Proudly Local, Always Loud:The Thrill of Telling Kent’s Stories
There’s a special kind of buzz that comes with working in PR; that moment when the phone rings, the cameras roll, the mics are clipped on and you see your client’s story brought to life for all to see. After the national excitement of National Fish and Chip Day (which yes, I’m still banging on about making its way onto Celebrity Gogglebox this year!), you’d think it couldn’t get any better. But honestly…there’s nothing quite like helping Kent’s own shine in the spotlight.
This summer has been a celebration of homegrown success stories, and I’ve been lucky enough to help some brilliant local clients share theirs.
When Lambert & Foster marked their 125th anniversary, ITV Meridian joined them at the Weald of Kent Steam and Country Show. Cameras captured the nostalgia, the heritage, and the joy of a mock auction of steam traction engines, led by the wonderful Alan Mummery. It was a moment that beautifully bridged the past and present with a nod to Kent’s rich rural history and the enduring power of community storytelling.
Over at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre, there was more to celebrate, from the joyful and colourful family-filled bOing! Festival; another fantastic segment on ITV Meridian showcased some of the incredible acts performing, and including a wonderful time-lapse of the stunning Luminarium being inflated. Then on to a piece on BBC South East Today with the inspirational beat boxer, SK Shlomo who was one of the most charming people we’ve ever worked with and who made our cheeks hurt from smiling so much.
Watching those stories of creativity, inclusion, history unfold on screen was pure magic.
PR will always be my passion – and that passion hasn’t faded in 30 years I’ve been doing it…please don’t tell anyone it’s been that long! National campaigns are wonderful, but there’s something profoundly special about helping local businesses and community treasures get the recognition they deserve. Because when a story comes from the heart, and the county you call home, the coverage feels even more special.
Here’s to more proud moments, more film crews rolling up in Kent car parks, and more stories worth shouting about. Always local, always loud and always a joy.