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February 2016 No. 238

News Marathon mums Bus blunder apology TWO mums are training to run the London ARRIVA says sorry after leaflet Marathon in memory of a much-loved dad who died drop about evening service  from the neurological illness, ataxia. leads to confusion in Eccles. 3 Sue Pritchard (45), pictured left, and her 39-year-old pal, Lauren Whale, say they have had a lifelong strug- gle with weight and fitness, and hope that as well as Mattress crash driver promoting the work of the Brain Research Trust, they AN inquest is opened on a will inspire other people to achieve things they motorist thought to have thought were out of reach. swerved to avoid a  After running the London Marathon in 2011 for the mattress in the road. 4 charity in memory of her father Roy Moxon, who died aged 63, Sue said it would be her first and last marathon. But she was unaware that Lauren 4 Bridge repair delay BAD weather causes new setback to overdue re-opening of Peters Bridge. 6 Village asked to fund Defibrillator trashed VANDALS are accused of putting lives at risk after a defibril-  lator at Ditton is trashed. 6

repairs to save surgery Dog left to freeze A SICK spaniel pup is lucky to be VILLAGERS will be asked to back a landmark move to fund repairs to their alive after being dumped GP surgery after health-providers said they could not afford to keep it open. over a fence. 8 Those living in were facing a three-and-a-half hour bus School trip victory ride to Woodlands Health Centre in SNODLAND families win money if its satellite surgery back after cancelled in the village were to close. holiday. 15 But, following a successful cam- paign to keep it open by the parish Comment  council, residents are now being 20 asked if they will stump up the Obituaries 22 money for vital repairs, running to more than £150,000, in an unprece- Parish Councils 32-33 dented move to get the small sur- gery off the “at risk” register. Crime Reports 33 East Peckham Parish Council chairman Stephanie Watson (pic- TWO black cast iron urns were tured) said: “When Woodlands said stolen from a drive in ; it wanted to close our surgery in De- all four wheel trims were taken cember 2015, we felt enough was from a Nissan vehicle parked in enough. Taking on the health service CCG to get to grips with. every right to decide.” East Malling; a tractor battery has proved challenging and because “However, we have come this far Parish council manager Karen Bell was stolen from a farm in . this is the first time a parish council and while the amount we originally said: “The parish council has run a has offered financial support it has thought would be needed has very successful campaign of  been a slow process for the NHS and grown, we want to give the public resistance, which has kept the 4 Town Talk HOLMESDALE School has a Business focus new headteacher and a new LOCAL business has always been a vital chair of governors. part of Downs Mail coverage and we have made our online Business Notice See Town Talk in this month’s Downs Mail. The bi-monthly YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT Board as a place for enterprises to com- municate, share ideas and promote independent magazine is dedi- [email protected] cated to Snodland and Halling 01622 690290 themselves. It is FREE to use –  23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • details inside. 14 residents.

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2 Malling February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Arriva sorry for Potters pipped for TV role THE Great British craze is boosting business for two potters at . Mark “Billy” Byles (45) and Alan Parris (47) were auditioned as judges its bus blunder for the Great Pottery Throw Down, which is currently drawing audiences to BBC2. In spite of just missing out on celebrity status, the pair, who ARRIVA has apologised to resi- lage, along with , Would- have run the Aylesford Pottery at the priory for 17 years, say they could dents in Eccles after a mail drop ham and Aylesford, is potentially not be happier. promoting a bus route that does not going to have the evening service “These programmes encourage people to have a go at something serve the village, when the one that taken away … by Arriva.” they’ve never tried does is in jeopardy. The MP later posted the bus firm’s before, be that sewing, Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch response which said: “I would like baking or throwing a pot, (below) was alerted by residents to apologise for any confusion that so they are very good who received our Sapphire 101 route promotion news for people like us,” said Alan. leaflets urging mail drop has caused residents in For the last 10 years, them to use a Eccles. The specific postcode in the pair have been two-for-one deal question was selected and included holding classes at the on the 101 by our marketing team as it covers priory, which now run to evening part of the Sapphire 101 route. How- nine a week, for 10 Chatham to ever the Royal Mail area footprints people at a time. They Maidstone serv- cover a wide geographical area say the popularity of the ice. which included Eccles and neigh- classes has helped to Villagers were especially annoyed bouring villages. keep them in business. as they have been fighting to save The spokesman added: “With re- Alan said: “It’s more their 155 evening service for the last gards to the 155 evening service, this difficult than ever to sell hand-made pottery, with discount stores four years, with the latest six-month service is run by Arriva on behalf of offering a cup for 50p, so we are pleased we have our teaching sideline. extension due to be reviewed soon. KCC who fund the route.” The demand continues to grow and programmes like this are good for Noel Butler tweeted: “Is this a With the support of Miss Crouch the craft.” joke, Arriva! Flyers in Eccles about and county, borough and parish As for their audition, after receiving a call from Love Productions, evening service that doesn’t come councillors, villagers won the latest which also produced the Great British Bake-off, they were interviewed here when they want to stop the one reprieve for the 155 evening service over the telephone and then filmed on location in Aylesford before the that does.” in September, stressing it was a life- final auditions at a pottery studio in London. Miss Crouch said she would write line for residents, especially shift Alan said: “It was really good fun and something we’ll always to the company, adding: “As every- workers and young people. remember.” one (except Arriva apparently) Kent County Council agreed then The programme is now enjoying its second series, hosted at 8pm on knows, the 101 doesn’t serve Eccles to fund the buses for a further six Thursday by Sarah Cox. but the 155 which does serve the vil- months to assess its viability.

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Malling February 2017 3 News downsmail.co.uk Fears over new homes traffic A NEW junction off the M20 serving a proposed redevelopment of the former Aylesford Newsprint site is unlikely, according to highways chiefs. In a reply to a direct question to torway in 2018 by incorporating the M20 to take the extra traffic, while every aspect of how the site would the county council, its cabinet hard shoulder – traffic studies for others oppose the idea. be demolished before any work member for transport, Matthew which are under way. Cllr Trudy Dean, who is also could begin. Balfour, said: “An additional junc- The question was put by county, deputy Lib Dem leader on KCC, and Malling Council tion on the M20 has been consid- borough and parish said: “If this new junction is to be has said a comprehensive Environ- ered by Highways , councillor Trudy Dean. It comes as built we need KCC to be objecting mental Assessment taking account including a left in and left out residents around the 100-acre site to the application until there is a of all forms of disturbance, from arrangement and it has confirmed remain united in their concern proper investigation into it, and dust to vibration and, in particular, that a new junction would be con- about the effect traffic from the pro- then we need the developers to pay how material will be removed from trary to national design standards posed redevelopment of 450 for it. At the moment we don't have the site and along which routes, in terms of need and road safety.” homes, light industrial units, of- either of those things.” will be required. He added that Highways Eng- fices and warehouses would have It is just one of the headaches that The would-be developers sug- land also points out that an addi- on roads already “over capacity”. will have to be resolved by the gest the work to clear the site – if tional junction would compromise However, that unity has been would-be developers, who have trouble free - would take 40 weeks, its plan to turn the M20 between split, with some signing a petition just heard that they will need to as explosives would not be used to junctions 3 and 5 into a Smart Mo- calling for another junction on the provide detailed reports looking at dismantle the buildings. Mums get fit Maress crash for marathon victim named Continued from page one A 69-YEAR-OLD driver who is was planning to run a marathon as believed to have died after he one of 40 events to celebrate her swerved to avoid a mattress in the 40th birthday this year. road was named as Clive Mauger, Despite weighing more and from Chatham. being less fit than they would have The man was pronounced dead liked, the pair agreed to meet the at the scene on on challenge together. Monday, January 30, after the silver “By committing to help the char- Peugeot 206 he was driving left the ity, we’re motivating each other to Maidstone-bound carriageway and get more active,” they said. collided with trees before rebound- Mum-of-two Sue said: “Ataxia ing back across the road. An in- slowly attacks the brain, making it quest into his death was opened at harder to walk, talk and control the Archbishop’s Palace, Maid- your body; gradually becoming stone, on Wednesday, February 8. worse until people become de- Police teach online safety The crash happened at about pendent on others for all their MALLING primary school pupils from the area have been given a lesson by po- 4.35pm, and the road was closed needs. We couldn’t win my dad’s lice about staying safe on the internet. until 11.20pm. Police said a mat- battle with ataxia, but by raising They visited College in Maidstone for the workshop to coincide tress was in the carriageway at the awareness and helping to fund re- with Safer Internet Day on February 7. time of the collision, having fallen search, we could help others.” Pupils were taught about cyber bullying, being aware of what to share on- from the roof of a red Peugeot 2008. As well as a busy round of fitness line and the child “report abuse” button. Anyone who witnessed the colli- training and taking part in charity The education drive coincides with the appointment of Aylesford MP Tracey sion is urged to call the appeal line events, the duo secured a casting Crouch as the new minister for online safety. Miss Crouch has said she is excited on 01622 798538 quoting reference for Sport England’s This Girl Can about expanding her portfolio to include internet safety. DS/DH/21/17, or email them at ad campaign for TV and online. [email protected]. Lauren, who has a son and step- daughter, said: “I’ve dreamed of running the London Marathon Community bid to save GP surgery since I was a child, but perhaps never believed that I could. Continued from page one The parish council says, given the tions for the community it serves to “We were never picked first for surgery open for almost a year since amount of money involved, it must preserve existing facilities by work- our school sports teams. We do it was destined to close. be guided by the community, 600 of ing with other sectors like the NHS wonder how we must look when “We are pleased that, while talks whom signed an online petition to to ensure quality health care is de- we exercise. It doesn’t matter that continue with all key parties, which save it. It says earlier ideas of putting livered locally where possible.” you’re nowhere near as fit or thin include the landlord, the Clinical the question to a vote would cost in The parish council understands as you used to be, or that you might Commissioning Group, NHS and the region of £8,000, according to that once the building, which is also finish last, or even walk some of the Woodlands Health Centre, which Council. a training practice for GPs, is refur- way. And it doesn’t matter that runs the satellite surgery, there is no Clive Powell, legal adviser for The bished, Woodlands Health Centre you’ll look awful the whole way fear of it closing. However, this situ- Kent Association of Local Councils, will enter into a new 10-year lease round. What does matter is that ation is not going to continue indef- said: “This is unique in that we with the landlord and the NHS will you had the guts to have a go.” initely and the issue is reaching its haven’t seen anything like this be- continue to provide funding. The pair have set up a Just Giv- climax.” fore, with a parish council like East Cllr Watson added: “People ing page to help raise their target of She added: “The NHS, CCG and Peckham taking on the might of the should look at the wider picture, £4,000 and have received support Woodlands Health Centre have said health service. even if they are not registered with a and donations from businesses and that they have no money to put to- “Sadly, I fear this will become doctor here, in that the surgery is a community groups as well as wards any refurbishment work, more common as added pressure is village facility that could be used to Dame Kelly Holmes and Tracey which in effect means that if the placed on services. deliver more community health Crouch MP. A fundraising yoga community and parish council want “We are delighted that East Peck- services. morning at Snodland Community the surgery to remain we must fund ham Parish Council is providing “It also brings footfall to the vil- Centre raised £325. the work ourselves.” leadership and imaginative solu- lage and its shops.”

