The Historic Downtown Chatham BIA is expressing its support for the proposed CK community hub in downtown Chatham.
BIA Office and Project Manager Katie Goulet told CK News Today the hub will be a catalyst for creativity, connection, and economic opportunity for the downtown and the businesses that her group represents.
"We're looking to advocate for our storefronts, for our downtown to make it beautiful and always growing. This is a huge opportunity for us to bring in a new demographic and bring in more customers and people to visit the downtown. We want to increase that foot traffic," said Goulet.
Goulet said this "transformative project" is locally grown and built for the community by the community, adding it represents a bold investment in the future of the community and downtown core.
"This is also an opportunity to keep things local. We have investors who have been supporting Chatham and Chatham-Kent for eons. I would rather it be people from Chatham than bringing people from outside our community. These are people who really care," Goulet noted.
The BIA noted the hub with a new Civic Centre, library, and museum proposed for the old Sears building in downtown Chatham will be more than just a building -- it is future focused and ensures Chatham-Kent remains relevant and responsive to new generations to come.
"We commend the Municipality of Chatham-Kent for its commitment to public engagement throughout the planning process, including multiple information sessions and stakeholder consultations," noted the BIA. "The thoughtful design and strategic location of the community hub demonstrate a clear vision for a vibrant and sustainable downtown."
The BIA urges Council to proceed with the next phases of the project, confident that the community hub will enrich the lives of residents and contribute to the prosperity of Chatham-Kent.
Council votes on the project on May 12, 2025 at its regular meeting. The council meeting will be held at the Bradley Convention Centre in Chatham to accommodate what's anticipated to be a large turnout.
A meeting was held in Dresden where officials with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent shared what's being done to fight back against the project.
A fatal crash on Highway 401 in Chatham-Kent has claimed the life a motorcycle rider.
CK Public Health has reported four more measles exposure sites in Chatham and Dresden.
Chatham-Kent police are asking for the public's help to find a missing 14-year-old girl.
Emergency Preparedness Week is underway and Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue is asking the public to be prepared to protect themselves in case of an emergency.
Chatham-Kent police say it was a drink and not a dog that caused a Sarnia woman to drive into a ditch in Dover Township.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
A crash through an after-school building in a small city outside of Springfield, Illinois, that killed three children and a teenager and left several others injured isn’t believed to be a targeted attack, authorities said Tuesday.
Four children were killed and several more were injured when a car smashed through a building during an after-school program Monday afternoon in a town outside of Springfield, Illinois, police said.
Teacher Dawn Peck hugs her seven-year-old student Harriet Glessner at a vigil for three young children and a teenager who were killed when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Nine-year-old Coralie Glessner writes on a heart for Alma Buhnerkempe at a vigil for three young children and a teenager, including Buhnerkempe, who were killed when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Sue Meyer writes on a heart for Rylee Britton at a vigil for three young children and a teenager, including Britton, who were killed when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Flowers and ribbons decorate a picture of 18-year-old Rylee Britton, one of four people, including three young children, killed when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
People leave balloons at the scene where a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Damage is visible at the scene after a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Heather Glessner comforts her 9-year-old daugher Coralie at a vigil for three young children and a teenager who were killed when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Notes are left on a heart for Kathryn Corley at a vigil for three young children and a teenager, including Corley, who were killed when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Seven-year-old Harriet Glessner writes on a heart for Alma Buhnerkempe at a vigil for three young children and a teenager, including Buhnerkempe, who were killed when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Brandy Fletcher leaves flowers at the scene after a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Flowers and other gifts are left at the scene after a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
An overhead view shows the scene where victims were killed when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Jennifer Walston, 43, hugs daughter Lexi Walston, 6, while sisters Briley Walston, 9 and Madison Foster, 10, place flowers and stuffed animals at the site where several were killed Monday, when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp in Chatham, Ill., on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/John O’Connor)
Madison Foster, 10, points out the flowers and plush bunny she left for the victims who were killed Monday, when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp in Chatham, Ill., on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/John O’Connor)
People leave balloons at the scene for victims killed when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Harrison Allen, 14, kneels in prayer at the scene after a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Police tape is left at the scene after a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
The car on Monday left a road, crossed a field and smashed into the side of the building in Chatham used by Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors, also known as YNOT, according to Illinois State Police. It traveled through the building, striking people before exiting the other side. Six children were also hospitalized, including one left in critical condition.
This image taken from video provided by WCIA shows first responders working the scene after a car smashed through a building during an after-school program, killing multiple people Monday, April 28, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (WCIA via AP)
The Sangamon County coroner identified those killed as 18-year-old Rylee Britton of Springfield and three Chatham children: Ainsley Johnson, 8, and Kathryn Corley and Alma Buhnerkempe, both 7.
On Tuesday evening, with red ribbons tied in bows lining Main Street, hundreds of people gathered for a vigil in the town square, where heart-shaped boards bore the names of the four who died. Dozens of people signed messages to each.
AP correspondent Ben Thomas reports a vehicle crash into a building has left four children dead in Illinois.
“You were a great counselor,” 9-year-old Coralie Glessner wrote on the heart for Britton. Coralie, who has participated in YNOT’s program in the past, said she liked that Britton played four square with her. Asked for a memory of her, Coralie said, “Greeting me when I got off the bus” each day at YNOT.
Police block a road leading to a building where a car smashed through during an after-school program, killing several people and injuring others, Monday, April 28, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/John O’Connor)
Faith leaders spoke as attendees held lit candles. Lutheran Charities brought support animals, and the American Red Cross provided “water, snacks and tissues,” organizer Miriam Snider said.
Sam McCurdy, 19, drove home Tuesday from the University of Missouri in Columbia to be with his sister, a close friend of Britton’s. His sister, Britton and other friends had planned to attend prom together this weekend.
“I wanted to be here for her, and for the community, to show support,” McCurdy said. “So many plans, so many futures, and so much grieving for something that shouldn’t have happened.”
People in the community of about 15,000, located in what was once an open prairie outside the Illinois capital of Springfield, have also been grieving and consoling each other in other ways.
“People are coping by finding ways to be with each other, to provide comfort and support to those who are suffering,” Snider said.
Churches held prayer services, city leaders ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and schools held classes online. An ice cream shop offered free scoops and a community meeting place. Some locals changed their Facebook profile pictures to red ribbons with the motto “Chatham Strong.”
“This is just devastating,” said Jennifer Walston, 43, as she and her daughters left flowers and a stuffed animal at the crash site. Plywood covered the hole where the car crashed into the building. She said her daughters knew Alma and Ainsley, remembering them as energetic girls who tried to include others.
The studio where Ainsley and two others hurt in the crash took dance canceled classes Tuesday. Teachers at Studio M Dance Centre remembered the 8-year-old in a Facebook post as a “sweet and sassy” dancer and tumbler who “will be deeply missed every single day.”
Earlier in the day, hundreds packed Cherry Hills Church. Most wore red, the color of Glenwood High School, where Britton was a senior.
Pastor Steve Patzia told the crowd that he saw her in church on Easter Sunday as he offered words of comfort.
“It’s good and right to feel how you feel, when you feel how you feel. I’ve had moments of grief and sadness. I’ve cried, and I’ve also had memories,” he said. “I would encourage you to share those good memories you have of her and the children that were lost as well.”
Parents said the YNOT Outdoors after-school and summer camp programs, which employ high school and college students as counselors, are coveted and competitive to get into. In social media posts, families recalled fond summer memories at the location which focuses on outdoor activities.
