downsmail.co.uk South Edition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE February 2018 No. 250 News Pair face life in prison Parishes face future AN OUTSPOKEN churchman has warned two parishes face going bust if numbers continue 6 for murdering Razvan to decline. Our favoured schools TWO Maidstone men have been jailed for life for clubbing to death a THE most popular choices for sec- ondary schools in the homeless Romanian man who had been sleeping rough in . area are revealed. 8 Razvan Sirbu (21) suffered mul- tiple injuries to his head and body after being subjected to a sustained See a pharmacist and unprovoked assault with DOCTORS are advising people to weapons including a cleaver. use their local pharma- 11 Mr Sirbu’s body was found by cists for minor ailments. dog walkers in an area of wood- land, off Cave Hill, on the morning Peace summit delay of May 7 2017 near a tent he had been living in. A MEETING to resolve a row over a relief road has been de- Maidstone Crown Court heard how Mr Sirbu suffered multiple layed again. 16 skull fractures, facial bone fractures and broken ribs. Royal visit to castle Charlie White and Alex Macdon- LEEDS Castle will celebrate its ald, both 19, were sentenced to a 900th birthday with a minimum of 16 and 18 years re- royal visit. 24 spectively. A third defendant Jimmy Buck- ley (20), formerly of , will Parish Councils 34 be detained indefinitely under the Alex Macdonald, top, and Charlie White, bottom have been found guilty of Mental Health Act. TRUSTEES are working on a five murdering homeless Razvan Sirbu, right CCTV at a local skate park year plan for a nature reserve in showed White burning clothing be- thought it was funny”. Appearing before Maidstone Tovil; two roads in Loose are in line lieved to have been worn during White claimed that, on the day of Crown Court were White, formerly for ‘quiet lane’ status; two new the murder. Images also depicted the murder, he planned stealing a of Quarry Road, Maidstone, and benches are to be installed at the Macdonald and Buckley appar- lawnmower from a garden and car- Macdonald, formerly of Regency parish field in ; a trampo- ently re-enacting the violence. ried a meat cleaver for protection. Place, Maidstone, who both line had been ordered and will be in- Blood found on Macdonald’s grey White claimed it was Mr Sirbu who pleaded not guilty to murder when stalled at a play area in Tovil; coat recovered from a caravan near attacked him and he had acted in the case went to trial. members at Barming are in favour Dover matched Mr Sirbu’s DNA. self-defence. White admitted re- They were found guilty on Janu- of a local council awards scheme. Detectives also found details of a peatedly striking Mr Sirbu with the ary 12 by a jury. conversation between White and weapon, but denied aiming any Buckley was deemed unfit to Crime Reports 34 Macdonald where White had blows to his head. plead, but was found by the jury to asked him why he kept beating Mr All three were charged with be involved in the act of killing Mr A CAMERA and other items were Sirbu. Macdonald replied: “Cos I murder and remanded in custody. Sirbu. taken in a break-in at a residential Detective Chief Inspector Tony property in Barming; power tools Pledger said: “This was an utterly were stolen from a van in Maid- senseless attack on a young man stone; CDs were stolen from a Ford who stood little chance of protect- Fiesta in Willington Street; a rac- ing himself. ing bike was taken from a property “Razvan Sirbu was subjected to a in Wheeler Street. horrific ordeal which was unpro- BEST WISHES F OR 2018 voked.” Obituaries 38 Mr Sirbu’s mother wept in the public gallery as her son’s killers were sent to prison. Comment 46-47

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2 Maidstone February 2018 downsmail.co.uk News School drops Oakwood five thrive to priority plans get places at Oxbridge FIVE students from Oakwood Park at Wadham College and Alexander Grammar School have been of- Wainwright, who has a place to fered places at Oxford and Cam- study Engineering at St Catherine's bridge this year. College. The school claims the achieve- Cambridge offered a place to ment of the five sixth formers is par- study English to Ailsa Burnham at ticularly remarkable considering the Downing College, a place for Law to INVICTA Grammar School has record number of applications na- Isabelle Pym at Selwyn College and dropped proposals to give first tionally this year to the two elite uni- a place to Oli Sampson for History preference to pupils from its own versities. and Politics at Homerton College. academy primaries. UCAS reported that there was a A spokesman for OPGS said: “I Head teacher Julie Derrick (pic- 7% rise in applications from Eng- am delighted for the students who tured) has revised its admissions land this year. are fantastic young people. policy so that pupils from the Val- The rise was partly caused by the “Our staff have enjoyed giving ley Invicta Academies Trust reduction in the number of AS ex- them mock interviews and marking (VIAT) are not favoured. aminations taken at the end of year their practice tests. In a letter home to parents, Mrs 12, which were traditionally used as “It is testimony to the strength of Derrick satates: “Following feed- an indicator of students' chances for our Sixth Form that we have so back and our desire to meet the success in their application. many different subjects represented needs of our local community, we Cambridge introduced pre- in these offers.” have revised our admissions pol- admission testing to respond to the Kent education specialist Peter icy. Please note we have removed removal of AS levels. Read said: “Most grammar schools the inclusion of a priority for chil- Oakwood Park’s five successful would normally produce two or dren attending a trust primary students (pictured right) had to take pendent on their final A-Level three students who would go to school ahead of other children.” a test, submit written work and at- grades this summer. Oxbridge. VIAT runs Aylesford, East Bor- tend interviews at the colleges to The two students with places at “The school is to be congratulated ough, Kings Hill, Leybourne which they had applied – and have Oxford University are Bruno Robin- for nurturing its brightest pupils.” Chase and Holborough Lakes pri- now been offered their places, de- son who has a place to study Maths More education news, page 8 maries. COUNTY COBBLER

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Maidstone February 2018 3 News downsmail.co.uk Centre’s haul THE Mall Maidstone raised more than £11,000 for charity over Ivy hoping The Voice Christmas. An impressive £7,700 was given by shoppers using The Mall’s grotto and wrapping service. Pres- can start a new Paige ents left on the Giving Tree were also delivered to The Christian Care Day Centre. SHE may be a shadow of her former self, but thinking big has got Maid- Other charities to benefit in- stone’s Ivy Paige to heights others only dream of. cluded Lily’s Little Legs, for five- year-old Lily-Mae Leadsham, from Still gratefully curvy at a trim , Maidstone, who suf- size 8, the newest star of ITV’s The fers from cerebral palsy and is un- Voice UK was once a hefty size 20. able to walk independently. The burlesque 5ft 5ins performer, The Carol Factor contest raised 26, says that after being heavy in another £2,835.07. her teens and early 20s, only a fas- cination to get fit saw her finally shed the pounds, lifting weights to Heroin arrest create her new, sexy shape. MAIDSTONE man Peter Mills has She said: “I’m still burly; I’ve still been arrested on suspicion of sup- got a bottom and thighs and love plying heroin after police seized eating chocolate, but I was happy drugs suspected to have been pre- sized 20 and I am happy at size 8. pared for 28 street deals. “Everyone should feel happy Police were patrolling the when they look in the mirror - it’s Road area of the county town on about empowerment.” December 11 when they recog- It is this positive approach, from nised known drug users congre- a woman who describes herself as gating outside a property. “tenacious and determined”, that Mills (42) of Boxley Road, was ar- saw her win over judge Olly Murs are only singing for 90 seconds. stratospheric, I will always be a rested and on December 12 and ap- (pictured) to steal a place on his “I did feel very nervous before I Maidstone lass and I’m very grate- peared before Maidstone team, grab national headlines and went on stage, but I could see my ful to my mum, my supporters and Magistrates’ Court charged with captivate 5.6m viewers. possessing heroin with intent to mum (Carol) out of the corner of Ciaran who has always supported The compere of the Friday night my eye and this made me feel less my career.” supply. He was remanded until a burlesque show at Mu Mu’s in nervous.” Ciaran O’Quigley, the owner of later date. Week Street, said: “I do like to leave an impression - it’s what I do! No stranger to the heady world Mu Mu’s, said: “I really do wish “I seduced Olly with my voice of entertaining, Ivy began singing her all the best.” Town hall flood professionally 10 years ago and As well as The Voice, Ivy will MAIDSTONE’S town hall suffered before we even met and it’s my will be performing in a one-off shortly be starring in a BBC docu- a flood in its basement shortly be- voice that I want to take me for- fore Christmas. ward; I’m in it to win it. West End show on Valentine’s Day. mentary called From Burlesque A rising water table was blamed “It was like a whirlwind – you She said: “Even if things go Queen to Body Builder. for the influx, which had to be con- tinuously pumped while the prob- Music still on the menu after pub’s refurb lem was assessed by experts. Damage was first noticed to the THE owners of a popular pub which Maidstone Borough Council build- hosts local bands in the town insist ing in the town centre when water that it will retain its live music provi- started to accumulate in the base- sion once it reopens after a ment around December 16 or 17. £900,000 refit. Fears Shepherd Neame’s plans for Earls will mean a change in musical Bank expands style have been allayed by the brew- THE Kent Reliance bank has ex- ery, who say it wants to retain its ex- panded with a larger branch in isting clientele. Maidstone. The pub was bought by the Kent The Chatham-based company brewery in July 2016, and shut its has opened an outlet in the High doors for the final time as Earls on Street, a short distance from its for- January 12. mer premises. When it reopens – which is ex- The move is part of a programme pected to be in early April – the pub of investment into its branch net- will have had what the brewery says work at a time when other banks is an “extensive internal and exter- the roof terrace and altering the LGBT bar as it was before. are shutting offices, it claims. nal redecoration” and will have an floor layout to create more space for “But you can’t just have a refit expanded food and drink menu. It customers.” and expect things to change – you Lions on street will also revert to its previous name, Leon Burns, who runs the popular have to put the work in. Pubs have A STREET collection by Maidstone the Market House. Maidstone pub the Queen Anne changed so much, people want to Lions at Christmas raised £564 for Earls has been well-known for wel- with his partner Craig, said: “Since go to more upmarket places and you local charities. coming local rock and heavy metal we had our refit, we’ve certainly suc- have to follow the trends. The Lions recently gave Alling- bands playing both covers and orig- ceeded in bringing in different clien- “For example, gin is massive now ton Primary School 138 hi-vis vests inal material. tele. and we’re stocking 17 different gins, – worth £400 – to help with walk- A Shepherd Neame spokesman “We’ve gone back to being more so we’re getting a reputation as a ing safety. said: “Work will include expanding of a community facility than just a gin pub in the town.”

4 Maidstone February 2018 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Centre’s haul THE Mall Maidstone raised more Guides call for than £11,000 for charity over Ivy hoping The Voice Christmas. An impressive £7,700 was given by shoppers using The Mall’s new volunteers grotto and wrapping service. Pres- can start a new Paige ents left on the Giving Tree were GIRLGUIDING has launched an also delivered to The Christian SHE may be a shadow of her former self, but thinking big has got Maid- appeal for more volunteers to run Care Day Centre. groups across Maidstone. Other charities to benefit in- stone’s Ivy Paige to heights others only dream of. After more than 100 years in op- cluded Lily’s Little Legs, for five- eration, the movement’s Brownie year-old Lily-Mae Leadsham, from Still gratefully curvy at a trim group at Loose is at risk of closure Ringlestone, Maidstone, who suf- size 8, the newest star of ITV’s The as its current leader is going to uni- fers from cerebral palsy and is un- Voice UK was once a hefty size 20. versity this year. The Brownie able to walk independently. The burlesque 5ft 5ins performer, group at Shepway and Rainbows The Carol Factor contest raised 26, says that after being heavy in at Coxheath both say they are very another £2,835.07. her teens and early 20s, only a fas- short of people to run them. cination to get fit saw her finally Boughton Vale Division, based in Heroin arrest shed the pounds, lifting weights to south Maidstone, is offering a vari- create her new, sexy shape. ety of flexible volunteering roles in MAIDSTONE man Peter Mills has She said: “I’m still burly; I’ve still been arrested on suspicion of sup- the hope that they will fit with in- got a bottom and thighs and love dividuals’ free time, from helping plying heroin after police seized eating chocolate, but I was happy Jamie Bird, on a Girlguiding Kent drugs suspected to have been pre- out at a meeting once a month, to sized 20 and I am happy at size 8. supporting weekend events or run- Weald trip to Mexico pared for 28 street deals. “Everyone should feel happy Police were patrolling the Boxley ning occasional group sessions. spending time with friends made when they look in the mirror - it’s Division commissioner Hilary 51% of girls (aged seven to 21) feel Road area of the county town on about empowerment.” December 11 when they recog- Carter says: “There are 16,000 girls more positive, being creative (22%), It is this positive approach, from on waiting lists in London and the being outdoors (22%) and one in nised known drug users congre- a woman who describes herself as gating outside a property. South East who may not be able to five felt trying new things en- “tenacious and determined”, that join without additional leaders, so hanced their life - all core aims of Mills (42) of Boxley Road, was ar- saw her win over judge Olly Murs are only singing for 90 seconds. stratospheric, I will always be a rested and on December 12 and ap- it’s not just about the units that the guiding movement. (pictured) to steal a place on his “I did feel very nervous before I Maidstone lass and I’m very grate- may close but also the need to open Deputy chief guide Sally Illsley peared before Maidstone team, grab national headlines and Magistrates’ Court charged with went on stage, but I could see my ful to my mum, my supporters and new ones.” said: “If you’re someone who captivate 5.6m viewers. mum (Carol) out of the corner of Ciaran who has always supported Jamie Bird, a young leader at would like to help inspire and em- possessing heroin with intent to The compere of the Friday night supply. He was remanded until a my eye and this made me feel less my career.” Coxheath Guides, said: “I’ve done power a generation of girls and Buyingng, ssellelling burlesque show at Mu Mu’s in nervous.” Ciaran O’Quigley, the owner of so many things I wouldn’t have young women to find their place in later date. Week Street, said: “I do like to leave No stranger to the heady world Mu Mu’s, said: “I really do wish been able to do anywhere else, the world, then volunteering with an impression - it’s what I do! such as travelling abroad, climbing, Girlguiding is the chance to do just Town hall flood “I seduced Olly with my voice of entertaining, Ivy began singing her all the best.” professionally 10 years ago and As well as The Voice, Ivy will abseiling and canoeing, which I that.” oror both? MAIDSTONE’S town hall suffered before we even met and it’s my love. I help out at a Guide group Anyone interested in getting in- will be performing in a one-off shortly be starring in a BBC docu- a flood in its basement shortly be- voice that I want to take me for- now because I want others to have volved can contact Hilary Carter at West End show on Valentine’s Day. mentary called From Burlesque fore Christmas. ward; I’m in it to win it. the opportunities I had.” boughtonvaledivision@girlguid- Whitehead Monckton solicitors can help A rising water table was blamed “It was like a whirlwind – you She said: “Even if things go Queen to Body Builder. Research last year found that ingkentweald.org.uk. for the influx, which had to be con- you complete all the legal steps, whether tinuously pumped while the prob- Music still on the menu after pub’s refurb you’you’rre buying or sellingsel a prpropertyoperty. lem was assessed by experts. MP helps increase lorry fine Damage was first noticed to the THE owners of a popular pub which We take pride in offeringf a no-nonsense approach to Maidstone Borough Council build- hosts local bands in the town insist ILLEGALLY parked lorries tar- “Along with tougher rules we ing in the town centre when water that it will retain its live music provi- geted in a pilot scheme in Ash- need more lorry parking spaces. what can sometimes be a frustrating process, helping started to accumulate in the base- sion once it reopens after a ford have had fines almost I understand a number of com- ensure your transaction is completed as quickly and ment around December 16 or 17. £900,000 refit. quadrupled after an interven- mercial lorry parks in Kent are Fears Shepherd Neame’s plans for tion by Helen Whately. looking to expand and smoothly as possible. Earls will mean a change in musical Mrs Whately, MP for the government is work- Bank expands style have been allayed by the brew- Faversham and Mid ing on whether a perma- Recognised by the Law Society Conveyancing Quality THE Kent Reliance bank has ex- ery, who say it wants to retain its ex- Kent, wrote to the min- nent solution to Accreditation Scheme, a requirement for some panded with a larger branch in isting clientele. ister Jesse Norman on Operation Stack can also Maidstone. The pub was bought by the Kent December 14 saying it be used to tackle fly- mortgage lenders to use the same solicitors. The Chatham-based company brewery in July 2016, and shut its costs £150 to clamp a parking.” has opened an outlet in the High doors for the final time as Earls on lorry but the council Ukip councillor Eddie Contact us today Street, a short distance from its for- January 12. was only allowed to Powell – a fierce critic of mer premises. When it reopens – which is ex- charge a £40 fee. lorries using the road- CanterCanterburbury 010122701222727 64643253250 The move is part of a programme pected to be in early April – the pub The minister has now agreed sides as free parking – wants the of investment into its branch net- will have had what the brewery says to allow Ashford Borough scheme rolled out to Maidstone MaidstoneMaidstone 00162216221622 69800698000 work at a time when other banks is an “extensive internal and exter- the roof terrace and altering the LGBT bar as it was before. Council to charge £150 fines "without delay". are shutting offices, it claims. nal redecoration” and will have an floor layout to create more space for “But you can’t just have a refit while it is trialling clamping lor- He added: “The sooner the Tentee rden 0158001580 76572765722 ries. programme is rolled out expanded food and drink menu. It customers.” and expect things to change – you www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Lions on street will also revert to its previous name, Leon Burns, who runs the popular have to put the work in. Pubs have Mrs Whately said: “I’m throughout the country and es- A STREET collection by Maidstone the Market House. Maidstone pub the Queen Anne changed so much, people want to pleased that the government has pecially into Maidstone, where listened and increased fines for the problems are horrendous, Whiteheaitehead MoncMonckton LimiteLimited (no. 0808366029), regisistered in Lions at Christmas raised £564 for Earls has been well-known for wel- with his partner Craig, said: “Since go to more upmarket places and you EngEngland & Waalles. local charities. coming local rock and heavy metal we had our refit, we’ve certainly suc- have to follow the trends. illegally parked lorries. This the better.” Regisistered office 72 King Strtreet, Maiiddstonee,, Kent, ME14 1BL. will mean that the local council Illegally parked lorries and Authorised and regulated by the SSoolicciitors Regulatatiioon Authority under The Lions recently gave Alling- bands playing both covers and orig- ceeded in bringing in different clien- “For example, gin is massive now no. 608279. ton Primary School 138 hi-vis vests inal material. tele. and we’re stocking 17 different gins, is no longer being left out of their drivers cause disruption, – worth £400 – to help with walk- A Shepherd Neame spokesman “We’ve gone back to being more so we’re getting a reputation as a pocket for clamping more lor- noise, unwanted litter and DM /1 ing safety. said: “Work will include expanding of a community facility than just a gin pub in the town.” ries. human waste where it occurs.

