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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling September 2016 No. 233

News School trip grounded Village buses saved CAMPAIGNERS in Aylesford and Eccles have won their fight to keep their late bus 4 in coup unrest drama service. FAMILIES of pupils who were due to fly to Kenya to help poor children are Elite sports centre fighting to reclaim almost £1,000 each after the trip was cancelled. WORK has started on K Sports’ major sports complex at 4 Twenty-eight pupils from Ditton. Holmesdale School, Snodland were devastated when they arrived at Fish van victory A Heathrow airport, only to be sent home because their flight had been A MOBILE fish bar has been grounded by a military coup in allowed to stay in an 6 Turkey. Aylesford car park. To make matters even worse, their frustrated families are fighting to re- Cricket century gain a large part of the £1,575 they A DEAL secures cricket at Town paid for each youngster. Although Malling’s ground for the Turkish Airlines has refunded their  next 100 years. 12 flight fees of £600 each, the rest is still outstanding, as a travel insurance company has refused to pay out. World title bid A Families attended a meeting at the SNODLAND-born Olympic school and Holmesdale’s executive athlete prepares for his principal, Patrick Hannaway, has next challenge. 24 taken up the fight. However, he has been told by the Claims Settlement Pupil Jess Stothart, from Larkfield, with her mother Kerry Agency that the trip was covered for we will not rest until we have our them. It would have been a real ex- Obituaries 32 “war” but not a military coup. outstanding refunds of £975 per perience for us all.” Mum Kerry Stothart, of Willow child.” The group of year 10, 11 and 12 Comment 34 Road, Larkfield, who chaired the Jess, a student at Holmesdale for pupils and three teachers, was due meeting, said that no alternative five years, said: “I worked extra hard to fly to Istanbul on Saturday, July 16 Parish Councils 42-43 flight was provided and the 10-day to raise the cash, as we all did. We on the first leg of their trip. They trip had to be cancelled. would have gone to the kids’ booked through specialist travel Crime Reports 43 Kerry, whose 16-year-old daugh- schools, teaching them and playing firm African Adventures, which is ter missed out on the trip, said: “Jess games. I have still got my suitcase based near Southampton. The holi- THERE was an attempt to steal had been looking forward to the trip upstairs full of presents such as pens, day involved voluntary work,  two caravans from a field at to Kenya for two years. Ultimately papers and colouring books for helping to build a perimeter- 3 Kings Hill. A bank card and cash were stolen in a burglary in Ditton. Three white flatbed trucks were stolen from a farm in New bridge over Medway set to open Mereworth. THE official opening of the new home community near Would- across the bridge will herald new road bridge across the River ham, to the A228 on the outskirts prosperity for the town. Medway is expected to take place of Snodland and Halling. This will be the first time the on September 15. Details of the ceremony were two banks of the Medway have The £19m bridge has been being kept under wraps, but been linked in this area since a built by developer Trenport to businesses in Snodland are hop- military Bailey Bridge was built link Peters Village, a new 1,000- ing that the first traffic flow during World War II. Inside this edition: Making grade A SURVEY of West Malling businesses STUDENTS throughout Malling found that the town’s 1,215 workers and Maidstone are moving on to need at least 160 more car parking new challenges after celebrating spaces, leading to renewed calls for a YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT the rewards of their studies with new parking site. See the four-page sup- successful A-level and GCSE re- plement by Malling Action Partnership, 01622 690290 [email protected] sults. For pictures and details, turn which supports people, businesses and 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent to pages 20 and 22. events in the 11 parishes in Malling. Kent’s Most Awarded Optician Book Now 01732 617557 www.optometrists.co.uk AUNT SALLY’S KITCHEN SponsoredSundaySunda by daayy9y 9thh OctoberOcto 2016 Family Run Cafe A 25k circular walkwalk from TestonTeston Bridge Country Park Mid Kent Shopping Centre - Allington 15k optiontion availableaavvailable | RegistrRegistrationation frfromom 8.30am-10am

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2 Malling September 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Phone saver Families out of pocket A REDUNDANT phone box in Dit- ton has been given a new role which could help to save lives. The old BT box on the corner of Nursery Road and Woodlands as Kenya trip cancelled Road now houses a defibrillator for use in an emergency. Continued from page one It has been supplied by the Com- wall, renovate a classroom and munity Heartbeat Trust and BT in some teaching. It also included a an initiative backed by Aylesford visit to Thomson Falls, the Equator MP Tracey Crouch. and a giraffe sanctuary, as well as KCC Cllr Peter Homewood, who going on safari. provided funding for the Ditton When news of the disruption project, said: “I am pleased to sup- broke the day before their flight, port such a community-driven the party was advised to go to project making these lifesaving Heathrow as planes might be pieces of kit more accessible to local rerouted. communities.” Mr Hannaway has written to par- The box and the defibrillator will ents, saying that the reply from the be maintained by Ditton ward bor- Claims Settlement Agency “was ough councillors Ben Walker and not the response we were looking Tom Cannon. for” and that he had asked KCC’s lawyers to investigate. Coffee date African Adventures spokesman TEMPTING treats will be on offer Rachel Northover said it had ap- Pupils from Holmesdale were all smiling as they set off for Heathrow at Amelia’s Closet Nails and Beauty proached insurers T&G, but there airport on their way to Kenya. However, their excitement was shortlived. when the Kings Hill salon takes was no cover for “force majeure”, part in the Macmillan World’s which was usually the case. understood they were reluctant to “They were so unlucky – only a Biggest Coffee Morning and After- The travel firm had already paid accept the offer. few flights were cancelled that day noon Delight on September 30. out the money for the trip before She said: “We have never had and theirs was one of them. We The event runs from 9am to 7pm the cancellation. It had offered fam- anything like this happen before. have been in discussions with the with cupcakes, coffee, tea and soft ilies £600 each as a goodwill ges- We were so disappointed for them parents and the insurers. It is so un- drinks during the day, and cham- ture from its own funds towards a and we did everything we possibly fortunate that force majeure is not pagne and nibbles later on. rescheduled trip at half term, but could to try and help. covered under any insurance.” There will be a charity raffle with www.downsmail.co.uk prizes including beauty treatments For more local news go to our website at the Liberty Square salon.

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Malling September 2016 3 News downsmail.co.uk Village bus service reprieved VILLAGERS in Aylesford and Eccles have won their fight for later buses, at least for the time being. Arriva agreed a reprieve for the sters unable to go to youth clubs or “Many people had got in touch to She urged residents to use the 155 evening service after Kent nights out in Medway or Maidstone. say they were not being registered service to ensure its future. County Council stepped in at the Arriva said only five or six cus- or ‘clipped’ as they got on the bus, Villagers have won a number of last minute with funding. tomers were on therefore it was difficult to believe reprieves for the evening service The two return services, which board for each that this service was not reaching its since it was first threatened with clo- were due to be axed on Sunday, journey, but MP viability targets.” sure four years ago. September 18, will continue for the Tracey Crouch Arriva agreed to maintain the Regular passenger Anna Morell next six months while a thorough (left) said there service for a further six months after said the bus was a lifeline for vil- assessment is completed to establish had been no con- KCC offered a one-off payment so lagers, especially shiftworkers and its commercial viability. sultation and the that a full accurate picture can be ob- young people. She added: “Our The buses affected are the 8.25pm bus company’s tained. elected representatives were prom- and 10.15pm from Chatham and the cutback was Miss Crouch said: “The reason ised in 2012 that just six passengers 9.20pm and 11.10pm from Maid- “shocking” and “short-sighted”. why we fought so hard is that we per route was enough to keep it stone. Without them, residents of She said that at a meeting with don’t believe it is a failing service open. Fuel prices have dropped. Ar- four villages say they would be left parish councillors, they had made it and with housing growth in Peters riva is not logging day, week and stranded after 8pm, with shiftwork- clear to Arriva bosses that the serv- Village, we thought the decision to month tickets on its systems. Our ers unable to get home and young- ice was not underused. be wrong and shortsighted.” community needs this service.” Flats proposed THE SITE of a demolished pub at Colleagues lend a hand to help charity Blue Bell Hill has been earmarked VOLUNTEERS from a Kings Hill for a new block of flats. company rolled up their sleeves to An application has been submit- help with the redevelopment of a ted to Tonbridge and Malling Coun- charity’s base in Yalding. cil to build 13 flats on the land where Six staff from insurance broker the Upper Bell stood until it was de- Arthur J Gallagher helped clear molished three years ago. undergrowth from the drive The proposals include 22 parking serving the Kenward Trust to spaces. compliment a new entrance being The boarded-up site has had a built at the centre, which has chequered history since the pub shut supported recovering addicts, ex- 12 years ago, leaving villagers com- offenders, and the homeless for 48 plaining that it was an eyesore. years. In 2012, residents were angered After a hot day’s work, there is when squatters took over the prem- now easier access to Manor House, nettles well worth it! our commercial facilities, which ises and six people were arrested where the charity has conference “Being able to positively impact provide valuable social enterprise over drugs offences. A year later, rooms and its Charitique Café. our community, support the trust opportunities for our residents to neighbours also objected to a plan to Adam Mackenzie, from Arthur J. and create a real difference, made develop existing or learn new skills turn the plot into a storage yard. Gallagher, said: “After four hours, for a very rewarding experience – to help their recovery journey.” and a lot of sweat and laughs, one we recommend to others and To volunteer your time to Lights to go on we’d cleared a large area of definitely intend to repeat.” support the work of the Kenward driveway. The impressive result Lynn Hyder, from the Kenward Trust call Lynn on 07715 674899 SNODLAND Town Football Club made the minor scratches and Trust said: “This work has been or you can send her an email at is celebrating the switch-on of its stings from all the brambles and invaluable in the redevelopment of [email protected]. new floodlights with a friendly match at Potyns Sports Ground against Maidstone Utd. The club is playing its first season Riders’ victory in Southern Counties East League Sports centre plan agreed HORSE riders have won their long- Division 1 after gaining promotion running fight to gain access to last season, and is playing Maid- A MAJOR plan to transform and means that Cobdown nearly five miles of bridleways in stone at 7.45pm on September 19. Cobdown Sports and Social Hockey Club will be able to the Aylesford and Burham areas. The visitors will be accompanied Club into a centre of sporting play at the ground. Aylesford resident Anne Rillie, by manager Jay Saunders and will excellence has been given the However, the scheme drew seal of approval. objections from neighbours and access and rights of way represen- comprise players from the first tative for the British Horse Society teams, under 21s and the academy. Tonbridge and Malling coun- groups including Kent Wildlife cillors have granted permission Trust, because of bats that use said the decision, resulting from a The bar at Snodland Community public inquiry, meant the barriers Centre will be open from 6.30pm for changes at the site in Station the Ditton stream, and the Envi- Road, Ditton, which will be run ronment Agency because of the put across the paths to stop motor- and food and drink will be available. by K Sports. flood and pollution risk. bikes would be modified for horses. Work has begun on the But the borough council’s The horse riders’ campaign had Summer music scheme which includes two 3G planning meeting gave ap- resulted in a claim to KCC for the MEMBERS of St Peter & St Paul’s artificial pitches, an extended proval. upgrade of several footpaths to bri- Church, Aylesford, are hosting an- clubhouse and gym, dance stu- A planning officer‘s report dleway and the creation of some other Late Summer Concert by the dio, squash courts, spectator toi- said: “I consider this scheme new bridleways. Brook Concert Orchestra at 3pm on lets and extra parking. represents a significant en- A six-day inquiry was held in Sunday, October 9 . The application was sup- hancement of the existing sports February, after residents and parish Tickets for this afternoon of light ported by Kent FA and a num- provision at a valued facility councillors expressed concerns orchestral music cost £6 and include ber of sporting organisations within the borough.” about possible access by nuisance tea, coffee and biscuits in the inter- bikers and fly-tippers. val. They are available from the parish office on 01622 719366 or on For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk the door.

4 Malling September 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Call 01622 755641 Love’s in the air Maidstone 78 King Street, ME14 1BH at music school www.maidstonedenturestudio.co.uk Eat, Smile and Talk with Confidence... ROMANCE was in the air at this year’s Kent Music Summer School, with students providing a musical • EXPRESS 1 Hour Denture Repair backdrop to a surprise marriage proposal and a golden wedding • New Bespoke Dentures anniversary celebration. Former student Matthew Rogers • FREE Initial Consultation proposed to his girlfriend Teresa Salamonczyk in the grounds of Be- nenden School before the wind band concert. Oboe player Matthew, from West Malling, attended the summer school from 2003 to 2007 and be- came friends with flautist Teresa, from Maidstone, on the course in 2005, when they played in the Kent Youth Wind Orchestra. Now 27, Learn Spanish Matthew Rogers and his fiancee they live in London and plan to and gain skills for life! marry in April next year. Teresa Salamonczyk Matthew contacted the summer sembles but I don’t think anything Courses focussed on school manager Phill Hyde to ask if will quite top playing in KYWO.” they could make a nostalgic return A week after the proposal, the conversation and culture for to Benenden, where he popped the summer school’s tutor Alan Vincent Bexley, Kings Hill, question in the grounds before the had a second romantic surprise at a children and adults. concert. Teresa, a teacher, accepted sell-out concert. He announced to Start Sept 2016 Sandling, and Phill announced their engage- the audience that he was celebrating Maidstone, Detling ment to a packed concert hall where his 50th wedding anniversary that they were serenaded by the choir. week and the choir performed the 01622 735292 www.spangles.cc Phill said: “Lifelong friendships 1966 hit, God Only Knows by the develop between those with similar Beach Boys. The piece received huge musical interests. We are delighted applause as flowers were presented for Matthew and Teresa and wish to Alan’s wife, Carole. them all the best in the future.” Kent Music Summer School is Matthew said: “I have continued planning celebrations of its own to play music in a number of en- next summer at its 70th anniversary.

Lotto to benefit charities OFFHAM-based charity Spadework is among the good causes hoping to benefit from Tonbridge and Malling Council’s online lottery. Hive Lotto aims to give charities and community groups the opportu- nity to raise money for their good causes without the overheads and re- sponsibilities of traditional fundraising methods. The first weekly draw took place on Saturday, September 10 and any- one aged 16 or over can take part by registering online at www.hivelotto.co.uk. Winners will be notified by email. Players’ chosen good cause receives 50p for every lottery ticket sold. The top prize is £25,000 for six correct numbers and the winner’s charity receives a similar sum. There are further prizes of £1,000 for five correct numbers, £100 for four, and three free plays for three correct numbers. Charities and groups can register at www.hivelotto.co,uk. Spadework was one of the first to sign up. Tracey Thompson, fundraiser for the charity which provides life skills training and work experience for adults with physical and learning disabilities, said: “We look forward to being able to help even more vulnerable adults to reach their full poten- tial as support for Hive Lotto grows.” The other five launch partners were West Kent Mind, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Tonbridge Angels FC, 3H Fund, and The Bridge Trust.