4 Malling February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News

Flats offered to needy veterans ROYAL British Legion Industries tion with the armed services. (RBLI) is seeking wounded, in- RBLI’s head of estates develop- jured and sick veterans to make ment, James Mulroy, said the 24 their homes in its specialised apart- apartments are an exciting opportu- ments at Aylesford, which are nity to support veterans on the nearing completion. verge of homelessness back to inde- The flats, which are being built in pendent living. Many of them suffer two blocks on former allotments at with a disability or health condition. Hermitage Lane, close to the Royal He added: “RBLI already pro- British Legion Village, are intended vides specialised nursing and ac- for ex-servicemen and women who commodation in the village to those are homeless, at risk of homeless- who need it. However these apart- ness or have special requirements ments will provide accommodation due to health issues. to veterans who, although not in The project to provide homes for need of care, may need specialised wounded soldiers began in 2015, facilities to help them lead produc- when RBLI was awarded £1.95mil- tive, mobile and active lives follow- Relationship at lion from the Armed Forces ing the end of their service. Covenant LIBOR Fund. For more details about the apart- This followed the revelation in ments, call Emma Cottee on 01622 breakingbrreeaking point? 2013 that one in 10 of the UK’s 795910 or send her an email at homeless population has a connec- [email protected]. The brreeakdown of anny rreelationship can be very distrreessing. Vow to make junction safer Whitehead Monckton family lawyers can help you HIGHWAYS chief Matthew Balfour has promised to improve a junc- through this stressful and painful time. tion at Eccles branded “an accident waiting to happen”. At a public meeting called by The Bull Lane Safety Group and at- We offffer sensitive, construuctive and cost effffective tended by interested parties including MP Tracey Crouch, the county’s cabinet legal advice. All our lawyersrs ararree experiencedexperienced membersmember member for trans- of Resolution, committed to a non-confrontational port told concerned road users: “Having approach to rreesolving family fam problems. come here tonight I have realised what I An initial fixed cost meetingng for just £100 (inc VVAAATT) witwith am up against and one of our lawyers can help you see your way forward promise we will do something.” and understand your legal position and options. However, Cllr Bal- four said a solution could be some way off. Our offices are in the centrtrree of Canterburyy,, MaidstonMaidstonee Road-users say a roundabout or traffic lights at the Bull Lane junc- and TTeenterden so, if you wantw to take that first step to tion with the Pilgrims Way could help, or raising the junction to im- prove visibility. finding out your options simply visit our website at: The safety issueshave been highlighted by the action group, which has also handed a 1,106-signature petition to the county council. www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Campaigners say the road has becoming increasingly busy since the Peters Village development began and, on average, one car Canterbury 01227 643266 passes the junction every 3.6 seconds at peak times, even with many Maidstone 01622 698051 Parking plan at Papa’s chippie TenterdenTTeenterden 01580 767540 PAPA’S fish and chip restaurant at Ditton has applied for more parking www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwww.whitehead-monc.whitehead-monckton.co.uk in a bid to stop cars using the grass verge at the front of the London WhiteheadWhitehead MoncktonMonckton LLimitedimited (no.(no. 008366029),8366029), rregisteredegistered iinn Road restaurant and take-away at peak times. EnglandEngland & WWales.ales. RRegisteredegistered oofficeffice 7722 KKinging SStreet,treet, MMaidstone,aidstone, Kent,KKeent, The award-winning chippie has submitted plans to Tonbridge and MEME14www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk14 11BL.BL. AAuthoriseduthorised aandnd rregulatedegulated bbyy tthehe SSolicitorsolicitors RRegulationegulation Malling Council to increase the spaces from 22 to 35, using land behind AAuthorityuthority uundernder nno.o. 6608279.08279. the restaurant. DM2016

Malling February 2017 5 News downsmail.co.uk Repair to bridge Vandals ‘put lives at risk’ YOBS who wrecked a defibrillator at Ditton just five months after it was installed, have put lives at risk, say councillors. The life-saving equipment was installed in an old BT phone box on delayed by rain the corner of Nursery Road and Woodlands Road last August in a joint effort by Tracey Crouch MP, BAD weather was blamed for the convenience to the many who have Kent County Cllr Peter delay in reopening of Peters benefited from using this new Homewood and borough Bridge while it was revealed that Medway crossing. Cllr Ben Walker (pictured). an approach road must also re- “There is no danger to the public However, it was targeted main closed to vehicles for longer from having the incorrect joints in by vandals between 10pm than expected. place, but it could affect the long on Saturday, January 28, The bridge across the River Med- term life of the bridge so, reluc- and 3am next day. way, near Snodland, was due to tantly, we had to allow BAM Nut- Cllr Walker said: “This close for eight days at the end of tall to address the issue.” callous act of vandalism January because incorrect expan- Built by Trenport as the key to its endangers the lives the sion joints had been fitted to both 1,000-home Peters Village, the defibrillator is there to ends of the roadway deck and foot- bridge opened in September, and save”. paths. But remedial work by site links the development near Would- Borough council contractor BAM Nuttall was post- ham to the A228 on the opposite colleague Daniel Markham poned for a week. bank. said: “There should be an A day before the rescheduled re- The developer has also an- automatic custodial opening, a further setback due to nounced that problems with traffic sentence for anyone rain was announced by developer lights on the Hall Road Greenway deliberately damaging Trenport. As Downs Mail went to approach to the bridge have not these life-saving facilities.” press, the £19m bridge was ex- been resolved, so direct access from Miss Crouch, who has pected to be fully operational again must remain closed. campaigned to get defibrillators installed by Thursday, February 9. The route was due to open in throughout her Chatham and Aylesford A Trenport spokesman said: “It is September, at the same time as the constituency, appealed for anyone with regrettable that BAM Nuttall was bridge, but this was postponed information to contact the police. She said: unable to advise of the extended until mid-January while BAM Nut- “This mindless vandalism is not big or clever closure until this morning, less than tall worked on an issue with the ve- and it endangers lives.” 24 hours before the bridge was due hicle detection system on the lights. Anyone with information is asked to call to re-open. Trenport also appreci- As Downs Mail went to press, police on 01622 604100, quoting ates that this extended closure to all Trenport said the contractor was YY/2517/17, or Crimestoppers anonymously traffic including walkers and cy- still working on the problem and on 0800 555111. clists can only add to delay and in- an update was promised shortly.

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Malling February 2017 7 News downsmail.co.uk Dumped pup looking for love A SICK spaniel left in Birling to freeze overnight is now hoping to find a warm and loving home.

But the RSPCA says inquiries into the appalling incident, which left the female puppy surrounded by her own frozen faeces in a field off Snodland Road, will continue. The black and white year-old pup was found by an off-duty po- liceman out walking his dog early on January 28. She had been thrown over a six-foot fence into the field to die and was suffering with a skin condition and a sore Hunt for owners of stolen dogs eye. The dog – thought to be a small KENT Police are still trying to trace the owners of four springer spaniels spaniel, or cocker spaniel, with a recovered as part of an inquiry into the theft of dogs in the Birling area. docked tail – has been looked after A spokesman said photos of the two adult spaniels and two puppies by the RSPCA at its Millbrook cen- be found quickly but, nonetheless, had been shared more than 6,000 times on the Kent Police Facebook tre in Chobham ever since. it was an extremely cruel thing to page, prompting a number of calls from hopeful owners across the UK, Inspector Rosie Russon said: do to this poor little dog. She could but no match had been found, as yet. “This poor pup is lucky to be alive. have sustained terrible injuries He said: “We have a number of people to contact as part of our When she was found, there were from being thrown over the fence inquiries in an effort to reunite the dogs with their owners.” frozen solid faeces on the floor next onto concrete.” In the meantime, two men in their 20s and a 47-year-old woman, to her; how she survived in such Anyone with information about from , have been arrested on suspicion of theft. They have freezing conditions I don’t know. the abandoned dog can leave a been given bail and are due to return to Tonbridge Police Station at the “It’s outrageous that somebody message in confidence on the end of the month. Anyone with details that could assist the police is thought this was an appropriate RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 urged to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, email west.division. way to dump their dog. Perhaps by 8018. For more on making a home [email protected] or ring Kent Crimestoppers, leaving her in a popular dog walk- for a rescued animal, visit anonymously, on 0800 555 111, quoting reference YY/1162/17. ing spot, they thought she would www.rspca.org.uk/findapet. Shampoo thief Barry cooks up school dinner winner A WOMAN from Snodland has TALENTED school cook Barry students. The real test is whether been found guilty of shoplifting Brewington dished up tasty in- there is any left on the plates, and from her local high street. ternational treats to win the acco- there rarely is.” Brenda Kelly Rossiter admitted lade of South East School Chef of Barry enjoys cooking up his stealing beer, shampoo and a book the Year. recipes for his partner Kathy and worth £16.50 from the store on De- Barry (pictured), from Lark- three grown-up daughters at his cember 11. field, competed against eight home in Lunsford Lane. He said: The 28-year-old, from Church other chefs from across the re- “The meatballs are something I Field, Snodland, also took a bottle gion in the contest at the Nestle often do at home for the family. I of whisky from a supermarket in headquarters in West . usually do them with gherkins Sovereign Way, Tonbridge, nine Against the clock and under and lots of spices so it is quite a days later. the scrutiny of judges, he had to spicy dish. But I adapted it for The court heard that she then prepare a main course and a the competition because it is stole cheese, sweets and a ready- dessert suitable for 10 and 11- aimed at Year 6 children.” meal worth £10.50 from the same year-olds, with a maximum Contestants had to use Nestle shop in High Street, Snodland, on spend of £1.30 for a single meal. ingredients so with the dessert, January 4 and returned the next Barry prepared Moroccan he served a flapjack made with day to steal meat, biscuits and meatballs and Italian panna same college in Thanet which Shredded Wheat and apple. He washing-up liquid worth £31. cotta, which gained him top trained celebrity chefs Gary added: “The texture with the West Kent magistrates sentenced place in the competition. Rhodes and Richard Phillips. He panna cotta works really well.” Rossiter on January 24 to 60 days in He will now line up against has been at Medway University College principal Dr Karon prison, suspended for 12 months. other regional champions in the Technical College, Gillingham Buck said: “What a star and how She must pay £73 compensation. national final on March 2. since it opened in 2015 lucky are we that we are able to Barry (60) has worked in cater- He said: “We get some lovely eat the food he prepares five days ing since he graduated from the comments about the food from a week.” Village talent ST PETER’s and St Paul’s Church is hosting an Aylesford's Got Talent Inspector praises ‘improving’ nursery event on Saturday, March 25, at 7.30pm. A day nursery has went on to note the good work of She recognises areas of weakness, This is a chance to witness a vari- received a good grade across all its five qualified staff in “skilfully identifies effective training for staff ety of talents from the village. areas of its service from Ofsted. reshaping activities to keep chil- and sets targets for improvement. Tickets cost £5 per adult and A government inspector said dren’s motivation and interest, and This helps develop the quality of £2.50 per child, including partici- Country Cottage Day Nursery, in the use of questions to help chil- the provision and provides good pants, and will include refresh- Butchers Lane, provided a happy dren think for themselves and ex- outcomes for children.” ments in the interval. environment for 0-5-year-olds who tend their understating”. Her recommendations for further Anyone who wishes to enter made “good progress and gaps in Concluding her report on the day improvement included increasing should contact Jonathan on 01622 their development were consis- nursery, managed by Claire Ruth the opportunities for children to 717434. For tickets, call Aline on tently improving”. Dolley, Mrs Stephens said: “The learn about other people’s similari- 01622 716608 or they can be bought Sarah Stephens, from Ofsted, provider evaluates her service well. ties and differences. on the door.