Walston’s daughters attended the summer camp and said they knew Alma and Ainsley, remembering them as energetic girls who tried to include others.
Jamie Loftus, founder of YNOT Outdoors, said security camera footage showed a vehicle left the road “a substantial distance” away and sped across the field toward the building.
The car then crossed a road, the sidewalk and YNOT’s parking lot before crashing through the building “with no apparent attempt to alter its direction,” Loftus said. The vehicle then crossed a gravel road and crashed into a pole and fence.
“I cannot gather the words to express much of anything that will make sense in print,” Loftus said in a social media post about the victims on Monday. “They are friends and their kids are like our kids.”
Jacob Rabin, 19, who attended YNOT as a child, said the 3:20 p.m. crash happened at the worst possible time.
“They would have just gotten off the buses” at YNOT, Rabin said. “There would have been the peak amount of people there at that time.”
The driver, a 44-year-old Chatham woman, wasn’t injured but was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Police said toxicology reports were pending. She was not in custody on Tuesday. State police declined to offer further details, saying the crash remains under investigation.
“This does not appear to be a targeted attack,” state police said.
Officials in the Ball-Chatham School District, where the four victims attended schools, said classes would be online through Thursday.
“As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we recognize the pain and grief that many are experiencing,” Superintendent Becca Lamon and Chatham Village President Dave Kimsey said in a joint statement. “We are all hurting.”
Associated Press writers Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Washington, and Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed.
This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.
You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.
Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker
Send help right to the people and causes you care about
Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee
CHATHAM, IL – The three children and one young adult who were killed when a car plowed into a building hosting an after-school program in Illinois have been identified
The fatal victims of the April 28 crash include Kathryn Corley
according to Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon
All four were pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of blunt force injuries sustained in the crash
Authorities identified the driver as 44-year-old Marianne Akers
Illinois State Police said she was not in custody "as the cause of the crash remains under investigation." Officials added that the crash does "not appear to be a targeted attack."
a vehicle traveled through a field before smashing into the east side of the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham
The car rammed into the building and struck multiple people before exiting on the other side
The crash killed four people and injured six children
the driver was taken to a hospital for an evaluation
Jennifer Walston and her three daughters laid stuffed animals and flowers on the ground outside the youth camp to commemorate two of their friends who were killed in the wreck
Walston and her daughters described their friends as fun and always full of energy
Walston told the Springfield State Journal-Register
that the programs at YNOT are highly sought after
She described the youth camp as a place where kids and parents in the community can get to know people from other schools in the area
"The kids love it here and we love it here," she said
said he got up to look out through his back window after hearing several loud "bangs." He saw a jeep crashed into a telephone pole and several people running from the building to the crashed car
"I went out back around our fence and had seen the aftermath of the building," he said
"The whole back of the building had been blown out."
Godwin and his wife then saw the body of a child
"I certainly felt helpless in that moment," he said
recalling the scene of arriving ambulances
"You never imagine it can happen in your community
It’s a terrible situation to see anybody that’s been killed
The nonprofit YNOT Outdoors was formed in 2002 as "a way for parents to place their kids into a safe
active and stimulating summer environment," according to its website
holds summer camps that plan organized field trips and offer a range of outdoor activities
Staff counselors are generally college students or high school seniors
Each candidate is interviewed by both the local day director and the executive director
The nonprofit hosts events and programs at several locations in Chatham
including the Pawnee Assembly of God Church and Sugar Creek United Methodist Church
The building that was struck on April 29 is where YNOT hosts its after-school programs and summer camps
Breaking crime updates and news from the courts
Thank you for subscribing!We have more newsletters
A teenager was "touched over her clothing" by a stranger on a bus in Chatham. Police said an arrest has been made following the reported sexual assault of the teenager in Medway
The bus driver was alerted and a report was later made to Kent Police
The incident happened at around 4pm on Tuesday
An investigation was launched and on Thursday (May 1)
officers arrested an 18-year-old man from the local area in connection with the incident
He has been bailed while enquiries continue
Join our new Whatsapp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of KentLive content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice
Chatham-Kent Police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing teen.
Police state that 14-year-old Toccoa Lynch was last seen on April 20 near John McGregor Secondary School in Chatham.
Lynch was last spoken to on April 22, and was reported missing on May 3.
She is described as white, approximately 5'4'' tall, weighing around 100 pounds, with a slender stature.
Police state she has shoulder-length black wavy hair, green eyes, and pierced ears, and has a tattoo of a crucifix on her right forearm.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Chatham-Kent Police, or Crime Stoppers.
Chatham-Kent police ask for the public’s help in finding a missing teen
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentTaccoa Lynch, 14, was last seen on April 20, near John McGregor secondary school. She was last spoken to on April 22, and reported missing on May 3, police said.
She is a white female, about five-foot-four, weighing around 100 pounds, with a slender stature. She has shoulder-length black wavy hair, green eyes, and pierced ears. She has a tattoo of a crucifix on her right forearm.
Those with information on her whereabouts can call police at 519-436-6600 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Chatham-Kent police continue the search for 37-year-old Nicholas Bond, who was last seen in Chatham on May 1, and was reported missing May 2.
He is a white man, 183 cm tall and about131 kg. Police are concerned for his well-being and are asking for the public’s assistance.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to contact police at 519-436-6600. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
A woman is charged after an erratic driver on Bear Line Road was reported to police.
A citizen reported a Honda CRV SUV was swerving and nearly collided with other vehicles before entering a ditch.
The driver claimed she was distracted by her puppy, police said. A reusable bottle containing a liquid with an alcohol odour was discovered in the vehicle.
The driver became uncooperative when asked to get out of the vehicle, police said. She was arrested for impaired driving and taken to police headquarters for breath tests.
A 46-year-old Sarnia woman is charged with operation of a motor vehicle while impaired and having a blood-alcohol concentration of 80-plus. She was released with conditions and a court date. She also received a 90-day licence suspension and her vehicle was impounded for seven days.
The 21-year-old Sarnia man is charged with impaired driving after a collision at the intersection of Pain Court Line and Bear Line in Dover Township on Sunday.
A vehicle, seen travelling east on Pain Court Line at a high rate of speed, failed to stop at the stop sign at Bear Line, continuing on to a property east of Bear Line, and through an implement shed, causing significant damage to both the building and the equipment inside, police said.
The driver refused to provide breath samples for testing and was arrested, police said.
A Sarnia man, 21 is charged with impaired driving, refusal to provide a sample, and several Highway Traffic Act offences.
He was released with conditions and a court date.
transmission or republication strictly prohibited
This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
CHATHAM, Ill. (WICS) — The Chatham Café said they are planning on donating 100% of their proceeds on May 6 to the affected families in the tragedy.
The Chatham Café has been a staple in the community for a decade, celebrating their 10th anniversary coming up on Tuesday.
They said this felt like the most impactful way that they could give back:
They said it doesn’t matter whether you dine-in or take-out food, all proceeds they are going to go back to those families that have been impacted.
Invicta TV coverage from the Alcaline Stadium
Alcaline Stadium Cheriton Road Folkestone Kent CT19 5JU
Folkestone Invicta F.C. Ltd. Registered in England. Company Number 04243803. Majority shareholder Addington Leisure Ltd.
