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Maidstone East Edition & Malling’s No.downsmail.co.uk 1 newspaper Malling Edition Maidstone & Malling’s FREENo. 1 newspaper October 2017 No.FREE 246 March 2018 NewsNo. 251 Panto ahoy! Kate, 107, dies THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be News KATE Hart, a resident at an old staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- people’s home in , stone, took to the River to has Cdiedou agedple 107,’s c herar son crim e3 Claunch thisa year'sr panto.n ival at risk, but DavidA YhasOU disclosed.NG family faces the arrival On board The Kentish Lady were of a baby without their car - after a national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy hit and run driver wrote it Godmother), former EastEnder Ste- MP’soff o uLocaltside th ePlanir hom ebid. 3 fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza- HELEN Whately asked the tbethh Brighte (Cinderella),sh Craigow will go on government to halt the Anderson (Buttons) and, pictured, borough’sWat housinger pla scheme.ns for si4te Stephen Richards and Adam Bor- A CONSULTATION has opened on SzoneNO (UglyDLA Sisters)ND . C arnival will go ahead this summer, but shows no sign of a £61m plan to install two They were greeted by pupils from Planswate r forplan tDrs in ANigelylesford. 4 hSouthavin Boroughg a fu Primaryture w Schoolitho andut more community support. THE widow of GP Dr Nigel Minnet members of the media. The panto The cancellation of the parade, will walk the Grand runs from December 1-31. For tick- Canyon for charity. 12 wetshic goh h toas www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk.been a feature of the vil- Sand quarry protests lage diary for more than 30 years, NEIGHBOURS have joined forces has only been averted this time Jasonwith R Donovanyarsh resident sdate over thanks to the village Scout and plans for a sand quarry. 8 Guide groups, its pre-schools, GP THE former Neighbours star brings surgery and the local opticians his show to the Hazlitt 18 agreeing to take part. TheatreGy nextm May.heroes’ award CCTVBut participation in the event, call in a bid GYM staff who saved the life of a resurrected by Town member have been given Council in 1987, has dwindled to a special award. 10 dangerously low levels in recent years, after once attracting up to 40 Not getting it sorted ftoloats. stop fly-tipping The town council’s chief execu- SNODLAND residents were left fu- tCALLSive, Karen forSow theten, installationsays she un- of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on a rious at a 90-minute derstands the time involved in queue to collect parcels. 20 pcountryroducing f roadloats, a havend hea beenlth and made by the local borough councillor. saBurberryfety restri Lane,ctions, nearbut b Leedselieve ands the nearby, more than a year after it unlicensed waste carriers, but be- Parish Councils 30-32 fBroomfield,uture of the haseven beent will targetedonly rem byain was dumped and set on fire. lieves the cost to small firms of dis- cwasteertain dumpersif it evol forves years,. but in re- The church car park has also seen posing of construction waste at a ObituariesCrime Reports 32 32 centJus months,t six float thes ha problemve so far hasboo be-ked many instances of illegal dumping. transfer station is proving a deter- tcomeheir p morelaces acute.in the parade. But it is a problem in many rural rent that is costing councils more. ParishCATA LCouncilsYTIC convert ers34-35 were stolen ConstructionMrs Sowten s waste,aid: “T rubble,he ripp hardles of areas including Langley, Cllr Fort made her remarks as ASHf rdiebackom tw ohas H obeennda discoveredAccords, inone in ccore,once windowsrn that cir andcula householdted when it fur-was and Kingswood. Water Lane in one of the borough’s closest trans- Ditton and one in East Malling; snitureugges iste leftd t illegallyhat the –co oftenunci strewnl might Bearsted and Pilgrims Way have fer stations at North Farm, Tun- Monks Meadow in ; Carnival capers at last summer’s colourful parade three BMWs parked in cinan thecel middlethe ca ofrn theival road.still failed to also been targeted recently. bridge Wells, announced it will be village fete stall- holderwe rco-ordinatore damaged Jean; a sh Duffyop w ihasndow in prCllromp Gillt mo Fortre s said:uppo “Everyrt. month Last year, Maidstone Borough closed for 10 weeks. “People can’t just complain on people want to see it each year be-resigned;Snod layellownd wa liness sm aareshe neededd. we“T arehe havingtown co toilets,uncil sinkspays andhun- Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tip- She added: “If you go along the Facebook – they need to help.” cause they line the streets to watch,for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow construction waste dumped in the ping and this year more than 163 line of increasing fines, they have to dreds of pounds for the two march- Mrs Sowten has just returned but we still need help this year withbuses through Imperial Park; rub- village, specifically in Burberry have been recorded since April. be enforced. A reduction in the Obituaries 34 ing bands that lead and follow up from a break in Lanzarote, where stewards for the road closures,bish bins in the sports field in Lane, where we are now thinking The approaching darker evenings charge or offering it free may have the parade, but with so few floats she says its carnival parade there more stalls and more participantsKingswood are to be moved over to of installing cameras on private will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. the desired similar effect.” Comment 42-43 there comes a point where the cost lasted more than four hours. in the parade.” the picnic area and rear exit. cland,anno tot b overseee justifi theed – problemand the area.”bands CllrShe Fortadd welcomeded: “It cou al jointd be initia-that the A three-monthlyThe event, wh litterich t pickhis y onear thetakes arAe s recento close eventtoget inhe Burberryr they ca Lanen’t be tiveeve bynt b theeco Environmentmes purely a Agencywalkingmile-longthe them stretche of Ch ofar roadles D throughickens, willCrime Reports 35 hsaweard a caravanin their o burnedwn righ outt. while a andcost theum Drivere parad ande. W Vehiclee kno Stan-w thatLeedsleav villagee from producesthe Holm anesd averageale School VEHICLES have been driven over torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on 32a blackt 1.30 sackspm o ofn rubbish.Saturday, July 7. A farmland in , causing Cllrfun d Fort,ay w whoill fo l alsolow , servesat the c asom amu- parish councillor, says teaching damge to crops; an attempted nity centre, from around 2pm. break-in was reported in Detling; a childrenMon aboutey r asocialised responsibilityby Snodland’s Inside this edition: and the issue of litter in schools will vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted biggest community event goes to RESIDENTS are hoping to turn help take the issue off the streets. Rd, ; pumpkins were charity, with this year’s beneficiar- part of an orchard into a village She believes with every household stolen from an allotment in ies still to be chosen. Anyone inter-Lenhamgree.n, and a petition about West YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT receiving a weekly refuse collection Malling GP surgery was handed service,ested therein iso noffe rexcuseing tforhei rlitterhelp, over. The 4-page supplement in- [email protected] beingboo k throwning a p la fromce in t vehicleshe para d ore or aComment 46-47 side by Malling Action Partnership 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • dumpedstall inis theu rroad.ged to email en- [email protected] supports people and events. Home SUBAlarmsSUB CONTINENTAL CONTINENTAL supplied andAWARDAWARD fitted WINNINGWINNING INDIAN INDIAN TAKEAWAYTAKEAWAY visit www.amiga.co.uk1414 High High Street, Street, Snodland Snodlandor ME6 ME6 call 5DF 5DF 01634 0163408000 241818 241818 199622 www.alacartespice.co.ukwww.alacartespice.co.uk Free Free Home Home Delivery Delivery downsmail.co.uk News Man charged Kings Hill Opticians Pregnant mum carless over steering shortlisted for National Opticians Awards wheel thefts after hit and run crash POLICE investigating a number of Kings Hill Opticians have been named a A YOUNG family have been left thefts of steering wheels from BMWs have charged a man with finalist in the Independent Practice of without a car just weeks before the arrival of their second child after it conspiring to steal from motor ve- the Year category of the prestigious was written off in a hit-and-run in- hicles. Opticians’ Awards, recognised as the cident. Ernestas Lukosevicious, of no fixed address, was arrested after a benchmark of excellence in the optical Keiran and Leanne Fowler, both 27, had parked their Ford B-Max search involving the police heli- community. near to their house in Ditton Place, copter in Larkfield. , during the recent snow. Officers were called to Carroll Gardens at 3.54am on Monday “It’s a testimony to our great staff But at around 11.50pm on Friday, March 2, a dark Mercedes lost con- March 12. and our commitment to clinical trol entering the road and went into They searched the area, and were excellence and exceptional customer the back of the car, causing signifi- tails, the damage is going against has shown with their actions.” joined by the police helicopter, and subsequently Lukosevicious was service – combined with exclusive cant damage. our insurance at the moment. Mr Fowler contacted The driver drove off from the “We have to pay the excess and and says he was told that nothing arrested on suspicion of theft from products, ranging from world-leading scene, and although neighbours my wife is going to lose four years’ could be done for 10 days. But after a motor vehicle just before 4.30am. frames and lenses through to have CCTV footage, right, which no claims bonus – and our premi- Downs Mail contacted officers, a Officers seized tools and a BMW steering wheel and the 27-year-old affordable eye wear – that we are one clearly shows the impact – and the ums will go up next year.” further investigation was launched. car leaving the street minutes later And with baby number two due A spokesman said: “Kent Police was later charged with conspiring of only six finalists in the Independent – the number plate of the offending on April 1, Mr Fowler has more was called following the collision to steal from motor vehicles be- Practice of the Year Award,” commented vehicle cannot be seen. pressing concerns. and searched the area, however the tween Monday November 13 2017 and the day of his arrest. director Satvinder Shoker, who opened Mr Fowler said: “It’s our only car “If anything happens with the 4X4 had left. – I have a work van, but my wife is baby, we’re going to have to call an “Local officers have contacted the A number of vehicles, including Kings Hill Opticians in 2005 and is also stuck indoors. She can’t take our 17- ambulance,” he added. “That am- owner of the parked car and are several BMWs have been targeted head of the Opticians’ Department at month-old, Ava, out anywhere. bulance could be out saving some- making enquiries to trace the owner in recent months. The team at Kings Hill Opticians celebrate being Opticians Awards finalists. Lukosevicious was remanded in Maidstone Hospital. “Two car seats and car seat an- one’s life rather than being a taxi for of the 4X4. They are asking anyone Left to right Matt, Lucy, Kathy, Satvinder, Valentina, Rebekah, Amy chors in the back have to be re- us to go to the hospital. with information to call 01622 custody, and appeared before placed at a cost of £800, and because “It is just another consequence of 604100 quoting crime reference 02- Medway Magistrates via video link Over the past decade, the company Kings Hill Opticians insists on Kings Hill Opticians also offers an we don’t have the other driver’s de- the complete disregard this driver 1686.” on Tuesday, March 13. has grown every year, with the number 40-minute eye-tests as standard and impressive range of frames and lenses: of staff growing from three to 14. “Our that all tests are carried out by qualified they are exclusive stockists of the success is largely down to optometrists who have more than five LINDBERG range of Buffalo Horn word-of-mouth recommendations from years’ experience or work in hospital eye frames, hold Kent’s largest collection of our customers, many of whom have departments as well. “My work as the premium polarised Maui Jim sunglasses been coming to us for years because Head of Maidstone Hospital’s and offer a range of innovative products they know we offer an unwavering Opticians’ Department defines our including revolutionary Varilux™ lenses, commitment to making sure they have clinical standards, and we ensure that all E Scoop lenses that can help improve the best vision possible. Our client base the tests and diagnostic equipment we the vision of people with macular keeps expanding and we now have use are hospital quality or better. After degeneration, and contact lenses that customers from all over Kent, Sussex, all, you only have one pair of eyes, so can correct your vision overnight. London and ,” said company they need to be looked after properly.” secretary Satwant Shoker. explained Mr Shoker.

Call 01732 875544 To book your appointment

2 Liberty Square, Kings Hill, , Kent, ME19 4AU | e: [email protected] | w: www.kingshillopticians.co.uk

2 Malling March 2018 downsmail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk News Man charged Pregnant mum cCCTVarless callover ste toering stop fly-tipping CALLS for the installation of wIllegalh fly-tippingeel thefts Across Kent, local authorities are after hit and runCCTVc camerasra tos preventh fly-tip- PisO costingLICE in localvestigating a number of spending hundreds of thousands of ping on a country road have been thauthoritiesefts of s hun-teering wheels from pounds clearing up rubbish. A YOUNG family have been left made by the local borough coun- According to one report £323,000 BdredsMWs ofh thou-ave charged a man with without a car just weeks before the cillor. sands of pounds, was spent dealing with almost Burberry Lane, near Kingswood, conspiring to steal from motor ve- 14,000 incidents in 2016-17. This is a arrival of their second child after it says Cllr Gill Fort was written off in a hit-and-run in- has been targeted by waste hicles. sharp increase on the previous 12 cident. dumpers for years, but in recent Ernestas Lukosevicious, of no months when just over 10,000 in- Keiran and Leanne Fowler, both months, the problem has become fixed address, was arrested after a stances cost £244,000. 27, had parked their Ford B-Max more acute with waste often strewn search involving the police heli- Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia- near to their house in Ditton Place, across the middle of the road. copter in Larkfield. tive by the Environment Agency Aylesford, during the recent snow. Cllr Gill Fort, pictured right, said: Officers were called to Carroll and the Driver and Vehicle Stan- “Every month we are having toi- dards Agency to clamp down on But at around 11.50pm on Friday, Gardens at 3.54am on Monday lets, sinks and construction waste unlicensed waste carriers. But she March 2, a dark Mercedes lost con- March 12. dumped in the village, specifically They searched the area, and were believes the high cost to small firms trol entering the road and went into in Burberry Lane. We are now more than a and . Last of disposing of construction waste the back of the car, causing signifi- tails, the damage is going against has shown with their actions.” joined by the police helicopter, and thinking of installing cameras on subsequently Lukosyearevic afterious itw wasas year, Maidstone Borough Council at a transfer station is costing coun- cant damage. our insurance at the moment. privateMr Fo landwler toco overseentacted K theen problemt Police cils dearly. Cllr Fort made her re- adumpedrrested on andsus torched.picion of Thetheft churchfrom cleared 911 cases of fly-tipping and The driver drove off from the “We have to pay the excess and aarea.”nd says he was told that nothing car park has also seen illegal dump- more than 163 have been recorded marks as one of the borough’s scene, and although neighbours my wife is going to lose four years’ couAld recentbe don evente for 1 in0 d Burberryays. But a Lanefter aing.motor vehicle just before 4.30am. since April this year. The ap- closest transfer stations at North have CCTV footage, right, which no claims bonus – and our premi- Dsawown as caravanMail co burnedntacted outoffic whileers, a a OButffice itrs isse alsoized ato problemols and a inB manyMW proaching darker evenings will Farm, Tunbridge Wells, announced clearly shows the impact – and the ums will go up next year.” fcarurth remainser invest onigat aio footpathn was lau nearby,nched. sruralteering areas,wheel a includingnd the 27-y Langley,ear-old prompt a rise in illegal tipping. it will be closed for 10 weeks. car leaving the street minutes later And with baby number two due A spokesman said: “Kent Police was later charged with conspiring – the number plate of the offending on April 1, Mr Fowler has more waSTAPLEHURSTs called followin vineyardg the colli Hushsion to steal from motor vehicles be- Heath Estate will be supplying to vehicle cannot be seen. pressing concerns. anHeathd sear willched sendthe itsare sparklinga, howev wineer th toe twVineyardeen Monday Novemb ‘bubbling’er 13 2017 over deal Canadian consumers is hugely wel- Mr Fowler said: “It’s our only car “If anything happens with the 4XCanada4 had le afterft. landing a deal with and the day of his arrest. come and they will be flying the – I have a work van, but my wife is baby, we’re going to have to call an one“Loc ofal o theffic world’sers have largestcontact alcoholed the gramme.A numbe Ther of “significantvehicles, in deal”cludi wasng trading relationship as the UK flag for the high-quality of wine stuck indoors. She can’t take our 17- ambulance,” he added. “That am- owbuyers.ner of the parked car and are seannouncedveral BMWs ashave Primebeen ta Ministerrgeted leaves the EU. being produced in Britain.” month-old, Ava, out anywhere. bulance could be out saving some- makHushing en Heath’squiries t Balfouro trace t 1503he ow Clas-ner inTheresarecent m Mayonths was. in Ottawa for Mrs May said: “It’s great to see Hush Heath owner Richard Bal- “Two car seats and car seat an- one’s life rather than being a taxi for ofsicthe 4 CuvéeX4. The isy a there ask firsting a Englishnyone talksLukos withevicio Canadianus was rem PMand Justined in that English sparkling wine has four-Lynn said: “Hush Heath is a chors in the back have to be re- us to go to the hospital. wisparklingth inform wineation selectedto call for016 the22 cuTrudeaustody, a onnd howappea thered UKbefo andre been making a name for itself, not family-owned winery…and we are Liquor Contril Board (LCBO) of On- Canada can further strengthen just in the UK but further afield too. very excited to see our wines avail- placed at a cost of £800, and because “It is just another consequence of 604100 quoting crime reference 02- Medway Magistrates via video link tario’s Vintages Classics Pro- their ties to build the closest, freest “The news today that Hush able in the Canadian market." we don’t have the other driver’s de- the complete disregard this driver 1686.” on Tuesday, March 13. Has your doubledouble glazingglazing FULLof Parkfoot surprises steamedsteamed up? 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Maidstone October 2017 11 Malling March 2018 3 News | GP services downsmail.co.uk Bells herald service to celebrate repairs THE bells of All Saints Church, Snodland, rang The service was conducted by the Rector of out on February 11 for the first time in more Snodland, the Rev Hugh Broadbent, and the than a year for a special service of rededication address was given by the Archdeacon of Ton- and to celebrate the completion of urgent re- bridge, the Ven Julie Conalty. pairs to the building. Photographs and artefacts illustrating the re- The church was packed with well-wishers pair work and parts of the accompanying ac- who had supported the fundraising drive, ei- tivity plan were on display, as were two new ther as individuals or as members of local guide books . groups or charities. Also present were the ar- Rev Broadbent said: “There is still more to chitect, site manager of contractors Sally Stra- be done but this is an important landmark chey Historic Conservation, and some of the along the way and we have much to celebrate Rev Hugh Broadbent and the Ven Julie Conalty stonemasons who had carried out the work. and be thankful for.” at the All Saints celebration service Clerk trial date A DATE has been set to conclude the case against a former clerk at Plans in pipeline for Parish Council. Neil Curtis was accused of se- curing unauthorised access to computer material while working water treatment works for the council. A subsequent po- SOUTH East Water has launched non, who represents Ditton on “Something definitely needs to lice investigation saw him charged a consultation into plans that will & Malling Borough be done on the site and I would with three counts of making unau- see part of the former Aylesford Council said. “But this should def- definitely prefer it to be used for in- thorised access, contrary to the Newsprint site turned into a treat- initely be monitored closely, as dustrial reasons.” Computer Misuse Act of 1990. ment plant. with all proposals for the site. Announcing the plans, Lee Mr Curtis, from Cuxton, pleaded The consultation began in Febru- “I would have concerns if it was Dance, head of water resources at not guilty to all counts on May 9 ary, but none of the local council- another sewage facility, considering South East Water, said it was vital last year and a trial is set to be lors and parish councils the site nearby, but I believe there is to consider a number of factors. heard at Maidstone Crown Court approached by Downs Mail were already an old water site at ANP for “We are looking far into the fu- on August 6. aware such plans are in place. the operation of the former works ture, right to 2080, to make sure we The clerk no longer works for They are to be exhibited in Ayles- and it seems like this is similar to have a secure and resilient water the parish council. ford on March 20 and form part of that current facility. supply for homes and businesses, the company’s vision to ensure the “More generally, my goal for the while also balancing the needs of Plans to rescue area has enough water up to 2080. site is to see a return to employment the environment and keeping cus- Plans include a new water treat- use, offering a mixed range of jobs.” tomers’ bills down. toads on roads ment works being put on the site The parish council in Ditton was “The draft plan represents a £1bn TOAD crossings could be intro- by 2023, with a water re-use unaware of the consultation, while investment in water supply infra- duced in West Malling in a bid to scheme to be developed in the 15 the knowledge of its counterparts structure and has been developed protect these endangered amphib- years after that. However, no in Aylesford stretched only as far with input from customers, com- ians as they make their way back to agreement has yet been reached as having received a poster for the munities, other water suppliers watercourses to breed. with administrators KPMG over exhibition. and our stakeholders. The Kent Reptile and Amphibian the acquisition of the site and the But clerk Neil Harris welcomed “It takes into account forecasts of Group says an increase in building news of the consultation came as a the proposals in principle. future population and housing and traffic has made this journey surprise to many. “We’re happy to see the develop- growth as well as the uncertainty particularly hazardous, further “I think there is currently too lit- ment on the site and we appreciate of climate change.” feeding the drastic decline in toad tle information for me to have a that they need to find enough The consultation closes on Tues- populations across Europe. clear view on this,” Cllr Tom Can- water for the future,” he said. day, May 21. Cali Tardivel, from Kent Toads on Roads, says toad patrols are be- coming more common in the Samurai stars ready to county, assisting thousands of am- phibians back to breeding grounds face random attackers after months in hibernation. She said: “We don’t have any of- A NUMBER of ju-jitsu stars who train in Larkfield will be ficial patrols in West Malling or heading to Holland next month for the European Ran- Maidstone, although we are inves- dom Attacks Championships. tigating potential toad crossings in Members of Kent Samurai, ranging from age 11 up to West Malling.” masters level, will be competing in the event from April 16. Visit www.kentarg.org/project/ Coach Rula Metaxas, herself a two-time medallist at kent-toad-patrol/ for more details. the championships, is thrilled with the progress being made. She said: “We’ve got 16 going to Holland. For some of them it’s their third European Championships “I’m from a small village in the North,” she explained. and we’ve got high hopes of bringing medals home. “I went to university in London and I was scared, so I “The random attacks element is exactly what you spoke to someone who suggested I take it up as a might expect – competitors stand on a mat with their method of self-defence. back to an attacker, and they then have to react and “Ju-jitsu is the sort of martial arts that police, army get that attacker to the floor. The judges then decide and prison officers use, so it’s a vital thing. who is the best.” “With our women’s classes that’s especially impor- Kent Samurai, which celebrates its 10th anniversary tant because when they would need to use their self-de- this year, is the brainchild of Rula who herself took up fence it’s because something they really don’t want to Picture: Wendy Smith the sport for an unorthodox reason. happen may be about to occur.”