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Malling February 2017 9 News downsmail.co.uk Mother’s death Putting heritage in the picture DITTON Heritage Centre can now display photographs showing life in the area in bygone days, thanks to a gift of nearly £1,000. The money came from Kent County Cllr Peter Homewood’s member grant and will pay for the enlarging and framing of pictures donated by ‘failure of trust’ residents. The heritage THE death of Offham Primary a wonderful wife, mother, daughter centre moved into School teacher Frances Cappuc- and sister. She was bubbly, intelli- the 1893-built cini was a result of failures, inad- gent, beautiful, loving and much Ditton CE Junior equate diagnosis and treatment, a loved. School after it was coroner has ruled. “Failures of Maidstone and Tun- left vacant when Nicknamed Mrs Coffee by her bridge Wells NHS Trust and those the school moved pupils, the 30-year-old mum suf- employed by the Trust cost Frankie to new premises fered heavy her life. Nothing can heal that pain. nearby in New bleeding after a At least today, after four years, the Road more than cardiac arrest at truth is acknowledged.” 25 years ago. Pembury Hospi- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Opened in September 2014, the centre is run by volunteers and holds tal. She had just Hospital Trust offered “sincere a wide range of displays and artefacts. Part of the building has been given birth to her apologies” to Mrs Cappuccini’s fam- restored as a Victorian classroom and hosts visits from schoolchildren. second son, Gia- ily and said changes had been made. Images which will go on show thanks to the £945 grant, include some como, by Cae- It said: “The trust has recognised of children outside the school in the 1800s. sarean section. from the start that there were aspects For details of the centre’s open days, call 01732 840937. A 10-day inquest into her death on of Frances’ care that fell short of the October 9, 2012, heard from a num- standards that the trust would ex- ber of staff from Maidstone and Tun- pect and we wish to once again sin- bridge Wells Trust and experts. cerely apologise to the family for £500 bill for dropping cigaree Coroner Roger Hatch concluded this. The trust will carefully consider that the Caesarean was not carried all of the evidence heard at the in- A LARKFIELD woman has been by the local authority at Sevenoaks out with care and a piece of placenta quest to ensure that any necessary fined £500 for dropping a cigarette Magistrates’ Court. should not have been left behind. changes which have not already end in the car park at Snodland She failed to appear at the hear- This led to the events which cost her been made are fully addressed.” Community Centre. ing and the case was proved in her life, he said. He also criticised the The trust was cleared of corporate Sian Hodgson was issued with a absence, resulting in a fine of £220, management of fluid levels. manslaughter in January 2015 for fixed penalty notice by a Tonbridge cost of £250 and a surcharge of £30. Following the inquest, Mrs Cap- her death and charges of gross neg- and Malling Council environmen- Fixed penalty notices for littering puccini’s husband Tom and her fam- ligence against anaesthetist Errol tal protection officer. After she are set at £80, reduced to £50 if paid ily said in a statement: “Frankie was Cornish were dropped. failed to pay, she was prosecuted within 10 days.         SHOWROOM OPEN 6 DAYS        Here at The Stone Tile Warehouse our comprehensive range of products are especially sourced to offer excellent value. Expert advice and installation service available

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10 Malling February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Why this fisher is king of castle THIS little beauty is one of the few species to be enjoying the season- able cold weather, putting in more regular appearances at Leeds Cas- tle than in the last five years. The castle’s wildlife warden James McComiskey says he is curently making three or four sight- ings each day. He added: “A couple of weeks ago, I spotted four kingfishers to- gether at one time. Two of them notoriously challenging to spot and were flying around the moat and photograph because of their small two were fighting on the ground. size and speed. Most often they can This was the first time I had ever be seen perching motionless when witnessed fighting kingfishers and fishing or sometimes hovering be- it was so amazing that I started fore plunging into the water after a showing visitors.” fish. Look out for a flash of blue or The bird is identified by its blue listen out for their call, which is the and orange feathers and long dag- best clue to their presence, espe- ger-like bill (black on the males and cially with a noisy territorial king- with a red base on females). fisher. The birds are usually to be found Mr McComiskey adds: “The best nesting and hunting around large, time of year to spot kingfishers is in slow-flowing rivers, canals and the winter, when there are no leaves, lakes, but in recent weeks, the freez- and the young have recently ing temperatures have made the fledged the nest and are less fearful castle a must-place-to-be for the of people. picky kingfishers, many of which “Kingfishers are most active in the previously perished because of a morning but I have seen them lack of food during the coldest throughout the day at Leeds Castle. months. They prefer quieter days generally, However, rising temperatures although I have seen them flying and our mild winters have seen a around when the castle has been ex- relative population explosion, with tremely busy.” more avian visitors to the castle this Popular places to see them in- winter than in the last five years. Mr clude the moat, the Barbican and the McComiskey says kingfishers are wood garden. Lapwings flock to Kent A FARMLAND bird believed to be in serious decline is being spotted in large numbers in and around Maidstone. Large flocks of lapwings, which has a distinctive curled crest on its head, £100 worth have been observed in flocks of several hundred near Leeds Castle, on land of M&S vouchers off the A20 near Lenham, Headcorn and Eccles. with this advert Whilst it may signal a wel- at point of sale. come return after a population Expires 6th plunge since the late 1980s, March 2017 experts say harsh weather across the Channel may have forced the birds to seek sanc- Difficulty Bathing tuary in the UK. There are few areas of the British Isles which have not we can help seen a severe drop in lapwing Wet rooms • Walk in showers (low level & level access) • Walk in baths numbers and Kent is among • Product & installtion guarantee • Waterproof wall panelling the worst. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which now has the • Slip resitant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets species on its endangered “red list”, says that there are about 140,000 • Local family business • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms breeding pairs in the UK while over-wintering populations can be 650,000. *Discounts for over 60’s SSFA and Ex Service personnel* The numbers have dropped by 80% since the 1960s, largely down to new farming techniques, which have altered the birds’ feeding grounds. we design • we supply • we fit • we care The lapwing is much-loved as one of nature’s weather forecasters – the ar- rival of large flocks indicate the onset of a cold snap while tumbling flight dis- Tel: 01622 738204 & office 01622 611880 plays and its distinctive “peewit” call noting the coming of spring. [email protected] A regular walker in the grounds around Leeds Castle said: “You so rarely see lapwings these days, so when I was walking near Broomfield and saw lit- www.ahminstallations.co.uk erally hundreds of them, it was such a joy.” Showroom Open 7 Days, Unit 11, The lapwing is generally found in the northern areas of the UK, Somerset Newnham Court Shopping Village, and various estuaries. Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5LH Vouchers sent out 30 days after installation of bathroom installation.

Malling February 2017 11 News downsmail.co.uk Crop centre’s new director £4.6m grant puts flood A YEAR after it was saved from po- tential administration in a takeover by another leading crop research institute , East Malling Research is measures on agenda to have a new boss. Professor Mario FLOOD-hit residents in the region Caccamo (left) has have heard that the government been appointed will give just over £4.6m towards managing director defence improvements on the River of NIAB EMR, Medway. which was formed The money will come from Local when the East Growth Funding for the Medway Malling centre be- Flood Storage Area Project. came part of the Tonbridge and Malling council National Institute Floods in East has been working with the Environ- of Agricultural Botany, based at Peckham and ment Agency and Kent County Cambridge. He will take over in above, Council to deliver the £24.6m April from David Neill who will re- Nick Heslop scheme, which will include im- turn to his former position at head office as NIAB’s chief operating of- provements to the Leigh Flood Stor- ures to increase the capacity of the been approved, the design phase can ficer. Professor Caccamo, who age Area and a flood protection Leigh Flood Storage Area and in begin. It is hoped that construction trained as a computer scientist, bund at . A scheme turn reduce flood risk will see sig- will be completed by 2022. joined NIAB in July 2015 as head of to build walls and embankments at nificant growth to business and The £17.1m funding for the Med- crop bioinformatics and will con- East Peckham – to protect 568 homes property within communities along way Flood Storage Area Project – to tinue in this role in addition to his and businesses – is also included. the .” protect 1,475 homes and businesses new position at NIAB EMR. It follows the devastating floods More than 2,500 homes and busi- – will be shared by government, the He said: “The research opportu- that left the area, and villages in- nesses are thought to be at risk of Environment Agency/DEFRA, with nities in the horticulture sector, cluding , under water over flooding from the Rivers Medway, help from organisations including both nationally and internationally, Christmas in 2013. Beult and Teise. Communities in KCC (£2.5m) and TMBC (£0.5m). have never been greater. NIAB Tonbridge and Malling Council these areas were affected in 1960, Julie Foley, of the Environment EMR’s world class scientists are al- leader Nicolas Heslop said he was 1963, 1968. 1974,1979, 2000/01 and Agency, said: “Now that all the ready leading in their application delighted with the news, adding: winter 2013/14. funding has been secured we are of novel solutions for horticulture “This will give us and local people The business case for the project able to move forward and look at the and I am very excited about the op- more certainty on the future of flood will be considered by the Depart- specifics of how we will improve portunity to lead this team to even defences. Knowing that we will be ment of Environment, Food and flood protection to Tonbridge, greater achievements.” able to deliver much-needed meas- Rural Affairs in 2018. Once this has Hildenborough and East Peckham.”

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Malling February 2017 13 News downsmail.co.uk

Your business is our business LOCAL businesses are as important an element to community life as a parish council, cricket club or the Women’s Institute. Taking notice Here at the Downs Mail we have always recognised the pivotal role commerce plays in a ORGANISATIONS are able to vibrant, thriving economy. Be they make as many entries and use small, medium or large enterprises, we as many categories as they wish on our Business Notice have tried to celebrate the great things Board. they bring – jobs, career paths, training, They can upload an image, entrepreneurship, industry awards, in- headline, detailed text, contact novation and prestige. details and links to their own That is why we have been promoting and associated websites. The service is quick and easy our recently-enhanced Business Notice to use – go to the business no- Board (BNB) at downsmail.co.uk in tice board page on our website recent months. and just click on the red post And it is paying off. Our BNB is rap- your free listing here button or submit your business news link idly becoming a place where the busi- to get started. ness world can communicate with one another, share ideas, offer advice, drum Directory advert up business or simply promote them- THE Downs Mail Business Directory is a searchable selves. And it is completely FREE to use. database of local businesses, You can use it as many times as you suppliers and tradespeople like without having to pay a penny. where companies can Perhaps you have news you’d like to share, seek tenders for an important contract, trum- advertise for a year for just £36 pet a new product or put feelers out for specialist expertise. Feel free. Use it, it’s yours! plus VAT.