Invicta welcome Chatham Town to the Alcaline Stadium
We welcome Chatham Town to the Alcaline Stadium for our final home Kent Derby of the season.
Invicta are looking to make it back to back home wins having beaten Whitehawk 1-0 at the Alcaline Stadium a fortnight ago. Catch up with the highlights on Invicta TV
The Isthmian Premier Division saw its first relegation last weekend, with Bowers & Pitsea’s 4-0 defeat to Cray Wanderers confirming their drop to the Isthmian North Division.
Bognor Regis Town could become the second side to drop should they lose away to Whitehawk and both Canvey Island and Dulwich Hamlet win their games at home to Hendon and Dartford respectively.
Aveley could be the first side relegated from the National League South this weekend. The Millers host Torquay United needing to better Salisbury’s result against Tonbridge Angels to avoid confirming a return to the Isthmian League after 2 seasons in the National League South.
Nathan Green will serve the 2nd match of his 4-match suspension for his dismissal against Chichester City.
Jack Jebb and Marvel Ekpiteta will miss the game through injury while Dean Rance remains a doubt.
It’s been nearly 10 years since Invicta last recorded a win over Chatham, Ian Draycott scoring the only goal in a 1-0 Ryman South win in December 2015. The Chats have won all 5 meetings between the sides since then, including wins in the FA Cup and Kent Senior Cup.
Chairman Kevin Hake took on the role as manager prior to the 2021/22 season following the departure of Scott Lindsey, who joined Swindon town. Hake lead The Chats to promotion from the SCEFL as runners-up to Sheppey United before winning the Isthmian South East Division the following season and nearly made it 3 consecutive promotions last season before losing in the playoff final to Enfield Town.
Former West Ham forward Freddie Sears struck twice against Invicta back in December and remains Chatham’s top scorer with 22 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions. 4 goals in 3 league fixtures so far this month have helped Chatham return to form and kept them just about in the hunt for 5th place, Invicta will need to keep Sears off the scoresheet on Saturday.
Supporters can pay on the gate for this fixture or purchase online in advance from our online ticket shop.
Charlie Prescott and Adrian Dawkes from Seasiders Radio will be there to bring you live radio commentary from the Alcaline Stadium.
The Dugout Sports Bar will be open from 11:30am, with the Dugout Kitchen open for food. The Dugout accepts both cash & card.
Food and refreshments will also be available from the food truck inside the stadium, located between The Dugout and the Folkestone Bowls Club building.
We have four fanzone bars around the ground serving draught beer, Guinness, water and soft drinks. 2 bars are adjacent to The Dugout, one beside the tea hut window and one beside the disability shelter. These bars are CARD ONLY.
The Dugout Sports Bar will be open from 11:30am showing all of the days live sport, including:
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.
Police called to after-school facility in Chatham on Monday afternoon after fatal vehicle smash
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice
At least four people have been killed and six others injured after a car crashed through the wall of a daycare center in Chatham, Illinois
Those killed were all female students between the ages of 4 and 18
according to Chatham Police Deputy Chief Scott Tarter
who added that the victims will not be named until their families have been notified
Deputy Chief Tarter told local broadcaster WCIA that the car had driven through the east side of the Youth Needing Other Things (YNOT) Outdoors camp
before injuring more inside and then crashing out of the other side of the building on 301 Breckenridge Road
One of the people who died was inside the building while the other three were outside, Illinois State Police said
Police were called to the scene at around 3.20pm local time
was not injured but was taken for evaluation to a local hospital for evaluation
All the injured were also transported to nearby hospitals
loved ones and all affected by the horrific tragedy that struck Chatham today,” said village trustee Kristen Chiaro in a post on Facebook on Monday evening
“Thank you first responders for doing what you can
we must take care of one another as our community grieves.”
She said counseling will be available at Glenwood Middle School for affected students
while Glenwood High School would host a supply donation station from 10am
Further information has yet to be released as of Tuesday morning
including any details about why the car crashed into the building or who was behind the wheel
Chatham is a village with a population of approximately 14,000 inhabitants that lies just three miles southwest of Springfield in southern Illinois
about an hour and a half’s drive from St Louis
“My administration is closely monitoring the crash in Chatham,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in a post on X
please follow the guidance of all local authorities
Let’s wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation.”
In a subsequent statement posted to social media
Pritzker elaborated: “I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon
“My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing – something that no parent should ever have to endure.”
Illinois state senator Doris Turner said she was “heartbroken” by the incident and that her office was ready to help local authorities with their investigation.
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: The Chatham-Kent Police Service continues its efforts to locate 37-year-old Nicholas Bond, who was last seen in Chatham on May 1, 2025, and reported missing on May 2.
Nicholas is described as a White male, 183 cm tall and approximately 131 kg.
The police remain concerned for his well-being and are urging the public to assist in the search.
Anyone with information regarding Nicholas’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Chatham-Kent Police at 519-436-6600.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The Sydenham Current is an online newspaper owned and operated by Glassroots Media.
Morocco’s commitment to peace, stability, and economic development in the Sahel was commended during a panel discussion held at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, in London.
The debate, titled “North Africa’s Response to Upheaval in the Sahel,” brought together researchers and policy experts who underscored Morocco’s strategic engagement in the region, citing long-standing historical, economic, and human ties.
“Morocco’s economic footprint in the Sahel remains strong despite the persistent instability,” said Paul Melly, an Africa and Middle East analyst. “Unlike other North African countries, Morocco has consistently invested in and partnered with Sahel states, even in challenging contexts.”
Experts highlighted the Kingdom’s integrated approach, combining security cooperation, economic investment, and diplomatic outreach. Intissar Faki, founding director of the North Africa and Sahel Program at the Middle East Institute, emphasized Morocco’s use of “soft power” and the religious diplomacy led by King Mohammed VI as Commander of the Faithful.
The panel also focused on Morocco’s Royal Initiative to provide Sahel countries access to the Atlantic, a move participants said could significantly enhance regional connectivity and economic prospects.
We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.
You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
Chatham leave the Alcaline Stadium with 6th consecutive win over Invicta
Chatham Town ran out 3-1 winners over Invicta on Saturday, securing a 6th consecutive victory and leaving Invicta still searching for a first win over The Chats since 2015.
Interim manager Tim Dixon returned to the dugout having been unavailable for the previous weekend’s trip to Cheshunt, making 2 changes to the side with Luke Allen & Matthias Fanimo replacing Ade Yusuff & Evans Kouassi.
Invicta started brightly, Dan Smith forcing a simple save from a tight angle and Miquel Scarlett nearly finding the net with a cross from the right. Chatham Meanwhile were posing problems from set pieces, Invicta surviving a goalmouth scramble in the 15th minute.
Dan Smith rose high in the Chatham penalty area to meet a Joe Turner free kick but headed his chance to open the scoring just wide, Chatham were ahead just minutes later from a free kick of their own. Invicta failed to deal with Jack Evans’ deliver from deep, the ball eventually falling to Jordy Robins who fired through a crowd of players to open the scoring.
With Invicta trailing 2-0 at half time, Ade Yusuff replaced Smith who had received treatment during the first half.
Joe Turner forced a save from distance as Invicta looked to find a route back into the game, but he would end up being the provider shortly before the hour mark. Sid Nelson fouled Ade Yusuff wide on the left, the defender becoming the third Chatham man in the book for his reaction, Turner deliver the set piece into the middle of the penalty area for Amadou Kassaraté to rise high and head beyond Henry Molyneux.
