The biennial Women of Kent Luncheon, which took place at the Ramada Hotel, Hollingbourne in aid this year of the charity The Kent Air Ambulance Trust, welcomed two inspirational speakers.

David Philpott, chief executive of the KAAT, spoke movingly on the theme 'Saving lives - Kent wide' and also made a surprise presentationto Kate Chivers, who founded the Trust in 1989. Meanwhile, TV presenter and international businesswoman, Jill Cochrane, described the womenwho have inspired her during her lifetime - from her mother to Indira Gandi.The organisation celebrates the contribution made to the life of the county by women working in voluntary and professional roles. Thefirst Women of Kent Luncheon Committee was set up in 1969 underthe chairmanship of Alderman Amanda Goodchild and the presidencyof the then Lady Brabourne. Countess Mountbatten of Burma stillremains patron to this day.