Malling September 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk

Chummy’s van Specialist nurses Jenny Endean (left) and Maxine allowed to stay Libby with Eleanor CHUMMY’S seafood stall will be porting the fish shop and the bor- allowed to continue trading in an ough council decided to give the Callaghan- Aylesford car park, despite a stink stall a trial run, with strict condi- Inge kicked up by nearby residents. tions, and to monitor the situation. The mobile fish bar, which oper- Mr Madden, who also has a fish Cash to help diabetic children ates three days a week in front of the bar in Folkestone, said he was de- Holtwood Farm Shop in London lighted that common sense had pre- MAIDSTONE Area Parent Support Group (MAPS), which helps families with Road, has been granted permission vailed. diabetic children, has received £500 from Kent Police. to remain permanently at the site The borough council’s planning The money – from the sale of seized and unclaimed items – was presented after a planning committee has agreed to grant full to the group at Maidstone Hospital in Barming. The group is run by the hos- battle lasting more permission for the van. Members pital’s type 1 diabetes paediatric team and a network of parents. than two years. heard there had been only one com- The money will provide families with resources including scales, ID Complaints from plaint about noise and another of bracelets and carbohydrate and calorie books. It will also help to fund a day neighbours flowed service outside the approved hours, trip to an outdoor education centre. in to Tonbridge but council investigators found that Eleanor Callaghan-Inge, whose father works for Kent Police, said: “The sup- and Malling Coun- no breaches had taken place. port that MAPS has provided has been invaluable to our family. Type 1 dia- cil after the busi- Aylesford Parish Council raised a betes is a lifelong, life-threatening medical condition and MAPS does a lot to ness started in 2013 strong objection, saying: “We are make managing and living with it a little easier.” without formal approval. still aware of residents’ complaints Maidstone’s district commander Chief Inspector Mick Gardner said: “This When owner Colin Madden (pic- about smell and noise.” service provides invaluable support for families raising children with a condi- tured) sought retrospective plan- A borough council planning offi- tion that will impact them for the rest of their lives.” ning permission a year later, the cer reported: “I appreciate that some authority received letters from residents continue to object to the neighbours, particularly in Russett presence of the fish van, primarily Help with emotional problems Close and The Bounds, concerned on grounds of noise and parking. A THERAPEUTIC support group for women has opened in Snodland. about smells and noise. One resi- However, given that it has now The Jasmine programme offers women an opportunity to explore and dent complained of seagulls as well been operating for some time, with manage problems with emotional health and wellbeing. as “loud conversation and choice no complaints having been raised to The eight-week course is for women aged 18 and over suffering from language”. the council, it would not be reason- anxiety and panic; depression; low self esteem/confidence; sleeplessness; However, more than 170 people able to withhold a permanent per- loss following relationship breakup or bereavement. The course is at Snod- signed a petition and letters sup- mission on such grounds now.” land Community Centre, Paddlesworth Road, from 2-4pm, on Tuesdays. CLARKES FUNERAL BATHING A PROBLEM? SERVICE Specialists in walk in baths, showers and wet rooms. (R.G. KINSBURY M.M.S.Dip) £100 Worth of M&S WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT FAMILY vouchers with every bathroom installed. Expiry 30th September BUSINESS OFFERING A 24 HOUR, PERSONAL, CARING SERVICE.

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Malling September 2016 7 News downsmail.co.uk Keeping the county moving THE county council has unveiled its transport strategy – Delivering Growth without Gridlock. It identifies Kent County Coun- cil’s infrastructure priorities for planes, trains, and automobiles for Have your say the next 15 years and offers the pub- MEMBERS of the public have until lic a chance to comment. October 30 to comment by visit- In Maidstone, the strategy high- ing www.kent.gov.uk/localtrans- lights the issues of town centre con- portplan. gestion, poor rail links and restricted If you would like a printed copy, rural bus services. or the information in any other Other areas identified include the format or language, email alter- need to create smaller overnight [email protected] or call HGV parks to relieve illegal and in- 03000 421553 (text relay service appropriate parking by lorries, cut Operation Stack and right, Clr Matthew Balfour number: 18001 03000 421553). deaths and serious injury on our roads by a third, improve rail con- in north western Maidstone.” port other port, said: “This is one of our biggest nections and reduce the cost of train Future schemes list corridor ca- means of provi- plans and will shape the way we in- travel. pacity improvements to the sion that can vest in our infrastructure up until The chaos caused by Operation A229/A274 and the Bearsted Road achieve the 2031. The transport plan is vital to Stack still remains a priority and is corridor; a Leeds and Langley by- same aims, boost Kent’s economy and support identified in the report. pass and improvements to junction such as com- a growing population which is ex- On the congestion issue the strat- 7 on the M20 – but no details of any munity bus services. However, we pected to increase by 293,000 people egy document notes: “A scheme to time scale. welcome the potential for KCC to in the next 15 years. relieve congestion at the Bridges Gy- While rail links across the district have bus franchising powers to en- “With potential opportunities for ratory is currently being imple- are comparatively poor, with Maid- hance services and create an inte- devolution from government, now mented, although continued traffic stone currently having no direct grated public transport network.” is the time for us to set out our plans growth on other parts of the net- service to the City of London, it is Overall, it concludes that there re- and make clear what we want as a work is expected to result in wors- proposed to extend Thameslink to mains a “significant funding gap” county. ening delays for road users. Maidstone East by 2018. for its wish list, which it says “high- “This plan will lay out what we “These pressures are most evident On buses, the report notes: “We lights the need to lobby and explore will do to make sure transport is on the congested A229 and A274 have to take a pragmatic approach other sources of funding”. playing its part in making Kent a corridors in south and south eastern to funding commercially unviable KCC’s Matthew Balfour, cabinet great place to live, work and do Maidstone and on the A20 corridor bus services and will seek to sup- member for environment and trans- business. Racist aack Police assault A MAN who launched a violent, Stones boost cancer charity A HOMELESS man who assaulted racist attack in Fremlin Walk has NATIONAL League clubs, including in recognition of the only England police officers has been spared been jailed. Maidstone United, have raised more captain to lift the World Cup. prison. Tommy Meyers (24) was sen- than £15,000 for the Bobby Moore Bowel cancer is the fourth most Dale Cooper (52) was sentenced tenced at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Fund for Cancer Research. common cancer in the UK and the last month at Mid Kent Magistrates Court where he admitted criminal Every club across second most common cause of Court where he admitted being damage, common assault, racially- the three divisions cancer death. Since the fund was drunk and disorderly and two aggravated common assault and took part in set up in 1993 mortality rates have counts of assaulting a police officer. using threatening, abusive or in- collections and a fallen 30% and more than £22 Later that month Cooper, of no sulting words or behaviour. cheque was million has been raised. fixed address, was drunk and dis- presented to The charity hopes to raise an On August 25, Meyer, of orderly in High Street, Maidstone. Stephanie Moore additional £500,000 this year, the Rochester, damaged four coffee He also assaulted two police offi- mugs worth £20, assaulted a man MBE, Bobby’s 50th anniversary of England’s widow (left). World Cup win. cers in Maidstone. and used threatening, abusive or Magistrates sentenced Cooper to insulting words or behaviour to- Last month, English Heritage Maidstone’s collection during the 21 days in prison, suspended for 12 wards a man and a woman at a unveiled a blue plaque on the Bishop’s Stortford game and raised months. He must also pay a £115 shop in Fremlin Walk, Maidstone. Moore family home in East London £405. victim surcharge. He also assaulted another man, which was racially aggravated, at a restaurant in High Street, Maid- stone. Hospice looking for scary volunteers Magistrates sentenced Meyers to 120 days in prison. He must also A CHILDREN’S charity is on the surprises along the way. sale. Entrants are encouraged to pay a £115 victim surcharge. lookout for daredevil dramatists Monsters, vampires and ghouls wear Halloween costumes and will and dancers to help create a scary will leap out of the shadows to give receive a special glow-in-the-dark atmosphere for a Halloween event. entrants a fright night experience. headband on arrival. All sponsor- Burglar jailed Running Scared is a sponsored Events co-ordinator Gemma Mur- ship will go to Demelza and runners A BURGLAR who stole from a run which takes place at Maid- ray said: “We are looking for groups who raise more than £100 can have house in Maidstone while the occu- stone’s Mote Park on the weekend of amateur actors who are willing to their entry fee refunded. pants slept upstairs has been jailed before Halloween. put on their scariest outfits and The 5k run is recommended for for 32 months. The event, from 8pm to 10pm on make-up, as well as dance groups over 16s, although younger entrants Justin Wynes (40), formerly of Friday, October 28, is a major who can put on a “Thriller” style will be permitted if accompanied by Grove Road, Maidstone, appeared fundraiser for Demelza Hospice routine or something equally spine- an adult. A more family-friendly at Maidstone Crown Court where Care for Children, and will see hun- tingling.” event called the Monster Dash takes he admitted stealing items worth dreds of sponsored participants Applicants should call Gemma on place at the same venue from 5pm £1,800, including passports from running through UV paint, foam, 01795 845183 or email gemma.mur- to 7pm. Child tickets for this are the property in Northumberland bubbles and assorted slimy sub- [email protected]. £7.50 each. Road. stances and getting a few spooky Tickets, priced £20, are already on Details at www.demelza.org.uk.

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Malling September 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Vandals put lives at risk on river

MINDLESS vandals are putting them. They don’t seem to realise seem to realise that someone could lives at risk by taking essential that they are essential pieces of life- lose their life if these vital pieces of safety equipment from river and saving equipment. It’s vital that equipment are not there.” parks in Maidstone. they are available if It is also a criminal offence to re- Since April last year Maidstone someone’s life is in move such items. Council has had to replace more danger.” Maidstone Council provides than 200 lifebuoys, throw bags and Her comments equipment at 55 lifebuoy stations lifelines in the area, at a cost of more have been echoed along the banks of the River Med- than £7,000. by Maidstone busi- way from Tovil to The Malta Inn at The water aids have been a life- nessman Ben Lon- Allington Lock, near Aylesford, and saver on numerous occasions – and don, who risked his popular stretches of water at The were used in five rescues from the life to dive into the Lees, Yalding, Teston Bridge, Mote River Medway in 2015 alone. Medway on August 10 to save a Park and the lake at Mallards Way. Borough councillor Marion Ring drowning man and then went back Items that have had to be re- (pictured) said: “Some people seem into the river to retrieve the life ring. placed since April last year include to think that these are toys or that He said: “These people are 48 lifebuoys, 87 throw bags and 72 it’s a game to mess about with thoughtless. They simply don’t lifelines. Papa’s island success Get fit to stay healthy A TEAM from Papa’s Barn in Dit- have no access to the British take- COUCH potatoes are reminded that campaign in August to help people ton took their award-winning fish away delight and queued for five something as simple as a 30-minute meet the two-hours-and-30-minute and chips to the Faroe Islands – hours to get to the front of the line walk a week will reduce your target, doing the things they enjoy. serving up a massive 7,500 por- after being given their first taste chances of getting cancer. A spokesman said: “Try breaking tions in 13 hours. of the chips from Papa’s Barn last Tmactive, which runs Larkfield it up into smaller chunks of time The team prepared 1.5 tonnes of year. Leisure Centre, says, those who ex- from 10 minutes onwards. Activities fish and sacks of spuds ahead of Gavin Lewis, the manager at ercise the least have the most to gain can range from an exercise class, to the marathon stint. Papa’s Barn on London Road, and both physically and mentally from swimming or working out in the The team were invited back to one of those to make the 3,258- increasing their activity. gym or going for a brisk walk, jog- provide islanders with the rare mile round trip, said: “We started The advice comes in the wake of ging in the park or playing a round treat as part of the Denmark- work at 7am and were surprised the government’s latest guideline of of golf.” owned island’s fishermen’s festi- to be still serving at 1am so every- 150 minutes of moderate activity a Tmactive is also offering a chance val in Klaksvik. Here the locals one could get their food.” week. to win a fitness tracking device and Tmactive is running a keep-fit membership to the leisure centre.

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10 Malling September 2016 downsmail.co.uk News £6k bill for fraud case PE teacher A FORMER PE teacher who spent fee for the use of its football pitches. £6,000 from school funds on his In February 2014, equipment private coaching business has been bearing the name of his business ordered to pay the money back was discovered in a disused chang- after being convicted of fraud. ing room on school premises. It was Steve Restarick (44), of Sutton also stored in a school pavilion in Come & celebrate Road, Maidstone, worked as the boxes to which only Restarick had head of PE at Maidstone Grammar access. School between 2009 and 2014, but An assessment of department in- during this time used school money voices found purchases for the Pre- CHRISTMAS to fund a private sports coaching mier Football School going through business. the school’s PE budget. He denied the offence but a jury As well as the charge of fraud, at Maidstone’s finest found him guilty at Inner London Restarick was charged with three Crown Court where he was later counts of witness intimidation and Turkish Restaurant given an 18 month sentence. He was one count of theft by an employee. also ordered to complete 200 hours A jury acquitted him of these of unpaid work. charges. CHRISTMAS MENU The court heard that Restarick Investigating officer DC Simon joined the Barton Road school as a Powell said: “Restarick was un- AVAILABLE FROM teacher in 2002. In 2005 he set up a doubtedly a very talented, popular football training school, called Pre- and respected teacher, but he took 1ST DECEMBER mier Football School, in partnership advantage of his position to grow with the establishment. his own business over a number of CHOOSE FROM A SELECION OF It was agreed that Restarick could years. run the business on school grounds, “Restarick’s actions meant a SET MENU’S TO SUIT YOUR PARTY with the profits evenly divided. school which was funded by the tax- However this agreement ended in payer was deprived of money that 2009. should have gone to its pupils. Set Menu A Set Menu B From this point on Restarick was “The investigation into this was instructed to fund the venture him- lengthy and complex and it and the 6 Cold Mezze 6 Cold Mezze + 2 Hot self, with the only income received sentence he has received are entirely + 6 Hot Mezze Mezze to share by the school being an agreed rental appropriate.” to share (Falafel & Borek) +1 dessert pp + 1 Main course pp Spa hotel plan agreed Prices from +1 dessert pp A PLAN for a lavish spa hotel has been approved by councillors, in spite of Prices from concerns by conservationists. £16.95 - £19.95 Ciaran O’Quigley (48), the owner of Mu Mu’s in Week Street and the mastermind behind the hotel concept, thanked Maidstone Council for tak- £21.95 - £27.95 ing the brave decision. Ahead of the meeting he said that while tourism played a big part in the future plans for Maidstone, there was no high-end accommodation in the town centre. He Set Menu C is pictured at the site. However, Maid- All from SET MENU B stone Council’s plan- + Unlimited still & sparkling water & soft drinks ning committee has 1 agreed that the 36- + House wine & house beer for 2 /2 hours bedroom, luxury spa hotel can be built at Prices from the lower end of Brewer Street, behind £33.95 - £39.95 St Francis’ Roman Catholic Church. It will include treat- AS A THANK YOU TO THE PARTY ORGANISER, BOOK TODAY AND ment rooms, a retro cinema, Roman bath and a 100-cover restaurant, pro- * viding an estimated 20 jobs. RECEIVE A £20 GIFT VOUCHER The work will involve the demolition of St Francis’ School building, which To visit us anytime in January 2017 Historic England and the council’s conservation officer expressed concerns (* For bookings of tables of 8 or more) about. Money will be donated to St Francis’ Church for a new hall. The proposed 1930s-style Hotel Mu Mu was recommended for approval by planning officers and was met with positive feedback from councillors Don’t leave it too late... and others keen to see the £6m investment in the county town. Cllr Naghi said: “The scheme will give a ‘wow’ factor and a much-needed treat the one you love this Christmas point of interest to visitors stepping off the train to walk into town.” Before the proposal went to committee, parish priest Canon Luke Smith said he supported the plan, saying he believed it will be an asset to the town, with an agreement in place between Mr O’Quigley and the diocese 01622 675000 that would be “beneficial to all concerned”. 62-63 High Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1SR It is understood the building will take 18 months to complete and Mr www.gemofkent.co.uk O’Quigley hopes that work will begin in early January. Email:[email protected]

