Arches Local

We're is rolling out 100 plaques across Chatham, celebrating the people, places and everyday stories that shaped our town. We're inviting residents and businesses to apply, free of charge, and help uncover Chatham's hidden heritage. Apply here: forms.gle/kKCc96Xs5KJpt4…

For the first time in its history, Luton Road is now tree-lined! This winter we planted a further 12 street trees and over 50m² of soft landscaping, taking the total to 20 trees since 2022. Our corner of Chatham is getting the attention it deserves, with much more still to do.

In our final mural of 2025, artist Mister Tris depicts Britain's endangered plant, the Man Orchid. Known for its unusual appearance resembling tiny 'green men', Chatham is one of the very few UK locations where it now grows. Find out more: archeslocal.org.uk/man-orchid-mur…

Completing our tenth mural, artist Jack Lack interprets the arrival of Henry Charles Lawrence in Chatham. Henry worked in the country's finest gardens and moved from Cambridge in 1868, bringing expert knowledge to set up a plant nursery. Find out more: archeslocal.org.uk/henry-charles-…

In our ninth mural, artist Liam Bononi interprets the story of Luton resident and Shorts Brothers employee, William Mason. William dreamt of flying his own plane. In 1939 he built a Luton Minor at home, but sadly never took to the skies. Find out why: archeslocal.org.uk/william-mason-…

In our largest mural to date, artist Ricardo Van Zwol paints the remarkable Luton resident & campaigner, Erica Stuart. Erica played a vital role in transforming seven acres of derelict allotments into Luton Millennium Green in 2000. Find out more: archeslocal.org.uk/erica-stuart-m…

You may see these dotted around the streets of Luton in the coming weeks as part of our Untold Chatham series. More information will be coming very soon!

It’s been a full-on few weeks for our adventure programme!

We are disappointed that Medway Council has approved 319 flats on the site of Go Outdoors. The proposal disregarded several policies of our Neighbourhood Plan, delivering zero affordable homes and excessive heights. 🔗 Read our full statement: bit.ly/4n5H2H6

May was a busy month for our adventure programmes! ⛳ A group of 30 children took on 25 challenge rooms and a round of adventure golf in Prison Island Maidstone. 🪓 Meanwhile, our adult group were hitting bullseyes at Fort Luton's axe throwing range.

This is absolutely disgraceful whoever has carried out this theft of First World War Memorials should be absolutely ashamed. Please share widely and if you have any information please let Christ Church Luton or Kent Police know. Thank You

Pleased to see our work referenced in HCLG’s evidence session on the Planning & Infrastructure Bill. Neighbourhood Planning isn’t perfect, but giving communities a seat at the decision-making table is essential to delivering the growth agenda. shorturl.at/cDuSa

A busy April half term with over 40 young people joining our adventures! Across two weeks they explored the world's oldest scientific zoo in London and immersed in all things chocolate with luxury chocolatiers. Find out more: archeslocal.org.uk/april-adventur…

This morning, we gathered at Pembroke Court to say a final goodbye to our first chair, Dolly Morgan. Surrounded by her family and friends, we spent time celebrating a life so full of purpose.

@MarkyLott Great photos - pleased you enjoyed our murals!

The murals of Luton #Medway

💚 Fantastic morning in Luton Road for a spot of gardening! 🌷 Joined by friends and neighbours in the sunshine, we gave our flower baskets and roadside planters a tidy for this week's #GBSpringClean.

🚲 In our first mural of 2025, artist Hixxy brings to life the remarkable story of Laura Richardson. 👗 Laura is believed to be the first woman to ride a bicycle through the streets of Kent, whose family lived on Victoria Road. ℹ️ Find out more: archeslocal.org.uk/laura-richards…

📏 Our final mural of the year saw artist Luke Smile take inspiration from the story of George Bond - 'the most expert architect that this part of Kent has known'. ℹ️ Read the full story: archeslocal.org.uk/george-bond-mu… 👀 More murals to come in 2025!

🐒 This week on Henry Street, artist Alain Welter painted the unusual story of The Pet Shop. 🛶 The shop owner had a pet Humboldt woolly monkey and sailed from Chatham to the Amazon in search of more. The outcome remains a mystery! ℹ️ Find out more: archeslocal.org.uk/pet-shop-mural/

👏 The Driver Fountain has finally returned to Luton! ❤️ We’re incredibly proud to restore Chatham's iconic monument on its 125th anniversary, following a decade of conversations. ℹ️ Find out more: archeslocal.org.uk/driver-fountai… Photos: Jane Robb