KCC U-Turn in Bid to Limit Traffic Issues

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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling October 2015 No. 222

News KCC U-turn in bid Religious birthday THE building that houses the United Reformed Church in Maid- stone is reaching the ripe to limit traﬃc issues old age of 150. 3 KENT County Council has launched an offensive to halt over-develop- Bus idea in reverse ment in the southern part of Maidstone. THE park and ride proposal for Linton has been thrown In a surprising policy U-turn, KCC said: “Our position as highways au- years for KCC to recognise the se- out by Maidstone Council. 4 has said it will in future raise objec- thority is that no further develop- vere traffic impact of housing devel- tions to sizeable planning applica- ment beyond that committed within opment along the A229/A274 tions in the south of the borough if the planning system can be accom- corridors and I welcome this change We will remember they are likely to impact on traffic modated on these routes.” of stance. TRIBUTES are being paid to flows at the Wheatsheaf junction. Without a Leeds-Langley bypass “In recent years local residents Bearsted servicemen KCC’s approach has been adopted in place, KCC predicts some 3,500 have been all too aware that the con- who died during WWI. 18 after a modelling study for Maid- vehicles an hour will pass the gestion at the Wheatsheaf is severe, stone Council's emerging local plan. Wheatsheaf by 2031 – an increase of and the recent high level of housing Almost 3,000 vehicles an hour pass 11%, causing an 83% escalation in development along the A229 and Cycle track wanted through the Wheatsheaf A229/A274 delays for motorists. Even with a A274 has pushed things to crisis CYCLISTS are calling for junction during the morning rush Leeds-Langley bypass, morning de- point. “ Maidstone’s ﬁrst ever hour, causing conditions KCC delays will increase by 28%. Maidstone Council planning com- pump track to be built. 21 scribe as severe. Cllr Brian Clark, who sits on both mittee chairman Cllr Clive English KCC strategic transport and de- Maidstone and Kent councils, said: remained sceptical. He said: Back from the bike velopment planner Brendan Wright “I have campaigned for a number of “In my 20 years as a borough 4 KATE Bosley has penned a book about her recovery from Why Tracey Villagers fail a serious cycle crash. 22 to secure land Comment 42-4346-47 has braved RESIDENTS in Bearsted and Thurn- ham have failed to buy a parcel of Obituaries 44 land to protect it from development. the Shave Locals had pledged more than Parish Councils 54-55 £500,000 to secure land at Bridge THIS was Tracey Smith, who owns VEHICLES were added to the Farm, east of Water Lane, which Sweeney Todd Barbershop in Speed Watch register in once formed part of the controversial Lenham, moments before her dis- Boughton Malherbe; the future Kent International Gateway (KIG) tinctive locks were shaved off to of the parish council was in proposal. Bearsted Parish Council raise money for charity. doubt in Bredhurst; a dog killed Tracey lost all of her hair had also pledged £80,000 to help several sheep in Harrietsham; during chemotherapy treatment purchase the land. driving on pavements was caus- after she was diagnosed with A spokesman for the Bearsted and ing concern in Hollingbourne; breast cancer in 2010, so when Thurnham Society, which helped co- Otham was moving forward with she heard of Macmillan Cancer ordinate the response, said: “Sadly, a neighbourhood plan; a meeting Support’s Brave the Shave we were not successful.” Thurnham was held in Ulcombe to discuss a campaign, she was keen to take Parish Council had offered £10,000 contentious extension proposal. to the bid. Chairman Cllr Daniel part. To read her story and see how Skinner praised those involved for Crime Reports 55 she looks without her hair, turn rallying to the cause so quickly. to page 8. Two plots were advertised for sale, with guide prices of £550,000- Road deaths £600,000 and £300,000-£325,000, at DANGEROUS driving and dis- the western end of the former KIG traction have led to an increase in site. They form a sizeable green belt Award winning the number of serious injury traf- between residential development in fic accidents in the past year. salon Bearsted and the M20. The number of people killed Mary Richards, secretary of the and seriously injured (KSI) on Bearsted and Thurnham Society, sohairdressing.com roads in Kent and Medway in- said: “The agent, Hobbs Parker, has creased by 10% in 2014, up from told us that they are unable to reveal SO HAIRDRESSING 01622 739001 650 in 2013 to 715. the identity of the purchaser.”

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2 Maidstone East October 2015 downsmail.co.uk News Church marks 150th anniversary

MAIDSTONE United Reformed Church in Week Street is planning a special service and lunch to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of its current building. The first Congregational Church was built in Maidstone in 1748, at the junction of Week Street and St Faith’s Street. The first minister was the Rev Herbert Jenkins, who had accompanied John Wesley on his preaching journeys, and is buried in All Saints’ churchyard. During the next 70 years the con- The United gregation grew and it became clear Reformed that a bigger building would be Church needed. More land was acquired today (left) and the first church built on the pres- and, right, ent site in Week Street was opened when it in 1822. However, within 40 years was built in the building became unsafe and the 1865 foundation stone for the present building was laid in October 1864 by when medals were presented for site was used to build a department as a canteen for the forces. Samuel Morley, a Christian philan- conspicuous service, one of which store which was later taken over by One prominent Sunday School thropist and owner of the Morley was presented to nurse Edith Cavell. the Army and Navy store and then leader was Sir Edward Sharpe, hosiery business. In May 1915, the church was hit by House of Fraser. owner of the toffee factory then situ- The new building, the church’s fire – the organ, galleries and roof The Dunning family bequeathed ated in St Peter’s Street. During his present home, was dedicated in a were destroyed, although the lower an adjoining plot of land to the leadership the Sunday School was service on October 3, 1865. rooms were saved from entire loss. church and paid for the building of a very popular, possibly due to the The Week Street Congregational Worship was held in the Town Hall hall with offices and kitchen. The free samples which Sir Edward reg- Church became a considerable influ- until the church re-opened in De- Dunning Hall was opened in Janu- ularly gave out. ence in the town both before and cember 1916. ary 1938. During World War I, the This year an appeal has been during the Maidstone typhoid epi- To pay for the re-building and a church premises were made avail- launched to upgrade the premises. demic. In January 1898, a service of new organ in 1920, the adjacent able for recreation and during World Remembering town heroine thanksgiving was held in the church manse was sold to Mr Dunning. The War II they were in continuous use Edith Cavell – page five

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Maidstone East October 2015 3 News downsmail.co.uk KCC planning objections Park and ride Continued from page one borough by 2031 to meet future councillor, I cannot remember a need. planning objection from KCC, with But KCC leader Paul Carter, who the exception of Kig. lives in Langley, one of the areas “Unfortunately, their objections under threat from development, has idea defeated are not supported by any change in always maintained the borough’s policy or evidence. It would appear figures are too high and believes PEOPLE power has won the day to be just part of their ongoing issue 16,257 would be adequate. for the folk of Linton and south with our local plan and an attempt Cllr English said: “I anticipate this Maidstone. to make life difficult. They are still is just the start of a whole series of Following a high-profile cam- arguing that our figures are wrong – objections from KCC on highways paign to “Keep Linton Green”, but have yet to produce any evi- grounds, both on Loose Road and Maidstone Council has kicked out dence.” the Sutton Road. The move is to be a proposal to build a large park and Maidstone Council claims it needs welcomed but the motives are ques- ride facility near Linton crossroads. A campaign banner in Linton to provide 18,560 new homes in the tionable.” Residents opposed to the plan claimed that the idea would not ad- which would be situated at the dress current traffic issues in the crest of the scarp slope which lies area and merely create a blot on the within the proposed Greensand Policy ‘won’t change the past’ landscape. Ridge Area of Local Landscape IN its capacity as the highways au- ner Peter Rosevear wrote: “KCC has The park and ride idea had been Value as to outweigh the transport thority, KCC is asked for its views on concluded that there is little scope for included in the draft local plan, benefits." all planning applications which come physical capacity improvements to which is about to go out to public Ron Leagas, who spearheaded before the borough. Previous policy the A229 Loose Road/Cripple consultation for the second time. the KLG campaign, said: “It was has been to raise no objections. Street/Boughton Lane junction.” But Maidstone Council’s strate- apparent from the start that no- Were it to raise objections, Maid- Instead, the S106 contribution of gic planning committee removed body in the area wanted this facility stone Council would be in a stronger £3,000 per dwelling would go to- the proposal from the new draft, and that it was unlikely to resolve position to defend unwanted devel- wards “strategic improvements to the along with a scheme to extend the current transport issues.” opments at appeal. A229 corridor from the A229/A274 site in Sittingbourne Road. As well as making several In December last year, KCC raised junction to the Bridges Gyratory”. The committee was told the facil- protests outside the Town Hall, no objection to an application from KCC raised no objection to Langley ity would have had “such a nega- members of Keep Linton Green Millwood Designer Homes to build 36 Park, under construction off Sutton tive impact on the character and wrote to all parliamentary candi- houses and re-align Cripple Street in Road, or to Wards Field at Boughton appearance of the surrounding dates before the general election in Loose, an application later turned Lane, now the subject of an appeal. area, particularly from the lighting May, seeking their support. down by Maidstone Council, and is According to Cllr Clark, KCC has now the subject of an appeal. said it cannot change its comment In a letter to planners, KCC strate- on retrospective applications but will For more local news go to www.downsmail.co.uk gic transport and development plan- adopt the new policy for the future.

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4 Maidstone East October 2015 downsmail.co.uk News Wartime heroine linked to town

A CENTENARY celebration United Reformed Church in Week will mark nurse Edith Cavell’s Street, at 3pm and 7pm on Thurs- connections with Maidstone. day, October 15, when local people The daughter of a vicar, the Nor- will have chance to learn more folk-born nurse is famous for sav- about this pioneering lady and her ing the lives of soldiers from both connections with Kent. sides during World War I and help- Tony Miles, from Curzon Road, ing about 200 Allied soldiers escape Maidstone and Rob Davies, from from German-occupied Belgium. Boxley Road, are both members of But less well known is the fact the Kent Branch of the Orders, that she Medals and Research Society, Rob also helped being knowledgeable about the save the Maidstone Medal. lives of The pair will speak about Edith hundreds Cavell’s time in the town and her of people in return, in January 1898, to receive Maidstone. her medal. Nurse Admission is £3 and refresh- Edith spent ments will be available. the summer During October, Maidstone Mu- Edith Cavell of 1897 in seum will also have a display of Maidstone, artefacts connected with Edith following an outbreak of typhoid. Cavell, including a Maidstone During her training at the Royal Medal, and a plaque will be un- London Hospital, she was among veiled by Maidstone Council in six nurses sent to the town to help recognition of her work. care for the victims and went on to Edith Cavell was arrested and receive the Maidstone Medal for court-martialled for helping the her sterling work. Allied soldiers escape. She was In the end, only 132 people died sentenced to death and, despite in- out of the 1,700 who contracted the ternational protestations, shot by disease. a German firing squad in Belgium Two lectures will take place at the on October 12, 1915. Concert to help hospices A FESTIVAL choir of more than Visiting professional soloists – 150 local singers, led by Maidstone wearing their colourful HMS Choral Union, will perform at the Pinafore costumes – will sing the end of October in the annual major roles in this entertaining Voices for Hospices Concert. work. The principal aim of the concert This is an opportunity for the is to raise funds for hospices, with audience to support the work of an emphasis on the Heart of Kent important organisation and to Hospice in Aylesford. enjoy an evening of well-known A semi-staged performance of music that appeals to all ages. Gilbert and Sullivan’s delightfully Tickets are available from MCU silly HMS Pinafore will be ticket secretary – 01622 726193 or presented at Mote Hall, Maidstone [email protected] or Leisure Centre in Mote Park on from the hospice fundraising ofﬁce Saturday, October 31, starting at on 01622 790195. Stalls £12.50, 7.30pm. tiered stalls £16, gallery £10. Nursery records web dramas

A MAIDSTONE-based childcare wrote most of the scripts and man- company has a new venture, pro- aged the production, which in- viding downloadable dramas for volved hiring actors and musicians. children. The tracks are available for 50p each. Pennies Day Nurseries, which Neil said: “This is really exciting – it care for children aged from three takes us from Maidstone to a global months to 11 years old, have pro- audience. The stories are aimed at duced a series of 13 podcast-style early-years children and those in stories with actors, music and sound their first years of school. The stories effects which have been placed on are classic kids’ adventures about the Bandcamp website. days out, fun and finding things Pennies’ media officer Neil Nixon out.” For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone East October 2015 5 News downsmail.co.uk Thief jailed A SERIAL shoplifter from Maid- It’s time for me to go, stone has been jailed for just over five months. Douglas Frankham pleaded guilty to five counts of shoplifting says charity chairman in the town when he appeared for sentence at Medway Magistrates’ THE popular chairman of Maid- ment of my time supporting the Court on September 10. stone Homeless Care is to retire. work we do and attracting support The 28-year-old, from Cheshire Mike FitzGerald, a former coun- for the work we do.” Road, took food and alcohol from a cillor and Mayor of Maidstone, has Changes in service delivery mean shop in Northumberland Road, been the charity’s frontman for the charity now needs a new drive Shepway on August 5 and 13; wine more than 13 years, being instru- and commitment over a period of from a shop in Willington Street on mental in its move to Knightrider up to five years, he said. August 10 and 11 and again three Street, its merger with Goodsell A spokesman for Homeless Care days later. House and its rebranding from said: “We want to say a huge thank Frankham was sentenced to 160 Maidstone Christian Care. you to Mike for everything he has days in prison and ordered to pay He was in at the start of the com- done. Also to his wife Maureen £83 compensation. munity food share scheme Food who has worked quietly and tire- for Thought, which delivers food lessly in the background to make it to the needy and has seen the all happen.” Panto time Christmas food appeal reach a A soup run in 1986 organised by THE Detling Players will be per- record level. teachers and pupils from Maid- forming Dick Whittington at Mike FitzGerald At the age of 74, Mr FitzGerald – stone Girls Grammar School was Detling Village Hall on November whose other claims to fame include striving to make a difference.” the beginning of what has now be- 12, 13 and 14. starting the World Custard Pie But he said: “I have much to sort come Homeless Care, the town’s Performances start at 7.30pm Throwing Championship in 1967, out in my life while I am still fit leading charity for homeless and with a matinee on Saturday at founding MAPS which brings to- enough and I have come to the de- vulnerable men and women. 2.30pm. gether the community in Park cision that the time is right.” Maidstone Christian Care, as it To book tickets go to Wood and helping set up the Chart In the three years since stepping was, merged with Goodsell House www.detlingplayers.co.uk or call Sutton village shop – has decided down from the council, Mr FitzGer- Trust in 2013 to become Homeless 07842169725. it’s time to take his foot off the gas. ald has helped to strengthen the Care, the umbrella organisation for He said: “Life is full of tough de- several charities he is involved in. the Maidstone Day Centre, Food Chest injury cisions and they come no tougher He said: “I believe Homeless for Thought, the 10-bed hostel at KENT Air Ambulance was called to than when one is committed and Care is in a really strong position. Goodsell House and Maidstone an incident in Thurnham in which passionate about the work of a It has had a fulfilling and inspiring Christian Care, and its link with the a horse rider suffered an injured charity that you have supported year.” churches who continue to help the chest. for many years, and have been “I have made a huge commit- cause.

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Maidstone East October 2015 7 News downsmail.co.uk Care home told Hair it goes again HAIRDRESSER Tracey Smith marked the five-year anniversary of being diagnosed with breast cancer by hav- it must improve ing her flowing tresses removed. Tracey (47), who owns Sweeney Tracey THE Church Lane care home in dining room and staff office. Large Todd Barbershop in Lenham Square, Smith has lost her hair in 2010 when she un- Bearsted has been advised by the holes had been cut out of the ceil- her hair derwent chemotherapy in an ulti- Government’s Care Quality Com- ing to enable the leaks to be fixed, plaited for mately successful life-saving battle to mission that standards need to be however the holes had been cov- the big prevent the spread of the disease. improved. ered up by pieces of wood which shave, and This time, her locks were shaved off The report follows an unan- had been screwed to the ceiling.” to raise money for Macmillan Cancer below, the nounced, routine visit to the resi- Inspectors also noted that deco- Support, with the hair itself donated end result dential home, which cares for up to rating work being carried out while to Little Princess Trust, which has a fi- 20 adults with learning and physi- they were there had not dealt with nancial agreement with a wig-mak- cal disabilities. potential trip hazards and “the ing factory. Inspectors found a number of door to the cellar had also been left Tracey, who lives in Culpeper Close, breaches in the way services were ajar and unlocked, which presented Hollingbourne, said: “Because my administered and offered advice, a serious risk to people moving hair was so nice and everyone liked it including on issues such as how to around the home”. I wanted to shave it off, because it store frozen food, undertake main- While there was praise for the would be the most dramatic thing I tenance works and avoid trip haz- caring approach of staff, the qual- could have done. I lost my hair for ards. ity of meals and the way in which chemotherapy but that was for sur- The report noted: “Some areas of medicines were administered, the vival – this time it was a choice.” the home had undergone tempo- inspectors said there was room for Tracey’s hair was divided into rary repairs but had been left un- improvement in most areas, in- plaits, with money donated by indi- ford. As Downs Mail went to press, sightly. cluding safety, leadership, and the viduals to cut them off one at a time. more than £3,000 had been raised. “There had been a number of responsiveness and effectiveness of Maz Michaelas, who owns Chequers The cut and shave took place at water leaks above the ground floor care. Fish Bar in The Square, paid £100 – the Red Lion pub during its annual the highest donation to cut off a harvest auction, which raised more Trees can go plait. The job was completed by razor than £6,000 for Kent Air Ambulance Felling plan courtesy of Tracey’s trusty staff Rob and other charities. CONSERVATION area consent was A PLANNING application has Bullock and Bethany Collins, daugh- To donate to Tracey’s effort, go to granted for the removal of six ley- been submitted to fell a green- ter Georgia Beasley, cousin Rebecca bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/tracey- landii trees at Woodridge, Manor gage tree at 2 Woodlands, Fagg and best friend Amanda Let- smith-4. Walderslade. Lane, Hollingbourne. SWEENEY TODD

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Maidstone East October 2015 9 News downsmail.co.uk Rural store Rowing club’s success to go ahead HARRIETSHAM Parish Council failed in its bid to halt a proposed storage building in Fairbourne is a real family aﬀair Manor Stables, Fairbourne Lane. Glenda Dean, of the parish coun- PARENTS and children helped cil, told Maidstone Council's plan- Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club ning committee: “Harrietsham has return to town with the Victor Lu- been allocated a large amount of dorum after a fantastic day of wins development so it makes sense we at the Sudbury annual regatta. protect this area from being ur- The club bagged 17 wins out of banised. the 72 events run on the day to be- “We have an issue with placing come overall winners. Second best this building adjacent to a lane; it is were Broxbourne RC with nine the size of a house and will harm wins and third position was shared the character of the lane.” by hosts Sudbury and Cantabrid- Mike Tamsett, on behalf of the gians with six each. applicant, said: “This is for the stor- This year was the 135th in the age of tools, on-site security and Sudbury club’s history and the new wash facilities. The applicant des- event – the parent and child double perately needs these facilities.” scull – was won by two parent and The victorious ladies from Maidstone Rowing Club at Sudbury regatta The committee felt the scheme son/daughter crews from Maid- would have a minimal impact on stone. Knight, of Maidstone Grammar Grammar) and Keira Wigley. the area and granted permission. Brian Humphris and son Will School, and Ross Bain, of Oakwood The most significant wins were in were victorious, along with father School, in the J13 2x (double). the Masters categories, where and daughter combo James and In the senior categories, winners nearly all single boat categories Plan dropped Ella Knight. included Nov 2x Tom Long and were won by Maidstone Invicta at A PLAN for seven homes on part of There were no senior men wins Adam Chappell-Tay; Sophie Tay- each age level, as follows: Mas B 1x a builder’s yard at Eyhorne Street, this year, but every senior lady lor, Rosie Warren (both of Maid- James Knight; Mas C 1x Brian Hollingbourne has been with- came away with a pot, making 33 in stone Girls Grammar School) and Humphris; Mas D 1x Geraint drawn. Maidstone Council’s con- total for the Maidstone crew mem- Eloise Collings (of St Simon Stock); Evans; Mas E 1x Richard Huggins; servation officer said the scheme bers and the club’s greatest win to WNov 4+ Keira Wigley, Rebecca Mas F 1x Ray Phillips; Mas C/D 2x was “overdominant in relationship date. Lovegreen, Cherry Fermor, Heidi Richard Huggins and Geraint to the adjacent Eyhorne Green Cot- In the junior categories, the first Fermor and coxswain Abigail Leek; Evans; Mas G/H 2x Keith Jones and tages”. The applicant plans to sub- race of the day was won by Oscar WIM3 2x Daisy Stillwell (of Invicta Tony Marshall. mit a revamped proposal.

