August 2025 Newsletter

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the What’s On In Kent newsletter!

As always, it’s been a busy and exciting month. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Networking with a Difference event at West Kent Shooting School. It was a great day of making new connections and sharing conversations in such a unique setting - you can catch the highlights in this issue in our video.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce we have sold out our next networking event will be taking place on the Kentish Lady riverboat in Maidstone. Back by popular demand, this special cruise along the River Medway to Allington and back is now a firm favourite in our calendar. We’re delighted to be returning for a third time thanks to the wonderful team at Kentish Lady.

We’re also excited to welcome several fantastic new partners to the What’s On In Kent community - be sure to read on and see who’s joined us!

There are plenty of brilliant events happening right across the county, so take a look and find something that inspires you. And if you’re running an event of your own, don’t forget to add it to your profile - it’s the perfect way to boost your visibility and reach more people through both the app and our website.

In this month’s newsletter you will find: * 'Networking with a Difference’ at West Kent Shooting * Next Stop - Kentish Lady Network with a Difference * New Category - Business & Events * Tell us about you upcoming Halloween events and pumpkin picking * New Partners * Upcoming Partner Events you won’t want to miss! * Supporting Martha Trust: Monte Carlo Madness Challenge!

‘Networking with a Difference’ at West Kent Shooting

A Huge Thank You to West Kent Shooting School!

We’d like to extend a big thank you to Gillian Dyer-Lynch and the entire team at West Kent Shooting School for hosting our recent "Networking with a Difference" event.

From the fantastic venue and warm hospitality to the delicious food and Chapel Down wine, everything was spot on - and the sunshine certainly helped too! It was great to see so many friendly faces enjoying themselves.

If you haven’t visited West Kent Shooting School yet, we highly recommend it. And here’s a bonus - if you book an event with them before 1st November, mention What’s On In Kent to receive 15% off your deposit. The booking can be for any date in 2026!

Thanks also to Jack McGowan from the What’s On In Kent team for capturing the day in this great video - take a look below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_r-0Wmr2Fc

** Next Stop: The Kentish Lady

Join us for our next Networking with a Difference event aboard The Kentish Lady!

Thank you to our sponsors for this event, Village Hotel Maidstone and Gusbourne for providing the wine! Tuesday, 2nd September 6:00 PM

We are now sold out for this event, but if you would like to join us for our October ‘Networking with a Difference’ at Chapel Down, you can sign up here (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/networking-with-a-difference-at-chapel-down-winery-tickets-1245122688479) .

Our team are also in the process of creating instructional videos for The Kentish Lady’s private boat hire side of their business as well as private boat hire. If you are looking for video work, please get in touch with the What’s On In Kent team as we would love to help!

Coming Soon: Our New Website!

We're excited to announce that a brand-new website, Networking with a Difference, is on its way!

Stay tuned - more details coming soon!

New Category - Business & Events

Our new category of Business & Events has been popular this month and we are pleased to welcome some new businesses on board. We have partnered with Synergy Networking Events who host structured, in‑person networking events across locations such as Maidstone, Whitstable, Bexley, Kings Hill, Ashford, Dartford, Tunbridge Wells, and Medway. This is great news for existing and new What’s on in Kent partners to help boost the populartiy of What’s On In Kent website and app even more as well as drive more visits to your business profiles.

Tell us about you upcoming Halloween events and pumpkin picking

Hosting a Halloween Event or Pumpkin Picking This Autumn? Spooky season is just around the corner, and Kent is ready! If you're planning any Halloween events, pumpkin picking, or autumn-themed activities, make sure they're listed on What's On in Kent — the go-to guide for what's happening across the county.

Already a partner? Don’t forget to log in and add your events! Not a partner yet? Get in touch - we’d love to talk you through how to sign up and start sharing your events with thousands of local visitors.

New Partners

The Monk's Head (Larkfield)

The Monk's Head in Larkfield has recently been taken over by Oli Aubrey, adding to his growing portfolio under OL Pubs Ltd. A passionate supporter of traditional English pubs, Oli is committed to preserving these vital community spaces and breathing new life into them.

With a welcoming atmosphere, a spacious garden, and a rotating selection of guest ales, The Monk's Head is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a proper pint.

Why not pop down and see what it’s all about?

Click below to view the video on Letiverse’ profile

Letiverse

Letiverse is a cutting-edge, interactive virtual replica of a real or digital business that transforms how companies engage with customers and sponsors. Unlike static websites or basic virtual tours it offers immersive, 3D environments based on photorealistic scans and enhanced with CGI, allowing businesses to showcase their spaces, services, and brand in a lifelike and engaging way.

Visitors can explore naturally, interact with videos, galleries, games, forms, and social links seamlessly. View Letiverse Profile (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/394)

Its’eeze Websites

it’seeze is a UK‑based web design and digital marketing company offering bespoke, professional websites and ongoing support to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Clients benefit from services including design, hosting, SEO, email, security, domain setup, and lifetime support—backed by a UK development and support team located in Devon. They emphasise simplicity, quality, value, and local service delivered through a streamlined three-step process: Discover → Design → Deliver. View Its’eeze Websites Profile (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/395)

** Tilia Yoga - Claire Bates

Tilia Yoga was founded by a dedicated yoga teacher whose journey began on an organic farm in Eungella, Australia, within an eco-yoga community. Immersed in nature and far from the demands of modern life, she discovered that yoga is much more than physical movement- it’s a deeply transformative path of self-discovery and inner stillness.

