Whitstable and Herne Bay set to get own Monopoly board
Published: 14:37, 09 August 2024
Neighbouring seaside towns have beaten fellow Kent rivals in a “beauty contest” to get their own special Monopoly game made.
Whitstable and Herne Bay saw off four other places in the county as game bosses searched for a town deserving of its very own version of the popular property trading board game.
The destinations beat Dover, Gillingham, Rochester and Sandwich in the competition inspired by the iconic community chest card - “You have won Second Prize in a Beauty Contest.”
The new edition will see more than 30 local landmarks, such as Whitstable Harbour, Herne Bay’s Clock Tower and Whitstable Castle & Gardens, replace famous Monopoly streets like Mayfair and Park Lane.
It was launched during an event at Whitstable Harbour this morning.
Now residents are being asked for their views on other popular spots in the towns to fill the board.
The "chance" and "community chest" cards will also be given a Whitstable and Herne Bay rewrite, while the dreaded jail space will also be given a local spin and could even be labelled “Essex”.
Ella Gibbs, custom games executive at manufacturers Winning Moves UK, said: “A huge congratulations to Whitstable and Herne Bay for getting to land their very own joint official Monopoly board.
“We expect to be wonderfully spoilt with choices when putting this special edition Monopoly board game together.
“They fit the bill perfectly for us. We shortlisted six Kent places and Whitstable came out on top, with Herne Bay a very close runner-up.”
In selecting Whitstable and Herne Bay, the Winning Moves UK panel considered a variety of factors including civic pride, outstanding natural beauty, UK profile, sense of community and heritage.
The new game is expected be available next spring at major retailers and online.
Earlier this year, Faversham became the latest addition to the customised Monopoly game portfolio.
In 2014, game bosses were left red-faced when the Canterbury edition’s box featured a picture of Rochester Castle in error.
Anyone with suggestions for landmarks, cards and tokens to feature in the new game is asked to email kent@winningmoves.co.uk, before midnight on August 22.
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Ruth Cassidy