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10 Maidstone East October 2015 Business Focus downsmail.co.uk The ESO Clinic - Kent’s Largest Osteopathic Practice

The European School Osteopathic Council about regulation of the Patients attending of Osteopathy (ESO) (GOsC), who regulate profession is available the teaching and post operates a fully the profession. RQ on the GOsC website graduate clinics benefit ESO regulated healthcare status means the www.osteopathy.org.uk. from a full consultation teaching and post academic and clinical and appraisal of their Clinic The ESO Clinic, based presenting problem; graduate clinic, teaching services on Tonbridge Road, offering osteopathy for operate according to a staff and osteopathic has been providing low students alike focus on Offering a full range of osteopathic patients in and around defined set of cost osteopathic treatments, with specialist clinics for: Maidstone. The standards and all ESO providing the highest treatments to the quality patient oriented osteopathic tutors and osteopathic Maidstone community care for people suffering programme at the ESO staff are fully • Maternity since 1978; on average, with a wide range of has ‘RQ’ Status from registered with the 20,000 treatments are problems and • Children the General GOsC. Information provided each year. conditions. We aim to • Sports get patients to help themselves as well as • MSK Diagnostic Ultrasound working alongside other healthcare NEW: Postgraduate Visceral Clinic professions where necessary to ensure To book call 01622 685989 or for more patients receive the information visit www.eso.ac.uk/clinic right approach for them as an individual. Please call 01622 685989 to discuss whether osteopathy can help and visit our facebook page ‘ESOClinic’ for regular updates about the Clinic, osteopathy and how it can help you.

Maidstone East October 2015 11 News downsmail.co.uk Ipad gifts for young patients Campaign to clamp REPRESENTATIVES from Pro- Health Therapy Rooms in Maid- stone have handed over equipment worth £4,000 to the Riverbank chil- down on scammers dren’s unit at Maidstone Hospital. The money was raised through a A HIGH-profile campaign is being tricks are out there. A reluctance to joined forces with Action Fraud in charity evening at The Townhouse launched in Maidstone to alert res- discuss it is one sure sign that some- the “Think Jessica” campaign and Hotel in King Street, which cele- idents to the dangers of scammers. thing is going on and people need Martin, along with other commu- brated the company’s third birth- Recent research has revealed that to be aware of that.” nity wardens, has advisory leaflets day. The event, attended by about scammers are making more than Information packs, including a on the differing types of scam. 150 clients, featured a charity wax- £10 billion per year from a variety DVD, are available as part of a na- These include lottery and prize off, a raffle and auction, a barbe- of scams, tricking unsuspecting tionwide alert “Think Jessica”, draw scams, clairvoyant scams, cat- cue, fire breathers and more. householders out of their savings based on the story of one elderly alogue and brochure scams, courier ProHealth owner Nicola Elliott and hard- lady who was conned out of cash. scams, bank and building society said: "We were able to buy 12 earned cash. Jessica was repeatedly tricked scams, PPI scams, parcel delivery Ipads, cases, security stations and The youngest into sending cash and making scams and prize-holding scams. iTunes vouchers and we hope that known victim in money transfers to criminals in the If you have been caught out once, the children on the ward will get Maidstone is 47 space of five years. When she died, the dangers intensify as scammers lots of enjoyment from them.” and the eldest aged 83, she was still waiting for her make lists of the people they have Health play specialist Vicki Bel- aged 98 – but promised prizes – and almost tricked – called “suckers lists” – ton said: “The Ipads will be used many victims 30,000 scam letters were removed which they then sell to other scam- as a distraction tool to keep the are so embar- from her home. mers worldwide, resulting in more children calm and happy whilst on rassed at having been duped, they “Her family tried to make her un- mail and fake phone calls. They the unit and I know they will really are unwilling to admit it. derstand she was being scammed even create convincing websites. enjoy them.” Martin Sherwood (pictured), but the psychology the criminals Martin said: “You do not have to community warden for Bearsted, used was so powerful that she re- get into any discussions over the Garage agreed Harrietsham and Lenham, spent fused to believe it,” said Martin. phone with anyone – and never PLANNING permission was two hours with one elderly lady Although scammers tend to tar- give out personal information. Keep granted for a detached garage at who said she had been too afraid get the elderly and vulnerable, no- your business your business.” The Old Rectory, Church Road, and embarrassed to tell her family body is immune, he said. In one The Maidstone community war- Otham. The scheme will see the loss what had happened. part of the country, a 17-year-old dens are happy to spend time ex- of two trees – a holly and swamp cy- He said: “It’s important that these was tricked into parting with plaining the types of scams to press – but Maidstone Council’s things are talked about openly in money. concerned residents. Details of your planning officer report said neither families so everyone is aware of Kent County Council and the local warden can be found on the warranted protection. what is going on and what kind of Trading Standards Institute have KCC website, www.kent.gov.uk.

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12 Maidstone East October 2015 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk Bearsted salon continues to grow So Hairdressing celebrates eight successful years excellent reputation for its first- that every client is treated as a VIP, so they class friendly service and can sit back relax and let us do the rest” creativity by providing a VIP Sam said: “We are proud of the hard work treatment for every client. and dedication that our team have put in over Despite its success it will not be the last eight years. We are continually taking its foot off the pedal in investing in giving a great education to future The Ashford Road salon the foreseeable future; the salon hairdressers.” continues to develop and keeps So hairdressing of Bearsted recently To experience So Hairdressing for yourself pace with the demands of its ever-increasing call today on 01622 739001. celebrated its eighth year of trading – and it client base. The talented team continues to certainly has a lot to celebrate. In this time, expand and the salon is currently investing in not only has the popular salon gone from providing ongoing education for all of its staff strength to strength but scooped a whole host to ensure they are up to date with all the of accolades, including UK Creative Colourist current trends, styles and techniques, as well title in 2013, a finalist at the L’Oréal Colour as state-of-the-art products. There are now a trophy in 2014, winning the Southern Regional few new faces among the team who will work final. It is this winning formula that keeps it alongside its longer serving stylists. The salon ahead in its field and attracts customers to has a bright, fresh and modern look and offers return time and time again. a very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, so The salon has continued to grow and clients leave feeling truly pampered. expand in the past eight years. Since it Steve O’Rourke, who co-owns the salon with launched in 2007 the salon has built an Sam Cooper, said: “We work hard to ensure

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Maidstone East October 2015 13 News downsmail.co.uk Golf festival MARRIOTT Tudor Park is to host a Festival of Golf made up of five Ruby’s thanks after competitions, ranging from a ladies open to a mixed pairs open. The six-day festival starts on Tuesday, October 13 with the sen- Scout trip to Japan ior pairs open, which is open to all male golfers aged 55 or over and YALDING Scout Ruby Haigh has who hold a handicap of 28 or less. said a big thank you to all the sup- The ladies open will be held on porters who enabled her to spend the Wednesday, followed by the three weeks travelling in Japan. Tudor Twos on the Thursday. The Ruby (14), from Vicarage Road, men’s open is to be held on the Fri- was one of 108 Scouts and Guides day, with the festival ending with from Kent and East Sussex chosen to the mixed open on the Sunday. represent the UK in the 23rd World For details of the events call the Scout Jamboree in Kirara-hama. golf team on 01622 739412 or go to Of the 4,000 youngsters who went http://tudorpark.intelligentgolf.co. from the UK, other locals included Scout Ruby Haigh with Hollie Honeyman from Upchurch and Nicole Finch uk/tudor_park_festival_of_golf Nicole Finch from Marden, who at- from Marden, who also travelled to Japan tends Invicta Grammar School; way of life as well as their food and dropped. Murder show Charlie Arthur and Robert Latch- customs. Each unit had made origami peace THE Friends of Boxley Church is ford, both from Marden; MidKent One highlight was going cor- cranes, which were left at the site as putting on a murder mystery show. College student Ollie Knight; and morant fishing; a downside was the a mark of respect to those who lost Bloodshed in Boxley allows Kings Hill’s Dom Phipps and Emilie extreme heat – mid 30s – and 95% their lives in the atrocity. wannabe detectives to follow the Tenbroek. humidity. Following the camp, where many clues and solve the locked-room A member of the Yalding Beult During the 12 days of the Jam- new friendships were made, the unit mystery of the butler murdered in Scout troop, Ruby had to find £2,500 boree in Yamaguchi City, Ruby en- travelled to the capital city of Tokyo Boxley House! The event takes to finance the trip and spent a busy joyed many camp-based activities, where Ruby visited the Sky Tree place from 7.30pm on October 10 at few months bag-packing at a super- including concerts and cooking, Tower and other famous landmarks. Grove Green Community Centre. market and holding fund-raising sampling food from around the She said: “I was really proud to Tickets, costing £10, include a events in and around the village, as world. represent Yalding, Kent and UK ploughman’s supper. Bring your well as at Maidstone Girls’ Grammar She also got to travel on one of the Scouts and I know I could not have own drinks. Proceeds will raise School, where she is a student. country’s high-speed bullet trains enjoyed this amazing trip without money for the fabric of the church. Ruby was a member of the and visited Hiroshima just a few the generous support I have had Info: Sue Willmott on 01622 695678 “Rolling Scones” unit, which visited days before the 70th anniversary of from so many people in and around or [email protected] Japanese families, sampling their the first atomic bomb being Yalding.” For your comfort & independence

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News downsmail.co.uk One man’s tribute to war dead ONE man’s labour of love has helped villagers in Bearsted and Thurnham remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Les Lawson (76), from Yeoman Way, Bearsted, spent 18 months meticulously researching every Les Lawson serviceman from the area who died with the in World War I and whose name book he appears on the Holy Cross War Me- has morial. produced His research took him all over in tribute Kent and Sussex, to the Common- wealth War Graves Commission, to the National Archives and Maid- Bearsted’s stone Museum – as well as a host of war heroes historical and genealogical internet and right, sites. the Holy Les said: “Young lads stepped Cross War forward when their country called, Memorial fully expecting the war to be over Les has included details of some in many cases, soldiers were lost mighty little chance of coming by Christmas 1914. of the most notable battles of World without trace. through ... we shall need every “They wanted to do their bit be- War I, plus pictures of relevant All that remained for many fami- available man before we’re fin- fore they lost the chance; waves of medals, cemeteries – even battle- lies were the “death plaque” and ished.” patriotism, duty, pride and a sense ships – in the fascinating record. scroll sent out to the next of kin of As a teenager, Les served briefly of adventure drove countless thou- Only three copies exist – one for each serviceman killed. in the RAF, but spent much of his sands to the recruiting stations. the church, one for the Kent History “One serviceman was just 16 working life teaching engineers be- “No-one could imagine what and Library Centre and Les’s per- years old when he died; it is not hind the iron curtain. would follow – 750,000 failed to re- sonal copy. hard to imagine his mother’s Since his retirement, he has bus- turn and a further million came The amateur military researcher heartache, haunted by his loss for ied himself with a variety of proj- home shattered in mind and body.” was inspired to take on the project the rest of her days,” said Les. ects including studying military Les used battalion war diaries three years ago, having just com- One of the most notable parish- medals and badges – and restoring and census records, plus the many pleted research into four family ioners to die was William Benton, old motorcycles. books written after the war by offi- members of his own who were the former curate of Bearsted, who He has recently finished yet an- cers and men of the various regi- killed in the war. died after being wounded in action. other fascinating project – tran- ments, to compile his pictorial He said: “My wife Eva and I were His grave is in Heilly Station Ceme- scribing a railway worker’s diary record. walking past the church when we tery, Picardie, but during his re- from October 1917 to the end of the He meticulously copied death no- spotted the war memorial and it got search Les was contacted by a lady war in December 1918. tices, photographed gravestones me thinking. I went back with a in Australia who steered him to- One gets the impression he could and collated photographs of memo- notepad and pen and wrote down wards Mrs Stuart Menzies’ book write another book based on his ex- rials on both sides of the English all the names and started looking “Sportsmen Parsons in Peace and periences of living in Eastern Eu- Channel. them up on the internet, putting War” which contains more details rope, including Czechoslovakia, The result is an impressive tome them in order of the date they about the curate. Hungary and the former Yu- of facts, figures and photos in trib- died.” In a letter sent to his sister in Feb- goslavia, as well as in less austere ute to the 26 men – some of whom Where service or medical records ruary 1916, he wrote: “At the pres- locations such as Germany, were merely boys – who died. survived, his task was easier – but ent rate of officers falling, there is Switzerland and Portugal. Villagers remember their fallen heroes FOUR more servicemen who lost their days. Sadly, his parents were not no- Their only child and still single, he born in Dublin, Captain Hannan lived lives during the Great War are being tified until the following month and served four years in the West Kent Ter- in Australia and New Zealand before remembered in Bearsted before the several letters he had written, includ- ritorials prior to joining up in Decem- marrying Mary Carlisle, at the age of year-end. ing a postcard dated August 28, ar- ber, 1914. 38 and settling in London. Continuing the village’s tribute – rived in the meantime, saying he was He joined the 2nd Battalion The He went on to be an Army major “We will remember them, one by one” alright. Buffs (East Kent Regiment) and was with the special reserve before the – wreaths will be laid at the former There is no known grave for the posted to France in February, 1915. outbreak of World War I and served homes of George Taylor, George teenager who is listed as one of He sustained a head injury on May with the 4th Battalion Cheshire Regi- Clark, Thomas Golding and George 28,855 names on the Helles Memo- 1 while on duty near Ypres and was ment in South Africa, before transfer- Hannan. rial in Turkey. taken to hospital in Rouen. He recov- ring to the 9th Battalion, George Taylor died on August 29, A wreath has been placed at his for- ered and resumed his duties, only to Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). aged just 19. mer home in Mount Lane. be posted as “missing, presumed Although his home address re- Born in Meopham, he enlisted at Private George Clarke was remem- dead” on September 28 the same mained South Kensington, he was Chatham in January 1915 and was bered in a short ceremony at Thurn- year, aged 32. taken ill in September 1915 while posted overseas six months later. ham Church, as his home on Detling Again, there is no known grave and working in Chatham and staying at His father, also called George, was Hill was destroyed in World War II. his name is one of 20,589 on the Loos Maybank at the corner of The Green a sexton and verger at Holy Cross George was a member of the 1st Memorial to the missing in France. and Church Lane. He was taken to the Church after the family moved to battalion Queen’s Royal West Surrey A wreath was due to be laid outside military hospital at Fort Pitt where he Mount Lane and George Jnr’s brother Regiment and is buried in the Guards 30 Roseacre Lane in his memory. died on October 13. Edward later ran the newsagents on Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, Pas On October 13, the village will re- A telegram to the war office re- The Green, which still bears the family de Calais. member George Madder Hannan, quested a military funeral at Bearsted name. Another soldier born in Thurnham who died during the war – but not and the Commonwealth War Graves A driver in the 13th Signal Com- was Thomas Golding, whose parents during active service – at the age of Commission states he is buried in pany, George was killed in action in John and Anna Maria Golding moved 55. Holy Cross churchyard, but no head- Gallipoli, having served for just 224 via Ware Street to Roseacre. Originally a merchant seaman, stone has been found.

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Maidstone East October 2015 19 News downsmail.co.uk Scams after pension reforms OVER 55s in Maidstone are being warned to be wary after an escalation in pension-related scams.

