John Nurden

A car driven by a 21‑year‑old woman crashed into the historic Tam’s Cottage on Chapel Street in Minster, causing structural damage but no injuries. Police closed the road while removing the vehicle, and a council official deemed the building unsafe. Local residents reported hearing the impact and raised concerns about speeding, parking issues, and ongoing safety risks at the nearby junction, calling for measures such as double yellow lines and a speed camera.

A Kent vape shop owner says Medway Maritime Hospital discharged him despite severe pain, mobility problems and ongoing medical issues following surgery for an infected abscess. After leaving the hospital, he experienced leaking from his wound and was unable to obtain proper aftercare due to missing discharge information. Multiple NHS services redirected him without providing treatment until the Surgical Assessment Unit eventually changed his dressing. He has lodged a formal complaint, saying the discharge was unsafe and poorly managed. Medway NHS Foundation Trust has apologised and is investigating the concerns raised.

Residents report that a homeless man living in a Minster bus shelter is preventing schoolchildren and elderly people from using it safely, prompting complaints to police and local officials. Parish councillors express concern over his refusal of help, unclear ownership of the shelter, sanitation issues and welfare risks. Swale Council states that repeated attempts to engage him have failed and that a notice will be issued for removal of belongings so the shelter can be restored to public use while continuing welfare outreach efforts.

A retired teacher, Bruce Horton, was appointed the first town crier for the Isle of Sheppey after winning a competitive audition at the Criterion Theatre. Judges from local councils and heritage organizations praised all candidates but selected Horton for his standout performance. The event, organized by the Island Forum and Blue Town Heritage Centre, included proclamations, interviews and an introduction by Rochester’s town crier on the history of the role. The appointment aims to boost local pride and promote Sheppey during its upcoming Festival of Sheppey.

A 91‑year‑old Isle of Sheppey resident, Denis Paine, completed a 5km parkrun at The Leas to celebrate his birthday, continuing his weekly participation despite a hip fracture the previous year. Supported by family and praised by organisers, he remains committed to improving his running time. The piece highlights his late start in running, the local history of the parkrun, and the community support behind it.

Reverend Colin Johnson, a former journalist and well‑known Anglican priest from the Isle of Sheppey, has died at 79 after being admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital. His career spanned reporting for local newspapers and BBC Radio Kent before his ordination in 2003. He remained active in church life after retirement, gaining attention for his humour, protests over a broken church boiler, comments on Remembrance commemorations and his involvement in community events including an RNLI lifeboat dedication. He is survived by his wife Lynne, daughter Clare Solberg and son‑in‑law Courtney.

A Channel 5 true‑crime documentary examines the 2013 murder of Gary Pocock on Sheppey, reconstructing how police uncovered the killers through CCTV evidence, public appeals, and forensic clues. The programme features detectives, criminologists, and journalists involved in the case, detailing the attack, the attempted cover‑up, and the subsequent convictions of five men for murder or manslaughter and perverting the course of justice.

A vintage 1968 Ford Escort Mk 1 valued at up to £15,000 was stolen overnight from the driveway of owner Andy Hills in Minster on Sheppey. Hills suspects the car was taken by thieves using a low-loader after a man in hi-vis clothing was seen inspecting it the previous day. The vehicle holds significant sentimental value, having been owned by its original purchasers before Hills acquired it in 1995. Kent Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses, dashcam footage and CCTV recordings from the night of the theft.

Paul Murray, a long‑serving teacher on the Isle of Sheppey, received a lifetime achievement award recognizing nearly five decades of educational and community work. The ceremony, led by retiring mayor Sarah Stephen, highlighted his involvement with numerous local groups and initiatives, including community development projects and the Sheppey parkrun. Murray reflected on his career, expressed hope for continued involvement in Sheppey’s evolving education system, and credited his wife Margaret for her support. Born in County Durham and educated at Durham University, he has held roles across several local schools and currently serves as community leader at Oasis Academy.

A BMW crashed into a family’s home on Minster Broadway, leaving the mother and her baby unharmed but causing significant damage, including smashed windows and debris hitting the family car. Residents expressed concerns over speeding on the road and called for speed cameras. Police confirmed the driver sustained minor injuries and that an investigation is ongoing.