Substitute Simon Cooper was the 4th Chatham man into the book after holding on to Yusuff’s arm as the Invicta forward looked to break away. Henly delivered the ball into the penalty area where it bounced before being collected by Molyneux who preventing it crossing the goal-line.
With time running out for Invicta to find a late equaliser, Chatham finally killed the game through Jamie Yila who raced away on the left flank before rounding Henly and finishing into the empty net to kill off the match. Yila became the 5ht Chatham player to see a yellow card in the aftermath of his celebrations.
The defeat leaves Invicta 12th in the Isthmian Premier Division on 51 points with 5 games remaining ahead of a trip to leaders Dartford on Saturday.
Miquel Scarlett was selected as Man of the Match by Coral Hearnden from our sponsors Pro Parts who enjoyed the match from Cugley’s Lounge. We wish to thank Coral and Pro Parts for their support of Folkestone Invicta.
Invicta will return to the Alcaline Stadium on Saturday 12th April when we host Bowers & Pitsea before our final home fixture of the season against Lewes on Easter Monday (21st April).
Catharines Falcons in Sutherland Cup Game 2 lossWhen the Chatham Maroons tried to hit the gas
When the Chatham Maroons tried to hit the gas Sunday
Article contentThey couldn’t muster a third-period comeback and fell 5-2 to the St
leaving the teams tied at one win apiece in the Sutherland Cup final
we came out with tons of energy and the boys were really going,” Maroons forward Sean Truby said
Shifts got a little too long and the energy wasn’t there.”
The Falcons led 2-1 before scoring three empty-net goals in front of 1,702 at Chatham Memorial Arena
but I think we really brought it in the third and it’s going to bring us momentum into next game,” Truby said
Game 4 is Thursday at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre in St
After taking a 4-0 lead in the first period of their 7-3 win in Game 1
“Chatham’s a real skilled and fast team,” Falcons coach Tyler Bielby said
so you can’t have any mental lapses and you can’t lose your man in your own zone
“I thought we spent some time in our zone tonight
but everything was tight and we weren’t letting a lot of pucks through
We played really well on that side of the puck.”
Bielby has fond memories of Chatham Memorial Arena after winning the Sutherland Cup there in 2022
‘You’re not going to get many experiences to play in crowds like this
Embrace that noise and get going.’ And they did tonight.”
The Falcons had no trouble adjusting to the smaller confines of Chatham’s rink
“This arena reminds us of our old Jack Gatecliff (Arena)
where you’ve got some big end zones but there’s not much of a neutral zone,” Bielby said
Falcons netminder Hayden Jeffrey made a career-high 49 saves
He bounced back after allowing six goals in Game 1 and being pulled
Maroons goaltender Gannon Hunter matched him in Game 2 by giving up only two goals before going to the bench for an extra skater
the second-highest total of his playoff career
Matt Fries and Truby traded goals 1:10 apart early in the first period
The score stayed 1-1 until Falcons call-up Alex Forrest scored his first career junior goal 38 seconds into the third period
really good first period and then … that four on four goal maybe kind of brought the momentum down a little bit,” Truby said
“but we’ve just got to find out how to get to that next level and get our energy levels up.”
Trent Gates and Nathan Duplessis scored empty-net goals before Liam Campbell tallied for the Maroons with 42 seconds left
The Maroons’ slim comeback hopes disappeared when Duplessis added another empty-netter
“We know that’s not our best performance,” Maroons forward Eamon Edgar said
Just bringing our 100 per cent every night (is important) and I don’t think we did that tonight
“We had a good first period and I think we kind of got away from it
but we’re looking forward to having a good practice tomorrow and having a good performance on Tuesday.”
The Falcons found a silver lining in Game 1 with a solid third period
Truby wants the Maroons to do the same with their Game 2 finish
“We’ve got something to prove next game and we’re going to come out flying,” he said
NOTES: The Maroons were 0 for 2 with a man advantage
… The Maroons have four of the top five rookie scorers in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League playoffs
mmalone@postmedia.com
This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks
The action you just performed triggered the security solution
There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase
You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked
Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page
We use some essential cookies to make this website work
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK
remember your settings and improve government services
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time
Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
It is an immense honour and privilege to be here today for the first time as Minister for Development and for Women and Equalities
Chatham House of course has a long history of being at the cutting edge of foreign policy and development thinking
It is the perfect place to share my vision for a modern approach to international development
including so many of our partners – from Gates
I am proud to be able to say to you all – Britain is back on the world stage
advocating for projects and assistance to advance that goal just mentioned of a world free from poverty on a liveable planet
Today is the ‘International Day for the Eradication of Poverty’
Between the late 1990s and the early 2020s
the world did make headway in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty
But as was mentioned the geopolitical challenges now are stark – and progress against the Sustainable Development Goals is stalling
We do live in a multipolar world with intense competition
We need to adapt and respond to that world
the number of people in humanitarian need has doubled
A vicious cycle of an unprecedented profusion of conflicts and the climate crisis
which is now compounding the suffering of some of the most vulnerable people in the world
and marginalised people are experiencing a devastating roll-back of hard-won rights
I saw this first-hand during my recent trip to South Sudan
In the horrendous conditions of the camp in Bentiu for internally displaced people
I heard heart-breaking accounts from those who were forced to flee the brutal civil war in Sudan
as well as meeting people suffering from South Sudan’s own humanitarian emergency
caused by the legacy of civil war and the climate crisis
The conflict in Sudan has now forced more people from their homes than any other conflict – some ten million people
It has pushed nearly nine million people into emergency or famine levels of food insecurity
and as I raised at the UN last month – there is a real risk that without global action to prevent it
the worst famine in several generations could happen on the world’s watch
who long to return home are beginning to despair that they ever will – including the Syrian refugees that I met in Jordan
still there over a decade after they fled the conflict
and so many communities enduring such suffering – from the DRC
political efforts have been vital to get aid in – including our reinstatement of £21 million of UK funding to UNRWA
as the only agency able to deliver at scale in Gaza
and the further £10 million of wider humanitarian support for Lebanon we announced earlier this month
some two-thirds of those living in extreme poverty will be living in fragile and conflict-affected states
At the same time courageous humanitarian aid workers on the front lines of getting help to them around the globe are under attack
We have a moral imperative to help turn things around
People everywhere – including the British people – understand instinctively that this is the right thing to do
and refusing to look the other way when someone is in need are all British values
And action is in all our interests as well
The new government’s commitment to tackle irregular migration at source is important for those who would otherwise be forced to leave their homes
during the recent European Political Community meeting
the Prime Minister announced up to £84 million for projects across Africa and the Middle East – to address the factors that end up pushing people eventually into small boats
The world is also changing and becoming different because we see new leadership from the likes of President Lula of Brazil
and Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados
on everything from reforming the global financial system
to tackling hunger and poverty around the world – through the emerging G20 Global Alliance for which I was so proud to announce UK support in Brazil
I have also seen leadership among the women forest rangers who I met in Sulawesi in September
Visiting them gave me an inspiring reminder of the difference we can make to our planet and to peoples’ lives
when we work together as genuine partners – where action to preserve forests also promotes sustainable livelihoods
and where economic development goes hand in hand with combatting climate disaster
It will mean recognising that for our partners
tackling the climate and nature crises is not separate from promoting economic growth and meeting humanitarian need
not leaving our partners high and dry and making the most of British talent and expertise to improve peoples’ lives
Consider too that so much of our country’s current international climate finance commitment was backloaded into these final two years – but we are now committed to make good on the promise that the UK will get help to those who need it
While we do not underestimate the significance or the complexity of those challenges in the shorter term
neither should we underestimate our ability to respond under pressure in the long term