Malling September 2016 11 News downsmail.co.uk Cricket safe at town ground THE Town Malling Cricket Club (TMCC) is set to be a century not out after signing a lease keep it at its West Malling ground for the next 100 years. The club officially completed pa- perwork on August 28, when or- ganisers invited Lashings World XI to the Old County Ground for two matches. Lashing played and beat the House of Commons and Lords team, which included Kent MPs Damian Collins and Rehman Chisti. TMCC took on Lashings in the second match of the afternoon which the visiting team – which in- cluded international cricket stars The teams put rivalry aside for a Chris Lewis, John Embury and Tino photocall, and right, the lease is Best – won by five wickets. signed The new lease represents hard but also the fantastic work the club work behind the scenes by some does in West Malling with our suc- key club members of the club and cessful junior sides, the provision of the parish council, and secures our pavilion for use by Kent Adult cricket at the venue for another Social Services for adults with hundred years. learning disabilities, along with our A club spokesman said: “In a time support of the local community.” when participation in cricket is Trudy Dean, West Malling Parish falling for many reasons, this is a Council chairman, said: “The parish welcome boost to the local commu- council is keen to ensure cricket nity, county and the overall game of continues its 300-plus year history cricket.” on this site. John Paton, chairman of TMCC “We are delighted with the suc- be used as a local base for a wide card of Carter Camerons. said: “Lashings' welcome return cess of TMCC particularly with the range of day care activities for A Lashings spokesman said: “It visit to our home ground provided juniors teams, with signing of the adults with learning disabilities." was a smashing day, the weather a wonderful opportunity for us to new lease at the Lashings match es- She is pictured signing the lease was great and we got about 1,000 celebrate the signing of this lease. pecially appropriate. It gives the with Keith Kemsley, life member of spectators, which was fantastic.” “The new lease acknowledges not cricket club a sound base for the fu- TMCC, watched by TMCC presi- The event raised more than £1,300 only the proud history of TMCC, ture. It also enables the pavilion to dent Seamus Smyth and Chris Pi- for the Kent Air Ambulance. Snodland ban Supermarket boss jailed Drugs limit A 60-YEAR-OLD man from DRUG driver Glenn Hughes had Snodland has been banned from admitted being under the influence the road after a test showed he was of drugs at the wheel at Medway driving while over the drink limit. for £80,000 refund fraud Magistrates’ Court. Walter Smith, from Willowside, A LARKFIELD supermarket highlighted the high number of re- On March 10, 2016, the 27-year- was stopped on May 29 in Wil- manager who used bogus refunds funds and their value and the su- old, of Moor Park Close, Gilling- lowside in his Peugeot 307. He to steal £80,000 has been sentenced permarket chain notified Kent ham, drove a Vauxhall Astra on the gave a blood test of 137mg of alco- to 16 months in prison. Police. hol in 100ml of blood. The legal Neal Parton, Parton was arrested by officers M20 at Aylesford, and gave a blood limit is 80mg. (left) from Ark- on November 18, 2015. test of 4.7 microgrammes of West Kent Magistrates sen- low Square, The court heard that a statement cannabis per litre of blood. tenced him on August 23 to a 40- Ramsgate, ap- from the supermarket’s investiga- The threshold limit is two micro- month driving ban and ordered peared at Maid- tor told of the effect of the stealing grammes per litre of blood. him to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs stone Crown at a time when many businesses in Magistrates banned Hughes and a £30 victim surcharge. Court charged the community had difficuties as- from driving for 18 months and or- with theft by an sociated with the economic climate. dered him to carry out 60 hours of employee. Parton, who had joined the firm unpaid work in the next 12 months. Call for plan The 47-year- in 2005, offered to pay back £66,000 He must also pay £85 costs and a RESIDENTS have told the parish old had pleaded of the stolen amount from a pen- £60 victim surcharge. council they want West Malling to guilty to the charge at an earlier sion pot. have its own neighbourhood plan. hearing. Investigating officer Detective More than 50 letters supported a Investigations by Kent Police de- Constable Lynda Birch, from Kent WI sweet treat parish idea to create the document, tectives found Parton was a deputy Police, said: “Parton thought no AYLESFORD and Eccles WI will identifying where homes could be general manager for Morrisons at one would notice what he was hold their monthly meeting in the permitted in the area, which would the company’s Sheppey store when doing and that he would get away Brassey Rooms, Station Road, feed into Tonbridge and Malling the offences began, and then gen- with stealing little and often from Aylesford, at 7.30pm on Wednes- Council’s overall development plan eral manager of the Larkfield store his employers. day, October 26. for the borough for the next 20 to 30 from July 2015. He left there in No- “But little and often resulted in a Members will be treated to a years. vember last year. significant amount of money being talk (and hopefully some sam- Between August 2014 and No- stolen. Parton was in a senior role pling) by a representative of Hotel For more local news, vember 2015, Parton had issued a in the store where he was meant to Chocolat. All are very welcome to community events and total of 188 refunds to various bank lead by example. go along for the evening without information, go online accounts in his name, totalling “This sentence shows that theft, any obligation to join. www.downsmail.co.uk £80,937.51. however offenders chose to do it, Contact Eileen on 01622 715205 An internal audit by Morrisons will not be tolerated.” or visit the group’s Facebook page.

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Malling September 2016 13 News downsmail.co.uk Fob failure sparks mystery A MASS failure of key fobs across Maidstone has left motorists scratching their heads in bewilderment. No one seems to know why the with car keys not working in Rom- In that case, the government devices have failed, despite having ney Place, Maidstone, and in agency Ofcom found interference previously been in good working Alexander Grove, Kings Hill. from a resident's faulty device order. However, no offences have been re- which transmits a TV signal to The issue was first reported ear- ported.” other sets in the home was to lier this month at Quarry Wood In- The key fob failure was news to blame. dustrial Estate in Aylesford, when Kerry Heard, of Pat Heard Garage The device was switched off and motorists visiting stores such as PC Service in Bearsted, who said: “It’s the key fobs worked once more. World, Halfords and Sainsbury a strange one and I have never The Timpson’s branch inside the were unable to lock their cars. come across it before. Aylesford Sainsbury store report- But there were other reports of “I wouldn’t have thought the big edly did a roaring trade in replace- fob failure in Romney Place, Maid- retailers would be very happy if ment key fob batteries. stone, and Alexander Grove in their customers were using the car Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch, a Kings Hill, according to police. park and not being able to lock regular shopper at Quarry Wood, A Kent Police spokesman said: their cars. It’s bound to knock their said she had not been contacted by “It doesn’t appear that the Ayles- business.” any constituents. ford Retail Park was reported to us. In recent years, householders ex- She added: “I also shop there “However, we received two calls perienced a similar problem in a fairly often and it hasn’t hap- on September 1 reporting issues residential area of Southampton. pended to me.” Warning after Choral date AN INTERNATIONAL concert of jewel thefts English and German choral mas- KENT Police is warning families to terpieces will be presented at All protect their homes in the wake of a Saints’ Church, Maidstone, at string of burglaries in which ex- 7.30pm on Saturday, October 8. pensive jewellery and gold were Kent Chamber Choir, conducted taken. by musical director Alan Vincent, The force says that for the last will be joined by acclaimed choir two years they have seen a pattern from Wuppertal, Kantorei Barmen- of burglaries across the autumn Gemarke, making its first visit to months in which those celebrating the UK. religious festivals have been tar- Founded in 1946, the Kantorei geted. has a widening reputation for its Many of the victims were from performance of European choral Asian households, and there was Cars star at vintage show sacred music from Renaissance to evidence of homes being targeted modern eras. Its conductor and while the occupants were out cele- THE ninth annual Classic Cars and Retro Vintage had its most successful artistic director since 1993, Wolf- brating Diwali, Navratri and the year yet and raised more than £3,000 for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air gang Klasener, has studied and Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha. Ambulance. performed church music through- Officers – keen to prevent a re- Hundreds of visitors flocked to Bearsted Green see the 200 classic cars out his career, winning several in- peat performance – are appealing and visit the vintage stalls. ternational competitions. for everyone to play their part by The more energetic even danced along with the Medway Lindy Hoppers, Entitled “I was glad, Songs of Joy keeping their homes and valuables who entertained crowds throughout the day. and Reflection”, the concert will in- secure. The event is organised by local resident and classic car enthusiast Philip clude music by Handel, Parry, Bach Kulbir Pasricha, community liai- Hill, with help from Barbara Dunford, of Kent Community Events. and Britten. son co-ordinator at Kent Police, The Peter Willson Trophy for the Best in Show was awarded to Keith Tickets at £15 (£5 for children and said: “To know someone has been Hoffman, for his 1954 Bentley R type saloon. full-time students) will be available inside your home and rifling Pictured here is Phil Fulker, of Aylesford, with his 43-year-old Triumph TR6 on the door or from Rebecca Moate through your personal possessions which he got as a “bag of bits” and took him three years to reassemble. on 07715 399320 or rebecca- can be completely devastating, [email protected]. with the matter made worse when the items stolen are not only valu- able but also highly sentimental and of cultural significance.” Missing dad found safe and well The value of items taken during A RELIEVED family have ex- seen driving a branded company sponse we have had in regards to previous raids have, in some cases, pressed thanks for the support car near a petrol station on the my Dad has been amazing. exceeded tens of thousands of they received during a nationwide A228, heading towards the M20, “On behalf of all my family and pounds, with most entries gained search for missing businessman on Wednesday, August 24. myself we would like to thank on weekdays during daylight Ricky Fran- Police issued appeals for more each and every one of you. We are hours. comb (left). information about his where- now taking the necessary steps to He urged homeowners to keep Mr Fran- abouts after reports of possible ensure Dad returns safely home. large amounts of cash or gold out comb, from sightings on the M4. Thank you once again.” of the house, such as in a safety de- Snodland, was His son Paul took to Facebook to Kent Police confirmed that Mr posit box at a bank, adding: “If you found safe and boost the appeal for news of his Francomb had been found safe do need to keep high-value items at well after not father, who is a keen fisherman and well. home then keep them in a good being seen for and could have been heading to a Mr Francomb’s sandwich bar quality safe, bolted to a solid wall 10 days. lake somewhere. and catering firm has been recog- or floor and hidden in a cupboard.” The 56-year- After his father was found safe nised with “Sammies” – the Os- old, who runs Francombs Sand- and well, Paul posted the family’s cars of the sandwich industry – at For more local news wich Shop on the Medway City thanks on Facebook. the Independent Sandwich Bar of www.downsmail.co.uk Estate at Rochester, had last been He said: “The overwhelming re- the Year awards.

