News Bison back in


the eco-system MAIDSTONE-based Kent Wildlife Trust is the force behind the re-in- troduction of wild bison to the county.


Rangers have been appointed to


oversee a small herd of the Euro- pean buffalo, which will roam a huge area near Canterbury. The initiative aims to demon-


strate how an eco-system once lost can be restored. Bison have the ability to fell trees by rubbing up against them and eating bark, creating space for other species to thrive.


Village plan BOUGHTON Monchelsea’s nine-


year battle to draft its Neighbour- hood Plan met with praise from Maidstone Borough Council when it was described as excel- lent. It will now go out to a village referendum. The plan will be given “significant weight” in fu- ture decision making. Praise was given to parish councillor Doug Smith and the parish clerk for driving the plan.


downsmail.co.uk


Hospice farewell as chief exec moves on


HEART of Kent Hospice chief ex- ecutive Sarah Pugh has decided to move on after six years in the job. Mrs Pugh has accepted the same


role at the disabled children’s char- ity Whizz-Kidz, starting in May. She arrived at the hospice as di- rector of income generation in 2014 and a year later was appointed to the top job.


Mrs Pugh won a reputation for


being a friendly, fair but firm chief who belied her diminutive stature with a steely streak and assured presence.


A statement said: “Over the past


six years, Sarah has led Heart of Kent Hospice to be awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating by the Care Quality Commission. In 2019, the hospice was awarded Kent Care Charity of the Year and over the past 11 months, Sarah has led it through the many challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic.” Mrs Pugh, a married mother


who lives in Tunbridge Wells, said: “After a busy and rewarding six years as chief executive of this amazing hospice, I feel that now is the right time to move on. “I am incredibly proud of every- thing that has been achieved and the impact that the hospice has on


the daily lives of our patients and their loved ones. I feel very privi- leged to have worked alongside such a dedicated team, who are committed to providing the best compassionate care.”


Chairman of trustees, Jim Barker-McCardle, said: “Sarah has been a truly outstanding chief ex- ecutive. Under her leadership, Heart of Kent Hospice has flour- ished and we are providing out- standing care to more patients than ever before. “She has built great strength in


depth in the leadership team and we have fantastic colleagues, vol- unteers and supporters. “The trustees are very sorry in- deed that Sarah will be leaving us and will be forever grateful for her legacy – a thriving hospice with a great reputation. We wish her every success at Whizz-Kidz, a wonderful charity.” l See comment, page 45


The Trust Sixth Form


VIRTUAL OPEN EVENING p10


“Senior leaders have high expectations of students in the Sixth Form”


What’s Included? Prospectus 360o School Tour Curriculum Videos Meet our Learners Head of School Speech Director of Sixth Form Speech


In our latest Ofsted Inspection we were judged as “good” in all areas.


WWW.THETRUSTSIXTHFORM.COM/VIRTUAL LIVE NOW AT 10


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