4 Malling March 2018 News | GP services downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Cllr Bob Ulph, right, with Cllr Bells herald service to celebrate repairs Mike Mearns, THE bells of All Saints Church, Snodland, rang The service was conducted by the Rector of left, and Cllr out on February 11 for the first time in more Snodland, the Rev Hugh Broadbent, and the Barry Chapple than a year for a special service of rededication address was given by the Archdeacon of Ton- outside and to celebrate the completion of urgent re- bridge, the Ven Julie Conalty. Leybourne pairs to the building. Photographs and artefacts illustrating the re- Village Hall The church was packed with well-wishers pair work and parts of the accompanying ac- who had supported the fundraising drive, ei- tivity plan were on display, as were two new ther as individuals or as members of local guide books . groups or charities. Also present were the ar- Rev Broadbent said: “There is still more to chitect, site manager of contractors Sally Stra- be done but this is an important landmark chey Historic Conservation, and some of the along the way and we have much to celebrate Rev Hugh Broadbent and the Ven Julie Conalty stonemasons who had carried out the work. and be thankful for.” at the All Saints celebration service Hall poised to be Clerk trial date A DATE has been set to conclude the case against a former clerk at Plans in pipeline for Leybourne Parish Council. bigger and beer Neil Curtis was accused of se- A LONG-held ambition to extend Parish council clerk Maria Mc- curing unauthorised access to the village hall at Leybourne Farlane says the extension will in- computer material while working water treatment works looks set to become a reality by crease the 150 person capacity of for the council. A subsequent po- SOUTH East Water has launched non, who represents Ditton on “Something definitely needs to the end of the year. the hall, make for more flexible use lice investigation saw him charged a consultation into plans that will Tonbridge & Malling Borough be done on the site and I would The parish council, which owns of the hall and allow more than one with three counts of making unau- see part of the former Aylesford Council said. “But this should def- definitely prefer it to be used for in- the building in Little Market Row, function to be held at a time. thorised access, contrary to the Newsprint site turned into a treat- initely be monitored closely, as dustrial reasons.” has been hoping to increase the The current building, which Computer Misuse Act of 1990. ment plant. with all proposals for the site. Announcing the plans, Lee size of the hall since before chair- houses the parish council office, will Mr Curtis, from Cuxton, pleaded The consultation began in Febru- “I would have concerns if it was Dance, head of water resources at man Bob Ulph joined 18 years ago. be operational throughout the not guilty to all counts on May 9 ary, but none of the local council- another sewage facility, considering South East Water, said it was vital He said: “After setting money building project, as the two sections last year and a trial is set to be lors and parish councils the site nearby, but I believe there is to consider a number of factors. aside for nearly 20 years I am ex- will be kept separate up to the point heard at Maidstone Crown Court approached by Downs Mail were already an old water site at ANP for “We are looking far into the fu- cited that we are now close to turn- when they are “knitted together”. on August 6. aware such plans are in place. the operation of the former works ture, right to 2080, to make sure we ing this dream into a reality by Mrs McFarlane said: “The whole The clerk no longer works for They are to be exhibited in Ayles- and it seems like this is similar to have a secure and resilient water creating a much-needed extension idea of the hall is not for profit but the parish council. ford on March 20 and form part of that current facility. supply for homes and businesses, to this important community facil- to serve as much as the community Relationship at the company’s vision to ensure the “More generally, my goal for the while also balancing the needs of ity. We are now very close to start- as possible. We have seen more Plans to rescue area has enough water up to 2080. site is to see a return to employment the environment and keeping cus- ing work.” users booking space for new activ- Plans include a new water treat- use, offering a mixed range of jobs.” tomers’ bills down. The council hopes to put the ities such as martial arts and dance breake ingng pointoint? ment works being put on the site The parish council in Ditton was “The draft plan represents a £1bn scheme out to tender this summer classes in recent months, which is toads on roads and to start the work in the au- great news and we will be promot- TOAD crossings could be intro- by 2023, with a water re-use unaware of the consultation, while investment in water supply infra- The breakdowne of any relationship can be scheme to be developed in the 15 the knowledge of its counterparts structure and has been developed tumn. A budget of £168,000 has ing its availability further in due duced in West Malling in a bid to been set aside to add the new brick course.” very distressine g. protect these endangered amphib- years after that. However, no in Aylesford stretched only as far with input from customers, com- agreement has yet been reached as having received a poster for the munities, other water suppliers and tile block on the grassed area The hall has a licensed bar and is Whitehead Monckton family lawyers can help you ians as they make their way back to at the back of the building. It will the venue for the popular commu- with administrators KPMG over exhibition. and our stakeholders. watercourses to breed. incorporate a stage, new bar area, nity parties held at Halloween and through this stressful and painful time. the acquisition of the site and the But clerk Neil Harris welcomed “It takes into account forecasts of The Kent Reptile and Amphibian and another meeting room, which Christmas, funded by the parish news of the consultation came as a the proposals in principle. future population and housing Group says an increase in building will have a separate access. council. We offerf sensitive, constructive and cost effective and traffic has made this journey surprise to many. “We’re happy to see the develop- growth as well as the uncertainty legal advice. All our lawyersrs are expeexperriencenceded meembermbers particularly hazardous, further “I think there is currently too lit- ment on the site and we appreciate of climate change.” feeding the drastic decline in toad tle information for me to have a that they need to find enough The consultation closes on Tues- Shoppers full of heart for hospice of Resolution, committed to a non-confrontational populations across Europe. clear view on this,” Cllr Tom Can- water for the future,” he said. day, May 21. approach to rese olving family problems. Cali Tardivel, from Kent Toads on Roads, says toad patrols are be- An initial fixed cost meetinngg for just £11000 (inncc VAT)T with coming more common in the Samurai stars ready to county, assisting thousands of am- one of our lalawyers can help yyoouu seesee yyoourur wawayy forrwaward phibians back to breeding grounds face random attackers and understand yyoourur lelegagal positiioonn and ooptptioionsns. after months in hibernation. She said: “We don’t have any of- A NUMBER of ju-jitsu stars who train in Larkfield will be Our offices are in the centtre of , MaMaidstone heading to Holland next month for the European Ran- ficial patrols in West Malling or and Tenterdenden so, ifif yoyouu wantw toto ttakakee thatthat first stepstep to Maidstone, although we are inves- dom Attacks Championships. tigating potential toad crossings in Members of Kent Samurai, ranging from age 11 up to findfindining ooutut your optioptioons siimmppllyy visit our websebsiteite atat: West Malling.” masters level, will be competing in the event from April 16. Visit www.kentarg.org/project/ Coach Rula Metaxas, herself a two-time medallist at wwwwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk kent-toad-patrol/ for more details. the championships, is thrilled with the progress being made. She said: “We’ve got 16 going to Holland. For Canterbury 01227 643266 some of them it’s their third European Championships “I’m from a small village in the North,” she explained. and we’ve got high hopes of bringing medals home. “I went to university in London and I was scared, so I SHOPPERS and staff at Sainsbury’s Store worker Val Danvers-Wright, Maidstone 01622 698051 “The random attacks element is exactly what you spoke to someone who suggested I take it up as a in Larkfield have raised more than whose mother spent her final days Tenterentee rden 01580 767540 might expect – competitors stand on a mat with their method of self-defence. £3,600 for Heart of Kent Hospice. at the hospice, said: “As soon as we back to an attacker, and they then have to react and “Ju-jitsu is the sort of martial arts that police, army Customers voted to adopt the went to see mum, we knew we had wwwww.whitehead-mon-monckt-monckton.coc on.co.u.uk get that attacker to the floor. The judges then decide and prison officers use, so it’s a vital thing. charity six months ago and done the right thing. fundraisers have pulled in £3,688. “The staff were so kind and un- WWhiteheahitehead MoncMonckton Limitemited no. 08366029), registered in who is the best.” “With our women’s classes that’s especially impor- EEnngllanand & Wales. Regiisstered office 72 King Street, Maiidsdstone, Kent, Kent Samurai, which celebrates its 10th anniversary tant because when they would need to use their self-de- A Christmas jumper day, door col- derstanding, they couldn’t have MwwE14 1BwL. . Awuthoriiteheased and regguldula-mted boy tnckton.cohe Solicitors Reggulula.tiounk this year, is the brainchild of Rula who herself took up fence it’s because something they really don’t want to lections and a coin donation drive done more for her. She was treated Authority under no. 608279. Picture: Wendy Smith all helped towards the total. with respect and dignity.” the sport for an unorthodox reason. happen may be about to occur.” DM2016

Malling March 2018 5 News downsmail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk Malling singers pAnothererforming mass incursionVote at Tesco’s to help THE East Malling Singers’ next concert will be Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man (A Mass of Peace). atThe grou Larkfieldp will be performing the rescparkue neglected pond millennium-commissioned work HOPES are high that the public when they take to the stage on Sat- TRAVELLERS have moved back cellersan co simplyme to t movinghe rescu one o tof a taken hi ups- urday, April 14. onto a popular park in Larkfield ttemporaryoric pond in residenceSnodlan elsewhered. in Rehearsals take place on for the second time in six months. theTh area.e pond at The Groves, pictured, Wednesdays during term time at The families - in five caravans - is oHewn said:ed by “TheyTonbr justidge seem& Ma tollin beg the Church of St James the Great, pulled on to Gighill Green in Bdoingoroug theh Co rounds.uncil (TM TheseBC), incidentsbut in re- between 8pm and 10pm. Lunsford Lane on Sunday October chaveent y affectedears has Westbecom Malling,e increa forcingsingly ,,If releasingyou are dogsintere onsted thein popularjoining othever closuregrown. of the village hall, and tpubliche choi openr, con spacetact M andarga settingret Ma upn- Leybourne, and now they are back Residents say the feature is now nwashingerings o linesn 01 within622 67 hours.5592 Itor isf un-or in Larkfield. The police told resi- unsightly and, were it not for the ef- mderstoodore details on the group visit dents that this was a civil trespass forts of volunteers, would be all but wtheww. fami-eastmallingsingers.co.uk. when they reported it and that they lies in- fcouldn’torgotten do. anything and obviously volved theHo councilwever, t officeshe boro wereugh c closedouncil b be-e- Nhavee beents practice lcauseieves t itha wast the theshor weekend.tage of fun Theseding PofferingREPARATIONS have already ttravellerso clear th knowe pond andcan playbe b theridg sys-ed ‘Spooktacular’ at the farm streetarte fellingd for Cricket atem.”nd has nominated the project for a services to Club's 2018 season. TesTheco council’sgrant to legalclea teamr ve servedgetatio ann, MAKE the most of the October half-term holiday at Heritage residents eviction notice but it took a week to The club, which plays friendlies plant a new boundary hedge and Farm Park’s Halloween Spooktacular in Maidstone. in the area. enforce. Cllr Thornewell held talks A spokesman said: “We will con- Customers can vote for the proj- throughout the summer, have install habitat boxes. It is now look- Brave kids are invited to the vintage village to knock on doors and Parish with Engineering in an tindiscoverue rout whoine –m orain whattena –n isce lurkingof the behindect a themt Tes fromco E Octoberxpress 21-31.in London begun their nets at Maplesden ing for customers using Tesco’s council effort to increase security further on site,Thelike award-winningcutting grass an attractiond emptyi atng Sandling,Road, a nearnd th Maidstone,e Lunsford hasPar ak fewExtra, Noakes School. stores in Larkfield to vote for the chairman the public land, near the M20. biotherns, bu trickst this m upo itsney sleevewoul tod a turnllow itsus usualbot exhibitsh in La intorkfie frighteningld, until Monday, New players are welcome, and project. David Thornewell says more has to Valdemar Kalinin (pictured), of tofarmhousescarry out th andis m horrifyingajor work homes., which YoungstersApril 30. can try pumpkin carving, fbeor i donenform toat stopion c theonta travellingct the cap com-tain, TMBC says the pond is a valuable wtheild Nationallife refug Gypsy-Traveller-Romae, but its funds have wdressinge hope th upe andcom themun Uglyity c Bugould Ball.get The pond, which can be reached Dmunityan Vall runningance, on circles07733 around222651 theor Council said recently that local been drastically cut. If successful in invoOnlve Octoberd in. 25, there will be more spookyfrom T goings-onhe Grove withs an Kentd St LifeBendict’s epolicemail c andavm localan197 [email protected]. councils must provide designated its bid for Tesco’s Bags of Help, it After“If we Dark,aren’t successful, we would Road, dates back to 1838 when it He says the job of moving on trav- traveller sites or “tolerated zone” This event includes a spine-chilling tour suitable for under-eights from believes the much-needed work continue to struggle on, doing as was a feature of The Groves Farm. ellersFin ford t ahe secondlatest l timeocal willnews runat into which gypsy convoys can move 5-6pm and, for older visitors, from 7-8pm. thousands of pounds The last inci- could be carried out in as little as12 much as we can with the aid of vol- The farm was developed with www.downsmail.co.uk onto. He said: “It comes down to If you would like to know more about any of the above, call 01622 dent, in early summer, costing the mracialonths prejudice. against this com- un763936.teers.” houses in the 1900s. parish council £1,200, with the trav- munity.” WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C? DON’T REPLACE THEM MAINTAIN THEM! MAINTAINING YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS & DOORS IS CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN REPLACING. UPGRADING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BFRC A & B RATED GLASS WILL HELP SAVE YOU MONEY ON BILLS. Fairdeal are local specialists in the repair, upgrade and maintenance of double glazed windows and doors. We repair PVCu, Aluminium & Timber  Fogged double glazed  Local Authority Approved glass units - replaced  NO Call out charge with with energy rated glass Free Quotations & Advice  Handles & mechanisms repaired & replaced We were pleased with the work Fairdeal Windows previously carried out on our porch, so we  Window and door hinges and stays “went back to them for windows. We are very pleased with the windows and the installers. We  couldn't fault the work they carried out plus they left everything clean and tidy. Thanks to all Leak and draught repairs the staff too. ” Mr H. - Snodland We supply & install windows, doors & conservatories including UPVC fascias, soffits & guttering ¥ Call 01622 902005 FOR FAST FRIENDLY QUOTES & ADVICE www.fairdealwindows.co.uk Celebrating over 25 years of continuous trading Find us at: Unit K, Orchard Business Centre, 20/20 Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent ME16 0JZ

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6 Malling October 2017 6 Malling March 2018 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk Business Focus Malling singers How to fixx uncomfortableuncomfuncomffoortortable or slipping glasses performing mass Vote at Tesco’s to help M'R\RXHYHU¿QG\RXUJODVVHVIHHOLQJ'R\RXoHYHsU ¿tQG \aRXXUcU JOcDVVuHV IIHHrHOLaQJ tZZKLFKZHLJKOHVVWKDQJVRWKH\IHHOeKL FKtZrHLJeK OHaVV WtKDDQQmJeVR nWKH\tIIHHH Ofor sight loss THE East Malling Singers’ next ByKHDY\KHD theY\ time RQRQ we\ \RXUR XreachU IID IDFHD 80FH  yearsF FRQVWDQWO\RQ VofWD age,QWO\ photographsLLQFUHGLEO\OLJKWRQ\RXUQRVHDQGHDUVQFUHGLEO\OLJ mostKW RQ \opticiansRXU QRVH oDfQfer)G HD canUV and easier to manage. Ask our concert will be Karl Jenkins’ The 1VOLSSLQJVO LinS S10LQ JofG GRZQ usRZ willQ \ \RXU RhaveXU  QRVHQ developedRVH R RUU Z ZRUVH RthisUVH detect77KHKHV VLPSOLFLW\ LPchangesSOLFLW\ R RIasI WKHWsmallKH  GHVLJQVGH VasLJ Q1000thV H HQVXUHVQVXXU UofHV Optometrists about your particular case Armed Man (A Mass of Peace). sight-threateningWWKH\KXUWEHKLQG\RXUHDUV"KH\KXUUWW EHKLQG condition, \RXXUU HDUV so" it helps aEEHDXWLIXO Hmm.DDXXWLIIX XFarO O OLJKWZHLJKWsmallerLJKWWZZHL JthanKW  aIIU IUDPHV UDDPhumanPHV  eyeDDQ DQGQG for advice. The group will be performing the rescue neglected pond for you to be informed about what to can//LQGEHUJ¶VLQ GeverEHUJ ¶detect.VV VLJQDWXUH LUsingJQDWWXXU Hthis technologyV VFUHZOHVVFUHZOHVV  millennium-commissioned work HOPES are high that the public do$$UHU Hto \\RXhelpRX  IIH IHGHpreventG  XSXXSS Z ZLWKglaucomaLWK  WKHWWKKH  silentlyV VFUHZVFUHZV weKKLQJHVLQ JcanHV P PHDQVnowHDDQQ Vdetect IIH IHZHUHZH Uglaucoma D DGMXVWPHQWVGGMMXVWP HandQQWWV  DDQ DQGseeQG Can what you eat and how you when they take to the stage on Sat- can come to the rescue of an his- stealingZZRUNLQJORRVHRUDUH\RXUVSHFWDFOHVRUUNNLQ JyourORRV H sight.RU DUH \IfR XyouU VS HhaveFWDFO HaV progressionWWLJKWHQLQJLJKWHQLQJV VHVVLRQVfarHVV LearlierRQV  QRQ thanR VFUHZVVF Ubefore.”HZV U ULYHWVLYHWV exercise affect your glaucoma? urday, April 14. toric pond in Snodland. familyQQRWVLWWLQJULJKW"RWVLW WLhistorQJ ULJyK, W"are diabetic, are of RRUZHOGVWRZRUNORRVHJLYLQJ\RXORQJUZHOGV WR ZRUN ORRVH JLYLQJ \RX ORQJ There is some evidence suggesting Rehearsals take place on The pond at The Groves, pictured, Wednesdays during term time at black, African or Caribbean descent, WhatOODVWLQJDVWLQJ a TXDOLW\TrXeD OtheLW\ latest7 7KHKH  UDQJHU DtQrJeatmentsH  ZKLFKZKLFK K KDVfoDrV that regular exercise can reduce eye is owned by Tonbridge & Malling the Church of St James the Great, or,I,I are WKHWKH very DQVZHUDQVZ short-sightedHU  LVLV YesYes WRWR you DQ\DQ\ have RIRI WKHWKanH glaucoma?ZRQZRQ  LQWHUQDWLRQDOLQ WAHUrQeD WLdRrQopsDO  G GHVLJQstillHVLJ Qthe DDZ DZDUGVZ bestDUGV pressure (IOP) on its own, and can Borough Council (TMBC), but in re- between 8pm and 10pm. increasedDERYH\RXQHHGWRFDUU\RQUHDGLQJDERYH\R riskX Q HofHG developing WR FDUUUUU\\ RQ glaucoma UHDGLQJ answer?DQGDQG LQFOXGHVLQFOXGHV E EHDXWLIXOO\HDXWLIIXXOO\  KDQGKDQG F FUDIWHGUDIIWWHG alsoPPHDVXUHDQG¿W\RXUIUDPHV(QVXULQJHD VhaveXXUUHDDQ QaG positive¿W \RXU IIUimpactUDDPPHV on(Q VotherXXUULQJ  cent years has become increasingly If you are interested in joining so things you learn in this article could EyeWWLWDQLXPLWDQ LdropsXP W WKURXJKtoKUKU RlowerXJK  WRWtheR D DFHWDWH FpressureHWDDWWH D DQGQ ofG  the WKHWKH glaucoma\\RXRXQ QRWRW R RQO\QriskO\ O ORRNRRfactorsN J JRRGRR G includingD DQGQG IIH IHHOHHO overgrown. the choir, contact Margaret Man- just save your sight. diabetes and high blood pressure. Residents say the feature is now $$OLVGDLUOLVGDLU% %XFKDQDQXFKDQDDQQ R RII DDZ DZDUGZDUG Z ZLQQLQJLQQLQJ OODWHVWDDWWHVW1 12:2: IIU IUDPHVUDDPPHV Z ZKLFKKLFK K KDYHDDYYH DDQ DQQ FFRPIRUWDEOHRPIIRRUWDDEEOHE EXWXW D DOVROVR K KDYHDYH W WKHKH E EHVWHVW nerings on 01622 675592 or for line of treatment for glaucoma. In most Some forms of glaucoma (such as unsightly and, were it not for the ef- ..HQW2SWLFLDQV%XFKDQDQ2SWRPHWULVWVHQW2SWLFLDDQQV %XFKDQDDQQ 2SWRPHWULVWV DDPD]LQJO\PD]LQJO\ WKLQWKLQ F FRPSRVLWHRPSRVLWH IIU IURQWURQW DDQ DQGQG YYLVLRQSRVVLEOH1RWMXVWOLJKWRQ\RXULVLRQSRVVLEOH 1RW MXVW OLJKW RQ \RXU  more details on the group visit forts of volunteers, would be all but WhatUHYHDOVUHYHDO Vis WKHWK Hthe  VHFUHWVH FbestUHW  WRW RwayW WUXO\UXO \ toF FRPIRUWDEOHR PdiagnoseIIRRUWUWDDEEOH cases,WLWDQLXPVLGHVJLYLQJ\RXVW\OHFRPIRUWWLWDQLX PdropsVLGH V canJLYL QworkJ \RX VveryWW\\OH  FwellRPIIR RatUW closed-angle)QQRVHEXWRQ\RXUSRFNHWWRRRVHEXXWW RQ \ RareXU  SnotRFN responsiveHW WRR  to the www.eastmallingsingers.co.uk. forgotten. glaucoma,VVSHFWDFOHVDQGH[SODLQVZK\WKH4XHHQSHFWDFOHVDDQ QGsave H[S ODyouLQV Zr K\sight WKH 4 XandHHQ stabilisingDQGDQGV VWUHQJWKWWUUHQJ theWK condition (YHU\(YHU\ IIU IUDPH UandDPH preventing  LVLV PDGHPDGH e88QWLOffectsQWLO WWKHKofH exercise,H HQGQG R RII 22FWREHUandFWR EotherHU % %XFKDQDQ typesXFKDDQQ DofQ  However, the borough council be- monito%%UDGUDG3 3LWWLrW Wthe 6 6LPRQ Lcondition?PRQ & &RZHOORZHOO D DQGQG 5 5LFKDUGLFKDUG furtherLLQGLYLGXDOO\QGLYLGGX Xprogression.DOO\IIR IRURU \ \RX RHoweveX P PHDQLQJHDrQ, LQtheyJ \ \RXdoRX glaucoma22SWRPHWULVWVDUHRIIHULQJ\RXDOLPLWHGSWRPHWUL V(pigmentaryWVDUH RIIIIIHHUL Qglaucoma)J \RX D OLP mayLWHG  Nets practice lieves that the shortage of funding You can lose 40% of your vision before notFFDQDDQQ workF FKRRVHKRR forVH  everyO OHQVHQV  VVKDSHVcase,KDDSSH Vand F FRORXUV RsomeORXUV haveDDQ DQGQG developWWLPHLPHR RIIHUIII IIHaH U temporary RIRI 20% increaseOFF H[FOXVLYHH [inFO XIOVLYPH  **HUHDOORSWIRURQHW\SHRIJODVVHVHUHDOO RSW IIRRU RQH W\SH RI JODVVHV  unpleasant side effects. Drops can also after vigorous exercise. So check with PREPARATIONS have already to clear the pond can be bridged ³³6SHFWDFOHV6SHFWDFOHVD DUHUH R RQHQH R RII W WKHKH IIH IHZHZ W WKLQJVKLQJV PPDWHULDOVWRVXLW\RXWKHFRPELQDWLRQVDDWWHULDOVWR VXLW \RX WKH FRPELQDWLRQV /LQGEHUJIUDPHV/LQGEHUJIIUUDPHV started for Wateringbury Cricket and has nominated the project for a eye test may detect. Earlier detection is be hard to administer for some people. your Optometrist to see if exercise can Tesco grant to clear vegetation, possible\\RXRX ZHDUZHD Uand  HYHU\HY HcanU\  GD\GhelpD\ VRV Ryou VKRXOGVK RpreventXOG E EHH anyR RQHQH ThereforeDDUHDOPRVWHQGOHVVPHDQLQJRXUH[SHUWUHDOPRV Wnew HQG OtreatmentsHVV PHDQLQ whichJ RXU Havoid[SHUWUW help'RQ¶W'RQ ¶you.W PLVVPLVV  WKLVWKLV  GHDGOLQHGHDGOLQH  FDOOFDOO  QRZQRZ  RQRQ Club's 2018 season. RIRI WKHWKH PRVWPRVW F FRPIRUWDEOHRPIIRRUWDEOH D DQGQG E EHDXWLIXOHDDXXWLIIXXO VVWDIIWDIIII FDQFDQ KHOSKHOS  \RX\RX FKRVHFKRVH  \RXU\RXU S SHUIHFWHUIIHHFW    DQGDQG WUHDWWWUUHDW  \RXU\RXU  IDFHIIDDFH  The club, which plays friendlies plant a new boundary hedge and sight loss. Award-winning Buchanan eye drops have become increasingly To assess your risk or monitor your A spokesman said: “We will con- Customers can vote for the proj- ORRN%XFKDQDQ2SWRPHWULVWVKDYHRQHORRN%XFKDQDDQQ 2SWRPHWWUULVWV KDYH RQH WRWR VSHFWDFOHVVSHFWDFOHV VRVR LQFUHGLEO\LQFUHGLEO\ OLJKWOLJKW DQGDQG throughout the summer, have install habitat boxes. It is now look- OptometristsWKLQJVWWKKLQJV\ \RXRX R RZQ ZofQfer \ \HW aH WglaucomaP PDQ\DDQQ\ S SHRSOHH UltimateRSOH  SXWSXW popular. Laser treatments, stents, condition book a glaucoma Ultimate tinue routine maintenance of the ect at Tesco Express in London begun their nets at Maplesden ing for customers using Tesco’s OphthalmicXSZLWKXQQHFHVVDU\GLVFRPIRUW´:LWKXSZLWWKK XQQ HFexaminationHVVDDUU\ GLVFR PwhichIIRRUW´ ::LcanLWK operationsRRIIWWK WKHKH O ODUJHVWDDUU JandHVW  VHOHFWLRQVVnewHOHF WLdrugsRQV RIR Imay /LQGEHUJ/LQ GmakeEHUJ OphthalmicFRPIRUWDEOHFRPIIRRUWDDEEOH  \RX\examinationRX FDQFDDQQ HYHQHYH Q at IRUJHWIIRR UJaward-HW  \RX\RX site, like cutting grass and emptying Road, and the Lunsford Park Extra, Noakes School. stores in Larkfield to vote for the WKLVLQPLQG'DQLVKGHVLJQHU/LQGEHUJWWKKLVLQ PLQG 'DQLVK GHVLJQHU /LQGEHUJ  IIUIUDPHVUDPHVL LQQ W WKHKH 8 8.. DDQ DQGQG  RQO\RQO\ X XVHVH IIX IXOO\XOO\ DUHZHDULQJWKHPDDUUHZHDDUULQJ WWKKHP bins, but this money would allow us both in Larkfield, until Monday, provide an earlier diagnosis as well as winning Buchanan Optometrists. New players are welcome, and project. KDVFUHDWHGDUDQJHRIIUDPHVPRVWRIKDVFUHDDWWHG D UDDQQJH RI IIUUDDPPHV PRVW RI TXDOL¿HGRSWLFLDQVWRKHOS\RXFKRRVHTXDOL¿HGRSWLFLDQV WR KHOS \RX FKRRVH  to carry out this major work, which April 30. assessing your risk and monitoring the for information contact the captain, TMBC says the pond is a valuable we hope the community could get The pond, which can be reached condition. Alisdair Buchanan explains Save your sight Dan Vallance, on 07733 222651 or wildlife refuge, but its funds have Unique LimitedLimited TimeTime Offer involved in. from The Groves and St Bendict’s the best way to detect tiny changes in email [email protected]. been drastically cut. If successful in Book you Guaranteer Glaucoma Eye your Examinationr 20% discount, now Call Now its bid for Tesco’s Bags of Help, it “If we aren’t successful, we would Road, dates back to 1838 when it your optic nerves is through Heidelbe20%r gOFF believes the much-needed work continue to struggle on, doing as was a feature of The Groves Farm. GMPE OCT scanning andEnds assessment 31st October 2017 Find the latest local news at could be carried out in as little as12 much as we can with the aid of vol- The farm was developed with by an experienced optometrist. “A 01732 61755701732 617557 www.downsmail.co.uk months. unteers.” houses in the 1900s. 0DOOLQJ 5RDG 6QRGODQG .HQW 0( 1% 3D scan (very different to the retinal 56 Malling Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5NB