Maidstone February 2018 5 News downsmail.co.uk

CNewsomic’s views downsmail.co.uk ‘well meaning’ ‘Thin air’ won’t finance RAnotherISING star of the comedy circuit incursion Geoff Norcott will be appearing at Maidstone’s popular Hazlitt The- atre next month. upkeep of our churches atFresh fro Larkfieldm a successful TV ap- park pearance at the Apollo and Ques- THE parlous state of church fi- Rev Steve tTRAVELLERSion Time, Geoff havewill movedbe tread backing nellersances simplyhas l movinged outs onpok toen takevic upar Hughes, left, tontohe Ha azl popularitt board parks on F inrid Larkfielday, Feb- Rtemporaryev Steve H residenceughes to elsewherewarn of tw ino with the Bishop rforuar they 23 second. time in six months. ptheari area.shes potentially going bank- of Dover, the Rt TThehe c familiesomic is o -n inthe five“Ri caravansght Lean- - He said: “They just seem to be rupt within three years. Rev Trevor Will- inpulledg but W onell M toea Gighillning” tou Greenr, wher ine doingAltho theugh rounds.Rev Hu Theseghes w incidentsarns that mott, centre, hLunsforde sees the Lanefunn ony s Sundayide of h Octoberis own ghaveoing affectedbust is a West“wo Malling,rst possib forcingle sce- T,,or releasingy views. dogs on the popular the closure of the village hall, and and Rev John public open space and setting up nario”, the reality is that churches Tickets for the over-16s show Leybourne, and now they are back Corbyn washing lines within hours. It is un- “incan Larkfield.not be run Theon t policehin air” told. resi- cderstoodost £13.50 and are available on dentsThe thatAng thislican wasvic ar civil, wh trespasso is in 0the1622 fami-758611. cwhenharge theyof t reportedhe churc ithe ands at thatOth theyam, lies in- Lcouldn’teeds, L doang anythingley, Bro andomf obviouslyield and volved Ktheing councilswood, officeswrote werein closedhis lo be-cal services held at the two churches at- within the church, and to say that Fhaveill beening station pcausearish itne waswslet theter: weekend.“The sad r Theseeality tract around 40 worshippers. Rev things cannot go on forever.” offering itravellerss that our knowchurc andhes ( playand t thehose sys-in Hughes told Downs Mail that com- Father Neil Bryson, in charge of gtreee fellingts a revamp mtem.”any other places) are in a state of m‘Spooktacular’unal prayer is a way to bring more th ate St M theichael a farmnd All Angels in TservicesESCO ha tos confirmed its filling sta- deThecline council’s. One of t legalhe ar teameas o servedf declin ane, peMAKEople t theoge mostther. of the October half-termTon holidaybridge atRo Kentad, LifeMai Heritagedstone, said residents tion at in Maidstone hevictione wrote notice, is t buthe it“d tookoma ain weekof f toi- FarmHe s Park’said: “ HalloweenChurches Spooktacularwould be inha Maidstone.ll rentals bring extra income. In in the area. enforce. Cllr Thornewell held talks will be closed until February, while nance”. stroBravenger i kidsf the arepe invitedople too tok thepra vintageying 2 village017, Fr toB knockryson onint doorsroduc anded special Parish with Engineering in an discover who – or what – is lurking behind them from October 21-31. improvements are carried out. together seriously and making it a services at Christmas which at- council effortHe a todd increaseed: “The securityparish furtherof Otha onm The award-winning attraction at Sandling, near Maidstone, has a few chairmanDowns Mail recently reported athend publicLangle land,y, for nearexam thepl M20.e, is likely protherayerf tricksul com upm itsun sleeveity. It’s totr turnue of itsal usuall trac exhibitsted alm intoost 1 frightening,400 people, includ- tDavidhat the Thornewellforecourt w saysas c morelosed hasan tod to Valdemarbe bankru Kalininpt (lite (pictured),rally) withi ofn thfarmhousese churches, andnot horrifyingjust these. homes. Youngstersing ma canny tryloc pumpkinal scho carving,olchildren. sbeinc donee then toa stopsign thehas travellingbeen put com-up. tthehre Nationale years – Gypsy-Traveller-Romait is bleeding money dressing“The tru upth i ands tha thet if Uglya chu Bugrch h Ball.olds Midnight mass and its Christmas munityA spo runningkesman circlesfor th arounde retai theler aCouncilt the ra saidte of recentlyroughly that£1,00 local0 a a juOnmb Octoberle sale, y 25,ou therewoul willd g beet 1 more0 to spookymorni goings-onng service withs sa Kentw a Lifebig jump apolicepologi andsed localfor a councils.ny inconvenience mcouncilsonth – mustunless providethere is designateda radical 20Aftervolu Dark,nteers to help out but if you year on year. cauHesed saysand thesa jobid i oft w movingas work onin trav-g to otravellerverhaul o sitesf wh orat “toleratedwe are prep zone”ared holdThisa p eventrayer includesmeeting a spine-chillingyou would tourFr suitableBryson forad under-eightsded: “Mone fromy is al- ellers for a second time will run into which gypsy convoys can move be5-6pmdeligh and,ted i forf 10 olderpeop visitors,le turne fromd up 7-8pm.. ways a challenge but we always rthousandseopen the ofsta poundstion on TheWed lastnesd inci-ay, to give.” February 14.” onto.He s Heaid said:that “Iton comesaverage downthe s toix It isIfju youst a wouldchalle likenge tot knowo the morepeop aboutle see anym t ofo c theove above,r it.” call 01622 dent, in early summer, costing the racial prejudice against this com- 763936. parish council £1,200, with the trav- munity.” WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C? 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Maidstone Weald October 2017 7 Maidstone February 2018 7 News | Education downsmail.co.uk School selection revealing trends THE most desired secondary schools in the area have been revealed – New Line path with one in Maidstone receiving almost 200 more first-choice applica- tions than it has places. is still not clear THE challenges are great for With almost 2,000 youngsters schools at both end of the admis- moving up to secondary education sions spectrum, independent edu- each year, it can be a stressful time cation adviser Peter Read insists. for parents as they try to secure the Mr Read, pictured right, who best place for their child. specialises in school appeals and But some schools find them- admissions, has selves oversubscribed on first- seen a lot of choice picks alone, while others fall changes in his 43 significantly short. years working in In Maidstone, Valley Park is the education in Kent. most popular school, with 433 And admis- pupils opting for it as their first sions is one of the choice for the 2018 intake. With biggest issues for 240 places up for grabs, it means al- schools. most 200 of them were left disap- “For example, pointed. with the 2017 intake, New Line In total, once every preference Learning Academy, had 61 of its had been totted up, more than 210 places on allocation in March, 1,000 youngsters had applied to at- a figure that will have increased tend the school. considerably after grammar school That is in contrast to New Line Securing a place for your child at secondary school can be stressful for par- appeals,” he said. “People will avoid New Line and they seem to Learning Academy, which came ents. The Malling School head teacher Carl Roberts (above) is proud of his be deserting Cornwallis Academy up significantly short of filling their school’s achievements in becoming a popular non-selective school intake of 210, with only 85 pupils as well, which used to be one of the opting for it as a first choice. at appeals for Maidstone grammar extra 180 places for those pupils, so most popular schools in the area.” But, as Peter Read, an independ- schools, which will free up a large the sadness is that the planning Mr Read admits he fears for the ent schools adviser, explains, the number of places on reallocation at committee have rejected the pro- future of the New Line Learning process in the county can be a com- these schools in June.” posal and forced us to appeal that Academy. plicated one. Invicta Grammar School remains decision. Founded in 2007, after a merger “You must not assume that first the most popular first preference “We have done all we can to di- of Senacre Technology College and choices get places,” he said. “Kent for selective pupils. minish the pressure on places and Oldborough Manor Community operates an equal choice system so Valley Park is part of the Valley make sure there are fewer disap- School, the Future Schools Trust fa- that the people who are, for exam- Invicta Academies Trust, with In- pointed people.” cility has struggled with reputation ple, closest to Valley Park who victa and four local primary In Malling, The Malling School and Ofsted reports, and although don’t put them first may get places schools, and have plans to open a has continued its rise to again be a the school insists it is moving in the ahead of those who have it as a first School of Science and Technology popular non-selective choice where right direction, Mr Read is not so choice who live further out. at Vinters Park in the town. demand outstripped capacity. sure. “If you take Valley Park for the Valley Park head Vic Ashdown Head teacher Carl Roberts said: “New Line Learning Academy 2017 intake, of the 270 places of- said: “It’s fantastic but, of course, it “Our senior team set about making replaced two struggling schools fered, only 245 of them went to first does come with its frustrations be- the changes that were necessary to and has never established itself in choices – so 25 people who didn’t cause obviously many of them are deliver a great education to our the public mind as a school of put them as first choice got places. left disappointed. pupils. choice,” he said. “Its viability must “The selective system does com- “What it does do is highlight the “Once we sorted that out, our be in doubt, especially if the Maid- plicate things. But the good news need for the school of science. reputation improved and the stone School of Science and Tech- for parents at non-selective schools “If that had been approved in school went from strength to nology becomes a reality.” is that there is a high rate of success September we would have had an strength.” New Line Learning head Paul Murphy, pictured below, said: STATISTICS provided by “The school has historically been the official Kent Education Top choices of parents for secondary education Learning and Skills Infor- one of the less popular choices and mation clearly demon- School name Intake 1st pref Total Ist choices/ we are working strate the winners and capacity % hard to change losers in education. both the image The left-hand column Valley Park School 240 433 1080 180 and reputation of shows the number of chil- The Malling School 159 214 429 135 the school, as was dren each school plans to Maplesden Noakes School 180 228 1024 127 recognised in our accept, while the next two St Simon Stock Catholic School 180 198 630 110 recent Ofsted in- show the number of first preferences and total pref- St Augustine Academy 150 130 537 87 spection report. erences it has received. School 150 92 266 61 “Today at NLL, The entries on the right Cornwallis Academy 255 126 364 49 we set high standards and are in show the first choice pref- Aylesford School – Sports College 180 80 275 44 the process of setting up partner- erences over the capacity Holmesdale School 180 75 198 42 ships which will offer our students as a percentage. New Line Learning Academy 210 85 162 40 opportunities not yet available at For instance, Valley most other schools in the area. Park’s popularity means Invicta Grammar School 192 200 466 104 “We are confident that these there are 80% more appli- cants than places while Maidstone Grammar School 205 208 412 101 measures and our commitment to New Line Learning Acad- Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School 180 134 471 74 offer our pupils the best outcomes, emy is 60% short. Oakwood Park Grammar School 160 85 349 53 will see a shift in perceptions.”

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Maidstone February 2018 9 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Woman spared Pharmacy first prison sentence for mild illness A MAIDSTONE woman who into her own account. MEDICAL professionals are en- fraudulently paid more than £6,000 Magistrates handed Ockwell a couraging people to stay away of company money into her own 180-day suspended sentence and from GPs and hospitals this win- account has been given a six- ordered her to carry out 150 hours ter by using their local pharmacist month suspended sentence. of unpaid work. She must also pay at the first sign of illness. Denise Ockwell (58) acted as an £5,421.00 in compensation and £85 Pharmacists can give free help accountant for maternity cover at a in costs. and advice on many minor ill- respected waste collection and recy- Environment First, a family-run nesses, such as colds or fever, cling firm in . business, can be traced back to the which can be safely treated at But Ockwell had secretly been 1950s. It is operated now by a third home without seeing a doctor. transferring sums of cash from the generation of the Thompson family. In west Kent, many pharmacies company accounts of Environment According to its website: “In 2001, Tiny tots learn how to be green Minor injury units are part of the “common ailments First Ltd, in Plough Wents Road, an opportunity for recycling waste Trained nurses at minor injury CHILDREN at a Maidstone nursery was led by early years’ educator scheme", which can hand out free into her own. within the agricultural business sec- units (MIUs) can assess and treat have spent 1,000 hours making the Teresa Murray. medication for certain illnesses to She carried on her fraudulent be- tor led to Environment First Ltd cuts, sprains, minor burns, minor world around them a better place. Lucy Ring, nursery manager, said: people who do not usually pay for haviour for over a year until her being formed. From there, the busi- dislocations of the fingers and Three and four-year-olds at Smar- “The children reused and recycled their prescriptions. crime was uncovered. ness has grown to encompass a toes, minor eye injuries and re- ties Nursery transformed plastic plastic bottles to make planters for Dr Bob Bowes, a GP from Tun- Ockwell was sentenced on De- wide range of activities and offering move foreign bodies from, for ex- bottles into plant holders and cre- our spider plants and explored how bridge Wells and clinical chair of cember 8 last year at Maidstone a comprehensive recycling service ample, ears and noses. ated an ‘up-cycled’ home for a toy cuttings grow into larger plants. NHS West Kent Clinical Commis- Magistrates’ Court, where she had for many businesses.” owl named Tom as part of a county “As part of the project, we sioning Group, said: “A pharmacist Dentists pleaded guilty to fraud by false rep- The company declined to com- council challenge to make them wanted to work towards raising will be happy to talk to you about a For emergency dental care, con- resentation, and was convicted of ment to Downs Mail. more aware of their environment awareness of recycling, upcycling cough or a cold and can sell a range tact your own dentist first. At the offence by magistrates. Ockwell has been running a mod- and how to protect it. and reusing materials to support of medication without the need for evenings, weekends and bank hol- The court was told that between est business venture called Todoco The nursery, in Stagshaw Close, sustainability.” a prescription. Keep a supply of es- idays, call DentaLine on 01634 March 1, 2015, and May 1, 2016, Ltd from her home address since has now received a certificate for The children also learned about sential medications at home and 890300. Ockwell, of Firmin Avenue, 2007, which, according to Compa- completing the 1,000 Hours Envi- biodiversity by going on a mini you can speak to your local phar- , paid com- nies House, specialises in mail order Mental health support ronmental Activity Challenge, which beast hunt. macist about that as well.” pany money totalling £6,271.90 and internet retail sales. If you become ill and are uncer- Free confidential emotional ad- tain of what to do, phone the 24- vice and guidance is available 24 hour non-emergency helpline NHS hours a day, seven days a week, Returning for 2018 111, unless it is a 999 emergency. from Mental Health Matters on Details of your nearest pharmacy 0800 107 0160. The Samaritans are on the NHS Choices website at are also there to listen at any time www.nhs.uk. of day or night and can be Health news, page 22 reached by dialling 116 123. Town gets tough on litter louts THE fine for dropping litter in Maid- approved the increase, said: “Maid- stone is to rise to £90 this April. stone Borough Council is commit- Borough councillors agreed the ted to delivering a clean and safe We are proud to announce that Strictly Star increase, from £80 to £90, at a environment for residents and visi- meeting in the town before Christ- tors. Professionals Anton du Beke & Erin Boag will be mas. “Littering can have a huge im- returning to the Mercure Maidstone Hotel on Those receiving a fixed penalty pact on the appearance of our notice will have 14 days to pay, town and villages. It is important Friday 4th May 2018 after which the fine will rise to we continue to tackle littering and £120. other environmental crime.” We have two exciting packages available; The council says the increase is in The committee also supported a - A 50 minute dance workshop with Anton & Erin, line with the recent government tougher approach to littering from a Gala 4 course dinner, a performance from Anton & Erin recommendation to raise fines to a cars. A new on-street enforcement + Bed & Breakfast for £199 per person maximum of £150. team, due to start in April, will be Cllr John Barned, chairman of the able to issue fixed penalty notices - A Gala 4 Course dinner and performance from Anton & Erin council’s communities, housing to the registered keepers of vehicles for £119 per person and environment committee, which from which the litter came.

Book Today! Limited Space Available! Machete seized in police op AN 18-INCH machete, together with heroin, crack cocaine and £200 in email [email protected] cash, was seized from a 21-year-old man driving through Maidstone in an operation by against criminals linked to London gangs. A total of 20 arrests were made during the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate’s week-long operation, with thousands of pounds MERCURE MAIDSTONE worth of drugs seized, along with a number of dangerous weapons. Ashford Road, , Kent ME17 1RE Operation Raptor was set up to disrupt and target offenders linked to criminal networks in the capital, who sometimes attempt to sell and dis- tribute class A drugs in Kent, including heroin and crack cocaine.

10 Maidstone February 2018 downsmail.co.uk News Pharmacy first for mild illness MEDICAL professionals are en- couraging people to stay away from GPs and hospitals this win- winter sale ter by using their local pharmacist at the first sign of illness. UP TO Pharmacists can give free help and advice on many minor ill- nesses, such as colds or fever, 30% OFF which can be safely treated at home without seeing a doctor. In west Kent, many pharmacies Minor injury units are part of the “common ailments Trained nurses at minor injury scheme", which can hand out free units (MIUs) can assess and treat medication for certain illnesses to cuts, sprains, minor burns, minor KINGSIZE people who do not usually pay for dislocations of the fingers and FOR THE PRICE their prescriptions. toes, minor eye injuries and re- OF A DOUBLE Dr Bob Bowes, a GP from Tun- move foreign bodies from, for ex- bridge Wells and clinical chair of ample, ears and noses. NHS West Kent Clinical Commis- sioning Group, said: “A pharmacist Dentists will be happy to talk to you about a For emergency dental care, con- cough or a cold and can sell a range tact your own dentist first. At of medication without the need for evenings, weekends and bank hol- a prescription. Keep a supply of es- idays, call DentaLine on 01634 sential medications at home and 890300. you can speak to your local phar- Mental health support macist about that as well.” If you become ill and are uncer- Free confidential emotional ad- tain of what to do, phone the 24- vice and guidance is available 24 hour non-emergency helpline NHS hours a day, seven days a week, 111, unless it is a 999 emergency. from Mental Health Matters on Details of your nearest pharmacy 0800 107 0160. The Samaritans are on the NHS Choices website at are also there to listen at any time www.nhs.uk. of day or night and can be Health news, page 22 reached by dialling 116 123. Town gets tough on litter louts THE fine for dropping litter in Maid- approved the increase, said: “Maid- stone is to rise to £90 this April. stone Borough Council is commit- Borough councillors agreed the ted to delivering a clean and safe increase, from £80 to £90, at a environment for residents and visi- % meeting in the town before Christ- tors. 0 mas. “Littering can have a huge im- Those receiving a fixed penalty pact on the appearance of our 3 YEARS INTEREST FREE CREDIT notice will have 14 days to pay, town and villages. It is important when you spend over £1000* after which the fine will rise to we continue to tackle littering and £120. other environmental crime.” INTEREST FREE OFFER ENDS SUNDAY 4TH FEBRUARY The council says the increase is in The committee also supported a line with the recent government tougher approach to littering from recommendation to raise fines to a cars. A new on-street enforcement maximum of £150. team, due to start in April, will be Cllr John Barned, chairman of the able to issue fixed penalty notices council’s communities, housing to the registered keepers of vehicles and environment committee, which from which the litter came.

FREE MATTRESS PROTECTOR Machete seized in police op with any bed purchase worth up to £100 AN 18-INCH machete, together with heroin, crack cocaine and £200 in cash, was seized from a 21-year-old man driving through Maidstone in For a stylish home an operation by Kent Police against criminals linked to London gangs. A total of 20 arrests were made during the Kent and Essex Serious 01622 753073 | clarkesfurnishers.co.uk Crime Directorate’s week-long operation, with thousands of pounds worth of drugs seized, along with a number of dangerous weapons. Visit us at Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF Operation Raptor was set up to disrupt and target offenders linked to criminal networks in the capital, who sometimes attempt to sell and dis- * Cash price £1000, deposit £280. 36 monthly payments of £20. Total payable £1000. tribute class A drugs in Kent, including heroin and crack cocaine. Subject to status. Credit subject to acceptance. Not applicable to clearance goods.