The Citizens Advice bureau says access to people’s pension pots so tails, and was visited by someone people’s pension pots including of- fraudulent calls have rocketed they can apparently invest them in claiming to be an independent fi- fering free pension reviews and since new pension reform rules financial products on their behalf. nancial adviser who couldn’t de- promising to invest funds that came into effect four months ago. Despite offering a high rate of re- scribe any investments.” don’t necessarily exist. Two of five CAB pensions’ staff turn, scammers were unable to ex- People were also approached “If you’ve had an offer or signed have encountered people targeted plain what the investments were. with offers to invest their pension up to a pension scheme you’re un- by fraudsters, offering fake invest- Others involve a people being cash into products such as property sure about, I urge you to contact ment scams. texted or cold-called with offers of overseas or fine wines. Citizens Advice Maidstone [01622 A further one in 10 have seen a free pension review. The caller One investment scam featured 752420] where our staff can offer people who had either responded then asks to visit the person in their two salesmen – one who visited the free help and support.” to or fallen prey to a scam. Scam- own home, bringing paperwork potential customer to get access to To avoid being scammed, never mers are targeting the cash lump that would allow them to get access his pension details, and a second to be rushed into a decision and check sums people can release from their to their pension details. encourage him to invest his pen- if the company contacting you is pension pots – particularly now Bonny Malhotra, chief executive sion and any other savings into regulated by the Financial Conduct that the over 55s fall into this cate- at Maidstone CAB, said: “One man property in South Africa. Authority (FCA). If you are unsure, gory. responded to an internet ad for a Mr Malhotra added: “Scammers contact The Pensions Advisory In some scams fraudsters request free pension review, filled in his de- are finding new ways to go after Service on 0300 123 1047. £500m to ease Pupils take club members to the races Stack pain WEAVERING’S Over 60s Club was A STRATEGY costing nearly treated to a day at the races by £500m for handling Operation students from Invicta Grammar Stack in Kent had been submitted School in Maidstone. to the Government. Club members have been The plan – pulled together by catching up with sixth-formers KCC, the Highways Agency, the once a month for several years to police and others – includes a lorry share tea and entertainment, and park off the M20, improvements to this time the girls invited them to the A20 and better signposting, but dress for Ascot and provided the would still mean hold-ups on the food, fake money and racing M20 and the surrounding area. programme. County councillor Jenny Whittle Sylvia Morley (79), the group’s said it was now down to the Gov- chairman, said: “It was a fantastic ernment to come up with the fund- Members of Weavering Over 60s Club dressed for a day at the races opportunity to get dressed up. The ing. She said: “Operation Stack girls were great. We really felt as if let the girls and staff know just how Weavering Over 60s club meets aside, the issue of lorries driving we’d been to the races for the day. much we appreciate it. They don’t at the village hall at 2pm-4pm on through rural villages is a number “The school has been a fantastic treat us like the elderly, we laugh the ﬁrst Monday of the month. one issue for me. I am being asked friend to the club and we wanted to and have a fun time together.” New members are welcome. for ‘no HGV’ signs and weight limits at various locations. I understand even Willington Street is calling for a weight limit, but I have College stops no idea where they would go. As KCC row over West well as having these extra signs and A-level courses restrictions, we then need enough police to enforce them.” Country homes plan STUDENTS have been alarmed to Thurnham Parish Cllr Ted Den- learn that MidKent College in ham said the low railway bridge in KENT County Council has come future of the building. Maidstone is abandoning A-level Ware Street – and signs indicating under fire for threatening to build A spokesman for KCC said: courses. the clearance height – were still homes on a start-up enterprise for “The Tramshed in Bath is owned The decision affects 175 young- being ignored by lorry drivers. He businesses in Bath. by Kent County Council on be- sters who were due to start A-level said: “Two lorries, with UK drivers, The county council received ap- half of the Kent Pension Fund. studies in September. Second-year spent hours turning around at Av- proval for its request to change The fund provides pensions to students part-way through their A- erenches Road because they had ig- the use of the city’s Tramshed 110,000 scheme members in 500 level courses at the Tonbridge Road nored the signs and found they commercial space to residential employers and has property in- college are not affected. couldn’t get under the bridge.” from Bath and North East Somer- vestments of around £600m across The college says the decision fol- set Council. the country. lows a review of its curriculum in But it has prompted an angry re- “The Tramshed is currently the face of fewer resources and na- Driving oﬀence sponse from the business commu- used as serviced offices. The Pen- tional policy changes, which put A DETLING man who admitted nity, who say Bath is already set sion Fund has looked at the op- more emphasis on colleges to meet drink-driving has been banned from to get 7,000 new homes and “as tion of using a change in planning the needs of the jobs market and driving for three years. the creative industries capital of law introduced by the last gov- contribute to the Government’s Steven Wilson (33), of Hockers the South West” the Tramshed ernment to change the use from goal of providing three million ap- Lane, was driving a Ford Mondeo in provides valuable office space for office to residential under the per- prenticeships. Peel Street, Maidstone, without in- fledgling businesses including mitted development regulations. College principal Simon Cook surance. He gave a blood test of start-up websites and small IT “At this stage, no final decision said advice sessions and liaisons 185mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. firms. has been taken on the change of with schools and other education The legal limit is 80mg. The county council says no de- use and the Tramshed in its cur- providers had provided an alterna- At Mid Kent Magistrates Court he cision has been made about the rent form is operating well.” tive training path for all those who was banned from driving for three had contacted the college. Any stu- years and fined £155 with £85 costs For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk dents who need help should con- and a £20 victim surcharge. tact the college.

20 Maidstone East October 2015 downsmail.co.uk News

Selling homes in Maidstone since 1982

The Biketrack in Zurich, Switzerland Bikers welcome pump track plan SELLING MAIDSTONE Council is consid- Joel Chidley. ering a request for a track for off- It could cost between £40,000 and road cyclists as interest soars in £60,000 to construct a profession- YOUR HOME? the fast-growing sport. ally-built track with an all-weather A group of mountain bike enthu- asphalt surface. siasts is lobbying the council to Possible sites include Mote Park There’s a reason why we sell our build a pump track – similar to the alongside the Red Bull mini BMX one in Hawkinge, near Folkestone track, or Cobtree Manor Park. properties faster than the – which gives riders an adrenalin Mike said: “Not many people rush as they speed around a circuit. have heard of pump tracks, al- competition and it’s not just to Pump tracks are considered to be though they're popular in a lot of safer than skateparks and are ac- Europe and North America, along do with the price. cessible to a wider range of age with many other parts of the UK.” groups and skill levels. A pump track consists of undu- Every one of our viewings is Mountain biker Mike Jordan (27), lating terrain and banked turns that from Tovil, hit on the idea after vis- can be ridden on a bike without conducted by an experienced iting the Hawkinge track. pedalling using a technique known He said: “Pump tracks are much as pumping. member of our team who are all more versatile than skateparks and Mike has already spoken to offi- are accessible for people of any age, cers at Maidstone Council’s parks conversant with your home. from toddlers on strider bikes to ex- and leisure department who have perienced mountain bikers. said that, provided he can gather “You don’t need any skill or ex- enough support to show there is perience – although obviously, the demand for a track, they will try to WE MAKE EVERY better and fitter you are, the more find an appropriate space and see challenging you can make it.” if any grant funding is available. VIEWING COUNT Mike has set up a dedicated Mike hopes bike manufacturers Facebook page, which has drawn and other related companies will interest from more than 350 people provide sponsorship. No tie in contract and organisations, including the To learn more or to show your Plus University of Kent Cycling Club support, go to www.facebook.com/ No extra charges and professional mountain biker groups/pumptrackmaidstone. Information boards renewed We charge just 1% + VAT TWELVE new historic information across the town as soon as possible. Free EPC’s for new boards are being designed to go on Maidstone Town Centre Man- display in Maidstone. agement’s Events Group is also instructions received by The existing tourist information working with Celebrate Maidstone notices, which were expected to be to produce two treasure trails for December 2015 in place for six years are now 12 children and visitors. years old, and “looking a little sad”, Both initiatives aim to engage, admitted Maidstone Council’s educate and promote the area at Call us today Christine Dyer at a meeting of home and to foreign visitors, com- Maidstone Town Centre Manage- plementing initiatives by the Town Penenden Heath Office ment. Centre Regeneration Group includ- She said work was progressing to ing new ﬂags in Jubilee Square and Penenden Heath, Maidstone ME14 2HN approve designs, with the hope of garden planters outside the Town getting the replacement boards up Hall and in the shopping areas. Tel: 01622 671200 Bearsted Office Banned for drink-driving Bearsted Green, Bearsted ME14 4QZ A BEARSTED man who drove his car through the village with twice the legal limit of alcohol in his body has been banned from the road. Jeremy Ross (20), from The Almonds, admitted driving his VW Polo Tel: 01622 737800 along The Street in Bearsted, with 88mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath on August 1. The legal limit is 35mg. Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court www.ferrisandco.net banned Ross from driving for 22 months. He must also pay a £250 fine, a £150 criminal courts charge, £85 costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

Maidstone East October 2015 21 News downsmail.co.uk Cyclist Kate’s recovery bale TWO years ago, Kate Bosley’s life was turned upside down by a cycling accident, which left her with a serious head injury. The mother-of four was left fight- After an initial assessment, Kate and allowed them to enjoy a sum- ing for her life and unable to con- was simply asked to travel to the mer cycling holiday in the Alps – tinue in her role as chief executive RBLI by bus two days a week, say something neither of them would of the Heart of Kent Hospice. hello to the staff, and travel home have dared dream of during the Now Kate, from Weavering again. long, dark days when Kate lay on a Street, Weavering, has written her Gradually, she was given differ- ventilator in hospital. story in a book which she hopes ent tasks which were achievable. Although her memory is badly will inspire other head injury pa- With her old “can do” spirit scarred, she continues to recover. tients and help them to come to firmly back, Kate decided to write Volunteering with the RBLI has terms with their new – albeit dif- the book for two main reasons – helped her to combat the social iso- ferent – life. firstly for personal therapy, but sec- lation she felt, to meet people and “Recycling me: back on the bike” ondly as inspiration to other people be part of a team, and to develop is the story of how Kate has pieced recovering from trauma, particu- and re-learn skills. back together the fragments of her larly head injuries. She has also started volunteering former life and learned new ways She said: “There’s no getting as a fitness instructor at the Village of working and living. away from it; it is hideous. But Hotel, working with other people She said: “My biggest problem I have lost a quarter of my visual there is a future. It is a different fu- who have disabilities. was social isolation. I had a busy and field, I couldn’t even cycle.” ture, but there is still a good life to Kate’s book is available to down- fulfilling life before the accident. My Kate was a fitness fanatic prior to be had.” load on Kindle and has already four children and foster child kept her accident and regularly com- Kate has had incredible support sold almost 100 copies. me busy. I loved cycling and was peted in time trials. from her husband and children, She said: “I didn’t set out to be a passionate about my career. She took the first tentative steps who have all contributed to the best-selling author, but I wanted to “I suddenly went from having a on her road to recovery by volun- book. Indeed, it was daughter Han- tell my story to help other people very nice job that I loved to having teering with the Royal British Le- nah who hit on the title. facing the same difficulties and to nothing. I loved what I did and gion Industries at Aylesford – but Husband John also recently inspire them. When you have lost missed it passionately. I couldn’t even that wasn’t without its chal- bought a tandem, which has en- everything, you have to find rea- work, I couldn’t drive and, because lenges. abled Kate to get back in the saddle sons to carry on.” Charity quiz Aack puts man in coma Biker injured MAIDSTONE Macmillan fund- THE air ambulance was called to raising group is hosting a quiz night A 50-YEAR-OLD Maidstone man pealing for any witnesses to the in- Hollingbourne following an acci- at the Grove Green Community Hall was taken to hospital with life- cident to come forward. dent involving a motorcyclist. on Saturday, October 3. threatening head injuries after an A man was arrested following The helicopter came down on the Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm assault in the town centre. the release of a CCTV image but he green, near the scene, and the in- start. Admission is £5 per person for Richard (Rick) Collins was the was later released without charge. jured man was treated and taken teams of up to eight. Guests should victim of an alleged unprovoked Mr Collins was kept in an in- by road to the William Harvey bring their own drinks and snacks. attack while walking with a 25- duced coma for several days fol- Hospital at Ashford following the There will also be a raffle and an auc- year old work colleague along the lowing the assault, but recovered accident at just after 2pm on Sep- tion. To book, call 07764 503483 or tember 12. High Street in the early hours of unexpectedly well and is now at email [email protected]. Sunday, September 5. home. However, he has a long re- Mr Collins, who lives with his covery ahead. partner in Barming, was knocked Fruit show Craft groups Anyone who witnessed the inci- unconscious in the incident close to THE 82nd National Fruit Show will CRAFTERS are share work and cof- dent and has not already spoken to fee at the Salvation CAMEO group the pedestrian crossing and taken be taking place in the Maidstone police is asked to call the appeal from 9am to noon on Wednesdays. to Maidstone Hospital, where he Exhibition Hall and Hendry Pavil- Artists are also invited to work was found to have a fractured skull line on 01622 604100 quoting refer- ion in the Kent Event Centre, with others from 10am to noon on and bleeding on the brain. ence YY/014714/15. Detling, on Wednesday and Thurs- Wednesdays. Materials are provided It was believed Mr Collins and a Alternatively email west.divi- day, October 21 and 22. for a £1 donation. fellow workmate were caught up [email protected] Businesses or organisations inter- The groups meet at 74-80 Union in a disturbance involving a num- lice.uk or call Kent Crimestoppers ested in attending should book at Street. Call 01622 681808 for details. ber of people and police were ap- anonymously on 0800 555111. www.nationalfruitshow.org.uk. Tennis team celebrate lease MAIDSTONE Tennis Club have hosted community events such as been granted a 28-year lease until Maidstone’s Got Talent as well as 2043 for the use of the Giddyhorn supporting the Great British Tennis Lane tennis courts, which are Weekend. owned by Maidstone Council. Richard added: “A key outcome The lease means that the club, of running these community events who were established in 1984, will has been the attraction of even be able to further develop the more members of the public to courts which in turn will benefit come up and enjoy playing tennis. Kate Turnham, of Maidstone Council hands the lease to Keith Rylands of the community. “The public are welcome to come Maidstone Tennis Club, watched by council staff and club members Club chairman Richard Dawson up and give tennis a try. If you contains a community schedule clubs to enhance the development said: “We are delighted with the want to be part of a growing that sets out that the club will of tennis in Maidstone. The club lease, as it gives us the chance to community visit continue to use the facilities to will be working with South East build new courts and develop the maidstoneltc.co.uk for great encourage people of all ages and Tennis to deliver community tennis clubhouse further.” membership offers.” abilities to participate in tennis and sessions and taster sessions for He said the club had already The lease to the tennis club establish links with school sports school children.

22 Maidstone East October 2015 A traditional country Good food at pub offering great food, an open log fire and a its best KA truly warm welcome THE KINGS ARMS Full selection of real ales Bar and Restaurant Open all day for food With autumn now in the air make sure you find the time to enjoy - 7 days a week the atmosphere and warm welcome at your local eateries. Get All food is homemade out and about and savour some of the great seasonal produce and cooked to order from being served by your local pubs, hotels and restaurants. locally supplied produce If it’s a delicious meal in front of a located on the Ashford Road in Large beer garden cosy log fire then The Kings Bearsted now offers free home Free local courtesy Arms at Boxley is definitely the delivery on orders over £15 within transport available for place for you. The traditional a 5-mile radius. diners. Please enquire for country pub serves real ale and a seasonal menu using fresh local The George Inn is at the heart of further details ingredients. The pubs cosy the quaint village of Leeds. interior features red Chesterfield This cosy pub offers a warm Bookings now being taken for sofas and exposed beams. welcome to all and prides itself on CHRISTMAS LUNCH Bookings are now being taken for its great community spirit. Christmas – whether it’s a lunch, As well as a great pint, delicious & DINNER dinner or private party be sure to hearty and traditional meals are 3 Courses Mon-Thur £26 book soon. served in the dining room, in the bar. Classic dishes such as Fri-Sun £28.50 Marino’s Fish and Chip Shop & lasagne, a tasty ocean pie or the Restaurant have been serving up slow roasted lamb shanks bring top quality food in Bearsted for customers back time and time 01622 755177 more than 25 years. Fish is again. The Street, Boxley, Maidstone ME14 3DR obviously their speciality however www.thekingsarmsmaidstone.co.uk E: [email protected] there is a wide variety of other The pub will be serving its dishes on the menu too including Christmas party menu during ‘Certificate of kebabs, chicken & lamb doners, December – but be sure to book Excellence burgers, chicken and jacket early as it’s a popular Christmas 2013/’14/’15 potatoes. The shop, conveniently treat.

01622 01622 The George Inn 737081 631111 Restaurant & Deliveries Takeaway LEEDS & CHIPS • KEB FISH ABS Traditional English Pub Serving the finest fish Comfort and a warm welcome awaits you. & chips in Bearsted for Serving fresh homemade food cooked in house and quality ales. over 25 years Book now •Charcoal Shish kebabs for Christmas •New tasty lamb £19.95pp & chicken doners Lunch & Dinner • Wraps •Fish & Chips Available Monday to Saturday plus all your 3 courses usual favourites with coffee & mints Find us at:- 4 Lower Street, Leeds Village, Find us at:- Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RN Ashford Road,

01622 861314 Bearsted, (Between 5-10pm, www.the-george-inn.com [email protected] within a 5 mile radius) Maidstone FREE DELIVERYdelivery on orders*Orders oversubject less tothan£15*charge £2.50 £15

Maidstone East October 2015 23 News downsmail.co.uk Tributes after death of triathlete THE triathlete who drowned during the first leg of a charity challenge at Leybourne Lakes County Park had a history of epilepsy, an inquest has heard. Paul Gallihawk (34) disappeared dened by Paul’s death. Although he would be needed. while taking part in the Ocean Lake was an active sportsman, this was Paul’s parents Malcolm and Linda Triathlon. He entered the water for a his first triathlon, and he was and brother Nick said in a statement: 750-metre race with more than 100 thought to have been wearing the “Words cannot express how we feel other swimmers during the first leg yellow cap of a novice. and what Paul meant, not only to us of the triathlon, but failed to emerge. The race followed set safety guide- but to all of his family and friends. A large search operation continued lines covering the number of mar- Paul was a brilliant son and brother for three days, but his body was shalls and water temperatures. At to Nick – he would do anything to found by divers on Bank Holiday least three kayaks and an inflatable help anyone and would always put Monday, August 31. boat were supervising during the them first. He had such a caring na- An inquest which was opened and race and novices were asked to in- ture and will be sadly missed by all adjourned heard that a post mortem form officials at registration. If any- the family, extended family and examination gave the cause of death one required assistance, they were friends.” as immersion with epilepsy as a con- expected to turn on their backs and Nick, from Leeds, added: “Paul tributing factor. raise an arm to summon the safety was the most caring brother and best Paul had not had an epileptic fit boat. However, it appears that no- friend I could have asked for.” for 10 years but recently consulted a one saw what happened to Paul, Paul’s girlfriend, Hayley, said: doctor after suffering from dizzy Paul Gallihawk at the triathlon whose absence emerged after the “Paul and I had been together for spells. He had been referred to start of the next stage of the race five years and he was the most King’s College Hospital. lands School at Lenham and later when a spare bike was found in the amazing and thoughtful partner. He Paul had hoped to raise £300 for ran two businesses, Jobs4Locals and rack. was incredible in every way and he the hospital, where his father had Recruit Happy. He was a keen foot- Jack Buckner, chairman of the always put others before himself. I been treated, and had set up a Just- baller and two years ago set up British Triathlon Federation, said loved him to bits and always will.” Giving page. When he started the Whitehawks FC, who play in the triathlon had an excellent safety Friends recalled Paul’s sense of race, the fund stood at £400 but less Maidstone and Mid Kent Sunday record. This event followed set humour and his generosity. In a than a week later it had risen to more Football League. A minute’s silence safety guidelines and had a compar- statement they said: “Many of us than £17,000, including many dona- was held throughout the league in atively small field of only 108 ath- have known Paul since we went to tions from people who had not his memory on the weekend follow- letes. school together and we are all com- known him. ing the tragedy. The Health and Safety Executive pletely heartbroken. He was a gen- Recruitment worker Paul, who Organisers of the Ocean Lake said it was making early inquiries to uine and honest man – he was the lived in Maidstone, went to Swade- Triathlon said they were deeply sad- see whether a full investigation funniest person in the world.”