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Malling September 2016 15 LEARNING FOR LIFE

Degrees and university placements are no apprentice and provides valuable secure apprenticeships with their work experience and a salary work experience employer. longer the only choice for young people throughout its term. You can see If you are just finishing your leaving school who are considering further why, in a country with a widely GCSEs or A-Levels, or if you are a acknowledged skills shortage, we parent looking to help your education. Leeds village resident JON are moving into a new world of children find a skill and a career, GRAHAM, chief executive of Kent-based JTL work, with much greater parity then take a look at the whole between academic and more range of apprenticeships available Training, explains why… practically-minded school leavers. in the UK via the National For those who are unsure if an Apprenticeship Service at THERE has never been a better apprentice is for them, there are www.getingofar.gov.uk. time for school leavers to consider also traineeships. These are Alternatively, if you’re an apprenticeship. With over 280 shorter programmes of typically specifically looking for a career in different apprenticeships now 8-12 weeks duration which the building services sector, JTL available across over 170 different provide school leavers with would be delighted to help you. industries and a commitment essential work-readiness skills Visit us at www.jtltraining.com, from government to deliver at and at least four weeks of work call 0800 085 2308 or email least three million experience from a local employer, [email protected]. apprenticeships over the next five with bursaries usually available to Good luck with your years, it’s no wonder we are help with travel. Many Trainees examination results and your seeing ever-increasing numbers of and a nationally recognised upon completion successfully future careers! young people choosing to ‘earn qualification on completion. For while they learn’ and developing the employer, in many instances, essential work-ready skills for the Government will cover all the About JTL their futures. training costs involved too. •Established over 25 years, headquartered in Kent Apprenticeships are work- Degrees are no longer the only •Apprenticeships include electrical, plumbing, heating and based learning programmes choice for school leavers ventilating, refrigeration and air-conditioning varying in length from typically 1 considering further education, •Currently training over 6,000 students and working with 3,500 to 4 years, usually requiring and recent research suggests that employers attendance at a local college, three years of university will leave •Working with over 100 FE Colleges in England and Wales together with on-the-job training. a graduate with an average •Local Training Officer for all apprentices and employers If an employer takes you on as an £40,000 of student debt. Compare •Consistently higher than national average pass rates in all apprentice, you'll receive a salary, this with an apprenticeship, disciplines benefits including paid holidays, which costs nothing for the

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16 Malling September 2016 Choosing a Big enough for choice, small enough to care. Open Evening secondary school? Thursday 29th September 6pm LOOKING FOR outstanding features? School Tours Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th October 9am and 11.30am

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Malling September 2016 17 LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE WORK experience is often a useful introduction to the real world of work – and sometimes a job. Bearsted graduate, BELLA FISH, tells the story of her placements ahead of a post-graduate course in journalism… IT WAS during university, I So, I began to apply for a decided that I wanted to go into a mixture of work experience in journalism-based career, but I London, such as copywriting. soon realised that I didn't have After much research and what me to spend several weeks at each the office I felt a lot more very much experience in the field seemed like hundreds of of their London-based comfortable being in a more close- to be 100% certain. applications, I was finally departments. knit environment. After speaking to some of my accepted onto a few internships. My time at all three companies From the first day, I was out lecturers at Oxford Brookes, they I was really surprised to find provided me with very different reporting, copywriting, helping advised me to apply for a few that Sky Sports, The Times opportunities, but I was given the with social media and being different work internships to newspaper and Take a Break chance to experience various asked for input with the ensure that I was going to begin magazine, had responded to me different journalistic roles. newspaper. It didn't take long to the right career path. within a couple of days, inviting I was able to provide the copy notice how much more involved for some of the features and also and hands-on you can be at a help out with the social media slightly smaller company. I would pages. Whilst at Sky Sports I highly recommended starting particularly enjoyed shadowing from a smaller/local workplace presenters Rob Wootton and environment - in any business! Rachel Wyse, where I was given a Throughout the past year, I first-hand insight into what goes have discovered just how on behind our television scenes important work experience is. and how a broadcast team Whether you want to stay in functions efficiently. education or to get a job it shows During my final few weeks of people that you've thought about university I received a call from what you want to do and that you my local newspaper, The Downs have a realistic idea of what Mail, who kindly said that I working life is like. would be able to have work The more experience you can experience with them, too. get before you apply for your first After just less than an hour in full-time job, the better.

St Simon Stock Catholic School “Outstanding” ((JJanuary 2015 Section 48 Offssted Inspection) You are warmly invited to our

Open Evening: Tuesday 4th October 18:00-20:00 Principal’s address at 18:00 and 19:30

Open Mornings: Wednesday 5th & Thursday 20th October Commencing at 09:00

Sixth Form Open Evening: Thursday 3rd November 18:00-20:00 Principal’s address at 18:00

A Christian learning community with high academic standards and excellent pastoral care. Oakwood Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 00JJP www.ssscs.co.uk 01622 754551

18 Malling September 2016 FUN! DANCING SINGING & ACTING 11+ DO YOU LIKE TO PERFORM? DOES YOUR CHILD DANCE AROUND THE HOUSE? ARE YOU ALWAYS SINGING IN THE CAR? 2SHQ CA PERFORMERS ARE A GREAT NEW OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD (YHQWV CONFIDENCE AND EXPRESS YOUR INNER STAR! 2016 COME AND JOIN US 1-4PM ALL ABILITIES WELCOME, AGES 5-16 YEARS ParentsParents and their daughtersdaughterg s areare Every Saturday starting warmlywarmlly invitedinvitedd11 to our 11+ OOpen Events. 17TH of SEPTEMBER Kent Health Needs Open EEvEveningening Education Service 7KXUVGD\2FWREHUSP±SP7KXUUVVGD\ 2FWREHU  SP ± SP 40 Teddington Drive 7DONVE\RXU+HDGWHDFKHU0UV-XOLH'HUULFNZLOOWDNHSODFHGX77DDONVE\ RXU +HDGWHDFKHU 0UV -XOLH 'HUULFN ZLOO WDNH SODFH GXULQJWKHHYHQLQJULQJ WKH HYHQLQJ Leybourne West Malling Open MorningsMornings Kent ME19 5FF :HGQHVGD\7KXUVGD\DQG)ULGD\2FWREHU:HGQHVGD\ 7KXUVGD\  DQG )ULGD\  2FWREHU  DPDPDP DP

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CONTACT CANDICE: 07772617590 ++XQWVPDQ/DQH0DLGVWRQH.HQW0('6XQWVPDQ/DQH 0DLGVWRQH .HQW 0( '6 WWW.CAPERFORMERS.CO.UK 7(RI¿FH#LQYLFWDYLDWRUJXN7  ( RII¿¿FH#LQYLFWDYLDWRUJXN  www.invicta.viat.org.ukwwww..invicta.vviiat.org.uk

Independent Co-ed Prep School 3 to 11 years old Visits available by appointment

Hill Place, Queens Avenue, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0ER Telephone: 01622 752868 Email: [email protected]

Malling September 2016 19 GCSE results downsmail.co.uk GCSE students make the grade GCSE students across the district are celebrating after going for gold and matching the national rise in A*-C grades this year. Exam officials confirm that 68.8% of entries scored A*-C (up 0.7%), while those achieving a C or above in English dipped, as did the overall pass rate (98.5%). However, across the country pupils fared better in maths, with 62.4% getting a grade C or above (up 4.8%). The dip in English has been put down to recent reforms, which have included a move to linear, non-mod- ular courses and less coursework and the removal of the "speaking and listening" element of the subject. The gender gap also continued, with 73.1% of girls’ exam entries achieving A*-C compared with 64.3% for boys. Exam officials also Good news for these students from The Malling School (above) and Invicta Grammar School for Girls (right) highlighted a fall in the numbers of entries for biology, chemistry and grades and, over half eight A* or A physics – the first decline for a grades. decade. Head Julie Derrick said: “We are This is how youngsters fared in exceptionally proud of our students our region: and staff. If learning was an Olympic The Malling School, East Malling, sport, our students and staff would celebrated its best ever GCSE results, have won gold.” with over 50% achieving five or Notable achievers included more A*-C grades. Muskaan Ali, Mangat Guntash, Bry- Eighteen of the 106 who sat the ony Jenner, Emily Lloyd, Shona exams were attached to The Tyde- Mitchelmore, Michalina Michalska, man Centre, a specialist provision Yasmin Pewsey and Sophie Scott, for pupils with speech, language who achieved straight A*s. and communication difficulties. Lucy Brice, Maddie Campbell, More As and A*s were achieved this Evie Horner, Lydia Levett and Suha year than any year previously, with Miah achieved 12 A* or A grades 10% of grades at grade A or A*. Twins Olasubomi and Olamid Students did particularly well in Tolu-Ogunpolu achieved 21 A/A* maths, English and languages, with grades between them, seven of them St Simon Stock art students Gabriela Zorek, Adrianne Soliven and Coleen 63% of pupils achieving a grade C or A*s. Waterton with teacher May Farrell, and below, Megan Parrott, Scott Fox, Aaron above in English, 55% in maths and At St Simon Stock Catholic Biggs and Bobby Liston collect their results at New Line Learning Academy 95% in foreign languages. School a total of 68% of pupils at- Head Carl Roberts said: “It was a tained A*-C grades in English and pleasure to see so many pupils maths, with 97% earning A*-Cs in achieving excellent results today. English language, and 24 earning This year group worked particularly A*A grades across more than half hard and really deserved to do well. their subjects. Ryan Ellesmere, Carol Students at Valley Park School are Mealin-Vazquez, Aiden Huynh- celebrating another outstanding set Nguyen and Ben George averaged of GCSE results. 58% of students A*A grades across nearly all their achieved the gold standard of A*-C subjects. passes in both English and maths. A third of students achieved an There was a 66% A*-C pass rate average of more than one whole overall, with 207 students sitting grade higher than their target in all exams. their subjects, with exceptional re- Top achievers included Niamh sults for Wiktoria Miszczak, Zachary gether with the support and encour- Of 115 students who sat GCSEs at Ellen; Amy Marks; Charlotte Beale; Jones and Ellie Hodgetts. agement of the teaching staff.” New Line Learning Academy,in Megan Riley; Anastasia Egorova; Principal Brendan Wall said: “For At Maplesden Noakes, 56% of Loose, 1.6% achieved A* and 43% se- Bree Hayward and May Oney who the last few years our students have students achieved five or more A*- cured A*-C grades. all achieved at least 6 A and A* made significantly greater progress Cs - 82% including English and 65% Notable successes included Vicky grades. than students in schools nationally.” maths. Harris, who secured As in English Headteacher Vic Ashdown said: At Maidstone Grammar School Those earning special mention in- language and literature, as well as “This is another outstanding set of for Girls, students notched up an- cluded: Sammi Ta (10 A*s, two As), six Bs; Angel Limbu (an A in PE and results that students, parents and other “pleasing set of results”, with Zak Allam (seven As, two Bs and six Bs), Bobby Liston (an A in art and staff can be rightly proud of. My 61% of achieving five or more A*/A three Cs), Rukiya Choudhury (four a B in PE), and Craig Lionet (A congratulations go to them and their grades, and 37% at least eight at A*s, five As, and three Bs), Brooke grades in Mandarin and maths, as families as they move on to the next these grades. Ellis (two A*s, eight As and two Bs) well as six Bs). stage of their education.” Congratulations go to Lauren O and Charlie-May Loft (two A*s, six Principal David Elliott said: “Well At Invicta Grammar, 100% of stu- and Grace S who both earned 11 A* As, three Bs). done to all our students, but in par- dents achieved five A*-C grades and grades. Head Jane Prideaux said: “This ticular to those who worked excep- 72% of all grades were at A*/A. Head Deborah Stanley said: year group worked extremely hard tionally hard to achieve excellent More than three-quarters of all 181 “These results reflect the huge and we are all very proud of their results, which are testament to their students gained five or more A* or A amount of work by our students, to- outstanding achievements.” dedication and efforts.”

20 Malling September 2016 Malling September 2016 21 News | A-level results downsmail.co.uk

The wait for results is over for these students from Aylesford School - Sports College (left) and Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School A-level success for Kent pupils STUDENTS from across the area have been celebrating the fruits of their labours after taking delivery of their A-level results.

They compare well with the na- and is planning to go to Exeter Uni- tional picture, which shows a small versity to study economics. Nine decline (0.1%) in those achieving the students achieved at least two A*s, highest A*/A grades (25.9%) but a Head Julie including Madeleine B and Chloe F record 409,000 accepted for univer- Derrick with (three As and an A*). Madeleine will sity (up 3%). some of the read maths and Chloe computer sci- The number of A-levels taken this successful ence. year rose to more than 850,000, with students from At Oakwood Park Grammar,a 13,415 more female entrants. Also Invicta Girls third of all students achieved A*/As. increasing was the number sitting Grammar Thirteen gained three or four A*/As. Thomas Ward (two A*s and core subjects, with maths entries up School 20% since 2010 and English and bi- an A) will study maths at St Peter’s ology equally popular. While there A*-B grade, providing more with achieved an A*-C grade. College, Oxford, and head boy was a sharp rise in students study- access to university. Lara Hebdon, Cornwallis notched up 32.4% A*- Christopher Johnson (A* and two ing computing, fewer sat music, Felicity March and Anastasia B grades, while at New Line Learn- As) will go to St Edmund’s Hall, Oxford, to study politics, philoso- German, design and technology Nicholl-Pierson are off to Cam- ing 76.9% of students achieved phy and economics. Robert Craw- and French. bridge, Plymouth and Leeds to distinction* to merit in BTEC quali- ford (A* and two As) will read At Aylesford School – Sports study medicine, dentistry and vet- fications. history at Trinity College, Cam- College, successful students will be erinary science. Students leading the celebrations bridge. going on to study for a range of ca- Head girl Georgia Wells gained included deputy head girl Zoe Het- Studying maths at St Andrew’s reers from music to nursing and five A*/A grades and will study herington and deputy head boy Ben will be Gwilym Old (A* and three construction to goldsmithing. physiotherapy at Birmingham. Hartnell. Zoe achieved a double dis- As); Mitchel Shephard, Joseph Luke Draper gained an A in psy- tinction* in business, a distinction* Other notable achievers were: Hilder and Daniel Harris (two A*s chology, a B in sociology and a D in in travel, an A* in psychology, a B in Catherine Lincoln, Harriet Turner and an A) will study at Bath, bio- literature and will be continuing his English, and C in government and and Georgia Wells (five A*s and an medical sciences at York and com- studies in psychology and literature politics, while Ben is heading to Ox- A); Lara Hebdon (four A*s); Grace puter science at Southampton; and at Canterbury Christ Church. Carol and Sophie Aujard (four A*s ford Brooks University to study Jack Slater (A* and two As) at Ex- Lauren Rivett secured a B in soci- and an A) and Amber-Louise Tree law. eter. Thomas Collins (three As) is ology, a C in psychology, and a D in and Tom Wei (three A*s and an A). Sian Killington got A*s in sociol- hoping to study chemical engineer- literature, and will train as a nurse Invicta’s extended project qualifi- ogy and her extended project, as ing. at Canterbury Christ Church. Paige cation saw 36 pupils earn A*/As. well as Bs in media and psychology. Success in the arts and humanities Hibbert received a C in psychology, Mrs Derrick said: “Our students At Simon Stock Catholic School, subjects also figured strongly. Head a B in sociology and a DM for her have yet again risen to the challenge 95% of Year 13 students achieved at girl Alice Churchill (three As) will business studies diploma. She will of combining their own academic least two A levels and more than study theology at Exeter. James be taking a gap year before joining achievement and raising nearly half were A*-B. Samuel, Stanley Draper and Charlie the police. £48,000 for charity.” Notable successes were: Eva Mal- Catmull (three As) will take up Euan Murdoch earned a distinc- At Maplesden Noakes, students pass (three A*s); Jack Barnes, places at Russell Group universities tion* in music and a distinction in achieved a 100% pass rate in both A- Thomas Bourne, Martin Burstow, to study history, geography and public services and is heading off to level and BTEC exams, with 45% in Abigail Clarke, Andrew digital production. the Brighton Institute of Music. the top A*-B grades and 70% A*-C. Coatsworth, George Craven, Holly A record 57% of Valley Park Poppy Monk gained a C in art, and Head Jane Prideaux said the re- Davey, Amy Dowd, Louise School students earned A/A* a distinction* in health and social sults reflected the dedication of staff Goswell, Anna Harrison, Helena grades, with 87% an A*-C pass. care and will study jewellery and and students to achieve the best, Sampayo, Ethan Wheeler and Clare Notable performances came from: goldsmithing at the UCA. Becky with particular praise to: Dan Woodward (AAB or better). Daniel Greenhead (three As), Lucy Massbery received a B in psychol- Williams (three As, two Bs); Kim Principal Brendan Wall said: Kitney (two A*s and a B), Mathew ogy and sociology and will be tak- Walsh (two As, a B, two Cs); Megan “These results are exceptional for a Porter (an A*, two As and a B), ing a foundation degree in Bicknell (BTEC sport double dis- comprehensive school.” Craig Barden (three A*s and two education at Mid Kent College. tinction; two Cs and a B) and Maidstone Grammar School for As), Alisha Bell (three A*s and an Every student passed at Invicta Sharonjit Hayre (two As, a B and a Girls witnessed an increase in stu- A), Isabelle O’Nion (two A*s and a Grammar School for Girls, earning C). All are going to university. dents achieving the top grades. B), Amy Reed (two A*s and a C), some 150 A*/A grades – 10.5% at the Future Schools’ Trust, which has Of the 174 students taking the Lauren Apperley, Shanon Rupacha highest level. sites at Cornwallis and New Line exam, 30% got A*/A, with 66% A*- and Jack Cutler (two A*s and an A), Head Julie Derrick noted the ris- Learning Academies, had 131 sixth- B, and an overall pass rate of 90%. Ellie Harber-Russell and Katie Hay- ing number (25.4%) achieving an formers taking A-levels, and 62% Lucy V earned straight A* grades lor (three A*s) and Natalie Hatfull