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TThhee ppeeddeessttrriiaann waass hhiitt bbyy aa ssiill-- KEENT’’SS ppoolliiccee cchhiieeff Maatttthheew ccoossttooffPPoolliicciinnggiinnKeenntt..Thhiissiissnnoott windows : doors : conservatories vveerrTTooyyoottaaAuurriissoonntthheemaaiinnrrooaadd,, SSccootttthhaassaannnnoouunncceeddppllaannssffoorr220000 aarreeqquueessttIIaam maakkiinngglliigghhttllyybbuuttiiss aatt tthhee jjuunnccttiioonn wiitthh Olldd Chhuurrcchh eexxttrraa ooffffiicceerrss ttoo bbee ttaakkeenn oonn nneexxtt ssoomeetthhiinngg II bbeelliieevvee iiss nneecceessssaarryy ttoo Rooaadd.. yyeeaarr –– bbuutt ttaaxxppaayyeerrss wiillll hhaavvee ttoo kkeeeeppKeennttssaaffee.. MrrSStteewaarrttwaassffrroom tthheeBBrreenncchh-- ppiicckkuupptthheebbiillll.. ““II hhaavvee rreevviieeweedd Keenntt PPoolliiccee’’ss lleeyy aarreeaa,, aanndd hhiiss ffaamiillyy hhaavvee ppaaiidd Mrr SSccootttt ssaayyss hhee maaddee hhiiss ddeeccii-- pprrooppoossaallssffoorroovveerr££99m ooffccoossttssaavv-- ttrriibbuutteettoohhiim.. ssiioonnttoorreeccrruuiittmoorreessttaaffffaafftteerrccoonn-- iinnggss aanndd bbeelliieevvee tthhaatt,, aass tthheeyy wiillll HAND-MADE SUSHI & HOT FOOD TThhee ssaaiidd:: ““A lloovviinngg,, ggeennttllee maann ssuullttiinnggwiitthhllooccaallrreessiiddeennttss.. hhaavvee aa miinniimaall iimppaacctt oonn tthhee aannddffaatthheerroofftthhrreeeeJJoohhnnwaassaallssooaa TThheeeexxttrraaooffffiicceerrsswiillllccoosstthhoouussee-- ffrroonnttlliinnee,,tthheeyysshhoouullddbbeeddeelliivveerreedd.. Sorry no buy one get one free. No 70% off list price ggrraannddaadd aanndd ggrreeaatt--ggrraannddaadd.. Hee hhoollddss iinn tthhee ccoouunnttyy aarroouunndd ££11 aa ““Thheerree sshhoouulldd bbee nnoo eexxccuussee ffoorr lloovveedd tthhee ggrreeaatt oouuttddoooorrss whheerree hhee moonntthh aanndd Mrr SSccootttt iinntteennddss ttoo uussiinngg eexxttrraa ccoouunncciill ttaaxx ttoo pprroopp uupp woorrkkeedd aass aa wooooddssmaann,, eennjjooyyiinngg ssllaasshh hhiiss oowwnn ooffffiiccee rruunnnniinngg ccoossttss iinneeffffiicciieennttpprraaccttiicceessaannddwhheerreebbeett-- Just the keenest prices around12 King Street, ccooppppiicciinnggaannddffeenncceemaakkiinngg.. bbyy ££220000,,000000 aanndd kkeeeepp ££55mm ooff KKeenntt tteerr vvaalluuee ffoorr moonneeyy ccaann bbee ddeelliivv-- Maidstone ME14 1DE ““JJoohhnnwiillllbbeessaaddllyymiisssseeddbbyyaallll PPoolliiccee rreesseerrvveess ttoo ssuuppppoorrtt rreeccrruuiitt-- eerreedd,, iitt sshhoouulldd bbee.. TThhiiss wiillll hheellpp hhiisslloovveeddoonneessaannddffrriieennddss..”” mmeennttoovveerrtthhrreeeeyyeeaarrss.. miittiiggaattee tthhee pprreessssuurreess ooff ppaayy aanndd www.southernglassmaidstone.co.uk Mon to Sat PPoolliiccee aarree ssttiillll iinnvveessttiiggaattiinngg tthhee MMrr SSccootttt ssaaiidd:: ““OOvveerr tthhee ppaasstt iinnffllaattiioonn..”” ccoolllliissiioonn aanndd ooffffiicceerrss aarree ccoonnttiinnuu-- yyeeaarr,, II hhaavvee ccoonnttiinnuueedd ttoouurriinngg tthhee Hee aaddddeedd:: ““TThhiiss iiss aann aambbiittiioouuss 11:00 ~ 21:00 iinngg ttoo aappppeeaall ffoorr wiittnneesssseess,, whhoo ccoouunnttyyaannddssppeeaakkiinnggwwiitthhllooccaallrreess-- pprrooppoossaall.. IItt wiillll meeaann tthhaatt rreessii-- hhaavvee yyeett ttoo ssppeeaakk ttoo ppoolliiccee,, ttoo ccoonn-- iiddeennttss,, ccoommmmuunniittyy ggrroouuppss,, bbuussii-- ddeennttss ggeett ssoomeetthhiinngg bbaacckk ffoorr tthhee Sun & BH ttaacctttthheem.. nneesssseess aanndd cchhaarriittiieess ttoo sseeeekk tthheeiirr ttaaxx tthhaatt tthheeyy ppaayy aanndd vvaalluuee ffoorr ttaakkeetthhee““ttoottaallnnuumbbeerrooffppoolliicceeooff-- 11:00 ~ 18:00 vviieewwss oonn ppoolliicciinngg iinn KKeenntt aanndd moonneeyy iinn whhaatt iiss ssppeenntt iinn tthheeiirr NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN ffiicceerrss iinn Keenntt ttoo iittss hhiigghheesstt lleevveell Our food is cooked on each premises and the MMeeddwwaayy.. nnaamee.. Cars damaged ssiinnccee22001122””.. Mon to Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm ““II hhaavvee ssppeenntt ttiimmee wwiitthh tthhee ppoo-- ““IItt bboooossttss PPoolliicciinngg iinn Keenntt iinn hand-made sushi makes our food all the more 01622 759648 A MAIIDSSTTONEE maann hhaass bbeeeenn Hee aaddddeedd tthhaatt whhiillee ““ppoolliicciinngg cchhaarrggeedd aafftteerr rreeppoorrttss aann aaxxee waass lliiccee ooffffiicceerrss,, ssttaaffff aanndd vvoolluunntteeeerrss uurrbbaann aanndd rruurraall aarreeaass iinn tthhee ffiigghhtt fresh and is made just for you. Our food has a 1a Brunswick Street East Maidstone ME15 7UX rreemaaiinnss uunnddeerr pprreessssuurree”” tthheerree iiss Delivery Order: uusseeddttooddaamaaggeeccaarrss.. sseerrvviinngg oonn tthhee ffrroonnttlliinnee ttoo hheeaarr aaggaaiinnsstt aannttiissoocciiaall bbeehhaavviioouurr,, oorr-- aanniinnccrreeaassiinnggnneeeeddttoossuuppppoorrtt““vvuull-- lot more than just being delicious and fast. TToommyy Duunnnn,, ooff Chhaarrlleess SSttrreeeett,, tthheeiirreexxppeerriieenncceessttoooo..”” ggaanniisseedd ccrriimee,, ffrraauudd aanndd ccyybbeerr-- WE DO NOT employ pushy salesmen on commission. WE DO employ our own fitters. www.deliveroo.co.uk waass aarrrreesstteedd oonn TThhuurrssdaayy Deecceem-- TThhee eexxttrraa ooffffiicceerrss wiillll ggoo iinnttoo nneerraabblleeppeeoopplleeiinnmeennttaallhheeaalltthhccrrii-- ccrriimee,, ddoomeessttiicc aabbuussee aanndd rrooaadd WE DO insure all our guarantees for peace of mind. WE DO give prices over the phone. 01622 686732 bbeerr 2288 aannd ssuubbsseeqquueennttllyy cchhaarrggeedd bboooossttiinngg rruurraall aanndd rrooaaddss ppoolliicciinngg,, ssiiss””aannddccoombbaatt ttrraaffffiiccooffffeenncceess.. wiitthhffoouurrooffffeenncceessooffccaauussiinnggccrriim-- llooccaall ccoommuunniittiieess,, ffiigghhttiinngg ccyybbeerr-- Mrr SSccootttt ssaaiidd:: ““II aam aasskkiinngg rreessii-- ““Viiccttiimss wiillll ggeett aa bbeetttteerr sseerrvviiccee iinnaallddaamaaggee.. ccrriimeeaannddpprroovviiddiinnggggrreeaatteerrppuubblliicc ddeennttss ttoo ccoonnttrriibbuuttee tthhee eeqquuiivvaalleenntt whheenn tthheeyy hhaavvee bbeeeenn ssubbjjeecctt ttoo Sell your Hee waass aallssoo cchhaarrggeedd wiitthh nniinnee pprrootteeccttiioonn.. ooffaannaaddddiittiioonnaall££11ppeerrmmoonntthhffrroom hheeiinnoouuss aaccttss aanndd moorree ccrriimiinnaallss sseeppaarraattee sshhoopplliiffttiinngg ooffffeenncceess aall-- Mrr SSccootttt ccllaaiimss tthhee moovvee wiillll aann aavveerraaggee hhoouusseehhoolldd ttoowaarrddss tthhee wiillllbbeebbrroouugghhttttoojjuussttiiccee..”” unwanted items lleeggeedd ttoo hhaavvee ttaakkeenn ppllaaccee bbeettweeeenn Deecceembbeerr1111aanndd1177.. Hee aappppeeaarreedd bbyy vviiddeeoo lliinnkk bbee-- ffoorreeMeeddwaayyMaaggiissttrraatteessCoouurrttoonn Trust handed a cash boost M20 sentence Deecceembbeerr 3300,, hhaavviinngg bbeeeenn rree-- A TTRUCKEER whhoo ccrraasshheedd iinnttoo maannddeedd iinn ccuussttooddyy ffoolllloowiinngg hhiiss aann M2200 ffoooottbbrriiddggee iinn Auugguusstt cchhaarrggiinngg.. 22001166 sshhooweerriinngg tthhee ccaarrrriiaaggee-- PPoolliiccee weerree iinnvveessttiiggaattiinngg aafftteerr aa waayy wiitthh 117700 ttoonnnneess ooff ddeebbrriiss FFoorrddTTrraannssiittaannddRaannggeeRoovveerrhhaadd hhaassbbeeeennssppaarreeddjjaaiill.. wiinnddoowss ssmaasshheedd iinn Caarrrroollll Gaarr-- Allaann Auusstteenn aaddmiitttteedd aa ddeennss,,LLaarrkkffiieelldd,,bbyyaannaaxxee,,whhiilleeoonn cchhaarrggee ooff ccaauussiinngg iinnjjuurryy tthhee ssaamee ddaayy ddaamaaggee waass aallssoo tthhrroouugghh ddaannggeerroouuss ddrriivviinngg ccaauusseed ttoo aa VaauuxxhhaallllAssttrraa ppaarrkkeed whheenn maacchhiinneerryy hhee waass ccaarrrryy-- iinnEllm Crreesscceenntt,,EaassttMaalllliinngg.. iinnggssttrruucckktthheebbrriiddggeenneeaarrjjuunncc-- WiinndoowssaattaapprrooppeerrttyyiinnPPlloovveerr ttiioonnffoouurrffoorrLeeyybboouurrnnee.. Rooaad,,Ayylleessffoorrd,,weerreessmaasshheed bbee-- Noo oonnee diieed iinn tthhee iinncciideenntt ttweeeenn FFrriidaayy Deecceembbeerr 1155 aannd aalltthhoouugghh aa moottoorrccyycclliisstt,, JJiim SSaattuurrdaayy Deecceembbeerr 1166,, whhiillee aa SShhaaw,,waassiinnjjuurreed whhiilleettrryyiinngg FFoorrd Trraannssiitt ppaarrkkeed iinn Whhiittee ttooaavvooiid tthheeffaalllliinnggmaassoonnrryy.. Rooaad,,Chhaatthhaam,,waassaallssoodaamaaggeed TTHEE BBllaacckktthhoorrnn TTrruusstt iinn Maaiiddssttoonnee lloorr Wiimppeeyy’’ss SSuussaann JJoosseepphh ((ppiicc-- Thhee moottoorrwaayy waass sshhuutt aannd oonnChhrriissttmaassEvvee.. hhaassbbeeeennhhaannddeedd££225500bbyyvviissiittoorrssttoo ttuurreedd rriigghhtt)).. SShhee ssaaiidd:: ““BBllaacckktthhoorrnn ccaauusseed hhaavvoocc ttoo tthhee rrooaadss a new housing estate in West Trust provides amazing services. It’s aarroouunnddMMaaiiddssttoonneeffoorrddaayyss.. a new housing estate in West Trust provides amazing services. It’s Include an image with your free ad. Maalllliinngg.. ggrreeaatt ttoo sseeee oouurr ddoonnaattiioonn bbooxx AAuusstteenn,, 6644,, ooff DDaarrlliinnggttoonn,, CCoo Crash injuries DDuurrhhaamm,, wwaass sseenntteenncceedd ttoo 1122 Just take a photo with your mobile TThheemoonneeyywaassccoolllleecctteeddiinnaaddoo-- sscchheemee rraaiissiinngg aawaarreenneessss ooff tthhee phone or digital camera and save it TTWO ppeeooppllee weerree hhuurrtt iinn aa ccrraasshh nnaattiioonn bbooxx aatt LLeeyybboouurrnnee CChhaassee,, ppoossiittiivveewoorrkkddoonneebbyycchhaarriittiieessaanndd mmoonntthhssiinnpprriissoonnssuussppeennddeeddffoorr online to your computer. iinnvvoollvviinngg aa lloorrrryy aanndd aa ccaarr oonn two years. He must complete wiitthh tthhee ccoommuunniittyy vvoottiinngg ffoorr tthhee ccoommuunniittyy ggrroouuppss iinn tthhee llooccaall two years. He must complete Click on select an image straight DeettlliinnggHiillllnneeaarrMaaiiddssttoonnee.. lluucckkyy rreecciippiieenntt ffrroom tthhrreeee cchhoosseenn aarreeaa..”” 220000hhoouurrssooffuunnppaaiiddwwoorrkk.. after selecting the red button to TThhee iinncciiddeenntt hhaappppeenneedd jjuusstt aafftteerr cchhaarriittiieess.. TThheettrruusstt’’ssSSuussiieeCChhaassssaaggnneessaaiidd:: HHee oorriiggiinnaallllyy ddeenniieedd cchhaarrggeess Free Ad upload your free ad. Make sure your heading clearly 1111..3300aam oonnJJaannuuaarryy22.. TThhee TTrruusstt,, iinn SStt AAnnddrreewss RRooaadd iinn ““Att BBllaacckktthhoorrnn,, iinnddiivviidduuaallss aarree ffrreeee aanndd wwaass dduuee ttoo ssttaanndd ttrriiaall aatt Image, full description, states what you have to sell This will bring up a window A Keenntt PPoolliiccee ssppookkeessmaann ssaaiidd:: BBaarrmiinngg,, whhiicchh waass ffoouunnddeedd iinn ttoo eexxpprreessss tthheemsseellvveess aanndd iillllnneessss MMaaiiddssttoonneeCCrroowwnnCCoouurrttiinnFFeebb-- contact details, easy to upload Type in a description of the item you containing the files on your ““OOffffiicceerrss,, KKeenntt FFiirree aanndd Reessccuuee 11999911,, ssuuppppoorrttss tthhoossee wiitthh meennttaall ffaallllss iinnttootthhee bbaacckkggrroouunndd..TThhiiss ggeenn-- rruuaarryy.. are selling. Put as little or as much Include as many options as you wish computer. SSeerrvviiccee aanndd SSoouutthh EEaasstt Cooaasstt Am-- aanndd pphhyyssiiccaall hheeaalltthh ccoonnddiittiioonnss eerroouuss ddoonnaattiioonn wiillll ccoonnttrriibbuuttee ttoo AAuusstteenn ccllaaiimmeedd tthhaatt hhee hhaad www.downsmail.co.uk information as you like but the more in the contact details eg. telephone, Locate the required photo on your bbuullaanncceeSSeerrvviicceeaatttteennddeeddtthheesscceennee tthhrroouugghhaaccttiivviittiieessiinncclluuddiinnggbbaakkiinngg,, tthhee ccoonnttiinnuuaattiioonn ooff oouurr ggoooodd woorrkk meeaassuurreed tthhee llooaad aatt 1166fftt 22iinnss details you can include the more mobile, email. Specify times to call if computer, double click on the file whheerreettwooppeeoopplleeweerreettrreeaatteeddffoorr wiitthh tthhee bbrriidggee maarrkkeed aatt 1177fftt likely you are to find a potential appropriate - weekends only, and the image you have selected aarrttssaannddccrraaffttss,,aannddggaarrddeenniinngg.. aannddhheellppttooiimpprroovveetthheelliivveessoofftthhee Connecting with buyer. anytime, after 6pm etc. will appear. iinnjjuurriieess..”” TThheemoonneeyywaasspprreesseenntteeddbbyyTTaayy-- iinnddiivviidduuaallssweewoorrkkcclloosseellyywiitthh..”” ffoorrcclleeaarraannccee.. local people

Malling October 2017 23 12 Maidstone February 2018 Maidstone February 2018 13 Newss ddoownnssmaaiill..ccoo..uukk Family tribute A FFAMIILLY ppaaiidd ttrriibbuuttee ttoo aa ggrreeaatt-- OUR REPUTATION ggrraannddaadd whhoo ddiieedd aafftteerr bbeeiinngg hhiitt More bobbies on beat - bbyyaaccaarr.. AWAKENING YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH A TASTIER JJoohhnn SStteewaarrtt,, whhoo waass 7799,, ddiieedd aatt tthhee sscceennee ooff tthhee iinncciiddeenntt oonn tthhee SPEAKS FOR ITSELF A222288 SSeevveenn Miillee LLaannee aatt aarroouunndd taxpayers footing bill FRESHER AND HEALTHIER OPTION 66ppm oonnWeeddnneessddaayyDeecceembbeerr66.. TThhee ppeeddeessttrriiaann waass hhiitt bbyy aa ssiill-- KEENT’’SS ppoolliiccee cchhiieeff Maatttthheew ccoossttooffPPoolliicciinnggiinnKeenntt..Thhiissiissnnoott windows : doors : conservatories vveerrTTooyyoottaaAuurriissoonntthheemaaiinnrrooaadd,, SSccootttthhaassaannnnoouunncceeddppllaannssffoorr220000 aarreeqquueessttIIaam maakkiinngglliigghhttllyybbuuttiiss aatt tthhee jjuunnccttiioonn wiitthh Olldd Chhuurrcchh eexxttrraa ooffffiicceerrss ttoo bbee ttaakkeenn oonn nneexxtt ssoomeetthhiinngg II bbeelliieevvee iiss nneecceessssaarryy ttoo Rooaadd.. yyeeaarr –– bbuutt ttaaxxppaayyeerrss wiillll hhaavvee ttoo kkeeeeppKeennttssaaffee.. MrrSStteewaarrttwaassffrroom tthheeBBrreenncchh-- ppiicckkuupptthheebbiillll.. ““II hhaavvee rreevviieeweedd Keenntt PPoolliiccee’’ss lleeyy aarreeaa,, aanndd hhiiss ffaamiillyy hhaavvee ppaaiidd Mrr SSccootttt ssaayyss hhee maaddee hhiiss ddeeccii-- pprrooppoossaallssffoorroovveerr££99m ooffccoossttssaavv-- ttrriibbuutteettoohhiim.. ssiioonnttoorreeccrruuiittmoorreessttaaffffaafftteerrccoonn-- iinnggss aanndd bbeelliieevvee tthhaatt,, aass tthheeyy wiillll HAND-MADE SUSHI & HOT FOOD TThhee ssaaiidd:: ““A lloovviinngg,, ggeennttllee maann ssuullttiinnggwiitthhllooccaallrreessiiddeennttss.. hhaavvee aa miinniimaall iimppaacctt oonn tthhee aannddffaatthheerroofftthhrreeeeJJoohhnnwaassaallssooaa TThheeeexxttrraaooffffiicceerrsswiillllccoosstthhoouussee-- ffrroonnttlliinnee,,tthheeyysshhoouullddbbeeddeelliivveerreedd.. Sorry no buy one get one free. No 70% off list price ggrraannddaadd aanndd ggrreeaatt--ggrraannddaadd.. Hee hhoollddss iinn tthhee ccoouunnttyy aarroouunndd ££11 aa ““Thheerree sshhoouulldd bbee nnoo eexxccuussee ffoorr lloovveedd tthhee ggrreeaatt oouuttddoooorrss whheerree hhee moonntthh aanndd Mrr SSccootttt iinntteennddss ttoo uussiinngg eexxttrraa ccoouunncciill ttaaxx ttoo pprroopp uupp woorrkkeedd aass aa wooooddssmaann,, eennjjooyyiinngg ssllaasshh hhiiss oowwnn ooffffiiccee rruunnnniinngg ccoossttss iinneeffffiicciieennttpprraaccttiicceessaannddwhheerreebbeett-- Just the keenest prices around12 King Street, ccooppppiicciinnggaannddffeenncceemaakkiinngg.. bbyy ££220000,,000000 aanndd kkeeeepp ££55mm ooff KKeenntt tteerr vvaalluuee ffoorr moonneeyy ccaann bbee ddeelliivv-- Maidstone ME14 1DE ““JJoohhnnwiillllbbeessaaddllyymiisssseeddbbyyaallll PPoolliiccee rreesseerrvveess ttoo ssuuppppoorrtt rreeccrruuiitt-- eerreedd,, iitt sshhoouulldd bbee.. TThhiiss wiillll hheellpp hhiisslloovveeddoonneessaannddffrriieennddss..”” mmeennttoovveerrtthhrreeeeyyeeaarrss.. miittiiggaattee tthhee pprreessssuurreess ooff ppaayy aanndd www.southernglassmaidstone.co.uk Mon to Sat PPoolliiccee aarree ssttiillll iinnvveessttiiggaattiinngg tthhee MMrr SSccootttt ssaaiidd:: ““OOvveerr tthhee ppaasstt iinnffllaattiioonn..”” ccoolllliissiioonn aanndd ooffffiicceerrss aarree ccoonnttiinnuu-- yyeeaarr,, II hhaavvee ccoonnttiinnuueedd ttoouurriinngg tthhee Hee aaddddeedd:: ““TThhiiss iiss aann aambbiittiioouuss 11:00 ~ 21:00 iinngg ttoo aappppeeaall ffoorr wiittnneesssseess,, whhoo ccoouunnttyyaannddssppeeaakkiinnggwwiitthhllooccaallrreess-- pprrooppoossaall.. IItt wiillll meeaann tthhaatt rreessii-- hhaavvee yyeett ttoo ssppeeaakk ttoo ppoolliiccee,, ttoo ccoonn-- iiddeennttss,, ccoommmmuunniittyy ggrroouuppss,, bbuussii-- ddeennttss ggeett ssoomeetthhiinngg bbaacckk ffoorr tthhee Sun & BH ttaacctttthheem.. nneesssseess aanndd cchhaarriittiieess ttoo sseeeekk tthheeiirr ttaaxx tthhaatt tthheeyy ppaayy aanndd vvaalluuee ffoorr ttaakkeetthhee““ttoottaallnnuumbbeerrooffppoolliicceeooff-- 11:00 ~ 18:00 vviieewwss oonn ppoolliicciinngg iinn KKeenntt aanndd moonneeyy iinn whhaatt iiss ssppeenntt iinn tthheeiirr NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN ffiicceerrss iinn Keenntt ttoo iittss hhiigghheesstt lleevveell Our food is cooked on each premises and the MMeeddwwaayy.. nnaamee.. Cars damaged ssiinnccee22001122””.. Mon to Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm ““II hhaavvee ssppeenntt ttiimmee wwiitthh tthhee ppoo-- ““IItt bboooossttss PPoolliicciinngg iinn Keenntt iinn hand-made sushi makes our food all the more 01622 759648 A MAIIDSSTTONEE maann hhaass bbeeeenn Hee aaddddeedd tthhaatt whhiillee ““ppoolliicciinngg cchhaarrggeedd aafftteerr rreeppoorrttss aann aaxxee waass lliiccee ooffffiicceerrss,, ssttaaffff aanndd vvoolluunntteeeerrss uurrbbaann aanndd rruurraall aarreeaass iinn tthhee ffiigghhtt fresh and is made just for you. Our food has a 1a Brunswick Street East Maidstone ME15 7UX rreemaaiinnss uunnddeerr pprreessssuurree”” tthheerree iiss Delivery Order: uusseeddttooddaamaaggeeccaarrss.. sseerrvviinngg oonn tthhee ffrroonnttlliinnee ttoo hheeaarr aaggaaiinnsstt aannttiissoocciiaall bbeehhaavviioouurr,, oorr-- aanniinnccrreeaassiinnggnneeeeddttoossuuppppoorrtt““vvuull-- lot more than just being delicious and fast. TToommyy Duunnnn,, ooff Chhaarrlleess SSttrreeeett,, tthheeiirreexxppeerriieenncceessttoooo..”” ggaanniisseedd ccrriimee,, ffrraauudd aanndd ccyybbeerr-- WE DO NOT employ pushy salesmen on commission. WE DO employ our own fitters. www.deliveroo.co.uk waass aarrrreesstteedd oonn TThhuurrssdaayy Deecceem-- TThhee eexxttrraa ooffffiicceerrss wiillll ggoo iinnttoo nneerraabblleeppeeoopplleeiinnmeennttaallhheeaalltthhccrrii-- ccrriimee,, ddoomeessttiicc aabbuussee aanndd rrooaadd WE DO insure all our guarantees for peace of mind. WE DO give prices over the phone. 01622 686732 bbeerr 2288 aannd ssuubbsseeqquueennttllyy cchhaarrggeedd bboooossttiinngg rruurraall aanndd rrooaaddss ppoolliicciinngg,, ssiiss””aannddccoombbaatt ttrraaffffiiccooffffeenncceess.. wiitthhffoouurrooffffeenncceessooffccaauussiinnggccrriim-- llooccaall ccoommuunniittiieess,, ffiigghhttiinngg ccyybbeerr-- Mrr SSccootttt ssaaiidd:: ““II aam aasskkiinngg rreessii-- ““Viiccttiimss wiillll ggeett aa bbeetttteerr sseerrvviiccee iinnaallddaamaaggee.. ccrriimeeaannddpprroovviiddiinnggggrreeaatteerrppuubblliicc ddeennttss ttoo ccoonnttrriibbuuttee tthhee eeqquuiivvaalleenntt whheenn tthheeyy hhaavvee bbeeeenn ssubbjjeecctt ttoo Sell your Hee waass aallssoo cchhaarrggeedd wiitthh nniinnee pprrootteeccttiioonn.. ooffaannaaddddiittiioonnaall££11ppeerrmmoonntthhffrroom hheeiinnoouuss aaccttss aanndd moorree ccrriimiinnaallss sseeppaarraattee sshhoopplliiffttiinngg ooffffeenncceess aall-- Mrr SSccootttt ccllaaiimss tthhee moovvee wiillll aann aavveerraaggee hhoouusseehhoolldd ttoowaarrddss tthhee wiillllbbeebbrroouugghhttttoojjuussttiiccee..”” unwanted items lleeggeedd ttoo hhaavvee ttaakkeenn ppllaaccee bbeettweeeenn Deecceembbeerr1111aanndd1177.. 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Specify times to call if computer, double click on the file whheerreettwooppeeoopplleeweerreettrreeaatteeddffoorr wiitthh tthhee bbrriidggee maarrkkeed aatt 1177fftt likely you are to find a potential appropriate - weekends only, and the image you have selected aarrttssaannddccrraaffttss,,aannddggaarrddeenniinngg.. aannddhheellppttooiimpprroovveetthheelliivveessoofftthhee Connecting with buyer. anytime, after 6pm etc. will appear. iinnjjuurriieess..”” TThheemoonneeyywaasspprreesseenntteeddbbyyTTaayy-- iinnddiivviidduuaallssweewoorrkkcclloosseellyywiitthh..”” ffoorrcclleeaarraannccee.. local people