Malling October 2017 7 Malling March 2018 7 News downsmail.co.uk Four arrests in car parts probe FOUR men have been arrested in Maidstone by police officers inves- tigating reports of thefts from cars. Night-time patrols have been stepped up in the area after a num- ber of incidents in recent months where cars have been broken into during hours of darkness – with a number of steering wheels being taken from BMWs. Local residents and school pupils demonstrate against the proposed sand quarry Picture: James Rowland Officers on patrol on Tuesday, March 6, saw a car in what police say was “suspicious circum- stances” in the Residents rally to halt area, and later stopped it on the M20, where a number of tools and gloves were seized. Two men, aged 33 and 23 and quarry plan for village from Ilford in Essex, were arrested on suspicion of theft from motor vehicles and going equipped to RESIDENTS from Addington, live beneath a carcinogenic dust concerned about the environmen- steal, but subsequently released Leybourne and Birling turned out cloud for the next 30 years.” tal impact, especially animal habi- under investigation. to support Ryarsh villagers cam- Addington campaigners were tats that would be destroyed, and The following day, a car that was paigning against the prospect of a also upset that a footpath crossing the health impact on local resi- being driven erratically was 15-hectare sand quarry within the proposed site would be af- dents, including children playing stopped by patrols on Andrew their midst. fected, breaking a vital foot link outside at school.” Broughton Way in the town centre The united show of support saw with Ryarsh that has been used for She added: “All the parents I at around 11.20pm. nearly 400 people turn out to the decades. have spoken to are united in their A quantity of tools, car parts, site, on Roughetts Road, which is Youngsters from Ryarsh Primary opposition to this proposal.” keys and number plates was seized suggested as the site for a possible School also supported the demon- The RPG is now in regular con- and two local men, aged 26 and 32, sand quarry in the county council’s stration, which has seen more than tact with local MP Tom Tugenhadt. were arrested on suspicion of theft minerals’ extraction plan. half a dozen banners calling for the Mr Nankiviell said: “We will for motor vehicles. Mark Nankivell, vice-chair of the idea to be thrown out erected at fight the idea until it is rejected by They remain in police custody newly-created Ryarsh Protection key points in the village. KCC.” while the investigation is ongoing. Group (RPG), told Downs Mail: The head at Ryarsh School, Ruth He hopes at least 500 letters of “The resistance is growing. Austin, said: “Lion class, which has objection will be received by Kent “We were overwhelmed by the been learning about the sand County Council before the consul- Girls go wild show of support. quarry as part of their local study, tation closes on March 29. LARKFIELD Ladies FC have been “Those who will be living near has written letters of objection to KCC says the proposed site, chosen to run a new initiative to get such a quarry, if approved, are KCC, stating that their views which backs on to West Malling primary school girls into football. waking up to the idea that this should be considered and not over- golf course, is a potential source of The 16-week Wildcats Centre would be in the heart of a residen- looked just because of their age. 3.6 million tonnes of much-needed programme starts on Thursday, tial area, and would force them to “Our youngsters are particularly soft and silica sand. April 12. The initiative is designed by the Football Association and sponsors SSE and will be held at Larkfield Refit comes at right time for Spitfire pub and New Hythe sportsground, NEWS that the only pub in Kings Hill parish council, said: “It was getting the site of a former Battle of Britain with an all-female coaching team is undergoing a £1m refit has been to the stage where it needed a refit RAF base. It also shares that name and special guests and events each welcomed. and I’m looking forward to seeing with the brewers’ flagship range of week. The Spitfire closed its doors on how it looks when it reopens.” beers. The £1 sessions will be from March 4 and is not expected to re- “It really is important that we The ground floor, which is cur- 5.30pm to 6.30pm and no team open until the end of April. have a focal point for the people rently open plan, will be divided into commitment, experience or ability Opened in 1999, the Shepherd who live here to meet, and Shepherd three separate dining areas around is required. Neame pub is one of the major Neame certainly know what they a new central bar during the works, To register or for more details, meeting points on the development. are doing.” while the first floor will be turned email [email protected], Tony Petty, chairman of Kings Hill The pub is so named as it is on into a function room with its own find them on Twitter or Facebook bar, which will be able to accommo- or visit www.larkfieldfc.com. date up to 100 people. Two smaller function rooms will also be refur- Egg trail event bished. Outside, a new covered dining ter- YOUNGSTERS in Birling will have race for up to 40 people will be in- the chance to take part in an Easter stalled plus a new awning at the egg trail on Saturday, March 31. front of the pub, covering a new din- The event, in aid of All Saints ing area for 16 people. Church in the village, will start at Nigel Bunting, director of retail 10am. and tenanted operations at Shep- As well as the egg trail for herd Neame, said: “This year marks youngsters under 11, there will be the 100th anniversary of the RAF, so an easter bonnet prize, a raffle, re- we seem to have chosen a fitting freshments and a cake stall. time to reinvigorate this popular Entry is £3. For more details, visit Shepherd Neame is giving its Spitfire pub at Kings Hill a £1m refit pub.” http://fab-allsaints.com/

8 Malling March 2018 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk Business Focus Four arrests in New train boost Carol’s crochet poppy tribute car parts probe MORE than 2,000 handmade poppies have been handed in as part of a FOUR men have been arrested in Are you getting thechallenge b toe producest sight test? Maidstone by police officers inves- Is your eyesight important? as early as possible.a magicalMost carpetof the of tigating reports of thefts from cars. for commutersequipment we use is onlyremembrance. available in a However, Tonbridge Night-time patrols have been What would you do without it? handful of practices around the country. stepped up in the area after a num- MoreTHE often complaints than not of commutersa visit toSevenoaks. the “This in turn leads to and Malling Borough ber of incidents in recent months using morning peak Southeastern overcrowdingHoweve on thoser, the peak most serv- crucialCouncil, whichpiece of optician involves walking in, sitting equipment we use is ourlaunched ears. theWe appeal, take where cars have been broken into down,services waiting from around, West Malling being ap- rushedices and we have been campaign- during hours of darkness – with a pear to have been heard. ing for manythe time years to for listen a major to yoursay concerns many more areand needed. number of steering wheels being into aSoutheastern darkened hasroom announced to read 68 someupgrade forproblems the Maidstone and line,” then he ascertain the best Local residents and school pupils demonstrate against the proposed Ryarsh sand quarry Picture: James Rowland letterscarriages on a chart, are to a be light added shone to the in said.your It hopes the public taken from BMWs. way to resolve these. willYou rally will to the never cause Officers on patrol on Tuesday, eyesbusiest and a servicesnew pair leaving of specs. Maidstone He says the transfer of 10-year- East from mid-September. old stock tofeel replace rushed the present at Buchanan age- and Optometrists. crochet poppies March 6, saw a car in what police for the final say was “suspicious circum- Is thisThe the extra best carriages care fo –r transferred your eyes?ing and unreliableTaking the trains time is good ensures you get the leaders in treatments for dry or watery from Thameslink and Southern news - and comes ahead of a bigger collection on October stances” in the Penenden Heath best care, advice and the most beautiful eyes, early glaucoma detection and Residents rally to halt Alisdairservices Buchanan - will provide of an extraBuchananupgrade of the service in December 23. The poppy carpet area, and later stopped it on the Optometrists5,000 seats forin commutersKent was travel- voted2018. UK spectacles available. Ywillou beare unveiled after on all Meares Irlen syndrome to name a M20, where a number of tools and Optometristling into London, of the addressing year long-2017; Mrhe Johnson a walking said: “This advert will pro- for us.Friday, The October range 27, of few. My team of staff have been with gloves were seized. at Tonbridge Castle explainsstanding what overcrowding they do di issues.fferently atvide his a smallstunningly but welcome beautiful increase spectacle frames me for many years assuring you of Two men, aged 33 and 23 and The transfer, which should be in capacity and a more comfortable at the start of this quarry plan for village practice: “From the moment you has been chosen for theiryear’s style, Royal quality British continuity of care. My practice has from Ilford in Essex, were arrested complete by November, was ap- environment for passengers. on suspicion of theft from motor walkproved through by thethe Department door, you for notice“The second,and comfort. more dramatic Weup- haveLegion dealt Poppy with our been in Snodland for over 57 years vehicles and going equipped to RESIDENTS from Addington, live beneath a carcinogenic dust concerned about the environmen- we doTransport, things which very has di beenfferently working to grade,most willframe come in artisans 12 months’ for time manyAppeal. years Knitted ensuring or – a good heritage! There are good steal, but subsequently released Leybourne and Birling turned out cloud for the next 30 years.” tal impact, especially animal habi- opticians.with SoutheasternThe warm and welcome, Govia when the the existing service will be crocheted poppies reasons we have become one of the to support Ryarsh villagers cam- Addington campaigners were tats that would be destroyed, and Thameslink Railway. supplemented with an all-day half can be any size and under investigation. relaxing smell, the beautifully support of our products. We do not just most awarded opticians in the UK – The following day, a car that was paigning against the prospect of a also upset that a footpath crossing the health impact on local resi- It will bring more air condi- hourly service between Maidstone follow any pattern, do eye tests and spectacles.and can W bee are handed Book your appointment to see why. being driven erratically was 15-hectare sand quarry within the proposed site would be af- dents, including children playing appointedtioned, modernsurroundings, carriages into the serv- fantasticEast via London Bridge and Kings in at Larkfield Library, stopped by patrols on Andrew their midst. fected, breaking a vital foot link outside at school.” teas iceand on theco Maidstoneffees and East that line, withis beforeCross/St Pancras to Cambridge.” some peak-time trains doubling in Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom in Martin Square and Broughton Way in the town centre The united show of support saw with Ryarsh that has been used for She added: “All the parents I we even start on your eyes. You see, Join the thousands of happy clients nearly 400 people turn out to the decades. have spoken to are united in their length. Tugendhat said: “For years, pas- Snodland or West Malling libraries in the High Street. Carol King at around 11.20pm. everything that we do in my practice (pictured), who lives near , has made hundreds of poppies site, on Roughetts Road, which is Youngsters from Ryarsh Primary opposition to this proposal.” Roger Johnson, from the Rail sengers haveBook suffered fromyou over-r Ultimate Eye Examination now A quantity of tools, car parts, crowded services in West Kent and for the display. She said: “It has been a pleasure to be involved. It suggested as the site for a possible School also supported the demon- The RPG is now in regular con- is orchestratedTravellers’ Association, to be the says best. over- That is keys and number plates was seized whycrowding we have on theinvested Maidstone hundreds East I’ve of campaigned on this for a long doesn’t take long to crotchet each one and I’m glad to be supporting and two local men, aged 26 and 32, sand quarry in the county council’s stration, which has seen more than tact with local MP Tom Tugenhadt. thousandsline has forof yearspounds seen railin passen- equipmenttime. I’m pleased that the govern-01732Royal British 617557 Legion in this way. I can’t wait to see the final display!” were arrested on suspicion of theft minerals’ extraction plan. half a dozen banners calling for the Mr Nankiviell said: “We will gers heading for other mainline sta- ment has allowed Southeastern to for motor vehicles. Mark Nankivell, vice-chair of the idea to be thrown out erected at fight the idea until it is rejected by to looktions after at Paddockyour eyes, Wood to ensure and secure any these carriages.” 56 Malling Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5NB They remain in police custody newly-created Ryarsh Protection key points in the village. KCC.” conditions or problems are detected while the investigation is ongoing. Group (RPG), told Downs Mail: The head at Ryarsh School, Ruth He hopes at least 500 letters of “The resistance is growing. Austin, said: “Lion class, which has objection will be received by Kent Girls go wild “We were overwhelmed by the been learning about the sand County Council before the consul- show of support. quarry as part of their local study, tation closes on March 29. For all your bathroom needs LARKFIELD Ladies FC have been “Those who will be living near has written letters of objection to KCC says the proposed site, chosen to run a new initiative to get such a quarry, if approved, are KCC, stating that their views which backs on to West Malling primary school girls into football. waking up to the idea that this should be considered and not over- golf course, is a potential source of www.tdlonline.co.uk Please quote DM30 to receive a 30% discount The 16-week Wildcats Centre would be in the heart of a residen- looked just because of their age. 3.6 million tonnes of much-needed on new quotes and orders placed. Not to be used in conjunction with other offers. Valid until end October 2017. programme starts on Thursday, tial area, and would force them to “Our youngsters are particularly soft and silica sand. April 12. The initiative is designed by the Football Association and sponsors SSE and will be held at Larkfield Refit comes at right time for Spitfire pub and New Hythe sportsground, NEWS that the only pub in Kings Hill parish council, said: “It was getting the site of a former Battle of Britain with an all-female coaching team is undergoing a £1m refit has been to the stage where it needed a refit RAF base. It also shares that name and special guests and events each welcomed. and I’m looking forward to seeing with the brewers’ flagship range of week. The Spitfire closed its doors on how it looks when it reopens.” beers. The £1 sessions will be from March 4 and is not expected to re- “It really is important that we The ground floor, which is cur- 5.30pm to 6.30pm and no team open until the end of April. have a focal point for the people rently open plan, will be divided into commitment, experience or ability Opened in 1999, the Shepherd who live here to meet, and Shepherd three separate dining areas around is required. Neame pub is one of the major Neame certainly know what they a new central bar during the works, To register or for more details, meeting points on the development. are doing.” while the first floor will be turned email [email protected], Tony Petty, chairman of Kings Hill The pub is so named as it is on into a function room with its own find them on Twitter or Facebook bar, which will be able to accommo- or visit www.larkfieldfc.com. date up to 100 people. Two smaller function rooms will also be refur- Complete suites from £250 Egg trail event bished. Outside, a new covered dining ter- Baths • Showers • Basins • WCs • Accessories YOUNGSTERS in Birling will have race for up to 40 people will be in- Heating the chance to take part in an Easter stalled plus a new awning at the egg trail on Saturday, March 31. Approved Specialist Plumbing front of the pub, covering a new din- Showroom The event, in aid of All Saints ing area for 16 people. Bathrooms Church in the village, will start at Nigel Bunting, director of retail 10am. and tenanted operations at Shep- Call: Visit: www.tdlonline.co.uk As well as the egg trail for herd Neame, said: “This year marks 01622 716758 youngsters under 11, there will be the 100th anniversary of the RAF, so OPEN: Mon - Fri 7.30-17.00 Sat 8.00-12.00 an easter bonnet prize, a raffle, re- we seem to have chosen a fitting freshments and a cake stall. time to reinvigorate this popular 146 High St, Kent ME12 1UB – 01795 665106 Entry is £3. For more details, visit Shepherd Neame is giving its Spitfire pub at Kings Hill a £1m refit pub.” Oasis Plumbing & Heating http://fab-allsaints.com/ 182-184 Rainham Rd, Chatham Kent ME5 7EN – 01634 572162

14 Malling October 2017 Malling March 2018 9 Town Talk Local news for Snodland and Halling

News downsmail.co.uk MohammedFriends from in Peridise with cafe YOU can now get a taste of years,”G hey said.m’s brave life savers “Peridise”Franc ate Brooklandto vi Lakesit car “Robert Beswarick at Hicks parkSNOD afterLAN theD’s cafetwin therening wasassoc re-ia- knew I was looking for some- opened.tion is planning to welcome their where to work for myself and he friBakhtiyarends from MohammedFrance in M –ay known– and put me on to the cafe. If you pro- are on the lookout for new mem- win ambulance award by his second name – has re- vide good food and give a good bers. opened the premises as Peridise serviceFOUR s peopletaff me willmbe users a you.”t a gym in PeriTh Peri.e town has been twinned with The cafe, which was originally Moyeuvre-Grande, in Northern Kings Hill have won an award He moved to in 2000 builtafter s foravi thoseng a ma usingn's life Leybourne. France, for more than 30 years, and and lived in Ritch Road, Snod- Lakes,David isL openloyd’s fromgener Mondayal manag toer the association enjoys regular land, before moving to Maidstone FridayLauren betweenMortime 11.30amr and st andaff m 2pmem- meetings with those from across (L-r): Lauren a year ago. andbers weekendsBeth Alexa fromnder, 11.30amSarah De untilnnis the Channel. Mortimer, Mohammed, who has worked at 10.30pm.and Liviu Fidulu were honoured at The next of these meeting sees Sarah Den- Rezalis in Snodland, A&D Fish- thTheree Sout ish seatingEast Co outsideast Am thebul cafeance eriesmemb iners Dittonof the andFrenc Bigh co Ben’sntinge innt nis, Beth and(SEC aA freemb) deliveryawards a service.t Turkey Mill in Maidstone,visiting. is relishing the chance Alexander Maidstone last month. toA branchnyone outinter onest hised i own.n joining the Pictured right, Mohammed serves a and Liviu Lauren said: “It’s so rewarding “I had enough working for peo- takeaway to Tim Parrett of Birling Fidulu with twinning association should call that our team were able to be in- ple, I had been doing it for 17 Road, Snodland SECAmb Paul Hickmott on 01634 242875 or strumental in saving someone’s life. Veronica Tipp on 01634 240958. chief execu- “I am so proud of them and how tive Daren well they dealt with this situation.” Mochrie Conversion work GymChairwomanmember Steve Beal col- Bridget WORK was due to start on the Charity funds lapsed following cardiac arrest at “It was an outstanding effort by ChinaThre Chapse param buildingedics and inthe Holbor-air am- the gymhandson June 26 last overyear. STARAeveryone at the clu reinsb,” he said, after oughbulanc Road,e helpe Snodland,d to stabilise asSte Townve be- raised at lunch StaffBRIDGETsprang into Corkactio hasn and resignedbe- nom afterinatin fourg th yearse quar astet chair-for the Talkfore wenthe wa tos t press.aken to William Harvey MORE than £150 was raised for the fore thwomane first re ofsp Snodlandonder from TownSE- Activeaward Retirement. Association. HTheospi companytal, Ashfor hasd, an movedd he ha itss s HQince Bridge Trust at an enjoyable char- CAmb aSherrived is, t picturedhey had a receivinglready a“T thankhey did youevery giftthin fromg they Alanshould tom theade Highan am Streetazing andreco thevery work. will ity lunch in on Febru- begunChampion,CPR (cardio STARApulmon viceary r chairman.e- as a team and gave Steve the best be“ toIt convertwas just theincr groundedible w floorhat e retailvery- ary 20. suscitatioChrisn) an Bosmand admin hasistere replacedd a cha Bridgetnce of su asrviv chairman,al so we cou whileld con- unitone d intoid,” h threee said. smaller“I’m so g units,rateful a. A total of £160 went to the Ton- shock tBriano his he Alvisart wi hasth th becomee club's de secretary,- tinue his succeedingtreatment. Edith Fen- change“Every ofb usereat ofh I thetak firste no floorw is toa bridge-based charity, which helps fibrillatton,or. the secretary for the last“ eightThe a years.ctions of everyone at the twobonu one-bedrooms.” flats and the single homeless people on the He wasAlanalrea continuesdy breathin asg b they him association’s- scene prior viceto ou chairman,r arrival w Johnas vital conversionThe four ofre existingceived a andChi newef Ex roofecu- streets in west Kent. The charity self, anFilmerd stud asent treasurerparamedic andPhi Yvonnel and sh Wilsonows how asim membershipportant it is that spacetive’s intoCom twome bedsits.ndation The– ware-Public has housed more than 700 people Parrishsecretary., who was the first respon- people learn CPR. They should all houseComm toen thedat rearion a oft t thehe a buildingwards c willere- since 1991. der, was impressed. be very proud.” becomemony for at two-bedroomheir efforts. dwelling. Snodland Fencing CLARKES FUNERAL * Local family run Antique & Fine Artbusiness Auctioneers over 20 SERVICE years (R.G. KINSBURY M.M.S.Dip) • Free valuations • Regular fine & general auctions * All Types of • Probate & Insurance specialistsfencing • Home & gatesvisits at WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT FAMILY very competitive BUSINESS OFFERING A 24 HOUR, prices PERSONAL, CARING SERVICE. * FREE estimates, fast efficient & friendly service ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE AT * All fencing OUR OFFICE OR IN THE COMFORT OF supplied and YOUR OWN HOME erected * No job too big or •PRE-PAID FUNERAL PLANS AVAILABLE too small • PRIVATE CHAPEL OF REST Call Lee For a •MEMORIALS SUPPLIED Free No Obligation Quote • ALL AREAS COVERED Speak to our specialists about selling your antiques 01634-300484 or 07810-634380 139 Townsend0800 Road, 881Snodland, 5691 Kent ME6 5RN [email protected]@gorringes.co.uk 15 North Street - Lewes - BN7 2PE www.gorringes.co.uk 31 High Street, Snodland Tel: 01634 240458