The UK has been ambitious on international development before
that starts with boosting the effectiveness of our efforts
I want to thank everyone from the sector who fed into the White Paper
and the civil servants who worked so hard – and I want to reassure you that I value it
as a diagnosis of the problems we face and how UK development can help meet them
But I must be clear that we must now prioritise
and provide the strategy and the plan that has been lacking – and that is what I am now building
A core element of this is increasing our capability and capacity
A core element of this is increasing our capability and capacity
is about building on the breadth and depth of development experience
we will work closely with the Independent Commission for Aid Impact – making sure our official development assistance reaches those who need it most
Yet we must go further still if we are to shift our approach
quite determinedly – so it is truly modern
First and foremost – that means genuine partnership
And back pursuing our mission of a world free from poverty
And my message is that we will work with others
underpinned by our respect for other governments
That means building shared plans for the future – not imposing our own
and - to quote the Prime Minister – listening a lot more
This is exactly the approach the Foreign Secretary is taking – as he recently set out movingly in his speech at Kew Gardens
this government has an ambitious climate policy
and meet our goals to decarbonise – it also gives us credibility and expertise abroad
as we lead the response to the climate and nature crisis both bilaterally and through multilateral organisations
for those of us feeling the benefits of being largely on the other side of the global equation
recognising the fundamental unfairness of the way the odds are stacked isn’t just the right thing to do given all that’s passed
it’s a vital part of how we renew the trust between us that is fragile to the point of breaking
so fundamental to ensuring that we can work together for our mutual interests
This approach will run through a vast range of work
from developing the new global Clean Power Alliance
and galvanising just energy transition partnerships
to making sure that everyone feels the benefits of green innovation
we will work to harness our whole potential by expanding equality and opportunity including for those held back by racial and gender inequality - a priority for me as the minister with responsibility for this at home and overseas
And from our bilateral country model to the way we work much more widely
and do all we can to bring a better offer to the table
So we restore the confidence of the British people in how we use their money
and encourage those who take confidence when the UK shows leadership
Secondly - we will champion reform for a global
multilateral system that includes everyone
That means not just listening to our partners
as a priority – but making sure we take action together
When it comes to the humanitarian and development system that is so stretched
we look forward to seeing Tom Fletcher making the most of his new role as UN Relief Chief
and to working with our partners to take a less siloed
more joined up approach – across everything from climate
we have heard from small islands and other vulnerable states
how difficult it is to access what they need to pursue their ambitions and priorities
the Prime Minister set out the case for accelerating reform of the multilateral development banks
including shouldering more risk so they can unlock hundreds of billions of dollars and do more to build a more sustainable economy and help the poorest
I will go to the World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington to press them to shoulder more risk so they can unlock the money that is so desperately needed
We will work with our partners – including fragile and climate vulnerable states to help them access more
through a global financial system that is reformed and ready for the future
and through wider global forums where they have greater representation in the bodies that help shape our shared future – including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank
We will champion financial innovation – from the insurance and guarantees our partners are seeking
to the Climate Resilient Debt Clauses promoted by the UK
that we are calling on all creditors to offer in their current and future lending
Both within government and working with the financial services industry
we will make sure there is more to come – including helping countries tackle the barriers to investment that choke off the flow of private finance
momentum is now building for the sort of change we need to see
and we are committed to making the most of every opportunity to urge it ahead
the Prime Minister called on all donors to make the most of the International Development Association replenishment
as a critical milestone in the fight against poverty
especially those in fragile states and conflict zones
the UK will be ambitious too – increasing our pledge
And as the Prime Minister highlighted at the UN in recent weeks
there are measures that we can crack on with right now
to unlock further resources for sustainability
and renewal – like a new levy on global shipping that takes account of the true cost of emissions
and puts the proceeds into cutting them even further
and helping communities cope with their impacts
We are home to research and innovation on everything from nutritious and resilient crops
and expertise in leveraging private capital into low-income emerging countries – including through BII (British International Investment)
Both within government and in the City of London
including helping countries tackle the barriers that choke off the flow of private finance
We also of course harbour top-tier businesses ready to share their insights and innovation with peers around the world
And we harbour dedicated volunteers in everything from health to education
to the protection of nature – and so much more
We are determined to put this talent and commitment to work
making sure we can connect British expertise and British solutions with international partners
in the spirit of collaboration and partnership
And as the Member of Parliament representing a large part of Oxford
a city full of people who have dedicated their entire working lives to serving others in need
the new government will be confident in publicly championing the power of international development – so we all feel the benefits of working together to make headway
At a time when the Prime Minister and Chancellor have set us all a challenge to grow our economy and bring opportunity to people across our country
we know our partners around the world share these goals for their countries and their people as well – from clean energy
to protecting and restoring nature – land and sea - and from trade
So that means no more apologising for making progress where we can
and more recognition that putting our best foot forward
Finally – I want to emphasise how much I look forward to working with all of you in the months and years ahead
From promoting green growth in Indonesia to helping keeping Syrian girls in school in Jordan
to providing a literal life-line in South Sudan
I have seen how the UK can promote modern partnerships – at big global meetings from Rio to New York to Hamburg
our human compassion binds us to one another
but in pursuit of our common purpose – of relieving suffering
and reinvigorating hope for our shared future by working towards it together
Mandela also said that together - as you all know - we could make poverty history
much has changed since the time when he said that
under a Labour government – for good and for bad
But it remains the case that the only way we can tackle shared challenges – from getting help to those in need
to preventing global health crises – is by working towards it together
That is the only way we can make the most of shared opportunities – from reforming the global financial system
And that is the only way we can make good on the promises we have made at home as well – from the first duty of government to keep our nation safe
there are forces hell-bent on setting the Global North in opposition to the Global South
Yet partnership is part and parcel of how we overcome them
and make sure that those of us who care about our shared future are able to work towards it together – ministers and civil servants
and people up and down our country – including our proud diasporas doing so much for our communities here and their families and friends overseas
and it is extraordinary that even in such challenging times
I have no doubt that the compassion of the British people will shine through once again now
I am delighted to announce that the government will match public donations to the new Disasters Emergency Committee appeal
to help charities do more to get life-saving help to civilians caught up in the conflict in the Middle East
people who find themselves in desperate need of humanitarian relief
That support builds on the humanitarian aid this government has announced for Gaza
We will match public donations to the new appeal up to £10 million – and together
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details
Lieut-Colonels Rodolfo and Sally Salcedo took over at the church and charity at Church Street last month
Rodolfo said he and Sally have had to learn to adapt quickly to their new environment
we have had to tackle things like the language barrier
food and we are now driving on the other side of the road of course
Initially people kept asking us how we were settling in and whether we were okay
These questions may sound simple but they made us feel so welcome and comfortable.”
Sally said she and her husband have also had to understand a different culture
tradition and language which we cannot impose here
we need to learn and adapt so we can work effectively because we believe that to understand people we need to first understand their culture.
