As the seasons changed, we marked a significant milestone in our public art programme with the completion of our tenth mural.

German artist Jack Lack creatively interpreted the arrival of Henry Charles Lawrence in Chatham, after moving from his hometown of Cambridge.

Having worked in some of the country’s finest gardens, Henry made Chatham his home in 1868, bringing with him all his knowledge of flowers and plants to town.

He set up a nursery at the top of Albany Road, where he lived, and opened a shop with a greenhouse above at 2 High Street, selling a variety of flowers and seeds. He also helped amateur gardening groups and judged several competitions, and represented Luton as a ward councillor for six years.

Henry’s arrival is brought to life on a four-storey block by Jack Lack’s signature style: the softness of edges blending into wide fades, integrating the mural into the urban environment.

Located in Oakum Court, this mural was made possible thanks to landlord mhs homes and their tenants, who kindly donated the wall. We also thank S.E.I. Drones for providing drone photography.

If you have a wall or local story you would like us to consider for future murals, please get in touch.

This summer we unveiled our eighth – and largest – mural to date in Chatham.

Covering a four-storey block, Dutch artist Ricardo Van Zwol painted the remarkable Luton resident and campaigner, Erica Stuart.

Erica played an instrumental role in transforming seven acres of derelict allotments, at the top of Albany Road, into Luton Millennium Green.

Determined to create a space for local children to play, over several years she worked alongside the late Janet Western, from Medway Council’s community development team, and partners to make it a reality.

Opening on 15 September 2000, the park has provided a vital green space for the surrounding diverse and growing community for 25 years and counting.

Located in Sawyers Court, this mural wouldn’t have been possible without mhs homes, who kindly donated the wall, and Erica Stuart for her support throughout.

If you have a wall or local story you would like to have considered for future murals, please get in touch.

Over 40 young people from our local primary schools enjoyed an unforgettable April half term.

Exploring London Zoo — the world’s oldest scientific zoo — they got up close to incredible animals from around the globe, such as tigers, penguins and monkeys.

In the following week they immersed in all things chocolate with luxury chocolatiers Melt Chocolate, tasting the world’s oldest confectionary from the ancient Mayan age and creating their very own Easter Eggs.

This summer is set to be jam-packed with more than one adventure a week, including a three-day residential trip.

This February half term, 15 brave young people from Luton, New Road, and All Saints primary schools took on an action-packed day at Hangloose in Bluewater. They soared in the UK’s first outdoor skydive machine, raced down England’s longest zipline, and experienced the adrenaline rush of Europe’s biggest swing.

With spring activities already in the works, we’re now turning our attention to an unforgettable summer. As the Big Local programme comes to an end, we’re planning something truly special to celebrate the journey and the young people who have been part of it. More details to come—watch this space!

Following the success of our summer Adventures Programme, we set out to create more memorable experiences for our young people who might otherwise miss out, with an exciting winter schedule.

In November, 53 local residents attended Kent’s finest firework display at Leeds Castle, enjoying an unforgettable evening of dazzling lights and spectacular pyrotechnics.

On Christmas Eve, 88 people were treated to a magical outing to see the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at The Central Theatre in Chatham. The laughter and joy of this festive classic brought holiday cheer to everyone who took part.

As we move into 2025, plans are already underway for more activities. February is shaping up to be a thrilling month!