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Malling March 2018 11 NNeewwss downsmaild.coow.unksmail.co.uk Friends from Tower tribute to mark end of First World War France to visit GySmT MARTIN’’Sschurchbin Ryarrshamayvbe smeall, but liMrsfParekins saids: “Thaere isvno waey werwill bse able SNODLAND’s twinning associa- it has big plans to commemorate the end of WWI. to match the 888,246 poppies of the national dis- tion is planning to welcome their Based on the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of play that represented every serviceman that died friends from France in May – and Red installation of ceramic red poppies at the in WWI, but we will have a good number. are on the lookout for new mem- winTower oaf Lonmdon in 20b14, thue conlgregaation is c“I’mefrighteaned two put a afigurerondhow many bers. busy knitting poppies to stream from the top of we will need, but donations are flooding in. One The town has been twinned with FOUR staff mtheemcbhuercshattoawgery.m in woman from Maidstone, who I’d never met, re- Moyeuvre-Grande, in Northern Kings Hill havAenitwaoPnarkains,arwigahrtd, and Jean Edwards, both cently handed me 70 and it is donations such as after saving a man's life. France, for more than 30 years, and from Ryarsh, are co-ordinating the massive proj- this, from various people from across the area, David Lloyd’s general manager the association enjoys regular ect, which will go on display on November 10, which will make this such a community project.” Lauren Mortimer and staff mem- meetings with those from across ahead of a concert in th(Le-rc)h: Luarcuhrenand a 1914- For details of the poppy design email: bers Beth Alexander, Sarah Dennis the Channel. style commemorative teaMpaortiyminert,he village hall. [email protected] or call 01732 842232. and Liviu Fidulu were honoured at The next of these meeting sees Sarah Den- the South East Coast Ambulance members of the French contingent nis, Beth (SECAmb) awards at Turkey Mill in visiting. Alexander Eight Snodland Maidstone last month. Anyone interested in joining the and Liviu Lauren said: “It’s so rewarding Fidulu with twinning association should call tFhat our tearm wyere ableato bse in- rail services fall Psauhl Heicdkmsottbonu01r6g34l2e428d75 or SECAmb ALLOTMENT holders are being strumental in saving someone’s life. chief execu- Veronica Tipp on 01634 240958. “I am so proud of them and how urged to contact the police after up tive Daren well they dealt with this situation.” to eight sheds in Snodland were Mochrie Gym member Steve Beal col- Cbrohkenainrtoi. ty funds foul to ‘b“It ewas an ouststantdingfefforrt boy Tmhree parameedicas andsthe atir a’m- lapsed following cardiac arrest at A number of items were taken the gym on June 26 last year. everyone at the club,” he said, after bulance helped to stabilise Steve be- rfraomistheSdlougahtFilelud anlloctmhents CSOtafMf spMranUg TinEtoRacStioantanSdnboe-dlnaonmdinathinagvtehelaquanrtcethefodr tahe bfloirzezheawrads taokfenctorWitiillciaimsmHaroveny MshOedRsE, tchlaonse£1t5o0twhaestroawisned’sforerctrhee- fore the first responder from SE- award. Hospital, Ashford, and he has since BartiodngegTrorusntda,toavnerenijgohyatbbletcwheaern- CSAomubthareriavsedt,erthneyrahaidlwalareyadfyor i“tTshelyadcikd eovefrystehirnvgithceey sdhouurldingmatdheeansanmoazwing. recovery. iMtyalrucnhc1h1iannMd 1e2re. worth on Febru- begTuhne iCcyPRco(ncdaritdioionpsuslamwonmarayssrive-e as a team and gave Steve the best an“dItiwceasafjufescttiinncgretdhieblpeowwheartseuvpepryly- aryBu20t.as they are all owned by in- sduiscruitpattiion)waitnhdthaedsmtaitnioisntecrleodseda, chance of survival so we could con- otoneoduidr ,”trhaeinssa,idm. “aIn’my spoagsrsaetnegfuerl.s’ diAvidtoutal polfo£t1o6w0nweersn,titoisththeeTirorne-- sahnodck tonohis haeltaerrtnwaittihvethe ctrluanb'sspdoer-t tinue his treatment. jo“uErnveyrys wberereatdhisIrutpakteed.now is a bsrpiodngsei-bbialisteydtochreapriotyrt, twhehiccrhimheslptso faibrrrailnlagteomr.ents, for three days. “The actions of everyone at the bo“nWuse.” introduced an amended scene prior to our arrival was vital The four received a Chief Execu- soifnfgiclersh. omeless people on the HBuetwwashailleretahdeytrbarienatchoimngpbaynyhihma-s timetable to provide a more reli- streets in west Kent. The charity and shows how important it is that tive’s Commendation – Public Karen Sowten, chief executive of saeplfo,loagnidsedsttuodpeanstsepnagrearms,eudsiecrsPshaiyl able service for the majority of pas- has housed more than 700 people people learn CPR. They should all Commendation at the awards cere- Snodland Town Council, said: “We Pthareryisahr,ewbheoinwg alesfthoeuftirisnt trheespcoonld- sengers, but entirely appreciate since 1991. der, was impressed. be very proud.” mony for their efforts. have urged all of the allotment with an often unmanned station, that this meant that some stations holders who have been affected by disjointed services and a further did not have a train service for sev- this to call 101. threat of reductions in services. eral days and Snodland did not re- “As far as we can ascertain, some- Snodland rail-user Ryan Kelly, And his criticism did not stop open until the Sunday. one scaled the gate to gain entry pictured left, pays nearly £6,000 a there. He complains that in spite of “With regard to the possible loss and remove items from the sheds.” year to travel to his job as a con- an expensive upgrade, Snodland of the high-speed train service A Kent Police spokesman con- tracts manager for a construction Station is often closed and he is in- through Snodland, this is for the firmed they had received no re- firm in Camden. censed that the high-speed service Department of Transport to de- ports of the crime and he, like Mrs After learning online that serv- he uses could be withdrawn as part cide.” Sowten, urged anyone affected by ices from Snodland had been of the new franchise agreement, She advised passengers to use this incident to report the theft – halted by the snow, he drove to currently out to tender. Southeastern’s website to claim for and the property missing – on 101. Ebbsfleet to catch one of the trains He said: “The high-speed service Delay Repay compensation. that were running, paying £10.20 a is reliable and takes me direct to While Stuart Powell, above right, Fun at the fair day to park. where I need to be at the time I from Lewis Mews in Snodland, THE Friends of St James the Great Mr Kelly, from Pout Road, said: need to be there. If this goes, I will welcomed a doubling of the com- will be hosting a summer fair on “The notice simply said the station is have to travel to and change pensation rate, he added: “My sis- Saturday, June 23, with funds closed and not to travel, but they to the high-speed train there, ter lives in Canada, which has raised going to maintaining the knew thousands had to get to work.” adding extra hassle to my working sub-zero temperatures, but none of church. Warnings of the worsening con- week at both ends of the day.” the problems we have been experi- It will takes place at the church ditions persuaded him to catch a A spokesman for Southeastern encing. Southeastern needs to in- and East Malling Institute. train home at lunchtime on the Fri- said: “We sincerely apologise to vest in technology to stop issues day and on Tuesday he had to walk our passengers caught up in dis- like signals freezing.” home from Strood. ruption on the network...and for He was unable to get into work Easter crafts He said: “Southeastern may con- their patience. at Guy’s Hospital for four days and A GOOD Friday project aimed at gratulate itself on having made “Our staff worked around the was among half-a-dozen com- primary school children takes place some effort to get people into town, clock to keep trains running in the muters we spoke to who were on March 30 at St James the Great but they did absolutely nothing to severe weather, but despite our angry at being forced to take time Church in East Malling. There will ensure we got home.” best efforts to deal with the snow off because of the bad weather. be Easter-themed crafts, games and songs for all the children. The event starts at 9am and finishes at noon. Flexible working eases the commuting strain JAMES Lister, from Church Field in Snod- been commuting from Snodland since last Malling picnic land, was unable to get to work for three September, and pays around £4,500 annu- PICNIC in the Park at East Malling days, but was able to work from home. ally, described the service as “generally un- will be held on Sunday, June 24, be- He said: “During a week of bad weather reliable”. tween 11am and 6.30pm. I was able to work in London just one day, Like his fellow travellers he has to travel Organised by Malling Rotary which is ridiculous. I am fortunate to have to Strood, and change for London. He said: and East Malling Community the tools to work from home, but anyone “Even though you can see my home from Fayre, the day will feature music, a meeting a client or organising work in Lon- the station, it takes me two-and-a-half dog show, kids’ rides, rides and don would have been out of pocket.” hours to get to work, which makes it a very amusements. The insurance claims analyst, who has long week.”

12 Malling March 2018 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Business Focus Tower tribute to mark end of First World War ST MARTIN’S church in Ryarsh may be small, but Mrs Parkins said: “There is no way we will be able it has big plans to commemorate the end of WWI. to match the 888,246 poppies of the national dis- Based on the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of play that represented every serviceman that died Specialist help for dry eyes Red installation of ceramic red poppies at the in WWI, but we will have a good number. Eye 2 Eye Opticians in Allington is now pleased to Dry eyes is a deeply concerning condition which Tower of London in 2014, the congregation is “I’m frightened to put a figure on how many offer its patients a specialist treatment for dry can damage the surface of your eyes, there is no busy knitting poppies to stream from the top of we will need, but donations are flooding in. One eyes. E-Eye is the first and only medical device in cure, however treatment with E-Eye is the very the church tower. woman from Maidstone, who I’d never met, re- Anita Parkins, right, and Jean Edwards, both cently handed me 70 and it is donations such as the world that uses IRPL (Intense Regulated Pulsed best way of ensuring it doesn’t take over your from Ryarsh, are co-ordinating the massive proj- this, from various people from across the area, Light) that has been specifically designed for the life. At Eye 2 Eye, your care is our priority and as ect, which will go on display on November 10, which will make this such a community project.” treatment of dry eye due to Meibomian gland such we will arrange for regular reviews to ensure ahead of a concert in the church and a 1914- For details of the poppy design email: dysfunction (MGD). This is the No.1 dry eye your comfort levels are remaining stable and In most cases, Dry eye symptoms will style commemorative tea party in the village hall. [email protected] or call 01732 842232. solution to treat MGD. discuss ongoing options with you to ensure you In 2015, over 35,000 patients were treated with remain comfortable. significantly improve after 3 sessions the E-Eye worldwide. It was found to have 84% If you’d like to discuss this further please get in carried out over 45 days. For 60% of Eight Snodland efficiency from the first session with an 86% touch with Chirag or Manish (our IP therapeutic patients results can last up to 3 years satisfaction rate. It also showed proven efficiency Optometrists who provide medical treatment) to sheds burgled Fury as rail services fall on mild, medium and severe dry eye. Three clinical discuss the options available to you. • Fast results – sessions are completed ALLOTMENT holders are being studies were conducted on over 300 people. In in a matter of minutes most cases patients can expect up to 18 months urged to contact the police after up • Clinical study with 90% satisfaction to eight sheds in Snodland were relief before a top up treatment may be required broken into. foul to ‘beast from east’ with many patients having experienced results rate on the first 2 sessions A number of items were taken lasting as long as 3 years. • 95.7% recommended the treatment from the Field allotments COMMUTERS at Snodland have launched a blizzard of criticism on sheds, close to the town’s recre- • 55% don’t use eye drops anymore ation ground, overnight between Southeastern railway for its lack of service during the snow. • 82.6% have symptom improvements March 11 and 12. The icy conditions saw massive and ice affecting the power supply But as they are all owned by in- disruption with the station closed, to our trains, many passengers’ Dry Eye Special dividual plot owners, it is their re- and no alternative transport journeys were disrupted. Find us at: sponsibility to report the crimes to arrangements, for three days. “We introduced an amended This treatment is currently only officers. But while the train company has timetable to provide a more reli- Unit 8, Mid-Kent Shopping Centre available privately Karen Sowten, chief executive of apologised to passengers, users say able service for the majority of pas- Castle Road, Allington, Maidstone Kent ME16 0PU 01622 672563 Snodland Town Council, said: “We they are being left out in the cold sengers, but entirely appreciate NHS options for dry eyes are have urged all of the allotment with an often unmanned station, that this meant that some stations E:[email protected] www.eye2eyeonline.co.uk available in practice holders who have been affected by disjointed services and a further did not have a train service for sev- this to call 101. threat of reductions in services. eral days and Snodland did not re- “As far as we can ascertain, some- Snodland rail-user Ryan Kelly, And his criticism did not stop open until the Sunday. one scaled the gate to gain entry pictured left, pays nearly £6,000 a there. He complains that in spite of “With regard to the possible loss and remove items from the sheds.” year to travel to his job as a con- an expensive upgrade, Snodland of the high-speed train service A Kent Police spokesman con- tracts manager for a construction Station is often closed and he is in- through Snodland, this is for the firmed they had received no re- firm in Camden. censed that the high-speed service Department of Transport to de- ports of the crime and he, like Mrs After learning online that serv- he uses could be withdrawn as part cide.” Sowten, urged anyone affected by ices from Snodland had been of the new franchise agreement, She advised passengers to use this incident to report the theft – halted by the snow, he drove to currently out to tender. Southeastern’s website to claim for and the property missing – on 101. Ebbsfleet to catch one of the trains He said: “The high-speed service Delay Repay compensation. that were running, paying £10.20 a is reliable and takes me direct to While Stuart Powell, above right, Fun at the fair day to park. where I need to be at the time I from Lewis Mews in Snodland, THE Friends of St James the Great Mr Kelly, from Pout Road, said: need to be there. If this goes, I will welcomed a doubling of the com- will be hosting a summer fair on “The notice simply said the station is have to travel to Strood and change pensation rate, he added: “My sis- Saturday, June 23, with funds closed and not to travel, but they to the high-speed train there, ter lives in Canada, which has raised going to maintaining the knew thousands had to get to work.” adding extra hassle to my working sub-zero temperatures, but none of church. Warnings of the worsening con- week at both ends of the day.” the problems we have been experi- It will takes place at the church ditions persuaded him to catch a A spokesman for Southeastern encing. Southeastern needs to in- and East Malling Institute. train home at lunchtime on the Fri- said: “We sincerely apologise to vest in technology to stop issues day and on Tuesday he had to walk our passengers caught up in dis- like signals freezing.” home from Strood. ruption on the network...and for He was unable to get into work Easter crafts He said: “Southeastern may con- their patience. at Guy’s Hospital for four days and A GOOD Friday project aimed at gratulate itself on having made “Our staff worked around the was among half-a-dozen com- primary school children takes place some effort to get people into town, clock to keep trains running in the muters we spoke to who were on March 30 at St James the Great but they did absolutely nothing to severe weather, but despite our angry at being forced to take time Church in East Malling. There will ensure we got home.” best efforts to deal with the snow off because of the bad weather. be Easter-themed crafts, games and songs for all the children. The event starts at 9am and finishes at noon. Flexible working eases the commuting strain JAMES Lister, from Church Field in Snod- been commuting from Snodland since last Malling picnic land, was unable to get to work for three September, and pays around £4,500 annu- PICNIC in the Park at East Malling days, but was able to work from home. ally, described the service as “generally un- will be held on Sunday, June 24, be- He said: “During a week of bad weather reliable”. tween 11am and 6.30pm. I was able to work in London just one day, Like his fellow travellers he has to travel Organised by Malling Rotary which is ridiculous. I am fortunate to have to Strood, and change for London. He said: and East Malling Community the tools to work from home, but anyone “Even though you can see my home from Fayre, the day will feature music, a meeting a client or organising work in Lon- the station, it takes me two-and-a-half dog show, kids’ rides, rides and don would have been out of pocket.” hours to get to work, which makes it a very amusements. The insurance claims analyst, who has long week.”

The Kings Ferry - Downsmail Malling Edition - Mar & Apr 2018 - Half Page Advert.indd 1 Malling March12/03/2018 2018 14:57:29 13 News downsmail.co.uk Lorraine takes on London in big challenge A SNODLAND woman who ac- complished a long-standing am- bition to run the London Marathon before her 55th birth- day last year enjoyed herself so much she is doing it again next month. The mum of five, Lorraine Shep- heard, pictured, of Queens Road is regularly seen running around the town preparing for the event Gerald Cadwallader is given a surprise leaving party at St Katherine’s Primary School in Snodland on April 22. Last year, she raised almost £1,200 for charities. This time, she is raising money for the Heart Welsh suprise is fiing of Kent Hospice and All Saints Church Heritage Fund once again. Sponsorship forms are available at A'n'D Bargain Food Store, High farewell to deputy head Street; the Monks Head, Constitu- tion Hill; Snodland Working Men’s A DAY of celebration was planned in secret to mark the retirement of Club, Holborough Road; All Saints Church; Christ Church and Christ Gerald Cadwallader on his last day at St Katherine's Primary School, Church Hall. Snodland. We reported in the last issue of by a Welsh-themed lunch. he after- final day at St. Katherine’s was ab- Downs Mail that the deputy head noon saw a special assembly held to solutely fantastic and it was great to was standing down after teaching at enable all the children to gather to- have the chance to visit all of the the school for 33 years. gether to mark his service to the classes during the day to say a Head teacher Ruth Powell said: school. farewell to the children and staff. “He turned up for work on his last There was a demonstration by the “I was thrilled to see many of my day to find that the school hall had school's Cheerleading team, singing colleagues and ex-colleagues turn been decorated in all things Welsh – by the choir and the presentation of up to say goodbye in the evening. to reflect his heritage. retirement gifts. “I hope to keep in contact with “A coffee morning had been Mr Cadwallader had yet another them more frequently now that I am arranged for him to meet with par- surprise in the evening when he re- retired. My only regret was that ents and past pupils, during which ceived a welcome from more than there was simply not enough time the school choir sang a special 100 past and present staff. to catch up properly on the night. arrangement of a song reflecting Nick Vickers, chairman of the Fi- “Thanks to the many people who their sadness at his retirement.” nance and Strategy Committee, pre- worked so hard to organise the day Mr Cadwallader took a tour of sented him with a number of gifts to for me. I know from my own experi- the school, visiting every class to say mark his retirement. ence just how much work goes into his goodbyes, which was followed The popular teacher said: “My preparing for such an event.” Child sex abuser jailed Duo held over A MAN has been jailed in Corn- tially denied any wrong doing, van blackmail wall for abusing children as telling police he had simply been TWO men have been arrested in young as three years old in West play fighting with the victims. connection with the blackmail of a Malling and in the However, in court he pleaded security van driver in Larkfield. 1980s and 1990s. guilty to five charges, with the Serious crimes officers from Kent Christopher Gillard has been other three ordered by the judge and Essex have been investigating Lions race night sentenced to five years and three to remain on file. allegations involving demands for months in prison after appearing Detective Constable Becky Taft money and a cash-in-transit vehi- is roaring success at Maidstone Crown Court on said: “Gillard manipulated and cle, following an incident in No- THE Malling Lions received a February 8. abused children for his own grat- vember last year. boost from villagers after they do- Kent Police began an investiga- ification and they will live with It was reported that at around nated part of the funds from a tion into the 64-year-old, formerly these memories for the rest of 10am an employee returned to his popular race night. of Penscombe Cross, Lezant, their lives. security van, parked off London Villagers in Offham held the Launceston, in December 2015 “I would like to thank the vic- Road, and found a written demand night on February 17, with most of when one of his victims came for- tims for helping us ensure he has for cash placed in the door. It is al- the money going to help them ward, and inquiries led to the dis- now faced justice. leged the message also contained with their village projects. covery of three more victims. “Their bravery and courage in threats of harm. No money was The parish council agreed to do- Gillard carried out the offences coming forward has demonstrated stolen during the incident. nate £95 to the Lions, who ran the between 1987 and 1999 while liv- that it is never too late to report Two men, aged 32 and 57, were evening, and who are raising ing in Sittingbourne, but he also abuse to police. If you have been a arrested in the area on money to buy oncology equip- had connections to West Malling. victim of any sexual offence we February 12 on suspicion of black- ment for Maidstone Hospital. He was charged with eight will always treat any information mail and released pending inves- counts of indecent assault and ini- with confidence and sensitivity.” tigation.

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Malling March 2018 15 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Local GPs ‘to retain power’ FURTHER planned changes in strategic control of the local NHS has raised concerns regarding pa- tient services in the GP-led budget-holding NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

These local commissioning groups took over nationwide al- most five years ago, in April 2013, from primary care trusts and eight now serve Kent (West Kent, Dart- ford & , Med- way, Swale, Canterbury & Coastal, Ashford, Thanet and South Kent Coast). The appointed commis- sioners are all GPs practising in their areas, supported by teams of officers. In west Kent, there have been 12 GP commissioners on the group’s governing body, but these have re- cently been reduced to seven to match the number of new GP clus- ters now formed in this area. Those elected are: Dr Garry Singh (Maidstone Central), Dr Tony Jones (Malling), Dr Andrew Rox- burgh (), Dr Nick Cheales (Tonbridge), Dr Bob Bowes (Tunbridge Wells), Dr An- drew Cameron (Weald), Dr Stefano bility and the proposed arrange- has been given to the group that it Santini (Maidstone Wide). Dr ment was only for a transitional would still be responsible for “total A lišle more David Chesover will hold his seat phase”. He reiterated the importance control”. of Kent and Medway groups work- ex-officio and continue as clinical The emergence of an area cash to spend ing together and gave assurance that lead for mental health. strategic commissioner comes at patient and local care would not be GOVERNMENT funds for CCGs Now, a new role of area strategic the same time as all clinical com- compromised and remained a key (including West Kent) are to in- commissioner for Kent and Medway missioning groups in Kent are focus for West Kent CCG. crease by £1.4bn in 2018/19 aimed is being established with the full sup- working closely on a sustainabil- Maidstone area GP Dr Singh has at “realistic levels of emergency ac- port of NHS West Kent CCG. It will ity and transformation plan for expressed concerns that local key tivity”; additional elective activity start working in shadow form from the future of health and social voices could potentially be unheard to tackle waiting lists; adherence to April 1, for 12 months, during which care in the county. A key thrust is beyond April, 2019. The current mental health standards; transfor- time decisions will be taken about more care in or closer to home proposals have not yet addressed mation commitments for cancer what will be commissioned locally with less dependence on hospi- this issue and Dr Bowes explained services and primary care. by west Kent commissioners and tals. what will be done at scale across the it was possible for the CCG to in- West Kent expects to have almost county. Dr Bob Bowes, chairman of fluence this process. An assurance The CCG is encouraging local £8m extra to deploy on top of the NHS West Kent CCG since its incep- GPs to make robust use of an invig- current year’s budget of £627.14m. tion, has assured the group that it More health news on page 27 orated “quality inbox” to raise any will retain “its statutory accounta- concerns. Need to improve ALBION Place Medical Practice, Maidstone, remains in special measures and the CCG works 150 foreign GPs destined for Kent closely with it to improve. THE serious shortage of local (“currently saturated”). complain of lack of a care plan NHS staff, including GPs, is in- The GP shortage is causing and do not know what their treat- Cancer care trend creasingly evident in reports to concerns about the impact on the ment and options are. AN improvement of 7.22% to al- the GP-led West Kent Clinical existing workforce trying to New staff can add to problems most 81% of patients starting can- Commissioning Group (CCG). cover the shortfalls and the pro- while they are in training. This is cer treatment within 62 days of Kent has been approved to re- posed local care plan requiring a major reason for an increase in urgent GP referral has been seven-day working by practices. cruit 150 international GPs for serious incidents (including pa- achieved by increasing capacity – a the area. Interviews have started There have been previous re- tient trips and falls) within the trend expected to be sustained. and west Kent will receive an ports about the extent of vacan- hospital trust, where the quar- agreed percentage. cies in local hospitals and in the terly figures have jumped from Care home liaison A bid has also been made to set ambulance service. 27 in Q1 of 2016-17 to 54 in Q3 of ALMOST 50 of 71 care homes in up a medical school and the Shortages are increasingly evi- 2017-18. west Kent are now covered by a group has been informed this dent elsewhere, including in new strategy of liaison and care by “would have a significant im- mental health. Kent and Medway The local ambulance service local GP practices. pact” for the new GP clusters Partnership Trust in-patient units (SECAmb), still in special meas- The CCG expresses concern for with regards student placements. have a vacancy rate of 35%. Both ures, is not helped by a report seven homes where nearby prac- Some see west Kent as having a Maidstone Community Mental which says only 32% of staff rec- tices are unwilling to sign up at this geographical advantage for re- Health and West Kent Crisis Res- ommend it as a place to work and stage and suggests “positive expe- cruitment because of its proxim- olution Home Treatment Service only 75% recommend care pro- rience by other practices may help ity to Europe and London have a rate of 17%. Many patients vided by the trust. in this process of persuasion”.