Phoenix firms Pupil tackles dog mess issue IN last month’s Downs Mail we conducted an investigation A MAIDSTONE schoolgirl fed up pleased that she received a into phoenix companies, which with having to dodge dog mess on response from both councillors.” is a practice whereby the assets her way to school has written to Zoe and Lola walk their dog of a failed company are passed her local councillors. Skipper regularly in Penenden on to another company. Lola Scott Mercieca’s plea to Cllrs Heath and say in spite of there We would like to state that Tony Harwood and Jenni Patterson being plenty of dog bins, the area Phoenix Community, a com- for action against dog owners who is strewn with dog mess. munity interest company based don’t clear up after their pooches Lola said in her letter: “It’s in Senacre, had no association prompted a political promise to get disgusting having to avoid the with this investigation whatso- enforcement officers at work. mess.” She also raised the issue of ever. Lola, who goes to Sandling diseases carried by dog waste and Primary School, wrote to the the unpleasant result of it being councillors as part of her life skills carried through the school on Read our archived course. children’s shoes. Her mum Zoe Scott, who is a Councillors gave Lola goodie editions FREE online at Lola Scott Mercieca with her letter teacher at the school, said: “I’m bags and information leaflets to www.downsmail.co.uk and her dog Skipper very proud that she wrote and very give to her classmates. Dementia accolades War games Trustees call DETAILS about the legality of war TRUSTEES are being sought for a NOMINATIONS are now open for Kent’s dementia volunteer game activities in woods off the community-based charity in Park the 2015 Dementia-Friendly Awards award; A249 in Stockbury Valley were Wood. in Kent. Medway’s dementia volunteer being awaited. Fusion Maidstone, the healthy liv- Launched this year, the awards award; Members of Thurnham Parish ing centre, helps all sectors of the recognise great work done by vol- Kent’s best local community Council were told that a Freedom community and the management is unteers, organisations and projects involvement initiative; of Information request had now seeking new trustees to complement to make Kent more dementia- Kent’s best organisational ini- been acknowledged by Maidstone the existing ones, to bring passion, friendly, and residents are being tiative; Council. drive and experience to the board. asked to nominate their local heroes. Kent’s best partnership project; The parish council’s clerk Sher- The group is looking for individu- The seven award categories are: Kent’s best intergenerational rie Babbington, who is also the als with a track record of effective Kent’s most inspiring person initiative. clerk at Stockbury Parish Council, performance, strategic thinking and living with dementia: For someone To enter, go to www.dementi- said the request was made after sound judgment. Call Martin or living with dementia who has afriendlykent.org.uk/awards. appeals for information from the Tracey on 01622 691177 or email worked hard to make a difference Finalists will be invited to a cere- borough’s planning department [email protected] or in their own or other people’s lives. mony at County Hall on October 2. had failed to produce a response. [email protected].

24 Maidstone East October 2015 Business Focus downsmail.co.uk MAIDSTONE’S PREMIER OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC- “SAY GOODBYE TO PAIN” Do you want a better way to deal with your A large majority of our patients come to us achy muscles and joints? Trust me. Having through personal recommendation from been a professional footballer for over 10 years, friends and family. In fact, everyone is so I know exactly what it's like to have injuries, pleased with our services that we are certain we and how painful they can be. I was lucky can meet and even exceed your expectations, enough to receive the finest possible treatment as well as offering a first class approach to pain available at the time. This is also why I decided as we manage you to recovery. to qualify as a registered Osteopath. We provide treatment for a wide range of In recent times, I have suffered serious back injuries including back pain, joint pain pain with associated pain radiating into the (including hip and knee pain), sciatica, neck back of my leg. It was awful. Having moved ache and sports injuries to name a few. Our from the world of sport, I began to learn that all patients come from varied backgrounds, which sorts of people can suffer from severe neck and include office workers, pregnant ladies, the Scott Daniels back pain. I understand the impact that pain more mature patient, sports amateurs and has on someone and what effect osteopathic professionals and many self-employed, who Osteopathic and treatment can have on a patient’s life which is know full well that good health leads to better why I want to help those in need. living. Sports Injury Clinic To aide anyone in pain, our clinic's We are committed to transforming the philosophy, is to ensure quick appointment quality of life for people who suffer from pain; times (within 24-48 hours of initial contact) and we're absolutely dedicated to patient-centred Amelanchier, the highest quality Osteopathic care and care. The setting of your visit will be mindful Weavering Street, treatment. and unhurried. You will have ample time to get At all times, patients will be made aware of to know us. From there, we will take the Maidstone, ME14 5JJ the details of the treatment they receive and necessary steps to address your concerns, (Near Tesco at Grove Green) all treatment will be part of a management establish a diagnosis, and provide the correct plan. We aim to provide quick, comprehensive treatment. Regardless of the problem, our Telephone: 01622 631401 treatment leading to fast effective pain relief. patients typically notice significant Email: [email protected] You'll be glad that you gave this a try. improvements within a very short time frame HH && CC MotorsMotors Ltd.Ltd.

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Maidstone East October 2015 25 LEARNING FOR LIFE SIXTH FORM/COLLEGE

WHEN students received their minimum entry requirement for Invicta Grammar School is a further and higher education GCSE results last month, many of students – and those who don’t specialist school for business, students of all ages, as well as them were thrilled and delighted gain sufficient A*-C grades at maths, computing and languages. being a great alternative to school with their clutch of good grades. GCSE generally aren’t allowed to Across town, Maidstone sixth forms. But for some, results day was a stay on for their final two years. Grammar School for Girls has “We have hundreds of part- day of disappointment – and the Fortunately, this is rarely the been a specialist school for science time and full-time courses to panic of what to do next. end of the road. and maths since 2003, while choose from.” When pupils move up from A move into another school Maplesden Noakes specialises in If you decide the world of primary to secondary school, for sixth form, an academic route at business and enterprise and has academia is not for you, colleges many it’s a ‘done deal’ that they college – or a vocational course, strong links with the local also offer a refreshing choice of will carry on their studies into perhaps as part of an business community. options, which can lead to a sixth form. apprenticeship – are all available Many students thrive in a rewarding career, whether it be in The town’s new academies still in Maidstone, while students college atmosphere, which is very business, beauty, engineering or offer this choice but some of the prepared to travel further afield different to school. electronics. grammar schools operate a or into the City might opt for a One advantage of a college over And apprenticeships offer the specialist course in school is that terms tend to start best of both worlds as they allow music, drama, sport or later and be more in line with you to gain new skills AND get the arts. university terms, which gives you paid at the same time! Maidstone is blessed more time to decide precisely An enthusiastic student with a with a wealth of good what you want to do – and then passion for his or her future career schools, however, and apply for a place. can often find this to be the most most of them specialise Even after results day, it’s not fulfilling way forward. in one aspect of too late as only a few of the most Whilst schools naturally put education these days, sought-after courses tend to be great store on GCSE grades, these so it’s wise to ‘shop fully booked. are just one step on the ladder to around’ to find the sixth A spokesman for Mid Kent success. form which best suits College said: “It’s never too late to You’re never too old to learn – your needs. make a decision that will change and it’s never too late, as the Swadelands at Lenham your life for the better. scores of mature students who is renowned for its He added: “MidKent College is attend colleges of further sporting prowess, while now the destination of choice for education will testify!

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Maidstone East October 2015 27 News downsmail.co.uk Late dates for festive shoppers CHRISTMAS is coming, and Maidstone is working to ensure it is bigger and brighter than ever. The Town Team marketing splash their cash. trading hours would resume on celebrity guest to perform the hon- group has been working with re- Proposals would mean shops re- December 28, with Sunday hours ours. tailers to draw up proposed open- maining open until 8pm on Thurs- again on Friday, January 1. However, local bands and choirs ing hours which will streamline days from November 26 and on TCM change co-ordinator Ilsa have already expressed an interest trading across the town. December 14, 15 and 16 until 7pm. Butler said: “We appreciate it is in taking part and could perform in Late-night shopping is a critical In Christmas week itself, it has sometimes difficult for the inde- the High Street’s Jubilee and Re- factor in making the town a shop- been proposed that the shops pendent traders to mirror the large membrance Squares. ping destination of choice in the might stay open each night until retailers, but at the same time we The council has said it cannot run-up to Christmas and the Town 8pm with the exception of Christ- do not want to disappoint people support the “Free after Three” Team, together with the Town Cen- mas Eve, when they would close at and hope that as many shops as parking initiative, however, or any tre Management, hopes that many 5.30pm. possible will open.” additional park and ride services, independent traders will stay open Boxing Day – a Saturday – would Fremlin Walk will once again be to encourage shoppers into Maid- later, along with the larger retail have Sunday opening hours from leading the Switch On event, stone at Christmas, as they are not chains, to entice festive shoppers to 10.30am to 4.30pm and normal scheduled for November 19, with a commercially viable. Building on Fondue blaze A BEARSTED man needed first aid from firefighters after a fondue in- Lego success cident in Peverel Drive. THE Brick City exhibition at Maid- Kent Fire and Rescue Service was stone Museum was a huge success, called to the house after a man sus- with more than 1,000 people flood- tained burns while preparing the ing through the doors of the mu- fondue meal. It is thought he seum most days throughout the poured methylated spirit into a summer. burner but over-filled it. Organisers were overwhelmed When he lit the liquid in the with the response – even the Thurs- burner, the vapour ignited, setting day “lates” when visitors were en- light to the bottle containing the couraged to take part in a methylated spirit. Lego-building challenge. The plastic bottle containing the More than 140 people took part Fire advice for companies meths was knocked to the kitchen in the challenge, devising fantastic MAIDSTONE businesses were offered some simple fire safety messages floor, where the vaporising meths moving miniatures and replicas of during UK Business Safety Week. continued to burn. everything from cars to cameras. Kent Fire and Rescue Service took to the streets in association with the The man put out the fire using a Parents – and some grandparents Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) to share messages the companies damp towel and a watering can – teamed up with their offspring could take back to their colleagues and staff. from the garden, but burned his for what proved to be a real family The week coincided with the recruitment of seasonal staff in the run- hand in the process. The incident event and a great boost to museum up to Christmas. also caused some scorching to the figures. “These new recruits may not have the same level of fire safety kitchen floor. Laura Dickson told the Town awareness as permanent members of staff, and may not be aware of Firefighters treated the man’s in- Centre Management meeting that the steps needed to protect themselves, their customers and juries and fitted two smoke alarms the event was “phenomenal” and colleagues,” said a spokesman for KFRS. to the property before leaving. would be a hard act to follow. This year’s message for businesses is ‘Keep it SIMPLE and Safe’ and She said: “The challenge was to offers the following SIMPLE reminders: Shopmobility devise a piece of Lego judged on • Store stock safely: keep corridors, stairs and exits clear. originality, strength and durability • Identify alarm points. THE town centre Shopmobility which could be a likeness to some- • Make sure doors are closed to stop fires spreading. scheme has now ended and the scooters have been offered to Age thing in the museum collection. • Place things that catch fire away from things that cause fire. Concern, either for ongoing use or “We had everything from a • Let someone know if you spot fire safety problems. for sale, to raise funds for the older grandfather clock, with moving • Ensure everyone knows what to do if a fire alarm sounds. persons’ charity. pieces, to a working camera.” The council is looking at “Trea- sures from Trash” for next summer Rugby recruits – an exhibition of items made from Mote goes for award WEAVERING Wanderers RFC are recycled products. MAIDSTONE is going for gold as There are 1,582 parks in the hoping to tap in to World Cup There will be workshops for voting opens for the people’s country vying for the top 10 slots fever by recruiting new rugby young and old and a variety of ac- choice award for the nation’s and voting was due to close at players. tivity days based on the exhibition. favourite parks. noon on September 30. The win- The club boast experienced, The town’s Mote Park took silver ners will be announced in October. qualified coaches happy to teach Charity cards place last year, so the council needs To vote, visit www.greenfla- players all ages – between 18 and MAIDSTONE’S Christmas Cards even more support from residents gaward.org or: 80 – and abilities. for Good Causes shop is to trade at to take the top spot. Mote Park: bit.ly/votemote Training takes place every the Methodist Church, Union Four Maidstone parks were Cobtree Manor Park: Thursday from 7pm at Park Wood Street, from Friday October 16 to awarded Green Flags this year in bit.ly/votecobtree Recreation Ground, with parking Friday December 18. recognition of their exceptionally Whatman Park: bit.ly/vote- next to the changing rooms in Bic- Opening hours will be 11am-4pm high standards, excellent facilities whatman knor Road, Park Wood. weekdays and 10am-4pm on Satur- and strong community involve- Clare Park: bit.ly/voteclarepark To find out more, either come to days. It is part of a national net- ment. Last year, Mote Park was beaten training or contact Jim, Dan or work of 300 shops staffed by Mote Park, Cobtree Manor Park, to the top slot for the people’s Andy at rugby@weaveringwar- volunteers supporting 275 charities Whatman Park and Clare Park are choice award by Victoria Park in riors.co.uk, visit www.weavering- which have received more than all in with a chance of receiving the the London and was the only park warriors.co.uk or call 07523 821 £20m in the last five years. annual People’s Choice Award. in the South East in the top 10. 333.

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Maidstone East October 2015 29 News downsmail.co.uk High scores for hospital care THE hospitals in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells have been given a clean bill of health after exceeding national average scores in all but one category. Patient-led assessments of the care • Tonbridge Cottage Hospital – Although the condition, appear- have exceeded results in every cat- environment (Place) inspections 89.31% ance and maintenance at Maid- egory except one and the refur- take place annually at every hospital National average – 88.49% stone Hospital scored slightly bishment programme currently in the country. Privacy, dignity and wellbeing: below the national average (by on-going at Maidstone will im- Staff and local patient represen- • Maidstone – 86.96% 0.76%), it has the cleanest hospital prove lots of areas and ward envi- tatives assess how the care envi- • Tunbridge Wells – 94.13% wards of any of Kent’s acute hospi- ronments for our patients and ronment in a hospital (or other type • *Tonbridge Cottage Hospital – tals, scoring 99.2%. The second visitors.” of treatment centre) supports pa- 86.43% phase of a multi-million pound Recent improvements to the patients. The results are reported pub- National average – 86.03% ward modernisation programme is tient environment include new licly to show how hospitals are Condition, appearance and also under way. wayfinding and external signs; performing nationally and locally maintenance: The national Place report identi- chilled water dispensers on wards; to drive improvements. • Maidstone – 89.35% fied lower scores in hospital envi- refurbished main entrance with im- Local results for 2015 were: • Tunbridge Wells – 94.42% ronments for dementia patients as proved retail and café facilities Cleanliness: • *Tonbridge Cottage Hospital – an area for improvement nation- (Maidstone); replaced patient • Maidstone – 99.2% 97.73% ally. chairs and tables; refurbished ad- • Tunbridge Wells – 98.78% National average – 90.11% All three hospitals scored well in missions lounge; and new dis- • Tonbridge Cottage Hospital – Dementia friendliness: this area. They also had the best charge lounge (Maidstone). 100% • Maidstone – 84.48% scores for privacy and dignity and *Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells National average – 97.57% •Tunbridge Wells – 92.44% ward food compared with Kent NHS Trust has a ward at Tonbridge Food: • *Tonbridge Cottage Hospital – and Medway’s acute hospitals. Cottage Hospital for stroke patients, • Maidstone – 91.66% 91.98% Jeanette Rooke, director of estates and this was assessed as part of the • Tunbridge Wells – 91.45% National average – 74.51% and facilities, added: “This year, we Place report. Records just a Friends’ gift boost to cancer centre click away MAIDSTONE Hospital’s League of HEALTH records of about 500 pa- Friends has donated equipment tients in Maidstone and West Kent worth £10,000 for cancer patients. are now online and available se- The league presented staff at Kent The curely to help NHS professionals, Oncology Centre with the nasendo- equipment is with the authority of patients. cope and light source to assist with handed over The care plan management system the diagnosis and treatment of pa- to staff at is to be expanded by care practition- tients with head and neck cancer. the Kent ers (including GPs). Early emphasis The department’s head of outpa- Oncology has been on patients most likely to tients, Jayne Goddard said: “It will be Centre benefit from this touch-of-a-button of huge beneﬁt to the department.” information system. Early evidence shows that ambulance service staff have already iden- Targets missed tified the value of the system. It is FOUR key targets were missed in also expected to be of great value as Maidstone and West Kent in July, more services are transferred in to with the following below standard: the community and as GP surgeries Cancer: two-week waiting times form themselves in to federations. performances; A&E: new four-hour waiting Winning hearts time performance; AFTER the annual assessment of Ambulances: SECAmb per- West Kent CCG, NHS England has Matthew Roberts (far left) at the launch of a report into the care of youngsters formance below standard on all commented on an acknowledge- measures. Category A Red 1 am- ment that further work is needed “to bulance calls (eight-minute target) win hearts and minds of local GP were 75% below target; Caring role for care-leaver members to deliver the primary and Hospital beds: new “delayed community care aspirations”. MATTHEW Roberts, from Maid- He said: “The concerns surround- transfer of care” performance. The NHS says: “A more focused stone, has been to Westminster to ing the availability of extended sup- clinical leadership line with member discuss the support youngsters report for care-leavers really deserve 111 call eﬃciency practices and newly-formed federa- ceive in care. the attention given to them in the AFTER a marked dip in perform- tions should take forward your aspi- The 21-year-old spent his early state-of-the-nation report. Hope- ance of the 111 telephone service rations for community provision life in the care of the county coun- fully, by becoming part of the Chil- during the winter there has since systems.” cil. He was one of two care leavers dren’s Commissioner’s network as been a slow recovery, West Kent from Kent invited by the Children’s part of my role with Virtual School CCG has been informed. Commissioner for England, Anne Kent I’ll be able to do what I can to The new target is that 90% of Health message Longfield, to join parliamentarians make sure children in care and care- callers needing clinical advice will WEST Kent Clinical Commissioning and decision-makers at the launch leavers continue to receive the sup- either speak to a clinician during Group (CCG) is supporting the pub- of a national report discussing support they need.” the initial call or be called back lic health message that “if people port for children in care. Peter Oakford, the county council within 10 minutes. look after themselves they are also Matthew is an apprentice with cabinet member for specialist chil- looking after the NHS”. KCC’s Virtual School Kent, which dren’s services said: “Matthew is a The local health and wellbeing helps develop and improve services credit to the council and we look Help for homes board is taking this forward with for children in care and for young forward to his continued work in WEST Kent CCG is distributing a public health campaigns on obesity care leavers, promoting their edu- improving outcomes for care care pathways guidance booklet to and smoking cessation. cational achievement. leavers both in Kent and beyond. ” care homes in the area.