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14 Malling February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News School trip cash finally refunded PARENTS of children at Holmes- dale School, Snodland, whose hol- iday to Kenya in July was cancelled after an attempted coup in Turkey have had the remainder of their costs of almost £1,000 refunded. Downs Mail reported in Septem- ber that pupils who were due to fly to Kenya via Turkey arrived at Heathrow only to be told the flight was off. The party of 28, plus three members of staff, had paid £1,575, Jess and Kerry Stothart and flight fees of £600 each were re- a separate claim to KCC insurers. turned by Turkish Airlines. "Fortunately, the company agreed The school, on behalf of the par- to settle the claim and all parents ents, claimed for a refund from were given full refunds. It was a travel firm African Adventurers' in- long and quite painful journey, with surers. But the Southampton-based each parent standing to lose nearly company said the cancellation was £1,000, so there was a real sense of due to an act of war. relief with the final outcome." Patrick Hannaway, then executive The group of year 10, 11 and 12 head at the school, and a parent pupils and three teachers was due to governor, attended a meeting with fly to Istanbul on the first leg of their Dan Mew,of African Adventures, to trip which included voluntary work try to get a full or partial refund. in a Kenyan village. He refused to give any sort of re- Jess Stothart (16), of Larkfield, fund because he said he had already whose mum Kerry led parents cam- paid the people in Kenya. paigning for the refund, said: “I Lee Downey, the school's head of worked extra hard to raise the cash. applied learning, said: "While the We would have gone to the kids’ negotiations with African Adven- schools, teaching them and playing tures were going on the head games. It would have been a real ex- teacher told parents he would put in perience for us all.” EXTR 5% OFF SLE PRICES on LL beds and selected furniture OFFER ENDS SOON

Guy Osborne (left) and James Whyte (right) with Paul Stuart, director of golf, and Cllr Maria Heslop, of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council Honours for young golfers TWO talented young golfers have been awarded academy golf member- ships from the prestigious London Golf Club in recognition of their excep- tional achievements. James Whyte, from Maidstone, and Guy Osborne, from Tonbridge, who are both 17, are the first young golfers to receive the coveted memberships as part of a new partnership agreement between the club and Tonbridge and Malling council to help develop golfing talent in the borough. The pair are coached by golf professionals at Poult Wood Golf Centre, which is managed on behalf of the borough council by Tonbridge and www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk Malling Leisure Trust. James started playing golf at the age of nine, and by the age of 11, was 01622 753073 regularly winning the weekly nine-hole competitions at Poult Wood. In 2016, James won the Poult Wood Junior Open Scratch competition. Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF Guy began playing at 13, and went on to win the Poult Wood Junior Open. Under the partnership, London Golf Club professionals will coach young- UPHOLSTERY | DINING | BEDS sters alongside the club’s professional team. Young golfers will take part in a competition on one of the club’s courses and each year, two youngsters BEDROOM | CCESSORIES will receive memberships at a nationally-acclaimed facility. Not applicable to The Lounge Co products and goods sold at clearance price.

Malling February 2017 15 News downsmail.co.uk Driver jailed A DRIVER who used his car in Maidstone while over the drink limit MP’s petition bid to stop and already on a ban has been jailed. Medway Magistrates heard that Mark Kingshott (43) had 56mg of al- cohol in 100ml of breath when he closure of town barracks was stopped on the London Road. Kingshott, of Newport in Wales, MAIDSTONE and Weald MP had no car insurance and later failed Helen Grant is launching a petition to surrender to bail. He admitted the calling on the Ministry of Defence charges and was sentenced to 137 (MoD) to reverse its decision to days in prison, banned from driving close Invicta Park Barracks. for three years, and must pay £85 The MP says the petition follows costs and an £80 victim surcharge. concern about the negative impact the Ministry of Defence decision will Burglary case have on 800 service personnel and A MAN from Maidstone has been their families, as well as the county charged following a burglary in Al- town’s economy and community. bany Street in the town. Mrs Grant said: “I know that Dmitrij Ivanov (30), from Lower many local people are concerned Fant Road, was charged on January about the decision to close Invicta Ministry of Defence by Easter. “Do you wish to be the one re- 17 with burglary, theft and fraud fol- Park Barracks, breaking centuries of The proposed closure of Invicta sponsible for removing these brave lowing the alleged incident on Janu- military tradition in Maidstone. Park Barracks was announced by the families and replacing 200 years of ary 16. He was due to appear at There is also great affection for the Government in November 2017 as history with housing? Maidstone Magistrates’ Court. town’s vibrant Nepalese community one of 91 proposed closures to mili- “The barracks can be redeveloped and local people are wanting to tary bases across the UK. and housing modernised – there is show their support for them.” Chris Kemsley, of Maidstone, no reason to remove the garrison Taxman talk As well as the petition, she is also wrote on the petition site: “The bar- other than for financial and political AYLESFORD Active Retirement As- working to establish a platform for racks and the people who work gain. The troops must stay!” sociation (AylesARA) will be meet- people to voice their opposition. there are an integral part of the  The survey can be downloaded ing on Thursday, February 23, at She added: “I am sending a survey town. Their value cannot be judged at http://bit.ly/2kjPxSI. The 2pm at the Community Centre, to about 10,000 randomly selected in pure economic terms.” petition is at www.ipetitions.com/ Aylesford. Terry King will give a talk addresses in central Maidstone to John Northern added: “Do you re- petition/save-maidstone-barracks called Tax, Music, Song. The group allow people to share their views ally want to be responsible for send- and from Helen Grant’s is for anyone aged over 50. Anyone about the proposed closure and I en- ing away these soldiers, who would constituency office on the interested can contact Wayne on courage everyone to take part.” lay down their lives for us without London-bound forecourt of 01622 710734. The petition will be handed to the question? Maidstone East railway station. The Hop Pole

Mark and Kirsty welcome you to The Hop Pole Inn located in Nettlestead Green. The Hop Pole Inn, a 17th century country , is situated in the heart of the Medway Valley, with stunning views across the heart of Kent. We pride ourselves on our freshly cooked food and homemade desserts. A carvery is served six days a week Tuesday to Sunday and our a la carte menu is also available. The carvery, and restaurant menu is available daily from 12 to 3 pm and again from 6 to 9. On Sundays, only the carvery menu is available. Large parties are catered for and we have a large conservatory dining area. A sheltered beer garden with swings and a slide for children to play on. Try one of our real ales, or a glass of quality wine from our fine selection. Mother’s Day Special Sunday 26th March, bookings now being taken. We pride ourselves on our warm and friendly atmosphere and open fires. Pub quiz and bingo nights held every month. See our Facebook page. Maidstone Road, Nettlestead Green, Maidstone, Kent. ME18 5HH 01622 816916

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18 Malling February 2017 Local news for Snodland and Halling A Downs Mail supplement produced in conjunction Town Talk with the Snodland Chamber of Commerce. Holmesdale gets its new head teacher THE new head teacher of Holmes- dale School, Tina Bissett, joined the school as senior deputy head- teacher in October 2016. James joins She succeeds Patrick Hannaway, executive principal of the Malling Holmesdale Federation since 2011, town council which became defederated at the JAMES Minter, the Conserva- beginning of January. tive Party candidate in the Mrs Bissett, who lives in Tun- Snodland West and Holbor- bridge Wells, has worked in educa- ough Lakes Ward, won the by- tion in Kent for many years and was election to fill the vacancy on previously principal of the Oasis Snodland Town Council caused Academy, Hextable. by the death of Anne Moloney. She said: "When I discovered He gained 380 votes com- two years ago that Oasis planned pared with 273 votes for the to close Hextable I was committed Labour Party's Wayne Mallard, to staying in the academy to en- Author interviewed by pupils and the Liberal Democrat Luke sure the young people and adults Chapman on 123 votes. Total had a secure onward pathway. HOLMESDALE School, Snodland, was the first school to welcome votes cast was 776 out of a pos- “I worked in the Hextable school popular author Katy Birchall on a week-long tour of schools around sible 4,655, a turnout of 17%. for 14 years and felt I should be the the country. Cllr Minter lives in Hegarty person to see the project through. She talked to students about her latest book in the highly re- Court and has two daughters "I believe the Holmesdale School garded IT Girl Series, "Don't tell the Bridesmaid", after being inter- and two grandchildren. He has the ingredients for a great fu- viewed by a group of year 7 students for an article in the school moved to Snodland from ture. We have wonderful students, magazine. seven years ago fantastic staff and families that sup- Katy then went on to talk to a hall full of students from local pri- mary and secondary schools as well as two year 7 classes. She ex- and his hobby is cycling. He port what we do. plained how she uses ideas to build and create her own characters often covers 60-80 miles in the "I look forward to working with and then went on to answer questions from the audience. Whitstable and Rye areas. everyone to ensure that Holmes- Aged 52, he has worked in dale becomes the school of choice sales and marketing within the for the local community." body of governors. three members of the previous flooring industry for more than Under the Malling Holmesdale They have now been separated body and new governors include a 30 years. Federation, both schools, Holmes- and Holmesdale, under the chair- local head teacher, deputy head He said Snodland is a fantas- dale and Malling, had the same manship of Bob Huelin, includes teacher and a borough councillor. tic place to live, with a wealth of facilities, and he believes in sup- porting local businesses. Chairman of governors hands over the role He said Anne, who had been RICHARD Sams is standing down "Governorship of a school is both leadership team at Holmesdale chairman of the town council after 17 years as chairman of the a demanding and rewarding role," have seen significant personnel and a member of Tonbridge & governors, initially for Holmesdale he added. "It also requires a high changes," he continued. "Holmes- Malling Borough Council, con- School and then the federation. level of personal input to success- dale is also receiving significant 'e- tacted him and asked if he He said the dissolution of the fed- fully lead a school governing body. ducational' support from KCC would do some canvassing in eration will help Holmesdale im- Mr Sams thought having two "There is every confidence that the town. She also asked him if prove its educational performance separate bodies would enable Bob Huelin and Tina Bissett 7will he would like to join the town and presents him with the opportu- each to focus on the differing chal- deliver a significant and rapid im- council in the future. nity to hand over the chairmanship lenges that each school faces. provement in the performance of to Bob Huelin. "The governing body and senior Holmesdale this year."