22 Malling September 2016 September/October 2016 Serving local people, businesses & events in Addington, Birling, East Malling, Kings Hill, Larkfield, Leybourne, Mereworth, Offham, Ryarsh, Trottiscliffe, West Malling Cathedral dates for community choir MALLING Community Choir members at St Mary's Church, West Malling at are looking forward to an exciting 7.30pm. The concert will feature special autumn programme under new tributes to the Queen’s 90th birthday conductor Rupert Bond, including and conclude with the rip roaring "Last performances by invitation at Rochester Night of the Proms" when Union Jack and Canterbury Cathedrals. waving is encouraged. The choir is pictured at its most recent AUTUMN PROGRAMME: concert with Eynsford Concert Band and Friday, September 30, Music at Malling has doubled in size since then. Festival Stile Antico workshop at St New singers are encouraged to join Mary’s Church. Afternoon workshop now for weekly rehearsals for the new and evening concert. season's programme at West Malling Sunday, October 16, Eynsford Concert Baptist Chapel, Swan Street from Band Autumn Spectacular, St Mary’s 7.15pm to 8.45pm. Members pay a Disney themes including " Lion King " Church, 7.30pm. weekly subscription of £2. No and "Frozen" as well as Christmas songs Thursday, October 27, Rochester experience is needed, there are no for the popular December concert event Cathedral, 11.00am auditions, just go along and enjoy with local school choirs. December 3 or 4, Christmas Carol singing with everyone. The highlight of the autumn will be the Concert, St Marys Church The new season's songs include return of the Autumn Spectacular Monday, December 19, Canterbury "Bridge over Troubled Waters", songs concert with Eynsford Concert Band, an Cathedral, 7.30pm from the shows such as "Les award winning 54-piece strong brass Tuesday, January 10, 2017, start back Miserables", and a compilation of and woodwind orchestra on October 16 singing for the spring programme Stage is set for musical treats THE sixth Music@Malling Festival will run from September 23 special recital featuring premieres from leading film to October 1, presenting an eclectic mix of music performed composers such as John Williams and Ennio Morricone. by top international classical artists at venues in and around The festival’s artistic director, Thomes Kemp, said: “This is West Malling. going to be a great festival with lots of amazing concerts to The event engages hundreds of young people in creative enjoy. I am particularly pleased that we are having events in activities and performances and this year will include a major Kings Hill for the first time and developing new audiences for education project based around Peter and the Wolf. There will the arts. I am also delighted that be workshops with Stile Antico and James Pearson, artistic there are lots of opportunities for director of Ronnie Scott’s, and opportunities for young young people to engage with composers from Kent to be mentored by professional music.” composers and musicians. The festival will feature the music of contemporary composers alongside classical, jazz, vocal, world and film Women’s Club fun day and walk music and has themes that commemorate World War I, a LARKFIELD Women’s Club is Meet at 10.45am for an 11am holding a 5k sponsored walk and series of Bach Pilgrimages, and Shakespeare’s and Sinatra’s start for the walk, followed by family fun day on October 9 at the start of the fun day at anniversaries. Church Farm, Larkfield. 12.30pm. Internationally acclaimed ensemble, Chamber Domaine, will Proceeds will go to Against perform Mozart and Bach in two stunning churches in Birling Breast Cancer and the National There will be fun for all the and Trottiscliffe, and the Control Tower at Kings Hill will host a Association of Women’s Clubs. family. All are welcome. A Malling Action Partnership publication What’s On Malling & district clubs, societies & activities

IT IS never too late to make a fresh start by taking up new in the area in 2016. So if you would like your group activities or making new friends. The many clubs and or event to be included, please send her all the information, organisations in the Malling Action Partnership area cater for including your contact details. a wide range of interests and offer a warm welcome to Please let her know as far in advance as possible so that it newcomers, so why not give them a try? Details of regular may be possible to avoid clashes and maximise the meetings are listed on this page. attendances at each event. Mary Rayner collates our community diary with details of Details should be emailed to [email protected] various groups and is also compiling a list of special events or call 07772 318330.

Saturday, September 17 person. Phone Valerie 01732 refreshments. Lunsford Primary Saturday, October 8 The Friends of St. James the 605376 or Val 01732 521708, School, Swallow Road, Larkfield, Offham Farmers’ Market, 10am Great - Starters and Puds or email Tickets £5. Contact Joe to 1pm, at Spadework, Teston Evening. This very popular event [email protected] Shepherd on 01732 321701. Road, Offham. will be held in the Institute, East Wednesday, September 21 Sunday, September 25 Sunday, October 23 Malling, starting at 7.30pm. It The Malling Society will hear West Malling Farmers’ Market, West Malling Farmers’ Market, promises to be a right royal about “Buildings and People of 9.30am to 1.30pm, in the High 9.30 to 1.30 in the High Street. occasion as the "main course" Bygone Mereworth” presented Street. speaker will be none other than by Andrew Wells, the King Henry VIII himself. This knowledgeable local historian, larger than life monarch will Local clubs and societies have their regular who will give a fully illustrated meetings as follows hold court in front of his subjects talk. Starts at 8pm at the Clout after which he has consented to Institute. have his photograph taken with East Malling Singers rehearse Craft and chat group his subjects for a fee to be Wednesday, September 21 on Wednesday evenings, 8pm Drop-in. Wednesdays, 10am to to 10pm, at St James the Great donated to The Friends. Tickets Wateringbury Local History noon, East Malling Centre, East Church, East Malling. Malling. are now on sale at £10 each and Society’s meets in the Village can be obtained from Pat Gill, Hall, starting at 8pm when Kings Hill Rotary meets every Malling Art Society meets every 01732 522355 or Jean Spinks, Robert Sackville-West will be Monday at 7.30pm at the Spitfire Thursday at Offham Village Hall, 01732 870722. Tickets are giving his talk “Disinherited ”, Pub. 8pm to 10pm. limited to 80, so don't hesitate which is about lesser known Chip Productions Drama Group Malling District U3A Monthly and get yours now. members of his family who have meets Fridays at 7.30pm at West meetings are held at Ryarsh lived at Knole Park. Visitors very Malling Village Hall. Village Hall, starting at 2pm, on Saturday, September 17 welcome. Malling Photographic Society the fourth Tuesday of the month Offham Village Hall committee throughout the year. Friday, September 23 meets every Tuesday at West is holding a Harvest Barn Dance Malling Village Hall at 8pm. in the barn at Church Farm, Churches Together in Malling Baby and toddler group meets Offham. Doors open at 6.30pm presents an evening talk by The Heath Players meet every Wednesday at St James the for 7pm start. Lights off at 11pm. Margaret Cornell - “A Life at the East Malling Institute, Mill Great, East Malling. Lots of fun for All welcome. Tickets £12.50 per Shared” - at 7pm, followed by Street, at 8pm on Fridays. all children and babies. Starts at Malling Rotary meets Tuesdays 1.30pm. at 6.30pm at Spadework, Teston Mereworth church West Malling Road, Offham. children’s choir meets every Spadework Farmers’ Market is on Wednesday. The children’s choir Apple Fest the second Saturday of the month is a free after- school group which from 10am to 1pm at Spadework, rehearses at 6.30pm. Parents WEST Malling will be holding its Teston Road. For more details, see welcome. Conductor: Stephen annual Apple Fest on Saturday, www.spadework.net. Thomas, 01732 321114. Y1 and up – no need to pre-book. September 24 from 1pm to 4pm at Malling Community Choir meets Macey’s Meadow, off Norman Road. every Tuesday at West Malling Addington Bridge Club meets Baptist Church, 7.15pm to every Tuesday from 7pm in the Come and join the fun pressing 8.45pm. £2 per adult, children sports pavilion, Park Road. apples and tasting the most delicious free. Junior ParkRun apple juice ever. Wateringbury Flower Club The Manor Park, West Malling, meets every third Wednesday of There will be many activities to Junior ParkRun starts at 9am the month (with the exception with a series of 2k runs for participate in, help pick the apples, of June) at The Institute Hall, children aged four to14, every crush the apples and press the apples, East Malling, doors open at Sunday. 7.00pm for start at 7.45pm. or even bring your own apples from Adult 5k runs pressing. But do not forget your Malling Stamp Club meets on the Leybourne Lakes Country Park, containers. second Tuesday of every month at Larkfield. Adult 5k runs are held the Clout Institute, West Malling every Saturday, starting at 9am. Taste the delicious apple cakes High Street, at 7.30pm. The runs are free of charge. All cooked by last year’s winner of the East Malling Women’s Institute you need to do is register your cake competition. meets at the East Malling Institute details at: behind the King and Queen pub www.parkrun.org.uk/register This year there will be a on the third Monday of every photography competition, so you can month, 7.45pm to 9.45pm. Count 2 13 Bridge Club plays take some pictures of the orchard, LeyARA meets on the second at Offham Village Hall every print them onto photographic paper Thursday of the month at 2pm Wednesday at 7.15pm. Details Angela 01732 874928. and have them judged by a local at the Leybourne Village Hall. Speaker, raffle and refreshments. Malling District Lions Club photographer. Crafty Chin-waggers. Craft and meet every third Monday in There will be many children’s chat meeting on the 3rd Tuesday the month in Wealden Hall, activities throughout the afternoon of the month. 19:30 to 23:00 in Larkfield at 8pm. and much, much more. the Village Hall, Butchers Lane, www.mallinglionsclub.moonfruit. Mereworth. com

