The Grade II* Scenic Railway at Dreamland in Margate has been announced as permanently closed. The wooden ride, Britain’s oldest rollercoaster, has been out of service since developing a fault in 2024 and was last restored in 2015.
Merly's Tearoom at Damhouse in Astley closed in January but reopened last summer under Merly's Kitchen, a Community Interest Company, and now offers homemade food, volunteer-led services and community activities.
Last October, former Eton teacher Jacob Leland was convicted of three counts of sexual assault; a former pupil identified as "Thomas" says he was abused while under 16, though Leland admitted only to sexual activity after the pupil turned 16. Undetermined at this time.
The British Hen Welfare Trust is arranging rehoming in South Marston for hundreds of 18-month-old ex-commercial hens, with a public rehoming event on February 8 and an adoption deadline of February 6.
The British Hen Welfare Trust is organising the rehoming of hundreds of ex-commercial hens in South Marston. The birds are about 18 months old, and a rehoming event is scheduled for Sunday, February 8.
A GoFundMe appeal has been launched to raise funds for BDJ 67, a 75‑year‑old former St Helens Corporation AEC Regent III RT-type that recently returned to the North West Museum of Road Transport; planned repairs include bodywork, a full repaint and possibly an engine overhaul.
Local events in Penarth this week include a Songs of Praise recording at St Augustine's Church on Saturday, January 31 and community sessions such as African drumming, a sound bath and a Cancer Research charity bingo night.
James Bell, a Grimsby driving instructor, is running a JustGiving prize draw offering up to 40 hours of driving lessons valued at £1,600 to raise funds for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance; the draw is scheduled for March 31 and donations have already been recorded.
Wilder Wednesdays, run by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust in North Whiteley, will expand in 2026 with extra activities supported by Whiteley Town Council. The programme will add family walks, bat and moth sessions while continuing weekly family nature activities.
PETA will hold its annual General Assembly Breakfast on February 3 at the Colgate Darden Memorial Garden in Richmond, featuring rescued dogs available for adoption and vegan refreshments; the group will also outline animal‑welfare legislative priorities.
