Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Category: News

  • Gurvinder Sandher MBE appointed Deputy Lieutenant

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE appointed Deputy Lieutenant

    Lord Lieutenant of Kent The Lady of Colgrain, His Majesty’s King Charles III personal representative in Kent has appointed Gurvinder Sandher MBE as a Deputy Lieutenant with a particular focus on Dartford, honouring him for his positive contributions to the County and the Nation over many years of service.

    The appointment is the latest honour to be bestowed upon Gurvinder who was recently awarded an MBE in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s last Honours list this summer.

    The Deputy Lieutenancy role will see Gurvinder support the Lord Lieutenant of Kent and the Crown in a range of duties including greeting and accompanying royalty and heads of state during official visits to the county, the presentation of honours and awards, participation in citizenship ceremonies, offering advice during the organisation of events and helping community groups raise awareness of and gain recognition for their work.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL commented, “I am truly humbled to be given this new role. It was totally unexpected and I was shocked when I received the letter. As a son of immigrants from North Kent this is a proud moment not just for me and my family but also the community partners we have worked with. I am aware of the great work done by The Lady Colgrain, her office and the Deputy Lieutenants, which is invaluable to the communities in Kent, acting as a representative for the highest role in the nation, that of His Majesty the King. I hope over the coming years I can contribute positively, highlighting the great work being delivered by individuals and community groups around Kent.”

    6 other Deputy Lieutenants were appointed at the same time. These were Ms Judith Armitt (Medway); Sir Stephen Deuchar CBE (Ashford); Mrs Tracy Luke MBE (Folkestone and Hythe); Mr James Ryeland (Dover); Mrs Susie Warran-Smith CBE (Folkestone and Hythe); Mr Paul O’Grady MBE (Ashford).

    His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain said: “I am thrilled to be able to welcome these outstanding new Deputy Lieutenants, whose wide breadth of experience will further enhance an already strong team of Deputies who support the Lord-Lieutenant and act as the eyes and ears for the Lieutenancy throughout our wonderfully diverse county.”

  • KECC Supporting Local Business in Dartford

    KECC Supporting Local Business in Dartford

    An exciting new concept arrived in Dartford on Saturday with the official opening of a new tea store in Lowfield Street with a twist! Love Bubble Tea is an exciting new brand which the founder Gurjit Randhawa hopes can become a national phenomenon in years to come.

    Bubble Tea is the new drink craze sweeping the UK. Originally from Taiwan, it is a cold drink made with tea, sweetened milk or other flavorings, with balls or pearls of tapioca. Alongside the drinks there will also be bubble waffles and ice cream.

    The store was opened by the Mayor of Dartford Councillor Paul Cutler and the Leader of Dartford Borough Council Jeremey Kite MBE who attended along with other guest from the local community including KECC CEO Gurvinder Sandher MBE.

    Gurjit Randhawa founder of Love Bubble Tea has run the Esquires Coffee in Dartford since 2017 commented “This is a tough time for businesses but we are fully committed to Dartford and passionately believe this is an excellent addition to the town centre and will bring a different vibe to the local drinks and dessert market. I have worked on this concept for a long time and hope this is the start of an exciting new venture not just for us but also Dartford”.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “I am very passionate about supporting local independent businesses and were delighted to assist Gurjit and his team with the launch. It was great to see the Mayor and Council Leader in attendance, it is important in these uncertain economic times we all do what we can to support those new businesses that appeal to our taste.”

  • Black History Month celebrations in Gravesham

    Black History Month celebrations in Gravesham

    Residents of North Kent attended annual Black History Month celebrations in Gravesham which boasted a spectacular programme of performances, films, speeches and presentations on Thursday 20th October. Organised by Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with North Kent Caribbean Network and Cohesion Plus, the event was attended by local residents, community groups and civic guests and was funded by Involve Kent and Arts Council England.