Where I live... West Malling Parish Council Independent report on business parking find a new parking site, renewed requests of September 6. Richard Byatt reported the findings of his for charges to be dropped at least for the West Malling Parish Council confirmed it survey for the parish council on the first hour or two, request more would be holding its second public parking needs of all 132 West Malling enforcement, and ask for a pre-Christmas meeting shortly on the Neighbourhood period of free parking to help trading businesses. Plan following TMBC approval of the figures. Out of the total of 1,215 workers in the process on September 6. House Building town, 978 came by car and only 78 GP Surgery people walked to work. The borough council has published its The West Malling and Kings Hill GP Every day, 439 needed off-site parking - draft Consultation Plan called “The Way Practice is to end its walk-in clinics on at least 160 spaces more than available at Forward” showing their chosen sites for September 25 and reopen the previous present. 670 houses each year until 2031. system for booking appointments the Only one third of firms had obtained In Malling, the main sites preferred for following day. This is to meet the business permits for the Ryarsh Lane car building are: Manor Farm field between customer complaints that it has become park, and so workers battled to find spaces Churchfields and Offham Road, West in residential streets and in the Tesco car Malling; southern section of Broadwater impossible to book appointments. Posters park two months after charges began. Farm roughly between Kings Hill and south and leaflets are to be distributed. Businesses called for parking to be free of Pikey Lane; the eastern side of East In brief for the first half hour or hour for shoppers Malling Research Station from Kiln Barn Following KCC’s U turn, all night lighting Lane to Hermitage Lane extending on to and appointments to doctor, dentist, will return to local street lights as the A20 at Coldharbour Roundabout; the site optician, library, church, vets etc., none of county-wide LED conversion project whom had on-site parking. of Larkfield Library, Martin Square; two sites on the east bank of the Medway to tackles this between September and Council chairman Trudy Dean reported the west of Eccles, and the north of November. that official figures for May, June and July Aylesford; the proposal to extend the The Swan Street Post Office at 39 Swan showed a 25% drop in cars using the Tesco Green Belt remains in the Plan but only to Street has entered the Kent Most Valued shoppers car park compared to a year ago. the line of the bypass; major development Post Office competition. Google Kent The borough council had already north of Borough Green and Platt partially Rural Retailers for the voting form collected enough money since May to pay on former quarry land. New 100-year lease on the Cricket for the operation and monitoring of the Councillors were disappointed the Tesco car park for the whole year. Meadow has been signed between the borough council had not suggested that parish council and Town Malling Cricket Almost £1,000 per month was received the Green Belt should extend to New Club. in overpayment for a longer parking period Road, High Street, Chapel Street and than was used. Wateringbury Road East Malling to ensure The application for an office block at Though some businesses reported the separation of Kings Hill, East and West Appledene Farm, Norman Road has been customers were pleased with easier Malling, Leybourne and Larkfield. refused at a planning enquiry. parking, a number also reported takings Consultation will begin at the end of Please contact Trudy Dean if you are were down by up to 40%. September for eight weeks. You can find interested in joining supporters’ groups for Parish councillors agreed to ask the the document on the Borough Council Larkfield or West Malling Libraries. Email : borough council again to help the parish website in papers for the Cabinet meeting Trudy. [email protected] Biking workshop needs a home   Wanted - space for moped and motorbike shed or barn of some kind where we won't maintenance sessions for bikers of all ages. be a nuisance, and experienced riders can     Biking enthusiasts wanting to share their share their knowledge and enjoyment as expertise in motorbike and moped well as helping youngsters to keep their      maintenance are looking for a suitable bikes running more cheaply and safely." place for workshop sessions. West Malling Cllr Trudy Dean said: “ In )", ( East Malling Cllr Roger Roud, a biking East and West Malling we have a group of $(!&  enthusiast for many years, said: “There is young and older people with great always engine noise from maintenance enthusiasm for biking, so all they need (  $! work on bikes. We need a local unused now is a home. " &#!&  &&, (&("%)&&   &) &+ ""#)(#$$! LOCAL CONTACTS ,*#&"+   $  # # Trudy Dean, Malling Action Partnership chairman Travel Enquiries &"','( "- E: [email protected] T: 01732 843 119 &  &' #)" Trains – T: 08457 484950 Citizens Advice Bureau – T: 01732 440488 Nu-Venture Buses – Tonbridge & Malling Borough T: 01622 882288 Supported by Council main switchboard – T: 01732 844522 Arriva Buses – Pothole reporting – T: 08458 247800 T: 0871 200 22 33 downsmail.co.uk News Library stops CONCERNS about changes to Motorcyclist, 73, tells Kent’s mobile library service have been taken on board, according to the county council. It says changes have been made of M20 bridge drama to the service following its first month in operation. INJURED biker Jim Shaw has de- Launching the revised service, scribed how he threw himself off Mike Hill, the county council’s cab- his bike to avoid the impact when inet member for community serv- a footbridge crashed in front of ices, says mobile libraries will call him on the M20. at more than 300 locations a month, The 73-year-old had an amazing with extended stopping times, and, escape with only minor injuries for the first time, on Saturdays. when the structure was hit by a Cllr Hill said: “Each stop is now lorry carrying a digger near junc- visited fortnightly from convenient tion 4 for Leybourne on Saturday, locations such as community cen- August 27. tres, village halls, post offices, He was heading from Maidstone shops and schools. Some stops are towards London at about 70mph now on Saturdays, and we have ex- when “chaos broke loose” and “bits tended our stopping times in many were flying everywhere”. The M20 bridge collapse as captured by the BBC and locations to give people more time Mr Shaw said he slid along the left, motorcyclist Jim Shaw, who was injured and flexibility. If people can’t get to road alongside his Yamaha motor- erupted be- 2pm. Highways England and emer- their local library, the library can cycle, narrowly missing the col- tween junc- gency teams worked to clear the come to them.” lapsed bridge. He was rescued by tion four for debris as the motorway remained emergency crews and taken to Tun- Leybourne closed overnight. bridge Wells Hospital where he and junction The road eventually re-opened at Manure fire was treated for three broken ribs 3 for Borough Green. No-one was 5pm next day, but closed again FIRE crews were called to a blaze in and released after four days. seriously injured. throughout the following weekend a large heap of manure near Rec- The Thamesmead resident had Police declared a major incident, so that the remaining part of the tory Lane South, Leybourne. been to a bikers’ café in Maidstone closing the road in both directions footbridge overhanging the motor- The pile, which was about 20 me- and was planning to return home and leading to a 15-mile tailback of way could be dismantled. tres square, had flames coming via Wrotham when the crash show- bank holiday weekend traffic. The work was completed ahead from the surface, rather than the in- ered 170 tonnes of concrete on to Officers began turning round ve- of schedule by 100 staff working side, according to a fire service the London-bound carriageway at hicles on the London-bound car- around the clock and the road re- spokesman. Firefighters used a about noon. Two lorries were riageway about an hour after the opened 14 hours earlier than hose reel to put out the flames and crushed in the chaos, which incident, and the queues cleared by planned. left about 50 minutes later. VINER & SONS LTD MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE We are currently recruiting a Media Keith Viner Sales person to sell advertising across FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS our successful Downs Mail and Mid Kent Living publications and associated online products. THE BUSINESS HAS BEEN RUN BY OUR FAMILY SINCE 1777 The role will involve: • Handling inbound and making outbound calls • Developing business from existing clients We pride ourselves on our • Obtaining and growing new business caring personal service • Working to achieve revenue targets. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a All locations covered similar role and will: • Have experience of working to sales targets PERSONAL DAY AND NIGHT SERVICE • Have a confident and outgoing personality & PRIVATE CHAPEL OF REST • Be self-motivated and able to show initiative • Have excellent communication skills GOLDEN CHARTER Starting September, this is a part time position of 24 hours per week to be worked Monday to Wednesday. Friendly, PRE-PAYMENT SCHEMES AVAILABLE flexible, family owned business. Please contact us for further details Basic salary + uncapped commission + bonus + 32 days annual leave (pro-rata) 54 High Street, West Malling, ME19 6LU Email applications including your CV to the sales manager, email: [email protected] Bill Brett. [email protected] www.vinerandsons.co.uk

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Malling September 2016 23 News downsmail.co.uk Now Jack aims for world title SNODLAND-born Jack Green has his sights set on a world champi- onship medal after twice missing out on a gong at Rio. The 24-year-old said he would have given anything to run in the Rio relay final from which his team were disqualified. Jack, pictured, was chosen to run in the Olympic 400 metres hurdles MP Tracey’s selfie in Rio relay final. His team appeared to to our relay squad, Bring on Lon- qualify, finishing fourth in the semi- SPORTS Minister Tracey Crouch took delight in taking this selfie in Rio with don!” Andy Murray and Olympic team-mates, saying Britain proved the sceptics final, but Matt Hudson-Smith was Earlier, he said he was “absolutely judged to have his foot on the red wrong by becoming the first nation in history to follow a home games with gutted” after failing to win a place in an even better performance in Brazil. line. The GB team was disqualified, the 400m hurdles final. He was in The Aylesford MP said the winning streak, which has seen improving leaving Brazil to go through to the contention for a finals place as he Olympic performances in Beijing, London and Rio, will be built on, praising final. There were seven members in rounded the final bend in his semi- growing political support and the £274m of National Lottery funding that the Great Britain team and Jack's final, but clattered the eighth barrier. supported the team in Brazil this year. nan, Betty Colyer of Veles Road, Jack said: “Harsh world of sport – She said in an interview with Conservative Home: “Rio has shown once Snodland, said Jack was due to run miss a stride and ruin an Olympic more how sport can lift the spirits of the nation and bring the country to- in the 400 metres final. dream.” gether and as part of my Government sport strategy we’re going to use Team Betty said Jack spoke to her every Four years ago, he missed out on GB’s success to encourage even more people to get involved in sport.” day . "We have a very close relation- an Olympic finals place when he fell She called on councils, including Maidstone and Malling to exploit the cur- ship and I am tremendously proud at the third hurdle in the semis. He rent mood, adding: “I am sure savvy local councils will take advantage of the of him, " she added. "The world helped Team GB claim fourth in the feel-good factor and offer something different that will help improve the championships will be in London 400m relay at London 2012 and physical activity of their communities. next year and that is his next goal." bronze at the European champi- “But for me, when the final curtain closes on Rio 2016 at the end of the Par- Jack, who will start training again onships this summer. alympics I will ensure all involved in sport in this country will work hard to in October for next season, tweeted: Jack lived in Warnett Court, Snod- keep the momentum up, using the unique power of sport to benefit as many “Would’ve given anything to be in land and now lives with his mother, people’s lives as possible.” that relay final this evening. Big love Nikki, in Cheriton, near Folkestone. All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates Turf • Top Soil • Sand & Ballast Free Delivery All Bags £40 Bulk Bag Waste Collection www.allloads.co.uk email:[email protected]

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Malling September 2016 25 News downsmail.co.uk Churches join to increase Report praises Age UK congregation THE creation of a new Team Min- for ‘first class’ service istry, serving a dozen churches along the Pilgrims Way, looks set to win favour. AGE UK Maidstone was given a glowing report on its staff and care but The re-organisation – merging the parishes of Hollingbourne, has been told by a health watchdog that it must improve its admin. Hucking, Boxley, Thurnham, The charity’s Mill Street branch, and “gold stars”. Detling, Leeds, Broomfield, Grove which provides bathing and foot- About 80 people use the bathing Green, Kingswood, Langley and care services for more than 400 service and 340 are helped by the Otham – has won the backing of all older people, received an unan- foot care service. The report said: the Parochial Church Councils nounced two-day inspection in “Staff were trained and supported (PCC) affected. June from Care Quality Commis- to have the right skills, knowledge The new “super benefice” or sion (CQC) inspectors. and qualifications necessary to give Team Ministry would operate Their report praised the service people the right support. Everyone under a Team Rector – currently for being effective, caring and re- we spoke with said the staff, Rev John Corbyn, at Holy Cross, sponsive, but made recommenda- whether they were using the foot Bearsted – with a Team Vicar, Rev tions following issues on safety and care or bathing service, respected Steve Hughes, in Otham; a new leadership. their privacy and dignity.” Mission post reaching out to fami- Recruitment files did not contain Paul Coles, chief executive of Age lies on new estates and a second required information and there had UK Maidstone, said the charity was Team Vicar at Hollingbourne vic- not been regular criminal record working to update its admin pro- arage. checks. Some staff had worked for cedures. He said: “We have a very The official name of the Team the charity for more than 10 years long-serving and stable staff. Some Ministry, the Hollingbourne va- without being re-assessed. Paul Coles of Age UK, Maidstone have been with us for 20 years. We cancy and the Mission post will be The CQC also said individuals’ with the CQC. are pleased that the CQC did such progressed now the public consul- care needs should be reviewed However, the inspectors praised a detailed inspection of our service tation has closed. more regularly and reviews sought the care provided, reporting that because it enables us to learn from It follows discussions that began on the service. Fire risk assessments people they interviewed said the that and ensure that we are provid- nearly two years ago in light of va- were overdue and the new man- staff were well trained and knew ing the best service to our clients. cancies and how the church should ager had taken up the post earlier what they were doing. One person “If any of our clients are worried, respond to falling and aging con- this year, but had not yet registered described the service as “first class” they can ring and talk to our staff.” gregations – a decision described by Rural Dean Rev Dick Venn as an “inspiration from God”. He said: “It hasn’t been an easy Transport festival a hit with visitors decision. Every PCC has had to look quite carefully and hard about HUNDREDS turned out to enjoy the way forward and this is what the sun and the displays at we want to do. Laddingford Transport Festival. “It is important for the Church to It is the sixth year the event has look at its mission work and to been staged at The Chequers pub, strike the balance between catering and landlady Tracey Leaver said it for our existing congregations and was the best yet. reaching out to new people, or the “We had a model T Ford, tractors, Church will cease to exist.” racing minis and some really Rev Venn, who retires as vicar of popular exhibits.” the Len Valley Benefice in Septem- Children were able to sail boats ber, has urged the church to start around a make-shift lake, created advertising his post now, to ensure by Capstan Model Boat Club; the congregation isn’t left without Laddingford local Roger Manklow a vicar for any length of time and to brought along his engines and ensure his success in increasing at- organiser Terry Heaslip kept the tendance can be built on. kids amused with his model trains. Exam results pride for new head Plan withdrawn LOOSE Parish Council has with- RICHARD Owen (47) is the new He added: “Maplesden Noakes “As head teacher of Maplesden drawn its proposal for a long- head teacher at Maidstone’s has always been about giving our Noakes School my message is awaited community centre. Maplesden Noakes School. students the confidence to be the simple – I know that every indi- The council sought approval for He was thrust into the driver’s best. Our exam re- vidual can aspire to be the best if the £1m scheme from Maidstone seat just days after taking up the sults are the best they are motivated by self-belief. post, as students received their high school re- “Our support systems at Council but after some residents ob- exam results. sults in the area Maplesden have an outstanding jected, it decided to drop it pending Mr Owen was previously and I want stu- reputation because our expertise further discussions. deputy head at the Great Buck- dents and parents lies in building self-confidence Designs for the two-storey exten- land school for the last 11 years. to know that they and never giving up on our stu- sion to the King George V Pavilion He has been married for 23 years can trust us to dents. We believe in every indi- included a 200-seat hall, sports facil- and his wife is a deputy head give their chil- vidual and we believe in our ities, meeting rooms and a lounge. teacher in a primary school. Richard Owen dren a fantastic community. However, residents in Walnut Tree The holder of a BEd (Hons) and start in life. “Every year, the success of our Lane complained about increased an MEd, Mr Owen said he was ex- “I am proud of our reputation students, whatever their back- noise, disturbance, traffic, parking tremely proud of his students’ A- for outstanding academic stan- ground, shows that at Maplesden problems, the scale of the new build- level and GCSE results. dards and pastoral support. Noakes, everything is possible.” ing and the loss of green space.

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Malling September 2016 27 downsmail.co.uk News Charity day is childs’ play WORKERS at Maidstone Town on the last day to raise money for Post Office made their last day it. We had a good laugh and quite a child’s play before moving to a lot of people were putting money new site. in the bucket so the fund must have Staff at the Bank Street store done well.” grabbed dummies and nappies and For some longer-serving col- dressed up as under-fives to help leagues, the post office move is counter clerk Jeanette Cooper raise their second as they worked at the money for the Oliver Fisher Special previous site in King Street, which Care Unit at Medway Maritime closed nearly 10 years ago. Hospital. Jeanette Cooper (second from right) with colleagues in fancy dress The Bank Street branch closed on The unit saved the life of her 17- mum Nicki, along with her mum, The fancy dress day marked the week premature grandson, Henry Sharon Terry. post office’s move to new premises Wednesday, August 17 with its suc- Cooper, of Downswood, whose Jeanette said: “Henry is doing within the WH Smith store on cessor opening next day. No jobs story touched Downs Mail readers’ fantastically well. He’s a happy lit- Week Street, less than 250m away. have been lost in the transfer. hearts. Jeanette and her family have tle boy and we get beautiful smiles Jeanette said: “It is a sad occa- The new opening hours are from been fundraising for the charity from him.” Since he was born sion, but we have decided to go out 9am to 5.30pm Monday, Wednes- and their next event will be a 5k weighing just 1lb 2oz last Decem- with a bang. We had a collecting tin day, Thursday and Friday; 9.30am run at Capstone Park, Medway. ber, the youngster has progressed in the post office for the baby unit to 5.30pm on Tuesday and 9am to Jeanette will run with Henry’s to a healthy 10lb. and the staff suggested dressing up 12.30pm on Saturday. Baroque night Hunt for suspect after burglary THE Pepusch Consort is to perform an evening of baroque chamber POLICE have issued a picture of volved in what police described house in Marley Road in a silver music in aid of the Baptist church a man they want as an aggravated burglary. vehicle. Two mobile phones are in Harrietsham. to question The computer-generated pic- reported to have been stolen dur- Tickets for the concert at the about a raid by a ture builds on the details already ing the incident at about 5pm on church, which starts at 7.30pm on gang of four at a held by police of a slim man, Thursday, July 14. Saturday, September 24, are £8. home in Harriet- about 5ft 11in tall, who spoke Anyone with information is To reserve yours call Pat King on sham. with a local accent. asked to call Kent Police on 01622 01622 851843 or Stephen Morris The man, who The residents were threatened 604100 quoting YY/015480/16 or on 850948 or send an email to was wearing a by the suspects. No one was hurt. Kent Crimestoppers, anony- [email protected]. hoodie, was in- The gang drove off from the mously, on 0800 555111. ARTIFICIAL UPTO 20% GRASS SALE OFF