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WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT FAMILY BUSINESS OFFERING A 24 HOUR, PERSONAL, CARING SERVICE. Snodland Town Council 01634 240228 ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE AT Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council 01732 844522 OUR OFFICE OR IN THE COMFORT OF Kent County Council YOUR OWN HOME 03000 41 41 41 Contact Town Talk Snodland Library •PRE-PAID FUNERAL PLANS AVAILABLE 01634 243776 Editor: • PRIVATE CHAPEL OF REST Stephen Eighteen Snodland Post Office 01622 630330 01634 242857 •MEMORIALS SUPPLIED ext 231 Snodland Medical Centre • ALL AREAS COVERED Advertising: 01634 240296 01622 630330 Police (non urgent) 01622 690690 Lower Halling Post Office Stores 01634 240230 email: [email protected] 31 High Street, Snodland Tel: 01634 240458 Town Talk Local news for Snodland and Halling Helping hand 17,000 shoebox gifts are grants agreed THE Snodland Partnership granted a number of requests sorted from town base for financial assistance at its last THE former China Chaps building meeting. at Holborough Road, Snodland, The Devonshire Rooms Pre- was home for the Blythswood School asked for funding for out- Shoebox Appeal. door play equipment for the The scheme saw 17,000 shoe- children and the partnership boxes of gifts sent to orphanages, agreed to pay £835. old people's centres and A donation of £2,800 was churches in the poorest regions of made to Snodland Town Foot- Serbia and Romania. ball Club towards the £3,100 The shoeboxes included toys, cost of two retractable ball stop confectionery, stationery, soaps, nets to be erected behind each candles, scarves and knitwear of the goals when a match is from all over the south east of being played. These will prevent England. the ball being kicked into the Blythswood Care is a charity cemetery and the bowls club car started in 1966, which gives help park. to communities and individuals at Snodland Town Council is to home and abroad. provide disabled access to the Antony Jeffries said the south first floor of the council building east region plays an important in Waghorn Road by installing a part in the scheme, but has no lift and carrying out associated base from which to operate for the building work. This will enable crucial two months that the shoe- Volunteers Lynne Smith (seated) and Jenni Lee less mobile people to gain ac- box appeal runs for. freight cartons. a special mention to Lynne Smith He thanked the owners of the cess to the Moyeuvre-Grand "Being in central Snodland had who came every day, and her hus- Suite. building and added: "The property so many advantages, and we band, Vic, who provided invalu- proved to be the perfect space, The cost of the project is were able to support and get to able support." £22,895. A contribution has been with plenty of room for our volun- know many of the local busi- Three articulated lorries were teers to check and sort more than made by Kent County Councillor, nesses. dispatched from Snodland with Sarah Hohler, and the partner- 17,000 donated shoeboxes which “We thank all those locals who the shoeboxes, medical supplies ship agreed to donate £5,000. were then packed into large came and helped volunteer, with and knitted woollen blankets. To celebrate our 1st Birthday in March we are offering: 1%1% SalesSales FeeFee 11 MonthMonth contractcontract

48 Holborough Road, Snodland 01634 304326 Find us on Town Talk Local news for Snodland and Halling Focus on looking after your health

SNODLAND Medical Practice Pa- sion and you do not have to be a it would be great to see some more Participation Group is to work in col- tient Participation Group is to hold a sufferer of diabetes to attend. You Snodland residents attending. Just laboration with the practice to im- series of health information may just want to know more about turn up at the surgery – no booking prove service to patients, improve evenings, open to patients and non- diabetes, who is likely to get it, what is needed.” communications between patients patients, at the Devonshire Rooms, the symptoms and warning signs Counterweight is a recognised and the practice and to encourage Waghorn Road, Snodland. are and what to do about it.” 11-week weight management pro- patients to take more responsibility The first meeting is planned for Alongside the diabetes evening, gramme, designed to help you lose for their own health. April 27 from 5.30pm to 7pm and is the medical practice is working with between 5% and 10% of your body- The group meets at the surgery a Diabetes Awareness evening led other agencies to deliver more serv- weight and keep it off for good. The on a quarterly basis (sometimes by one of the doctors and with a di- ices for patients. scheme is running out of Snodland more often) with doctors and the abetes specialist to give advice Mr Stockham said: “Free health Community Centre. practice manager. It actively can- about the condition and answer walks are running from the surgery The topics covered include nutri- vasses the views of patients and rec- questions. every Thursday at 11.30am. They tion, reading food labels, eating be- ommends courses of action. Representatives from the Paula are easy walks, lasting 30 minutes, haviours and shopping habits. You Anyone who thinks they might be Carr Trust are also attending to talk and are led by dedicated, trained can either speak to your GP who interested in becoming a member of about retinal screening and the var- volunteers. They provide the perfect can refer you or you can register at the group should ask at the surgery ious areas of support they can pro- opportunity to help you get active www.tmbc.gov.uk/counterweight. or send an email to vide. and meet new people. The cost of the programme is £15, [email protected], which will John Stockham, chairman of the “Having started in the New Year, which is refundable on completion. be happy to provide further details, group, said: "This is an informal ses- the numbers are rising steadily and The overall objective of the Patient with no obligation to join. Flats planned Employer fair A PLANNING application has been LOCAL employers attended an made for five one-bedroom flats off Employer Fair at Holmesdale Queens Avenue, Snodland (right). School. Southern Bond and Storage Ltd The event, organised by careers have applied to Tonbridge & advisor Jeanette Hamilton, was at- Malling Borough Council to remove tended by the Army and Navy, as sundry dilapidated buildings and well as Beaney Bakery; the Co-op- replace them with the flats behind erative; CWB Property Ltd; Peta- 24 and 26 Holborough Road – Fa- holics, with Barney the barn owl; vorite, the chicken and rib shop Sandhole Veterinary Centre with and the house next door. Wilma the dog and Smurfitt Kappa. Objects thrown at M20 vehicles

KENT Police are reminding peo- seven years in prison and fines of ple of the penalties they face for £1,000. launching missiles from road "In July 2010, a 47-year-old man bridges after reports of a missile died following a collision involving attack on a car on the M20. a lorry and a pick-up truck on the On Saturday, January 21, the A20 Swanley interchange, after it windscreen of a lorry was dam- was reported that stones had aged following an incident at been thrown at the lorry." New-look library re-opened about 6.40pm, as it was being Inspector Rachel McNeil added: driven along the A228 Snodland “Throwing anything at a moving SNODLAND Library, in the High Street, has officially been re-opened after bypass beneath Rocfort Road. vehicle is incredibly stupid and its major refurbishment at the end of last year. Police said that on Thursday, could easily kill someone, espe- The ceremony was carried out by Mike Hill, Kent County Council's cab- January 26, a car travelling on the cially if they are travelling at high inet member for community services, and Sarah Hohler, the local county M20, underneath a footbridge for speeds on a major road. Fortu- councillor and also the deputy cabinet member. New Hythe Lane in Larkfield, was nately, reports of this nature are Mr Hill said he was very keen to keep libraries open, to make the best also hit by an object. The vehicle’s still rare, but those who commit use of the buildings they are in and they should be as bright, attractive windscreen was damaged and such crimes could face serious and as welcoming as possible. the driver reported seeing two repercussions.” Pupils from Valley Invicta Primary School at Holborough Lakes, Snod- people on the footbridge. Officers will continue to work land, along with head teacher, Dr Jonny Rodgers, were involved in the According to an unconfirmed with schools to inform and edu- ceremony. Mrs Hohler urged the children and their parents to use the li- report, a BB-style weapon may cate pupils of the dangers and brary. She told them she used to fall asleep when reading books in the have been used to hit another car penalties, and parents are also evening, but she told them she now gets up at 6am, makes a cup of tea in the Loose Road, this time shat- urged to ensure their children and reads a book in bed. tering the windscreen as a mother know the dangers and conse- The library was closed from October 17 until December 21. The Mayor and her son were travelling in it. quences of throwing objects onto of Tonbridge & Malling, Mark Rhodes, attended with a number of town Police have no log of the alleged the highway. councillors. incident. Call the police on 01622 604100 The Citizens’ Advice Bureau is open on Tuesday mornings, by ap- Kent Police said: "Offenders are if you see anything or have any in- pointment (call 01732 440488), on Fridays for information on housing reminded of the potential fatal formation, or call 999 in an emer- benefits and other problems,coffee and chat mornings between 10.30 consequences of throwing ob- gency. Alternatively, if you wish to and 11.30am on the first Thursday of each month and an Ancestry Party jects at moving vehicles and are remain anonymous, call Kent on Thursdays between 2pm and 4pm warned they could face up to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Town Talk Local news for Snodland and Halling 24 hours of acts lined up for a charity ‘musithon’ A FULL programme has been well as others from further afield. to the fund." lined up for Snodland's Got They will provide musical enter- Performers span the ages, from Stamina 24-hour Musithon on Fri- tainment of all kinds, and we now toddlers upwards, and the pro- day and Saturday, March 10 and have a full programme, making gramme includes folk music, tap 11. use of both the current hall and dancing, organ, piano and cello The event will raise funds for the church as performance recitals, choral music, fitness and the replacement community hall spaces. aerobic routines, a rock and pop at Christ Church, Malling Road, "Nowallweneedtomakethe band, brass music and songs Snodland. event go with a swing is an audi- from the musicals. It starts at 10pm on Friday and ence, who are more than wel- There will be opportunities for will run until 10pm on Saturday. come to attend all performances audience participation. As previously reported in Town from 8am onwards on Saturday. Full programme details are in Talk, the project team must raise Our performers will be seeking the diary section at www.all- £150,000 to replace the Victoria sponsors and there will be an op- saintswithchristchurch.org or the Room, known as "the tin hut". portunity to donate to the hall Facebook page at www.face- Jonathan Overell, a member of fund at the event. book.com/allsaintswith- the team, said: "There has been "Refreshments will be available christchurch/. a tremendous response from hall all day and light lunches will be Jonathan can be contacted at users, and other local people, as served, with all proceeds going [email protected].