Malling October 2017 23 12 Maidstone February 2018 MaidstoneMaidstone FebruaryFebruary 20182018 1313 News downsmail.co.uk Police uncover a dope factory Transport chief is axed KENT Police are investigating after a cannabis factory was dis- covered in a house in Maidstone. Officers went to the premises amid bus cuts concerns after receiving a report of suspi- THE county council’s transport cious activity in Cross Street on chief has been fired in the wake Tuesday, January 2. of a decision to remove crucial They discovered more than 200 subsidies from 70 key bus routes cannabis plants growing in the being revealed in the media. cellar and a first-floor room. Matthew Balfour was relieved of The plants were seized along his post as the cabinet member for with a quantity of growing equip- planning, highways, transport and ment and an investigation is now waste at a one-to-one meeting with under way. Kent County Council leader Paul Cllr Matthew Officers are keen to hear from Carter. County hall sources suggest Balfour, who anyone suspecting that a cannabis Mr Balfour may have paid the price has been re- factory may be operating in their for the manner in which the plans place as area. to cut funding to “socially neces- county coun- Signs can include windows sary” bus routes emerged. cil’s transport being permanently covered from The proposed removal of subsi- chief the inside and vents protruding dies from the services could mean from the roof tiles. A strong they are no longer viable. There was ough councillor, said he was hoping meant that we have not been able to herbal smell can often be de- an immediate public outcry. to spend a couple of hours with Cllr maintain our roads to the standard tected. People calling at the ad- Cllr Balfour said he was currently Whiting for a hand over. we would all like. This is in spite of dress daily or weekly, but only for trying to work out how to “brain He said: “Mike is a friend and I officers being extraordinarily imag- short periods of time, can also be a dump” such a vast amount of wish him all the best. I hope to bring inative in making sure that every sign of suspicious activity. knowledge regarding the county’s him up to speed, which seems the penny of the pittance we receive is Anyone with information is transport plans. kindest thing to do.” spent in the most effective way pos- asked to contact Kent Police on Member for Swale, Mike Whiting, Cllr Balfour claimed he had been sible.” 01622 604100 quoting reference 02- has been appointed his successor. given no specific reason why he Cllr Mike Whiting said: “I am de- 0471. Alternatively, call Kent Cllr Balfour, who will continue to was out of the cabinet. He added: “I lighted to have been offered the op- Cwillrim writingestopp 2018ers, a ad_Layoutnonymous 1ly ,13/12/2017on repres e10:45nt Ma lPageling r u1ral east on the have enjoyed making progress in portunity and am looking forward 0800 555111. county council and is also a bor- my job but budgetary cuts have to the challenge ahead.“

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14 Maidstone February 2018 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Advertisement Feature Police uncover a dope factory Transport chief is axed A Pure Passion for Hairdressing KENT Police are investigating after a cannabis factory was dis- PURE Hairdressing celebrates an amazing milestone covered in a house in Maidstone. Officers went to the premises amid bus cuts concerns this April – 17 fantastic years in business. after receiving a report of suspi- THE county council’s transport The salon, based at the ever-popular Skilled and attentive staff have a real chief has been fired in the wake cious activity in Cross Street on Newnham Court Shopping Village near passion and love of hairdressing and get Tuesday, January 2. of a decision to remove crucial junction 7 of the M20, prides itself on its a buzz from creating new looks using They discovered more than 200 subsidies from 70 key bus routes cannabis plants growing in the being revealed in the media. professionalism and friendly approach their extensive colour knowledge. cellar and a first-floor room. Matthew Balfour was relieved of to its clientele. Maria says: “At Pure, we are incredibly The plants were seized along his post as the cabinet member for Salon owner Maria Cawley, who set lucky we have two colour specialists in the with a quantity of growing equip- planning, highways, transport and up the business in 2001, attributes team who are passing on their knowledge waste at a one-to-one meeting with ment and an investigation is now Pure’s success to a number of key onto the younger stylist team.” under way. Kent County Council leader Paul Cllr Matthew Officers are keen to hear from Carter. County hall sources suggest Balfour, who factors – a great team effort, quality of She adds that the “team love anyone suspecting that a cannabis Mr Balfour may have paid the price has been re- service and a convenient location. nothing more than taking inspiration quality products from L’Oreal, Kerastase, factory may be operating in their for the manner in which the plans place as Pure has always created a relaxed from the catwalks and recreating the Redken, GHD and Moroccan Oil. area. to cut funding to “socially neces- county coun- atmosphere with friendly staff on latest trends”. As well as colouring, our team have a Signs can include windows sary” bus routes emerged. cil’s transport hand to help look after each client They use advanced techniques like real enthusiasm for blow drying and The proposed removal of subsi- being permanently covered from chief and make their visit a truly unique balayage and free hand colour styling hair and recently have come up the inside and vents protruding dies from the services could mean from the roof tiles. A strong they are no longer viable. There was ough councillor, said he was hoping meant that we have not been able to and enjoyable experience. placement and only using the highest with their own blow dry menu. herbal smell can often be de- an immediate public outcry. to spend a couple of hours with Cllr maintain our roads to the standard tected. People calling at the ad- Cllr Balfour said he was currently Whiting for a hand over. we would all like. This is in spite of The salon offers free and easy parking in a dress daily or weekly, but only for trying to work out how to “brain He said: “Mike is a friend and I officers being extraordinarily imag- short periods of time, can also be a dump” such a vast amount of wish him all the best. I hope to bring inative in making sure that every convenient location just off the M20 junction 7. sign of suspicious activity. knowledge regarding the county’s him up to speed, which seems the penny of the pittance we receive is Anyone with information is transport plans. kindest thing to do.” spent in the most effective way pos- To book your appointment call 01622 632642 asked to contact Kent Police on Member for Swale, Mike Whiting, Cllr Balfour claimed he had been sible.” 01622 604100 quoting reference 02- has been appointed his successor. given no specific reason why he Cllr Mike Whiting said: “I am de- or book online at www.purehairdressing.co.uk 0471. Alternatively, call Kent Cllr Balfour, who will continue to was out of the cabinet. He added: “I lighted to have been offered the op- have enjoyed making progress in portunity and am looking forward 12828 HOKH A3 spring draw 18 advert 110x75.qxp_Layout 1 17/01/2018 11:06 Page 1 Crimestoppers, anonymously, on represent Malling rural east on the Newnham Court Shopping Village , Road , Maidstone , Kent , ME14 5LH [email protected] 0800 555111. county council and is also a bor- my job but budgetary cuts have to the challenge ahead.“ Visit our facebook page for advice, tips and to enter some great competitions.

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Maidstone February 2018 15 News downsmail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk XT Factorop 80s b dateands Xt FACTORo sha starre Louisasta Johnsonge Relief road summit now has been lined-up to headline the Princess Royal meets TWO 1980s groups will share the Big Day Out to be held in Maid- stonestag ine f July.or the first time since Live ATheid t singer,his yea bestr – an knownd Maid forsto thene i hits on Bestthe Behaviour,ir blockbust willer to takeur. the stage charitydelayed shopby tw workerso months at MoteSimp Parkle M onin Julyds a 1.nd The Pre- tSheende announcedrs will play theat t gighe K onent Twit-Event THEA PE PRINCESSACE summi Royalt to res receivedolve a lon ag- mise plan for a link between the ter,Ce saying:ntre on “BigSatu news!rday, A I’llug beust head-4. warmrunni welcomeng squab fromble b charityetween vol-Kent A274 and the A20. liningWh theen @BigDayOutUKthe two last perfo Festivalrmed to- unteersCounty whenCounc sheil an visitedd Maid theston Savee Bor- A spokesman for Mrs Whately ing Maidstoneether, their s thisinge July!rs we Can’tre a m waitarried Theoug Childrenh Counci shopl over ina Maidstone.relief road for said: “Unfortunately, it just wasn’t toc seeoup youle, th allou there.”gh Simple Minds’ Jim tAhe crowdtown h ofas onlookersbeen post waitedponed. out- possible to get a date in December KAlsoerr a onnd thethe P billrete arende Diversity,rs’ Chrissie sideL theead storeers o inf t Unionhe tw Streeto auth toor seeities that fitted into everyone’s diary.” who won Britain’s Got Talent, and Princess Anne. She was greeted by Hynde divorced in 1990. vowed to meet at the recent rally in No date has been set in 2018 but a girl band Atomic Kitten, who have dignitaries including the Mayor of Simple Minds’ playlist will in- support of a Leeds-Langley by-pass council insider said: “I don’t think Kerry Katona in their line-up. Maidstoneon Novem Cllrber 2. Derek Butler, the this meeting will happen while the clude hits such as Don’t You (For- Louisa (19) won the X Factor in charity’sThe lea retailders an managerd chief ex Cherylecutives government’s priority is housing, get About Me) and Alive and Adams and voluntary shop leader, 2015, after singing with mentor Rita of the authorities agreed to come to- housing and more housing whether Kicking. The Pretenders are best Karen Elphick, before going inside Ora in the final. gether under the auspices of MPs the infrastructure is there or not.” known for their epic I’ll Stand By to meet shop workers. Helen Whately and Helen Grant. County councillor Gary Cooke You and early hit, Brass In Pocket. The Princess, who has been presi- Assault case dentA ofcan thecel charityled meet sinceing in theNo 1970s,vember (pictured), who organised Novem- A MAIDSTONE woman has been spokewas f ofoll herowe appreciationd by a resche ofdu theled con-date ber’s public meeting at the Mercure chargedDri withve woundingr ban aftern aned al- tributionin Decem theber, shopbut th makesis was a tolso theput The Princess Royal is greeted by Cheryl Adams,Hotel, thesaid mayorKCC – andsaid Karenthe hi Elphickghways leged stabbing in Shepway. workback ofunt theil th charitye new ye atar. home and building authority – was committed A MAIDSTONE woman has been Nicola Goslitski (40), of Sutton abroad.In the meantime, there has been a lovedton e animals.xpress her “great disappoint- raisedto taki £40,000ng the pr foroce thess fo charityrward. last Road,bann wased f arrestedrom driv aftering fo policer 18 m wereonths tSheesty alsoexch presentedange of le certificatestters betwe toen mAmongent” at t thehe a dozensuthoriti ofes’ onlookersdecision to year.He added that around £200,000 calledafter toadm ai reporttting d ofrink an-d assaultriving. in DennisKCC an Foad,d MBC Brendaover the Harrisir respe andctive whopost watchedpone the m theeet Princessing until 2 depart018. hMoread bee donationsn earmarke andd in customersthe coming WestmorlandFern Toni RoadRichard onson Sunday,, (28), of Sylviapositio Thomasns, both inpas honourt and fu oftur theire. wasSh 88-year-olde said: “W Bettye wer Warrene all ho whoping arebu alwaysdget to welcomecarry out atsu therve tinyys s shopo that April 30. Officers were told that two Elmstone Lane, was also fined longM serviceBC Lib toer theal charity.Democrat leader hadthe waitedy’d give forus nearlya pres anen hourt for C toh seerist- whicha busi isne packedss case withfor a goodsrelief rangingroad can women had made their way to hos- Seven-year-old Daisy, the daugh- £450. Fran Wilson wrote to her KCC coun- herma ands. It’ wass a g givenreat d ais chairappoi andntme an cupt.” frombe ma clothing,de. children’s items, pital with arm injuries. They are be- ter of shop volunteer Lora Maxwell, of tea outside the shop. kitchen ware and a collector’s cor- She was stopped in Bedford terpart, Paul Carter, “concerned this Mrs Grant had told 400 local peo- KCC had been hoping that MBC lievedPlace too haven No knownvember the11 suspect.and gave a presented the Princess Anne with a The charity shop opened in Union ner. There is also a “wanted board” posy(the andmee ati cardng) w sheill p hadrove made.to be Thea fu- ple at the relief road rally that she could have insisted on developer bGoslitskireath test hasof 7 been7 mic chargedrogramm withes of Street in 1980 when the building for people who are looking for two counts of wounding with in- cardtile e hadxerc aise picturegoing o ofver ao horseld grou be-nds waswas boughtprepared forto lo £12,000.ck the squ Thirty-abbling somethingcontributio inns particulartowards t andhe re thelief vol-road tentalco andhol onein 10 of0 possessingmillilitres o af b knifereath. causefor d Daisyisagree hadmen researchedt yet again” on. the sevensides yearsin a ro later,om u itsnti successl they w contin-ere able unteersproject willbut m keepembe anrs o eyef th oute rul foring inT ah publice legal place.limit is 35. internetRelie andf roa foundd camp thataign theer J Princessenny Sut- ues,to th withrash o theut so volunteersme sort of a c havingompro- them.Lib Dems decided against this.

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June 2017 1616 Maidstone Maidstone February 2018 News downsmail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk XT Factorop 80s b dateands Hass Your Double Xt FACTORo sha starre Louisasta Johnsonge Relief road summit now has been lined-up to headline the Princess Royal meets TWO 1980s groups will share the Big Day Out to be held in Maid- stonestag ine f July.or the first time since Live Glazing Steamed Up? ATheid t singer,his yea bestr – an knownd Maid forsto thene i hits on Bestthe Behaviour,ir blockbust willer to takeur. the stage charitydelayed shopby tw workerso months Established for over a decade double glazing? If you act now quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote Cloudy2Clear also replac e at MoteSimp Parkle M onin Julyds a 1.nd The Pre- Cloudy2Clear windows have you can avoid these problems. takes on average no longer faulty locks handles and hinge s tSheende announcedrs will play theat t gighe K onent Twit-Event THEA PE PRINCESSACE summi Royalt to res receivedolve a lon ag- mise plan for a link between the become a leading company for Now, you may think you need t o than 20 minutes. Once the on all windows and doors. ter,Ce saying:ntre on “BigSatu news!rday, A I’llug beust head-4. warmrunni welcomeng squab fromble b charityetween vol-Kent A274 and the A20. glass replacement. Issues with replace the whole window includin g quote is completed, we wil l Your friendly local Cloudy2Clea r liningWh theen @BigDayOutUKthe two last perfo Festivalrmed to- unteersCounty whenCounc sheil an visitedd Maid theston Savee Bor- A spokesman for Mrs Whately double glazing can often be the frames and all the hardware , sit down wiwitth you anand exexplplaaii n specialist is Luke Roberts an d ing Maidstoneether, their s thisinge July!rs we Can’tre a m waitarried Theoug Childrenh Counci shopl over ina Maidstone.relief road for said: “Unfortunately, it just wasn’t gradual and may only be noticed however Cloudy2Clear have com e the problem and tell you how he services the Maidstone , toc seeoup youle, th allou there.”gh Simple Minds’ Jim tAhe crowdtown h ofas onlookersbeen post waitedponed. out- possible to get a date in December during a clear sunny day or up with a simple and cost savin g we can fix it. With years of Gravesham, Strood & Malling , KAlsoerr a onnd thethe P billrete arende Diversity,rs’ Chrissie sideL theead storeers o inf t Unionhe tw Streeto auth toor seeities that fitted into everyone’s diary.” during the winter. A failed glass solution… Just replace the glass!! experience CCllououdy2ClearClear hav e Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham & who won Britain’s Got Talent, and Princess Anne. She was greeted by Hynde divorced in 1990. vowed to meet at the recent rally in No date has been set in 2018 but a unit may no longer provide you If you see condensation in you r a wealth of knowledge and Rainham areas. girl band Atomic Kitten, who have dignitaries including the Mayor of Simple Minds’ playlist will in- support of a Leeds-Langley by-pass council insider said: “I don’t think with the protection you need or be windows just visit our website or giv e are recognised as aW hich So, if your windows are Kerry Katona in their line-up. Maidstoneon Novem Cllrber 2. Derek Butler, the this meeting will happen while the clude hits such as Don’t You (For- us a call on 0800 61 21 118. W e will Trusted Trader, plus our work steamed up, broken or damage d Louisa (19) won the X Factor in charity’sThe lea retailders an managerd chief ex Cherylecutives government’s priority is housing, get About Me) and Alive and Adams and voluntary shop leader, a few minutes checking your send out our highly experience d is backed by an industry give Luke a call for a free 2015, after singing with mentor Rita of the authorities agreed to come to- housing and more housing whether Kicking. The Pretenders are best Karen Elphick, before going inside home to see if you have any faaiileled engineers for a free no obligatioobligatio n leading 25 year guarantee. quotation on 0800 61 21 118. Ora in the final. gether under the auspices of MPs the infrastructure is there or not.” known for their epic I’ll Stand By to meet shop workers. Helen Whately and Helen Grant. County councillor Gary Cooke You and early hit, Brass In Pocket. The Princess, who has been presi- Assault case dentA ofcan thecel charityled meet sinceing in theNo 1970s,vember (pictured), who organised Novem- Cloudy2Clear Windows... A MAIDSTONE woman has been spokewas f ofoll herowe appreciationd by a resche ofdu theled con-date ber’s public meeting at the Mercure chargedDri withve woundingr ban aftern aned al- tributionin Decem theber, shopbut th makesis was a tolso theput The Princess Royal is greeted by Cheryl Adams,Hotel, thesaid mayorKCC – andsaid Karenthe hi Elphickghways Service With A Smile! leged stabbing in Shepway. workback ofunt theil th charitye new ye atar. home and building authority – was committed A MAIDSTONE woman has been Cloudy2Clear Nicola Goslitski (40), of Sutton abroad.In the meantime, there has been a lovedton e animals.xpress her “great disappoint- raisedto taki £40,000ng the pr foroce thess fo charityrward. last Road,bann wased f arrestedrom driv aftering fo policer 18 m wereonths tSheesty alsoexch presentedange of le certificatestters betwe toen mAmongent” at t thehe a dozensuthoriti ofes’ onlookersdecision to year.He added that around £200,000 GUARANTEE All calledafter toadm ai reporttting d ofrink an-d assaultriving. in DennisKCC an Foad,d MBC Brendaover the Harrisir respe andctive whopost watchedpone the m theeet Princessing until 2 depart018. hMoread bee donationsn earmarke andd in customersthe coming WestmorlandFern Toni RoadRichard onson Sunday,, (28), of Sylviapositio Thomasns, both inpas honourt and fu oftur theire. wasSh 88-year-olde said: “W Bettye wer Warrene all ho whoping arebu alwaysdget to welcomecarry out atsu therve tinyys s shopo that Customers That An April 30. 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There is also a “wanted board” posy(the andmee ati cardng) w sheill p hadrove made.to be Thea fu- ple at the relief road rally that she could have insisted on developer bGoslitskireath test hasof 7 been7 mic chargedrogramm withes of Street in 1980 when the building for people who are looking for Than 20 MINS!!! two counts of wounding with in- cardtile e hadxerc aise picturegoing o ofver ao horseld grou be-nds waswas boughtprepared forto lo £12,000.ck the squ Thirty-abbling somethingcontributio inns particulartowards t andhe re thelief vol-road tentalco andhol onein 10 of0 possessingmillilitres o af b knifereath. causefor d Daisyisagree hadmen researchedt yet again” on. the sevensides yearsin a ro later,om u itsnti successl they w contin-ere able unteersproject willbut m keepembe anrs o eyef th oute rul foring inT ah publice legal place.limit is 35. internetRelie andf roa foundd camp thataign theer J Princessenny Sut- ues,to th withrash o theut so volunteersme sort of a c havingompro- them.Lib Dems decided against this.