16 Malling March 2018 Health downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News | AdvertisementBusiness Feature Focus Local GPs ‘to retain power’ Are you fed up of missing and failing teeth? FURTHER planned changes in strategic control of the local NHS has raised concerns regarding pa- As we get older, our teeth can often let us down, leaving tient services in the GP-led budget-holding NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). us feeling uncomfortable, lacking confidence in our smile or even unable to eat certain foods. These local commissioning groups took over nationwide al- most five years ago, in April 2013, At Hill House Dental Care, our team can Using modern technology and the latest from primary care trusts and eight offer a long-lasting solution to small gaps, dental techniques, you can trust the team now serve Kent (West Kent, Dart- cracked or missing teeth with a range of to deliver reliable results that last. ford Gravesham & Swanley, Med- restorative dental treatments, designed way, Swale, Canterbury & Coastal, What kind of results can you expect? with you in mind to achieve the results that Ashford, Thanet and South Kent The end goal of all restorative treatments you want. Coast). The appointed commis- is to return your mouth to a healthy, sioners are all GPs practising in their areas, supported by teams of Restore your smile with a tailored comfortable state, where teeth feel stable With finance options available to help officers. treatment plan and secure meaning you are free to enjoy you to spread the cost of treatment, In west Kent, there have been 12 Our friendly team will take the time to walk all of your favourite foods again. On top the Hill House Dental Care team can GP commissioners on the group’s you through your options and help to of this, your dentist will make sure that governing body, but these have re- work to the budget and requirements cently been reduced to seven to create a treatment plan that is right for you. your teeth look as natural as possible, so that suit you. match the number of new GP clus- all anyone notices is your confident smile. ters now formed in this area. Our restorative treatment includes: How can you learn more? Those elected are: Dr Garry Singh • Replacing missing or unhealthy teeth How much will your treatment cost? Hill House Dental Care believes that (Maidstone Central), Dr Tony with dental implants, a bridge or dentures As restorative treatment is so bespoke, the everyone deserves a smile they’re Jones (Malling), Dr Andrew Rox- 181x123mm• Smoothing chips, cracks or gaps -cost Hill depends on theHouse extent of your proudAd of. To find out which treatments burgh (Sevenoaks), Dr Nick Cheales (Tonbridge), Dr Bob with cosmetic bonding or veneers personal treatment plan. During your are right for you, and to discuss how Bowes (Tunbridge Wells), Dr An- • Strengthening weakened teeth with no-obligation consultation, they’ll be able our team can restore your smile, drew Cameron (Weald), Dr Stefano bility and the proposed arrange- has been given to the group that it custom-made crowns to identify the exact elements of your arrange your personal consultation by Santini (Maidstone Wide). Dr ment was only for a transitional would still be responsible for “total A lišle more • Giving gums a little TLC David Chesover will hold his seat phase”. He reiterated the importance control”. smile that you’d like to change, giving you calling Hill House Dental Care today on of Kent and Medway groups work- periodontal work an accurate quote for treatment. 01892 886 533. ex-officio and continue as clinical The emergence of an area cash to spend ing together and gave assurance that lead for mental health. strategic commissioner comes at patient and local care would not be GOVERNMENT funds for CCGs Now, a new role of area strategic the same time as all clinical com- compromised and remained a key (including West Kent) are to in- commissioner for Kent and Medway missioning groups in Kent are focus for West Kent CCG. crease by £1.4bn in 2018/19 aimed is being established with the full sup- working closely on a sustainabil- Maidstone area GP Dr Singh has at “realistic levels of emergency ac- port of NHS West Kent CCG. It will ity and transformation plan for expressed concerns that local key tivity”; additional elective activity start working in shadow form from the future of health and social Confident in Restore your smile. voices could potentially be unheard to tackle waiting lists; adherence to April 1, for 12 months, during which care in the county. A key thrust is beyond April, 2019. The current mental health standards; transfor- time decisions will be taken about more care in or closer to home proposals have not yet addressed mation commitments for cancer Restore your confidence. what will be commissioned locally with less dependence on hospi- my teeth again... this issue and Dr Bowes explained services and primary care. by west Kent commissioners and tals. what will be done at scale across the it was possible for the CCG to in- West Kent expects to have almost county. Dr Bob Bowes, chairman of fluence this process. An assurance The CCG is encouraging local £8m extra to deploy on top of the NHS West Kent CCG since its incep- GPs to make robust use of an invig- current year’s budget of £627.14m. tion, has assured the group that it More health news on page 27 orated “quality inbox” to raise any will retain “its statutory accounta- concerns. Need to improve Contact us today on ALBION Place Medical Practice, Maidstone, remains in special measures and the CCG works 150 foreign GPs destined for Kent closely with it to improve. 01892 886 533 THE serious shortage of local (“currently saturated”). complain of lack of a care plan Lonsdale House, 7-9 Lonsdale Gardens, NHS staff, including GPs, is in- The GP shortage is causing and do not know what their treat- Cancer care trend creasingly evident in reports to concerns about the impact on the ment and options are. AN improvement of 7.22% to al- Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU the GP-led West Kent Clinical existing workforce trying to New staff can add to problems most 81% of patients starting can- Commissioning Group (CCG). cover the shortfalls and the pro- while they are in training. This is cer treatment within 62 days of Kent has been approved to re- posed local care plan requiring a major reason for an increase in urgent GP referral has been cruit 150 international GPs for seven-day working by practices. serious incidents (including pa- achieved by increasing capacity – a the area. Interviews have started There have been previous re- tient trips and falls) within the trend expected to be sustained. and west Kent will receive an ports about the extent of vacan- hospital trust, where the quar- agreed percentage. cies in local hospitals and in the terly figures have jumped from Care home liaison A bid has also been made to set ambulance service. 27 in Q1 of 2016-17 to 54 in Q3 of ALMOST 50 of 71 care homes in up a medical school and the Shortages are increasingly evi- 2017-18. west Kent are now covered by a group has been informed this dent elsewhere, including in ...now I can enjoy new strategy of liaison and care by “would have a significant im- mental health. Kent and Medway The local ambulance service local GP practices. pact” for the new GP clusters Partnership Trust in-patient units (SECAmb), still in special meas- The CCG expresses concern for forbidden fruit. with regards student placements. have a vacancy rate of 35%. Both ures, is not helped by a report seven homes where nearby prac- Some see west Kent as having a Maidstone Community Mental which says only 32% of staff rec- tices are unwilling to sign up at this geographical advantage for re- Health and West Kent Crisis Res- ommend it as a place to work and stage and suggests “positive expe- cruitment because of its proxim- olution Home Treatment Service only 75% recommend care pro- rience by other practices may help ity to Europe and London have a rate of 17%. Many patients vided by the trust. in this process of persuasion”.

P-18-012_Restoration_campaign_local_support_ads.indd 5 Malling March07/03/2018 2018 08:32 17 News downsmail.co.uk Bench tribute to memory of tireless town stalwart A MUCH-loved Snodland resi- dent was remembered when a me- morial bench in her honour was dedicated in Holborough Woods. Anne Moloney, inset, who died in October 2016, was a town and bor- ough councillor who was at the heart of the community for many years. Now, the Snodland Partnership has put a bench in place with a plaque to honour her memory. ‘Tommy’ to stand MP Tracey Crouch unveiled the new bench and paid tribute to the duty by memorial late stalwart. Cllr Sue Bell, left, with Stuart Wykes, Tarmac's director THE silhouette of a soldier will go “Anne was a tireless servant of for land and natural resources, and MP Tracey Crouch on duty in Leybourne as part of a the people of Snodland for many national tribute to mark the cen- years who cared passionately about “This is a fit- tenary of the end of WWI. her local area,” she said. “I think I ting memory The parish council is backing the speak for everyone when I say we for Anne. She Fun and games Royal British Legion Silent Soldier miss her wisdom and dedication was a much- AN Easter Egg Hunt organised by initiative and will be placing its and I look forward to continuing to loved and pop- the 1st Snodland Scout Group is life-size ‘Tommy’ next to the war work with the Snodland Partner- ular member of the Snodland being held in Snodland on Satur- memorial, by the village church. ship to help build on their good community,” added Cllr Sue Bell, day, March 31. The initiative will see Silent Sol- work across the community.” chairman of the Snodland Partner- As well as the hunt, there will be diers – representing those who lost The Snodland Partnership was ship. games, a raffle, cakes, face-painting their lives or returned scarred from set up by Snodland council, Tarmac “In short, Anne was the instiga- and a ‘name the bunny’ contest. the fighting – placed at strategic lo- and Tonbridge & Malling Borough tor of nearly everything that hap- The event, entrance £2 per child, cations up and down the country. Council, and supports projects to pened in Snodland, both at town is from 11am until 2pm at The help the town’s 12,000 residents. and borough level.” Cricket Meadow in the town.

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18 Malling March 2018 ! !

! ! ! News downsmail.co.uk "#$%&'()*!+$,%%-!./0,!!"#$#%&'(&)!1#(02)#+! ! ! Bench tribute to memory Learning !

! ! of tireless town stalwart In Spotlight ! "#$%&'()*!+$,%%-!./0,!!"#$#%&'(&)!1#(02)#+! A MUCH-loved Snodland resi- ! dent was remembered when a me- morial bench in her honour was dedicated in Holborough Woods. Anne Moloney, inset, who died in October 2016, was a town and bor- ough councillor who was at the heart of the community for many years. Now, the Snodland Partnership ! has put a bench in place with a ! plaque to honour her memory. *&$+(,%#(!&%-.#/%01(&). ‘Tommy’ to stand MP Tracey Crouch unveiled the new bench and paid tribute to the 2"++!,#(3/.%&'.0%,(&)./#1!$. duty by memorial ! late stalwart. Cllr Sue Bell, left, with Stuart Wykes, Tarmac's director 4,%'(#(!&%-.3%-"/$! . THE silhouette of a soldier will go “Anne was a tireless servant of for land and natural resources, and MP Tracey Crouch *&$+(,%#(!&%-.#/%01(&). on duty in Leybourne as part of a the people of Snodland for many Learn Spanish 5()1.%01(/3(&).),%66%,.$#,/%62"++!,#(3/.%&'.0%,(&)./#1!$. . national tribute to mark the cen- years who cared passionately about “This is a fit- *&#/,&%#(!&%-.4,%'(#(!&%-.3%-"/$7%00%-%",/%#/.+!$#.89. . tenary of the end of WWI. her local area,” she said. “I think I ting memory Fun and games Termly, bespoke courses The parish council is backing the speak for everyone when I say we for Anne. She focus sed on conversation and 5()1.%01(/3(&).),%66%,.$#,/%6. Royal British Legion Silent Soldier miss her wisdom and dedication was a much- AN Easter Egg Hunt organised by *&#/,&%#(!&%-.7%00%-%",/%#/.+!$#.89. initiative and will be placing its and I look forward to continuing to loved and pop- the 1st Snodland Scout Group is cultur e for children and adults. life-size ‘Tommy’ next to the war work with the Snodland Partner- ular member of the Snodland being held in Snodland on Satur- 3,#!4(--/&5!"$,%%-6!7##$,!8%('6!9(+0!4(--/&56!:#&06!49;?! ! memorial, by the village church. ship to help build on their good community,” added Cllr Sue Bell, day, March 31. Starting April 2018 3,#!4(--/&5!"$,%%-6!7##$,!8%('6!9(+0!4(--/&56!:#&06!49;?3#-#@,%&#A!B;CDE!FGB<

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Malling March 2018 19 News downsmail.co.uk Public delivers its view of service ROYAL Mail has come under fire cold for an hour to collect a parcel. items with a neighbour, except for for keeping customers waiting in I work. If it can’t be redelivered, special delivery items that require a the cold for more than an hour to surely there is a better system. I feel signature. Alternatively, customers collect their undelivered parcels in sorry for the staff. Nothing seems to can arrange a redelivery on a day Snodland. change...”. convenient for them...or we can de- In spite of more people shopping Carrie Rockey wrote: “Just liver the item to a different address online, the post collection centre in waited an hour to collect a parcel. in the same postcode by calling the Sortmill Road shuts at 1pm each Snodland sorting office needs to number on the card we leave or by day and all day on Sunday. sort it out.” visiting our website. And in the recent freezing tem- And the pair were not alone in “We do not have any further peratures, patience ran out for their criticism of Royal Mail. The comment to add to this.” those forced to queue for 90 min- wife of Tonbridge & Malling bor- “Saturday mornings tend to be a But Karen Sowten, chief execu- utes for their parcels and post. ough councillor David Lettington peak time. We asked for an expla- tive at Snodland Town Council, One customer, who waited an was caught up in the same queue nation and was told a larger than said Royal Mail might like to con- hour, said he was frustrated Royal on March 10, and added: “There are normal volume of undelivered sider extending collection times be- Mail took parcels back to its sorting never enough staff working there.” items had caused problems on yond 1pm to assist customers. office while other companies found Micheal Peat took our photo- March 10 and opening hours were She said: “To open late one a safe place to leave them. graph, right, and described the sit- extended until all customers were evening for those who work would He wrote on Twitter: “I do not uation as “awful”, which prompted served. help Snodland residents and re- appreciate queuing in the freezing Royal Mail to apologise, adding: It added: “Royal Mail can leave duce the load on staff.” Charity tastes success with ‘unique’ award for efforts A CHARITY that gives people with learning But, as general manager Kris Healey ex- and other disabilities the chance to work has plained, the judges felt their efforts deserved won a prize at the Taste of Kent Awards. a special award. Offham-based Spadework was handed the “We were one of 10 finalists, and the other special award for its community work. nine were all from the private sector,” he said. The site, which has a garden centre, farm “The team of five judges came along and they shop and cafe, welcomed 97 trainees through were so impressed. As it was difficult to com- its doors last year, and decided to enter the pare us to the other finalists, they gave us our scheme for a Kent Countryside Community own special award, the Unique Community Award. Award.”

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22 Malling March 2018 Malling Mail March/April 2018 Serving local people, businesses & events in Addington, Birling, East Malling, Kings Hill, Larkfield, Leybourne, Mereworth, Offham, Ryarsh, , West Malling

EAST Malling councillors have launched a call for ‘witness statements’ to help create a new village green. Plans are in place to create the space at Cottenham Or- chard near the heart of the village – but it needs support from local residents. Parish councillor Michelle Tatton said: “To get the new village green, we need to hear from anyone who has enjoyed activities like rambling, dog walking, picnics and games in the orchard for the last 20 years. “We are happy to help any residents needing assistance in completing the forms which will be sent to KCC who are responsible for creating new village greens. We need lots of forms and the faster we get them, the sooner we can protect this special place.” County Councillor Trudy Dean is putting £1,700 of her Roger Roud and Michelle Tatton in Cottenham Orchard KCC Councillors Fund to pay for an ecological study of the site. It will be completed over the next six months into birds, “My kids played here and my family will be completing some reptiles, insects and plant life. of these forms to make sure other kids can enjoy it in future.” Mrs Dean said: “The survey will start this month managed And East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council Chairman by the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership who are expe- David Thornewell added: “The parish council has been rienced in protecting old orchard sites like this for wildlife. very successful in creating new village greens at the King and “If it proves a good enough site, they will be applying for Queen corner, Rocks Close, and most recently, supporting Local Nature Reserve status for the orchard which will give it residents in Four Acres in getting their new green. even more protection. “Two other greens have been created at Whimbrel Green “Creating a village green would give us the fastest and one and Willow Road in Larkfield. of the best protections against development of the orchard “Getting the orchard designated as a village green will forever.” also strengthen our fight to get the Green Belt extended in Borough Councillor Roger Roud, who lives in the area, is the new Local Plan, to protect land between East and West also backing the scheme. Malling, of which the orchard is part.” “This site has fantastic bird life including doves, cuckoos, If you can help by providing a witness statement, contact field fares and we think, nightingales,” he said. “Occasional Michelle Tatton for the necessary form at michelle.tatton@ deer have also been seen in the orchard. aol.com or call 01732 521889

Water plans for Newsprint site to be showcased at exhibition Easter Bunny Hunt AN exhibition is being held in Aylesford the second being a water re-use scheme AN Easter Bunny hunt will take place in to showcase South East Water’s plans for by 2038. Larkfield on Saturday March 24. water treatment on the former Aylesford It is part of a plan they have pulled together A number of bunnies will be hidden all Newsprint site. to help with the increased water needs in the around St Martin Square in the village, with The site, which is accessed from New area up to 2080. the challenge for youngsters being to find Hythe Lane, is being considered for two The exhibition is being held in King’ Studio them all. developments by the water board. at the Aylesford Community Centre, 25 A prize is on offer if you do manage to The first is a new water treatment works, Forstal Road, Aylesford, on Tuesday March hunt them all down. which it aims to complete by 2023, with 20 between 12pm and 8pm. Entry is free. A Malling Action Partnership publication What’s On Malling & district clubs, societies & activities

IT IS never too late to make a fresh start by taking up new 2018. So if you would like your group or event to be included, activities or making new friends. The many clubs and organisations please send her all the information, including your contact details. in the Malling Action Partnership area cater for a wide range of in- Please let her know as far in advance as possible so that it may terests and offer a warm welcome to newcomers, so why not give be possible to avoid clashes and maximise the attendances at them a try? Details of regular meetings are listed on this page. each event. Mary Rayner collates our community diary with details of various Details should be emailed to [email protected] or call groups and is also compiling a list of special events in the area in 07772 318330.

Monday April 2 Saturday 7 April you. 1-2.30pm. £10. To book phone Leisure Garden Open Day at Mere House The Offham Picture House will be opening its Services on 01732 876166 or visit www.tmbc. Andrew and Tessa Wells welcome their doors at 6.30pm for a showing of ‘Their Finest’ gov.uk/holidayactivities neighbours to their garden at Mere House, on their super-size screen. All the usual extras – Saturday April 14 Mereworth, which they will open in aid of movie meals and refreshments. Please book in Offham Farmers’ market is held at Spadework the National Gardens Scheme and the many advance with Eddie at the box office – offham- Nursery in Road, Offham, from 10am medical charities it supports, between 2- 5 [email protected] to 1pm. The market is growing and currently p.m. Admission £5, children free; dogs on Tuesday April 10 has around 30 stalls selling home grown and leads. Tea and coffee with home-made cakes Needlework and knitting group meet on the sec- local fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, meat, will be for sale in aid of the maintenance of ond Tuesday of every month from 7.30-9.30pm game, cheese, bread and cakes, vegan and St Lawrence’s Church, Mereworth. at St Thomas Moore Church, West Malling in the vegetarian food. Tuesday April 3 & Thursday April 12 Church porch. Materials and equipment will be Sunday April 15 Easter Holiday Activity. Pottery workshop at provided but please feel free to bring anything West Malling Community Choir Spring Concert. Aylesford Pottery. Suitable for 8-16 year olds. you wish. All are welcome on the evening or call This is in St Mary’s Church in West Malling with Try out the potter’s wheel as well as using the Chris on 01732 841522 for further details. The Maidstone Singers. 5.00pm. Tickets from hand building technique to create your own Wednesday April 11 any choir member or on the door. design. Then choose your glaze before your West Malling Baptist Church Coffee Mornings. Sunday April 22 piece of work is fired and ready for you to Meets every second Wednesday of the month in West Malling Farmers Market, held in the High pick up at a later date. 10.30am-12.30pm. the church from 9-11.30am. Enjoy a chat, cup Street from 9.30am to 1.30pm. £25. To book phone Aylesford Pottery of tea or coffee, and delicious home-made cakes Sunday April 22 & May 27 01622 790796 in a friendly atmosphere. All donations that are The Twitch Heritage Centre, Douce’s Manor, received go to a different charity each month. Thursday April 5 St. Leonard’s Street, will be open from noon A Ramblers walk Thursday April 12 to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm) please note from Birling Church to Paddlesworth, North Easter Holiday Activity. Bushcraft at Leybourne revised opening hours and help the volun- Downs Way, Cleggett Farm. A leisurely five- Lakes Country Park. Suitable for 8-16 year olds. teers by vacating the centre by 4pm. Douce’s mile circular walk starting at 10am at Birling The session will include learning how to build a Manor is a private residence, the house and Church. Dogs on leads. Nibble break. Pub at safe fire and how to make your own waterproof grounds are not open to the public. Parking on end. Contact Carole on 07742 594510 shelters using the woodland materials around St. Leonard’s Street. Local clubs and societies have their regular meetings as follows

East Malling Singers rehearse on second Tuesday of every month at the babies. Starts at 1.30pm. Wednesday evenings, 8pm to 10pm, at Clout Institute, West Malling High Street, Mereworth church children’s choir meets St James the Great Church, East Malling. at 7.30pm. every Wednesday. The children’s choir is Chip Productions Drama Group East Malling Women’s Institute meets at a free after- school group which rehearses meets Fridays at 7.30pm at West Malling the East Malling Institute behind the King at 6.30pm. Parents welcome. Conductor: village hall. and Queen pub on the third Monday of Stephen Thomas, 01732 321114. Y1 and Malling Photographic Society meets every every month, 7.45pm to 9.45pm. up – no need to pre-book. Tuesday at West Malling village hall at 8pm. LeyARA meets on the second Thursday Addington Bridge Club meets every The Heath Players meet at the East Malling of the month at 2pm at the Leybourne Tuesday from 7pm in the sports pavilion, Institute, Mill Street, at 8pm on Fridays. Village Hall. Speaker, raffle and refreshments. Park Road. Malling Rotary meets Tuesdays at 6.30pm Crafty Chin-waggers. Craft and chat Junior parkrun The Manor Park, West at Spadework, Teston Road, Offham. meeting on the third Tuesday of the Malling, Junior parkrun starts at 9am with month. 19:30 to 23:00 in the Village Hall, a series of 2k runs for children aged four to Spadework Farmers’ Market is on the Butchers Lane, Mereworth. 14, every Sunday. second Saturday of the month from 10am to 1pm at Spadework, Teston Road. For Craft and chat group Drop-in. Adult 5k runs Leybourne Lakes Country more details, see www.spadework.net. Wednesdays, 10am to noon, East Park, Larkfield. Adult 5k runs are held Malling Centre. Malling Community Choir meets every every Saturday, starting at 9am. The runs Tuesday at West Malling Baptist Church, Malling Art Society meets every Thursday are free of charge. Register your details at: 7.15pm to 9.15pm. £2 per adult, at Offham village hall, 8pm to 10pm. www.parkrun.org.uk/register children free. Malling District U3A Monthly meetings Count 2 13 Bridge Club plays at Offham Wateringbury Flower Club meets every are held at Ryarsh village hall, starting at village hall every Wednesday at 7.15pm. third Wednesday of the month (with the 2pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month Details Angela 01732 874928. exception of June) at The Institute Hall, throughout the year. Malling District Lions Club meet every East Malling, doors open at 7.00pm for Baby and toddler group meets every third Monday in the month in Wealden start at 7.45pm. Wednesday at St James the Great, East Hall, Larkfield at 8pm. www.malling Malling Stamp Club meets on the Malling. Lots of fun for all children and lionsclub.moonfruit.com Positive meeting after concerned residents hand over GP surgery petition

BY the end of February the GP High at the surgery on March 6th at a meeting are pressing practices to move to modern, Street surgery petition had attracted with Vicki Plummer Practice Manager and cheaper buildings where better patient 1,442 signatures. Bob MacDonald interim chairman of the care can be delivered, but the surgery will Pat Lander, resident of Parsonage Patients Participation Group. make their own decision. Any changes are Court, distributed paper petition sheets to After the meeting, Cllr Dean said: “This likely to be phased, possibly with a com- several shops in the town, collecting was a friendly, positive meeting. The pany who will build the surgery and rent it 571 signatures. practice have put the surgery, including back to the practice. “I thought my militant days were over,” the car park and the annexe, up for sale. “A cluster has been formed of practices she said. “But it is so vital that a surgery They say the surgery cannot afford the at West Malling, Snodland, Martin Square, stays open in West Malling. upkeep of a listed residential property Wateringbury, and Chaucer Way Larkfield “Like many other people the decision to needing major repairs. to work together and make savings, for move here with my husband was strongly “The practice is committed to making example by bulk purchasing supplies. influenced by the nearness of a surgery. It no changes to medical services in 2018. “The surgery was putting information into will be a disaster to the town if it closes.” During the year, a series of open meetings the community via its Facebook, email lists Petition signatures reflected the wide will take place where residents will be and website. We agreed to use Downs number of local villages which this surgery asked what services they would like to see Mail to keep residents regularly informed. serves, including Birling, Addington, Ryarsh, at any new surgery building. The Parish Council will work with the sur- Trottiscliffe, Leybourne, East Malling, Kings “Vicki said that the practice do not want gery to help identify a new site or building Hill, Offham and Mereworth. to change their catchment area and want suitable for their needs. Pat presented the petition with parish to plan one or more surgeries in the best It is vital we keep this important service in councillors Trudy Dean and Nick Stapleton place to meet patients’ needs. The NHS West Malling”.