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Maidstone East October 2015 31 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Nominations are invited for community awards IT’S that time of year when the good folk of Bearsted get the chance to nominate the best of the bunch for their service to the community. Each year, the parish council cricketer Alfred Mynn, were started emailing clerk@bearstedparish- presents Mynn Awards to residents in 2004 by the former parish coun- council.gov.uk who have made an outstanding cil chairman Patrick Walton and the A maximum of five awards are Advice on contribution to the life of their tradition has been upheld every approved in any given year – but neighbourhood and village. year since. the judging panel can decide to land fund Past recipients have included Three independent adjudicators issue just the one. COUNCILLORS in Bearsted are to charity workers and volunteers, decide who should receive the The award – or awards – will be seek advice from Loose about how carers, sportsmen and women and awards. presented at a special ceremony to buy and manage land for the supporters of the many local Anyone can nominate a candi- prior to the December parish coun- community. groups and organisations, includ- date and details should be submit- cil meeting, which takes place on Terry Davis, from the Loose ing the village churches. ted in writing to the parish council Tuesday December 8, when the Amenities Association, has offered The Mynn Awards, named in clerk at the parish office in Madg- winning nominators will also be in- to speak to members about the pro- memory of the late, great, Kent inford Hall by November 1 or by vited to read out their citations. tocols of acquiring and maintaining land for public benefit. The Loose Amenities Association Light delays owns 21 acres of land in the Loose PLANNING consent problems Valley, which volunteers preserve could leave residents in the dark and protect. close to Christmas. Although pledges from villagers Although the parish council has were insufficient to buy the land obtained specifications for the pro- recently offered for sale at Water posed lights on Church Landway, Lane, the council now has a land Taking action on untidy shops because they are different in design fund should a future need arise. to the current ones, planning per- THE parish council is to step up its cil is monitoring the situation. Members were encouraged by mission is needed. the response from the community efforts to tackle the appearance of Meanwhile, resident Terence some of the Madginford shops. Turner has complained to the parish With a potential turnaround time which pledged almost £1m at very of eight weeks for planning con- short notice in a bid to protect the The council has complained to council about the dirty state of the Maidstone Council about some of pavement and parking bay, which sent, it could be late November be- land from development. fore work can start. The parish The council is drawing up a draft the dilapidated and dangerous fas- he says never seems to be weeded cia boards on the Egremont Road or swept. The meeting heard that council is planning what can be governance document for potential worked on in parallel in an attempt purchases, covering issues such as shops (pictured), only to be told its the location is always busy with cars to shorten the timeline. reasons for purchasing land and concern is merely with health and through the day, which may mean Three contractors are to be asked value for money. safety. The upkeep of the boards is cleaning is a challenge. down to the individual leaseholders. Members are to raise the issue for quotes for three slightly differ- However, the parish council with both Maidstone Council and ent styles of light, but all will be New website agreed it had a duty of care to resi- Kent County Council, which share four metres high, vandalproof LED LOOK out for a new Bearsted dents, who could be injured if a the responsibility for the upkeep of lighting columns from companies website coming soon. board were to fall. Maidstone Coun- highways and street cleansing. approved by Maidstone Council The parish council has been and Kent County Council. working on a more user-friendly website, due to be launched before the end of the year. The site will carry village news, Fears over bike rally on Green plus details of forthcoming events. THE parish council has expressed idea in principle, particularly if it the pub to confine the gathering to It will also be linked to facebook concerns about a bumper bike were to become an annual event , its own car park and said it could and twitter, and will have an rally, due to take place in Bearsted. they felt it was impossible to plan face legal action if it spilled over on events calendar. The Distinguished Gentleman’s such a large scale gathering with- to the Green without consent. Ride, organised by Triumph Mo- out a proper event management The council is still looking at the Crime report torcycles, takes place each year to plan and risk assessment covering commercial aspect of hiring out the BEARSTED appears to be a fairly raise funds for charity. Bikers are health and safety issues. It would Green to clubs and societies and for safe place to live. asked to turn out wearing mono- also need to have insurance. private events. There were only three instances cles, moustaches, silk vests, crisp The event also clashed with the Members heard that more and of crime during August – a bur- shirts and tailored suits. farmers’ market. more organisations were making a glary in Lenside Drive, a non-resi- The White Horse offered to host The council agreed to write to the charge for use of land and playing dential burglary on Ashford Road the end-of-ride gathering on Sun- licensees and the brewery advising fields and that the council should and an act of criminal damage in day, September 27, but only gave that, given fair warning and due consider levying a charge when, Church Lane. the parish council four weeks’ no- diligence for health and safety, it for example, the Green was being There was also a report of two tice that they wanted to use the would try to accommodate such a used as an alternative to a school or vehicles causing a nuisance in the Green for up to 250 bikes. gathering in 2016. church hall, which would attract a Church Lane car park. Although members liked the However, this year, they advised fee.

This page is sponsored and edited by: Council Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted Telephone: 01622 630165 E-Mail: [email protected] Bearsted Parish Council Chairman: Fiona Redman MEETINGS HELD SECOND TUESDAY OF MONTH (7.30PM) www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk AND THE PUBLIC IS VERY WELCOME

32 Maidstone East October 2015 downsmail.co.uk Sponsored parish council | News Traﬃc issues Thurnham Festival ‘ruined our TRAFFIC hotspots and the recent Parish News changes to the slip road to the M20 at junction 6 will be highlighted in summer weekend’ comments from Thurnham Parish Council to Kent County Council in THE noise from Maidstone’s of the hottest days of summer. response to its highways survey. Ramblin’ Man concert turned a “It seems to have been well or- Chairman Daniel Skinner said summer weekend into a night- ganised and everything was tidied the road changes had created an mare for those living in Thurn- away afterwards and while I don’t ham and the surrounding area. mind Maidstone Council holding even bigger traffic hazard, while Cllr Daniel Skinner was sup- concerts, they will need to turn it Cllr Mick Wise said: “This change ported by other members when he down and finish earlier in future. It should have been under review told the meeting the volume and was unbearably noisy that week- rather than just imposed, as it has the late-night noise was “ridicu- end.” been.” Traffic hotspots identified by the Meetings normally held on the third lous”, made worse because of the County councillor Jenny Whittle Monday of each month at the Marriott direction of the wind. said: “It was so loud, I thought parish include Caring Lane, Will- Tudor Park Hotel. Public welcome. He said: “I was riding my bike in there was a party going on down ington Street and Junction 8 of the CHAIRMAN: Daniel Skinner the area and the noise could be the road; instead, it was right over M20. CLERK: Sherrie Babington heard from the Woodland Trust, in Maidstone.” The council will respond with its 01634 867173 Thurnham church and the Pilgrims’ There was also concern that the comments in full to the county Way. It was ridiculous, forcing peo- borough council had still not re- council by the closing date on No- Church work ple to close their windows on some sponded to all complaints. vember 27. AN architect will meet Archdeacon Stephen Taylor and the group pro- Another change to PCSOs Historic record moting the future of Thurnham CONCERN was expressed at an- far easier to lose PCSOs than police- A SET of bound minute books be- church to discuss what work needs other change to the police commu- men and as the budget constraints longing to Thurnham Parish Coun- to be carried out on the building. nity support officers (PCSOs). dig deeper we will see more go and cil, dating back to the 1800s, have Vice-chairman Cllr Richard Megan Day (22) introduced her- that is concerning.” found a permanent home at the Smith told members: “We under- self in April as the PCSO for Thurn- It was suggested that members ac- Kent History and Library Centre in stand the architect is happy to as- ham, saying she knew the area well. knowledge the work of their PCSO Maidstone. sist in the application for grants.” She took over from Tim Gurr in Jan- in writing, where possible, which it Councillors felt the set of six It is hoped that the Detling uary. Now responsibility for the was felt could help secure their books needed to be safeguarded Singers will be putting on a concert area, including Detling and Boxley, posts. for future generations, and made in the church nearer to Christmas. has instead been taken on by PCSO The latest weekly crime figures for available for inspection. Anyone interested in making use of Matt Adlington. Thurnham showed thefts from Members will take a look at the the church building should contact Cllr Ted Denham said: “There are Water Lane and Crismill Lane and books at their next meeting, before Richard Smith on 01622 738562. real fears that the attitude is that it is criminal damage in Pilgrims Way. they go off for safe storage.

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Maidstone East October 2015 33 News downsmail.co.uk Fence just not cricket, say club LENHAM Cricket Club say they club have had no confirmed infor- are unhappy with an 8m-high mation on the netting and are a fence being built close to its long way from accepting provi- boundary as part of a scheme for sional details. 24 homes. “When you buy a house you In April, planning permission don't accept a neighbour putting a was granted to develop an infill site netting on your ground and reduc- GDF productions performing at the Maidstone Mela in Maidstone Road, which includes ing its length.” the demolition of the former However, according to a plan- United Reformed Church and ad- ning officer the netting “will be on Music and more at town Mela joining hall. land owned by the applicant but THE Maidstone Mela returned to Mote Park for its 13th year, promoting The decision was referred back to adjacent to the cricket club”. the borough’s cultural diversity and local talent. Maidstone Council’s planning Cllr Tony Harwood, a member of The headline act was the Trenchtown Experience, an eight-piece band committee to agree conditions re- the committee, said: “We have built dedicated to the music of reggae legend Bob Marley. Other acts included lating to landscaping and the in every safeguard we can. Because local Bulgarian Folk Dance group cricket ball stop nets, which were of the degree of detail we have Kitka and Maidstone-based South designed into the scheme to protect gone into we have done the best we Indian dance group, the Kerala Cul- the new homes. can in a sensitive situation.” tural Association. Richard Greenwood, president of The committee agreed to confirm Mela volunteer of 12 years, Barm- Lenham Cricket Club, said: “The the proposal. ing resident Dennis Edwards is pictured, right, receiving an award from MP Helen Grant to recognise the River fun for young carers work he, and his late wife Sirpa, had MAIDSTONE Riverside Rotary Club joined up with Maidstone Canoe undertaken for the community. Club to give young carers an exciting afternoon on the River Medway. Visitors enjoyed food from across The afternoon involved challenging but fun tasks in canoes, ending the globe, craft and clothing stalls, with a barbecue. The Rotary Club also teamed up with Kingfisher Med- and were able to ﬁnd out about local way Trust to arrange a series of day trips for the carers and their families. charities and community groups. The event was organised by Cohe- For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk sion Plus and Maidstone Council. Leaﬂet NEW EASY TO SELL Distribution Turn your unwanted items into cash. TAKE AWAY • Cars • Bikes • Cycles • Toys Now • Fruniture • Videos • CDs MENU • Garden Equipment available Local Indian with Restaurant • Musical FREE DELIVERY Instruments Maidstone Open until 11pm • Clothing etc etc every day and Malling’s Free bottle of beer with every Easy to upload No.1 Free £10 spentHandymanLocal

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34 Maidstone East October 2015 News downsmail.co.uk Gypsy site rules strengthened NEW planning rules designed to protect areas from unauthorised traveller encampments could prove useful in Maidstone. The national reforms, which Those councils without an up-to- However, he expressed some ough list for traveller sites, cur- came in to force on September 1, date five-year supply of caravan caution while the policy change is rently showing a shortfall of 45 follow a four-fold increase in unau- sites, which include Maidstone, examined by planning officers. pitches, he believes the redefinition thorised sites between 2000 and will still be afforded some further He said: “It does look as if it will of a traveller could have a signifi- 2009. protection for proposed sites that be more helpful than those policy cant impact and could even reduce The Department of Communities fall within Sites of Special Scientific changes set out by Eric Pickles the number of places the borough and Local Government says the Interest, Areas of Outstanding Nat- when he was Secretary of State that needs to find. planning policy comes in a wider ural Beauty, National Parks and were expected to tackle the prob- Cllr English said: “There is crackdown to enforce the same Green Belt. lem, but turned out to be less than bound to be a lag while this policy planning rules for everyone. In addition, where councils were spectacularly different from the is researched in detail and applied Central to the changes is that any previously required to provide arrangements before. to fresh applications.” application for a permanent site, in- sites for people evicted from large- “On the face of it, this policy He said it would not be possible cluding caravan sites, by someone scale unauthorised encampments change looks as if it will be more to apply the policy retrospectively who does not travel will be consid- in their area, such as Dale Farm, useful in determining whether or to applications that had gone ered in the same way as an applica- this obligation will be removed. not someone is actually a traveller through or which were halfway tion from the settled population – Maidstone Council’s planning when they submit their plan. through the planning process. It rather than being considered under committee chairman Cllr Clive “However, we will need to be would also not remove the require- policies relating to travellers. English welcomed the news, saying clear on the exact interpretation of ment for the borough to have des- However, the policy also makes the traveller issue had been long- the policy as it will undoubtedly be ignated sites for true travellers. clear the need for local councils to standing in the area and the current tested at appeal or in the High Maidstone and Weald MP Helen meet the requirement for sites for policy landscape “tilted in favour Court.” Grant said: “I welcome these devel- those who travel permanently. of accepting applications”. Regarding the unfinished bor- opments.” Landlady not Mote House cycling challenge guilty of assault MAIDSTONE printer Mark Bidewell smashed his way through a nation- wide charity cycling challenge during a weekend of wellbeing at Audley THE landlady of the White Horse Mote House. at Otham has called on the village The retirement village to put aside the historic split over on the edge of Maid- the ownership of the pub and unite stone’s Mote Park was to keep it from closure. one of five Audley prem- Catherine Small was speaking ises taking part in the out after being cleared of assaulting ARCO Wellbeing Weekend, Park rocks to customer Peter Middleton outside to raise money for the the premises on May 31. Her British Heart Foundation. daughter, Catherine McCann (27), Social event Allington man Mark Bison team Matt Barnes, Jenna and Mark who was heavily pregnant at the (37), from Bison Printers in Bidewell with Harriet Dunstan of Mote House MOTE Park’s final major music time, was also cleared of any in- Tovil, was one of a number event of the year, the Social, at- volvement, specifically of stealing of residents, staff and suppliers who between them cycled the equivalent tracted more than 10,000 people Mr Middleton’s phone. of the 603 miles between Land’s End and John O’Groats. to a day-long party. Mrs Small told the Downs Mail: Audley is about to launch the final phase of its Mote House develop- Revellers were reported to have “We have some lovely customers ment, which will see 35 new apartments in Alexander Court, named after travelled for the best club music, but Mr Middleton was hoping to the architect of Mote House, Daniel Asher Alexander. both old school and new. Amongst lead a successful community offer the DJs playing were Jackmaster, for the pub. Instead, I bought it to Jamie Jones, Richy Ahmed and run as a community outlet. It has event organiser Nic Fanciulli. led to a split in the village, but now As with the recent debate over that justice has been done I am the Ramblin’ Man festival, local keen to put this behind me. opinion was sharply divided, with “I have no intention of closing at some businesses such as hotels the current time, but the pub busi- and supermarkets benefitting ness is hard. Should anything hap- whilst those nearest Mote Park reported traffic and noise problems. pen to force me to close I would In all, 23 complaints were made remain here and turn it into a hos- to Maidstone Council, eight of tel for immigrants or the home- them specifically about noise. En- less.” vironmental officers confirmed the music remained within the legal Calling time limits. A few arrests were made for TIME appears to have run out for Sun shines on sports day drugs offences. The site was cleared of traffic campaigners hoping to save their YOUNGSTERS turned out to try course; Roseacre Raiders’ football village pub from closure. before midnight and 400 residents their hand at a variety of sports on team; Beginners to Runners and were reported to have taken up of- Campaigners are now hoping The Green in Bearsted. Bearsted and Thurnham Lawn Ten- someone will buy the Hook and fers of free tickets. With another This year’s sport and activity day nis. There was also a chance to try event planned in the park next Hatchet at Hucking as a going con- was organised by Bearsted Parish the tricky game of lacrosse, archery year, the organisers have vowed to cern. The group secured £160,000 Council and included a range of and a bungee run. reduce its impact on local people. in pledges when Shepherd Neame sports workshops, dance shows, as- Directions and Trendytotz laid The organisers have confirmed a put the pub on the market, but was sault courses and food. on the dance show and Joe’s Bows winter Social event at Kent County unable to meet the asking price of Sports groups giving demonstra- country sports gave the birds of Showground, Detling on February £450,000. The pub was due to go on tions on the Saturday included rep- prey demonstration. Face painting 6, 2016. the open market on September 24. resentatives from Tudor Park’s golf was courtesy of Whizzbang.