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June 2017 1616 Maidstone Maidstone February 2018 MaidstoneMaidstone East DecemberFebruary 2018 2017 17 27 News | Gyratory Special downsmail.co.uk Gyratory marks a year – but is it AS the borough’s building programme continues to stoke concern about traffic congestion, we ask as 2018 gets underway: Has the £5.74m Maid- stone “gyratory system” helped keep the town moving?

The multi-million pound road re- configuration caused nine months of disruption for motorists before opening in March with the aim of shaving 74 seconds from the aver- age journey. The Kent County Council (KCC) project has left many with ques- Twice as long tions over the cost, value and safety of the new roads scheme. to reach town The new layout, which opened to cars in December 2016, has had SEAN Carter, chairman of South Maidstone Action for Roads and many critics and few supporters. Transport (SMART), says the gyra- South ward borough Cllr Brian tory may well shaved the prom- Clark says he has been confronted ised 74 seconds off journey times by vehicles travelling the wrong through the town centre, but it way (exiting St Peter’s Bridge) on takes twice as long to get into three occasions while travelling town because of the volume of northbound on the A229. traffic. “Our main concern is that de- In the latest incident, a black lays are getting worse in attempt- Corsa drove at him on the wrong ing to reach the town centre with side of the road and then had to re- the new housing on the A274 and verse out of the way into oncoming Cllr Derek Mortimer, left, believes the new Gyratory has put cyclists and A229 and so any gains on the gy- traffic. pedestrians in danger, while Cllr Brian Clark, right, believes there is a “lack of ratory are wiped out. A minute He added: “The lack of guidance guidance” for drivers using the new gyratory system gain is pretty irrelevant to your for drivers unfamiliar with the new journey if it takes you twice as long to get there,” he said. layout is leading to vehicles head- new northbound A229 section. ing is desperately needed for the St He says the gyratory needs ing, all too often, straight into on- He adds that with no statistics Peter’s Bridge cycle section to aid “massive fine-tuning”, citing un- coming traffic travelling on the supporting the success of the gyra- access.” synchronised traffic lights and A229 heading north. tory available until the spring, res- KCC says signage and road poor lane markings among the “I feel there is an urgent need to idents in the south remain markings on the northbound ap- biggest concerns. review safety before there is a seri- unconvinced the gyratory recon- proach from Mill Street have been He adds: “While those native to ous accident.” figuration is benefiting them. altered to improve lane disciplin- Maidstone may have got used to the gyratory, for visitors this re- Cllr Derek Mortimer, a founding Cllr Mortimer added: “Residents ing and reduce queues. mains a confusing and potentially member of South Maidstone Ac- from the south are complaining of Traffic signal timings will be dangerous road system to negoti- tion for Roads and Transport having suffered long journey times modified as conditions normalise ate at a cost of millions for the (SMART), wants to see more ad- by car, and cyclists and pedestrians and a validation of the control sys- sake of 75 seconds.” vance notice for drivers of the road have raised safety concerns. tem can be undertaken to fully op- He says SMART is now in talks in layout changes on St Peter’s Bridge, “The refuge in the road is far too timise the signal operation. an effort to provide a united voice white lining to guide vehicles exit- small to compensate for the sub- A spokesman said: “Observa- for Maidstone when it comes to way closure, leaving pedestrians tions from our control centre have traffic issues. ing this bridge and more visible “no-entry” signs to stop vehicles and cyclists exposed to oncoming indicated that the scheme is al- entering the wrong way into the traffic; furthermore, dropped kerb- ready having an overall positive ef- What do the fect on traffic flow. “There will be monitoring to public want? demonstrate the benefits being car- Clearer advanced signage of the ried out in February. approaching road layout to vehi- “A report on its effectiveness is cles crossing St Peter’s Bridge. due later in the year.” Larger and lit no-entry signs on Fran Wilson, Maidstone Borough the new section of gyratory Council leader, said: “MBC in- Line markings for vehicles exit- vested £1.14 million in the scheme ing St Peter’s Bridge to the south- and, while we still have concerns bound A229, and the continuation around access for pedestrians and of the gyrator towards the cyclists from the west side of the A26/A20 town, the work carried out has im- Co-ordination of traffic lights on proved the flow of traffic.” all approaches and the gyratory it- Reporting by Dawn Kingsford self to reduce congestion Better protection for pedestri- ans and cyclists, particularly the Traffic jams are still commonplace tiny refuge following the closure on the gyratory system, which of the subway opened in December 2016, with cars Dropped kerb for cyclists on St sometimes finding themselves un- Peter’s Bridge able to move past the hatchlines.

18 Maidstone February 2018 downsmail.co.uk Gyratory Special | News making a difference to our town?

Readers have their say on the new system at the gyratory

WE ASKED users on ration of the traffic lights causes con- our Facebook page if gestion in the mornings from Royal they thought the Gy- Engineers Road going toward Ton- ratory had improved bridge Road, but the density of traf- journey times fic cannot be addressed. A through the centre Leeds/Langley bypass would be a of town: bonus.” Carl Dixon: “I travel from Rochester Dave Shepherd: “I use the system into Maidstone to pick my son up every day in all directions The light from a school club on the Tonbridge sequence is not right; traffic coming Road. As if this isn’t bad enough, I re- from Rocky Hill always seem to block turn home to Ditton via Hermitage the box junction.” Lane. At best, between 4-6 pm. I can Lian Bennett: “Not if you’re coming make this journey in 1hr 20 mins.” down from Rocky Hill in rush hour, Lisa Lomas: “Used to take me an the lights all the way round are not hour to do four miles. My report on in sync and traffic backs right back STUART Jeffery, of Maidstone Green Party, says money spent on the gy- my car for the whole of November up the hill with no one moving on a ratory has been wasted. said my average speed for the entire green light!” Mr Jeffrey, pictured above left with a party colleague, added: “The only month was 4mph. You figure out my Lynn Boulding: “Yes, I think it is impact it has had is to make it far harder for pedestrians with the closure answer.” slightly better, but let’s be honest, of subways and crossings. Kellie Obermuller: “I’ve noticed a every town centre in the UK is a “We repeatedly called on the council to put the funds into traffic re- massive difference for my daily jour- nightmare not just Maidstone.” duction rather than funding a scheme which would have encouraged ney. Having to come out from the St Stephen Paine: “Much better if more traffic – if it had worked. Peters Street junction every day not you’re coming out of St Peters Street, “We wanted dedicated bus lanes, including one from Park Wood to the having the traffic come around and or heading to/from Bluebell Hill from over the bridges means the traffic centre of town, proper cycle lanes and better pavements.” Tonbridge Road. Seems to be a bit flows out of the junction are better.” slower coming through town from Brigitte Jell: “Probably quicker com- Loose road direction.” ing in from the south route from Lisa Norman: “Someone in front of Loose, but as someone else pointed me drove down the wrong side of out, heading to Rocky Hill from Royal road. Luckily, nothing was coming Mixed reaction from Engineers Road takes forever and the other way! Think it’s a bit better traffic builds up way past the White but always loads of last-minute cut- Rabbit Roundabout. Traffic lights at ting-up.” the bottom of High Street only lets local transport firms Sabrina Fisher: “It hasn’t made any four or five vehicles through to go up BOSSES running transport busi- Rocky Hill at each sequence change. difference in my opinion, it’s only nesses in Maidstone have given So, no! Not a lot different! Worse the made traffic going up the Tonbridge the gyratory system a mixed re- other way in now!” Road a lot slower, and so many peo- ception. ple can’t get in the correct lane! I Caroline Hicks: “It takes much longer have lost count of the number who Bus operators say there has to get through town, especially at have cut me up because they are in been little impact on its ability to peak times.” the left hand lane and need to be in serve its passengers. Louise 'Holden' Reeve: “The route I the right!” But one car hire manager says use the most is from Fairmeadow to- Shelley Shrimpton: “To be honest the gyratory is “poorly thought- wards the gyratory (with Fremlin be- it’s slightly confusing, especially if out” while a taxi company con- hind) and it’s certainly no better. The you are new to the area, and to be troller conceded it “kinda works”. lights don't appear to be in sync, the honest I haven’t seen much of an im- Norman Kemp, Nu-Venture’s gap for cars to wait in as they turn to provement. More accidents maybe.” go over the bridge is too small.” director, says the gyratory has John Ryan: “It’s a major improve- eased times for through-traffic Maureen Rutherford: “The configu- ment!” travelling from south to north but created a new pinch point causing the number of cars on the roads, Dean Hodgson, a cab controller delays for buses travelling west which release capacity for essen- at Express Cabs at Maidstone into town. tial car journeys and reduce air West station, says the gyratory He said: “Any move to ease pollution. system “kinda works” but would Maidstone’s acute traffic problem Norman Kemp, director of Nu-Ven- “Arriva’s Maidstone network have preferred a flyover from is to be warmly welcomed, and I ture, wants a meeting with high- carried out more than five million Bishops Way. commend the South East Local ways planners passenger journeys in 2017 alone, He added: “In the past, if we Enterprise Partnership for listen- which had a positive effect on re- had a fare from Tovil to Barming ing to bus operators about the Oliver Monahan, Kent’s area ducing the number of vehicles we would use Farleigh Bridge, but conversion of Fairmeadow to a managing director at Arriva, said: congesting our streets.” now we use the town centre, un- two-way road a few years ago. “The new gyratory system works Duncan Burnett, assistant man- less there has been an accident “Perhaps the highways plan- appear to have had minimal im- ager at Maidstone car hire com- and there were a few of these ners should come and talk to the pact to our services and we are pany Avis, claimed that when it first opened because of local bus companies to develop still affected by heavy congestion explaining how to negotiate the the confusion caused by poor sig- future plans for local road at peak times. road changes to visitors hiring a nage. schemes. Such a meeting would “Bus priority is the solution to car in the town is “a nightmare” “Ultimately, the new road sys- be productive, as we all want to reducing traffic congestion. Effi- and feels the new system is tem has helped, providing you get Maidstone moving again.” cient bus services help to reduce “poorly thought-out”. know the town centre.”

Maidstone February 2018 19 News downsmail.co.uk Assault appeal OFFICERS in- MOBILE BODYU REPAIRSkip leaOnder thedum Roadps his vestigating• BUMPERan SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB all•eVANDOLISMged sexua lDAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING assa•uFULLYlt on GUARANTEEDa TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED teenage boy on SILVERBACK RECOVERY a bus near lover over Markle texts FREE Car recovery and transportation M a i d s t o n e UKIP leader HeESTIMATESnry Bolton has have released parted with an activist 25 years his Light commercial CCTV images junior after she allegedly sent racist Cars for scrap removed of a man they text messages about Prince Harry’s want to speak fiancee Meghan Markle. Competitive rates to. Mr Bolton – a twice-married father Officers say the man (pictured) of three – fell for Jo Marney, a self- CALL ROGER ON: may be able to help with their en- professed “model, actor and Brexi- quiries into the incident that is said teer”, last year. 01622 813733 07740 123495 to have happened on the 10X Now Mr Bolton, 54, is trying to Stagecoach bus at 4.30pm on Satur- hang onto power or risk being the day, December 2. fourth Ukip leader in the past 18 Before Before The bus was travelling between months to leave the role. Lenham and Ashford railway sta- Jo Marney, who lives in the Maid- tion. stone area, is said to have posted of- ACE Anyone with information is fensive material about Miss Markle’s asked to contact Detective Consta- ethnicity. M.O.T. and Clutch Centre ble Andrew West on 01843 222289. Mr Bolton broke the news of their Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T. After split during interviews wAfterith Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 Concert date and on the Radio 4’s Today pro- M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 THE next conceProudrt by th•e B6e dayarste operationd gramme o n Janaury 15. two younges•t c Camhildren beltlast Ju lkitsy, al- suppliedside her rig h&t-o fittedf-centre political out- Choral Socsponsorsiety w iofll be• Aroundat Holy 1/4T hofe l ebodyader - wshopho to priceok over the top though he described her as “support- pourings on social media, was pic- Cross ChurcBearstedh, Bearsted, where • Broken belt damaged repaired • Reliable,j oprofessionalb last Septemb ander - flexiblesaid he had ive” in his victory speech as leader tured several times with Mr Bolton on they will pCricketerform Clubthe Brahms Re- "ended his romantic relationship" last September. •A nAllan nmakes,ouncemen tpetrolTwitter .&M dieselr Bolton was unavailable quiem on Saturday, March 10. with the Ukip activist and distanced about his relationship with the Ukip for comment when we contacted him. For more information about himself from her comments. The activist wa736s em aLondoniled to m Road,embers Larkfield,in He pre Kentviousl yME20unsuc c6BGessfully fought BCall:earsted 07771Choral Soc i621ety, go 769to: [email protected] www.touchupsltd.co.ukUkip leader reportedly split from Ta- early January. Miss Marney, whose the election to become Kent Police ww.bearstedchoral.org.uk. tiana, the Russian-born mother of his scantily-cladTel:images a pp01732ear along- and C870368rime Commissioner. MAIDSTONE AUTOCENTRE LTD KENT’S LEADING CONVERTIBLE STOCKIST

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38 Malling October 2017 20 Maidstone February 2018 Maidstone February 2018 21 News | Health downsmail.co.uk

Improvements Smart technology to boost accuracy of cancer treatments after incidents CANCER patients will be treated with greater accuracy thanks to a A GROWTH is serious incidents at new smart radiotherapy machine Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells at Maidstone Hospital. hospitals has led West Kent CCG to State-of-the-art Truebeam tech- support the hospital trust in mak- nology allows the new piece of ing improvements. equipment at the Kent Oncology Serious incidents have risen from Centre to track and target cancers two in 2015, seven in 2016 to 16 in as a patient breathes. 2017. The £2million machine, which Three ‘never events’ – serious in- makes 10,000 calculations a sec- cidents that are entirely preventa- ond, will improve treatment for ble due to national guidance – have those with relatively mobile cancers occurred recently; one administra- such as those in the lung and tion of a nerve block to the wrong breast. arm and the other two concerned Henry Taylor, the hospital’s clini- retained swabs. Investigations con- Staff from the radiography department at Maidstone Hospital with the cal director for cancer and haema- tinue. new ‘Truebeam’ machine which will improve treatment of ‘mobile’ can- tology, explained that many In another recent report, Maid- cers, such as in the lung and breast. tumors in places like the lungs, stone and Tunbridge Wells hospi- brain, breast, prostate, head and chine will allow us to target tu- offer and I am delighted to see the tal trust reported 12 serious neck move when you breathe in mours that can vary in position dur- equipment in place and ready for incidents in the category of and out. The Truebeam system ing treatment, helping us to deliver our patients.” ‘abuse/alleged abuse of adult pa- measures up to 100,000 data treatment quickly and accurately The purchase is part of a 10-year tient by staff.’ points every ten seconds during while avoiding healthy tissues and investment program by Maidstone There have also been two serious treatment to ensure the tumour organs. and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust to incidents relating to abuse of child continues to be targeted precisely. “This is a very positive enhance- replace several major pieces of ra- patients by staff, one a child with He added: “The Truebeam ma- ment to the cancer services we diotherapy treatment equipment. complex needs. The trust has recently appointed a learning disability nurse. The hospital trust is now driving compliance with safeguarding training; improved communica- Experience key as trust tions with and between teams; and improved staff understanding of ‘consent.’ The company providing security appoints chief executive services in the two hospitals has changed. A NEW chief executive has been appointed to run Maidstone and Tun- Better mental bridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW). health services Miles Scott has over 30 years’ Our ambition, together, is to con- LOCAL services in mental health experience in the NHS encom- tinue to make MTW an excellent are set to improve with a decision passing acute, community and place for care which is under- by NHS West Kent Clinical Com- mental health. pinned by financial stability. missioning Group (CCG) to allo- He will join MTW from NHS “I would like to take this oppor- cate extra funding. Improvement (NHSI), where he tunity to thank Jim Lusby for the The GP-led group is appointing had been Improvement Director invaluable contribution he made a new lead manager to improve ac- for the last 18 months. while fulfilling the role of interim cess to psychological therapies and He was chief executive of St chief executive following Glenn will develop “integrated service George’s University Hospitals Douglas’s departure a few months pathways” for chronic obstructive Foundation Trust from 2011 to ago.” pulmonary disease (COPD), pain 2016 – the finances reportedly col- Mr Scott said: “I am delighted to and diabetes. lapsed in the final two years in have been appointed CEO at The Five-Year Forward Plan out- charge, leaving a massive £56m MTW. lines a commitment to expand psy- deficit. “I have been very impressed by chological therapies to enable 25% An MTW spokesman said: “We the staff I have met and look for- of people with depression or anxi- are obviously aware of stuff that ward to working together to de- ety disorders to access services has been reported but we took his liver outstanding patient and staff each year by 2020/21 (current target career as a whole. Miles Scott is the new chief execu- experience.” is 5%). “He does have very extensive tive of the trust which runs Maid- He started with MTW on Janu- experience.” ary 8, 2018. Investment needed to improve stone Hospital these services is £420,835 in 2019/20 Previously, Mr Scott was chief Mr Scott, who is married with and £709,843 in 2020/21. executive at Bradford Teaching the national Ambulance Improve- two children, lives in London. Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ment Programme with NHS Eng- Miles has also been Chair of the (2005 to 2011) and Harrogate and land. NICE Safe Staffing Advisory £3.4m is saved District NHS Foundation Trust MTW chairman David Highton, Committee, Vice Chair of the LOCAL GPs have been encour- (2001-2005). said: “I am delighted that Miles Foundation aged to be more efficient in pre- Most recently, he has worked at will be joining us as our new chief Trust Network and chair of the scribing medicines and, so far this a national level with NHSI, focus- executive. NIHR South London Applied year, it has led to a saving of £3.4m ing on its establishment as a new “He brings with him extensive Health Research Centre, among in West Kent. national organisation and leading experience at all levels in the NHS. numerous other roles.

