Kentish Express Ashford & District
Walking the walk
Families came out in their hundreds to set a new record for the biggest ‘walking bus’ to march down a Kent street.
The event – staged by children’s education charity the KM Charity Team, with support from IMP – was part of the free mini festival Buster’s Big Bash.
More than 300 people took part in the event which is staged each year to celebrate the success of the charity’s green travel and literacy services for schools.
A singing column of 328 children, parents and guardians waved homemade walk to school flags and banners as they paraded through Canterbury city centre before heading to Dane John Gardens for games, activities, and competitions.
Poppy Trice, 10, of Beaver Green Primary School, Ashford won the lucky programme contest and collected her prize of tickets to Bruges Christmas markets donated by Theatre Trips Kent.
Youngsters enthusiastically tackled space hopper racing, a Silver Blades’ ice hockey challenge, Atlantis Go-Karts, circus skills and Canterbury Eagles’ beat-the-goalie.
Celebrities were out in force with children having the chance to meet Harrison Lillis of the Invicta Dynamos ice hockey team, Peter Pan and Rapunzel from Princess World, and Buster Bug.
The fire engine provided by Kent Fire and Rescue was a popular destination for wannabe fire fighters, while green fingered little ones planted seeds at the paper potters stand. Meanwhile, a reading fairy brought stories to life and Kinetic Circus wowed the audience with a show-stopping performance.
Children collected goody bags of treats from Whitefriars, YMS Group and Fenwick, as well as fruit bags and drinks supplied by McDonald’s.
Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, said: “We are delighted that Buster’s Big Bash is such a hit with families, with record breaking numbers taking part in our walking bus challenge.
“There were big smiles all round and we would like to thank all our key partners involved with the event for helping us to make this possible for the children.”
The team’s green travel and literacy projects are supported by Kent County Council, Three R’s teacher recruitment, Specsavers, Eurostar, Bel UK, Volker Highways, Countrystyle Recycling, Kent Libraries and Kent Reliance.
Schools will receive a 20% discount on green travel initiatives Active Wow or Active Bug for the next academic year if they join before the deadline of July 1.
Both schemes promote healthy lifestyles, reduced traffic congestion and improved safety at the school gate. Visit kmwalktoschool.co.uk.
For details of Buster’s Book Club, visit bustersbookclub. co.uk
‘Buster’s Big Bash is such a hit with families – record numbers took part...’