Maidstone East October 2015 35 News downsmail.co.uk Firework date STOCKBURY Halloween Fire- works will take place in the Cherry Orchard, at the junction of Church Lane and The Street, on Saturday, October 31. Tickets are £4 in advance and can be reserved online at www.stockbury.org.uk or can be bought on Pupils from New Line Learning Academy in Maidstone win the Pattullo Trophy at this year’s Kent Show the night for £5. Children under 12 go free. Tickets include a hog roast roll while stocks last. Gates open at 5pm, the fire will be lit at 6.15pm and the first fire- County show brought work will be launched at about 7pm. No alcohol or sparklers should be bought into the orchard for safety forward to help farmers reasons. There is limited free on- site parking CLIMATE change has had an un- Several of the show board mem- without a clash of dates. The clo- expected knock-on effect on one bers who are farmers pointed out sure of the Royal Show in 2009, Cannabis case of Kent’s longest running events. that the show nowadays was in which took place on the first week- A MAN and a woman from Maid- The Kent Show, historically held danger of clashing with the first end in July, opened up a space in stone have been arrested in connec- on the second weekend of July, will week of combining, as the harvest the calendar, which the Kent Show tion with growing cannabis. take place one week earlier in 2016, has gradually moved forward with has now taken the opportunity to Officers armed with a drugs war- to help accommodate the farmers’ the changing weather. use. rant went to an address in Rose harvest. Kevin Attwood, Kent County Organisers hope the revised date Lane, Lenham following reports of The organiser of the show, Kent Agricultural Society chairman and will also prove better for schools. suspicious activity. Drugs para- County Agricultural Society, has an arable farmer said: “Ensuring Show manager Lucy Hegarty phernalia and a number of several reasons for choosing the that our farmers can attend the said: “We are trying to encourage cannabis plants were found. new dates of Friday, Saturday and show without compromising the more schools to visit and engage While police were at the scene, a Sunday, July 8-10. However, the important first few days of harvest with the show. It became apparent 34-year-old man and a 48-year-old driving factor has been the effect of was a big consideration.” that the final week of term was not woman, both from the Maidstone climate change in the South East on Historically, agricultural shows a good time for schools to organise area, arrived by car and were ar- the timing of the arable harvest. have followed a calendar going a trip. We hope that by moving the rested. Both have been bailed until Kent is one of the warmest coun- back several decades, ensuring that show to earlier in July, Kent schools Thursday, December 10, pending ties in the country and generally the both exhibitors and competitors are will be in a better position to bring further enquiries. first in England to start the harvest. able to attend sequential shows their students.” T. 01622 201078 J.L.B M.07854 529434 Property Maintenance [email protected] Quality Roofing at Affordable Prices z New Tiled Roofs z UPVC Fascias, z General Roofing Soffits & Repairs Guttering z Moss Removal z Felt Flat Roofing Annual Gutter Cleaning Service Gutters & Fascia Cleaned To A High Standard Inside And Out All Repairs z Broken Brackets Undertaken..... z Leaking Gutter Joints z Down Pipes So To Ensure Your Gutters Are Flowing Prices Start From As Little As £20.00 Blockage Free This Winter Call Our Team For A Free & Friendly Quote

36 Maidstone East October 2015 downsmail.co.uk Sponsored parish council | News Boxley Parish Mail CHAIRMAN: Ivor Davies CLERK: Pauline Bowdery ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, Walderslade, ME5 9RU

Tel: 01634 861237 email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website Move to preserve woodland A PLANNING move aimed at securing the future of 40 hectares (99 acres) of Walderslade Woodlands for the benefit of the community has been agreed by Boxley Parish Council. Working with KCC, the parish the taxpayer. would remain with the parish be redirected in light of the lack of council will submit an application Parish council chairman Ivor council but leased to the CIO for progress on Maidstone Council’s for this area of woodland and Davies said that if the application about 99 years. The CIO trustees local plan and its need for housing. grassland to be re-designated as was successful, proceeds from the would comprise representatives It will also emphasise the bene- open space, thus reflecting its com- sale of the Wildfell Close land and from the parish council, the fits to the local community of hav- munity use and village green sta- ownership of the remaining area of Walderslade Woodlands Group ing the woodlands under local tus. the Walderslade Woodlands and the local community. Formal control. The neglected trim trail Planning consent will be sought would be passed from KCC to the deeds and documents would be had now been removed by KCC concurrently for an enabling de- parish council, who would in turn drawn up and the woodlands will but small linear play areas could in velopment of 12 homes with set up a charitable incorporated or- be managed according to the Kent the future be sited in the woods garages on land next to Wildfell ganisation (CIO) to take responsi- Wildlife Management Plan. without detriment to wildlife. Close to fund long-term mainte- bility for the woods and their A previous application by KCC Similarly, while the Walderslade nance of the woods. Upkeep is cur- maintenance, together with the for the enabling development, sup- Woodlands Group currently has rently taken on by KCC as supporting funds, in accordance ported by the parish council, was an informal agreement with KCC landowner and by grants from the with a 25-year business plan to be refused by Maidstone Council. In to manage the woods and coppice parish council to a volunteer submitted with the application. the new application the focus of the trees, the group cannot sell the group, both ultimately funded by Ownership of the woodlands the argument for development will wood to raise funds. Inquiry into Warren gate WITH roadworks to improve the homes plan Lidsing Road/Pilgrims Way junction at Boxley Warren nearly completed, A PLANNING inquiry will be held a replacement gate should be inin Maidstone from October 13 into stalled by late October. an appeal against the borough This is intended both to help pro- council’s refusal of outline permis- tect the wildlife area from anti-social sion for about 89 dwellings with issues including off-road bikes and open space, access road and bio- flytipping, and to protect the safety mass heating plant off Gleaming of volunteers. Wood Drive, Lordswood. The inquiry is expected to last four days and the parish council is Tree reports looking to send representatives to THE two trees planted by the parish object to the application. Praise for outstanding school council at Grovewood Drive in Members of the public are wel- Grove Green to commemorate come to attend the hearing which THE parish council has congratu- standing teaching and pupil World War I were affected by the starts at 10am at Thyme to Dine lated St John’s CE Primary School, achievement. The report said the dry spell earlier this summer. Catering, The Cornwallis Suite, Grove Green, on being graded out- school was continuing to improve as Cllr Tony Harwood said the lin- Courtenay Road ME15 6LF, and, at standing in all areas in its latest Of- teamwork was a signiﬁcant den tree had recovered but the oak the inspector’s discretion, give their sted report. strength. tree had not survived. A replace- views. Alternatively they can be- The school, in Provender Way, had Parish Cllr Vic Davies said the ment tree would be arranged. submitted in writing. not previously been inspected as an school’s achievement was particu- Parish council chairman Ivor academy. Ofsted commended the larly noteworthy as it had recently Davies said: “Calling it an urban head teacher, senior staff and gov- undergone upheavals due to major Bridge trust extension is very misleading as the ernors, for helping to foster out- building works. BOROUGH councillor and deputy development will actually be in mayor Derek Butler, who represents open countryside on the other side Boxley Ward, has been appointed by of ancient woodland. Maidstone Council as its representa- “The access road will destroy Have a say on night lighting tive on the Rochester Bridge Trust. some of this valuable habitat and This charitable organisation is re- there is not the infrastructure to KCC is seeking the views of resi- 5.30am concerned many people, sponsible for crossings, by bridge support it.” dents, businesses and communi- the parish council is encouraging and tunnel, of the River Medway. Parish councillors expressed con- ties on the current level of service its residents to have their say. cern that the inquiry was being of night lighting. The consultation runs until No- New PCSO held at a venue in southern Maid- It is also seeking feedback on vember 29 and can be accessed stone that many residents would the dimming of street lights when via the KCC website. Anyone BOXLEY parish’s PCSO Megan Day have difficulty reaching when a roads are less busy. As the previ- who does not have access to a has been transferred to another area. more local venue could have been ous decision to switch off some computer should contact the Parish clerk Pauline Bowdery said found. lights between 12.30am and parish office. PCSO Matt Adlington with similar experience had been appointed.

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Maidstone East October 2015 39 News downsmail.co.uk Drinks licence for football club CONCERNS about footballers being able to drink after matches at Otham have been rejected. The parish council had objected to the residents. If a licence to serve idents. In addressing questions which is not appropriate due to its to the licence request by Bearsted alcohol is granted this will cause about public safety, the club say proximity to the local community. FC, which use the ground and club- further public nuisance.” match day stewards and first aiders “The roads around here are house in Honey Lane, saying the It adds: “Clearly no responsible would be available and children country lanes where vehicles have application had prompted consid- club member (or guest) would be would not be allowed on the prem- difficulty passing each other and erable concern from villagers, fear- able to drink and then drive away ises without adult supervision. many pedestrians walk along the ful of the impact on rural life, the from the club.” The club say the bar and other side of the road. When the foot- public nuisance and the area’s nar- However, councillors approved improvements at their ground, in- ballers leave at the end of the match row lanes. the application after reducing the cluding floodlighting, are part of it is quite hazardous, given the In a letter read to the licensing club’s proposed opening times by improvements necessary to stay in speed at which some of them drive committee meeting at Maidstone three hours to from noon until the Kent Invicta League. and the concentration of vehicles Town Hall, the parish council said: 9.30pm, Monday to Sunday. However, Otham resident and on the road. To add alcohol to the “Bearsted Football Club have never The club’s applicant, Roy Benton, parish councillor Valerie Moon situation could result in a serious shown any consideration to the res- said the club would take steps to said: “The football pitch started life accident.” idents of Otham. reduce noise, would not play music as a low key local club, which con- It is understood the club will use “The noise generated by the club and would display notices asking tinued to develop into a much big- the licence only to sell alcohol at is both inconsiderate and offensive users not to cause annoyance to res- ger club higher up in the league, fixtures or club-related events. Business as usual says castle chief Success for THE new chief executive of Leeds nity. He admitted his knowledge of cricket club Castle arrived in Kent to a baptism Kent was sparse, having spent most BEARSTED Cricket Club are of fire. of his working life at sea and three celebrating an impressive sea- Formal Naval officer Sir David years in command of the Naval son at both senior and junior Steel arrived in Kent to find himself base at Portsmouth. levels. caught up in Operation Stack and But he said: “The site was not dis- A win against Limpsfield the aftermath of the planning en- similar to Leeds Castle, with a com- Court saw the 1st XI, under new quiry on Waterside Park. plicated mix of heritage, skipper Mark Sandhu, take the Sir David, who spent 37 years accommodation, business and land Kent County Village League with the Royal Navy, expressed his to administer.” title (Division 2) in their first delight that the planning inspector He paid tribute to the work of the season in that league after win- rejected the appeal regarding the existing team who, he said had ning 14 of 18 games. land at J8 of the M20 – and that the been both welcoming and under- Steve Benjamin won the Government has finally taken on when Operation Stack is in place. standing. He said he was delighted bowling award for the most board the problems caused by lorry “It is business as usual here at to learn the outcome of the contro- wickets in the division with 40; congestion on the motorway. Leeds Castle and visitors can still versial Waterside Park planning in- Andy Dampier took 30 wickets He said: “Operation Stack has get to us quite easily with a bit of quiry, which had cast a cloud over in the season and Mark Sandhu had a marked effect on the percep- careful planning – even when Op- the castle in recent months. 22. Top run scorers were Dan tion of what is accessible in Kent eration Stack is on.” He said: “Any development is Jefferies with 478, Ben Johnston and I am particularly delighted that Sir David is looking forward to likely to add to the volume of traf- with 365 and Noel Johnston this has now become a national getting to know his neighbours in fic in this area and recent events with 353. issue to resolve, with the Govern- Leeds, Broomfield and Holling- have shown what congestion can The next generation also ment clearly asking for a solution bourne and said he was committed do to us.” played its part, with Charlie that will ease traffic congestion to working with the local commu- Luxton scoring 169 runs and taking 11 wickets and Alex Lush taking 3 for 14 in the vital Fish and chips last game. Office plan at barn refused The juniors also had a very day for Ma good season, with the under 15s MAIDSTONE Council has refused a planning application to replace a barn beating Leeds and Broomfield A FAMILY who organised a fish and with an office in Detling. in the final of the Weald of Kent chip feast as a fund-raiser in mem- Officers felt the proposal for Lynch Bank Farm Barn on Detling Hill was Cup. Although Leeds and ory of their lost son have raised acceptable because it Broomfield scored 118 for three £1,800 for a self-help community would have brought wickets in their 20 overs, an centre in Cambodia. “material improvements opening stand of 84 between Matt Carapiet (23), from Bearsted, to the character and set- skipper Will Terry (45) and died in the Nepalese earthquake ear- ting of the Kent Downs Peter Taylor (36) was enough to lier this year. His family have con- Area of Outstanding see Bearsted through, winning tinued to help the community Natural Beauty”. by five wickets. centre, where Matt volunteered dur- However, the planning Top run-scorer for the under ing his travels, in his memory. committee voted to re- 15s was Will Terry, with 163 Marino Fish Bar in Ashford Road fuse. Cllr Tony Harwood runs in seven innings and top offered to make a donation for each said: “I was astounded wicket taker was Chris How- fish and chip supper sold on one day when I read the recom- son, with six. to support the centre. mendation was to ap- Despite the success of the 1st There were people queuing out of prove. XI, the club have struggled to the door to support the cause and a “It is a ramshackle collapsed shed on the scarp slope of the AONB, which put out two full teams each family spokesman said: “It was we have a duty to protect. The site has returned to nature so to introduce week, so new players would be touching to see so many familiar hardstanding, parking and lighting will introduce an urbanizing feature very welcome, as would new faces. Thanks to Marino's for kindly and damage the AONB landscape.” junior players, especially at offering to run the event and organ- under-11 and under-15 level. ising a collection outside the shop.” For details visit bearstedcc.play- There is a collection box in the For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk cricket.com. shop for those who want to donate.

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Maidstone East October 2015 41 downsmail.co.uk Comment Town’s big migration growth WOULD we in Maidstone be Mote Cricket Club to achieve their aim to prepared to welcome some of the develop and improve this magnificent but desperate, homeless Syrian refugee MailMarks tired site to create a multi-sport and families to join our community? From DENNIS FOWLE President community centre of excellence. conversations I think the answer is YES. [email protected] It is a massive challenge for both clubs, Would we be prepared to continue to but with determined and enlightened accommodate the current level of political support from Maidstone Council immigrants from the EU and the rest of years of 5,800. it will ensure the sporting scene and the world? I think that answer is NO. Immigrants, with very few exceptions, reputation of Maidstone will improve Prime Minister David Cameron says have seled happily in our town and immeasurably. that over the next five years, the UK will many help provide vital services, accommodate 20,000 Syrian refugees especially in the NHS. before they set out on treacherous They need housing, education, health journeys to Europe – and Maidstone will and other services and the pressures are be expected to play a part. very evident in our rapidly growing and As a young journalist I saw this busy borough. Increasingly the natives are happening in Gillingham in the 1950s restless – and protests grow. when Hungarians were fleeing Russian There are signs international migration intrusions. These families were warmly will increase and currently the welcomed to Britain and quickly Government seems unable to stop the integrated in to our towns and cities. I flow. It has now developed into the think this will happen for the Syrians, biggest political issue of our time. especially if the Government helps It will stay that way into the UK vote on financially by re-directing overseas aid. continued membership of the EU. Unless “Migration indicators in Kent” (dated there are watertight changes to control February, 2015) can be found online and immigration to a level the population makes fascinating reading. The two-way accepts, I cannot now see a vote in favour flow of internal (UK) and international of continued membership. I hope we stay migrants is high, with Maidstone second in – but it must be on terms we find only to Canterbury for net migrants in the acceptable. There will no fooling the Victory dig year 2012/13. The Maidstone net figure is public on this big issue. GALLAGHERS had to battle for eight about 1,500, with a higher proportion of On the ball years for the right to double quarrying land off international than internal migrants. Hermitage Lane, Barming. Now a huge tunnel There is a strong flow of in and out THERE are encouraging signs that links two 80-acre areas and vital aggregates movements among international Maidstone Rugby Club will be continue to flow for building work in Maid- immigrants and the net growth for establishing their own ground in stone and the South East. Maidstone for the years between 2001/02 Maidstone with support from a friendly I have watched Gallaghers restore land to 2012/13 is: 100, 100, 300, 400, 600, 1,100, landowner. as quarrying ends and am confident this 900, 600, 700, 300, 200, 500. This amounts This will vacate land they lease/licence area will continue to improve for public to an international net growth over 12 at The Mote and open the door for The and nature.

Who is running council? fit for purpose. a complete waste of time because on the It is understood that Waterside Park is following day the council, guided by Dear Sir – Who is actually “running” likely to rear its ugly head again. The last officers, supported the principle of industrial Maidstone Council – the officers or the time this happened the officers gave the development at junction 8, specifically members? developers the green light which ended up Woodcut Farm (part of the former KIG site). Two council meetings were necessary to at an appeal – where they did not appear in Is this part of a hidden agenda that is still determine the debacle over wording that person to give evidence to support the being promoted, despite the constant identified M20 Junction 8 as a development members’ decision to oppose the objections and appeal decisions against any location in the economic development development. development at junction 8? strategy report. I have been informed by Alison Broom, If the members want to cover the The fact that this discussion took place chief executive of Maidstone Council, that countryside in concrete, why don’t they just before the Waterside Park planning there is no hidden agenda, but when say so? Or is it the officers, advised by their inspector’s decision was made known, junction 8 is discussed, I am not convinced. I consultants, who have not updated their frankly, brings the governance of Maidstone get the impression that someone is pulling reports to reflect what is actually going to Council into disrepute. The discussion was the strings for development at this location. happen in adjoining district council areas, pey and a complete waste of time, but it Maidstone is part of Kent where there who are pushing for this development did highlight that there appears to be a needs to be joined-up thinking, rather than without proper consideration? hidden agenda being promoted, which will believing that the borough should act in Robert Sinclair, by email not subside until the members take back isolation. control and follow instructions from the Consultants’ plans specifically prepared to electorate. highlight “landscapes of local value”, ie The net result of the current areas of the countryside that should be Goodbye to Cobtree friends mismanagement of Maidstone Council will carefully considered for the benefit of future Dear Sir – Earlier this year I resigned from result in further waste of resources and will generations, were presented recently at my job as a ranger at Cobtree Manor Park give a clear sign to those who want to invest another long-winded session of Maidstone due to stress. in Maidstone that Maidstone Council is not Council. This exercise appears to have been I left suddenly, without saying goodbye to Contact our team ... Stephen Eighteen Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233