We are pleased to partner with Tilia and they will have many upcoming events and classes.

Have you been foraging? Well why not try this experience fun and join Claire on Saturday 4th October where you can learn about the medicinal and nutrition values for so many plants etc View Tilia Yoga’s Profile (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/396)

** T&T Cars

T&T are a local taxi company who provide general taxi services as well as school runs airport runs to work for corporate clients in so much more.

Have you got a Christmas party coming up? Do you need a mini bus or would you like to hire the 15 seater party bus for a special occasion?

Look out for some special trips around Kent coming up. View T&T’s Cars Profile (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/398)

** Simtek EMS

Based in Margate, Kent, Simtek EMS provides comprehensive contract electronics manufacturing services. These include surface-mount and conventional PCB assembly, full electromechanical builds, and complete turnkey solutions such as boxed-ready products and custom battery pack assembly. View Simtek EMS Profile (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/398)

Below you can see just a few of our upcoming partner events:

Networking with a Difference on The Kentish Lady

2nd September 2025 - 6pm

View event (https://whatsoninkent.com/events/3205-networking-with-a-difference-on-the-kentish-lady)

Faversham Scarecrow Spectacular Town Trail

13th and 14th September

View event (https://whatsoninkent.com/events/3450-faversham-scarecrow-spectacular-town-trail)

Drakes Bikefest - Drakes Cork & Cask

4th September

View event (https://whatsoninkent.com/events/3116-drakes-bikefest)

Music Bingo at The Castle - Lympne Castle

12th September

View event (https://whatsoninkent.com/events/3460-music-bingo-at-the-castle)

Bridgerton High Tea - Hempstead House Hotel & Spa

14th September

View event (https://whatsoninkent.com/events/3434-bridgerton-high-tea)

Pick Your Own Fruit Weekends - Brogdale Collections

Every weekend

View event (https://whatsoninkent.com/events/3330-pick-your-own-fruit-weekends)

Plant a little daffodil with Millbrook - Millbrook Garden Centre Gravesend

27th and 28th Sepember

View event (https://whatsoninkent.com/events/3501-plant-a-little-daffodil-with-millbrook)

Below you can find just a small handful of wonderful places to take the children as a September treat. Click here to view all of our partners. (https://whatsoninkent.com/our_partners)

https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/339-combat-laser-games https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/339-combat-laser-games

September Partner Highlight

Millbrook Garden Centre Gravesend and Staplehurst

A big shoutout to Millbrook Garden Centre for actively adding a fantastic range of events to their What’s On in Kent profile! From fun, family-friendly activities to seasonal events, they’re making their garden centres a go-to destination for all ages.

Their efforts are definitely paying off - their profile views are soaring, showing just how much local families appreciate the variety on offer. It’s great to see businesses making the most of the platform and bringing exciting experiences to our community.

Keep up the great work, Millbrook!

https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/339-combat-laser-games https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/339-combat-laser-games

Combat Laser Games

Combat Laser Games offers the ultimate outdoor experience for all!

With 3 purpose built woodland maps, a multitude of instructor led missions, cutting-edge laser tag technology, unlimited ammo, camo overalls, army style face paints and the option for adults to experience our electrifying Hyper Shock system – there’s no way, you won’t have the best time of your life!

View more on Combat Laser Games (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/347-harden-holidays)

https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/219-hangloose-adventure-bluewater

Hangloose Adventure Bluewater

Hangloose Adventure Bluewater is based at the Bluewater Shopping and Leisure Centre.

Join us for one of the best things to do in Kent. Have an adrenaline-filled adventure day, perfect for solo adventures, friends, families , old and young! View more on Hangloose Bluewater (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/219-hangloose-adventure-bluewater)

https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/365-battlekart-sittingbourne https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/365-battlekart-sittingbourne

BattleKart Sittingbourne

BattleKart combines electric karting, video games, and augmented reality for an exhilarating experience that will excite your senses!

Race through an unparalleled Playground, with various circuits, bonuses, and game modes projected directly onto the floor. This setup lets you interact with the environment and other players. Experience the thrill of high-speed racing in electric karts for an electrifying adventure! View more on BattleKart Sittingbourne (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/365-battlekart-sittingbourne)

https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/322-fort-amherst https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/365-battlekart-sittingbourne

Fort Amherst

Fort Amherst is a free-to-visit* historical site the whole family can enjoy, with 20 acres of green space all linked to the Great Lines Heritage Park. Built during Napoleonic times to defend Medway from a land-based attack, Fort Amherst has been restored to reflect its national and local importance. View more on Fort Amherst (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/322-fort-amherst)

https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/212-quiz-trail https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/212-quiz-trail