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Malling September 2016 29 Childhood Cancer downsmail.co.uk Taylor’s gaming wish comes true WHEN Microsoft agreed to give Taylor Scott access to their global world of game-making, it was a dream come true for the Invicta Girls’ Grammar School student. Taylor, from Penenden Heath, describes her date with Microsoft’s designers at Rare Studios in Leices- ter as simply “amazing”, with playing Sea of Thieves as one of the highlights. The 14-year-old, who was diag- nosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last year, was given ac- cess to a secret project the Rare team is working on and advice on the best way to break into the in- dustry, after expressing an interest in a career in video game design. Make a Wish UK arranged the trip for mum Tanya, dad Jamie and their only daughter, who was di- agnosed just after her 13th birth- day on Christmas Day, after complaining of tiredness and pains in her bones. A Rare spokesman said: “It was our very great pleasure to host a visit for Taylor and her parents. and then laughed. It was a dream!” everything. It was a bit flash for us, Taylor at Microsoft with mum Tanya She had an incredible time meeting Taylor, who is undergoing but that’s what making a wish is all and dad Jamie and below, in hospital our development teams and get- chemotherapy treatment which about.” ting a unique behind-the-scenes she hopes will finish in April, also Asked what advice Taylor had glimpse into how challenging, but has to contend with vascular for another wish child fighting a wonderful, the game-making busi- necrosis – a complication resulting serious illness, she said: “Stay ness can be. from her steroid treatment that af- strong and believe it’s going to get “We were so pleased she enjoyed fects the blood supply to her hips, better. If you don’t stay strong then her time with us and we hope to knees and left shoulder. This it’s going to be a much harder jour- have inspired a future employee.” means she currently uses a wheel- ney.” Taylor’s mum Tanya said: “Tay- chair to get around. Taylor’s parents and friends now lor knows what she wants to do However, there was no need to hope that when her treatment ends after school for definite now. She is worry on the day of her trip be- and her mobility improves to take a big gamer and plays Xbox, so cause Make-A-Wish UK, sent a her to Japan to see the country’s art when Make-A-Wish UK asked her limousine to pick the family up and culture, which she loves. They what she wanted to do, she said from Gladstone Road. have already raised £8,000 in antic- Microsoft straight away. Tanya laughed: “Everyone was ipation. “Although she didn’t think it looking through the window as we Mum Tanya said: “Her art is her would be possible, when she found drove along, thinking we were su- therapy, and once she is mobile out she was going to Rare she cried perstars; there was a disco ball and again, we will whisk her away.” “Stay strong and believe it’s going to get beer. If you don’t stay strong then it’s going to be a much harder journey”

Laughter ‘the way forward’ TANYA has called on anyone ment is tough, small things like un- wishing to help to give to the small even walkways and people parking charities that she has found have on the pavements are actually the provided such support to the fam- things that upset and restrict their ily. movements the most. These include Teens Unite, Tanya said: “You even have peo- which is specifically for teenagers ple blatantly say if you are walking with cancer and took Taylor to see with a stick that you are pulling a Muse and sent her a bag of goodies fast one.” when she was feeling down. In spite of the pain, both she and Tanya said: “These lesser-known her daughter “joke their way to charities offer so much help. We all health and happiness” with a posi- know of someone with cancer, but tive attitude. Tanya said: “We stay when it hits you personally, you fi- positive and joke all the time and nally understand what it means.” Taylor is made of very strong stuff. Taylor enjoys game with dad Jamie in hospital She says that while Taylor’s treat- It’s the only way forward.” September is national Childhood Cancer Awareness month

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Malling September 2016 31 downsmail.co.uk Joan Benne She worshipped regularly at All Saints' David Sladden Obituaries Parish Church and was the sister of the JOAN Benne (88) lived for 54 years in Reverend Robin Gill; a local clergyman who DAVID William Charles Sladden (58) lived Coxheath and had previously lived in is currently a member of the team working in Bearsted for around 20 years and lived Bearsted and Staplehurst. in the Leeds and Hollingbourne Benefice and locally throughout his life. Born Joan Houilibecq on Guernsey she who was at one point the Priest in Charge. Born in Suon Valence and raised in was evacuated to Dorset and Lancashire Susie’s funeral took place at Saint Hollingbourne, David until the island was Margaret’s Church, Hucking. A church bar- aended Swadelands reclaimed from the becue which had been scheduled for the School and worked as Nazis. same day was cancelled as a mark of respect. a mechanic with his Joan met Roy, her father-in-law. His pas- husband of almost 65 sion for cars remained years, when she Douglas Grist with him throughout worked in a café on his life. Guernsey, and the DOUGLAS “Doug” Grist (86) lived the final Married for 35 years couple moved to years of his life in Siingbourne but had to Julie, David was fa- Bearsted to live with lived in the Maidstone and Medway areas ther to Katie and his parents. since he was a small boy. Grace. Katie said: “Our father’s passion for Joan was mother to Paul, Alan, Peter and Born in Bexhill to cars was a massive part of his life and he Neil and worked as an orderly at Linton parents from Rainham owned a number of vintage and classic cars; Hospital for 22 years. in Kent, he returned he loved taking us to car shows. Roy said: “Joan was devoted and selfless, locally and remained “Our father was outgoing, sociable and the she dedicated her life to her family and being in the area apart from kind of person who is loved by everyone.” the best mother to her sons and best a spell on national David leaves his wife, daughters, grand- grandmother to her eight grandchildren. service with the RAF son Jack and sisters Rosemary and Patricia. “As we had the time and opportunity later in Norfolk. in our lives, we travelled all over the world, Doug’s local homes and Joan had been to see our eldest son in included Ringlestone, Julie May Hughes Langley, Suon Va- New Zealand nine times as well as making THE death has been announced of Julie May trips to places like Hawaii, India, Singapore lence, and Bearsted. He was known from his years running the Hughes (57) who worked in Marks and and mainland USA. Spencer and, more recently, as landlady of “We also travelled on our own closer to family business E H Grist and Sons, a whole- sale fruit and vegetable business based in The Windmill pub in Burham. home in countries like France.” She leaves her partner Mike, sons Simon Joan leaves her husband, three of her sons Hedley Street near Maidstone Prison. Doug and his brother took the business over from and Ben, her brother Chris, her sister Lesley (son Peter pre-deceased her), six surviving and other members of her extended family. grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. their father. When it closed Doug worked for Trebor Sharps in Maidstone. Doug was married twice. He and first wife Martyn Sparrowhawk June had children Lesley, Judith and Martin Marshall Vine and with second wife Dee he had children THE death of Maidstone’s Marshall Vine (73) TRIBUTES have been paid to Martyn Tracy and Stuart. Judith said: “My father made local headlines because of his personal Sparrowhawk, who raised large sums of loved the outdoors and could take pleasure quest to save and restore the paddle steamer money for charity. in a lot of life’s simple things. The Medway Queen. Martyn (53), who died on August 15, lived “When he retired he bought land near Ul- Marshall was born and brought up in in Fant Lane and combe and grew plum trees and Christmas Maidstone. Born with worked as a painter trees, as well as keeping sheep and chickens. cerebral palsy, he and decorator. He had “He sold his produce at market in Ashford completed teacher aended St Simon and kept this business going for 15 years. He training and taught Stock School and also toured the south east of England and woodwork, metal- trained as a master Wales in a camper van with my stepmother. work and history at St butcher. He even took her to the place in Wales where John Fisher’s School in Martyn was father to he was evacuated as a boy. Chatham. 15-year-old Joseph, “In later years they had a permanent cara- Marshall was also and was engaged to van at a site in Dorset and spent their sum- known for his involve- Moya Sparrowhawk, mers there.” ment in Scouting and who had changed her name by deed poll Doug leaves his wife, four children – his passion for steam railways. ahead of their wedding. daughter Lesley died in 2011 – 10 grandchil- It was his discovery of the roing hulk of Martyn was also a former England dren and three great-grandchildren. the Medway Queen and the campaign to re- international martial arts fighter who had store the vessel that brought him the most competed in both judo and karate in the local aention and he served as chairman to 1980s. A representative from Kyoikenkai Ian Hodgson the society working to bring the Medway karate dojo posted a tribute online noting: Queen back to full working order. “the untimely death of my good friend and TRIBUTES have been paid to a father-of-two A collection at Marshall’s funeral will go to clubmate from my early day …a strong Ian Hodgson, who died when he lost control the Medway Queen Society. Marshall leaves brave fighter and a very nice guy.” of his motorbike on the A228 between Pad- his sister Diana and her family. Martyn also worked as a doorman and set dock Wood and East Peckham. up the Jester’s Scooter Club. He helped to Son Chris posted a photograph of a Ducati raise thousands of pounds for the Breast motorbike on Facebook, in tribute to his fa- Cancer Care charity. ther. Amongst those The Stone Shop A regular in the Cherry Tree pub in paying tribute was Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, Barming, Martyn was also a keen gardener. Donna Williams, who lettered and installed anywhere. He leaves his fiancée, son, his parents, two posted: “My most sin- Inscriptions added to existing memorials sisters and three brothers. cere condolences to the whole family, God Renovations and memorial bless x” cleaning Susie Hoare Ian leaves his wife The Stone Shop HOLLINGBOURNE’S Susan “Susie” Hoare, Tracy and sons Chris Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. who lived in Hadley Gardens, was known and Stephen. 01622 726633 for her involvement in village life.

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

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Malling September 2016 33 downsmail.co.uk Comment Big tick for grammar schools MAIDSTONE (with four) and Kent are the game to a wider and younger audience. power bases of Britain’s few grammar Mail Many counties face financial problems and schools, and many supporters will be de- Marks they are promised stakeholder income. lighted Government is likely to back remov- But most – and their members and sup- ing the nationwide ban on new grammars. DENNIS FOWLE President porters – believe this is an unacceptable gam- I appreciate powerful pros and cons, but my [email protected] ble and a massive threat to the first-class game experiences of having my own life trans- in Britain. formed more than 60 years ago at Borden Although these ECB executives see the cur- Grammar School, Sittingbourne, convince me Protect cricket rently lucrative county 20/20 competition con- what is best for Britain. THE game of cricket is still deeply em- tinuing, the counties could be robbed of star Money was so tight in my childhood home bedded in the British psyche and I am horri- players (both domestic and overseas). Who that new school shoes were a real challenge fied by latest English Cricket Board (ECB) would watch effectively Kent 2nds v Essex and it was down to the personal support and proposals which have potential to be very se- 2nds? dedication of my parents that I was able to rise riously damaging to Test and county games The number of county championship games from a very rough, tough junior school. and the very existence of our county clubs, in- is again being reduced, from 16 to 14 a season I did not realise then that this was true so- cluding Kent. – an unacceptable loss to county members and cial mobility and Government must ensure The ECB chairman Colin Graves and chief a barrier to playing these matches at out- this in any new structure. executive Tom Harrison face stiff opposition grounds around the counties, such as Tun- I still remain close to that school and am from the majority of county clubs to a plan to bridge Wells and Maidstone. proud how many students have become na- revolutionise the key money-spinning 20/20 The counties and the county championship tional and regional leaders so vital to the suc- overs format. are the breeding ground for our England Test cess of our country and society. It would be played on a mainly a big city players – and success of the national team is At a time when quality of our education sys- format (eg – London v Birmingham – and still a high public priority. tem falls further down international league ta- who in Kent will be loyal to that?), mixing the The 50/50 over games, with the end-of- bles, grammar schools are the increasing aim top players from our counties with the biggest season Lord’s final, also have a strong follow- of many parents. We must meet demand. names from abroad, producing a lengthy Big ing. Kent have done well this season. Note I think the Government must lift the ban as Bash competition at the height of summer. interest in the quarter final against Yorkshire. soon as possible as part of a programme to im- It is a format successful in hotter evening I fear such a gamble will be the graveyard prove education standards in all schools so climes of India and Australia and brings in of county cricket and summer traditions Britain rises in international tables. substantial TV income. One aim is to spread which bring so much pleasure to many.

Ramblin’ Man success I would invite him to look at the park and Road planning a disaster the damage that heavy vehicles have done to WE HAVE been overwhelmed by the the grass. REGARDING the leer in edition 233 by positive feedback we have received from our The main point which Mr Ingham does David Thornewell I would like to comment staging of the Ramblin’ Man Fair festival at not appear to understand are the words “too on Hermitage Lane. Mote Park, Maidstone. loud”. The planning of this essential road, not We had more than 22,000 people on site Mote Park is absolutely wrong as a venue only to the hospital but linking the A20 with over the weekend. There was a fantastic for this event. It is in the middle of housing, the A26, must go down as the biggest atmosphere with no trouble. Mote Park is a so a great many Maidstone residents will be disaster by a planning department in the wonderful location and we are very happy subject to unwelcome noise. Too many whole of Tonbridge and Malling. to be able to put money back into the local aendees use adjacent streets as long-term No respect to its situation and effect on community via the council. car parks, causing traffic problems. traffic volume could ever have been We had customers from all over Europe I also take issue with Mr Ingham’s claim undertaken, it’s a total nightmare for people and the UK and we think the festival acts as that it is a highlight in the Maidstone using it. a great showcase for Maidstone and Kent. calendar. I dare say that there are some The new retail development has traffic We are aware of 35 complaints made to the people who like this sort of ear-shaering lights access a lile way from other lights council relating to noise levels. Whilst we experience, but I would think that for most and the resulting queues are unbelievable. were well within agreed noise levels we take people it is something to be avoided. Don’t planners consider the effects their the concerns of any residents very seriously. I doubt very much that, unless forced so to decisions will have? We will be continuing to work with the do, Mr Ingham will make any changes to the This retail outlet should never have been council to minimise any disruption to level of noise. It has never been reduced in placed in this location with access onto residents whilst working very hard to make the past. How many remember the problems Hermitage Lane. this event a continued highlight of the with the Radio 1 Roadshow, where those Mr Thornewell’s leer mentions possible Maidstone calendar in the coming years. monitoring noise levels proved impotent to further development in Hermitage Lane. Chris Ingham, Spirit of Rock owner and enforce the limits? The limits are far too This cannot take more traffic. The field Creative Director of Ramblin Man generous. If noise could be heard as far away opposite the retail site is part of the Green as Hucking, it must have been intolerable Belt between Tonbridge and Malling and Park is the wrong venue outside the park. Maidstone boroughs, which must be kept. IN response to the points raised by Chris The county showground has excellent There are developments approved on both Ingham, the positive feedback he received parking and toilet facilities, is easily sides of the A20 beyond the railway bridge. undoubtedly came from the aendees, not accessible and well away from large We need professional planners who live in the surrounding residents. residential areas. It is the obvious place for the area.What does MP Tracy Crouch think An event like this can do very lile to occasions like this, if Mr Ingham is unable to of Hermitage Lane? showcase Maidstone and Kent. Aendees refrain from bringing his noisy event to the I am totally disillusioned with what is stay or camp on site, then go home, with area. happening to this area. lile benefit to the local economy. David Hacke, Park Way Mr P D Royall, by email Contact our team ... Got something to say? Simon Finlay Diane Nicholls Dawn Kingsford Write to The Editor, 2 Forge House, Editor Assistant editor Journalist Bearsted Green Business Park, Maidstone ME14 4DT or email simon.fi[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] simon.fi[email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233