42 Maidstone East October 2015 downsmail.co.uk

all the wonderful visitors to the park who I aggressive and with no cure. Having read Value beggars belief. Far from protecting Comment had got to know over the years. These Dennis Fowle’s article about Maidstone the local landscape, a 65-acre employment people became good friends, but I only Hospital (September 2015, issue 221), I site at Woodcut Farm will massively knew their first names (and the names of should like to share my experiences. denigrate wider landscape interests and their dogs!), but they know who they are. The service in the oncology department severely compromise surrounding I just want to thank them dearly for all the has been absolutely excellent. The staff are countryside for yet more industrial support they gave to me and to my work – it so pleasant and nothing seems too much development around Junction 8 of the M20. made it all worthwhile. trouble. I am kept fully informed of personal These are exactly the same planning Eva, ex-Cobtree Ranger medical information and there have been a arguments that were used successfully by number of occasions when I have been Maidstone Council to oppose Kig and telephoned at home with important test Waterside Park at major planning inquiries. results or purely to see how I am. One has Public consultation on the local plan is the distinct impression of staff who are not expected later this year and yet again local just consummate professionals but people and organisations to the east of compassionate by nature and caring towards Maidstone will be compelled to voice their their patients. To say I am always impressed strong objections to development at would be puing it mildly. junction 8 – this time specifically to Regarding my own journey on the Woodcut Farm. prostate cancer pathway, yes, there are times when the reality hits, but there is Should Maidstone Council be successful tremendous comfort and reassurance from in its aempt to secure industrial knowing that there is very real help to be development at Woodcut Farm, it would had from Maidstone Oncology. All I have to show contempt for the compelling Cabbie smoking illegally do is pick up the telephone and ring my planning reasons set out by the Secretary Dear Sir – It would appear that Maidstone allocated nurse. That is worth a lot. of State and the Inspector for rejecting Kig Council does not care that its licensed taxi At a time when the National Health in 2010 and Waterside Park in July of this drivers are commiing an offence and Service frequently receives a bad press, I year; would confirm that the council had smoking in their vehicles. would like to balance the situation by wasted £1.5m of tax payers’ money in I sent my complaint to Maidstone Council highlighting the incredible service I have opposing these proposals; and be a vicious one month ago and, despite its promise, I experienced at Maidstone Hospital oncology betrayal of all those people and have heard nothing further. department, following a thorough diagnosis organisations who have consistently The driver had just left Maidstone by the urology department, always on time opposed development proposals in this Hospital and clearly believed that, as the and pleasant. To my mind, the service has very sensitive area for almost 10 years. cigaree was being held out of the window been second to none. Denis Spooner, former vice chairman, there was nothing wrong. Warren Hanlon, Ware Street, Bearsted Bearsted Parish Council The photograph shows the driver held a lit cigaree out of his window – presumably believing this did not mean he was smoking Council must save Kig site No room for migrants inside the car. Of course each time he Dear Sir – Maidstone Council recently Dear Sir – At the moment we see every inhaled, it was inside the car and so made a very welcome and fully justified available space being filled with houses contravening the law. If Maidstone Council decision to designate the countryside to the condones this, it too is liable for prosecution. and new estates springing up, while roads east of Maidstone as “Landscape of Local seize up, services are stretched and our Many of your readers must have similarly Value” in order to protect the Len Valley spoed taxi drivers smoking illegally, but National Debt continues to rise past and the seing of the Kent Downs Area of £1,500,000,000,000, the interest being more may not have brought this to the aention of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Maidstone Council. than we spend on defence. This designation will be embodied in the Strangely, some of the people who The council should take appropriate action local plan that Maidstone Council is and stop this abuse for the benefit of taxi believe we should take more than the producing and includes all the land current 640,000 immigrants a year (330,000 users – especially the non-smokers. previously proposed for Kent International Name and address withheld net) also believe in keeping this country Gateway (Kig). A spokesman for Maidstone Council said: green, reducing pollution etc. This tiny Then, quite incredulously, on the “The driver of a licensed vehicle must not island has more people than Australia, following evening the council also decided smoke in the vehicle at any time, including New Zealand and Scandinavia all put to allocate in the local plan 65 acres of open when being used for social, domestic and countryside at Woodcut Farm for mixed together and still those not having to pleasure purposes. business uses – offices, warehousing and endure the problems of overcrowding call “The driver of a licensed vehicle shall not industrial. Woodcut Farm is part of the for more immigration. permit any other person or fare-paying former Kig site; is well within the There's a saying "Those whom the Gods passenger to smoke in a licensed vehicle. Landscape of Local Value that the council wish to destroy, they first make mad". The This is a requirement of the Health Act 2006. approved only the previous evening; is Government pretends all is well, but a “Any instances where this is reported as close to Junction 8 of the M20; and is just close look at the reality shows our taking place should be reported to the EHO continued subservience to the EU and enforcement team.” across the road from Waterside Park, which only last month was rejected as an refusal to address the very serious industrial site by a government inspector problems facing this country will take us Cancer care superb following a costly planning inquiry lasting down at the next down-turn. eight weeks. Then we'll be no good to ourselves, let Dear Sir – Last December I was diagnosed The inconsistency of the Woodcut Farm alone immigrants. with advanced metastatic prostate cancer, allocation within the Landscape of Local Phil Granger, Alma Rd, West Malling IT lessons for pensioners Village fete needs volunteers SENIOR citizens looking to learn perience and needs. PLANNING is underway for next into organising the fete each year more about the latest computer tech- Anyone over 60 who would like to year’s Langley Church Parish Fete and the committee is assisted by a nology are being offered help from join the course on Wednesdays, from and new volunteers are invited to large band of volunteers from both students at Invicta Grammar. 11.15-12.20am, is invited to leave their get on board. churches and in the community. Twelve places are up for grabs on name and telephone number with the The fete is the most significant The committee next meets on the ICT course run by students at the school’s reception staff on 01622 contributor towards church funds October 14. Anyone who can help Huntsman Lane school to comple- 755856. during the year and this year’s fete should call Scott Raffle on 01622 ment their academic studies. The class is held in the school’s raised almost £2,900. 863089 or Anne Salmon on 07835 Those attending are given a pro- mezzanine suite, which has disabled A huge amount of work goes 949690. gramme to suit their personal ICT ex- access. There is no charge.

Maidstone East October 2015 43 downsmail.co.uk David Ca resident in a hostel in Boxley Road, for a number of years. Obituaries Maidstone. “Politics was a passion for him and he took THE death of David Ca (Snr) was marked Duncan had been asked to leave the hostel a degree at South Bank University as a by a number of tributes from his former and had earlier asked to be sent to prison mature student, after which most of his colleagues at Maidstone Rugby Club. after an incident in Maidstone town centre. working life was dedicated to local politics.” The club’s website noted: “During his time Duncan’s plea for imprisonment was an Mick leaves his wife, children, step- in office, David presided over a period of aempt to find space to turn his life around children and six grandchildren. change taking place. He proceeded to bring a after he had lost his job. business approach to the running of the club His mother, people he knew in the hostel and brought a degree of stability when the and former workmates united to praise his Ronald Godden club was dropping down through the creative, warm and funny qualities and his leagues.” RONALD Frank Godden (80) of Langley was love of music and poetry. Duncan died after well known from more than 50 years as a self- David’s chairmanship of the club took being hit by a train at Barming Station and place from the late 1980s to early 1990s, a employed engineer. people in the area – including the local Prior to living 31 years in Langley he had tough period during which a steady hand branch of The Samaritans – expressed a wish was important. lived in Brooklands on the Chatham Road, that those suffering depression and similar Aylesford and Sandling. David worked as a farmer in the Boughton conditions seek help before bringing about a Monchelsea area and his business – which Ronald learned his trade in the Army dur- tragedy. ing national service and returned home to es- diversified under his management – remains Duncan leaves father David, mother in the family. tablish a noted local business in which his Cherie, sisters Vanessa and Jaklyn and talents extended to machining and making car David leaves three sons, David, Mike and brother Clinton. Pete, who were all heavily involved with parts when the manufacturer’s own parts rugby at the club and in the case of Mike and were unavailable. Pete also at Cranbrook. Mick Stevens With wife of more than 60 years – Rosemary His grandchildren also have a passion for – Ronald raised children Marion and Paul. rugby with grandsons Chris and Phil MICK Stevens (63) of Barming lived locally Daughter Marion said: “My father was a very playing for Cranbrook and another grandson for 31 years and was widely known giving person who would do anything for – James – being a member of Blackheath 1st throughout the area from his years of anybody. His love of his work meant he never XV. involvement as a Lib Dem councillor on wanted to stop and he was involved in every- Maidstone Council. thing from towing, spraying, welding, pro- He was the first viding MOTs and the engineering work that Heather Johnson leader of the council in allowed him to sort out all kinds of problems.” the new era of cabinet Ronald was still working in his 80th year. MOTHER-of-one Heather Johnson (37) of government from 2001 He leaves his widow, children, five grandchil- Fernhill Road, Fant, and formerly of and among his many dren and 16 great-grandchildren. Rainham, had worked locally in cafes and other achievements restaurants. was stepping up from She was known to deputy to lead the Trevor Scholes many regulars at The policy and resources TREVOR Scholes (92) was Maidstone’s last Source Bar in commiee in 1999. The Maidstone where she town clerk, from 1958 to 74. He took early former leader of that retirement at 53 and was made a Freeman of never missed a party commiee, Dan Daley, is among many who night. A lot of her the Borough. Since then Maidstone Council have paid tribute. He said: “Mick has appointed chief executives. friends have paid understood the intricacies of finance tribute using social Trevor, of incredibly well, the mental abilities he Sportsfield, Maidstone media, especially on brought to his work were exceptional and his her Facebook page passed legal exams in work ethic was such that you only had to ask 1941 but was called up which is being him once to get something done.” managed by her son Cameron Piper (15). for wartime service in Former Downs Mail editor Dennis Fowle the Army. As a Cameron spoke of his loss and the sadness said: “Mick was an active and dedicated he feels that any children he has will never lieutenant with the leader of Maidstone Council with strong all- Royal Signals he was know their grandmother. round abilities who always impressed me Sophie Elizabeth Lane Morgan said awarded the Military with his achievements in the role.” Cross for bravery at Heather was “was one in a million she will Mick was married to Shona and had be sadly missed” and Nadine Hanlon added: Oedenrode, Holland children Yanalie and Jodie and step-children in 1944. As Regimental Signals Officer he “Her laugh was infectious…Her smile could Adam and Lucy. Shona said: “Mick was a light a room.” dashed to a post hit by German shells and true liberal who could always see both sides extricated the wireless set to re-establish vital of an argument and be completely fair. communications so that fire power could be Duncan Keen “He had achieved a lot outside of politics, maintained during a critical period. including many years as a highly successful Later he gained a law degree and served TRIBUTES have been paid to South African salesman in the greetings card industry with four local authorities before moving to chef Duncan Keen (33) who worked at where he came close to achieving the highest Maidstone. He held top posts in professional Oakwood House and was most recently sales of anyone in his company, nationally, bodies. Trevor, a bachelor, joined the Rotary Club of Maidstone in 1958 and his 50 years’ For obituaries call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email [email protected] service were marked with a dinner and presentations. He was awarded Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship for services to the community in 2010.

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Maidstone East October 2015 47 Classiﬁed downsmail.co.uk Garden Services continued Garden Services continued ARBOUR z Fencing z Treework TREE SURGERY L.W.LANDSCAPING z Turfing z Decking ‘Trust your local experts’ z All Aspects of Tree Work Fully Insured & Reliable Levelling Ground Felling • Pruning z Jet Washing Service Hedge Cutting Tel: 01622 260149 z Astroturf z Patios Stump Grinding z z Fully Insured and Qualified Mob:07772 231419 Clearance Driveways Free No Obligation Written Quotation 01622 759119 07771 970570 www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk The Bearsted Green Gardening Co. TONY YOULES We offer the following services: GARDENING EPIC Hedges • Mowing • Weeding • Conifer Topping LANDSCAPES SERVICES Do you long for a beautiful and • Tree Removal • Ponds • GardenClearance No job too big or small well maintained garden? Don’t have the time or know-how? I DO! Garden Maintenance: Private Gardens, Commercial Contracts • Fencing • Treework • Fully qualified, at C&G & NVQ fully insured, free quotes. • Turfing • Decking levels I & II - FULLY INSURED Call 01622 739586 or 07976 367 593 • Levelling Ground All grass, shrub & general maintenance - • Jet Washing Service also planting and landscaping. • Water Features Organics a Special Interest Handyman Services Call Tony on Maidstone 01622 891328 • Astroturf • Patios • Clearance • Driveways PRACTICAL PHIL MIKE LEWIS ad ad ad ad ad PROPERTY MAINTENANCE For a free site survey call: THE HANDY MAN TANTONS Sheds constructed & repaired • HOME & GARDEN 01622 527106 Door hanging • Flat Pack Furniture IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS Tree Surgeons Interior & Exterior Decorating • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING & DECORATING 07788 532926 Maidstone Medway Surrounding Areas Many small jobs undertaken TREE FELLING CHIPPING • WALLPAPER HANGING Please phone with your requirements CONIFER TOPPING • GARDEN MAINTENANCE • DECKING & PERGOLAS CLIMBING/DISMANTLING 01622 755898 Mobile 07834 601428 •FREE QUOTATIONS SITE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS • SMALL JOBS UNDERTAKEN HEDGE TRIMMING LOGS MIKE LEWIS Landscaping POLLARDING FREE ADVICE TEL: 01622 663192 MOB: 07810 486146 JBJB STUMP GRINDING SPECIALISTS LandscapingLandscaping Clean & Tidy Friendly Service Guaranteed Handyman Drives, Paths, Patios, Fencing, Public Liability Insured/ No job too small Approved Contractor Competitive prices HANDYMAN Turfing, Shed Bases, Decking No job too big or too small. •Painting & Decorating • Plastering All aspects of treework & 01622 630312 Painting & decorating, www.tantonstreesurgeons.co.uk • Tiling • Fencing garden clearance • Laminate Flooring • Plumbing all roofing works & repairs, ad ad ad adand ad ad ad find us on www.yell.com ad ad ad ad ad ad ad Fully Insured ad ad ad ad ad General Household Maintenance. chimney’s, guttering & gutter Any odd jobs considered cleaning, pressure cleaning, For a free estimate Phone Lee for quotes fencing & brickwork & driveways or advice 07894 138224 01622 204491 please call Jim Day Evenings or to leave a message 07554 267087 Follow Fully insured 0800 4748750 Tel: 01622 828036 us on Free from landlines Mob: 07763 905464 Ironing Services Locksmith 0$,'6721( 20% /$1'6&$3(6 discount* on production of this advert * not to be used in Maidstone & Kent conjunction with any other 3523(57< offers T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT 6(59,&(6/WG www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk LANDSCAPING - Drives, Patios, Pathways, Brick/Stone Walls, Block/Stone Paving, 24 hour service locks opened Tarmac, Decking, Fencing, Turfing, Ponds, Water Features, Garden Clearance, Sheds/Summer & Play House Bases, Tree Surgery etc new locks fitted security checks BUILDING WORKS - Extensions, Porches, Conservatories, Garages, Groundworks, emergency work undertaken Roofing, PVC Windows, Doors, Soffits, Fascias, Floor/Wall Tiling, Decorating etc FULLY INSURED/WORK GUARANTEED, VERY PROFESSIONAL/FRIENDLY SERVICE Logs Top Quality Materials/Workmanship from design to completion - FREE ESTIMATES Tel: 01622 851222 Mob: 07786 07 01 07 @ Spindlebush Farm, E: [email protected] www.maidstonelandscapes.com MARSHALLS Yalding Hill, ME18 6AL LOOK: Please check our reviews and other Seasoned logs suitable for companies you may use at www.uktc.org Established 1990 Director: M Potter open fires & wood stoves Bulk bags from £50 Call our sales team now - Loose loads: £100 delivered ((or £125 01622 630 330 01622 812005 07970 647334

48 Maidstone East October 2015 downsmail.co.uk Classiﬁed

Painting & Decorating Pest Control Plumbing & Heating Continued LADY INTERIOR Y Decorator Y KENT WILDLIFE CONTROL D. STEWART PEST CONTROL / MOLE / RABBIT / RATS DECORATOR WASPS SAME DAY SERVICE FROM £25 Chris Bourne Plumbing Services NO JOB TOO SMALL All decorating making water work 07580 884053 / 01622 814112 ● Heating FREE ESTIMATES interior & exterior www.kentwildlifecontrol.com ● Wall & Floor ● Plumbing Call Lynda Daniel Tiling FREE ESTIMATES ● Complete on 07733 354617 ● 25yrs experience Bearsted 730541 Plastering Bathrooms LEE Hughes 01622 747272 / MALCOLM ROBERTS D K PLASTERING 07885 950959 Over 25 years’ experience of PAINTING & DECORATING Larkrise, Green Lane, maintaining people’s homes. SERVICES All plastering work carried out Boughton Monchelsea. A friendly, reliable service. Interior & Exterior Work • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • Painting & decorating, Undertaken FREE Quotes Wall Papering, Tiling OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Email: [email protected] M B Plumbing and and all aspects of DIY. City & Guild Qualified Heating Tel: 01622 759040 Call David 01622 727534 CALL MALCOLM Mobile: 07974 891795 Boiler repairs and installs ON 01634 308067 Leaking taps Mob: 07788 142576 No Job too small, No call out fee, FOR A FREE QUOTATION Pictor BARMING PLASTERING Painting & Decorating Free estimates • Internal & External Plastering Painting- Wallpapering - All types of plumbing work. Internal/External Work • Reliable Professional Clean Lady Decorators - Clean & Reliable Friendly Service Please call Matthew on No jobs to small or large • Free Estimates 07929 544 856 • Quality Decorating at a Refs available - Free Estimates • Over 25 years experience, fair & competitive price references available on request • Fully insured & TEL: 07860 838729 • Registered with mybuild.com references available 07857 702418 Follow • Dulux approved us on Tel/Fax: 01622 737225 Mobile: 07816 149502 R K Plastering www.sr-interiors.com All Aspects of Plastering email: [email protected] NO CALL OUT 01622 862136 - 07525 083348 Internal / External Plastering Over Artex CHARGE • All aspects of painting Coving Painting & Decorating & decorating Free Estimates & FREE Clean & Reliable Services • Plastering service available PLUMBING QUOTES • Interior & exterior painting Call Rob on: 07984 609133 Scott Duffy, 42 Reinden Grove, www.rkplastering.co.uk • Wall papering • Plastering Downswood, Maidstone ME15 8TH • Fully insured For all • Friendly & reliable service your plumbing needs Professional MID KENT Call Nick for a free quotation Interior Decorator PLASTERING New Taps 07921 193298 01622 631915 Not just a decorator, 0781 392 7162 / 0791 994 6328 Toilet & Cistern Repairs 01622 206702 but one with over [email protected] Plastering, Rendering & Screeding Bath & Shower Installation 40 years experience New Ceilings & Repairs now semi retired, Coving & Stud Walls Leaks & Fault Finding Call our sales team now - so can offer a cheaper price Tyrolean & monocouche rendering General Repairs 01622 630 330 FULLY INSURED 01622 687200 Commercial & Domestic Call Gary www.midkentplastering.co.uk 07738 902116 01622 736266 HALLFORD DECORATING Plumbing & Heating Painting & Decorating Services Call for free estimate • Plastering • Carpentry • Property Maintenance • Ceramic Tiling, Floor Tiling, Laminate Flooring R. WEBSTER EST 20 YEARS PLUMBING & HEATING Reg No. 185889 Call Martin Hallford on 07956 234273 Your friendly local service - Bearsted HEATING AND PLUMBING ENGINEERS High efficiency boilers and heating systems installed, existing systems updated, all gas appliances repaired and serviced. Rathbone Decorating Services Fault finding. All plumbing work undertaken. Painting & Decorating No job too small New bathrooms, en-suites, showers etc. Interior & Exterior with special rates Free estimates. Works Undertaken for pensioners All work guranteed. • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services No call out charge - Proudly advertising in the Downs Mail for 12 years. • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman Tel: 01622 208621 Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 Mobile: 07949 241982

