Latest news with #Ashford
New York Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Kenneth Colley, 87, ‘Star Wars' Actor With a Commanding Presence, Dies
Kenneth Colley, the British character actor whose stone-cold portrayal of Adm. Firmus Piett, Darth Vader's trusted officer, in the Star Wars film 'The Empire Strikes Back' turned him into a fan favorite and earned him a call back for 'Return of the Jedi,' died on June 30 in Ashford, England. He was 87. His agent, Julian Owen, said in a statement that he died in a hospital from complications of pneumonia after contracting Covid-19. Mr. Colley became a memorable screen presence for international audiences who could recognize his dour, stony face even if they didn't know his name. A versatile supporting actor, he was often tapped to play stern detectives, military men and, on multiple occasions, Adolf Hitler, and had been active for nearly two decades onstage and onscreen before his appearance in 'The Empire Strikes Back' (1980). In a 2014 interview, he recalled that when he walked into an office to meet Irvin Kershner, the director of 'The Empire Strikes Back,' Mr. Kershner told him he was looking for 'someone that would frighten Adolf Hitler.' Mr. Colley, with his gaunt face and steely eyes, fit the bill. Admiral Piett is appointed top commander of the Imperial fleet after his superior is killed by Darth Vader (whose physical presence is played by David Prowse) for his poor judgment. Mr. Colley often said that he saw Admiral Piett as a shrewd operator who followed orders for the sake of survival in Darth Vader's world. In his interpretation of the character, he reinforced the severity and tension felt in the camp as the Rebel alliance evades capture. The film grossed more than $200 million in its original release, according to the site Box Office Mojo, with Admiral Piett emerging as an unexpected crowd pleaser. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Southeastern train depot to open for one day only for tours and family fun
Rare access to a train depot is being offered to the public for a one-day-only event. Southeastern is opening the doors to its Ashford Train Maintenance Centre in Kent on Sunday, August 24, as part of Railway 200, a nationwide celebration marking 200 years of passenger rail in the UK. The railway depot open day will offer visitors the chance to explore one of the busiest and most important train maintenance sites in the south-east. Visitors can explore trains, meet staff, and view heritage locomotives (Image: Southeastern) Jim Shead, depot manager at Ashford, said: "We are incredibly proud of the hard work which goes on behind the scenes at Ashford every single day and this open day is a fantastic opportunity to show what it takes to keep delivering a reliable service for our customers. "In addition to the opportunity to see a variety of trains and provide a huge range of fun activities for adults and children, we also want to demonstrate the variety of rewarding careers available in the railway. "But, space is limited and we expect this special event to sell out quickly so buy your tickets today." The event will feature a wide range of activities and displays, including a walk through the maintenance shed where visitors can see Southeastern trains up close. Trains on display will include the special Railway 200 train, the Class 395 'Javelin,' and the Network SouthEast Networker. Read more New public art trail inspired by We're Going on a Bear Hunt coming to Dartford 5 key things you need to know as Jeff Lynne's ELO headlines BST Hyde Park Dartford's Big Day Out festival to return this July - and it's free The outdoor operational yard will also showcase a selection of heritage and specialist trains, including the Clan Line steam engine, a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the Hastings Diesel 'Thumper', a Balfour Beatty Tamper, Class 73 and Class 66 locomotives, and the Bluebell Railway's 'Stepney' locomotive. The depot will also host stands and exhibitions highlighting two centuries of railway history, as well as the many roles and career opportunities available in the rail industry. Southeastern's recruitment team will be on hand to talk to those interested in joining the railway, while teams focused on customer safeguarding and safety will share insights into their work. Network Rail's Margate safety team will also be present to promote rail safety. The Kent Fire & Rescue Service will be in attendance, and model train enthusiasts will enjoy a dedicated Hornby stand featuring the Railway 200 high-speed train. Visitors can also explore the AIMREC Model Railway and meet representatives from the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway and the Kent and East Sussex Railway. For younger visitors, there will be family-friendly activities including miniature roundabout rides. Motorsport fans will have the chance to meet Southeastern employee and racing driver Toby Trice and see his Porsche Cayman. While the organisers aim to make the site as accessible as possible, they note that full accessibility cannot be guaranteed due to the depot's operational nature. There is no general parking available, and attendees are encouraged to arrive by train at Ashford International and walk to the depot. Limited accessible parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Southeastern has confirmed that it will not make a profit from ticket sales. Proceeds will go toward covering event costs, with all remaining funds donated to five Railway 200 charities: Alzheimer's Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission, and the Transport Benevolent Fund CIO. The open day will run from 10am to 4pm. Visitors are advised to check train services ahead of travelling to ensure prompt arrival.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Firm raises funds to help William Harvey Hospital grant wishes
