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Naked cyclists, Garfield and a human barrier are just some of Kent's weird and wonderful protests

Many people have loved the story of a dad-of-two taking on a national furniture store by protesting over his request for a a refund.

Ian Hayden stood outside Harvey's at the South Aylesford retail park today, to highlight on-going issues he has had with his sofa.

He claims his requests for a refund after problems emerged with his furniture have been ignored for several months.

Ian Hayden from Paddock Wood and his protest outside Harvey's furniture store in Aylesford
Ian Hayden from Paddock Wood and his protest outside Harvey's furniture store in Aylesford

But he's not the only one to stage a wacky protest. We had a delve into our archives and found these weird and wonderful calls to arms that have graced the county.

When Marmie the cat went missing in summer 2014 his fate could have been consigned to a few posters and appeals on social media.

Tracy Brewster prepares to leave her home for a 50 mile walk from Kent to Essex dressed as Garfield to raise awareness of her campaign to find her missing cat
Tracy Brewster prepares to leave her home for a 50 mile walk from Kent to Essex dressed as Garfield to raise awareness of her campaign to find her missing cat

But owner Tracy Brewster organised a public march through Maidstone, by a good crowd of people, and even walked from the County Town to Essex dressed as Garfield. Her efforts paid off when Marmie was found three months later in Surrey.

Shoppers got a shock when a convoy of nude cyclists passed through Canterbury.

The World Naked Bike Ride in Canterbury aimed to raise awareness of issues affecting cyclists
The World Naked Bike Ride in Canterbury aimed to raise awareness of issues affecting cyclists

Crowds in the city centre copped an eyeful when the World Naked Bike Ride arrived in Kent for the first time.

Dozens of bold bikers took off their gear to expose the naked truth about the vulnerability of cyclists on our roads in 2013 The campaign also aimed to raise awareness of our dependency on oil.

A human barrier briefly became one school's weapon against irresponsible drivers.

Mothers at Snodland Primary school formed into a human barrier to protest at bad parking and driving near the site
Mothers at Snodland Primary school formed into a human barrier to protest at bad parking and driving near the site

The protest at Snodland Primary School in Roberts Road school delighted many parents, who stood strong alongside staff.

It came after years of problems with traffic outside the school gates.

But when one parent drove their car over the pavement to avoid the block, police got involved and told the school the 'Mothers in Arms' arrangement could not continue.

Maternity services in Maidstone were a key battleground in the last general election.

Helen Grant in 2009 when she was the Conservative's hopeful candidate for Maidstone and her pram push protest
Helen Grant in 2009 when she was the Conservative's hopeful candidate for Maidstone and her pram push protest

One parliamentary candidate went beyond marches and placards. Helen Grant staged a pram push from Maidstone to Pembury hospital complete with vintage pram and fake baby.

The health services moved from Maidstone in 2011.

A councillor had a telling-off from police for a demonstration that involved pushing pedestrian crossing buttons to hold up traffic heading for the Port of Dover.

Vic Matcham, who led a protest that involved pushing the pedestrian crossing buttons to slow traffic into the Port of Dover
Vic Matcham, who led a protest that involved pushing the pedestrian crossing buttons to slow traffic into the Port of Dover

But Vic Matcham remained defiant and said the action was part of his legitimate right to protest.

You'd think the action was over high levels of traffic heading to the port. But no, it was to show opposition to a plan for an open prison in Dover, back in 2006. The plans were eventually defeated.

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