22 Maidstone February 2018 News | Health downsmail.co.uk

Improvements Smart technology to boost accuracy of cancer treatments after incidents CANCER patients will be treated with greater accuracy thanks to a A GROWTH is serious incidents at new smart radiotherapy machine Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS at Maidstone Hospital. hospitals has led West Kent CCG to State-of-the-art Truebeam tech- support the hospital trust in mak- nology allows the new piece of ing improvements. equipment at the Kent Oncology Serious incidents have risen from Centre to track and target cancers two in 2015, seven in 2016 to 16 in as a patient breathes. 2017. The £2million machine, which Three ‘never events’ – serious in- makes 10,000 calculations a sec- cidents that are entirely preventa- ond, will improve treatment for ble due to national guidance – have those with relatively mobile cancers occurred recently; one administra- such as those in the lung and tion of a nerve block to the wrong breast. arm and the other two concerned Henry Taylor, the hospital’s clini- retained swabs. Investigations con- Staff from the radiography department at Maidstone Hospital with the cal director for cancer and haema- tinue. new ‘Truebeam’ machine which will improve treatment of ‘mobile’ can- tology, explained that many In another recent report, Maid- cers, such as in the lung and breast. tumors in places like the lungs, stone and Tunbridge Wells hospi- brain, breast, prostate, head and chine will allow us to target tu- offer and I am delighted to see the tal trust reported 12 serious neck move when you breathe in mours that can vary in position dur- equipment in place and ready for incidents in the category of and out. The Truebeam system ing treatment, helping us to deliver our patients.” ‘abuse/alleged abuse of adult pa- measures up to 100,000 data treatment quickly and accurately The purchase is part of a 10-year Right Move have confirmed that tient by staff.’ points every ten seconds during while avoiding healthy tissues and investment program by Maidstone There have also been two serious treatment to ensure the tumour organs. and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust to incidents relating to abuse of child continues to be targeted precisely. “This is a very positive enhance- replace several major pieces of ra- Ferris & Co have sold and let more properties patients by staff, one a child with He added: “The Truebeam ma- ment to the cancer services we diotherapy treatment equipment. complex needs. The trust has recently appointed in the ME14 postcode than any other agent a learning disability nurse. The hospital trust is now driving throughout the last 12 months. compliance with safeguarding training; improved communica- Experience key as trust tions with and between teams; and improved staff understanding of ‘consent.’ The company providing security appoints chief executive services in the two hospitals has No.1 No.1 No.1 changed. A NEW chief executive has been appointed to run Maidstone and Tun- FOR AVAILABLE Better mental FOR FOR NEW bridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW). SALES INSTRUCTIONS STOCK health services Miles Scott has over 30 years’ Our ambition, together, is to con- LOCAL services in mental health experience in the NHS encom- tinue to make MTW an excellent are set to improve with a decision passing acute, community and place for care which is under- by NHS West Kent Clinical Com- mental health. pinned by financial stability. missioning Group (CCG) to allo- He will join MTW from NHS “I would like to take this oppor- cate extra funding. Improvement (NHSI), where he tunity to thank Jim Lusby for the WE ARE OFFERING The GP-led group is appointing had been Improvement Director invaluable contribution he made a new lead manager to improve ac- for the last 18 months. while fulfilling the role of interim ON ALL SALE cess to psychological therapies and He was chief executive of St chief executive following Glenn INCLUSIVE will develop “integrated service George’s University Hospitals Douglas’s departure a few months INSTRUCTIONS FOR pathways” for chronic obstructive Foundation Trust from 2011 to ago.” pulmonary disease (COPD), pain 2016 – the finances reportedly col- Mr Scott said: “I am delighted to OF VAT JANUARY & FEBRUARY. and diabetes. lapsed in the final two years in have been appointed CEO at 1% The Five-Year Forward Plan out- charge, leaving a massive £56m MTW. lines a commitment to expand psy- deficit. “I have been very impressed by chological therapies to enable 25% An MTW spokesman said: “We the staff I have met and look for- of people with depression or anxi- are obviously aware of stuff that ward to working together to de- ety disorders to access services has been reported but we took his liver outstanding patient and staff CALL US TO ARRANGE YOUR FREE VALUATION each year by 2020/21 (current target career as a whole. Miles Scott is the new chief execu- experience.” is 5%). “He does have very extensive tive of the trust which runs Maid- He started with MTW on Janu- experience.” ary 8, 2018. Investment needed to improve stone Hospital these services is £420,835 in 2019/20 Previously, Mr Scott was chief Mr Scott, who is married with Office Maidstone ME14 2HN Bearsted Office Bearsted ME14 4QZ and £709,843 in 2020/21. executive at Bradford Teaching the national Ambulance Improve- two children, lives in London. Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ment Programme with NHS Eng- Miles has also been Chair of the Tel: 01622 67120 0 Tel: 01622 73780 0 (2005 to 2011) and Harrogate and land. NICE Safe Staffing Advisory £3.4m is saved District NHS Foundation Trust MTW chairman David Highton, Committee, Vice Chair of the LOCAL GPs have been encour- (2001-2005). said: “I am delighted that Miles Foundation aged to be more efficient in pre- Most recently, he has worked at will be joining us as our new chief Trust Network and chair of the www.ferrisandco.net scribing medicines and, so far this a national level with NHSI, focus- executive. NIHR South London Applied year, it has led to a saving of £3.4m ing on its establishment as a new “He brings with him extensive Health Research Centre, among in West Kent. national organisation and leading experience at all levels in the NHS. numerous other roles.

Maidstone February 2018 23 News downsmail.co.uk Scam warning POLICE have warned against a scam targeted at pensioners. Castle books royal visit A man in his 70s was phoned by a woman who claimed she was from a court claiming he was owed a lot of money. as birthday plans begin To receive it, he was instructed to buy a number of music cards LEEDS Castle will host a royal worth hundreds of pounds and to visit next year as it celebrates its call her back with authentication 900th anniversary. codes. Her Royal Highness Princess He also received a similar call re- Alexandra (pictured) will open the garding PPI payments owed to tourist attraction’s new gardens in him. her name. Another man, in his 80s, was Leeds Castle chief executive Sir phoned by a fraudster who tried to David Steel made his announce- persuade him to take cash from an ment in the Leeds and Broomfield account and transfer it to another parish newsletter. to protect him from scams. He writes in the January edition: Police say that if such a call is re- “As you can imagine, planning for ceived, they should leave the such a year (2019) has to happen phone for five minutes so that the early, and I thought I would out- line in clear of the fraudster. line some of our current plans. Cal Kent Police 01622 604100. “First and foremost, we look for- ward to welcoming our patron of well over 40 years, Her Royal High- Lucky escape ness Princess Alexandra, to visit A DRUNKEN woman who fell into of the garden areas and also in how and a Leeds Castle anthem is being the estate and we wish to use the garden to better composed and performed at its the after a night out formally open is lucky to be alive, her rescuers reveal the history of the estate.” classical concert. our new wood- Leeds Castle has also submitted He added: “My hope is that we said. land walk gar- an application for planning per- can involve children from local She was walking back to her dens in her mission and ticketing office and school and colleges to join with the hotel when she stumbled and fell name. into the water at 2am on December “Some of work will begin on that next year if Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and 17. you will have it is granted. the band of Her Majesty’s Royal The woman, a non-swimmer, seen how they Sir David hopes that a fully-func- Marines. If we can also get the Red was pulled to safety by her hus- are developing tioning waterwheel will be re- Arrows, all my gifts will have come band and a passer-by. She was later and changing stored to the mill, adjacent to the at once!” treated by the Kent Search and Res- and, while this Barbican, as a “means of revealing Sir David said that the refurbish- cue (KSAR). is a six-year better just how this area operated ment of Battel Hall into an event A KSAR spokesman said: “This programme of improvement, I and what for”. venue and accommodation will lady was extremely lucky and she hope that the princess will see a A time capsule is to be planted to soon be finished and the Maiden’s knows it. real difference both in the quality dug up in another 900 years’ time Tower will have been redecorated. “Had her husband and a mem- ber of the public not acted so quickly, this could have been a ter- rible outcome.” Tributes to ‘huge character’ Planning day A FAMILY man who died in an inci- BUSINESS and public sector dent in Week Street in September leaders will converge on the Drugs arrests have paid tribute to him. county town at the end of the KENT Police arrested four people They described Wayne Chester as month to discuss development. in Maidstone in connection with a “huge character with an even big- The Kent Development Plans the supply of controlled drugs. ger heart”. conference will be held at the A 55-year-old man and a 52-year- Mr Chester died at McDonald's Maidstone Masonic Centre on old woman from Maidstone, an 18- on September 29 and his family January 29 and claims to be year-old man from Sidcup and a held a service to him shortly before “one of the City’s largest busi- 22-year-old man from Gillingham Christmas. ness events of the year within were arrested in Chatham Road at Siblings Naomi, Tracey, Jason and the property and construction 2.40pm on Thursday January 4, Stephen said: “Wayne was a huge industry”. 2018. character with an even bigger heart. The event will hear a number Drugs believed to be crack co- "We haven't only lost a brother of speakers including Alison caine, mobile phones and a quan- we’ve lost our best friend and have Broom, the borough council’s tity of cash were seized. a void in our hearts… Wayne was a (Wayne's children) have lost such chief executive, Helen James, The four were released while in- true gentleman – kind, caring, an amazing Dad and he will never senior pro-vice chancellor at vestigations continued. funny, generous to a fault, and get to share the joy of walking his Canterbury Christ Church Uni- loved by everyone one who was girls down the aisle or being a versity, David Gannicott, of the Name change lucky enough to have had him in grandad. Wayne was a big part of Hyde Housing Association and MAIDSTONE’S Barming council their lives. their lives that can never be re- Andy Fancy, managing director ward has been renamed. "Everyone we speak with either placed.” at Countryside Properties. It will now be called Barming who knew him personally or knew of A 16-year-old boy from Maid- A spokesman said: “This and to reflect the division someone that knew him. stone was charged with Mr event will provide an opportu- contains the latter. "He never had a bad word to say Chester’s murder and has been re- nity for those within the indus- Borough councillor Fay Gooch about anyone and saw the good in manded to a Youth Offender Insti- try to gain insight on projects was behind a campaign to change everyone and every situation. tution pending an appearance likely to take place within the the name. "Connor, Janie and Millie-Rose before Maidstone Crown Court. region.”

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Maidstone February 2018 25 News downsmail.co.uk Conkie guilty A 54-YEAR-OLD man from Maid- stone has been ordered to carry out Cinderella’s success is 150 hours of unpaid work after being found guilty of assaulting two people. Graham Conkie denied two boost for local theatre counts of assualt but was convicted by Maidstone magistrates last ANOTHER successful pantomine month. run at the Hazlitt Theatre has ce- On June 8, 2017, Conkie, of Maid- mented the county town’s desire for an “intimate, traditional” stone, assaulted two people in the show, says its boss. county town. Magistrates also or- Martin Cleverley admits the ticket dered Conkie to pay £50 in com- sales were down slightly on last pensation. year but plans are already under- way to stage Aladdin later this year. Flood closure It is thought that a rival panto on SAINSBURY’S in the centre of in Maidstone may have contributed Maidstone was shut for a short to a dip in audience figures. time after heavy rain caused flood- Mr Cleverley, general manager of ing in store. the theatre, said: “This year, we wel- Water started coming through comed 18,231 audience members to the ceiling, causing large wet see and enjoy Cinderella. patches over the Romney Place “This equates to a 77% capacity store’s shop floor after the down- for our pantomime run throughout pours on January 5. December, which meant a dip on previous years’ figures. However, we are proud to have received su- The panto starred TV chef and another panto in the town didn’t af- Death at flats perb feedback and encouraged by national treasure Rustie Lee and fect us because it did, slightly. A MAN died at a block of flats in local audiences who still want to former Eastender Stefan Booth. The “I guess we just had to just had to Maidstone just before Christmas. enjoy an intimate, traditional panto cast were joined backstage by a host up our game and do the absolute Emergency service crews were in their local theatre at Christmas. of glittering stars during its month- best we could. called to Miller Heights just after “We are looking forward to de- long run. “There is no doubt whatever that 5pm on December 19. lighting audiences with Aladdin A spokesman for the theatre said: it was a hugely well-received show The death was not suspicious. this year.” “It would be a lie to say that having and people loved it.”

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26 Maidstone February 2018 downsmail.co.uk News Grant delight Forthright ex-MP Ann at CCHQ role MAIDSTONE MP Helen Grant is back on the frontline after being appointed a vice chair of commit- hits headlines on CBB tees in the Conservative Party. Mrs Grant, who was a junior AS FORUMS for mature debate sports minister from October 2013 and intellectual discourse, there are to May 2015 under David few parallels to be drawn between Cameron, has been handed the role the House of Commons and the in the Conservative Central Head- Celebrity Big Brother house. quarters (CCHQ) team, which But a Westminster career should helps to run the party. have equipped Ann Widdecombe Prime Minister Theresa May has (pictured) handsomely for the latter, begun 2018 with the cabinet which the ex-MP for Maidstone and reshuffle, and Mrs Grant – MP for the Weald entered early in the new Maidstone and The Weald – was year. pictured outside 10 Downing Miss Widdecombe, who is now 70 Street with the PM and other new and lived in before CCHQ team members. moving to Dartmoor, is not known Mrs Grant said: “I am delighted for buttoning her lip and Channel 5 itics, she has shown a fun side on equal age of consent for members of and honoured to have been ap- producers will have been aware of Strictly Come Dancing where she the lesbian and gay community. pointed as one of my party’s vice her forthright views. and professional dancer Anton Du Before joining her housemates, chairs. I am working with our new Within days she sparked a torrent Beke came sixth, despite terrible she gave no hint she was about to be party chairman and CCHQ to fi- of tabloid headlines and online re- scores from the judging panel. named as a contestant, writing in nalise my full brief for this impor- action for referring to a transgender She was bound to come to blows the Daily Express: “We shall no tant new position. woman housemate as “he” and de- with some of her more progressive sooner have taken down the Christ- “My specific role will be to reach scribed Prince Harry’s fiancée or liberal housemates, if her voting mas decorations than Celebrity Big out to all of our country’s commu- Meghan Markle as “trouble”. record at Westminster is anything to Brother will be back. nities, to ensure that their voices On the subject of marriage, she go by. Deeply religious and conser- “Some of these programmes are are heard, that we engage, and that told a drag act on the show that she vative, she has supported the rein- fun, some are tawdry, some hold we develop their trust and confi- believed it should only exist be- troduction of the death penalty, genuine challenge but they are just dence to deliver the PM’s vision of tween a man and a woman, not supported the retention of blas- TV programmes. They do nothing a country that ‘works for every- those of same sex. Since leaving pol- phemy laws, opposed abortion and for anyone except the participants.” one’.” Business Focus Businessdownsmail.co.uk Focus A personal service at a time of loss Michael Lawrence, difficult decisions about how best to remember celebrates life. and his son Robert a loved one and to meet their personal wishes. "Our approach is simple. We sit with you in our along with Kim and With so many years’ experience, Family office or your home, taking you slowly and Angela, are the Funeral Service has learned how to respond to methodically through the various decisions that team behind a the specific and different needs of every you will face and the options available to you. family-owned individual facing one of the toughest times in Sometimes, it’s just good to sit funeral service that their life. This personalised approach includes and talk, and to learn about has been helping the option of home visits and access to a the services and venues families across the friendly voice at the end of the phone around available from someone with Maidstone area for the clock, as well as personal support to clients experience and compassion 40 years. through the bereavement process. before making a decision.” With offices in Bearsted and Barming, Family Michael Lawrence said: "The loss of a loved Funeral Service is a third generation business, one is never easy to cope with, and the added experienced in caring for your needs with stress of making arrangements for the service commitment and understanding. can often bring further emotional upset. With At such a stressful time, they know it’s our experience of making funeral arrangements important to sit and talk to you about every we have learned how to help families have and detail and to assist you in making the often be part of a unique and meaningful service that

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Maidstone February 2018 27 News downsmail.co.uk Dealer is dealt hefty sentence Acorn bounty ensures a A DRUG dealer who travelled from his London home to run a class A drug supply network in healthy oak population Maidstone was jailed for 14 years. Matthew Olujosun (30), of Slater KENTISH oak trees enjoyed a spectacular acorn harvest in 2017 – helping Close, Woolwich, would travel by train to Maid- to ensure its future as one of the county’s enduring symbols of strength stone to sell drugs. and vitality. O l u j o s u n Oaks enjoyed a particularly plen- (pictured) was tiful ‘mast’ year – when the tree found guilty of fruits excessively to ensure it cannot producing and fail to procreate – but last autumn’s s u p p l y i n g crop was bigger than many ob- heroin and co- servers have ever seen. caine and pos- Tree surgeon and naturalist Theo s e s s i n g McCausland, who lives near Lang- criminal prop- ley, said in some woodlands the erty, and was sentenced at Maid- acorns lay like carpets up to three stone Crown Court. inches deep. Detective Inspector Gary Scarfe Father of two Mr McCausland, said: ”A comprehensive investiga- pictured right, took four 85-litre tion and the key evidence obtained barrow loads of seeds away from a by my officers has led to this suc- tree in his own garden in an effort cessful outcome. to germinate and replant seedlings I’ve heard many people talk about policy.” “Olujosun profited from his es- elsewhere. it.” But, according to the Woodland tablished class A drugs supply net- He added: “This was a kind of Mr McCaus- Trust, the bounty can come at a works that he ran into Kent’s mast year many people haven’t land said there price – Lyme disease. communities utilising local dealers seen before, such was the sheer vol- is no other in- A spokesman said: “It is thought to deal drugs for him.” ume of acorns. d i g e n o u s that in mast years incidences of He was also served a Serious “A mast year is when the tree species of Lyme disease across the UK could Crime Prevention Order, which stores up water and nutrients and British tree increase. will restrict his use of mobile releases a huge number of acorns so which sup- “The increase in foraging materi- phones when he is released from that once you take into account ports as many als for small mammals such as mice prison. birds such as jays, squirrels, mice forms of wildlife. causes booms in their populations. and the like, there are enough to He added: “The oak is an iconic Mice carry this tick-spread disease RNLI’s dance germinate and guarantee the tree and terribly important tree and the so the more that survive the winter will reproduce. mast years, which happen every the more they will infect the follow- THE RNLI Barn Dance takes place “But this year was something else. four or five years, are an insurance ing spring.” on Friday, March 2, at 7.30 pm in Fant Community Hall. Music and calling will be done Record number of students secure Duke of Edinburgh awards by the popular John Sweeney. The ticket price of £10 includes A RECORD 496 students from the supper but you must bring your Maidstone area who completed their Duke of Edinburgh Awards in own drinks and nibbles. 2017 have been presented with To book tickets and meals please medals at the showground. contact John Ashbolt 01622 725435 An impressive 397 bronze, 74 sil- or Alan Cocks 01622 761004. ver and 25 gold awards were re- ceived by students from 14 schools Park proms dip and youth groups. COUNCIL chiefs are expecting a Presenting the gold and bronze dip in attendance at the 2018 Proms awards – and speaker for the evening – was Deputy Lieutenant in the Park after agreeing to intro- Bill Cockcroft, with the silver awards duce an admission fee handed out by borough and county The Whatman Park classical councillor Shellina Prendergast, event has been free in the past but KCC’s deputy cabinet member for L-r: Gold award winners Hannah Warnock, Alice Hill and Mollie Carrington, Maidstone Borough Council claims young people and education. Maid- it can no longer cover the running from Invicta Grammar School; Luke Johnson, from Maidstone Girls’ Gram- stone’s deputy mayor, David Naghi, mar School; Chloe Malujlo and Amisha Ramdut, from Invicta, and Kate costs. Tickets will cost up to £7 also attended. MacMahon, from Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School with children allowed in free. Bubbles Team, from Invicta Gram- mar in Maidstone, showed a video an account by Amy Pagett, from In- School; St Augustine Academy; Driver arrested of their gold award expedition, ca- victa Grammar School, who worked Holmesdale Technology College; St noeing on the River Wye, and music with the charity to earn her bronze Simon Stock Catholic School; The A DRIVER has been arrested after for the evening was provided by award. Maplesden Noakes School; Invicta a car stolen from Maidstone Chris Haywood, Ethan Stubley and Students receiving awards at- Grammar School; The Malling crashed into a police vehicle. Charlie Edwards, from Maidstone tended: Cornwallis Academy; Maid- School; Valley Park School; Maid- The Ford Mondeo failed to stop Grammar School. stone Grammar School for Girls; Five stone Grammar School for Boys; and when officers tried to halt it on De- Representatives from Guide Dogs Acre Wood School; Oakwood Park Wrotham School, together with the cember 18, but it later hit a police for the Blind were also there to hear Grammar School; Grange Park KCC Maidstone Youth Hub. BMW on the A228.