A marathon test for mum A SNODLAND mother whose daughter has completed the Lon- don Marathon twice is tackling the 26.2-mile course herself in April. Lorraine Shepheard, of Queens Road, who has five children, used to run when she was a nurse. She kept fit afterwards by walking, but decided to start running again at Sporting pair’s diamond anniversary the beginning of last year. She then decided she wanted to A COUPLE who met 64 years anybody under 21 and married Restaurant, Heath. complete the marathon before she ago and have been involved in had to drop out.” Pat lived in West Kingsdown was 55 years old. Her daughter, sport since they were at primary They have lived around when they met and Bill lived in Sarah, is not running this year. school have celebrated their di- Ryarsh and Snodland for most Ryarsh. He played cricket and Lorraine is collecting for two amond wedding anniversary. of their married life, and have a football for West Kingsdown, charities: the Heart of Kent Hospice Bill and Pat Robinson of daughter, Toni, and a son, Dean, the RAF, Ryarsh and Addington. via her Facebook and Just Giving Wyvern Close, Snodland, met in who lives in Australia. He also started Mosquitoes FC. account and All Saints’ Church 1953. Bill joined the RAF the fol- Pat added: "We have always Pat used to do the scoring "which needs so much money". lowing year for five years and been involved in sport. We both when Bill played cricket and There are sponsorship forms they married in 1956 at West play bowls still and Bill, a keen they both enjoyed playing darts. available at her house, 17 Queens Kingsdown church. walker, plays golf every week.” Bill was in the building trade, Road; the Monks Head, Constitu- Pat said: “Bill was supposed They celebrated their dia- mainly in roofing, and also tion Hill, where her husband, Doug, to be going to Cyprus, but there mond day with a meal for family worked at Townsend Hook, works and Christ Church, Malling were too many for the draft and and friends at the Vineyard Snodland. Road. School wins gold sports award ST Katherine's Primary School, Snodland, has been presented with the Gold Award from Kent School Games in recognition of all the sports opportunities provided to the children. It is the highest award for primary school sport, and the school thanked everyone who was part of gaining the award. The school said in a statement: "To get the gold award we have offered sports clubs for more than 50% of pupils; we offer two time-tabled hours of PE a week; we have A, B and C competitive teams in football and netball; and 20% of pupils are involved in leading activities. "We aim to promote sports and activities to both pupils and parents; we make links with outside teams and have inspirational athletes visit the school." News downsmail.co.uk £1.45m boost to M20 bridge collapse: healthier travel THE county council has been given £1.45m to promote healthier travel by foot, bike and bus. The cash will come from the De- man, 63, is charged partment of Transport over the next three years. A MAN has been charged in con- KCC says it will put the money to- nection with the collapse of the wards cycle training for more than M20 footbridge last summer. 1,000 adults, rangers to care for cycle The crossing broke up on the Lon- paths, improvements to 10 walking don-bound carriageway after being and cycle routes, training primary hit by a lorry carrying a digger. school pupils to cross the road and a Police, who have been investigat- cycle recycling scheme. ing since the incident on August 27, Advice on sustainable and active have charged a 63-year-old man travel will also be given to residents from the north of England. and commuters at train stations, The Darlington man was issued schools and colleges. Alongside this, with a summons to appear before 11-19 year olds are to be encouraged Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on to travel to and from school or col- February 17 charged with causing lege in more health ways, and safer serious injury by dangerous driving road use will be promoted. and three counts of criminal dam- throwing himself clear the collpase. "Kent Police were called at The cash comes from the govern- age, which relate to vehicles and the A major incident response swung 12.07pm on Saturday, August 27, ment’s Sustainable Travel Access bridge. into place immediately after the al- 2016, to a report that a bridge had Fund. Clive Pearman, KCC deputy The incident happened on a bank leged collision and the section of mo- collapsed between junctions 4 and 3 cabinet member for environment holiday weekend when the motor- torway was closed for some days. on the London bound carriageway and transport, said: “We were one of way would have been used by hun- Little evidence of the incident re- of the M20.” the few local authorities to receive dreds of thousands of motorists. mains after a massive clear-up and During the demolition process, money from this scheme. More than 150 tonnes of concrete dismantling operation, but it may be carried out by a London-based spe- “We plan to build on our proven structure and debris crashed onto some time before it is rebuilt. cialist company, immediately after track record of promoting and pro- the carriageway near junction 4 for A Kent Police spokesman said: "A the crash, 400 tonnes of rubble was viding active travel choices for the . man will appear before court fol- removed from the scene. people of Kent. For all the jargon of No one was killed in the incident lowing the collapse of a pedestrian The incident caused massive dis- ‘integrated packages of sustainable but a 73-year-old motorcyclist, Jim bridge over the in ruption to the Maidstone area in the transport’, what we are saying is we Shaw, was left with broken ribs after August 2016. days after it happened. want to make it as quick, easy and good for you, and the environment, to get from A to B.” Work will build on the Kent Con- Arriva to improve bus services nected website: kentconnected.org.

BUS company Arriva has indicated it is to improve the reliability of its Gillet’s fillets bus services across the network. A MAN who shoplifted a large It follows a string of complaints amount of meat from shops has es- from bus users across the borough, caped being sent to jail. including Staplehurst where users – Matthew John Gillett (34) was many of them students – were left sentenced on January 5, 2017, at waiting more than an hour for a bus Medway Magistrates’ Court. on the coldest day of the year and He admitted seven counts of out in the cold for 45 minutes just a shoplifting. week later. The court heard how Gillett, of In a guarded statement following Cambridge Crescent, Maidstone, a month of break-downs and late stole meat from the same super- buses on the Number 5 village serv- market in Sutton Road, Maidstone, ice between Maidstone and Sand- on seven occasions between De- hurst, Arriva said: “We have cember 28 and January 4. conducted an in-depth analysis of Magistrates sentenced Gillett to the issues on the network and are 90 days in prison, suspended for 12 now in the process of implementing months. He must also pay £274 changes which should mean buses compensation, £85 costs and a £115 will not get to school on time.” assessing the running of a registered victim surcharge. are more reliable in future. The news from Arriva follows service is whether it has run no more “After registering changes with the other complaints of late arrivals and than two minutes early and five Traffic Commissioner, there is a 56- no-shows in recent weeks, including minutes late. Operators found not to Girl hit by car day period before they can be im- the 575 service used by students be running services in accordance POLICE investigating an accident plemented, so we hope to see from , Snodland, Malling, with registered timetables may be in Maidstone in which a 14-year- improvements in April.” old girl suffered a broken ankle are Aylesford and to get to called on to attend a public inquiry, Staplehurst borough councillor appealing for witnesses. schools, including Invicta and Maid- have their licence revoked, face a Louise Brice said she was pleased to The collision on the Loose Road, note that the bus company was in- stone Grammar. fine or be required to show how they involving a grey BMW car, hap- tending to respond. Last month, Bearsted resident intend to improve their service. pened at just after 4.30pm on Mon- She said: “Arriva has done some Peter Wiles took his complaint about Downs Mail asked Arriva to ex- day, January 9, as the girl was on a work to improve the service, but in the delays and cancellations of the pand on its statement and to explain pedestrian crossing. The driver the last month or so it has been one Number 19 serving Bearsted and how the service and its network of stopped at the scene and the girl thing after another and there are Grove Green to the Traffic Commis- routes would be improved but was was taken to hospital. now a lot of unhappy people, partic- sioner, as reported in Downs Mail. told: “It basically means changes are Anyone who saw the accident ularly parents who are worried, with The Traffic Commissioner warns coming but they can’t be imple- shoudl call Sergeant Hannah exams coming up, that their children that the window of tolerance when mented overnight as that’s the law.” Brown on 01622 798538.

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Malling February 2017 19 downsmail.co.uk Comment Medway merger on cards? IF our , faced with historical towns are reluctant to give up their devolution challenges, decided it must be part MailMarks independence and old enmities and jealousies of a local authority merger which direction with neighbours come to the fore. But most would you choose? Your options could be: DENNIS FOWLE President accept that the status quo is not really avail-  SOUTH/WEST – with Tunbridge Wells, [email protected] able – and their taxpayers and towns are likely Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling. to lose out seriously if they dig in their heels.  NORTH – with Medway, Swale, Grave- Sadly, there has been little love lost over the sham, Dartford. fering seriously from major reductions in gov- years between Tonbridge and Malling and  EAST – with Ashford, Canterbury, Thanet, ernment grants. Maidstone and this could be a barrier in Maid- Shepway, Dover. Maidstone is among them, and as our coun- stone looking west and south. Sadly, this is no hypothetical question. Gov- cil faces the challenges of the grant soon dis- Tonbridge worries about Maidstone’s ernment is set on a nationwide devolution appearing altogether – at a time when it claims on Aylesford, Ditton, Larkfield, Her- programme and supports in many ways (in- cannot increase its share of the council tax mitage Lane and Coldharbour etc. cluding increasing financial support and local above 2% – the cuts are becoming very painful They are so obviously linked to Maidstone powers) Local Enterprise Partnerships based and affecting our standard of life. Things will – and Tonbridge development right on our on “functional economic areas”. get worse. boundary is not going down at all well, espe- Maidstone, with its population of about Government says: “It is for places to deter- cially off Hermitage Lane. 160,000, is likely to be too small, and opinions mine how best to grow their local economies The choice facing towns is trying to form grow that we will have to seek neighbouring and government to devolve freedoms and fully-governing unitary authorities or linking partners. Talk across Kent is well-advanced. flexibilities.” in other approved ways while retaining some Many Kent district councils are already suf- That is what Kent is trying to do now. Our powers and identity.

Rays of light in prison fault of former prime minister Gordon bought at top prices, unnecessary Brown. operations and managers on top salaries RECENT reports of prison violence have The financial crash was caused by with golden hellos and goodbyes, payment reminded us that prisons can be very dark rampant greed and incompetence of the for failure, fat pensions, bonuses, etc. and harrowing places. Thankfully this banks and Gordon Brown played a major We can't afford to be a world health despair has not pervaded all prisons. role in preventing a financial meltdown. service, or waste money making up for I was privileged to be invited to aend It was bailing out the banks that depleted incompetence, laziness and greed. the carol service at Maidstone Prison. It our finances, not any mismanagement by Why aren't the highly-paid managers was an enlightening experience which Mr Brown. If there is criticism, it is that controlling this waste? Why the conspiracy overturned many preconceptions of prison they followed Conservative Party policies of silence and the inaction? life. by failing to regulate the financial Sadly, there are none amongst the “great The choir performed with passion and no institutions. pretenders” in Westminster with the guts, lile skill; the inmates in the congregation Since then, the Conservatives – aided for the wit, or the will to stop this criminal joined in with gusto and Bishop Trevor a while by the Liberal Democrats – have waste robbing patients of proper care. Willmo gave an inspiring address. taken the view that our public services Phil Granger, West Malling It was a heart-warming and memorable should be starved of funds in order to service. Afterwards, we were allowed to finance the road to recovery. mingle with the inmates. It was a joy to Instead, perhaps they should stop meet these men, all good-humoured, all rewarding banks with big tax breaks and History could inspire pride appreciative of a few words of friendship put an end to the huge levels of tax IT IS possible that the defacing of the and all with a positive perspective on life. avoidance by multi-nationals and big memorial to Captain Louis Nolan – who Earlier the bishop had reminded us that, businesses and those crooks who have not died during the ill-fated Charge of the Light even in the despair of being stuck in prison only avoided paying taxes but also steal Brigade – in Maidstone was perpetrated by over Christmas, there is a ray of light. the pensions and livelihoods of their feral youngsters ignorant of the life and These gentlemen showed that there are employees. times of this brave soldier or of the other indeed some bright lights shining in the Jack Atkins, Maidstone Maidstone notables who influenced our dark recesses of Maidstone Prison. country by their talents, intellect and Rob Bird, Liberal Democrat County character? Councillor for Maidstone Central NHS waste scandal William Hazli and William Alexander THE economies in the NHS are just more come to mind. If such local history was smoke and mirrors to cover up the taught in schools it would surely go a long Blame the bankers appalling waste and mismanagement. way to providing that sense of pride which I SYMPATHISE entirely with Dennis Recent reports have shown £182m spent is the antidote to yobbery and social Fowle’s concerns that Maidstone Borough on “birth tourism” alone, not counting disaffection and would certainly be a Council is being forced to make more other treatment meted out to other health contrast to the steady diet of football savings as a result of government cutbacks. tourists” – £300million wasted on drugs “celebrity” and sexual pap relentlessly fed However, I am puzzled as to why he and £700mn on temporary staff for A&E. to them by the media. believes the economic problems are the There’s £1bn on agency staff, equipment Anne Clarke, Maidstone