“No matter where they are from all officers have a clear understanding of the mission of the Salvation Army: our message is based on The Bible
our ministry is motivated by the love of God and our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination
“It is our hope and prayer that more people will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour
get involved in the life of our church and invite more people to attend
Rodolfo and Sally have been Salvation Army officers for 35 years and moved to The United Kingdom to be closer to their children who live nearby
The Salvation Army in Chatham offers a number of activities throughout the week including a coffee shop
nursery for mums and toddlers and Employment Plus
tailored support from The Salvation Army to help people become job ready
Rodolfo and Sally also plan to introduce Worship Group for Sunday Meeting and the International Fellowship every quarter
Help us to continue to be there for people in their hour of need
Copyright © The Salvation Army 2025 The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity in England (214779)
Scotland (SC009359) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY6399)
The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters
by Mark Hunt | Feb 9, 2025 | Match Day Reports
Isthmian Premier – Saturday 8th February – Match Report
Cray Wanderers made it four straight wins in league and cups at Chatham Town after a clinical and assured performance on a grey afternoon by the Medway
In a role reversal of the game at Hayes Lane in October
this time it was Cray who took a 3-0 lead with goals from Nyren Clunis
a Harry Webster own goal and Remi Sutton’s first goal for the club
Soul Kader had a fine debut and netted his third goal for the Wands five minutes into the second half
Chatham who perhaps on the day were under par did pull a goal back a minute later turned in by Sam Sene-Richardson
The win moved Cray up one place to 11th in the table and also on to 42 points which is a healthy total after 30 matches with sixteen games still to go
The Wands were just looking to stall a three game winless run but took heart from the late leveller from Michael Ihiedi vs Bognor Regis Town last Saturday and came to the Bauvill Stadium in a very businesslike mood
From the team which began last Saturday there was one change with Soul Kader who is looking to regain fitness on loan from EFL League 2 Bromley and has played recently at AFC Croydon Athletic and Carshalton Athletic
possibly scored two of the most important goals of the Neil Smith era back in April 2022 vs Enfield Town and East Thurrock United which proved pivotal in avoiding relegation
Chatham Town have perhaps fallen slightly short of their early season expectations after reaching the playoffs last season and had won just one of their last six games since the turn of the year
From the side beaten at Canvey Island last week into the team for his debut came left back Harry Webster
Simon Cooper and Sam Sene-Richardson for AJ Jambang
Freddie Sears who made such an impact at Flamingo Park and ex-Wand Jamie Yila
The game began with Cray having much more of the early play and took the game to Chatham and won a couple of corners and Kader won the ball down the left and played a ball across goal and was put behind for a corner
Cray then in the 14th minute deservedly took the lead with Lateef Adaja down the left and in the end a cross to the far post was hard to defend against and fell to Nyren Clunis who continued his fine form of late by converting at the far post
Five minutes later it looked like Cray had taken a grip on the game when Josh Williams who gave the Town defence problems all afternoon put over another tantalisinga cross to the far post which from the right seemed to deceive keeper Joe Wright and Webster looking to clear could only turn the ball into his own net
Chatham Town in fairness hadn’t really exerted too much pressure with Jordy Mongoy firing well well and then John Ufuah down the left of the area seeing his near post effort blocked by Shaun Rowley’s legs
Cray though drew the sting from Chatham and three minutes before half time made it 3-0 when a free kick out on the right from Raymond into the box was punched by Wright off the back of the excellent Remi Sutton and dropped into the net
The second half saw a lively opening with two goals within a minute of each other
in the 50th minute Cray scored a fourth goal assisted by Williams who jinked in from the right into the area and unselfishly layed the ball across to Kader to score from six yards
Chatham pulled a goal back when Rowan Liburd down the left saw his cross turned in at the near post by Same Sene-Richardson
From here the Wands turned in a near perfect resilient display with Chatham having short pockets of pressure but aside from a hairy moment when Jamie Yila down the left look to go round Rowley but his cross was jabbed away from goal by the once again immaculate Tom Bonner
Towards the end Cray came close twice to scoring with Williams seeing a shot just fizz past the left post and also Nathan Jeche stabbed a shot wide but in the end Cray saw out the remaining minutes for an excellent three points to move up to 11th place
The Wands who looked well suited to the 3G surface now end February with back to back home games with Cheshunt on Saturday (15th) and then Folkestone Invicta on 22nd February and looking in fine fettle
Shawn Barclay and his assistants were superb and you’d barely know they were there and let the game flow
New Stadium
First Team
Tickets
Club News
Contact Us
Instagram
YouTube
Twitter
Our club sponsor page
Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: The Chatham-Kent Police Service is requesting assistance from the public in locating a missing person
near John McGregor Secondary School at 300 Cecile Avenue
she has a tattoo of a crucifix on her right forearm
If you have any information regarding Toccoa Lynch’s whereabouts
please contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service at 519-436-6600 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
The Chatham-Kent Police Service appreciates the public’s assistance in this matter
The Sydenham Current is an online newspaper owned and operated by Glassroots Media
Driving growth: how the CMA is rising to the challenge
when I was invited to speak at this conference
our new government has set out an ambitious programme of reform
underpinned by a national growth mission and supported by a modern industrial strategy
we’ve seen the Draghi report on EU competitiveness and the nomination of a new Competition Commissioner-designate
Growth is the new government’s top priority
That’s why we made driving productive and sustainable growth a key pillar of our strategy in 2023
That’s why it is important for the CMA to work with
and act on feedback from a wide range of businesses
As we focus on the critical part the CMA can play in the success of the growth mission
we must evolve but stay true to our mandate from Parliament: to promote competition
We know the benefits from promoting competition are profound and far-reaching – not just lower prices
Since Marcus and I became Chair and Chief Executive
we have pushed hard to make rapid and meaningful progress
delivering change whilst maintaining stability
New non-executive directors with deep backgrounds in business
Overhauling our strategy and prioritisation processes to maximise the impact of our work
Greater stakeholder engagement and transparency than ever before
A surge in digital and technology capability
business and financial analysis team to ground our work in commercial realities
Some of our actions over the last 18 months which promise to have the greatest impact for stakeholders, like the phase 2 merger reforms
And some of our most significant opportunities to unlock competition as a force for growth – especially in the vital UK tech sector – will begin next year with the new Digital Markets
At a critical moment for the UK’s economic growth and prosperity
we must deliver a regime that is swift yet rigorous
We must unashamedly focus on the best outcomes for UK consumers
UK businesses and the UK economy; and always be open and transparent
We must deliver a regime that leaves no one in any doubt that the UK is open to business – whilst remaining true to our statutory duty and Parliament’s intent: to help realise for the UK all the benefits that flow from effective competition
that competition is an engine for growth and an essential lever in industrial strategy
competition can be balanced alongside other policy objectives
and our response to concerns about the impact of the competition regime on investment
how the CMA continues to progress and evolve
It should be uncontroversial to say that the spirit of competitive rivalry can be harnessed to drive the innovation
investment and – ultimately – the growth on which a more secure and prosperous future depends
And consumer protection gives people confidence to spend
Evidence and history show that where competition is stronger
productivity and wage growth will be higher too
They must be confident that the start-ups and scale-ups they back here in the UK have a fair chance of success on a level playing field
And that they can get a return on their investment
in an increasingly uncertain and volatile world
competition is ever more important to shore up resilience and self-reliance in our economy
tax or energy policy are key levers for sectoral growth
We welcome the government’s commitment in its Industrial Strategy Green Paper to robust and independent enforcement of competition and consumer protection law
As we set out in our response to the Green Paper
an industrial strategy which creates and captures maximum long-term value for the UK must be one in which competition is a core component
This is important to emphasise because there is sometimes a perception – wrong in my view – that competition policy and industrial strategy are in tension
Perhaps that’s because industrial strategy is sometimes used as shorthand for ‘national champions’
The Green Paper itself lays out a far richer vision for a modern industrial strategy than that
And a strategy of building UK champions strong enough to compete in global markets is not
provided this strength does not result in harms to UK consumers from weak competition at home
Putting competition at the core of industrial strategy can support the government’s objectives in two ways:
Fundamental to growth is public sector productivity
Public procurement represents around a third of public expenditure
Evidence from around the world suggests it’s highly vulnerable to anti-competitive behaviour
We provide advice to government and public authorities across the UK on the design of competitive procurement processes
And we take direct enforcement action – last year alone
the CMA issued fines totalling almost £60m to firms involved in rigging both public and private sector bids
we are using our extensive AI and data science capability to assist public sector organisations (both nationally and regionally) to identify anomalies in bidding data and indicators of potential illegal conduct
This has the potential to deliver substantial taxpayer savings