    Civic guests included Deputy Lieutenant Dr Bhargawa Vasudaven, Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Peter Scollard, KCC Chair Cllr Lesley Game and Chief Constable Tim Smith all of whom spoke about the significant contributions Black communities had made to the UK past and present.

    There were musical performances from young local talent Kofi as well as films showcased by GTown Talent and NHS Diversity and Inclusion lead Helanna Irvine which focused on domestic abuse and the Windrush Generation’s impact on the NHS post World War II.

    As part of the event, special community awards were awarded to local community heroes, organisations and residents Genny Jones, GTown Talents, Mina Smith, Medway Culture Club and Dr Vasudaven DL. Each award winner was recognised for the positive contribution and impact that they made through their community initiatives, artistic offerings, service to the community and volunteering.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council of the event commented, “We are so proud of the celebrations we delivered this month working in partnership with North Kent Caribbean Network. We aim to get bigger and better year upon year and especially with the 75th anniversary of Windrush taking place next year our ambitions are high. We look forward to working again with valued partners NKCN to deliver future events that promote and champion coming together to celebrate shared values and experiences.”

    Michelle Bramble, Chair of the North Kent Caribbean commented, “It’s such a pleasure to deliver this event working with KECC, in order to celebrate all the wonderful work and contributions made by members of the diverse community past and present. Events like these serve to remind us that there is more that unites us than divides us and that there is a whole history of events and people that have shaped who we are today. Those events and people unfortunately have been overlooked and forgotten in the past, however these celebrations serve as a valuable reminder to acknowledge our shared heritage.”

  • Village comes together for annual light celebration!

    Village comes together for annual light celebration!

    The rural village of Wrotham in Tonbridge and Malling was transformed with a series of light installations as the community came together for the annual Wrotham Festival of Light. The festival which has been running for nearly 10 years also featured a lantern parade, musical performances, street entertainment and a spectacular fireworks finale.

    The festival was organised in partnership by Cohesion Plus, Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Saint Georges Primary School and Same Sky Arts.

    Civic guests in attendance included Deputy Lord Lieutenant Nadrah Ahmed OBE, Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Sue Bell and Kent County Council Chair, Cllr Lesley Game.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “I was so pleased with how well the festival of light was received in Wrotham. It is important that through our work we engage and support rural communities where we can, and this event is a great way of doing this. I am grateful to all of our partners for their help and support in the build-up and on the day.”

  • Community Members and Groups pay tribute to Chief Constable as he bids farewell to Kent Police

    Community Members and Groups pay tribute to Chief Constable as he bids farewell to Kent Police

    A delegation of community representatives visited Kent Police Headquarters on Monday 12th September to bid farewell to Chief Constable Alan Pughsley QPM as he steps down from the role this month.

    The visit was arranged by Kent Equality Cohesion Council and saw members from the Kent Senior Citizens Association, Saheli Group, Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association, Ashford Muslim Association and the North Kent Caribbean Network attend to personally thank the Chief for his long and prolific service to the County of Kent as well as his long standing relationship to the diverse communities that reside within it.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council said, “I am really pleased that we were all able to come together as a delegation of diverse community representatives and have the opportunity to thank Mr Pughsley in person, for his dedication, commitment and hard work over the many years that he has served as Chief Constable. His service has been exemplary, and an inspiration for those that follow after him. I am personally grateful to the Chief for the time and effort he has put in with us an organisation, working to build stronger community ties, amplifying the values that bring us together. Mr Pugsley has always been incredibly supportive and vocal about the work we do here in Kent and his absence will be felt. However, we wish him all the best in his new role and are confident in the legacy he leaves behind at Kent Police.”

  • Maidstone Community Mela celebrates Her Majesty The Queen

    Maidstone Community Mela celebrates Her Majesty The Queen

    After much discussion and advice from both local and national partners the Maidstone Community Mela took place on Sunday September 11th. The Community Mela became a celebration of Queen Elizabeth ll life, and contribution to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

    The Community Mela started with the National Anthem performed by Phase 5 Streel Band and then a minute of silence which was impeccably observed.