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 Editorial Sales Accounts Dept. our Editor: Simon Finlay Sales Manager: Bill Brett [email protected] teams… [email protected] [email protected] 01622 630330 ext 229 01622 734735 Mail Publications Ltd 01622 630330 ext. 221 Assistant Editor: Diane Nicholls Forge House [email protected] Advertising Sales Enquiry: Bearsted Green Business Park 01622 630330 ext. 232 01622 630330 option 1 Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT

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Malling February 2017 21 downsmail.co.uk John Gosbee years. Whilst fostering was mainly my work, Ann’s death came after a bale with Obituaries Tony was always involved and helping. He mesolthelioma, a cancer which is usually JOHN Gosbee (78) who died in Dorset on loved historical things to do with the linked to exposure to asbestos dust. Ann – Boxing Day will be remembered for his two military and had visited and enjoyed the who was diagnosed in August 2015 – decades as headmaster of Troiscliffe Imperial War Museum’s collection of aircraft believed the regular shaking out and Primary School. at Duxford many times. Tony’s other loves washing of overalls belonging to her father Born in Arundel, Sussex, John did national included gardening and cycling.” and her husband had been a cause of her service in Cyprus and Tony leaves his wife, children and health problems. went to art college grandchildren Charlie, Arthur, Olive and and teacher training Bey. college before moving James Clinch to Kent. His homes between 1969 and John Harrisson THE death in Newcastle-upon-Tyne has 1996 included time in been announced of James Clinch (89). Rochester, Maidstone THE death of John Harrisson has drawn Locally born and educated, James left and West Malling. He tributes from a number of local people. Maidstone Grammar School to complete retired from teaching John was a partner with the Hobbs Parker national service in the RAF and study and left the area in Group based in Chemistry at Jesus 1996 to live in Dorset. Ashford and College, Cambridge John was husband to Janet and father to Tenterden and a before embarking on a Susie, who said: “My dad was incredibly Fellow of the Royal career as an industrial well-read and had an exceptional level of Institute of Chartered chemist. After jobs in general knowledge. His passion for art Surveyors. He was Ilford and Bristol, he stayed with him and he worked constantly also a player and returned in 1964 to in his studio at the house in Dorset, took part administrator in local Maidstone, living in in open studio days and sold some works. A rugby who had served Willington Street, number of people have contacted us since Maidstone Rugby where he worked for his death to say the presence of his art in Club for many years, a decade at W & R their homes will be a reminder of him. serving as president of the club from 1985 to Balston specialist paper making firm before “He never lost his love of learning. After 1989. Locally born and educated, John joined redundancy and being offered a post his retirement he completed an Open the firm of E J Parker after national service in teaching Chemistry at Maidstone Grammar University degree. And he will be 1946. The firm became Hobbs Parker. John School. He moved to Leeds village in 1982. remembered for his sense of humour, which worked at the Maidstone office and lived in James was married for over 60 years to stayed with him until the very end.” Loose until moving to Tenterden. Anne and was father to Katie, Christopher John – who was widowed in 2004 – leaves Maidstone Rugby Club said on their and Lucy. He was the founding conductor of his daughter, son-in-law Ben and website: “He was a mainstay as a player in what is now the City of Rochester grandchildren Samuel and Jacob. the club, particularly in the post-war years. Symphony Orchestra, from 1969 to 1995 and At the time of the club’s centenary in 1980 he he was also an accomplished oboist. had only shortly ended his playing career Christopher said: “My father showed Tony Welsh which had spanned four decades. He went prowess at any challenge he took on, on to become president of the club following earning respect from all for his efforts." He ANTHONY “Tony” Francis Welsh (79) lived the establishment of the league system.” also helped with the choir at Saint Nicholas in Allington for about 35 years, having John leaves his wife Edna, daughters Church, Otham and served the church in a returned to the area where he grew up after Sarah and Elizabeth, four grandchildren and number of roles, including that of secretary. spending several years following his nursing four great-grandchildren. James is survived by his wife, children and career in Birmingham. grandchildren Emma and Hannah. Tony had earlier lived in Boughton Monchelsea and served out his national Ann Siddons service. He completed his nursing training Peter Brion locally and moved to Birmingham before ANN Siddons (72) of Rivers Walk, Lenham, finishing his career locally. who died in Maidstone Hospital on January PETER Brion (76) lived in Maidstone his Tony was married to Hazel for 54 years 10, had become well-known for her whole life, the last 35 years in Senacre Wood and was father to Deborah, Julian and campaigning and research into potential with his previous homes including Dover Andrew. Hazel said: “Tony worked as a dangers in the workplace. Street and Waterlow Road where he was charge nurse at Leybourne Hospital and was Ann was the daughter of Walter Ward and born. He studied at Vinters Boys’ School a quiet person. widow of Henry “Harry” Siddons. Both leaving to start the “He was also very giving to others and men had worked at the Marley factory in first of two stints at involved in a number of local charities, Lenham, and Ann was convinced that Trebor Sharp in including the local air ambulance, the problems with dust, in particular asbestos Maidstone. Peter’s Woodland Trust and was often in dust, were central to their deaths. working life also took aendance at events involving the Royal Her campaign drew local aention when in work for J. British Legion. she appeared in the press last year in search Muirhead’s frozen “He was also a foster parent for many of others who may have experienced similar food business in health problems within their family. Sevenoaks and work for Sunroc Water Coolers in Marden. He finished his working life with the post of Camrass Wills caretaker at Senacre Primary School. Advice you can trust Peter was father to Kevin, Nicola, Lesley, Rebecca and David. Do you want help writing your Will? 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Malling February 2017 23 News | Special feature downsmail.co.uk

Heart of Kent Hospice –here for you now and in the future AS DOWNS Mail readers will know, Heart of Kent Hospice has been hit hard by the uncertain economic climate It now needs to reduce its ex- pealing to its local community to penditure by £574,000 annually, ‘Get Behind’ them as a donor, as well as raise an additional fundraiser or volunteer. Facing new challenges £600,000 this year to ensure the “When we first meet a family, SARAH Pugh, Chief Executive (pictured), Tony Moffatt, chair of long-term financial stability of the they are often surprised to learn Trustees and members of the Hospice leadership team, are hosting hospice. that we are an independent char- a public forum at The Monckton Regretfully, this means that 12 ity, and we have to raise £4 out of Education Centre, Heart of Kent positions are being made redun- every £5 we spend but funding is Hospice at 6pm on Tuesday, Feb- dant due to the lack of funds. increasingly difficult to secure” ruary 21. Sarah Pugh, Chief Executive says Ann-Marie Kelly, Director of Following an update on the says “All redundancies are regret- Income Generation. changes that are being intro- ful, and we are disappointed that “Our donors often give because duced, there will be an opportu- we have had to make these they want to express their grati- nity for guests to ask questions changes. tude for the support we have about the challenges faced by the “Throughout this challenging given to them and their loved Hospice, our plans to secure the time, our goal has been to min- ones, or they want to ensure that long-term financial stability of our imise the impact on our patients we are here for them, if they ever Hospice and how you can ‘Get and their families and we con- need us. Behind’ Heart of Kent Hospice. tinue to be committed to provid- “To make sure we are, we need If you would like to attend, ing the 566 patients currently in to raise an additional £600,000 this please send your details to our care, the support they need, year, and recruit more volunteers [email protected] or call when and where they need it.” in to a wide variety of roles. Our 01622 792200 x206 before “In addition to making cost sav- volunteers are the bedrock of our Thursday February 16. ings, Heart of Kent Hospice is ap- organisation.”

I would like to ‘Get Behind’ Title ...... You can make Heart of Kent Hospice. Forename ...... Please accept my gift of £ ...... Surname ...... a difference (please make cheques payable to Address ...... Heart of Kent Hospice) ...... Visit www.hokh.org to make a Postcode ...... Please tick this box if you DO NOT donation online want to be added to our fundraising Text to donate “HOKH 17 £5” database to 70070 To keep costs to a minimum, we I’d like to know more about would like to communicate with you volunteering or becoming a by email. Please tick the box if you Post: FREEPOST RRKY-UKRG-UTKE, Hospice ambassador would like us to email you Heart of Kent Hospice, Preston Hall, I’d like to know more about the Email address: Aylesford, Kent ME20 7PU ‘Get Behind’ campaign ......

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Malling February 2017 31 downsmail.co.uk

reported feeling the 10kg blasts; increased Church clock A bill for £150 + VAT had been