Veteran dog handler Mick Bingham, who led Kent Police’s kennels at Stockbury and pioneered training for drug and explosives search dogs, has died at 86 following pneumonia. Former colleagues and members of the Royal Navy formed a large guard of honour at his funeral in Bobbing. His career spanned service in the Royal Navy, roles across Kent Police, and decades of leadership in dog training, including founding the Stockbury Dog Club. He is survived by his widow, Brenda.

A youth-led pantomime adaptation of Beauty and the Beast by Elite Dance Company delivered strong choreography, impressive acting and singing, and standout performances from its young cast at the Glassbox Theatre in Gillingham. Directed and scripted by Ryan Cottee, the show featured energetic musical numbers, comedic moments, and vibrant costumes, creating a lively and entertaining production.

Vicki Michelle appeared at The Avenue Theatre in Sittingbourne to discuss her upcoming EastEnders role as Jo Cotton, marking a shift from her well-known 'Allo 'Allo! character. The event, organised by Cllr Ken Rowles and attended by local figures, included a screening of the first 'Allo 'Allo! episode and conversations about her career, past roles, and new storyline. Michelle, who has already filmed her initial EastEnders episodes, expressed enthusiasm for joining the soap, with producers hinting that her character’s arrival may create complications for Rocky Cotton.

Swale Council is enforcing anti-idling regulations in Sittingbourne, Sheppey and Faversham, warning drivers to switch off engines when parked or face a £20 fine. New signage and patrols target hotspots, particularly around schools, to address harmful emissions. Council leaders emphasize health risks associated with air pollution and urge residents to comply. A school in Newington previously introduced a drop‑off zone to reduce idling, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve local air quality.

A Kent businessman, Adam Ervin, has purchased a £185,000 motor yacht to launch luxury ferry trips between the Isle of Sheppey and Southend. Operated from his Queen Phillippa guest house in Queenborough, the Merry Phillippa Ferry will offer regular Saturday crossings, private hire, cruises and future sunset and Thames trips. The vessel will also serve as extra accommodation when the hotel is full. Booking operations required significant preparation, including licensing and infrastructure upgrades. Competing services such as Jetstream Tours’ larger Jacob Marley ferry will resume in April. Prices for the new trips range from £40 for the Southend cruise to £100 for extended Thames journeys.

Toyah Willcox has been confirmed as the headline act for Sittingbourne’s Party in the Park, organised by the Appleyard. The announcement highlights her longstanding music and acting career and notes her recent online popularity with Robert Fripp through their Sunday Lunch video series. The article recalls past festival line-ups, notes last year’s sell-out attendance, and provides details for this year’s event scheduled for July 1.

Veteran DJ Nicky Peck will return to Medway for a one‑off Soul on Sunday event at Oliver’s in Rochester, marking his first appearance in 39 years. Fellow DJ Aadil Rasheed invited him to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the monthly soul sessions. Peck, once a key figure in the Kent club scene and credited with helping boost Level 42’s early success, left music in 1984 to join Thames Valley Police. The event will run for six hours, with advance tickets priced at £5.

Residents and Stockbury Parish Council oppose National Highways’ plan to build a £3 million pedestrian bridge over the A249 instead of the requested £16 million road bridge, arguing it fails to address serious safety concerns created by the M2 junction upgrade. National Highways and the Department for Transport concluded the road bridge offered poor value for money, while insufficient local support halted the footbridge proposal. Local leaders warn the redesigned junction will create hazardous traffic conditions once completed.

John Nurden bids farewell in his final column, reflecting on his diverse career as a journalist, PR worker and occasional TV personality, sharing humorous anecdotes about past assignments, celebrity encounters and newsroom memories as he heads into retirement.

A former Sittingbourne pool hall has been transformed by Jordan Middleton and his father into Buckleys, an indoor market featuring booths for local artists, crafters and small retailers. The space hosts around 30 traders selling items ranging from handmade candles and children’s clothing to vintage cameras and collectibles. Stallholders describe the venue as an affordable way to maintain a High Street presence, while visitors find a mix of new crafts and nostalgic items. The market is seen as contributing to revitalizing the area following the closure of nearby amenities.