Competition should be a core component of the government’s industrial strategy
competition can be balanced with other policy objectives
The CMA has a statutory function to advise government on the competition impact of its policy design
but it is for government to weigh this alongside other objectives
the statutory framework gives the CMA several levers to take account of wider factors
The Competition Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements
but it still allows cooperation to drive innovation or other economic benefits
For example, our Green Agreements Guidance helps businesses understand how they can lawfully collaborate to achieve environmental sustainability goals
Flexibility also exists in the merger regime
the statutory question is whether a merger is likely to substantially lessen competition
we can evaluate whether the merger is likely to result in competition-enhancing efficiencies that might offset immediate concerns (for example
efficiencies flowing from long-term infrastructure or technology investments)
And we can consider whether remedies are available that lock in efficiencies or preserve relevant customer benefits (including from innovation) – which offset the impact of lost competition
A case in point is the proposed Vodafone/Three merger – specifically the provisional remedies decision of the independent Inquiry Group
I must issue a health warning here – highlighting the breadth of possible considerations within the legal framework is not an invitation for advocacy on merger cases based on spurious and insufficiently evidenced efficiencies
The evidential bar is high for good reason
Firms spending time and money on legal and economic adviser fees in this way would be well advised to channel their investments elsewhere
in the context of our regular stakeholder engagement
is feedback on how these aspects of the regime work in practice
whilst the CMA takes its decisions independently based on a competition test
the system recognises the need for government to intervene in certain limited cases
is better placed to balance wider public interest considerations
This system works well because it is transparent
the government’s strategic steer provides an important bridge between government policy and an independent competition authority
The Industrial Strategy Green Paper asks about the interaction between investment and competition
and rightly so: investment is a persistent source of UK underperformance compared to international peers
is a magnet for entrepreneurs with a keen eye for opportunities to found and grow businesses
The CMA’s Microeconomics Unit will publish work in early 2025 that will bring greater clarity to this relationship between competition and investment
We know barriers to effective competition – anticompetitive practices
high barriers to entry and so on – can deter investment
We also know that competition alone is not always sufficient to drive investment – a number of barriers to investment exist
and well-designed regulation are also important
How and where investment flows through our economy also matters – particularly how it translates into value for money and long-term benefits that are felt by people in this country
Investment may flow despite weak competition
But investment into competitive markets drives more equitable and longer-lasting benefits
and transparency of UK institutions are a powerful attraction
These are hallmarks of the UK competition regime
But we take seriously any concerns that the way in which the regime is applied could chill investment
Our engagement to date with stakeholders often reveals these concerns to be more based in perception than reality
often in relation to merger control: proportionality
Proportionality matters to investor confidence
And it is sometimes said that the CMA is overly interventionist
Over 50,000 M&A deals are announced annually
the CMA conducted just 54 phase 1 investigations
five were cleared unconditionally and a further two with remedies
Only one was subject to a prohibition decision at the end of phase 2
And the numbers of digital mergers subject to remedies
prohibition or abandonment show these to have been no more likely to face intervention than any other type of case
Proportionality is always front of mind in our approach
That’s why we recently raised our de minimis thresholds from £15m to £30m
helping us concentrate our efforts on the mergers that truly require our attention
But for those businesses who do come into the system
we want to make sure the experience is not just proportionate in outcome
That brings me onto the other points I’d like to address
For every merger control jurisdiction globally
some uncertainty of outcome is inevitable as a feature of an independent
that’s overlaid with concerns about whether the CMA will investigate at all – in other words
The UK merger regime – unlike many other countries – operates on a voluntary basis
Companies choose whether to file and the CMA may ‘call in’ unnotified deals if they meet the legal tests
This introduces a degree of jurisdictional uncertainty
though extensive guidance and precedent is available to help
It’s also worth noting that there are real benefits from a voluntary regime
We typically investigate far fewer cases annually than economies of a similar size
54 phase 1 reviews here last year; 266 investigations opened in France; 800 in Germany; as well as investigations by the European Commission
But through our regular stakeholder engagement
we will redouble our efforts to provide greater clarity on jurisdiction where we can
We know businesses need confidence in the CMA’s processes – how transparent
and consistent we are in the way we operate
What does it feel like to go through a CMA merger review
How does this compare to other jurisdictions
We want to make sure that every business coming out of a UK merger review feels that they have been treated fairly and consistently
The major overhaul of our phase 2 investigation process
marks a significant milestone on the path to the best in class experience we want to offer stakeholders
with better opportunities for constructive engagement between the independent CMA Inquiry Group and the parties
Transparency is also a two-way street – the merger regime must not live in an ivory tower; but neither should companies believe the way to success is through backroom lobbying
Businesses tell us the protracted uncertainty of a lengthy investigation can be tough
especially for startups and smaller companies
We will be relentless in our pursuit of the quickest possible outcomes to minimise uncertainty for business while protecting the rigour of the system
That includes not just hitting our statutory deadlines
but also tailoring our approach to the issues at hand and moving quickly to remedies in appropriate cases
I said at the start that we could do even more to deliver a regime that supports the growth mission
As we plan our portfolio of work for next year we will have a laser focus on growth
And we will also continue to progress and evolve in the way that we work
Let me close with three specific examples:
A landmark new digital markets competition regime comes into force at the beginning of next year
I want to emphasise quite what a step change this represents in our ability to drive competition and create opportunities for growth across the UK tech sector:
This is a unique moment to deliver a new regime that is targeted on driving benefits for the UK economy
addressing many of the areas of feedback that I just discussed
At the heart of the regime is proportionality – it’s been carefully designed to apply only to the very largest companies and to individual designated activities within that
The new regime is bespoke and tailored to fast-moving digital markets – with interventions developed through a forward looking
providing the predictability that is critically important in these dynamic sectors
The process for designing any intervention will be collaborative and transparent
with the aim of keeping innovation-led markets open and bringing firms on the journey with us
taking a solutions-first approach wherever possible whilst respecting due process
Under the DMCCA the CMA will be subject to a new duty of expedition
which means we will focus more sharply on pace across all of our work
We are also keen to see what we can learn from operating the new digital markets regime that we can bring back to the rest of our work
we want to make sure that every business coming out of a UK merger review feels that they have been treated fairly and consistently
the logical next step is a more focused review of our approach to merger remedies
The goal for merger control is simple – and this has always been the case: every deal that is capable of being cleared either unconditionally or with effective remedies should be
where the harm to businesses and consumers cannot be effectively addressed through remedies
of a review of our approach to mergers remedies
I hope this review can be conducted in the spirit of collaborative endeavour to deliver a best-in-class merger regime
The CMA will approach it with an open mind and a readiness to listen
making sure the regime works as well as it can
while protecting UK businesses and UK consumers from the harms of an anti-competitive merger
we will further enhance our engagement with the business
we’ve engaged with a greater range of stakeholders than ever before
From the largest global businesses to challengers
From consumer groups and civil society to diverse industry bodies – the CBI
But we are particularly keen to hear more from the investment community and from the UK’s vibrant start-up community
So I am pleased to announce the launch of a new CMA outreach series for investors and startups
I hope this will help us continue to learn from these communities
whilst further strengthening their understanding of and confidence in the CMA and our work
The stakeholder engagement that we have already done has provided valuable insight into the work that we do and how we can improve
we will use our regular engagement with a wide range of stakeholders to seek clear feedback on how we are working
This will enable us to play back in a more consistent
the feedback we receive and how we have acted on it
we will include in our Annual Report and Accounts a review of the impact of our work on economic growth
and will seek feedback on the best approach to this
I will finish where I began – with stability and change
As an independent competition and consumer protection authority
we are set up to provide long-term stability
But we are also on a continuous path to delivering greater value for the UK
We will continue to ensure that the power of competition drives the growth and prosperity we all wish to see
And we will continue to evolve in the way that we work
And to bring ever greater clarity and transparency around our decisions and our processes
We will further strengthen our engagement with businesses whose success is critical to a more prosperous future for the UK
we will remain true to our statutory purpose: to promote competition in the interests of UK businesses and UK consumers
said Alma was a "ray of sunshine everywhere she went."
