NEWS
CHALLENGER TROOP CIC FOUNDER , SIMON DEAN , AWARDED OBE IN QUEEN ’ S BIRTHDAY HONOURS
Simon Dean , founder and CEO of Challenger Troop CIC , has been awarded an OBE in Her Majesty ’ s The Queen ’ s 90th Birthday Honours List for his services to education . In 2007 , Simon established not-for-profit organization , Challenger Troop , a uniformed youth engagement programme working to improve life chances and outcomes for children and young people . “ I feel deeply privileged to have been awarded an OBE ,” he said . “ It is a wonderful honour in recognition of all my amazing team at Challenger Troop and their passion and hard work in transforming young people ’ s lives .”
Resident in Langton Green with his wife Louise and two children , Simon founded Challenger Troop CIC with a determination to outreach , engage and positively improve the potential of children and young people through a full-time professional provision aimed at supporting youth , particularly those who are vulnerable and disengaged from their education and local communities .
Since its inception , the organisation has grown from its small roots in West Kent to one of the UK ’ s leading providers of military ethos programmes ; winning many awards including receiving the High Sheriff of Kent ’ s Award for community youth engagement earlier this year , and is currently Kent County Council Chairman ’ s Charitable Organisation of the year 2016 / 17 .
Alongside his work with Challenger Troop , Simon is also a Major in the Kent Army Cadet Force working as a volunteer community engagement and recruitment officer and was former Officer Commanding ( OC ) of B Company , Folkestone .
“ This honour is in recognition of not just the work I have done throughout my career , but most importantly recognition of my colleagues within Challenger Troop , the Army Cadets and all those who have supported me on my journey , especially my wife and family .”
Challenger Troop has a proven track record of engaging and enhancing the lives of hard-to-reach youth in our society , partnering with schools and community groups across the South , London and East of England . The organisation ’ s instructors are predominantly ex-service personnel who are highly skilled and trained to engage and support vulnerable young people , instilling key core values and building skills for successful transition into employment , education , training and their home communities .
CRUISE ON THE BEWL BELLE THIS SUMMER
This summer , visitors to Bewl Water Country Park will be able to enjoy a relaxing cruise on the water aboard a 70-seater vessel , to be named Bewl Belle .
The 42 foot long boat has arrived after completing its journey from Warwickshire aboard a low-loader lorry all the way to the visitor attraction on the Kent and Sussex border .
The boat will be named Bewl Belle after it proved to be the most popular choice via a competition hosted on Bewl Water ’ s Facebook page . The competition winner , Jill Wright from Wadhurst , was one of the voters for Bewl Belle and will launch her and embark on the first cruise later this summer . She will be joined by three friends and enjoy a lunch at the Waterfront , the restaurant and café adjacent to the Visitor Centre .
The vessel , which will have a two-man crew , is now being refurbished before it is inspected by the Maritime Coastal Agency , who will license it to operate on the South East ’ s largest piece of open water .
Bewl Belle beat Pride of Bewl , Bewl Beauty , Wealden Wayfarer and Weald Wavetime in the competition .
Andrew Daniells , chief operating officer of Markerstudy Leisure , which owns and operates Bewl Water Country Park , said : “ We asked our staff to come up with a shortlist of names and visitors have now made the final choice . The arrival of the cruiser marks another important step in our plans to put Bewl back on the map for families and coach parties .”
As well as the new cruiser visitors will be able to spend time on the water aboard the Water Taxi , the pedalloes and rowing boats .
MEADOW VIEW CELEBRATE THE QUEEN ' S 90TH BIRTHDAY
The ‘ Royal Family ’ was on standby when the team and residents at Meadow View invited the community along to their royal themed Care Home Open Day to celebrate The Queen ’ s 90th birthday .
Set in the stunning landscaped gardens , the Royal Garden Party included live music entertainment , mouth-watering cakes and delicious cream teas , with the team suitably dressed as their favourite royal – from the birthday girl herself to Princess Anne .
Lilly Challess , 90 , said : “ It was a lovely day and wonderful to see the team as the Royal Family – great fun .”
Activities leader Christina York added : “ Care Home Open Day is all about creating lasting links with your local community so it was lovely to be able to support this with our royal celebration – the day was full of laughter and smiles .”
Meadow View Residential Care Home is located in a quiet residential area of Hersden village , and includes luxurious comforts such as spacious en-suite bedrooms and beautifully furnished light and airy lounge and dining areas . For more information visit www . sanctuary-care . co . uk or ring 01227 207117 .
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