Quiz Trail

Quiz Trail is low-cost and made for sharing - all outside in the fresh air - a healthy walk while you enjoy appreciating fabulous local history. A great way of engaging and educating children plus enhancing their observation skills! Quiz Trail is created for adults and we’ve added an extra set of children's questions to each so that all ages can enjoy Quiz Trail as a fun activity together. View more on Quiz Trail (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/212-quiz-trail)

https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/356-lympne-castle https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/356-lympne-castle

Lympne Castle

Nestled within the very heart of The Garden District of England, Kent, Lympne Castle is unsurpassed as an exquisite and romantic setting for a wedding celebration or event. With architectural refurbishment designed by the infamous Sir Robert Lorimer, Lympne Castle has been a first-class host to royalty including King Henry VIII, nobility including Sir Tomas Beecham, and the Archbishop of Canterbury as well as many glamorous guests (Paul McCartney recorded his Wings Album, Back to the Egg, at Lympne Castle and Mick Jagger was a frequent guest). Needless to say, the beautiful and historic Lympne Castle has hosted glamourous guests for over 1000 years and is truly one of England’s most beautiful and historic castles. View more on Lympne Castle (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/356-lympne-castle)

https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/193-leeds-castle https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/193-leeds-castle

Leeds Castle

For more than half a million visitors each year, Leeds Castle and its estate is considered a national treasure, providing a window onto nine hundred years of British history, a haven of tranquillity and a world of discovery and enjoyment. View more on Leeds Castle (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/193-leeds-castle)

https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/369-buttercups-sanctuary-for-goats https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/369-buttercups-sanctuary-for-goats

Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats

Buttercups began in 1989 when Bob and Valerie Hitch decided to care for two unwanted goats. A few months later, the RSPCA approached them to take in another goat in urgent need, and this marked the beginning of a steady stream of goats arriving from around the county, many suffering from cruelty and neglect. By 2003, the number of goats in their care had grown so much that the sanctuary became a registered charity. View more on Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/369-buttercups-sanctuary-for-goats)

https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/210-bredgar-and-wormshill-light-railway https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/210-bredgar-and-wormshill-light-railway

Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway

A beautiful garden railway, showcasing full size steam locomotives as well as many other steam and vintage vehicles. The railway has a delightful tea room amongst gorgeous parkland and woodland, ideal for a true getaway from Wednesday to Sunday. View more on Bredgar Railway (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/210-bredgar-and-wormshill-light-railway)

Feature on the What’s on in Kent Website

Promote Your Business on the What’s On in Kent Website – Still Available!

We’re continuing to offer businesses the opportunity to boost their visibility with a high-impact banner ad on the What’s On in Kent homepage.

For just £150 per week, your banner will link directly to your profile and be featured in a prime position on one of Kent’s most popular websites—visited by thousands of people actively searching for things to do in the area.

Whether you're promoting an event, showcasing a special offer, or simply increasing brand awareness, this is a powerful and cost-effective way to reach a wider audience across the county.

Spaces are still available, so don’t miss out!

To get your banner up and running, email: sales@whatsoninkent.com

Supporting Martha Trust: Monte Carlo Madness Challenge! https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/365-battlekart-sittingbourne

As mentioned in our recent newsletters, the Monte Carlo Madness Challenge is coming this September – and there’s still time to get involved!

Thank you to all of our sponsors, we have now raised over £2000!

JDL Deliveries (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/381-jdl-deliveries-ltd)

Auto 7 Centre (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/375-auto-7-centre)

Rafferty & Pickard (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/349-rafferty-and-pickard) Kent Mitigation Ltd

Simply Print (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/383-simply-print-partners)

Handpicked Hotels (https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/208-chilston-park-hotel) Quattro Design & Print (https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/392-quattro-design--print) https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/208-chilston-park-hotelRelocate to Kent

Drakes (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/11-drakes-cork--cask)

Letiverse (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/394-letiverse)

Its’eezee

Beyond our Dreams Sommelier Consultant (https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/379-sommelier-consultant) The Little Gem (https://whatsoninkent.com/partnerprofiles/229-the-little-gem)

The Monks Head (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/393-the-monks-head)

The Walnut Tree (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/230-the-walnut-tree)

West Kent Shooting School (https://whatsoninkent.com/partner_profiles/338-west-kent-shooting-school)

What’s on in Ibiza (https://whatsoninibiza.uk/)

We would also like to invite any individuals to make a donation and that can be for as little or as much as you can afford to help us support the amazing work that Martha Trust does every day. You can discover more about the amazing work done by Martha Trust here - https://www.marthatrust.org.uk/ Donate Here (https://www.justgiving.com/page/whatsoninkent)

https://www.jdldeliveries.com/

** Fast, Flexible & Reliable Couriers!

** Big enough to cope and small enough to care.

For Same Day, Next Day, International, Temperature Controlled or Specialised Delivery Services. JDL Deliveries can collect and deliver anywhere in the UK mainland and Ireland. Visit www.JDLDelivieres.com (https://www.jdldeliveries.com/) https://facebook.com/ https://instagram.com/ https://twitter.com/

https://www.whatsoninkent.com