomi Greenaway for KMTV.
47:45 Now, as the Women's World Cup kicks off,
47:48 we've been looking at what it means to you football fans and players in Kent.
47:51 Well, for one young girl in Paddock Wood,
47:53 she dreams of following in the footsteps of our Kent-born players,
47:56 Alessia Russo and Laura Coombs.
47:58 Emily Coleman-Smith currently plays in goal for Chelsea's under-13s,
48:02 as well as Kent and West Kent under-14s.
48:04 Well, Emily and her dad Kevin join me on the line now.
48:08 Thank you both for coming on.
48:10 It's great to have you back and speaking to you about football again,
48:13 and most importantly, the women's game.
48:15 So, Emily, how do you think the women will do?
48:18 Ooh, that's a tough question.
48:21 Well, I know what I'm hoping for.
48:23 I know what I'm hoping for, certainly.
48:25 I think there's some good competition,
48:27 so I'm hoping that we...
48:29 I think we'll place in the top barrier, which is what I'm hoping for.
48:33 Amazing.
48:34 Now, Kevin, we've spoken to you about this before
48:37 and about Emily's success as you've watched her grown up
48:41 and her career shine, even at such a young age.
48:44 Do you think more women are taking women's football more seriously now,
48:49 especially as we look at what the women are doing at the moment?
48:53 Yeah, absolutely, Abi.
48:55 I think the success of the Lionesses last year
48:57 has just helped catapult it even further now,
49:00 and I think you can see from the quality of the girls
49:03 who've come through trials at any level now
49:06 and the just interest in the game is significantly improved.
49:10 Everyone's dreaming big,
49:12 and obviously everyone is looking for those opportunities,
49:15 which is fantastic and so well-deserved and placed
49:19 that the girls' game is now getting the recognition it absolutely deserves.
49:23 And, Emily, two connections I mentioned there
49:26 in Laura Coombs and Alessia Russo.
49:28 Now, are they your idols?
49:30 Is that the goal you aim to achieve?
49:33 Yeah, I'm hoping.
49:35 I think it would be nice playing in the WSL,
49:37 but especially England, that would be lovely.
49:39 That would be the ultimate dream.
49:41 Now, Kevin, what's it been like watching Emily's career
49:44 as she's starting to get her way into football?
49:47 She's just shining through, winning so many games, so many matches.
49:51 Yeah, I mean, it's been good.
49:54 I mean, she's been kicking a ball ever since she could walk, really,
49:57 and we've seen her sort of evolve over the years.
50:01 She's been very fortunate to be involved with Chelsea
50:03 and Wes Kent, who you featured last year, and obviously Kent.
50:06 So she's in amongst quality players, loves it.
50:10 It's great for team bonding as well and maturing as individuals,
50:14 but it's also building a lot of resilience.
50:16 So it's been really good to see.
50:18 The journey just is exciting.
50:21 Obviously, it doesn't go in a straight line.
50:23 You get ups and downs,
50:25 but obviously you're showing a few ups there, which are penalty saves,
50:28 which is always good if you're a goalkeeper and you can make some saves.
50:31 But it's been brilliant.
50:32 As long as she stays grounded, which is the most important thing for us,
50:35 and enjoys it, then hopefully, you know,
50:38 you just follow the dream as long as you can and as far as it will go.
50:41 Definitely grounded and humble, for sure.
50:43 Do you think that you could get a penalty past her?
50:46 What do you think, Kevin?
50:48 Well, she's not going to like me answering this,
50:51 but I did get one past her not that long ago at Sellers Park,
50:54 but she won't want to talk about that, as you can tell by her face.
50:57 So I'll say no more about it.
50:59 The one and only, Emily.
51:00 Tell me, what's been a huge career highlight for you so far?
51:04 I think when I first signed my contract with Chelsea,
51:09 because I can remember I'd just come home from school.
51:11 I think I was in year four or year five,
51:13 and my mum and dad sat me down in a cafe and they told me,
51:16 and I think that was, I can still remember how buzzing I was from that moment.
51:20 So I think that's been one of the biggest.
51:22 And then another one, I think, was when I did the England Under-15s camp recently,
51:26 which was, it was good.
51:28 And what's it like playing along other young girls like yourself,
51:31 but also in comparison to the young boys playing football as well?
51:35 Is there that sort of mutual respect?
51:37 Yeah, I think there is.
51:39 I think sometimes you'll turn up, because we play boys for Chelsea,
51:42 so I think sometimes you'll turn up to games and they'll be like,
51:45 "Oh, it's girls, but it's Chelsea," right?
51:48 So I think there's the respect there.
51:51 And then especially when we win or if we've had a good game,
51:55 then at the end of the game it's really good.
51:57 They really respect us, which is really good.
51:59 Amazing.