28 Maidstone February 2018 News downsmail.co.uk Dealer is dealt Acorn bounty ensures a hefty sentence Maidstone A DRUG dealer who travelled from his London home to run a class A drug supply network in healthy oak population Maidstone was jailed for 14 years. Matthew Olujosun (30), of Slater KENTISH oak trees enjoyed a spectacular acorn harvest in 2017 – helping Close, Woolwich, would travel by Citizens Advice Maidstone train to Maid- to ensure its future as one of the county’s enduring symbols of strength stone to sell 2 Bower Terrace, Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, ME16 8RY drugs. and vitality. O l u j o s u n Oaks enjoyed a particularly plen- Telephone Advice Service: 01622 752420 (pictured) was tiful ‘mast’ year – when the tree found guilty of fruits excessively to ensure it cannot Drop-in Advice Service: Monday-Friday: 10:00-16:00 producing and fail to procreate – but last autumn’s E-mail Advice: www.maidstonecab.org.uk s u p p l y i n g crop was bigger than many ob- heroin and co- servers have ever seen. caine and pos- Tree surgeon and naturalist Theo If you need help or advice, come and see us! s e s s i n g McCausland, who lives near Lang- criminal prop- ley, said in some woodlands the erty, and was sentenced at Maid- acorns lay like carpets up to three Are your debts worrying you? stone Crown Court. inches deep. Detective Inspector Gary Scarfe Father of two Mr McCausland, Citizens Advice Maidstone can help! said: ”A comprehensive investiga- pictured right, took four 85-litre tion and the key evidence obtained barrow loads of seeds away from a Many people spend more money over Christmas and their debts can get out of hand. Free expert by my officers has led to this suc- tree in his own garden in an effort advice is available from your local Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice Maidstone. cessful outcome. to germinate and replant seedlings I’ve heard many people talk about policy.” “Olujosun profited from his es- elsewhere. it.” But, according to the Woodland tablished class A drugs supply net- He added: “This was a kind of Mr McCaus- Trust, the bounty can come at a We have helped hundreds of people to manage their debts efficiently. Just recently, a client came to us works that he ran into Kent’s mast year many people haven’t land said there price – Lyme disease. owing over £10,000 to a particular company. They had tried to pay their debt but were unable to cope communities utilising local dealers seen before, such was the sheer vol- is no other in- A spokesman said: “It is thought with the demands for on-line payment and now the enforcement agents (“bailiffs”) had been called in, to deal drugs for him.” ume of acorns. d i g e n o u s that in mast years incidences of making the debt even greater. He was also served a Serious “A mast year is when the tree species of Lyme disease across the UK could Crime Prevention Order, which stores up water and nutrients and British tree increase. will restrict his use of mobile releases a huge number of acorns so which sup- “The increase in foraging materi- Worrying about the debt had made the client very anxious, unable to sleep and dreading the arrival of phones when he is released from that once you take into account ports as many als for small mammals such as mice the post each day. prison. birds such as jays, squirrels, mice forms of wildlife. causes booms in their populations. and the like, there are enough to He added: “The oak is an iconic Mice carry this tick-spread disease Once the client visited our office and showed us all of the paperwork, we were able to negotiate with RNLI’s dance germinate and guarantee the tree and terribly important tree and the so the more that survive the winter the company on their behalf. Due to their special circumstances, the company agreed to waive the will reproduce. mast years, which happen every the more they will infect the follow- THE RNLI Barn Dance takes place “But this year was something else. four or five years, are an insurance ing spring.” entire debt. Admittedly, this is rare but sometimes does happen! on Friday, March 2, at 7.30 pm in Fant Community Hall. It is common practice to help clients sit down, work out exactly what they owe, what they can afford to Music and calling will be done Record number of students secure Duke of Edinburgh awards by the popular John Sweeney. repay and help them negotiate an affordable repayment plan with the creditors. The ticket price of £10 includes A RECORD 496 students from the supper but you must bring your Maidstone area who completed Do not wait until the last moment to come to see us. The earlier we can help you, the better the results their Duke of Edinburgh Awards in own drinks and nibbles. we can achieve for you. 2017 have been presented with To book tickets and meals please medals at the Detling showground. contact John Ashbolt 01622 725435 An impressive 397 bronze, 74 sil- We help people with all kinds of issues. We can advise you on what state benefits you may be entitled or Alan Cocks 01622 761004. ver and 25 gold awards were re- to, how to deal with a dispute with your employer, consumer issues such as complaints about goods or ceived by students from 14 schools services, housing issues such as a dispute with your landlord, divorce and difficulties with access to Park proms dip and youth groups. children. We can also help with neighbour disputes. COUNCIL chiefs are expecting a Presenting the gold and bronze dip in attendance at the 2018 Proms awards – and speaker for the evening – was Deputy Lieutenant Each client is treated as an individual, with respect and in utmost confidence. in the Park after agreeing to intro- Bill Cockcroft, with the silver awards duce an admission fee handed out by borough and county The Whatman Park classical All our advisors are local volunteers trained by our service. We offer a rigorous training programme to councillor Shellina Prendergast, event has been free in the past but ensure advisers are able to offer clients sound advice on a wide range of issues and we have expert KCC’s deputy cabinet member for L-r: Gold award winners Hannah Warnock, Alice Hill and Mollie Carrington, Maidstone Borough Council claims young people and education. Maid- specialists on hand to support the volunteer advisers. it can no longer cover the running from Invicta Grammar School; Luke Johnson, from Maidstone Girls’ Gram- stone’s deputy mayor, David Naghi, mar School; Chloe Malujlo and Amisha Ramdut, from Invicta, and Kate costs. Tickets will cost up to £7 also attended. As the demand for our service is large, Citizens Advice Maidstone needs additional volunteers. If you MacMahon, from Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School with children allowed in free. Bubbles Team, from Invicta Gram- are interested in finding out more and could offer one or two days each week for this rewarding work, mar in Maidstone, showed a video an account by Amy Pagett, from In- School; St Augustine Academy; we would love to hear from you. Driver arrested of their gold award expedition, ca- victa Grammar School, who worked Holmesdale Technology College; St noeing on the River Wye, and music with the charity to earn her bronze Simon Stock Catholic School; The A DRIVER has been arrested after for the evening was provided by award. Maplesden Noakes School; Invicta Please see www.maidstonecab.org.uk for details of our services, addresses and opening times, or call a car stolen from Maidstone Chris Haywood, Ethan Stubley and Students receiving awards at- Grammar School; The Malling 01622 752420 for personal advice. crashed into a police vehicle. Charlie Edwards, from Maidstone tended: Cornwallis Academy; Maid- School; Valley Park School; Maid- The Ford Mondeo failed to stop Grammar School. stone Grammar School for Girls; Five stone Grammar School for Boys; and when officers tried to halt it on De- Representatives from Guide Dogs Acre Wood School; Oakwood Park Wrotham School, together with the Free Confidential Impartial Independent cember 18, but it later hit a police for the Blind were also there to hear Grammar School; Grange Park KCC Maidstone Youth Hub. BMW on the A228.

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Maidstone February 2018 31 News downsmail.co.uk Car robbery Fears rubbish mountain at Christmas POLICE have appealed for wit- nesses after a woman had her car is to reach new heights stolen on Christmas Day. A woman in her 60s was in her A LEADING light within waste car in Fullingpits Avenue at around management at Kent County 7.30pm when she was approached Council warns a population ex- by a man who threatened her with plosion, as new homes are built a long object. across Maidstone, will see the He told her he “needed her car”, area’s rubbish mountain grow as a red 54 plate Ford Focus, and she never before. got out of the vehicle, at which Geoff Cloke issued his warning point he got in and sped off to- as local tips struggle to keep up wards the town centre. with public demand. The facility at The car was later found aban- Tovil - a favoured dump for Maid- doned in Mangravet Avenue, stone’s recyclers - is now at “burst- where it had crashed into some ing point”, he said. railings. While the predicted increase in DC Ray Dusanjh said: “Although traffic is already being felt as the the victim was unharmed, this was first of 17,660 homes are built in the a distressing incident for her and Maidstone borough, issues like we are keen to catch the offender.” rubbish disposal are among a quarter of a million people living in waste is separated and items in- The offender is described as growing number of utility issues Kent and that means much more cluding glass, wood, metal and white, possibly with long hair, was coming to the fore. rubbish.” plastics are sent for recycling. wearing a white top and a woolly In 2016, Maidstone’s population But the 62-year-old former However, in Maidstone, the hat which covered his ears. was put at 166,360 – up 14% on the banker and policeman of 30 years, amount of “black bag”, or unsepa- previous decade. from Maidstone, believes that rated domestic refuse, is creeping Once government’s recent impo- while the 720,000 tonnes of rubbish back up and finding its way to the Digging charge sition of another 7,000 plus homes produced annually in Kent has the tip – more than anywhere else in THE right to charge utility compa- is added onto those in the Local potential to soar, the public is bet- the county. nies for digging up the road in Plan, Maidstone’s population will ter placed to respond to the rise in Mr Cloke said: “When Tovil tip Kent has been extended. almost certainly break the 200,000 rubbish than ever before. opened in the 1980s everything It follows a trial of the Lane barrier for the first time. But, he believes the case for more went to landfill. Rental scheme in the county, which Mr Cloke is the county council’s incinerators, like that at Allington, “Now, our range of recycling op- has seen disruption to drivers contracts and compliance officer is now growing. tions mean we are one of the first caused by roadworks halved. for waste management at Tovil tip The energy-from-waste plant councils in the country sending less The Department for Transport is in Maidstone. utilises all of the county’s “black than 2% of waste to landfill. now considering rolling out the He said: “The number of new bag” domestic waste, producing “But the huge growth in popula- scheme to other areas in . homes in Maidstone over the next enough electricity to keep the lights tion means Tovil is now at bursting The scheme provides Kent 14 years is being mirrored by bor- on across Maidstone for a year, day point, with the site designed for County Council (KCC) with an oughs across Kent. and night. about half the number now using ability to charge utility companies “Soon we will have another At the tip in Tovil, domestic it.” up to £2,500 a day for carrying out work on busy routes at peak times, encouraging firms to consider qui- You’re hired! Louis shines in apprentice tasks eter roads and to avoid peak times. TOP-flight apprentice Louis Broad ness support assistant – dealing Development team, who he works The scheme was due to end on (pictured) was in no danger of with tasks including processing with, for their contribution to ex- March 2019. being fired when he went before staff benefits and members’ cellent service. Matthew Balfour, who was at the his boss. grants – achieved his Level 3 in Op- Louis, who studied IT, literature time KCC’s cabinet member for The 20-year-old former student erational Delivery (Advanced) in and history, said: “When I left highways, said: “The scheme has at Valley Park school in Maidstone, little over a year. school, I wasn’t really sure what I incentivised a change in how work took an apprenticeship with Kent As a reward, he joined KCC chair- wanted but an apprenticeship al- is carried out on the busiest parts of County Council (KCC), and is about man David Brazier at a lunch with lows you to gain experience in the Kent’s road network so that dis- to finish his course eight months five colleagues from the Engage- world of work. You can find out ruption is minimised.” early. Louis, who works as a busi- ment, Organisation, Design and how a business functions and deal with high-profile things if you Reading appeal show you’re competent, and earn IF you fancy volunteering as a one- while you learn.” to-one reader with primary school He says the skills he has learned children, literacy group Beanstalk will benefit him now and in future wants to hear from you. roles, as well as in his outside ac- Beanstalk has launched a recruit- tivities which include organising ment campaign. It is making “a sig- gigs for his band Fortune Favours. nificant difference to the future Meanwhile, KCC bosses have prospects of young children and been so impressed with him, they their enjoyment of reading”. have offered him a full-time job. Volunteers are provided with Louis added: “The apprentice- training in return for 30-minute ship has benefited my confidence. sessions with a child twice a week “It’s important for people to do during term time, for at least one what’s right for them, but I would academic year. definitely encourage people to consider an apprenticeship.” Call 0845 4500307 or email [email protected].

32 Maidstone February 2018 Maidstone February 2018 33 downsmail.co.uk

been seen by the stream in the field behind Allotments Regarding the quotationsdownsma toil. re-co.uk

aihCouncils Parish Birling the church where drug debris had been turf two paths at the allotment site, it was

P Hawthorn bush It was agreed that the pfoundlanted andthe thatbulb mores as p youthsrevious hadly ag beenreed in. agreedthe com tom givei�ee thewe clerkre una delegatedble to do this.

a r i s h Barming work needs to be carried out by a qualified HBirlingall han Park,dle O beingne of noisythe re andgula leavingr hirers lihaer.d authoritySMART u top selectdate T ah contractore group ha ands 20 proceed KAtreeLC surgeon.awards M Cllrem Stewartbers wer oeffaeredll in tofav obtainour inSheform haded reportedthe clerk thetha mat theerex toter thenal door at withvolun thetee works.rs and Itso wasme o resolvedf the the toory givetests to aquotesdopt th frome 201 local8 Ke businesses,nt Associati withon of aL viewocal thlandscapee parish h PCSOall wa ands stic nextking timeand wouldthat th alsoe noticerequir toed allotmenthave been holderssuccess thatfully thecompleted.

C Cotoun havingcils (KA theLC work) awa donerds sc beforeheme, thealthough dreportoor han itd tole 101.was ge�ing loose. The clerk annualThe gro allotmentup are ho rentping wouldto exp increaseand acro byss the

o u n c i l s Heritage Day. no nominations sprang to mind. was to arrange for a pull handle to be 3%wh orole £3.of Maidstone and Cllr Grigg is Clerk vacancy Cllr Spooner had advised Hedge cu­ing The clerk was to contact Grass cu ing The mower had been the clerk that she had spoken with a installed. working with councillors in other wards to Landscape Services to inform them that the Kings Hill received and would be kept at the Sports resident who was interested in applying make improvements across the area. A new parish field western hedge and two Emergency access There was much debate Park.group called MART was to be set up to get secfortion thes o position,n the nor butth h nothingedge nee hadded beencu�ing, received. Laboutoos accesse to Kings Hill and Treea hol inspectionistic approa worksch to tItra wasffic p agreedroblem tos. and the lower three metres on the east side give the clerk delegated authority to select Street lights The clerk had met with Cvulnerabilityommunity re inpo relationrt Comm tou thenity sizewa ofrd Kingsen Planning commi­ee It had not always needed trimming back. a contractor and proceed with the works. Richard Emme from KCC to look at all LHill,iz Lo entranceva� upda pointsted on andtwo proximitycar thefts to, a been possible for a member of the planning Playground Members agreed to proceed Sports park It was agreed to accept the the street lights. A survey needed to be ththem.eft of Itnu wasmb agreeder plate tos a investigatend remind aed high commi�ee to a�ended all MBC planning with remedial work at the Craigdene level emergency access plan and request to place a portacabin at the Sports carried out and a quote detailing options residents to keep their sheds secure and meetings when an application had been Playground, which included a buffer being maintenance of emergency routes. Park and that all costs relating to would be sent, possibly by September. remove tools from vans overnight. Liz has called in, so it was agreed that in the future installed on the gate and adjusted, Area 63 It was agreed to accept the instatement and reinstatement would be Parsons Corner The light was not working been very busy with welfare visits and also a request would be made to ask other replacement of the unstable gate post and proposed road names of Josephine Lane met by the hirer. and needed to be replaced. A quote had reported on two scam calls, one from members of the council to a�end. repbeenlacem requestedent of the frompost Tonbridgethat had b andeen and Keepsake Drive for Area 63. Open air cinema It was agreed to accept a someone claiming to be from Citizens damMallingaged b Boroughy a strim Council.mer. As it was likely Landscaping A resident raised concern proposal for an event at the Sports Park on Advice and the other from the government KCtoC bebu cheaperdget The toc replaceouncil a thegre lighted th asat partthere of about landscaping by KCC in Victoria OctoberTovil 29. The hire charge for this event wathes ad LEDded replacementpressure due projectto the itin wascrea decidedse of adDrive.vising Ito wasf hid agreedden ba thatnk c thehar residentges. would be £300. vultone waitrable untilpeop thele a KCCnd w quoteould hadlike t beeno see Bwouldorough sendrepo photographsrt Cllr Sue G torig theg re deputyported SaltNatu binsre reItse wasrve agreedIt was r toep acceptorted t thehat the Kenreceived.t County Council prioritising the most thclerkat the whoFor wouldstal Lan liaisee pla withnnin KCCg app onlica histion quotationTrustees w forere Landscapeworking t Serviceso develo withp a five- vulDrugnerab debrisle. CllrCllrGoo Walkerch was saidto re youthsspond hadto hbehalf.ad been approved, but that street regardyear m toan refillingagement thepla saltn fo bins.r Hayle Park the consultation on behalf of the council. furniture would be put in place to make it Nature Reserve. Community payback The clerk had been difficult to go down Well Street from the Tree troubles Cllr Paul Wooding gave a TWO cars in Bush Row, Aylesford, were rm reports Crime approached by the probation services, who new estate. She had met with the Police report which noted that Arriva would be reqbrokenuired p intolacem onen thets f sameor su evening.pervised groups and Crime Commissioner who confirmed carrying out work on the trees in early in tAhe handbag,Maidston cashe are cardsa to c andarry personalout vario itemsus hisNeighbourhoodcommitment to PCSOs. Issues had also 2018. Watch were stolen from a Ford Fiesta left on a work in the community. But as Barming is been raised about street lights and parking Planning issue Amendments had been driveway, while cash and cards were taken Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police quite a small parish with no facilities for in McAlpine Crescent and overgrown trees made to plans to erect a residential from a Saab 9-3 parked on the road. initemsCarm stolenans C duringlose, w ahi break-inch Cllr G atrig ag was parkeddevelop onme an drivewayt at JB Ga inrag thee Doors, but the the gAro whiteup to u BMWse du X6rin wasg the stolenday, i fromt was a inpropertyvestigati inng Glentonthe own Avenue,ership ofKings. Hill. samecounc roadil agr waseed brokenthat the intose h andad not decdrivewaylined. in Lapins Lane, Kings Hill.A ScoGoldut gro jewelleryup Loose andSw cashiss Sc wereout G takenroup inha ad cashaddr wasessed stolen.their concerns and therefore Bouweekndar earlier,y chang ae blacks Mem carbe ofrs thesup sameporte modeld the proposals in the review of parliamentary asbreak-inked abo atut aa housepossib inle Castledonati Way,on towards thAeir Seatpre Alhambravious objec parkedtions st inill astand. had also been stolen from Quindell Place, Leybourne. supermarket car park in New Hythe Lane, conKingsstitue Hill.ncies. Barming would not be their work at Swiss Valley. It was agreed to Trampoline A request had been made for a askAth man,e Res describedponsible F asina innc hise O 30sffic wither if t shorthere Larkfieldtrampolin, hade to b itse i rearnsta windowlled at th smashede Albert in affectAed BMW. 318 convertible was stolen from blond hair, caused criminal damage to a an apparent break-in aempt. were funds, and if they were, to make an Reed Gardens Play Area. As the play area Benac residentialh works C drivewayllr Manse inr p Newropos Hytheed tha Lane,t shop sign at a petrol station in Church A Mitsubishi van had its rear window agreement via round robin of the amount is owned by MBC, the parish council were theLarkfieldrecently-.refurbished bench be installed Road, Addington, by kicking it. He was smashed in Wren Close, Larkfield, but at theThetop trackerof Nor ofth aSt Mercedesreet. She a Sprinterlso van odrivingf the don aa purpletion. Citroen Xsara estate. nothingunable t waso con stolen.sider the request, but did recparkedommen inde Briard tha Close,t the twLarkfieldo new p,la wasstic QuAiet houseLane inCl Halllr Gri Road,gg hadAylesfordstarted th, wase adAvi Vauxhallse that th Astraere is parkeda tramp inol Holboroughine at the benremovedches whi andch w discardedere due to beforebe ord theere vehicled be pbrokenrocess f into,or We butll S nothingtreet and wasBus takenbridg ande La none Road,nearbySnodlandSouth Pa,r hadk pla y wingarea. mirror plawasced stolen.on the t Itar containedmac area at numberthe pari ofsh todamagereceive wasQuie done.t Lane Status. damaged.Newsle­er A draft of the winter newsle�er fielcordlessd and at tools.the top of the field in front of AdTwoverts carsThe parkedcouncil –d oneecid ined Bellnot Laneto all andow a wTheas to babeerypres fromented a vehicleat the n parkedext mee inting, the pThreelay are HPa. A laptops,ll were cashin fav andour jewellery. btheann otherer in t inhe OakKGV Drive,PF carDip aronk o–r haditem paints on Holboroughwith articles Road,requeSnodlandsted on Cr,i wassbroo stolen.k Pavwereilion stolenwork froms The ad BMWraft sp X1eci parkedfication onfor a thsprayede parish onco themuncil bynot vandalsiceboard ons t theo be sameused MSeveraleadow, treesHayl weree Par cutk, th downe mill inpo ands and thedrivewayboundary inw Spruceork wa Close,s apprLarkfieldoved, wit.h the foevening.r advertising. residentialpedestrian gardenroutes. inIt Newwas a Hythelso rep Lane,orted that clerkAto Toshibaobtain q laptopuotatio andns a surveyingnd Cllr Gooch SchAoo carl p parkedarking I int w Cobdownas agreed Close,to arraDing eona, Larkfieldresidents.in Tovil Road and Hughended to dequipmentraft a le�e werer for t stolenhe adjo whenining ap steelrope cabinrty mwaseetin brokeng with into.the school regarding ReNoach accessdid n wasot re gainedceive th ine a anut aumemptedn edition. to tatell at constructionhem about th sitee w inor Towerks. The View,clerkKingswas incoAn housesiderat ine p Sandyarking Lane,in thOe villamage, hadat th ae break-inRenamin atg aA residentialfter discuss propertyion, it wa ins d Theecided alsoHillto owasbtai brokenn quote into.s for the flooring and stwindowart of the smashed.school day. Brucks,to retainWateringburythe name Tov. il Parish Council internAa cockerl decor spanielation. went missing from ConSteelserv securityation are gatesa A re atqu ae farmst ha wered been raAnthe insecurer than To Nissanvil Com Qashqaimunity inCouncil or London Road, Ryarsh. Bulbs planted The Rotary Club had mdamagedade to ex inten Adlingtond the cons Lane,ervatiTroon a riscliea, bffuet, BeadsmanTovil Neig Crescent,hbourhooLeybourned Council., was The dog may have escaped the property but nothing appeared to have been taken. entered and searched – but nothing was boundary and may have been seen being Items were taken from a shed at a house taken. JEWtakenELL fromERY thean aread com inp au silverting eq car.uipment