A construction firm in Kent has raised almost £50,000 to help a hospital grant wishes to patients in its critical care have supported East Kent Hospitals Charity with funding for its 3 Wishes project at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford since then, staff have been able to grant 222 wishes, ranging from transport to bring people together for the last hours of a loved one's life to creating mementoes like hand prints and manager Natalie Daly said: "It is a real privilege to be able to grant the wishes of our patients and their families at such a heart-breaking time. "Families tell us it makes a real difference and it is an honour to be able to provide truly personalised care that reflects what was important to their loved one throughout their life." 'Most difficult moments' Bauvill has raised funds through events for staff and partners, including a charity football director Matt Gurr said: "The project resonates deeply with us, not just because of the care it provides during life's most difficult moments, but because we've seen first-hand the compassion and dedication of the clinical teams behind it."Knowing our fundraising has helped make hundreds of final wishes possible is incredibly humbling, and something we're immensely proud of."A woman whose husband died was able to say goodbye to him in the unit's garden, with his favourite music said: "It was devastating, but a nice way to say goodbye. I feel the project offers so much comfort in a very sad time."Jane Kirk-Smith, critical care matron, added: "Each of those 222 wishes represents an incredibly special moment for a family losing a loved one."Words simply are not enough to thank the Bauvill team for their ongoing support in making those moments possible."
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Council votes to Ashford Park Mall amid 'heated' debate
A controversial plan to demolish an Ashford shopping centre has been passed. Ashford Borough Council (ABC) voted in favour of a motion to bulldoze Park Mall to, what the council called, a "heated" response from people who had attended the meeting on Thursday. A petition with 3,500 signatures opposed removing the existing site, which the council said was losing £700k a year, to create an interim car park while redevelopment plans are considered. An ABC spokesperson described the debate as "long, and at times heated" but said while considering public feeling, they had voted to pass the motion. Ahead of the vote, which passed with a majority of 30, traders at Park Mall accused the council of making their minds up and not consulting the public over the decision. Save Park Mall campaigner and trader David Hebditch said: "If you'd done even the briefest of public engagements on this subject you would have discovered this overwhelming viewpoint but sadly you didn't."Audible discontent later came from attendees after Reform councillor Bill Barrett was told he could not raise a motion to reverse the decision in part. A member of the public shouted: "This is why this country's in decline. You disgust us." Following an adjournment, Ashford mayor Lyn Suddards told attendees: "I just want to apologise to people who were troubled by the clapping, by the noise, by the upset."I'm afraid I did let the jovial clapping at the start go by but it did become aggressive and some people felt intimidated by the end of that, by the end of the debate and I am sorry about that."Green Party councillor Steve Campkin described how he was "still shaking" after the disturbance. On Friday, an ABC spokesman said that social media speculation police were called "doesn't appear to be true".Kent Police confirmed they did not attend. An ABC spokesperson added: "The Park Mall site is not financially sustainable, with annual losses of £700,000 and significant maintenance costs projected of £980,000 by 2026/27 and £9.3 million from 2028 onwards."
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Assaulted Ashford man reunites with ambulance crew who helped him
A man who was badly injured in an assault has reunited with the ambulance team who came to his Lopez, from Ashford in Kent, was left with a double shoulder fracture, head trauma, facial wounds and damage to his ribs after being attacked near his home in urgent response crew of Martin Wright and Jonathan Shaw were sent to the scene by resource dispatcher Olivia Manchester after a passer-by called crew, who transported Mr Lopez to William Harvey Hospital for further treatment, has since reunited with their patient face to face. Mr Lopez, an NHS 111 health advisor, was attacked as he made his way home after watching a football match at a screening in London. 'Frightening incident' He said he was thankful for the help of the ambulance crew as he could not remember everything from the night of the attack."I have a 10 to 12-hour gap in my memory, but I do know I wouldn't be here recovering if it weren't for them," he said."It means a lot to be able to say thank you in person."Ms Manchester, who works for the South East Coast Ambulance Service, said: "As dispatchers, we're all ears and no eyes, so it was incredible to finally meet Martin in person after such a frightening incident."Mr Wright, an emergency care support worker, added: "It was genuinely a lovely surprise to hear that Martin was recovering well, and even better that he wanted to meet in person."