    Throughout the day images of the Queen’s life were shown on a big screen along with tributes from Civic Leaders from the borough. The Proclamation from Jubilee Square of the new monarch King Charles lll was also screened live and each stall had images of Her Majesty displayed as a sign of respect.

    There was a programme of entertainment both on and off stage reflecting the best of British and Commonwealth arts and culture, with the majority of the acts from Maidstone and other areas of Kent.

    The Chief Guest was Deputy Lieutenant Bill Cockcroft who was representing the Lord Lieutenant the Monarch’s personal representative in the County of Kent. He spoke about Her Majesty’s life of service to the nation and the Commonwealth.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented: “. We were very mindful of the mood of intense sadness which is being felt across the nation and the world. In the end after much discussion with community partners and funders I am pleased that we did carry on with the Mela, it allowed the local community to come together and pay their respects and celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth ll.

    The Mela was produced by a group of community partners led by Maidstone Cultural Group, Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council and was supported by Arts Council England and Maidstone Borough Council.

  • Gravesham Pride celebrations

    Gravesham Pride celebrations

    Third Pride Celebrations a huge success

    After months of hard work the Gravesham Pride celebrations took place on Saturday August 13th and were the biggest in the borough to date.

    The celebrations were produced by the volunteers that make up the Gravesham Pride Committee working in partnership with Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Cohesion Plus.

    The event was officially began with the raising of the Pride Flags on Community Square where dignitaries such as Dr Vasudaven DL, the Deputy Lieutenant of Kent the Deputy Mayor of Gravesham Cllr John Caller and the Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox welcomed those in attendance and spoke about the importance of celebrating Pride.

    They were joined by Helanna Bowler-Irvine the Chair of Gravesham Pride, Gurvinder Sandher MBE from KECC and Cllr Steve Thompson. The key message was about unity, hope, overcoming barriers and bringing the diverse communities of Gravesham together.

    The first ever Gravesham Pride March involving around 300 participants then took place, starting from Community Square and via the High Street and Crooked Lane ending up at the Fort Gardens. The march was clapped through the route and welcomed as it went through the town centre.

    The celebrations then continued with a programme of entertainment in Fort Gardens featuring a There was also a live broadcast by GlitterBeam Radio a global LGBTQ+ radio station. Also in attendance were partners such as Kent Police and Kent Adult Education.

    The event was supported by a range of funders including The National Lottery Community Fund and Gravesham Borough Council as well as income from stalls and donations made by members of the public.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE, Artistic Director of KECC commented, “I am incredibly proud that we were able to help deliver the second Gravesham Pride event, a colourful and inclusive event that celebrates the distinct uniqueness of people and the way these differences, if championed, can ultimately bring us all together. This is the 3rd year of Gravesham Pride and it will only get bigger and better. We are very grateful to Gravesham Pride Committee and Gravesham Borough Council for their partnership and team work. We look forward to putting on future Pride events with a view to make these celebrations an annual affair.”

  • Thousands attend Kabaddi Cup in Gravesend

    Thousands attend Kabaddi Cup in Gravesend

    Sun, Samosa’s and sport were the order of the day as the first Kabaddi Cup since 2017 took place in Gravesham. Over 2500 people attended the tournament and came from around England. The sports festival which took place on the playing grounds of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara was very well received and was arranged by the Gravesend Kabaddi Club, the Gurdwara and community partners including Kent Equality Cohesion Council.

    Food and drink were also on offer throughout the day providing refreshments to all. 8 teams took part from around England including Coventry, Birmingham, Leicester, Hayes, Reading and eventual winners Slough. The Gravesend and Barking Team was eliminated early but this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the local crowd who cheered on the competitors eagerly.

    Satnam Singh, Manager of the Gravesend Kabaddi Club commented, “I am so pleased with how well the tournament was received and the enthusiasm shown on the day. Here at the club we are passionate about Kabaddi and want to make sure that the sport is accessible to everyone. We also want to give young people a chance to know the game and engage with it. Kabaddi is a physical game that requires a lot of strength and stamina but it also requires focus. These are vital skills that we encourage all to learn, especially the youth. So I am glad that if anything, we were able to showcase the many positive qualities of the game.”