(l-r) Pat Lander resident, Nick Stapleton Parish Councillor, Vicki Plummer Practice Business Manager and Bob MacDonald interim Chair of the Patients Participation Group. Tonbridge & Malling may be spared extra housing provision after Government Local Plan announcement

THE Secretary of State launched a consultation on a new way of side of the bypass. It is therefore opposing a new development of calculating housing needs which would have increased the Bor- up to 1,000 houses by expansion of Kings Hill towards West and ough’s annual house building figures from the 696 already agreed East Malling, on Broadwater Farm land. to a new higher figure of 859 per year. The council is opposing up to 80 houses on the field between As a result Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council delayed its Churchfields and Offham Road to the rear of St Mary’s Court, timetable for preparing its Local Plan to review the situation. except for a small development for affordable housing along the Officers advised that the 23% higher target was greater than any road frontage. building rate in the Borough ever achieved. A proposal for a new car park reserved for workers in the town On March 6th Government announced that Councils who can is being supported, to free up residents parking in residential get their Local Plan in before December will be allowed to stick to streets and the town centre for more shoppers. A possible site for the original lower housing figures. the car park is to the rear of properties on London Road which The parish council is supporting an extension of the Green Belt was recently the subject of an unsuccessful application for a to give protection to all land between East and West Malling either retirement village. East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council Aylesford Newsprint Site There is still no Aylesford the Agency wanted apartments been carried out including to allow more decision on the future of this site as the with the ground floor being garages. This light into the east (altar) end of the church. It application for a mixed use of commercial too is all under discussion. is also understood the church authorities are and houses remains undecided. The site is a seeking a sign to say there are War Graves in brown field one shown on the current Local Once both bodies are satisfied with the the churchyard as have been put up at other Plan for employment uses. But the Borough applicants technical responses there will be local churches. Council is under pressure to find more land another round of public consultation. for housing to meet Government targets. Leybourne Way The parish council is A20 Study We still await the outcome of the The big issues here continue to be the continuing to press KCC to repair the worn A20 study between Leybourne and Ayles- effect on the highway network and the flood- and uneven surfaces along Leybourne Way ford looking to see how the junctions might ing. Highways England have asked for more especially at the Tesco Traffic Lights. be modified to improve traffic flows. There information on the effect on the M20 and has been work at the Hermitage Lane/A20 more recently even the M2/A228 junction at Parish walk The annual East Malling Parish junction to ease conditions there with the Cuxton. KCC also seek more technical infor- Walk will take place starting at East Malling McDonalds development. mation and these complicated documents Village Hall, New Road, on Sunday April Elsewhere work is still proceeding following have all now been lodged. The Borough await 8, starting at 2.15pm. The circular walk will the response to initial proposals which includ- the response from these two highway bodies. include some of the paths crossing Forty Acres ed an objection by the parish council to the On the flooding issue the site is shown as which has been put forward by developers as replacement of the traffic lights at A20/New within the flood plain as is a housing site to the Borough Council. All are Hythe Lane junction by a mini roundabout. much of North Larkfield. In theory liable to welcome. The walk is led by David Thornew- We though were pleased to see the yellow flooding if there was not flood wall although ell – call 01732 847415 for more information. box as an initial move. one exists as walkers of the towpath will This, coupled with all the highway study know. It was built by the former National New Hythe Litter Following public com- work arising from just 500 houses at Aylesford Rivers Authority some years ago to protect the plaints the parish council were grateful to Newsprint, underlines the problems of pro- then paper mills. But the national planning the Borough Council clearing litter and other viding for 6000 extra homes in the Local Plan rules require the initial assessment as if no dumped items at the River end of New Hythe review to meet Government planning rules. wall existed and there is then a trade off as to Lane. There is also litter on Network Rail land whether if the site were not used for housing at the station and private land which has been East Malling War Memorial The parish council if green sites would have to be released taken up with the landowners. successfully had the war memorial listed a few elsewhere. If it is decided it would mean Larkfield Church The parish council is respon- years ago and is now looking into having work use of green filed sites the existence of the sible for basic maintenance of the churchyard done particularly re-inscribing the names. wall can be taken into account and if other since it was closed to burials. By the time conditions should be imposed. At a site in you receive this some tree work should have David Thornewell

West Malling Parish Council GP Surgery The practice manager had advised meet at the container by the railway line near Village hall Mrs Javens has agreed to join the that the Council that a meeting should be pos- the mixed woodland. Village Hall Management Committee. sible at the end of the month. She had advised Footpath from Manor Park to Windmill Lane that the property had not yet been sold, and Tennis lessons Children’s tennis coaching is The landowner has assured the council that he repeated that the surgery would keep ‘a pres- now available at the tennis courts at Norman will re-mark this path when ground conditions ence’ in the High Street. The council endorsed Road Playing Field. It is a fun-filled hourly are less wet and crops reach six inches high. the wording of the petition launched by Cllrs session led by Jim and his team. From young Dean and Stapleton. beginners new to the game to players wanting Ryarsh sand pit proposal KCC has identified a to return and improve their skills. If parents are need for up to 5million tonnes of soft sand to Macey’s Meadow Spring is now on its way and interested in their children having tennis lessons be extracted at two possible sites in Kent, one soon we will all be enjoying the lambs back in please contact Jim Barton on 07803 368450, in Ryarsh and the other at Lenham. Mr Byatt our meadow. If you are a dog walker, please [email protected] or on line at jimmysten- had attended the public meeting to hear KCC remember to keep your dog on a lead; Sheep nis.com for further information. officer’s presentation. The Parish Council agreed worrying is an offence and all residents should to raise concerns regarding traffic, safety of road be alert and report any incidents. To encourage Allotments Looking forward to home grown access, and possible health effects of extraction. further breeding of the Little Owls, two nesting produce this year? There are some plots boxes have been installed. The new hedge available at the Ryarsh Lane Allotments. If Road Investment Strategy to 2025 Councillors planting is now in place filling the gaps on the you are resident within West Malling Parish agreed to reply to this government consultation Norman Road side. Volunteer working parties you can secure a plot with a refundable document supporting the creation of missing on Saturdays have been arranged for March deposit of £50. Yearly rent is £15. Please east facing slip roads in the vicinity of Junction 24, April 7 and April 21. They will run between contact the Parish Clerk on 01732 870872 5 of M25. This would reduce traffic currently 10am and noon. Tools will be provided. All for further information. using Junction 4.

LOCAL CONTACTS Trudy Dean, Malling Action Partnership chairman Travel Enquiries E: [email protected] T: 01732 843 119 Nu-Venture Buses – Supported by Citizens Advice Bureau – T: 01732 440488 T: 01622 882288 Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council Trains – T: 08457 484950 main switchboard – T: 01732 844522 Arriva Buses – Pothole reporting – T: 08458 247800 T: 0871 200 22 33 News downsmail.co.uk dXowns Factormail.co.uk date News X FACTOR star Louisa Johnson Ghasl beenen lined-upn’s tojo headlineb is the Princess Royal meets Big Day Out to be held in Maid- tstoneo s int July.reamline Inspectors say trust’s The singer, best known for the hit Best Behaviour, will take the stage charity shop workers Nat MoteH ParkS s one Julyrv 1. ices NHS West Kent Clinical Commis- She announced the gig on Twit- THE PRINCESS Royal received a sioning Group (CCG) has ap- services ‘improving’ ter, saying: “Big news! I’ll be head- warm welcome from charity vol- pointed Glenn Douglas as lining the @BigDayOutUK Festival TunteersHE M whenaidsto shene a visitednd Tu thenbr Saveidge jumped a rating to ‘good’. accountable officer. in Maidstone this July! Can’t wait WTheell Childrens NHS Tr shopust h inas Maidstone.been given CQC’s deputy chief inspector of He will perform a similar role in to see you all there.” anAen crowdcourag ofin onlookersg diagnos waitedis from out-the hospitals, Amanda Stanford, said of CCGs at Ashford, Canterbury and Also on the bill are Diversity, gsideove thernm storeent h inea Unionlth wa Streettchdo tog, seethe the report: “Since our last inspection Coastal, , Gravesham and who won Britain’s Got Talent, and CPrincessare Qua Anne.lity Co Shemm wasissio greetedn (CQC by). in 2015, Maidstone and Tunbridge Swanley, Swale, and Medway as girl band Atomic Kitten, who have dignitariesEngland’s includingchief insp theecto Mayorr of ho ofs- Wells NHS Trust has worked to the result of the six CCGs deciding Kerry Katona in their line-up. pMaidstoneitals has to Cllrld M Derekaidston Butler,e and Tu then- make significant improvements es- to work more closely together. Louisa (19) won the X Factor in bcharity’sridge Wel retaills NHS managerTrust tha Cherylt there pecially in the well-led domain Mr Douglas, 2015, after singing with mentor Rita hAdamsas been andsig voluntarynificant an shopd sus leader,tained which is reflected in the improved pictured, is cur- Ora in the final. iKarenmprov Elphick,ement th beforerougho goingut the insidetrust, rating. rently chief exec- atolth meetough shopsom workers.e areas still require quire improvement but caring re- “Inspectors also identified nu- utive of the Kent imTheprov Princess,ement. who has been presi- mains ‘good’. merous areas of outstanding prac- and Medway Assault case dentA t ofeam theo charityf inspe sincectors thefrom 1970s,the A significant finding was that the tice in four of the core services Sustainabi lity A MAIDSTONE woman has been Cspokeare Q ofu herality appreciationCommissio ofn thevis con-ited crucial area of leadership has inspected throughout the trust. charged with woundingand Tra afternsfo anrm al-a- ttributionwo locatio thens i shopn the makestrust be totwe theen The Princess Royal is greeted by Cheryl Adams,“The there a mayorre still andimp Karenrovem Elphickents to leged stabbing inti Shepway.on Partnership Oworkctobe ofr 2 the017 charityand Feb atrua homery 201 and8 to be made, however, in relation to Nicola Goslitski(ST (40),P) a ofnd Suttonwill cabroad.heck on five core services: urgent lovedWh animals.at is the CQC? raisedstaff tr £40,000aining, a fordequ theate charityrecord k lasteep- maintain this role alongside his Road, was arrested after police were anShed em alsoerge presentedncy care; certificatesmedical car toe; TAmongHE Car thee Q dozensuality ofCo onlookersmmission year.ing, as well as reducing overnight new accountable officer duties. called to a report of an assault in sDennisurgery; Foad,critica Brendal care; a Harrisnd serv andices who(CQC watched) is the in thedepe Princessndent reg departulator dMoreischarg donationses. and customers Dr Bob Bowes, chairman of NHS Westmorland Road on Sunday, fSylviaor child Thomasren and inyo honourung peop ofle their. wasof 88-year-oldhealth and s Bettyocial Warrencare in E whong- are“ alwaysWhilst welcomeackno atwl theedg tinying shopthe WAprilest K 30.ent OfficersClinica werel Com toldmis thatsion twoing longInsp serviceectors tow theent charity.into Maidstone hadlan waitedd, mak foring nearlysure se anrvi hources to top seea- whichprogre isss packedmade b withy the goodstrust rangingsince our Gwomenroup, s hadaid madethe ro theirle w wayould toh hos-elp HoSeven-year-oldspital and The Daisy,Tunbr theidg daugh-e Wells hertie andnts wasare “ givensafe, e af chairfectiv ande, ca ari cupng, fromlast in clothing,spection, w children’se will cont items,inue to “pitalstrea withmline armstra injuries.tegic dec Theyision are-ma be-k- Hteros ofpi shoptal at volunteerPembury. 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The CQC kitchenmonitor warethe s andervic aes collector’sinvolved t cor-o en- inlievedg, free toin haveg up knowntime an thed re suspect.source to presentedThere ha thes be Princessen no ch Anneange withto th ae mTheoni charitytors, in shopspect openeds and re ingu Unionlates ner.sure Therethere isis alsoprog are “wantedss on imp board”lement- focGoslitskius on the hasvita beenl task chargedof deve withlop- tposyrust’s andove ara cardll rat sheing, hadwhic made.h rema Theins Streetservic ines 1980to ma whenke sure thethe buildingy meet foring peoplethe requ whoired im arepro lookingvements. for” intwog lo countscal care ofso woundingthat people withget be in-t- ‘cardrequi hadres im ap pictureroveme ofnt’ a. horse be- wasfund boughtamental forstan £12,000.dards of q Thirty-uality somethingFull de intai particularls of the andrati thengs vol-are tetentr ac andcess oneto c ofar possessinge and supp ao knifert in causeSafet Daisyy, effec hadtive researchedness and be oning there- sevenand s yearsafety later,with fi itsnd successings pub contin-lished. unteersgiven o willn the keepCQC anw eyeebsit oute ht fortp:// thinei ar publiclocal co place.mmunities”. sinternetponsive andto foundpeople that’s n theeed Princesss all re- ues, with the volunteers having them.www.cqc.org.uk/provider/RWF

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Malling March 2018 25 News | 100 years of WI downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk 100 years of WI | News The WI at 100 - handing baton to a younger generation of members WI ‘saved my life’ THINGS are obviously different now for the Women’s Institute, but as DIANE Parr has recently become the West Kent Federation prepares to celebrate its centenary, it is still Time pressures ‘take their toll on life’ branch secretary at the Bearsted going strong. ONE place where the membership is on the older side people travel to London for work, so they don’t have & Thurnham WI, and she admits is the village of Headcorn, where the WI itself is ap- time for evening events. It’s a shame. it would have been tough in re- The first WI was formed in An- proaching its own 100th birthday. “It’s hard these days, Biddenden, which is just up tirement without having the glesey – Llanfairpwllgwyngyll to Founded in 1922, Headcorn WI still has around 30 the road, closed down because they couldn’t get peo- group to join. be exact – in 1915, and the move- members, including some for whom the WI has been ple to be the chairman or the treasurer and you need Despite having lived in ment quickly spread. The first one a huge part of their lives. those roles.” Bearsted for many years, her to open in the West Kent Federa- That includes Margaret Baker, a member of the And Headcorn’s own membership is down on where working patterns meant that she tion area was Hextable & Swanley group for the past 65 years, who said: “I joined be- it used to be – but Margaret insists there is still so didn’t really know many of the in 1917, with Bearsted & Thurn- cause of my mother. A lot of our mums were involved much to be gained from the group. people who live in the village – ham following in January 1918. and we could join at 15 back then, so we did. She said: “We’ve got 30-odd members these days. but the WI has changed all that. That in turn led to the foundation “We’re very friendly, celebrating each other’s birth- We used to have a lot more but times have changed. “For me, it’s about friendship,” of the West Kent WI in April of that days and we have a lot of speakers, most of who are We still meet once a month but our membership is she said. “I used to work in East year, and it is still going strong – in very good. Over the years, I’ve gained a lot of friends getting older. Sussex, I would leave at 7am and fact, it is getting stronger, with five through the WI. “It’s a shame that younger people don’t seem to not get home until 7pm, so when new groups having started in the “Of course, Headcorn used to be a lot smaller than want to get involved. I retired, I didn’t know anyone in past few months. There are now a Adding to the it is now. If someone doesn’t turn up to a meeting, “We still have a really good group, with friendship the village. total of around 7,750 women we will check if they’re okay, we look out for each and outside activities, but of course we’d like more “I’d been involved in the WI signed up to the 180 WIs that fall Chocolate team other and we visit each other’s houses.” members. when my children were younger, under the West Kent umbrella. Margaret has seen more than most how the WI has “Our youngest member these days is in her late ONE group where age is definitely so I joined up and after a couple Of course, the war effort is not a changed over time. 40s, I’d say. We used to have a much younger mem- not a factor for members is Maid- of meetings I had already made major aim of the groups any more, “Life is so busy these days,” she says. “Most women ber who was great; she was the treasurer for a while stone Chocolate WI, who are based friends. It’s saved my life! but the WI these days looks to pro- A far cry from jam, jumble and Jerusalem. Today’s WI members are look- have jobs and although we meet at 7.30pm their and one year she and I laid the wreath together on in the town centre. “I feel young in mind and I do vide women with educational op- ing for fun, friendship and a voice on issues that affect women’s lives husbands may not be home to look after the children. Remembrance Sunday – as the young and the not so Set up by Hannah Patton seven a lot of exercise classes, too, but portunities and new skills, as well “There are new houses where I live and a lot of the young together – but she moved away.” years ago, Chocolate may sound I think there are more younger as offering talks, trips and more be- members get out of being in the WI there has been a noticeable surge in like a WI group you might want to people in the WI these days. sides. It also campaigns on issues is friendship. new WIs with women in their 20s avoid if you’re on a diet, but it is Things like Calendar Girls have important to women. “The world can be a lonely place, and 30s opening in urban areas. not quite as tasty as it might made it a bit more cool, but it Annette Smith, chairman of the and people don’t tend to stay in the Our most northerly group, for ex- Institute facts sounds. does all depend on lifestyle – my West Kent WI Federation, said: same place for their whole lives as ample, is a group of ladies called Secret of the urban success The WI originated in Canada in “The name simply has come be- daughter is 47 and I don’t think “When I first went to a National they may have done in the past. the Borough Belles, who meet in IT IS no secret that no two WIs “But we are thriving. We’re not 1897 and moved to Britain in cause we used to meet in Bar for a second she would say that Council meeting seven or eight “But the WI can bring people to- central London. are the same – and the starkest actively looking for new mem- 1915; Chocolate,” Hannah, above, ex- she’s ready to join the WI – but years ago, the big debate was gether. The WI varies hugely, and “They don’t live there, they work differences can be between the bers – we tend to pick people up plains. “We’ve moved on since During WWI the WI encour- in a village it’s a big part of life.” around mega-farms. I was stunned as I said in my keynote speech at there, but they take the opportu- urban and rural groups. who come along with friends then but the name has stayed, and aged women to help grow and The Bearsted & Thurnham that the heads of the National our annual meeting last year, it is nity to meet up. South Park WI is one which and join. We have about 60 we do a lot of chocolate-themed preserve food to help ease short- branch pre-dates the federation Farmers’ Union and the Soil Asso- for everyone, and can be what peo- “Some of our groups have all of falls firmly into the former cate- members at the moment and we events. ages; it is a member of. “We had our ciation were both there to speak on ple want it to be.” the age ranges, there are some with gory, meeting at Maidstone are quite limited, really, because “We’ve only got about 12 mem- celebrations in January,” Diane the issue. It showed the importance And as for that reputation? Long an older membership and there are Hockey Club, south of the town of where we meet. In the 1930s, WI activities were bers at the moment, so we’re a very added. of getting the WI movement on gone, she insists. others where they are all young- centre. “Our members go from the more light-hearted with music fes- small WI, but we do have a few “We’ve got around 95 mem- side on such big issues.” “I’ve never made jam, nor been sters.” Secretary Eve Harvey, a long- age of about 40 up into their 70s, tivals, plays and country dancing; people on maternity leave and bers so we’re still going strong. A The WI does have a reputation of to a jumble sale, but I have sung Members are older in term member, admits that does but the majority are in their To help raise the profile of the other have moved on for various few are in their 40s, and one in “jam, jumble and Jerusalem”, but Jerusalem a few times,” she said. and Elaine Martin (76) was a mem- change things. early 60s, normally who’ve just WI, a tour bus went round the reasons.” her 20s, but we do get quite a lot Mrs Smith insists that is in the past “No two WIs are the same. There ber of the WI in her earlier life and “A disadvantage that South retired, but who are still active.” country in the 1980s during a Maidstone Chocolate WI also has of new people.” now. Overwhelmingly, there is one is no longer a typical WI member. took a few years’ break before re- Park WI has is that we don’t But despite having a member- three year campaign to attract a special mascot. “It’s not just about the WI thing that is driving people to join Yes, some prefer tea and cake at joining in 2016. have a community as such to ship largely made up of retirees more members; Hannah said: “When the Federa- meetings either, we have lots of the WI in 2018 – friendship. their meetings but others prefer She said: “I went back a couple of draw upon like a village,” she – including some of those who The 1990s had the celebration tion turned 95, we had to do 95 classes – art, book club, craft, Mrs Smith is a case in point. wine and nibbles, and talks can be years ago as some of my friends said. “I think it’s easier to fund were involved in its formation of the WI’s 75th anniversary with things in celebration so we got drama, gardening, leisure, walk- “I joined to meet people and it on anything from the history of were members and, because I am raise in villages and so on. But 44 years ago – the group remains Her Majesty the Queen attending Chocolate Bear to do 95 events – and ing and so on – there’s plenty for was the best thing I’ve ever done,” quilting to gin tasting. on my own most of the time, it is we do a lot of charity work, we very active and far from the idea the AGM. she’s still going. She’s walked in people to do.” she said. “We did a survey last year “Our age range goes from nice to go to the social events.” support homeless people in that many outsiders will have of Pride, she’s been to camping festivals, and the number one thing our women in their 20s to their 90s and Reports by Jon Phipps Maidstone and the food banks. the WI. Additional research: Amy Martin she’s been to workshops, all sorts of things. She’s our mascot, people take her everywhere – she’s been to Peru Movement which preceded the Suffrage�es still has a voice in modern age and even to the Taj Mahal.” Hannah (31) has been a member AS WELL as making friends, the the suffragettes, of Kings Hill is itself a unique place. the area. Because it’s a new village, away. My husband was in the since her early 20s – and she has ab- WI is well known for giving course, but we Having only been around for just there’s not lots of people who have Royal Air Force, so I used to travel solutely no regrets about joining the women a voice. now have a voice over 20 years, it is not a place known each other for years and a lot, so joining the WI was a good organisation. Its foundations, back before on other issues – where many people have spent years. We have a mixture of ages in way for me to make friends. The She said: “I was working at the women even had the vote, is proof both local and na- their entire lives. the group, from their late 30s up to biggest part of it is meeting people. county show and I got chatting to of that. tional. The WI was founded in 2002, and two members who celebrated their “There is the reputation of jam someone from the WI and it sounded It is one part of the attraction for “For example, in has provided a haven for the fe- 90th birthdays last year.” and Jerusalem but it really isn’t like great, so I went along. I wasn’t intim- Tina Patterson, right, the president Kings Hill we have male residents. Like many members Downs Mail that anymore. We’ve had a number idated at the first meeting – I’ll talk to of the Kings Hill group. two defibrillators, “I would say 99.9% of the people has spoken to, Tina’s reason for of different speakers come to visit anyone – and I knew what to expect. “There is definitely still a place but they are both on private land so that have come along and joined joining was a desire to keep active us, from reflexology and candle Every WI is different, and I was lucky for the WI, hand on heart, because when they are locked up, they can’t have done it for the interactions once her working days were done. makers to tales of travels around that I found such a good group. it gives people somewhere to go be used. We’ve spoken to the coun- with people,” Tina said. “I guess “I’ve been a member for just over the world. It’s important that we “It is a bit like Girl Guiding for and it helps with issues, too,” she cil and now something is going to Kings Hill can be a little bit like four years,” the 73-year-old said. “I keep it varied because we need to grown-ups, really. Girls who are too said. The WI has a voice, a strong be done to make sure they can be Stepford Wives, it can be hard to had worked all my life and looked make sure that we cater for all of old for the guides can then move voice. It goes back to the times of accessed at all times.” get to know people if you’re new to after my father until he passed the ages.” WI members get together at a offee morning at Kings Hill golf club along to the WI.”