Alma was one of four people who died April 28 after a woman drove her car into the YNOT Outdoors building in Chatham
"She loved her friends and family fiercely
and went to 17 states in her short life," Billie told the State Journal-Register on April 29
Billie also said Alma was a great big sister to her younger brother
"She loved him and supported him the only way a big sister could."
Alma Buhnerkempe was identified by the Sangamon County Coroner's office along with three other victims
All four of the girls were pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner's office
The crash happened after a vehicle being driven by Marianne Akers
hit several people outside of the building before crashing into the building
Six additional children were taken to area hospitals
Taylor Godwin, a neighbor, said he heard the crash when it happened
"I went out back around our fence and had seen the aftermath of the building...The whole back of the building had been blown out," Godwin told the SJ-R
Akers was not injured but was transported to a hospital for evaluation
due to the crash being under investigation
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register
He can be reached at tackerman@gannett.com
half of Glenwood High School's football field bleachers were packed on April 30 with community members to remember three children and an 18-year-old who died two days prior
It was the second vigil for the four Ball-Chatham students Ainsley Johnson
The girls were killed when the driver of a vehicle struck several people outside of the YNOT Outdoors after-school facility before the vehicle crashed into and through the building
More: 'All that matters is that we support one another.' Chatham honors crash victims at vigil
Illinois State Police have not said publicly what might have caused the driver to veer into the building
appreciated the support from the community
but this helps a little bit,” he told the crowd that was likely in the thousands
Britton said he woke up Tuesday morning having not slept much
“But I picked up my bible and it was really heavy
And the one thing that I got out of my reading that day is that God is good
also thanked the community for turning out to support Rylee and the other girls who lost their lives
“I just pray in the upcoming months that we can just heal and hold each other tight
And to the kids that knew Rylee and knew her so well – she loved you
placing flowers and items beside four crosses near the center of the football field
including Village of Chatham President Dave Kimsey
Four juniors from GHS paid respects to Rylee Britton ahead of the vigil as they placed flowers at a memorial for her at the YNOT Outdoors building where the crash took place
Addison Metzger and Sydney West were friends and teammates with Britton on the swim team
"She was a really great person," they said
adding that Britton would always smile in passing in the hallway and was always there for them if they wanted to talk
One of the two shared that they once accidentally hit a car at the parking lot and school
and Rylee approached them and asked if she was okay
The group attended the first vigil for the victims and said they appreciated seeing the community come together
"I don’t think our community has ever seen something like this before…nobody knows how to respond because we shouldn’t know how to respond to something like this," one of the young women said
Junior Alexis Gee and sophomore Roman Neuf also paid their respects at the memorial Wednesday
even though they didn't know Britton personally
More: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the State Journal-Register app
Gee has met with many of her schoolmates in the community in the wake of the tragedy
She said it's hard to see them crying and dealing with grief
even when it's people she doesn't know well
"I’ve driven by this place so many times and you never think that something like this is going to happen…you never think things like this are going to happen," she said
Kerri Varner's daughter is a senior at GHS
and her fellow classmates’ mother is planning a funeral
Varner doesn't pressure her daughter to talk with her about the tragedy
but is there for her when she wants to talk
That’s my biggest thing is what the kids are going through and how it’s going to impact them."
Dover Athletic welcome Chatham to The Megger Community Stadium
Dover Athletic fell to their third straight defeat
losing 2-0 to Whitehawk at the Megger Community Stadium
Harry Bridle capitalised on an early defensive lapse to open the scoring in the eighth minute
Dover struggled to break down a resilient Whitehawk defence
George Nikaj and Ruben Soares-Junior linked up well
but goalkeeper Joseph Osaghae kept Dover at bay
Whitehawk sealed the win in stoppage time through Billie Clark’s breakaway goal
In our previous encounter with Chatham this season Dover played to a 1-1 draw in a competitive Isthmian League Premier Division clash at The Bauvill Stadium
Chatham dominated early possession but couldn’t break Dover’s defence
Jack Evans gave Chatham the lead in the 51st minute with a curling strike
but Dover responded swiftly as George Nikaj equalised in the 64th
but resolute defending and key saves ensured the points were shared
we’re pleased with the performance against Welling and we have to take that into Saturday
Things have gone against us in recent weeks
nothing went against us – we just weren’t good enough and we have to take full responsibility
Us as management team take full responsibility for that
We want to repay the fans support and make sure that we put on a performance that gets the supporters excited again
11 games to go so it’s really important that the supporters continue to get behind us and hopefully we get back to winning ways.”
Chatham Town battled to a 1-1 draw against Horsham
Horsham took the lead in the 38th minute when Harvey Sparks’ free kick curled directly into the net
Chatham responded just after halftime as Jamie Yila’s driven cross caused chaos
with Kareem Isiaka credited for the equaliser
Debutant goalkeeper Henry Molyneux impressed
A frantic finish saw Chatham push for a winner
but both sides settled for a hard-fought point
Chatham Town sits in 13th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 39 points from 30 matches
15/02 – Horsham (A) – Drew 1-108/02 – Cray Wanderers (H) – Lost 1-401/02 – Canvey Island (A) – Lost 0-128/01 – Hashtag United (A) – Won 3-2 (Alan Turvey Trophy)19/01 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Lost 0-111/01 – Wingate & Finchley (H) – Won 3-1
We look forward to welcoming Chatham to the Megger Community Stadium. More information on getting to the ground can be found here: https://doverathletic.com/visit-crabble/
Adults: £15Concessions: £14U18: £9U11: FREE with a paying adult
We now only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground
Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.