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “It was a pleasure to be involved in organising this year’s Kabaddi Cup Tournament in Gravesend. The last tournament took place 6 years ago and a great deal has happened since then including the pandemic. However we believe that sporting events like these, especially ones that have cultural significance for many, are important and necessary to deliver. Kabaddi is a unique sport hailing from the Indian Sub-Continent and has a strong following nationally. We are really pleased that the event went well and all who attended enjoyed. We look forward to working with the Gravesend Kabaddi Club, the Gurdwara and community partners again, to continue delivering culturally diverse sports events.”

  • Tunbridge Wells Mela 2022 a Huge Success

    Tunbridge Wells Mela 2022 a Huge Success

    The 16th Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival took place in Calverley Grounds on Sunday 24th July 2022 and saw thousands turn out to support. The Mela was organised in partnership by Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council supported by Arts Council England and Royal Tunbridge Wells Together.

    Festival goers were able to enjoy a rich and culturally diverse artistic programme both on and off stage. Highlights included the Paul Dunton Orchestra and Sahrudaya West Kent Keralites who wooed everyone with their high energy performances, the ever popular Kings of Dhol, and Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band amongst many others.

    Other highlights included D-Bollywood, Bloco Fogo and Circus Raj. The event was climaxed with the One Love Orchestra who had everyone up and dancing to their renditions of classics by the king of reggae himself, Bob Marley. Deputy Lieutenant Georgie Warner was the Chief Guest.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “I am really proud of what we were able to achieve. The Tunbridge Wells Mela is a shining beacon of how music, food and dance can bring communities together and celebrate shared values. The event’s success is underpinned by the many loyal festival attendees who turn out every year to support and enjoy the rich culturally diverse offering that the Mela provides. I would like to thank everyone who worked with us to deliver the Mela and everyone who came and attended.”

  • The Sun shines on the Gravesend Eid Community Mela

    The Sun shines on the Gravesend Eid Community Mela

    Over 1000 people attended the Gravesend Eid Community Mela which took place at the Fort Gardens on Sunday June 12th.

    The community celebrations which were produced by Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association, Shah Jalal Mosque and Cohesion Plus working with Kent Equality Cohesion Council featured an array of activity.

    Highlights included a range of food stalls with food from the Indian Sub-continent, charity cakes stalls, henna, face painting, a fun fair and information stands from partners including Rethink Sahayak, Kent Police, Citizens Advice and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

    There was a programme of stage entertainment which featured Raag Qawwali Group, the Kings of Dhol, Lethal Soundz and a Kurdish Cultural Dance performance.

    Guests who attended and spoke at the event included Dr Vasudaven the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, the Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Scollard and Civic Mayor of Lewisham Cllr Anwar. They were joined by District Commander for Gravesham and Dartford Chief Inspector Lay from Kent Police and Cllr Mochrie-Cox the Cabinet Member for Communities at Gravesham Borough Council.

    Bilal Farooq, the Chairman of the Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association commented, “We are really proud of what we were able to achieve. The sun really did shine on us and I have been over whelmed with the positive feedback I have received. The whole purpose of the celebrations were to bring the communities together regardless of faith and background and celebrate the auspicious occasion of Eid which is very important to the Muslim community. This is the largest Eid celebrations we have planned to date and we are grateful to all of our partners and volunteers who made this possible.”

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “We have a long and proud history of working in partnership with the Gravesham and Dartford Muslim Association going back over 2 decades. This was our most ambitious event to date and I am so pleased that all the hard work everyone put in has paid off. Celebrations like this provide opportunities for everyone to come together and have positive shared experiences and celebrate all that binds us together as members of the local community.”

    The event was part funded by EK360 Listening Project, Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Cohesion Plus, Gravesham Borough Council Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association and Shah Jalal Mosque.