aihCouncils Parish Birling monitoring was needed before any change; received from Smiths of Derby for clock Water main Cllr Sarah Hohler said South councillors had offered the use of their repairs. The repairs had been carried out East Water would be installing a new main homes for monitoring. It was agreed to use satisfactorily so it was agreed to sele the between the junction of Roughes Road and social media to notify residents of blasts. invoice. Woodgate Road and the new development Volunteer support warden scheme This Church parking A car had been parked on opposite Rosehaven. was discussed and a vote taken. It was the verge outside the church for some School The planning application for the new decided to participate in full with the weeks. It had now been taxed so was not hall at Ryarsh School was due to go to scheme. classed as abandoned. It was agreed to put a comiee and, if approved, it could be Sports Park It was resolved that Kings Hill polite notice on the car asking the owner to completed in time for the September term. Parish Council would accept the kind move it. Road sign TMBC had agreed to erect a donation of one TV from Ebbsfleet Football White lines The clerk had asked Kent Snodland Road sign and the owners of the Club. It was agreed that the four remaining Highways for the plans for The Street and Old Post Office had agreed that it could be parish council TVs would be advertised for the estimate of costs that the parish council places on their wall. The clerk was to check it sponsorship or donation. would be expected to pay but these had not would be in keeping with the sign for Meeting times It was agreed that council been received. Ryarsh Road. meetings would continue to be held on Seven Mile Lane A leer had been received Faster broadband Regarding underground Wednesdays and the 2017 schedule was from a resident who said she was cables on Birling estate: all the above ground agreed. unimpressed with KCC’s lack of progress on power lines had been removed, funded by Annual parish meeting It was agreed that the road markings requested before and AONB at a cost of £550k for 1.3km. the annual parish meeting would be held in after Willowwents. Discussions had started with UK Power April. The meeting dates in April would be Allotments Rental invoices had been posted Network about extending the project as far amended and suggested alternative dates and payments were still being received. as Snodland. proposed. The format for the meeting would Play area Repairs to the safety surface would Streetlights The column outside The Close be the same as for 2016. be carried out when the weather conditions had some minor internal rusting and the one allowed. outside Birling Park had a very minor lean, Street lighting A resident had asked for internal rusting and paint fading. They Leybourne lighting in Butchers Lane, but as this was a should be retested in 3-5 years but may be minor road in a non-built up area this was replaced before then. Crime report The phone box and sign posts had been vandalised. This had been reported considered to be inappropriate. Budget The budget was agreed with the Broken pipe Kentish Stone had inspected inclusion of £250 for the Landscape PCSO. to police and would be passed on to the PCSO. the broken overflow pipe at the pavilion and The withdrawal of the FAPC and the said it was not leaking. However, the Council Tax Support Grant was discussed Speed devices Cllr Luker reported on a KCC initiative where parish councils could plumber would be asked to repair it on his and it was agreed to set the precept at £9,262. next visit. Anonymous leer Cllr Westwood read out a get partial funding of £1,000 towards speed leer saying that a house in Bull Road had indicator devices, which normally cost stones outside which were on the road, not £2,000. Larkfield Parish Council would be Oam on the verge, which was dangerous. The interested in partnering up. sender also said parked cars were Security The CCTV cameras had been Signs A resident had asked if the sign at the obstructing Bull Road. Cllr Grimme would upgraded but were awaiting switch repairs, top of North Meadow could be illuminated speak to the resident about the stones. which had been graded as urgent. Sunstone and this request was passed to KCC Village hall Concern had been expressed were due to repair the security light at the Highways, who said it could only be about problems hiring the hall and access to Bomb Hole. The addition of a camera to illuminated if it was within 50m of a lamp the disabled toilets. Cllr Nevill reported that cover the bus shelter next to the church column which was part of a system of due to the expansion of the Montessori would be discussed with Sunstone. streetlighting, which didn’t apply in this nursery in the hall, changes were needed. Public concerns Cllr Ulph said residents had case. The parish council had asked if the sign Councillors expressed concern that this raised concerns about illegal parking on at the boom of Church Road could have a would mean that the hall was no longer verges and damage to bollards in Rectory larger “no lorries” graphic. A site visit available for use by residents and Cllr Lane North. This had been reported to would be held to assess the existing signage. Westwood suggested that the Charitable parking enforcement, TMBC and Kent Environmental enhancements The channels Trust check how this would affect its Highways. along Teston Road would be completed first charitable status. Football club The club was not billed for the and these would be extended out to the second half of last year and it was agreed to gateway at the eastern end on one side of the write this off in recognition of the previous road. Traffic lights would be needed and it Kings Hill over-charge. was thought the work would take 14 weeks. Telephone box The box next to Market Row The junctions would be done later, possibly Council vote Following a survey of was to be removed because BT said it was not until the summer holidays. Cllr residents and much discussion, it was underused. However, residents had asked Frankling would ask Kent Highways for a proposed to change from a parish council to on social media for it to remain. The clerk leer about the delay and an anticipated a town council. However, the motion was would raise an appeal asking for it to remain start date. not passed and it was resolved that Kings due to the distance to the next box. Photo competition The clerk was asked to Hill would remain a parish council. It was Newsprint site There was a proposal for 450 send a reminder about entries for the also agreed that the parish council’s status homes and industrial development. It was competition for the 2018 calendar. would not be re-considered for another three agreed that this would have an impact on Kissing gate A gate on Teston Road, years. Leybourne due to traffic and basic lack of bordering the quarry, has fallen down. The Draft budget After a majority vote, it was infrastructure. It was agreed to send an clerk was asked to approach the quarry to resolved to accept the draft budget, and to objection to this effect. find out if this was on their land and if it accept the proposal to request a precept of could be mended. £279,138. Residents would be informed Village hall The village hall commiee were through social media of the need to raise the Mereworth praised for doing a sterling job. They were precept due to the loss of TMBC grants and Police report Power tools had been taken in carrying out fundraising activities as rental the consequent expected reduction in the on the hall was not enough to cover running TMBC element of their precept. a burglary. Bulky waste Cllr Ann Kemp said there costs. Cllr Frankling suggested that at the Blaise Farm The scoping report proposing to next annual parish meeting, villagers are increase the explosive charge weight from would be changes to the schedule for the bulky waste collections but the service asked to consider including an amount for 10kg to a maximum of 25kg was discussed the village hall in the precept. and it was resolved to raise the following would continue. The clerk said the new schedule had been received and was on the Blaise Farm Jim Wooldridge had confirmed concerns: Insufficient notice of blasts was the blasts were monitored and within limits. given to residents in Kings Hill; information website. Local plan Cllr Kemp said the local plan was Vibration and noise related to the location on the locations of the monitoring stations and orientation of the blast and there should would be requested; some residents progressing and the public meetings had been very well aended. be less vibration for the foreseeable future as

32 Malling February 2017 downsmail.co.uk there was now an open face. moved from Great Pell to Lile Pell. A Open spaces Four Seasons was due to level Landfill site A noise survey was conducted canopy was being considered for visitors to and turf the areas around the play Councils Parish by Infinis, who went on to people’s land the café. The number of volunteers was equipment. They would also install the without notifying them. Cllr Streon had declining so adverts would be placed in fencing on the boundary with Darren’s made representations about this. The report local newspapers. Students from Meadow. A quote was being sought for an seemed to suggest that noise from the were undertaking bat surveys and a additional standpipe. The clerk was asked to motorway outweighed noise from the reduction on dog fouling had been recorded. find out why wood chippings and manure quarry, but this would depend on wind Review of funding The Financial had been dumped at the rear of the speed and direction, which was not Arrangements with Parish Councils (FAPC) allotments. The clerk was asked to get some mentioned in the report. grant and Council Tax Reduction grant quotes to replace the fencing between the Quiz night The event was booked for would be withdrawn from April. The clerk village hall and the west car park. February 18 and Cllr Streon was to prepare would prepare a draft budget to be Defibrillator Following an alert that a batch questions. The clerk was to email villagers approved at the next meeting. It was agreed of defibrillators could be faulty, it had been about the date and Cllr Williams would put in principle that the precept would probably checked and was found to be working. up posters. need to be increased again this year. Annual parish meeting A date in April was Call for sites Members resolved to respond suggested. The date would be sent out to to the consultation that their main concerns Wateringbury villagers as soon as it was set. were for the proposed development around Street light Cllr Evans raised the question of 2017/18 budget Funding from TMBC was Kings Hill, and the effect this would have on the street light in Old Road which had been being removed. The amount paid by infrastructure, including agricultural issues. out of order for a long time. The clerk was residents in council tax would therefore go An upgrade of the A228 would be required still trying to get it put right. down, but the council would need to and members were concerned about the Volunteer support warden Cllr Lin Simons increase its precept by a similar amount to effect of the extra housing on local roads, said the applicant for this role for receive the same level of funding. doctors, and school places. Members would Wateringbury had pulled out and the village also like to see housing for young people. was no longer in the scheme. Grass cuing It was decided not to seek Ambulance sirens A leer had been Troiscliffe alternative quotes this year as members had received from SECamb in response to the Bulky waste service Borough Cllr Ann been very happy with the service provided council’s leer about the use of ambulance Kemp said TMBC was looking at making the by Four Seasons Gardens Ltd. sirens in the village. Cllr Marks asked that Saturday Freighter service more efficient Lier bin request The clerk had contacted the council request a clarification of the term which could mean some changes, but the the National Trust to see if they would be “restricted roads”. Cllr Catherine Moreland collection of bulky electrical items would willing to have a lier bin installed in the car objected to the complaints on the use of continue. park in Pinesfield Lane. sirens and said she did not want her name Police report A vehicle parked in London Noticeboards The board in Pinesfield Lane included in any leers on this subject. Road had been broken into and a garage had been repaired and it was agreed that the Pavilion A resident referred to the proposal was set alight in Troiscliffe Road. clerk could arrange for the noticeboard in to extend opening hours of the pavilion in Trosley Liaison Group The park was doing Taylors Lane to be refurbished. the Heath Farm recreational area in Kings well and activities were advertised on the Reported faults The clerk would report that Hill. Residents living near the site were website and social media. The £40 parking the pavement from Church Road to Bramble objecting due to noise and disturbance. The season ticket, for use across nine parks, was Park needed clearing and that there was a chairman said this would be raised at the also being advertised. The goats were being pothole in Vigo Hill. next planning meeting.

SEVERAL Land Rovers parked on a vehicle rm reports Crime sales forecourt in Wood Close, Aylesford, Watch were broken into but nothing was taken. Neighbourhood A Honda Civic in a driveway in Ditton Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Place, Ditton, was broken into and a Garmin Working to reduce crime. satnav was stolen. A Mercedes C250 car, index number A vehicle parked in Chatham Road, Rover parked in Thomson Close, Snodland. SL130** was stolen from a driveway in The Aylesford was set alight. Someone broke the panels of a fence Lindens, Aylesford. A vehicle parked on the driveway of a outside a property in Catkin Close, Two black cast iron urns were taken from house in Bush Road, East Peckham,was Walderslade. the driveway of a house in Holtwood broken into. All four tyres were slashed on a Ford Ka Avenue, Aylesford. A grey Vauxhall Vectra, W17 ***, was parked in Garner Drive, East Malling. Several wooden pallets were stolen from a stolen from The Street, Mereworth. In Pound Road, East Peckham, damage farm in Willow Wents, Mereworth, by two All four wheel trims from a Nissan vehicle was caused to a property by an object hitting men in a white Luton van. were stolen. The car was parked on a it. In Taylors Lane, , a house was driveway in Temple Way, East Malling. A Ford Fiesta parked in Queen Street, broken into. Two tyres were slashed on a Toyota Celica Kings Hill was keyed. A vehicle body part was stolen from BMW parked in a driveway in Saltings Road, A vehicle was taken from Marvillion in The Avenue, Aylesford, and later Snodland. Court, East Peckham, but was later recovered. Damage was caused to a property in recovered. A white Land Rover Defender, Tunbury Avenue, Walderslade by an object A wheelchair and car baby seat were registration X286 ***, was stolen from hitting it. stolen from a driveway in Cygnet Close, Woodlands Road, Ditton. A tractor battery was stolen from a farm in Larkfield. A window at the TA Drill Hall in London park Fram Road, Ryarsh. Two men were A Renault Master van parked in Road, Aylesford, was damaged. seen acting suspiciously. They are described Townsend Road, Snodland, was keyed and In Snodland, there was a failed attempt to as white, late 30s, slim/medium build with other damage was caused. break into a garage in Simpson Street. One short dark brown hair. They were driving a of the locks was broken and the other was beige Saab estate. intact. No entry was gained. A car parked in the road in Garner Drive, At Ryarsh, a Ford Transit van and a East Malling had its window smashed. Citroen Berlingo parked in a driveway in A Vauxhall Corsa parked in Hale Street, ALARM NOT WORKING? Woodgate Road, were damaged by spray East Peckham had its rear windscreen paint. damaged. WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS A car being driven along The Bounds, A plastic container and other items were CALL 01622 880751 Aylesford, had the windscreen damaged by stolen from a garden in Hazen Road, Kings offenders seen throwing stones. Hill. A fabric cover for a motorbike was stolen The door bell was stolen from the school from the driveway of a house in Jasmine in Chaucer Way, Larkfield. ALARMS & SECURITY LTD Close, East Malling. A number plate was stolen from a Range

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