26 Malling March 2018 News | 100 years of WI downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk 100 years of WI | News The WI at 100 - handing baton to a younger generation of members WI ‘saved my life’ THINGS are obviously different now for the Women’s Institute, but as DIANE Parr has recently become the West Kent Federation prepares to celebrate its centenary, it is still Time pressures ‘take their toll on life’ branch secretary at the Bearsted going strong. ONE place where the membership is on the older side people travel to London for work, so they don’t have & Thurnham WI, and she admits is the village of Headcorn, where the WI itself is ap- time for evening events. It’s a shame. it would have been tough in re- The first WI was formed in An- proaching its own 100th birthday. “It’s hard these days, Biddenden, which is just up tirement without having the glesey – Llanfairpwllgwyngyll to Founded in 1922, Headcorn WI still has around 30 the road, closed down because they couldn’t get peo- group to join. be exact – in 1915, and the move- members, including some for whom the WI has been ple to be the chairman or the treasurer and you need Despite having lived in ment quickly spread. The first one a huge part of their lives. those roles.” Bearsted for many years, her to open in the West Kent Federa- That includes Margaret Baker, a member of the And Headcorn’s own membership is down on where working patterns meant that she tion area was Hextable & Swanley group for the past 65 years, who said: “I joined be- it used to be – but Margaret insists there is still so didn’t really know many of the in 1917, with Bearsted & Thurn- cause of my mother. A lot of our mums were involved much to be gained from the group. people who live in the village – ham following in January 1918. and we could join at 15 back then, so we did. She said: “We’ve got 30-odd members these days. but the WI has changed all that. That in turn led to the foundation “We’re very friendly, celebrating each other’s birth- We used to have a lot more but times have changed. “For me, it’s about friendship,” of the West Kent WI in April of that days and we have a lot of speakers, most of who are We still meet once a month but our membership is she said. “I used to work in East year, and it is still going strong – in very good. Over the years, I’ve gained a lot of friends getting older. Sussex, I would leave at 7am and fact, it is getting stronger, with five through the WI. “It’s a shame that younger people don’t seem to not get home until 7pm, so when new groups having started in the “Of course, Headcorn used to be a lot smaller than want to get involved. I retired, I didn’t know anyone in past few months. There are now a Adding to the it is now. If someone doesn’t turn up to a meeting, “We still have a really good group, with friendship the village. total of around 7,750 women we will check if they’re okay, we look out for each and outside activities, but of course we’d like more “I’d been involved in the WI signed up to the 180 WIs that fall Chocolate team other and we visit each other’s houses.” members. when my children were younger, under the West Kent umbrella. Margaret has seen more than most how the WI has “Our youngest member these days is in her late ONE group where age is definitely so I joined up and after a couple Of course, the war effort is not a changed over time. 40s, I’d say. We used to have a much younger mem- not a factor for members is Maid- of meetings I had already made major aim of the groups any more, “Life is so busy these days,” she says. “Most women ber who was great; she was the treasurer for a while stone Chocolate WI, who are based friends. It’s saved my life! but the WI these days looks to pro- A far cry from jam, jumble and Jerusalem. Today’s WI members are look- have jobs and although we meet at 7.30pm their and one year she and I laid the wreath together on in the town centre. “I feel young in mind and I do vide women with educational op- ing for fun, friendship and a voice on issues that affect women’s lives husbands may not be home to look after the children. Remembrance Sunday – as the young and the not so Set up by Hannah Patton seven a lot of exercise classes, too, but portunities and new skills, as well “There are new houses where I live and a lot of the young together – but she moved away.” years ago, Chocolate may sound I think there are more younger as offering talks, trips and more be- members get out of being in the WI there has been a noticeable surge in like a WI group you might want to people in the WI these days. sides. It also campaigns on issues is friendship. new WIs with women in their 20s avoid if you’re on a diet, but it is Things like Calendar Girls have important to women. “The world can be a lonely place, and 30s opening in urban areas. not quite as tasty as it might made it a bit more cool, but it Annette Smith, chairman of the and people don’t tend to stay in the Our most northerly group, for ex- Institute facts sounds. does all depend on lifestyle – my West Kent WI Federation, said: same place for their whole lives as ample, is a group of ladies called Secret of the urban success The WI originated in Canada in “The name simply has come be- daughter is 47 and I don’t think “When I first went to a National they may have done in the past. the Borough Belles, who meet in IT IS no secret that no two WIs “But we are thriving. We’re not 1897 and moved to Britain in cause we used to meet in Bar for a second she would say that Council meeting seven or eight “But the WI can bring people to- central London. are the same – and the starkest actively looking for new mem- 1915; Chocolate,” Hannah, above, ex- she’s ready to join the WI – but years ago, the big debate was gether. The WI varies hugely, and “They don’t live there, they work differences can be between the bers – we tend to pick people up plains. “We’ve moved on since During WWI the WI encour- in a village it’s a big part of life.” around mega-farms. I was stunned as I said in my keynote speech at there, but they take the opportu- urban and rural groups. who come along with friends then but the name has stayed, and aged women to help grow and The Bearsted & Thurnham that the heads of the National our annual meeting last year, it is nity to meet up. South Park WI is one which and join. We have about 60 we do a lot of chocolate-themed preserve food to help ease short- branch pre-dates the federation Farmers’ Union and the Soil Asso- for everyone, and can be what peo- “Some of our groups have all of falls firmly into the former cate- members at the moment and we events. ages; it is a member of. “We had our ciation were both there to speak on ple want it to be.” the age ranges, there are some with gory, meeting at Maidstone are quite limited, really, because “We’ve only got about 12 mem- celebrations in January,” Diane the issue. It showed the importance And as for that reputation? Long an older membership and there are Hockey Club, south of the town of where we meet. In the 1930s, WI activities were bers at the moment, so we’re a very added. of getting the WI movement on gone, she insists. others where they are all young- centre. “Our members go from the more light-hearted with music fes- small WI, but we do have a few “We’ve got around 95 mem- side on such big issues.” “I’ve never made jam, nor been sters.” Secretary Eve Harvey, a long- age of about 40 up into their 70s, tivals, plays and country dancing; people on maternity leave and bers so we’re still going strong. A The WI does have a reputation of to a jumble sale, but I have sung Members are older in Staplehurst term member, admits that does but the majority are in their To help raise the profile of the other have moved on for various few are in their 40s, and one in “jam, jumble and Jerusalem”, but Jerusalem a few times,” she said. and Elaine Martin (76) was a mem- change things. early 60s, normally who’ve just WI, a tour bus went round the reasons.” her 20s, but we do get quite a lot Mrs Smith insists that is in the past “No two WIs are the same. There ber of the WI in her earlier life and “A disadvantage that South retired, but who are still active.” country in the 1980s during a Maidstone Chocolate WI also has of new people.” now. Overwhelmingly, there is one is no longer a typical WI member. took a few years’ break before re- Park WI has is that we don’t But despite having a member- three year campaign to attract a special mascot. “It’s not just about the WI thing that is driving people to join Yes, some prefer tea and cake at joining in 2016. have a community as such to ship largely made up of retirees more members; Hannah said: “When the Federa- meetings either, we have lots of the WI in 2018 – friendship. their meetings but others prefer She said: “I went back a couple of draw upon like a village,” she – including some of those who The 1990s had the celebration tion turned 95, we had to do 95 classes – art, book club, craft, Mrs Smith is a case in point. wine and nibbles, and talks can be years ago as some of my friends said. “I think it’s easier to fund were involved in its formation of the WI’s 75th anniversary with things in celebration so we got drama, gardening, leisure, walk- “I joined to meet people and it on anything from the history of were members and, because I am raise in villages and so on. But 44 years ago – the group remains Her Majesty the Queen attending Chocolate Bear to do 95 events – and ing and so on – there’s plenty for was the best thing I’ve ever done,” quilting to gin tasting. on my own most of the time, it is we do a lot of charity work, we very active and far from the idea the AGM. she’s still going. She’s walked in people to do.” she said. “We did a survey last year “Our age range goes from nice to go to the social events.” support homeless people in that many outsiders will have of Pride, she’s been to camping festivals, and the number one thing our women in their 20s to their 90s and Reports by Jon Phipps Maidstone and the food banks. the WI. Additional research: Amy Martin she’s been to workshops, all sorts of things. She’s our mascot, people take her everywhere – she’s been to Peru Movement which preceded the Suffrage�es still has a voice in modern age and even to the Taj Mahal.” Hannah (31) has been a member AS WELL as making friends, the the suffragettes, of Kings Hill is itself a unique place. the area. Because it’s a new village, away. My husband was in the since her early 20s – and she has ab- WI is well known for giving course, but we Having only been around for just there’s not lots of people who have Royal Air Force, so I used to travel solutely no regrets about joining the women a voice. now have a voice over 20 years, it is not a place known each other for years and a lot, so joining the WI was a good organisation. Its foundations, back before on other issues – where many people have spent years. We have a mixture of ages in way for me to make friends. The She said: “I was working at the women even had the vote, is proof both local and na- their entire lives. the group, from their late 30s up to biggest part of it is meeting people. county show and I got chatting to of that. tional. The WI was founded in 2002, and two members who celebrated their “There is the reputation of jam someone from the WI and it sounded It is one part of the attraction for “For example, in has provided a haven for the fe- 90th birthdays last year.” and Jerusalem but it really isn’t like great, so I went along. I wasn’t intim- Tina Patterson, right, the president Kings Hill we have male residents. Like many members Downs Mail that anymore. We’ve had a number idated at the first meeting – I’ll talk to of the Kings Hill group. two defibrillators, “I would say 99.9% of the people has spoken to, Tina’s reason for of different speakers come to visit anyone – and I knew what to expect. “There is definitely still a place but they are both on private land so that have come along and joined joining was a desire to keep active us, from reflexology and candle Every WI is different, and I was lucky for the WI, hand on heart, because when they are locked up, they can’t have done it for the interactions once her working days were done. makers to tales of travels around that I found such a good group. it gives people somewhere to go be used. We’ve spoken to the coun- with people,” Tina said. “I guess “I’ve been a member for just over the world. It’s important that we “It is a bit like Girl Guiding for and it helps with issues, too,” she cil and now something is going to Kings Hill can be a little bit like four years,” the 73-year-old said. “I keep it varied because we need to grown-ups, really. Girls who are too said. The WI has a voice, a strong be done to make sure they can be Stepford Wives, it can be hard to had worked all my life and looked make sure that we cater for all of old for the guides can then move voice. It goes back to the times of accessed at all times.” get to know people if you’re new to after my father until he passed the ages.” WI members get together at a offee morning at Kings Hill golf club along to the WI.”

Malling March 2018 27 News downsmail.co.uk Lambing plea to dog owners LOCAL sheep farmers have asked worth, made local headlines some dog owners to keep their pets on years ago when he shot a dog off the leash as the county prepares the lead on his land where his for the lambing season. sheep were grazing. In recent years, there have been He said: “I didn’t want to kill many examples of pregnant sheep someone’s pet and the woman was dying – sometimes savagely at- very upset when she found out tacked by domestic pets – but local what I’d done. But I would do it farmers say the problem is worsen- again. ing. “It is the lives of the sheep and Sheep farmer of 30 years Caro- their lambs as well as my liveli- line Worley, who has more than hood I have to think about. Sheep near , above, and Colin Tearle, right, 700 animals, said: “It’s not just at “Part of the problem is that peo- lambing time, it’s happening all the who defends farmers’ right to shoot dogs ple come to live in the country from time. swathe of parkland around Leeds It is not un- the towns and they just see the “There are a lot of irresponsible Castle. common in fields as a big park.” dog owners out there who don’t She added: “I would just like to sheep-worrying incidents for preg- NFU Mutual insurers said there see anything wrong with letting get the message out there that most nant ewes to give birth to stillborn has been a 67% rise in insurance their animals run free when there of the sheep you’ll see in the fields young, sometimes causing the claims for sheep worrying cases in are sheep around.” are carrying lambs at the moment. mothers to die in the process. the past two years. The farmer owns 180 acres of So please, please keep your dogs Fellow Kent farmer Colin Tearle, It is estimated the problem is land but also grazes the large on a lead.” who has grazed flocks near Cheg- costing farmers £1.6m each year. Rooftop bar for town’s revellers Communities in need of support A POPULAR town centre bar plans to open a rooftop terrace in time for VOLUNTEER Support Wardens are being sought across the Maid- summer. stone area as part of a recruitment drive by Kent County Council. The Brenchley, in the High Street, Maidstone, expects to unveil its The role, which is described as “challenging, but rewarding”, is plans for a bar and covered seating area to Maidstone's night-time rev- being advertised as suitable for those interested in meeting people, ellers around Easter. The exact date is not yet been revealed but it will learning new skills and keen to provide support in their community. be known as Harry's Bar and is currently still being built. The county council is working in association with the Kent Associ- The building was formerly a bank and sits in the High Street almost ation of Local Councils. For details call 03000 413455 or visit opposite the town hall. www.kent.gov.uk, community wardens.

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28 Malling March 2018 downsmail.co.uk Education|News Help school to make a splash A SPECIAL school in Maidstone is hoping people will ‘create a ripple Invicta is ranked and make a splash’ as it looks to raise funds for a vital hydrother- area’s top school apy pool. MAIDSTONE and Malling have The pool at Five Acre Wood Five Acre the best and the worst perform- School will cost £850,000 and, so far, ing schools in Kent, says new Wood School the school has managed to raise data released by the Depart- £600,000 through applications to is hoping to ment for Education. trusts and charitable foundations. raise the final The new leagues measure per- But rather than holding one large funds forits formance on different criteria, fundraising event, it hopes that lots much- with classroom standards ranked of smaller endeavours will bring in needed hy- against new indicators. These are the £250,000 needed to finish fund- drotheraphy called progress 8 and attainment ing the project. pool 8, and are considered a better as- School fundraiser Alex Meaders sessment of pupil performance said: “I am seeking support from needed to provide the right educa- as toys for them to play with. across ability ranges. local businesses, schools, societies, tion for the children, who attend “Every penny really does count – Invicta Grammar School is organisations and individuals to do from all around the county. our needs are endless.” rated sixth, Maidstone Girls’ what they can. Staff themselves are helping the Among the initiatives planned for Grammar School ninth and St “Whether you throw a small peb- initiative – they were all given a 2018 are a London to Paris bike ride, Simon Stock 14th in the top 14 ble or a large stone into a pool of tube of Smarties, courtesy of Sains- with a team of 15 riders – including best-performing schools. These water, the ripple effect created is felt bury’s, and once they have eaten the staff, parents and supporters – set to are rated “well above average”. onwards and outwards. Similarly, treats, they have been charged with undertake the trip in July. The top two are Tonbridge Gram- whether someone raises £50 or filling the tube with 20p pieces. Although the riders themselves mar School and Tunbridge Wells £5,000, the effect will be felt.” Mrs Meaders added: “The staff are all committed to raising at least Grammar School. The school, on the same campus costs are all funded as they would £300 each, the school is seeking a Those falling short of expecta- as New Line Learning, has more be in any school, but we have to find corporate sponsor to cover costs. tions and which could receive spe- than 390 pupils aged from two to the funds for all the extras. Anyone who can help the school, cial attention from Oftsed are 19, all with a variety of special edu- “This is things like the sensory either with the London to Paris The Holmesdale School, Snod- cational needs. room and iPads for children who jaunt or with any other idea to help land, Aylesford School – Sports The costs for the school are phe- are unable to speak but can use raise funds is asked to email College and Cornwallis Academy. nomenal, with more than 270 staff technology to communicate, as well [email protected].

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Malling March 2018 29 downsmail.co.uk

P plans, it was suggested that the council the council’s objection to the planning

a r i s h Addington take part in consultation. Cllr Hogwood application for Orchard Place was not Road markings County Councillor Sarah asked if there was any update on the passed to the commi�ee. Cllr Balfour was Hohler advised that the slow markings and adoption of Hawley Drive, to which Cllr sorry but had no recollection of seeing the

C pedestrian in road signs on Woodgate Hohler said she would review the email, so the clerk was asked to forward a o u n c i l s Road were due to be installed. She also information and update the council. copy. The council’s main concern is that the suggested that lowering speed limits on Borough update Cllr Luck said that entrance is where children access the country lanes can often have an adverse parking prices in West Malling were under playing field. effect as pedestrians can think it is safe to consultation and the price may go up 10p Police presence Inspector Maxine Martin walk on such roads. an hour. Cllr Luker said that panel had sent an email regarding police and Defibrillator Both of the defibrillators had members had reported that traveller’s PCSO a�endance at parish council been checked, and the clerk was asked to issues in East Kent had increased by 80%, meetings, in which she said they will aspire source two new signs for the BT box at the while a meeting regarding the benefits of to a�end one meeting every three months. Jet garage. the smart motorway on the M20 was being African Lodge Cllr Williams had a�ended Play equipment Cllr Robinson reported held by the contractor. the licensing hearing into the African that the recreation ground commi�ee were Budget The third and final draft of the Lodge and Marquee at Kentfield Farm. looking at fundraising and grants for the budget from the finance commi�ee was There were 57 responses to the application replacement equipment. The commi�ee agreed. It was also agreed to not increase and only one in support. The licence was have also received a kind offer of support the precept. granted but with a number of conditions, from the Bridge Club for a small project, Lengthsman There was a long discussion including that noise will be inaudible, the with replacing the hand driers in the toilets regarding Cllr Compton’s proposal that the council will be given 14 days’ notice of any one of the projects being considered. council employ its own lengthsman. Cllr bookings and only 28 events can be Footbridge works Solicitors were still in Compton felt that the current standard of planned a year. the process of investigating the legalities maintenance by TMBC needed to be Street parking TMBC’s consultation over involved in the reinstatement of the seriously improved upon and the best way on-street parking fees and charges had footbridge over the M20. The solicitors for to do that would be for the council to take been seen by councillors, who were able to the parish council were still waiting for the charge of it for themselves. As a charge is respond online. amended license and transfer deed from already paid to TMBC, it was agreed that Data protection The clerk had a�ended a the solicitors for Highways England. Cllr Compton meet with TMBC to explore General Data Protection Regulations Dark Skies The clerk was waiting to hear the possibility of retrieving some of the workshop run by the Kent Association of what support and advice the Campaign to Local Councils (KALC) and Satswana. She Protect Rural England (CPRE) could offer money in order to pursue the proposal. Village Hall A special meeting was agreed reported back and it was agreed that the to advise Tonbridge & Malling Borough clerk contact Satswana to act as the Data Council (TMBC) to put in place policies in to review the hall hire fees, income and costings. Protection Officer. the new Local Pan with respect to external Remedial works Cllr Frankling gave a lighting, particularly in rural areas. The Open Spaces Work was due to start on the bund project as part of Project Leybourne. summary of the remedial works being clerk was asked to follow up with TMBC undertaken. When completed they will councillor Mike Taylor, who is also on the TMBC were to send an invoice for the council’s contribution. Cllr Luker and Cllr resurface with a microchip spray that is CPRE board. more robust but this could not be done Tree contest It was agreed after a Russell were thanked for their assistance in the meetings regarding the project. until the weather improved. A year after suggestion by Cllr Robinson that the clerk that, they will come back to do any further should request a weeping beech tree as the The Chase Cllr Hogwood gave an update from the Leybourne Chase Residents remedial and snagging works. prize for the Kent Men of Trees’ Trees in Slip injury A resident had slipped on the Village Competition. It will be planted Association. The community centre is now open for businesses. There had been a paving stones by the village green and in the recreation ground. breaking her wrist on January 31. It had couple of accidents on the A20 from the Smart motorway The clerk had been been extremely wet that day. The clerk was Chase and residents had been told to email advised that the joint venture developers, asked to contact the resident to send the KCC to try and get changes made to the who are constructing the smart motorway council’s regards and find out exactly road layout. between junctions 3 and 5 of the M20 were where she fell to report to KCC Highways. Outdoor gym An application for planning happy to present the scheme to the parish Gates The gates had been installed and Cllr was being made by the parish clerk. A council and provide updates on the works, Oliver wanted to order the cherry tree for revised lease had been drawn up by KCC. key dates and traffic management. the main gate on the Quintain side of the Churchyard donation It had previously green, so the clerk was to forward the been agreed to review finances early this details for this from KMOTT. The council year to see if a donation could be made to O�am will discuss planting for the other gates. St Margaret’s PCC towards the Borough latest The council were told by Awards The councillors agreed the maintenance of the churchyard, following Cllr Ma�hew Balfour that planners were recipients of the two Parish Council TMBC withdrawing the S136 grant last working hard to deal with the seemingly Community Awards. year. It was agreed that the council would arbitrary increase in houses put forward by Parish projects The well still needed to be make a donation of £1,000. central government. There was a discussion done but the duckhouse had been about blocks of housing in the Local Plan, refurbished and will be put back in warmer and quarries. The TMBC budget was weather. Leybourne shortly to be decided with some difficult Parish works Cllr Marchant was to take Police latest The PCSO had been invited to decisions having to be made - but frontline down the hedge by the play area and Cllr the parish office and was to be invited to services are not going to be severely Williams had purchased five laurel bushes the next council meeting. affected. to go into the gap. There was a broken Consultations The clerk was to send data Granite se�s The council reported that bench in Cosgrave Field, while the bin on the bus route consultation by Cllr there had been more problems with the there had rubbish in it with a September Mearns to Arriva. TMBC had been emailed granite se�s than were anticipated. There date, so the clerk was to contact TMBC to for further information on Public Space are remedial works before the resurfacing arrange for it to be emptied. Cllr Marchant Protection Orders, while all members were at the end of the scheme and it will be was also asked to put something in the sent the consultation on the pharmacy. reviewed in a year. There have been mixed grass by the car park, perhaps stones or County report Cllr Hohler thanked the reviews to the scheme but the majority logs, to stop people parking on it. The solar council for their replies to budget view was that it will work - Cllr Frankling Speedwatch sign wasn’t flashing so it was consultation. Website reporting had is reasonably confident that the overall suggested it might need cleaning. increased 36% over the past five years. effect will be positive for the village. Village hall A total of £414.10 was raised at After an update on the Ryarsh sandpit Orchard Place Cllr Balfour was asked why Continued on page 36

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P Continued from page 34 the Paddocks; that the drains from the top investigations into utilities to consider. a r i s h the Saturday cinema. The clerk had the of Birling by the Bull through to Funds were in place for any alterations. original papers for the hall and was to look Tro�iscliffe Road hadn’t been raised after Cllr Balfour added that although the into First Registration, and was to arrange tarmacking; and the gulleys on The Street borough and county councils had to

C for copies of the originals. The commi�ee and Woodgate Road being filled with measure pollution, there was no legislation o u n c i l s were looking for someone to take over the leaves and in need of emptying out. that meant they had to deal with it. hall bookings. Tree removal Cllr Emson was to contact Borough report Cllr Jessel said the TMBC SID There are a group of volunteers to Liz Guthrie at TMBC about a tree removed budget was soon to be revealed. There move the mobile speed indicator (SID) near the school entrance to establish were plans that the three area planning between poles and charge the ba�eries. whether permission was required. commi�ees could share officers to save There was a need for a risk assessment for Precept It was agreed to increase the costs, and that a magistrates court could the volunteers, and hi-vis jackets had been precept by 2% to £19,304.52, with the use the council offices. Cllr Jessel also said provided. amount per Band D property reduced from he would be standing down as a borough Village calendar Cllr Williams had 27 £60.86 to £51.88 because of the increased councillor in the 2019 elections. calendars left for sale. Photo entries had occupation of Ryarsh Park. Parish Charter The final draft of the parish been received for the 2019 edition, with a Budget The budget for the year was set at charter had been agreed and was to be put different design to be considered. Cllrs £30,868, with the remaining modernisation forward to the Parish Partnership Panel. Williams and Stre�on, along with Mike works to the play area to be done in two Car park The chairman had wri�en to Rowe, will judge again. Sponsorship had stages, this year and next. The council TMBC asking what input the parish council covered the cost of printing, so all revenue continued to be mindful that the remaining would have in any discussions on the from sales goes towards village projects. It street lights may need modernisation. The future of the car park, but there had been was agreed to go ahead with the remaining budget will be funded from the no reply. competition again. parish council reserves. Field works Four ro�en posts in the Parishes In Bloom Cllr Williams was to playing fields had been replaced. Later in enter O�am in Parishes in Bloom for 2018. the meeting, a member of the public Wateringbury referred to the gate and posts on the track New councillor Dave Evans, David leading down to the field which had Ryarsh Michelmore and Stephen Tickner were all caused problems. The chairman confirmed County report Cllr Hohler was aware of interested in being co-opted to the council, that the owner of the middle field had been concerns about traffic travelling too fast on and after a secret ballot, counted by county contacted and they had agreed that that the Woodgate Road. She had paid for line councillor Ma�hew Balfour, it was Mr fencing, gate and posts were on council marking and signs, but after discussions Tickner who was elected to the council. land. Part of the fencing had been moved with Highways, a 30mph limit would not Tributes The chairman had a�ended the but the gate and posts remained. It was be possible on this stretch of road. funeral of former councillor Michael agreed to write to the land owner giving a Pitch marking KCC Landscape Services Cayzer, who served the council for 25 time limit to remove them. had provided an amended quote to include years. The family had requested donations Village signs A quote for four new village the optional figure for the pitch marking, to go to the RAF Association or Diabetes signs had been received, but after and the clerk had accepted it. UK, and it was agreed to give £50 to each in discussion it was agreed to get further Hall lease Cllr Storey and the clerk had his memory. quotes. met to look at the model lease for the War memorial The chairman reported that Traffic lights The Speedwatch report was village hall and had requested a copy that the war memorial had been awarded Grade circulated, and councillors raised the issue could be amended to include the relevant II listing by Historic England. of vehicles constantly jumping the traffic information. County report Cllr Balfour said lights at the crossroads. It was suggested Highways latest The clerk was asked to consultations were still progressing on that a camera could possibly be installed to report the flooding in Woodgate Road by improvements to the crossroads, with help prevent this.

