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Despite the downpours, this year's KENT MINER'S FESTIVAL was a triumph of the community spirit that defines the former mining villages of East Kent.
The boxing display was a big hit again this year, organised by the "Aylesham Boxing Club" and included other local and county wide clubs, they drew a great crowd, despite some spectators getting soaked they still stayed for a large part of the day
The Heritage Marquee which was sponsored this year by UNITE, contained a newly made colliery themed embroidery, which complemented historic "Miners Banners" and other fascinating displays about Kent's Coaling History, including the community's contribution to the first world war.
Children and parents shared in learning circus skills and enjoying the antics of "Stupididity" with their pantomime horse. The festival fun dog show went ahead with best in show won by Tilly, who was also the dog the judges would like to take home with them. When done Tilly.
Thanks to DDC's Coalfield Regeneration Level1, ASLEF Thompson Solicitors, Sussex LRC, Beech Grove Community, Tilmanstone Salads and to other sponsors and supporters of this year's festival, our community spirit shone through, making this event as good and as successful, as all of the other's.
Sheppey EMU's did an excellent job of marshalling the event in very difficult conditions.
Mark Lumsdon-Taylor from Hadlow College, opened the festival and was the main sponsors of this year's KMF.
Mark was delighted to see so many people turn out from our local communities and to see their happy smiles when meeting friends and family.
Watching our visitors spend hours in the Heritage Marquee, enjoying the entertainment and the boxing, gave him a great insight to our community spirit.
He really enjoyed his trip to East Kent Railway to open their Woodlands Miniature Railway as well.
I can tell you all, that Mark and Hadlow College, have agree to host next year's Kent Miners Festival at Betteshanger and that I am looking forward to our first meeting, to start organising next year's event.
As always, many thanks to my committee who have been brilliant over the last two years and to our visitors for their much appreciated support.
Gary Cox
KMF Chairman