Maidstone East October 2015 49 Classiﬁed downsmail.co.uk Plumbing & Heating continued Roofing Services continued Gavin Francis Central Heating Installations ex British Gas • New Boilers • Noisy Boilers and repairs Business Directory • Burst pipes & leaks Specialists in Advertise from as little as • Bathroom & shower installations Flat Roofing Your local plumber per month • FULLY INSURED Full systems overcoat and repairs £3.00 • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 07860 174959 Call 01622 630330 or visit Up to 25 year Guarantee Available & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, our website for more details 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH For a free survey/quotation NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected] Please call Joe on 07786 802959 www.downsmail.co.uk A B MOYLER PLUMBING & HEATING Family Business Est. 1973

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50 Maidstone East October 2015 downsmail.co.uk Classiﬁed

Skip Hire continued Trailor Hire, Sales & Repairs TV Aerials, Satellites & Repairs R & P Aerial Service CollectionPrompt 01622 631717 or 078069 12345 D.T Email: [email protected] Fast D.T Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair Kent Trailers Aerials Delivery SKIP HIRE Indespension Agent Digital Freeview Livestock, Plant, Recovery, FM Radio DAB Radio Over 20 Years Experience Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 Satellite & 12 Yard Bins Van, General Purpose Prices from £110+VAT Trailers in stock Freesat Covering Maidstone SKY HD 01622 & The Weald New & Used EA Registered Detling TV Wall Mounting 843511 Fast & Prompt Service 01622 730063 07860 318166 From a standard install to hidden cables South Belringham Yard, South Lane, Commercial [email protected] Free initial visit Sutton Valance, Kent ME17 3BD & Domestic PAUL MILL Television Ltd 01622 751000 Est. 1981 Friendly • Effecient • Reliable • Competitive • See the latest Panasonic LED, Latest 4K, Smart & 3D Screens • Youview Record, Pause, & Rewind TV, BBC iPlayer, ITV Player & 4oD PINBINS • Your local Sky expert, SKY HD, multiroom & “hidden” dish installation Commercial and domestic • Freeview & Freesat, Expert aerial and dish installation service Please phone us for free friendly advice today 1-14 day hire Council approved www.paulmilltelevision.co.uk Same day delivery Tipped at our site We pride ourselves on being a local business offering outstanding service 2-4 yard mini skips 70% waste recycled 6-20 yard skips Crushed concrete Upholstery Roll-on, roll-offs Top soil BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS •3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired Grab hire also available •3 piece suites individually made to order •100’s of fabrics to choose from •DIY supplies •Collection & delivery •Antique restoration (01622) 863069 NEW SITE Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone NOW OPEN Waste Collection Detling Aerodrome Maidstone D. BODY LTD Waste Collection Freephone 0800 028 49 00

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Maidstone East October 2015 51 Classiﬁed downsmail.co.uk Window Services Public Notice

Licensing Act 2003 MirandaMiranda Notice of application for a Premises Licence Notice is hereby given that May Turner of Turners Cider Limited has applied to Maidstone Borough DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS Council on 22 September 2015 for the grant of a premises licence to use the premises at 6 Reed Court Cottages, Hunton Road, Marden, Kent, TN12 9SY for the sale of alcohol by online sales only. SPECIALIST REPAIRER FOR OVER 20 YEARS Namely Monday to Sunday 08.00 to 18.00. Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing of his/her representation by 20th October 2015 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Maidstone Borough Council Licensing ALL REPAIRS GUARANTEED Office, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6JQ. The Register of Record of Application can be viewed by members of the public during office hours at Maidstone Borough Misted / Broken Glass Units, Council Licensing Office, or accessed online by visiting http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing/ Representation shall be made in writing. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false Door & Window Handles, statement in connection with an application for a premises licence. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5,000. Locks & Hinges Patio Door Wheels & Tracks Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence SPARE PARTS SHOP J N Hebron trading as Mote Logisitics of 21 Lincoln Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 7JH is applying for Units 15-16 Dickens Court licence to use Graham Hollamby Ltd, Unit 19 Enterprise Close, Medway City Estate Aerodrome Industrial Estate, Detling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3HU. As an operating centre for 1 PUBLIC Kent ME2 4LY goods vehicle and 1 trailer. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) 01634 717400 near the operating centre(s) who believe that their NOTICE www.mdgrepairs.co.uk use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic To place your public Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within Notice’s here please 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to Tel 01622 630330 the applicant at the address give at the top this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is Health & Beauty available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office. www.downsmail.co.uk

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Maidstone East October 2015 53 downsmail.co.uk

residents aware of the event. suggested that parents be encouraged to

aihCouncils Parish Boughton Malherbe Police report There had been four crimes park in the Cardwell Pavilion car park Fire cover A Maidstone appliance was to reported – three cases of criminal damage when visiting the school. be stationed at Lenham every day for the and a theft from the Mace shop. There had Roundabout There was a large increase of foreseeable future. It was on standby at been 29 incident calls relating to incidents with cars not stopping at the Lenham instead of Maidstone to cover the Harrietsham. These included lorries Great Danes roundabout. Cllr Bedwell had east of Maidstone. parking on the A20, three reports of road witnessed a number of near misses and Highways Elmstone Lane had been accidents and an abandoned vehicle in drivers were not willing to give way. The resurfaced. Gullies in Liverton Hill had not Church Crescent. A number of sheep had clerk was to contact Cllr Jenny While to been cleared although some red marks had been killed by a dog at Runham Farm – find out what signs could be put in place to appeared. Rainwater had run in to Ivy anyone with information was asked to call stop this. It was concerning because many House yard during a storm. There was a 101. children catch school buses at this junction. pothole on Colebridge Lane. Some areas Neighbourhood plan A resident Cllr Cobbe suggested that a light control were patched. commented on the withdrawal of the plan pedestrian crossing was installed along the Speed Watch There had been three and asked whether the large number of road between the Mercure Hotel and the sessions since the last meeting and 66 homes at Pilgrims Retreat were to be Leeds Castle roundabout. vehicles had been reported in total, 15 included in Harrietsham’s housing number Vacancy There was a vacancy for a new leers were generated and 51 vehicles were as the occupants were using the facilities parish councillor. The clerk was to added to the police register. There were but had contributed nothing to the finances advertise the position and Cllr Cobbe was two new recruits to the Speed Watch team. of the village. Cllr Amanda Chinnery said to put it on the website. this would be discussed with Maidstone Crime report The following crimes were Council. Cllr Trevor Allwood said a reported: criminal damage at Broad Street Bredhurst working group would need to be Hill; theft from a motor vehicle at Troys Recruitment The parish council had two established to move the plan forward. This Mead; non-residential burglary at Eyhorne vacancies and had on one occasion been was agreed. Street and criminal damage in Pilgrims unable to comment on a planning Stolen plants A resident said 38 plants had Way; nuisance vehicle at Greenway Court application as it had insufficient councillors been stolen from the planters by the old Road, Hospital Road and Ashford Road. to form a quorum. If the situation school site. These had now been replaced, Cllr Dr Bauer said there had been an continued, the parish council would have but councillors were asked to keep an eye aempt to break in to her neighbour’s to consider its future. One option was to on them. The police had been informed. vehicle. PCSO Rowley advised that the hand over all responsibility to Maidstone Stream It was noted that the stream was police should be called at the time of the Council. This would have consequences for becoming overgrown with irises, right incident. residents as the percentage of council tax down to the culvert. This would cause a PCSOs Ryan Waring and Dave Rowley that currently came to the parish council build-up of lier and would eventually were now covering the North Downs area would go in the borough council pot and block the culvert. It was agreed that this together with running Operation Innovate decisions regarding the village would be should be discussed by the environment in the rural areas. PCSO Tom Maybank made by people who do not live there. commiee. was now working the Leeds area. Speed Anyone interested in becoming a Graveyard Cllr Glenda Dean remarked on checks had been carried out in the councillor was asked to contact the clerk. the poor state of the graveyard with grass neighbouring villages and could be Woodland clearance An area of more than almost waist-high. The clerk said this was operated in Hollingbourne. an acre behind Forge Lane/Green Court, the responsibility of the church and the Nuisance vehicles Twelve nuisance The Street had been almost totally cleared parish council could not arrange for it to be vehicles from south London, including of trees and vegetation by the landowners. cut without authorisation from them. Cllr motorcycles and vehicles for their There was concern that many trees were Dean said volunteers would probably be transportation, had been located and protected by preservation orders. The site prepared to help. The clerk said she would stopped on byways and fields around the was also believed to support dormice, speak to Sarah Hill in the church office. village, including Saywell Farm on which are a European protected species. Glebe Field The work had been completed Hollingbourne Hill. Some of the riders No ecology survey had been carried out to protect the Glebe Field. A bund had were known to the police. If caught again, prior to felling. It was agreed to email the been installed behind damaged bollards the vehicles would be seized by the PCSOs. landowners to express dismay at the and fabrication work had been completed Name for homes Councillors were asked clearance. on the bollards which could be unlocked to to vote on a name for the housing Equine crossing Cllr Nichola Carr had ensure that the padlocks were inaccessible. development next to 103 Eyhorne Street. followed this up and the parish council Cllr Tom Sams and Cllr Michael Williams The following names were submied to was awaiting an installation date. There had removed enough of the bund to allow Maidstone Council for their approval: The would be additional road markings and access to the Rotary Club for the North Hawthorns, Godfrey Meadow, Godfrey new signs at the Dunn Street entrance to Downs Walk the previous weekend. Cllr Close or Godfrey Walk. the village, warning drivers to slow down Colin Przystupa said Cllr Sams had had Stepahead The youth club was no longer for horses. talks with residents near to the field about operating from the Cardwell Pavilion but Village walk-round Cllr Carr had changing the position of the entrance. the organisation would like to donate a produced a detailed action plan to ensure table tennis table to the parish council. It that village maintenance was ongoing. She was agreed that this would be gratefully would now work on incorporating this into Hollingbourne accepted. the action plan of the revised parish plan. Highways The clerk had wrien to Kent Cardwell Pavilion An audit of safety Highway Services regarding an evaluation inspections had taken place. A full of the Cotuams Hall entrance to the village electrical test would be arranged together Harrietsham and advice on the options available to with the servicing of the emergency Warden’s report Community warden make the section of the road safer. lighting and lighting circuits. All other Martin Sherwood had completed house-to- Driving on pavements Cllr John Cobbe areas had been checked and were up to house inquiries following damage to the asked the PCSOs if it was illegal to drive on date. The clerk was to get a quote for tennis court fencing. Children aged 10-11 the pavements as this frequently happened repairing the ceiling. had been seen with shears earlier in the in the Eyhorne Street conservation area. Playground Safety reports from Maidstone day, but there were differing descriptions. PCSO Dave Rowley said it was illegal but Council were good and satisfactory. A new scheme was being organised by discretion was sometimes applied. Motocross site A Maidstone Council West Kent Housing to help unemployed Parking This was an ongoing problem enforcement officer had contacted Cllr people gain the skills they need to aend outside the school, with parents ignoring Daphne Parvin regarding the motorcycle interviews. The association could also help the zig-zag lines, parking on the opposite events on Hospital Road. It had been very with clothing for the interview. side of the road and parking far too close quiet at the site and the officer was to Operation Civic A resident said there had to the railway bridge. The PCSOs were to contact Mr Abrehart to see if the events been a disappointing turnout for this event. monitor the situation and contact the had stopped. Mr Sherwood said PCSO Siobhan Burca- school to see if they could keep a note of Twinning The Bowls and Boules day had Ousby had visited homes to make the regular offenders. Cllr Mike Bedwell had to be cancelled but a trip had been

54 Maidstone East October 2015 downsmail.co.uk arranged to visit Templeneuve in aihCouncils Parish November to celebrate Armistice Day. ‘Get involved to have your say’ Otham A STARK warning to villagers about the pos- the hope of joining, but it is now hoped more Police report The following crimes had sible demise of its parish council has fresh faces will come forward to serve on the been reported: two non-residential prompted two residents to step forward. parish council. burglaries in White Horse Lane; two non- The parish council released a flyer saying Cllr Jones, who has been a member of the residential burglaries in Holly Farm Road; that unless “new blood” from Bredhurst could parish council for 14 years, said: “Everyone on a theft by finding in Church Road; a be attracted, residents risked having their the council does it because they love the vil- residential burglary in Avery Lane and a democratic power handed over to Maidstone lage and want to keep it a clean and lovely case of criminal damage in Gore Court Council. place to live. However, three of us have been Road. It was queried why an incident Bredhurst Council has run with just five on the council for in excess of 15 years and it involving GBH that had taken place in members for many years, but in August, for is important that we have new blood. At the White Horse Lane did not appear to have the first time, there were insufficient mem- end of the day, if residents want a parish been reported. bers to vote on a planning application. council and an opportunity to speak, then Parish questionnaire The majority of the Chairman Vanessa Jones said: “This they can’t leave it to others.” questionnaires had been delivered. Cllr brought the whole issue to a head because The council meets once a month (apart Rachel Gray said her son Joshua had set up we couldn’t form a quorum and so the appli- from August or January). a database for the responses. He had cation had to go back to the borough coun- Anyone interested in finding out more or offered to input the data for a fee, and this cil with no comment from the parish.” offering to sit on the council should call Cllr was accepted. Two potential members have agreed to at- Jones on 07813 785940 or email bpcchair- Neighbourhood plan Cllr Mike Bole’s tend the council’s meeting in October, with [email protected]. proposal to make a start on the process was seconded by Cllr Valerie Moon and diversion could help farm vehicles the overwhelming size of the extension and unanimously agreed. negotiating the bend. the overshadowing of neighbouring Football ground A licensing application Traffic survey Not all the results had been properties; the appearance of the property for Bearsted Football Club was brought to received. KCC would retain ownership of and the Velux and Juliet windows and the the council’s aention. The clerk was to the surveys. potential loss of trees. It was felt that investigate. It was reported that the Clerk’s report Following Cllr Cooke’s offer changes to the resubmied application had conditions were being breached. to provide equipment for spring cleans, created further issues and exacerbated Replacement trees had still not been pruners, sack, handy hoops, gloves and a existing ones. The meeting heard that there planted. Cllrs Newton and Bole were to shovel had been ordered. seems to be no understanding by the discuss this with a view to arranging a architect of the parish council’s concerns meeting with enforcement officers. regarding the original application. The Village hall The kerb work outside the hall Ulcombe was discussed. The clerk would inquire council voted unanimously to see the about water running more freely at the top Extension proposed An extraordinary application refused. If the planning officer of Stoneacre Lane, once diverted from the meeting of the parish council discussed a disagreed with the parish council’s village hall. It was questioned whether the plan for a two-storey front, side and rear decision they would want to see the water could be diverted to a main drain on extension to Owls Oak in Lenham Road, application referred to the planning the east side of the green. Tapering the Kingswood. There were objections due to commiee.

A WINDOW was smashed on a vehicle in reports Crime Church Lane, Bearsted. A Ford Transit parked in Saracen Fields, Neighbourhood Watch Lordswood was broken into. Two petrol strimmers were stolen. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police A shed in the garden of a home in Ashford Road, Bearsted, was broken into. Tools, including a circular saw and a Karcher pres- Intruders cut through a fence in Pilgrims A shed at a home in Caring Lane, Leeds sure washer, were stolen. Way, Thurnham. was broken into and 20 chickens were Both number plates were stolen from a car Two cars parked in Wheeler Street, Maid- stolen. The remaining flock was released to parked on a drive in Boxley Road, Boxley. stone were covered with an oily substance roam. A container was set alight in Westfield causing damage. Cable was stolen from a manhole in Chart- Sole Road, Lidsing. A Toyota RAV4 parked in Ware Street, way Street, Broomfield and Kingswood. Items were removed from a vehicle in Thurnham was broken into and golf equip- Two suspicious men and a vehicle were Pinewood Drive, Lordswood. ment was stolen. spotted. A generator was broken into in Crismill A van parked in Quested Way, Harriet- Two wooden gates were stolen from a Lane, Thurnham and copper and red diesel sham was broken into and a jigsaw, power field in Bredgar Road, Hollingbourne. were taken. drill, angle grinder and a tool kit were Lights and a lantern were taken from a A building site in Blind Lane, Bredhurst stolen. property in Greenborough Close, Shepway. was entered and bags of cement were taken. A Citroen van was broken into in Maid- A gate was damaged at a field in Pilgrims A lady's leather jacket was stolen from a stone Road, Lenham and tools including a Way, Hollingbourne and crops were dam- car in Larchwood Close, Lordswood. Stihl disc cutter, a nail gun, a Dewalt drill aged with a vehicle. A vehicle was removed from the show- and a Makita drill were stolen. Tools were stolen from a van parked in ground in Detling Hill, Thurnham without A van parked in Forge Meadow, Harriet- Reculver Walk, Senacre. the owner’s consent. sham was broken into but nothing was A container on a building site in Eyhorne Several garages in a block in Birch Drive, taken. Street, Hollingbourne was broken into and Lordswood were broken into. Nothing was A property in Lenham was broken into tools stolen. taken. and an alarm activated when computer Two metres of electricity earthing cable equipment and jewellery was stolen. was taken from a power pole at a farm in A barn at a farm in West Street, Harriet- SECURE YOUR HOME Harp Farm Road, Boxley. sham was broken into and a Honda quad A laptop was stolen from a car in Larch- bike was stolen. ALARMS FROM £495+VAT wood Close, Lordswood. A van was broken into in Lenham High CALL 01622 880751 Fencing was damaged at a field in Caring Street and power tools stolen. Lane, Thurnham and a feeder bucket stolen. Two men were seen damaging paintings A Ford Transit van parked in Avery Lane, and furniture at a hotel in Ashford Road, Otham was broken into and tools, including Leeds. They were described as about 20 ALARMS & SECURITY LTD a Matiz drill and a Bosch drill, were stolen. years old and 6ft tall.

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