SEVERAL vehicles parked in Heron Road, C r i m e Larkfield, were damaged on the same night. A black/red off-road Honda quad bike Neighbourhood Watch and a green Bio Shredder 4000 woodchipper were stolen from a riding school in Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police r e p o r t s Common Road, Aylesford. Ditton, was broken into. Way was keyed on the bonnet, a 320 parked A DR4 strimmer, an Alco petrol lawn A shop window in Malling Road, in a car park in Kings Hill Avenue was mower, a log splitter, a Dewalt saw and two Snodland, was smashed by a group of four keyed, and a 730 in Dawn Road was also copper water tanks were stolen from a or five boys throwing rocks. damaged. garage in The Heath, East Malling. Four people who broke into a home in A Bosch palm router and a bag of other The steering wheel and central console of Woodlands Road, Ditton, ran off when tools were stolen from a Peugeot Expert van a convertible BMW parked on a driveway in disturbed by the owner. on a driveway in Heron Road, Larkfield. Tunbury Avenue, Aylesford, were stolen Ten York stone paving slabs were prised A large quantity of diesel fuel was stolen and a window was smashed. up and stolen from the roadside in Teston from a vehicle parked on the Snodland Two men, who arrived in a white Fiat Road, Offham. bypass. Panel van, tried to break into a shed in the A green Land Rover Defender was stolen A chainsaw, a drill and a disc cutter were car park of a restaurant in London Road, from Kent Street, Mereworth. stolen from a shed in Holborough Road, Larkfield, and also tried to break into the Diesel was syphoned off from a Ford Snodland. restaurant, but did not gain access to either Transit van parked in a car park in Medway Granite ornamental paving slabs were A home in The Avenue, Aylesford, was Court, Aylesford. stolen from the front garden of a house in broken into through patio doors. A 42in flat Tools were stolen, several works trucks Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury. screen Samsung TV, a handbag, a Canon were damaged and a red VW Cadd van was Three rugs were stolen off the backs of camera, Ray-Ban sunglasses, a Kindle Fire stolen when a group gained access to the horses in Birling Road, Leybourne, with and the keys to a Ford Focus were stolen. sand quarry in Addington Lane, some electric fencing broken. A catalytic converter was stolen from a Addington. The steering wheel of a Mercedes Benz Honda Accord parked in Oak Drive, Ditton. A rechargeable battery charger was stolen was stolen when it was broken into in The same thing also happened to another when a Vauxhall Corsa parked in Carnation Rectory Lane North, Leybourne. Accord parked in Tyler Close, East Malling. Crescent, East Malling, was broken into. A wing mirror and all four tyres on a Various hand tools were stolen when a Three BMWs in King's Hill were Toyota Prious parked in Offham Road, West van parked on a driveway in Medina Road, damaged. A 435i convertible parked in Eden Malling, were damaged.

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O b i t u a r e s Ian Durbin parents lived in from 1957 to 1975 Some 700 people paid tribute to Mildred – before moving to the Roseacre estate. who was a deaconess in Fountain Church. IAN Durbin (78), who lived for over 40 “Her hobbies included floristry, She leaves her husband, daughter years in , was well known watercolour painting, embroidery and Lenuecha (a university student) and son locally after a long and successful career in many craft activities. Her baking and cake Leroy (a youth player at Gillingham FC). insurance in Maidstone High Street. making skills were often put to use with Ian was born in Bromley in 1939 and birthday cakes and wedding cakes for her was educated at children and grandchildren. John Croucher Eddington House, “My mother was involved with several Herne and Clarks THE death has been announced of well- organisations including the Women’s known Leeds resident John Croucher (88). College, Bromley. He Institute and Bearsted Local History was one of the last John lived in the same small co�age in Society and was an active member of Upper Street for most of his life. men to be called up Bearsted Methodist Church. She also for National Service, He is remembered as a fine footballer helped out with the brownies and guides.” and cricketer in his youth, according to and served for 18 Widowed in 1993, Jeane�e moved to months in the Royal David Wra�en, the Leeds & Broomfield Swindon in 2014 to be with her daughter. Cricket Club groundsman. Navy. He began his She leaves her daughter – son Martin pre- working life with John was a passionate gardener and deceased her – and grandchildren Clare, loved to grow his own vegetables and kept Royal Insurance, moved to RTC Insurance, Katy, Greg, Robert and Nick. and later ran his own company, Mid Kent a neat plot right up until his final years. Insurance Services with his wife Ruth In recent times, John had suffered ill- from 1982 to 1997. After selling his Reg Sharp health although friends in the village business, Ian retired in 2005. rallied round to help him. Ian was father to Andrew, Simon, and THE death has been reported in Stoke-on- Paul and married to Ruth for 53 years. Ian Trent of Reg Sharp (91), formerly of is remembered by his family and friends Headcorn and and husband of Martyn Brindley for his energy and optimism. the late Joy. MARTYN David Brindley (45) lived in Ian loved to travel, particularly to Bearsted for 35 years, having lived in maintain family ties with his late father, Headcorn and Penenden Heath before his stepmother, and his brothers and sisters in Deborah Draper family moved to the village. America, enjoying many visits to THE death has been announced at home He was educated at Vinters Boys and California and other parts of the US. in of Deborah Elizabeth Draper Tunbridge Wells College, where he earned He leaves his wife, sons, grandchildren, (68), formerly of Bearsted. the Chamfer Cup – for being a good and a great grandchild, and will be deeply Deborah worked as a home carer locally student with good conduct. missed by all who knew him. and was often seen on her bicycle. His studies continued at the University She was married to Rupert and mother of Leicester. Martyn became a chartered to Giles, James and Ben. surveyor and Jeanee Howes Her death announcement said: “She combined working in THE death in Swindon has been spent her life caring for others... Deborah that area with long announced of former Bearsted and was the most beautiful lady inside and periods during which Barming resident Jeane�e Howes (84). out, the most amazing mum and nan.” he travelled the world. Born Jeane�e Whitaker, in Bearsted, she Deborah leaves her husband, children He returned to grew up locally a�ending Thurnham and grandchildren. studying and earned a School, Bearsted School (on the site of the master’s degree from present library building) and Maidstone the University of Technical School in Albion Place. Mildred Matete Hlabi Northumbria and Jeane�e started work in the catering THE death of Ziwbabwean-born nurse gained another industry before joining The Royal Mildred Matete Hlabi (43) in a car accident educational award – the Northern Insurance Company in Maidstone made local headlines. The mother of two Counties Educational Prize. however, she had to leave her job in 1957 worked at KIMS Hospital, Maidstone. His father, David, said: “Martyn moved due to her forthcoming marriage to Keith Mildred, who lived in Ashford, had to London for the final 15 years of his life. because it was company policy not to qualified as a midwife in Africa and was He was an exceptional student and employ married women. noted as someone with a natural ability to brought his intelligence to bear on his Jeane�e became a mother to Martin and care for others, including her blind mother work. His focus was on public housing Philippa, who said: “My mother was the in Africa. and, in particular, housing for families. His perfect and a�entive home-maker who Her husband, Moses, has paid tribute to contribution to this work was recognised could turn her hand to any task. My a “very compassionate and kind lady”. with a National Recognition Award from The Housing Association in 2016.” Martyn leaves his father and mother, Valerie, his sister Helen and nieces Sophie Camrass Wills and Holly. Advice you can trust THE STONE SHOP Do you need help with probate? EAST FARLEIGH Do you want to buy a funeral plan? • MEMORIALS MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed • ADDITIONAL INSCRIPTIONS DipPFS MSWW • CLEANING AND REFURBISHMENT 01622 720985 01622 726633 www.camrasswills.co.uk FREE CAR PARK NEXT TO SHOP

There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email [email protected]

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E:NatashaE: natasha@ natasha@ Bastone TeresaE:E: teresa@ teresa@ Jeffery RebeccaE:E: rebecca.abbott rebecca.abbott Abbott downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.ukMAKING THE BEST OF WOOD @downsmail.co.uk Telesalesdownsmail.co.uk Manager NatashaClassifieddownsmail.co.uk Bastone Sales Executive TeresaClassified [email protected] Sales ESTIMATES Executive Rebecca Abbott Natasha Bastone Teresa Jeffery RebeccaIN AND AROUNDAbbott THE HOME Family business established 21 years Appliance RepairsT.NatashaT. 01622 01622 630330 630330 Bastone TeresaT.T. 01622 01622 Jeffery 630330 630330 CarpentersRebeccaT.T. 01622 01622 630330Abbott 630330 Telesales Manager E: natasha@BathroomsClassified Sales Executive TelesalesE: teresa@ ManagerClassified Sales Executive ClassifiedE: Sales rebecca.abbott Executive Classified Sales Executive Telesalesext.downsmail.co.ukext. 224 224 Manager Classifieddownsmail.co.ukext.ext. 227 227 Sales Executive Classifi[email protected]. 234 234 Sales Executive E: natasha@ CALL Cliff on E: teresa@ 01622 743648 E: rebecca.abbott E: natasha@ ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCEE: natasha@E: teresa@ Find your local E: teresa@E: rebecca.abbott E: rebecca.abbott downsmail.co.uk T. 01622downsmail.co.uk 630330 downsmail.co.ukT. 01622 [email protected] downsmail.co.ukT. 01622Mob: 630330 07711 291921 @downsmail.co.uk REPAIR SERVICEdownsmail.co.ukext. 224 downsmail.co.ukext. 22707940 854927 @downsmail.co.ukA.H.B.Sext. 234 trades people T. 01622 630330 Wood WorksT. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 TheApplianceAppliancewith fully complete qualified Repairs Repairs engineer BathroomT. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 CarpentersCarpenters31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone T. 01622 630330 ext. 224T. 01622 630330FULL CARPENTRY ext. 227T.Carpentry 01622 630330 ext. 234 ext. 224 All makes of washing machines,ext. 224ext. 227 Businesses & Services ext. 227 ext. 234 ext. 234 fridges,Maintenance freezers, vacuum cleaners, Company SERVICE FROM All aspects of CARPENTRY t/dryers,Appliance dishwashers, Repairs elec ovens. on the Downs Mail Carpenters ALLALL DOMESTIC DOMESTIC APPLIANCE APPLIANCE FindFind your yourdirectory local local DECKING TO DOORS, Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and  All work guaranteed Appliance Repairs Chimney Maintenancefitted, Loft Conversions, Doors hung,Carpenters Appliance Repairs  FreeREPAIRNOREPAIR estimatesCALL SERVICE SERVICE OUT and FEE call & out FREE QUOTEStrades people CarpentersWoodKITCHENS Works & FLOORS. 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attended 01622 736266O 01622 736266• Driveways, Patios & Repointing General Builder • Fencing & Blockpaving ALL WORK GUARANTEEDO 25 yearsALL Experience WORKBuildingBuildersBuilders GUARANTEED Plans ALL WORK GUARANTEEDAllMember work Cleancertifiedof the ICS to Sweep cover insurance Building PlansFULLY INSURED CleanClean SweepSweep Builders PestBrush &control vacuum W availableood burners and flues supplied and fitted 01622 891960 Tel: Mark 07841 409061 CleanHETASAll work approvedcertified to coverSweep insurance All work insured e: [email protected] BrushBrush && vacuumvacuum BuildersMDMD Building Building & & Services ServicesBuildersCamera inspections available Builders 07748 630747 Cleanwww.mdbuildingservices.co.uk SweepCleanBrushPest & control vacuum available SweepCameraClean inspections available Sweep PPAULAUL BBESTEST MD BuildingSpecialistsSpecialists & inServicesin WoodWeddingsContactWoodWeddings burners burnersattended KevinattendedMember andand Bovis flues offlues the ICS 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Refurbishments OO General Builder • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations 07885 651578 • PlasteringGeneralExtensions (All aspects) Builder supplied•• FencingPlastering Fencing & & (AllBlockpaving andBlockpaving aspects) fitted suppliedAll• [email protected] and(Allinsured aspects) fitted supplied and fitted Brickwork Brickwork • Driveways,Brickwork Patios & Repointing All work certified to cover insurance • ElectricsOO 25 • yearsModernisations Experience • Electrics • Modernisations [email protected]• Electrics work • Modernisations certified Kevin Bovis to cover insurance O 25General years BuilderExperience • FencingFULLY & INSURED Blockpaving O Extensions • Kitchen & BathroomExtensions Installations • KitchenFULLYO & BathroomExtensions INSURED Installations All•All Kitchen workwork & Bathroom insuredcertified Installations to coverAll work insurance insured O 25 years Experience •All Driveways, work Patios insured & Repointing • PestDriveways, control Patios & Repointing available O • Driveways,O GeneralPatios & BuilderRepointing Tel: MarkFULLYO General 07841 INSURED Builder 409061 Pest control available General Builder • 01622Fencing & Blockpaving 891960 Tel:• FencingMark & 07841 Blockpaving 409061 01622• FencingDouble & Blockpaving Glazing844385 Drives 01622O 891960 e: [email protected] AllPest work control certified available to coverAll work insurance certified to cover insurance O 25 years Experience 38 Maidstone25 years ExperienceWeald OctoberCarpenters 2017Tel:Alle: [email protected] MarkworkO 25 07841 years certified Experience 409061 to cover insurance 07748FULLY01622 INSURED 630747891960 FULLY INSURED CameraCameraFULLY INSURED inspectionsinspections availableavailable 07748 630747 e: www.mdbuildingservices.co.ukmark@mdbuildingservices.co.ukwww.mdbuildingservices.co.uk 07885 651578 Tel:Pest Mark control 07841 409061 available PestCamera control inspections available availablePest control available Tel: Mark0162207748 07841 891960630747 409061 www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk01622 891960 Tel:[email protected] Mark 07841 attendedattended 409061 Kent & Sussex Drives 01622 891960 e: [email protected] e: [email protected] e: [email protected] 630747Building PlansCamera inspections availableCameraWeddings inspections attended availableCameraSpecialists in Block inspections Paving, Resin available 07748 630747 www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk07748 630747 Memberwww.mdbuildingservices.co.uk of the ICS 38 Maidstone WealdBuildingBuilding October 2017 Plans Plans Member of the ICS bonded surfaces. 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ICS HETASContactContactBen Bean approved- 07857059342 KevinKevin BovisBovis HETAS approved ContactColin Bean - 07850171302 Kevin BovisHETASFree Estimates. approved [email protected] 844385844385 Contact Kevin BovisContact Kevin BovisTel:Contact 01622 809105 / 01580Kevin 891668 Bovis 01622www.crownpi.co.uk 844385 Mobile: 07789 360748 016220788507885Certass Certification 844385 651578651578 www.kentandsussexdrives.com 01622 844385 [email protected]@gmail.com 651578 01622 844385 07885 651578 [email protected] 651578 07885 651578 [email protected] 3838 MaidstoneMaidstone Weald Weald October October 2017 [email protected] [email protected] 38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 Malling March 2018 35 Maidstone Weald December 2017 39 Classified downsmail.co.uk Dry Cleaners Electricians Garden Services Continued

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36 Malling March 2018 Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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Natasha Bastone Teresa Jeffery Rebecca Abbott Telesales Manager Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive E: natasha@ E: teresa@ E: rebecca.abbott downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk @downsmail.co.uk T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 ext. 224 ext. 227 ext. 234

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Malling March 2018 41 downsmail.co.uk C o m e n What is future for churches? MANY Anglican churches around churchyards are treasured by local t Maidstone face crippling financial communities. challenges and we must consider what There are huge emotional barriers will happen to them. MailMarks against demolition and using the land for The priest in charge of Otham, Langley, DENNIS FOWLE President other purposes. But can an empty, Leeds, Broomfield and Kingswood has [email protected] unused church and churchyard just be warned in his newsle�er of continuing left to deteriorate and rot? Big questions declining finances and fears Otham and face society. Langley (losing £1,000 a month) could be Costs of running a church and parish I believe we shall see major changes bankrupt in three years. ‘Thin air will not are heavy and maintaining ancient over the next 20 years or so. Many will finance our churches,’ he says. church buildings is very challenging. not like them. But they seem inevitable. A worrying newsle�er from the priest The borough of Maidstone has about 40 in charge of the benefice covering parishes, most with their own church, Cars are a habit , East and , Linton and neighbouring Malling area increases  I S UPPORT the philosophy of park- and Hunton includes a plan for a reduced that total to more than 50. In addition, and-ride in an endeavour to reduce traffic schedule of services. there are the churches of urban congestion in Maidstone – but is it a For very many years we have seen the Maidstone, with large and central All dream that will not come true? Church in decline. Parishes which had Saints the most prominent. The big problem is that most of us their own priest now so often share in a There is wide admiration or love of enjoy the speed, comfort, door-to-door benefice of five or more parishes. these churches but, if so many of their availability and passenger-/luggage- But, very significantly, the size of true and dedicated supporters and carrying ability of our cars and see congregations has mostly continued to financiers are fading away, how can they park-and-ride as an inferior alternative, fall. Churches which a few years ago survive? We now have our first warning unless right on our doorstep. worried that congregations were as low of potential bankruptcies and must It is a political hot potato again for as 30 or 40 now see them reduced to a expect more in the next few years. Maidstone Borough Council. Many handful. Will anyone be able to finance and save Conservatives point to an annual loss to Much fund-raising and organisation these buildings? I do not think the we taxpayers of around £250,000 and now depends on the generosity and Church of England, government, local believe this money can be best spent to enthusiasm of ‘The Few’. Obviously, authorities and parish councils, the improve traffic flows. The majority of there is a limit to what they can do. lo�eries, charitable institutions and others councillors want to give it another try by So many organisations now suffer from will be able to take on this massive cost. making a £2.50 charge to park, but with a lack of volunteers as our lives become I believe we shall soon see the closure all passengers in that vehicle then using busier and horizons widen. This problem of churches, perhaps many, with only the the bus free. Will this incentive make us certainly impacts on churches, too. strongest surviving. The strong will need switch to park-and-ride? With increased Religion no longer features strongly in to welcome their less fortunate parking charges in town and growing most people’s lives and more now neighbours. congestion problems it is worth the trial profess to having no faith. But many still If a church closes, does the building run. claim their religion is Church of England, still have a future? Who will take on the The council needs to see it succeed. It is respect the Christmas and Easter festivals responsibility for its future and long-term an important feature of our new Local and wish for church christenings, upkeep? Some would be valuable to Plan to tackle Maidstone’s horrendous weddings and funerals. But they do not benefit the local community in any traffic problems. It has been a long and see themselves as church members or number of ways. But the costs of difficult campaign by the council, and I a�ending regular church services or achieving this could be immense. fear the worst. Our cars are an ingrained prayer meetings. Churches are memorials and their habit – and we love them.

System just not working commi�ee, won praise from members. many of your readers know, I wonder, that Sadly, the same cannot be said of the acorns are poisonous to most animals, I HAVE great respect for Maidstone approved housing development scheme except pigs? Last September and October, I Hospital’s caring services but when things on the neighbouring Springfield site, lost three dearly loved horses through go wrong patient/carer anxieties can be which features an 18-storey residential acorn poisoning. One was found dead in immense. tower block. Such a tower block would be the field, another was so ill we had to have My wife received a le�er in the post at twice the height of Maidstone’s current him put to sleep the next day. The third 11.31am for an appointment at 11.45am the tallest building, Miller House, and more fought and fought to survive. He had same day. I phoned the stated number than twice the height of the Old about six weeks in hospital and was immediately. It was engaged. I managed to Springfield library tower. If built, this nursed at home before he finally got leave a message with the department’s u�erly incongruous building will peritonitis and was put to sleep. team. I phoned ‘appointments’ again, dominate the landscape of the county I now hate the oak tree and will never received a message to wait and 15 minutes town. have one on any property I own. later was told I was ninth in the queue. There is a need for more new housing in Linda Savage, via email This call took a total of 29 minutes – and Maidstone, but surely we should expect the operator doubted she could pass on be�er than the incoherent and Stand up and be counted our apology to the consultant. unsatisfactory combined developments No wonder patients miss so many approved or currently proposed for the RE Woodcut Farm: I am afraid Cllr Tony appointments. This system needs sorting. Springfield area of Maidstone? Harwood is not being entirely clear when Tim Harris, Weavering, Maidstone Rob Illingworth, Moncktons Lane, he indicates that he had misgivings over Maidstone the Local Plan. Indeed, he never appeared Tower block out of keeping to vote for the Local Plan for the simple reason that he never turned up to the THE Redrow housing development on the Bountiful, but poisonous council meetings when decisions over the Springfield Mill site, recently approved by I HAVE just read the articles and le�er on future of the plan were being taken. Maidstone Borough Council’s planning the amount of acorns last autumn. How This was in stark contrast to those

42 Malling March 2018 downsmail.co.uk

members who had similar misgivings and raise £12,000 to pay for the fob key system, congestion throughout west Kent, C

were prepared to stand up and be counted and initial chestnut fencing for the dog particularly on the busy A25 through Pla�, o m e n for what they believed in, by actually path; and . voting against the plan. The two schools and Kent County Building much-needed slip roads at J5 of Cllr John Perry, ward member for Council have agreed that plans to put in the M25 would help substantially reduce Staplehurst at Maidstone Borough Council place protective covenants over the playing congestion along the A25 through Pla� and fields for the freeholders of properties in Borough Green. It would also improve air t Park playing field proposals Oakwood Road, will provide a long-term quality and enjoyment of the environment. guarantee that the fields will not be That is why I am encouraging everyone to ON Thursday, January 25, the Oakwood developed for housing; they will be respond to this important government Park Community Group held a public designated for education use only. consultation. It gives us the opportunity to meeting at Oakwood Park Grammar The meeting unanimously voted to make the Department for Transport aware School to present outline proposals to support the community group trustees to of the positive impact this could have on restore community access to the Oakwood continue working up the solution with the all our lives and environment. Park playing fields. schools. You can email your response to The meeting was very well a�ended by Cllr Paul Harper and Brian Flinders, [email protected], residents and the school hall was full with Oakwood Park Community Group write to SRN Initial Report Consultation, about 100 people present. Department for Transport, 3/24 Minister Over the last six months, the group has The big homes squeeze House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P been talking to the Oakwood Park 4DR, or complete the online survey at Grammar School and St Augustine I READ with interest an article in your h�p://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/UFY77/ Academy about restoring community edition regarding the future of the Otham Tom Tugendhat MP, Tonbridge & Malling access to the Oakwood Park playing fields. valley and a possible 5,000 social homes The Oakwood Park Community Group being placed there as part of the increased and Oakwood Grammar and St Augustine housing allocation imposed on Maidstone Geing priorities right Schools have now reached an outline by central government, over and above the AS A Bearsted resident, I read with interest proposal, which was presented to the ridiculous 17,600 we’re trying to shoehorn the article regarding Virgin Media's meeting by Oakwood Park Community into this crowded borough. contractors having to remedy the Group trustees Brian Flinders and Cllr Paul I was amused and alarmed by the subtle (allegedly) poor reinstatement to ‘our’ Harper. sophistry of the language employed by roads. However, there is another side to The proposal in outline is: Golding Homes and Maidstone Borough this story. The fence around the playing fields will Council in trying to play down the When Kent County Council inspectors remain; likelihood of such a major development, came to our road to examine the work There will be access for the community yet saying it might very well happen! done by the contractors, they marked out of school hours, including spring and As opposed as I was to such a high level several areas for 'improvement. Myself and summer evenings, weekends and school of housing without the local authorities another resident approached these holidays; sorting out the roads that will be needed to inspectors and commented that it seemed Access will be through the gates (which cope with the traffic, we are where we are very odd that they were making these will be self-closing) in the fence nearest to with the whole ro�en business. assessments to areas that were actually Oakwood Road and Queen’s Road; One fears that this type of story with now be�er than the condition of the rest of Access will be by an electronic key fob similar statements is likely to be more and the road surface already in place. system, fobs obtainable from the Oakwood more commonplace as the council tries to We were told that a report would be Park Community Group on payment of a find the space to put all the extra homes made to the appropriate people. annual subscription, possibly £20, with government has foisted on us. Anyone using Roseacre Lane or Yeoman trustees’ discretion for any household in K Kennedy, via email Lane will testify to the absolutely appalling financial stress; condition of these roads and the A dog walking path will be created Improving the environment surrounding ones are no be�er. around the periphery of the site which will It seems highly inappropriate that the initially be demarcated by chestnut rail I AM encouraging residents to respond to a relevant authorities are criticising the work fencing, and a wildlife hedge, once it government consultation to push for new being done by the contractors (even if some grows up; slip roads at J5 of the M25. of it is sub-standard), when they do The community group will encourage At the moment, the 18 miles between J2a nothing to improve the totally awful residents to take part in wildlife activities of the M26 and J6 of the M25 is the longest condition they have allowed their roads in and other activities such as li�er picking. distance in the country without an exit. this area to get to. The community group will now work to Building slip roads here would ease Edward Paul, via email

The five editions of the Downs Mail are delivered to 90% of households in the Maidstone and Malling area, reaching over 190, 000 readers every month. Maidstone North Maidstone South Maidstone East Maidstone Weald Malling Current and archived editions are also free to read online at www.downsmail.co.uk Contact our teams…. Editorial Sales Accounts Dept. Editor: Simon Finlay Sales Manager: Bill Brett [email protected] Simon.fi[email protected] [email protected] 01622 630330 ext 229 01622 734735 01622 630330 ext. 221 Mail Publications Ltd Assistant Editor: Jon Phipps Forge House Advertising Sales Enquiry [email protected] : Bearsted Green Business Park 01622 630330 ext. 232 01622 630330 option 1 Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT

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Downs Mail is published by Mail Publications Ltd (President — Dennis Fowle, Chairman — Claire Procter, Editor — Simon Finlay, Sales Manager — Bill Brett) 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT 01622 630330 www.downsmail.co.uk email: [email protected] Printed by Mortons. 3231 TSP pool open 247.5x181.indd 1 13/02/2018 19:10