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Malling September 2016 41 downsmail.co.uk

considered when funds became available. CCTV The licensee of the Merry Boys was

aihCouncils Parish Addington Signage Three residents had complained no longer happy to keep the CCTV Ward report KCC Cllr Sarah Hohler advised about confusing signs when leaving Old equipment on his premises. It was agreed that she had authorised her member’s grant Church Road while the road closure was in that he would be asked to submit a formal to be used to clean the village road signs. operation. request to have it removed. Chroma Vision The roadworks at junction four on the M20 Churchyard The Rev Carr confirmed that would be asked to dismantle the equipment were causing drivers to use Wrotham Heath the maintenance service had been improved. and to suggest relocation options and costs and Vigo Hill as short cuts. She had UK Power Networks The parish council had for consideration. The parish council would arranged for No HGV signs to go up in been thanked for providing information on put right any damage caused to the Merry Birling and Ryarsh. the website and in newsleers and welcome Boys by the installation and the dismantling Police report An outbuilding in Church packs. However, as the parish council had of the equipment. Road had been broken into and tack was declined to knock on doors, UK Power Emergency planning Cllrs Ferguson, stolen. A residence in Ryarsh Road, Birling Networks was unable to contribute towards Graham and Watson were aiming to was broken into. parish council costs. Cllr Serina Page said the complete the plan as soon as possible. Cllr Defibrillators Both had been checked. parish magazine had devoted a page to Watson said she would like it made Village sign Cllr Peter Robinson reported promoting the scheme. It was agreed to compulsory that councillors automatically that a local resident would be willing to charge UKPN £150. became community emergency wardens for fund the provision and installation of a new Jubilee Hall Regular bookings remained their designated areas. It was agreed that village sign. He and the clerk would look at constant, and there had been an upsurge in this would become an expectation of parish the options available in terms of design and interest in party bookings. Three enquiries council members. costs. had been received from potential users War memorial Stonemasons IMI had Public forum Four representatives of Big wanting evening hall time. The WOK gym confirmed that the stone was on order and Motoring World gave some information on club would be increasing their usage of the drawings of the work had been provided. why they required extended opening hours premises over the school summer holidays. The parish council was to confirm the and their plans for the external lighting. Hall maintenance RBS Electrical had header for the new memorial stone. It was Members were invited to tour the replaced two faulty power sockets and agreed that it would read: “In honoured Addington and Snodland sites and to hear a would be carrying out work to improve the memory of our fallen heroes from East presentation recently given to Tonbridge effectiveness of the ceiling fans. Mr Edwards Peckham”. and Malling Council about the company’s had been asked to cut back hedges around Christmas lights Quotations had been plans for extending the Addington site. the car park, tennis court and school and received from MK (£9,000 per year for three Caravan Regarding an alleged unauthorised repair a broken bench. years) and Blachere (£11,000 for the first caravan on land east of Mayhill Bungalow, Vandalism Problems at the hall included year, slightly cheaper in years two and planning enforcement officers believed that dog mess being smeared on outdoor three). Cllr Page was hopeful that MK would the caravan was not used residentially and equipment, a lier bin had been broken and be able to reduce its quotation and said it appeared to be used as a chael in thrown in the hedge and the tennis court would be her preferred contractor. connection with the use of the land. fence had been damaged. Teenage girls had Following a discussion It was resolved to However, enquiries were ongoing to confirm been seen opening dog mess bags and accept MK’s quotation. the situation and determine whether a smearing it on the play equipment. Parish council app The design had been breach of planning control had occurred. Information had been passed to the PCSOs. completed and the app had gone live. Highways The street name sign for The Gym club The WOK gym club had given Members were urged to download it. The Chestnuts needed repairing. The clerk had notice that it would be partially relocating to clerk was thanked for her work on the reported this to KCC. Tonbridge in November and would be project. Trees Concern about the condition of the relinquishing about half of its time at the Twinning The Harmonie de Chereng and trees bordering the golf club had been sports hall. The parish council had received EP Silver Band are performing in concert on reported to KCC. interest from potential users including three October 29. Tickets are available from the Park Road Branches were hanging over the requests from users interested in taking time clerk at £10 each. The Chereng Jumelage fun road from The Seekers Trust. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday day was to be held on September 19. Portable loo It was queried whether the evenings from September. Rather than risk Allotments Bees had been upset by storms portable loo at the Jet garage on the A20 losing potential users it was agreed that the in June, resulting in several stings. The needed or had permission. new users who wished to run a fitness club, allotment holder immediately relocated the The Clearway The clerk would report to the judo club and table tennis club should be bees. Rents were reviewed. In 2016/17 the PCSO that cars were parking on the verge. offered use of the hall on weekday evenings cost of a half plot would be £16.50, £25 for a Woodgate Road It was reported that work from 7pm. large plot or two small plots and £12.50 per was taking place on a Sunday. The clerk had Vending machines Discussions were plot for two or more half plots. informed the quarry of a local resident’s continuing with Supercups about the Tree warden Cllr Wright had accepted an concerns. unsatisfactory maintenance of the machines offer from the volunteer tree and pond at the Jubilee Hall. Supercups had said it warden coordinator for a community tree was unable to uplift the machine until the walk in East Peckham. The aim was to East Peckham leasing company authorised it to do so. The identify the village trees and assess their Dog waste A resident complained that their clerk was seeking clarification of this as the community importance and ecological bin had been used by dog walkers. It was parish council’s contract was with value. agreed that it would be mentioned in the Supercups and not the third party. It was newsleer that it was acceptable to put agreed to cancel the direct debit owing to the bagged up dog mess in a street amenity bin, breach of contract. Kings Hill but it was not acceptable to use residential Finger posts Most of the work had now Sports Park An update on the urgent pitch bins. been completed. It was agreed that Heritage maintenance situation at the Sports Park was Vegetation A helpful resident had cut back Finger Posts would be given until September given by the chairman. There was a vegetation which had been obscuring a to complete the work and that payment discussion regarding the contract for the speed sign and had cleaned 30mph signs, so would be made following the summer maintenance of the football pitches and it they were more visible. recess. was noted that there was an immediate short Grass cuing A resident from Pound Road Hanging baskets These were providing a term need to water the football pitches at the complained that the grass verge outside her wonderful display in the village centre. Sports Park. There was much discussion property had not been cut. The maer had However, there had been some disturbance regarding what kind of vehicle/tractor been referred to Kent Highway Services. to residents when the baskets were installed. would be most beneficial for the Sports Park, CCTV A resident asked if the CCTV could The company had since apologised and advantages and disadvantages of both be used to help her find a motorist who had would be giving a tray of plants to the vehicles were noted. It was resolved to hit her car in the centre of the village. Village Stores. urgently liaise with the Ebbsfleet Footpath There was a request for a footpath Maintenance Contractors had been asked to groundsman regarding future pitch around the playing fields incorporating carry out additional maintenance work maintenance. The Sports Park commiee exercise stations. The project remained on outside the Methodist Church to deal with budget was discussed and noted. It was the parish council’s wishlist and would be broken paving and overgrown shrubs. resolved that a 4x4 vehicle be purchased at a

42 Malling September 2016 downsmail.co.uk cost of £11,584 subject to confirming the roadway. The clerk explained that Circle

Wateringbury Councils Parish budget with the responsible financial officer. Housing Association was responsible for the It was resolved that the parish council accept estate and she would report this to them. Dispensation At the start of the meeting the offer of an irrigation tank from Ebbsfleet Kent Street land sales The draft transfers Cllr Dennis Stones declared interests in United and to collect it as soon as possible, had been agreed by the parish council and three areas which were considered by the On-site installation costs for the tank would sent to the buyers’ solicitors. One of the council from time to time. After be investigated. buyers had queried the boundary line and discussions councillors agreed he could this was checked and agreed to be accurate. speak but not vote on maers relating to The metal had been collected from the field the Pear Orchard and the village fete and Leybourne and arrangements had been made for it to be speak and vote on any items relating to the CCTV The chairman updated aendees on removed by the scrap man. village hall. These dispensations would be the status of discussions with Sunstone. A Village hall It had been agreed at the village for the life of the present council. meeting was arranged with the company to hall meeting that the CCTV system by Allotments All allotments were now being discuss the assurances that the parish updated with four new cameras and a new rented. Cllr John Evans was thanked for council require in order to agree the renewal recorder. A quote had been accepted. repairing the gate latch. of the contract. Parochial Church Council liaison The Borough councillor’s report Cllr Simon Footpath next to the Bomb-Hole It had been churchyard grass and verges had been cut Jessel reported that he and others had agreed with Community Payback to clear a satisfactorily. There was to be a concert by raised objections to Tonbridge and Malling metre on the resident side and to the area Sarah Hughes in church on September 17 at planning commiee’s decision to grant leased from Tonbridge and Malling Council. 7pm. The annual commemorative Victoria permission for Greensted redevelopment Vegetation The chairman would arrange a Cross service would be on October 2 at plan. The decision would now be the 9.30am which the Sea Cadets and Royal meeting with TMBC Landscape Services to subject of an independent review. Naval Association would aend. review vegetation maers in Leybourne and Crime report A leer had been received Seven Mile Lane Following parking chaos also a meeting with Croudace to review land informing the council that the police would during the school sports day, the school covenant issues. no longer give wrien reports of monthly secretary had been contacted about why the Oxley Shaw footpath A meeting would be crime statistics. The clerk was instructed to pavilion car park was not used. The arranged with KCC Landscape Services to write to the police informing them that response was that they could not contact review overgrown vegetation. councillors were unhappy with this anyone to arrange this. Tree The chairman said he had received decision. However, contact numbers were easily further enquiries from a resident on who Glebe Meadow play area A resident had available on the back page of The Record had authorised the tree being removed in asked the council to fence a small area of magazine, website etc. It was agreed to Oxley Shaw Lane next to the shops. He land near her property. Councillors contact the school again in August to offer would make enquiries with local authorities decided that this piece of land was not use of the pavilion car park again for special and respond to the resident. owned by the parish and therefore the occasions and to ask for additional No Junction 4/Castle Way A public meeting council was not responsible for erecting a Parking signs to be erected on the B2016 would be arranged for residents to establish fence. verge. their views. Planning Council had no objections to the The Street It was reported that some of the alterations to elevation and change of white lines had been reinstated but not all of those requested. The clerk asked several cladding material at 10 Upper Mill. Mereworth times when the remainder of the lines would Council expressed concerns about the line Public questions A resident referred to the be installed with no response. of sight for vehicles joining Red Hill as recent arson aacks on cars and his concern Allotments There was one vacant plot detailed in the revised design to that that the police were not taking this seriously. which had been advertised on the website. approved for the erection of a four- He had captured CCTV images of the The clerk would advise this in The Record. bedroom dwelling and detached double individual he thought was responsible. The Recreation The recreation area had been garage at 18 Red Hill. council had wrien to Tom Tugendhat and treated for weeds and the cricket club had Village hall Cllr Stones reported that two the Police Commissioner on this maer. It paid half the cost. regular bookings had been lost to other was agreed that the chairman would follow Fete commiee More helpers were needed halls due to the problems of parking in the up with the MP and the PCSOs. The resident on the day. It was suggested that monthly village car park, which was owned and was asked to send in a report to the clerk meetings were not required. The fete managed by Tonbridge and Malling and was advised to call 101 as the police commiee had asked that a member of the Council. would probably send out an officer to speak parish council chair the fete commiee in Public discussion Maers raised: to him. future. Cllr Jenny Thorogood agreed to chair overgrown vegetation from properties Road marking The resident also referred to the meetings and said she would call three restricting pavements; for creating more the lack of road markings on the Airfield meetings prior to the fete and one car parking within the village. Estate. He had asked KCC and Tonbridge afterwards. She would also try to get the fete The council was thanked for new surfaces and Malling Council about this but neither held at Mereworth Castle next year. around play equipment at the playing were responsible as this was private Meetings were likely to begin in February. fields.

SOMEONE used a vehicle, possibly a 4x4 reports Crime in a bid to steal two caravans from a field where they were stored in Beacon Avenue, Neighbourhood Watch Kings Hill. The offenders abandoned a car- avan at the edge of the field. It is believed Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police they may have been disturbed and fled the scene. Shrubs, trees and plants were damaged in Addington and a patio door was damaged. There was an attempt to break into a vehi- the garden of a property in Hazen Road, Three white Ford Transit flatbed trucks, cle in Bow Road, Wateringbury. Kings Hill. DY61**U, DY61**F, and EK11***, were stolen A cabin at a riding stables in Common A windscreen wiper was taken from a from a farm in Willow Wents, Mereworth. Road, Aylesford, was broken into and cash Ford Fiesta parked in Hawkes Road, Ayles- A Ford Mondeo was seen nearby. was stolen. ford. A bank car and cash were stolen in a bur- Parts were removed from a vehicle parked glary at a dwelling in Woodlands Road, Dit- in a car park in Liberty Square, Kings Hill. PROTECT ton. Plant machinery and diesel was taken Chain link fencing surrounding the school from a yard in Rochester Road, Aylesford. YOUR HOME in Bow Road, Wateringbury was damaged. At Kings Hill, vandals keyed a vehicle ALARMS FROM A vehicle parked in Medina Road, Ditton parked in the road in McArthur Drive and £495+VAT was broken into. another in Spitfire Road. A parasol was taken from a garden in The A silver Mercedes Benz C220 (LV64***) ALARMS & SECURITY LTD Brucks, Wateringbury. was stolen from a property in The Links, 01622 880751

Malling September 2016 43 the next generation

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