52:00 And some of the women's games for the World Cup
52:02 are running into the early hours of the morning, I've heard.
52:05 Will you both be watching them all? Are you that dedicated?
52:08 Yeah, I've been watching it through my break and lunchtime at school today.
52:12 I've been watching both the games and the highlights.
52:15 Let's not let the football get you a detention, hey?
52:19 You're secretly very proud of that, Kevin, I know.
52:22 Absolutely. At least we've brought her up the right way.
52:25 As long as she gets the balance right between education
52:28 and enjoyment from that, then I'm happy.
52:31 But in answer to your question, yeah, I think we'll watch some of them
52:34 and obviously, hopefully, if England progress and some of the games,
52:37 if they go into the early hours of the morning,
52:39 then we'll certainly be watching them. You got that right?
52:41 Amazing. Thank you both so much for coming on.
52:44 It's great to speak with you.
52:45 We'll be speaking with you soon as we watch all these games unfold.
52:49 But thank you both for coming on and congratulations
52:51 on a really great football career so far, Emily.
52:53 We'll keep up with you soon.
52:55 Next, and sticking with sport, Kent's Zach Crawley
52:59 has made history this afternoon at Old Trafford
53:01 on day two of the fourth Ashes test.
53:03 In a confident first innings for the home side,
53:05 Crawley made up 154 runs in 154 balls,
53:09 the fastest ever 150 in a test match at the Manchester ground.
53:13 It makes him the first Kent man since Alan Knott in 1977
53:17 to score an Ashes 100.
53:19 However, the Kent player has since been sent away from the crease
53:21 after a catch from back bowler Cameron Green.
53:24 England lead Australia by 19 runs with seven wickets remaining.
53:29 Next, artificial intelligence has been big in the news
53:34 these past few months as it continues to grow in Kent
53:36 and across the world.
53:38 But did you ever think that it would be able to style you?
53:40 Well, a TV star couple visited Kent's Ashford Designer Outlet
53:45 to get make-ups from new AI styling bots.
53:48 Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott told the bots
53:51 things like size, style and brand preferences
53:54 and where the outfit was going to be worn.
53:56 The couple then tried on the chosen outfits
53:59 after the bot made designed mood boards.
54:01 Zara said the bot did an amazing job
54:03 and that she would have chose the items for herself.
54:05 Look at that, AI taking over our outfit choices.
54:08 Well, next tonight, could cats really have nine lives?
54:12 Well, one kitten in Ramsgate has been named a miracle kitty
54:16 after surviving five weeks under his neighbour's floorboard.
54:19 The Russian Blue named Arthur disappeared on the 8th June
54:22 but he wasn't very far from home when he was found.
54:25 Here's his owner, Joe Roedel, who was very happy to have him back.
54:29 When I first arrived, I couldn't even believe it was him.
54:34 I couldn't believe he was still alive.
54:36 He's lost 50% of his body weight.
54:40 So no one can believe he's still with us.
54:44 The vet, me, all the neighbours, no one can believe he's still alive
54:48 but he's still with us.
54:50 Just the most amazing feeling ever
54:53 because he is so incredibly loved and he was so missed
54:57 and Florence, his sister, was missing him terribly.
55:01 There was an Airbnb guest staying at the house.
55:04 It's literally three doors down.
55:06 There was an Airbnb guest staying there
55:09 and she messaged the owner to say that she could hear meowing
55:13 coming from underneath the floorboards.
55:15 We have a road WhatsApp chat
55:18 and so the owner of the house immediately put a message on there
55:22 saying, "Oh my God, could this be Arthur?"
55:25 And from that message to us physically getting him out was 12 minutes.
55:29 All the neighbours went. Everyone came with tools and food
55:32 and Lee, who lives at number two, was amazing.
55:35 She managed to get the floorboards up and move some pipes to one side
55:39 and then he just crawled out and crawled into the room.
55:43 So the most amazing feeling ever.
55:46 Nobody could believe it. Nobody could believe he was still with us
55:49 and I can't believe that he was literally three doors down for five weeks.
55:53 I would say he's used up more than one of his nine lives.
55:57 I don't quite know how many of his nine lives he's used
55:59 but it's more than one, that's for sure.
56:03 What a miracle kitten he is, for sure.
56:06 Well, that's all we've got time for on tonight's episode of Kent Tonight.
56:10 We've got more news made just for Kent throughout the evening
56:13 and we'll be back at 8pm with our news bulletin as well.
56:16 Don't forget you can always keep up to date with the latest news across the county
56:19 by logging on to kmtv.co.uk or reading Kent Online.
56:23 And you can keep us on your social timelines
56:26 by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter.
56:29 If you have a story you think we should be covering
56:31 please do get in touch over on our website.
56:34 Well, that's all from me and the team this evening.
56:36 Have a very lovely night and see you very soon. Bye bye.
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