C r i m e in Snodland Road, . Garden play equipment and a tree were were taken in a burglary at a home in North Birling A secured black Pegasus hybrid bicycle A garage at a home in Orwell Close, damaged in an open space in Oxley Shaw Strwaseet, B stolenarmin fromg. a communal garden in Watch NLarkfieldei, wasg brokenhb into.ourhooLane,dLeybourne. A residential property in South Street, Admiral Moore Drive, Aylesford. WoTherkin outerg to r paneleduce ofcr aim double-glazede. Call Crimestoppers 0A8 secured00 555 1 back11 o gardenr local p inol Roundhay,ice BarmMarineing, wa equipments broken in wasto. A takenCano whenn cam aera, r bedroom window at a house in Columbine Leybourne, was broken into but nothing e p o r t s a laCitroenptop an Berlingod some c vanash w parkedas stol inen Medway. Close,SeveraEastl win Mallingdows o,f wasa pro brokenperty in in an act wasattem stolenpt to andsteal therethe ca wereravan no. signs of an SCourt,ome clAylesfordothing and, waselect brokenrical eq inuip to.ment Tofon criminalbridge R damage.oad were damaged due to aemptA she tod a gett a intoresid theenti house.al property was was tPoweraken fr toolsom a wereBMW stolenX1 w duringhich wa as break- objeSevencts bei windowsng thrown att theowa samerds it house, possib inly brAok wasteen int bino an belongingd a Mount tofie theld la localwn mower parinke ofd o an vanthe indr Ploveriveway Road,in HiLarkfieldllary Rd.. caBondfieldused by a Road,catapuEastlt. Malling, were councilwas stol wasen in movedHubb onle D Oxleyrive. Shaw Lane, A CAa deWaltnondale drillraci wasng bi stolenke was duringstolen aa break-nd a brokenA BMW in3 three35 pa separaterked in a incidents.driveway was LeybourneIn Willin,g draggington Stree witht, a Fo itrd theFi concreteesta parked Forind F ofoc au Fords dam Transitaged in vanWh inee Falstaler StffreClose,et. damStonesaged b werey fire thrownworks i atn A ab parkedingdon vehicleRoad. postin a c itar waspar securedk was br to.oken into and several AEastBM MallingW 525 p.arked in a driveway in inA Swallowlawn mo Road,wer wLarkfieldas stolen f,r causingom a shed at a CDs were stolen. PeneAnd handbagen Heath containingRoad was cash,broke an mobileinto. The redamage.sidential building in Tonbridge Road. steetelephone,ring whee creditl, air co cardsnditio andnin ag pursesystem was, sat- ATheveh wingicle p mirrorarked in ofth ae carroa parkedd in Ge onorge navtakenand r fromadio apl vehicleus an iP inod Beechwere Road,stolen. SWoodpeckertreet was rem Road,oved wLarkfieldithout co,n wassent. CCTV & ALARM AMereworthmetal ram.p for mobility access was deliberatelyA VW Golf smashedwas stole onffi.n Courtenay Road SPECIALISTS remoMedicalved from equipmenta resident wasial pr stolenoperty fromin a andCriminallater reco damagevered bu wast wi causedth perso whennal keys MiFordlton S Fiestatreet. parked in Eagle Close, bwereelong runings down(walle thet, ph sideone of, et ac) Hondataken. Civic, FREE consulation: ALarkfieldvan, par.ked in Terminus Way, was parkedA resid inen atia residentiall property carin U parkpper spaceRoad inwas A motorcycle was taken from a property 0800 281 249 broken into. Power tools were stolen. bShoesmithroken into a Lane,nd a SKingsony Pl HillayS.tation and in Wateringbury Road, East Malling. Someone attempted to break into a shop gamThees w rearere windscreenstolen. wiper of a Hyundai [email protected] Clothes, a buggy, an XBox games i20In H parkederefor ond R Heronoad, d Road,amageLarkfieldwas caus,e wasd to www.brooksecurity.com in Uconsole,pper Fa controllernt Road, d andama gamesging a weredoor amongand a window. No access gained. abrokenHITCH ocffa.r Theavan samestabi night,liser, p aos Seatsibly Leonin an

32 Malling October 2017 34 Malling January 2018 downsmail.co.uk

P planted the bulbs as previously agreed. the commi�ee were unable to do this. a r i s h Barming Hall handle One of the regular hirers had SMART update The group has 20 KALC awards Members were all in favour informed the clerk that the external door at volunteers and some of the theory tests to adopt the 2018 Kent Association of Local the parish hall was sticking and that the required have been successfully completed.

C Councils (KALC) awards scheme, although door handle was ge�ing loose. The clerk The group are hoping to expand across the o u n c i l s no nominations sprang to mind. was to arrange for a pull handle to be whole of Maidstone and Cllr Grigg is Hedge cu­ing The clerk was to contact installed. working with councillors in other wards to Landscape Services to inform them that the make improvements across the area. A new parish field western hedge and two group called MART was to be set up to get sections on the north hedge needed cu�ing, Loose a holistic approach to traffic problems. and the lower three metres on the east side Planning commi­ee It had not always needed trimming back. Community report Community warden Liz Lova� updated on two car thefts, a been possible for a member of the planning BDL Gas 2 Playground Members agreed to proceed commi�ee to a�ended all MBC planning with remedial work at the Craigdene theft of number plates and reminded ROOFING residents to keep their sheds secure and meetings when an application had been Playground, which included a buffer being called in, so it was agreed that in the future Services installed on the gate and adjusted, remove tools from vans overnight. Liz has been very busy with welfare visits and also a request would be made to ask other A Family replacement of the unstable gate post and members of the council to a�end. LIMITED replacement of the post that had been reported on two scam calls, one from S damaged by a strimmer. someone claiming to be from Citizens Run Business For a free & very KCC budget The council agreed that there Advice and the other from the government Tovil was added pressure due to the increase of advising of hidden bank charges. Competitive quote please vulnerable people and would like to see Borough report Cllr Sue Grigg reported Nature reserve It was reported that the • Established for over 19 Years Kent County Council prioritising the most that the Forstal Lane planning application Trustees were working to develop a five- call Joe on 07786 802 959 vulnerable. Cllr Gooch was to respond to had been approved, but that street year management plan for Hayle Park • Supply & Install MOULD CLEAR the consultation on behalf of the council. furniture would be put in place to make it Nature Reserve. • FREE Surveys Community payback The clerk had been difficult to go down Well Street from the Tree troubles Cllr Paul Wooding gave a Black mouldLIQUID caused FIRBREGLASS by condensation on approached by the probation services, who new estate. She had met with the Police report which noted that Arriva would be • Bespoke Fireplaces required placements for supervised groups and Crime Commissioner who confirmed carrying out work on the trees in early • Huge range of high efficiency ceilings andMEMBRANE walls cleared SYSTEMSand treated and his commitment to PCSOs. Issues had also 2018. in the Maidstone area to carry out various gas fires, plus electric on display work in the community. But as Barming is been raised about street lights and parking Planning issue Amendments had been guaranteed5- 25 to YEAR not return GUARANTEES within two years. quite a small parish with no facilities for in McAlpine Crescent and overgrown trees made to plans to erect a residential • Central heating install, the group to use during the day, it was in Carmans Close, which Cllr Grigg was development at JB Garage Doors, but the service & repair AVAILABLE declined. investigating the ownership of. council agreed that these had not A fully insured family Company who Boundary changes Members supported the Scout group Loose Swiss Scout Group had addressed their concerns and therefore • Full Service & maintenance proposals in the review of parliamentary asked about a possible donation towards their previous objections still stand. after care have been building and maintaining constituencies. Barming would not be their work at Swiss Valley. It was agreed to Trampoline A request had been made for a FLAThomes forROOFING 43 years. affected. ask the Responsible Finance Officer if there trampoline to be installed at the Albert 9 High Street, Rainham, Kent ME8 7HX were funds, and if they were, to make an Reed Gardens Play Area. As the play area Bench works Cllr Manser proposed that Tel: 01634 232048 the recently-refurbished bench be installed agreement via round robin of the amount is owned by MBC, the parish council were SPECIALISTS at the top of North Street. She also of the donation. unable to consider the request, but did www.bdlgasservices.co.uk For a free quote call Chris recommended that the two new plastic Quiet Lane Cllr Grigg had started the advise that there is a trampoline at the Follow us on Twiter @BdlGas PORCHES I GARAGES I DORMERS I EXTENSIONS benches which were due to be ordered be process for Well Street and Busbridge Lane nearby South Park play area. direct on 07885 109469. placed on the tarmac area at the parish to receive Quiet Lane Status. Newsle­er A draft of the winter newsle�er field and at the top of the field in front of Adverts The council decided not to allow a was to be presented at the next meeting, the play area. All were in favour. banner in the KGVPF car park or items on with articles requested on Crisbrook Pavilion works The draft specification for the parish council noticeboards to be used Meadow, Hayle Park, the mill ponds and Ltd THE the boundary work was approved, with the for advertising. pedestrian routes. It was also reported that clerk to obtain quotations and Cllr Gooch School parking It was agreed to arrange a residents in Tovil Road and Hughended to draft a le�er for the adjoining property meeting with the school regarding Reach did not receive the autumn edition. FIREPLACE to tell them about the works. The clerk was inconsiderate parking in the village at the Renaming After discussion, it was decided www.the-fireplace.net also to obtain quotes for the flooring and start of the school day. to retain the name Tovil Parish Council “At your service” internal decoration. Conservation area A request had been rather than Tovil Community Council or Cherry Tree Business Estate, Plough Wents Road, Bulbs planted The Rotary Club had made to extend the conservation area, but Tovil Neighbourhood Council. Chart Sutton, Maidstone, ME17 3RY 01795 599234Our services• Multifuel, woodburning and All servicing work undertaken, diagnostics, 2 Castle Court gas stoves JEWELLERY and computing equipment mechanical and bodywork repairs, Bathing C r i m e were taken in a burglary at a home in North Castle Road, Eurolink MOT preparation and winter checks. • Electric,Contact gas us& solid today fuel fires Street, Barming. Neighbourhood Watch BefriendingIndustrial Estate, 7 Mill Street A residential property in South Street, We have been servicing, repairing, and restoring BMWs for Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police SittingbourneCogs clubs ME10 3TD • Marble, wood & stone Barming, was broken into. A Canon camera, over 30 years, our staff have over 50 years combined Maidstone r surrounds e p o r t s a laptop and some cash was stolen. Several windows of a property in attempt to steal the caravan. Computer classes experience, and all have more than 25 years of working Mon-Fri 9.30am - 4pm ME15 6XW Some clothing and electrical equipment Tonbridge Road were damaged due to A shed at a residential property was with BMWs behind them. Day care • Fitting service available was taken from a BMW X1 which was objects being thrown towards it, possibly broken into and a Mountfield lawn mower Sat 10am - 4pm parked on the driveway in Hillary Rd. caused by a catapult. was stolen in Hubble Drive. Exercise classes 01622 753618*Terms & conditions apply A Canondale racing bike was stolen and a A BMW 335 parked in a driveway was In Willington Street, a Ford Fiesta parked Foot care Ford Focus damaged in Wheeler Street. damaged by fireworks in Abingdon Road. in a car park was broken into and several Bringing you more than just fireplaces A BMW 525 parked in a driveway in A lawn mower was stolen from a shed at a CDs were stolen. Gardening Penenden Heath Road was broken into. The residential building in Tonbridge Road. Domes�c home help steering wheel, air conditioning system, sat- A vehicle parked in the road in George nav and radio plus an iPod were stolen. Street was removed without consent. informa�on and advice A metal ramp for mobility access was A VW Golf was stolen in Courtenay Road Property maintenance removed from a residential property in and later recovered but with personal We specialise in Classic BMWs of ALL ages Demen�a day care Milton Street. belongings (wallet, phone, etc) taken. A van, parked in Terminus Way, was A residential property in Upper Road was BMW & BMW Mini Specialist Travel vouchers broken into. Power tools were stolen. broken into and a Sony PlayStation and Someone attempted to break into a shop games were stolen. Trusted traders love later life in Upper Fant Road, damaging a door and a In Hereford Road, damage was caused to Wheelchair hire Charity number 1062723 window. No access gained. a HITCH caravan stabiliser, possibly in an

Maidstone February 2018 35

Maidstone East October 2017 31 downsmail.co.uk News Have breakfast for Special Feature downsmail.co.uk Heartdownsmail.co.uk of Kent Hospice NNeewwss Have breakfast forfor Heart of Kent HospiceHospice

We are inviting you, our local community to organise a breakfast between 12th – 26th February 2018 to raise money for Heart of Kent Hospice. By hosting a breakfast this WeFebruary are inviting you can you, catch our up local with community family, friends, to organise colleagues a breakfastor your social between group 12th and – support26th February our nurses 2018 whoto raise provide money foroutstanding Heart of Kentcare toHospice. our patients By hosting and their a breakfast families. this February you can catch up with family, friends, colleagues WeOrganise are inviting a breakfast, you, our attend local a communitybreakfast, attend to organise a breakfast a or your social group and support our nurses who provide breakfastor simply makebetween a donation 12th – 26th to celebrate February the 2018 outstanding to raise money care outstandingthat Heart of careKent to Hospice our patients provides. and Heretheir arefamilies. some ideas; forOrganise Heart ofa breakfast,Kent Hospice. attend By a hostingbreakfast, a breakfast attend a thisbreakfast orFebruary simply youmake can a donation catch up towith celebrate family, the friends, outstanding colleagues care thator your Heart social of Kent group Hospice and support provides. our Here nurses are who some provide ideas; Orderoutstanding your fundraising care to our patientspack now and their families. Organise a breakfast, attend a breakfast, attend a breakfast OrderForor simply your your fundraising make fundraising a donation pack, pack filledto celebratenow with the outstanding care invitations,that Heart of posters, Kent Hospice fundraising provides. ideas Here are some ideas; Forand yourways fundraising to donate, email pack, filled with invitations,[email protected] posters, fundraising or call the ideas and ways to donate, email FundraisingOrder your fundraising team on 01622 pack 790195 now - [email protected] are here to help make or call hosting the your Fundraisingbreakfast as easyteam as on possible. 01622 790195 - weFor areyour here fundraising to help make pack, hosting filled withyour breakfastinvitations, as posters,easy as possible.fundraising ideas Telland usways about to donate, your breakfast email on social media #HOKHbreakfast [email protected] us about your breakfast or call on the social mediaFundraising #HOKHbreakfast team on 01622 790195 - we are here to help make hosting your breakfast as easy as possible.

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Maidstone February 2018 37

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Maidstone Weald October 2017 35 downsmail.co.uk Joan Baker they spent most of the last five years living devoted his time to photography. With

O b i t u a r e s in Dubai. two other photographers he set up JOAN Baker (88) was born in West Malling Kerry Brown said: “Rob was very Archival Images Ltd, and lived in the village most of her life, outspoken with the kind of wit and charm which specialised in including all of her marriage. that could light up a room and also a sense photographing She was born Joan King and spent her of humour that meant he could often get artifacts, including early years in Di�on away with inappropriate jokes. for Maidstone before marrying Norman “He was really strong-minded and Museum. Baker and returning to stubborn and dedicated to his athletics. He He was a notable the village of her birth. had completed 20 iron man events, and and respected Joan was mother to 11 John O’Groats to Land’s End cycle ride for member of the children (Chris, Nick, charity and other races.” Maidstone Camera Marie, Nigel, Pat, Rob leaves his wife and son, George. Club, and was Maxwell, Carol, Bridge�, bestowed a lifetime honorary vice- Gordon, Simon and presidency in 2013. Jason). Daughter Marie Bruce Ernest Ealham Derek leaves his children, and grand- said: “People knew her as a lovely lady children Aidan, Lilybelle, Lucy and He�y. who enjoyed gardening and did sewing THE sudden death of former Maidstone and alterations for others. She held strong resident Bruce Ealham (64) has left family opinions on a few things and could stand and friends shocked and devastated. Jeanee Hadlow her ground. She was a devoted Bruce lived locally grandmother and great grandmother.” from 1975 to 1995. TRIBUTES have been paid to Jeane�e Joan leaves 10 children – son Maxwell Born and raised in Hadlow – a stalwart of Broomfield life. died from whooping cough, aged six Ashford, Bruce Jeane�e kept the keys for St Margaret’s weeks. Her combined grandchildren and moved to the area to Church and undertook work for the great grandchildren number around 50. work as a typese�er church until disability impeded her efforts. She also leaves a brother and a sister. for the Kent She remained highly supportive of the Messenger Group work done by her brother, Derek, for St and when he, along Margaret’s. Her funeral was marked in the Rob Brown with many of his parish magazine, which noted: “no effort colleagues, were was spared in preparing the church and ROBERT “Rob” Brown (42) of Kings Hill made redundant in the mid-80s he flowers, the choir and organist performed was an airline captain and notable athlete continued to live locally, whilst beautifully”. who qualified for the world commuting to a new typese�ing job in championships in iron man triathlon. London. Eventually, he moved to Born in Watford, Lewisham. Joyce Ann Hunter Rob moved to Di�on Bruce was father to Lucy, Katie and as a small boy with his THE death has been reported in Dorset of Charles. Joyce Ann Hunter (84). family and went on to Daughter Katie said: “My father was a be educated locally at Joyce worked locally for Seven Seas, fit and healthy man who loved sports and Sharps and Preston Hall Hospital. A local Maidstone Grammar played football locally for Malgo for many School. announcement noted “Joyce...will be years.” remembered by friends in Maidstone. He studied A devoted family man, Bruce leaves his mechanical Never seen without her lipstick on.” children and grandchildren Matilda, Her funeral took place in Salisbury. engineering at Harper and Penelope. Loughborough University and intended a career in the armed forces before the Beryl Beck diagnosis of a thyroid complaint led to Derek Hodge him being medically discharged from the BERYl Beck (91) – born Brightman – lived RAF. DEREK Malcolm Hodge (83) lived in in all her life. She a�ended Rob went on to train as an airline pilot Bearsted for 47 years, raising children East Farleigh and Loose schools before starting his career with British Midland Stephen and Sarah with his wife Ricky, joining Maidstone Technical School for and going on to fly for companies who died in 2011. Girls, where her love including Go and easyJet before moving to In 1971, Derek and Ricky moved from of dancing developed. Emirates Airlines. north-west London to a newly built home After school she Rob was married to Kerry and the pair on the Sandy Lane estate, off the Landway. worked for the se�led in Kings Hill 11 years ago, though Derek worked as a production manager Woolwich Equitable in the print trade and after his retirement, Building Society. It was there she met her future husband, Eric, before he was called up for WWII service. Camrass Wills They married and set Advice you can trust up home in Forge Lane where they raised a daughter and son, and where she lived Do you need help with probate? until her death in November. Do you want to buy a funeral plan? After Eric’s death in 1988, she took up new interests and joined many trips to • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed West End shows and the ballet, which was perhaps her greatest love. DipPFS MSWW She is survived by her son Christopher, five grandchildren and four great 01622 720985 grandchildren. www.camrasswills.co.uk Christopher said: “She will be greatly missed by everyone.” There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email [email protected]

38 Maidstone February 2018 Classifieds downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Joan Baker they spent most of the last five years living devoted his time to photography. With Reach more people thanthan everever beforebefore www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.ukwww.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk O b i t u a r e s in Dubai. two other photographers he set up JOAN Baker (88) was born in West Malling Kerry Brown said: “Rob was very Archival Images Ltd, and lived in the village most of her life, outspoken with the kind of wit and charm which specialised in including all of her marriage. that could light up a room and also a sense photographing She was born Joan King and spent her of humour that meant he could often get artifacts, including early years in Di�on away with inappropriate jokes. for Maidstone before marrying Norman “He was really strong-minded and Museum. Baker and returning to stubborn and dedicated to his athletics. He He was a notable Contact our sales team… the village of her birth. had completed 20 iron man events, and and respected Contact our sales team… Joan was mother to 11 John O’Groats to Land’s End cycle ride for member of the children (Chris, Nick, charity and other races.” Maidstone Camera Natasha Bastone Teresa Jeffery Rebecca Abbott Marie, Nigel, Pat, Rob leaves his wife and son, George. Club, and was NatashaTelesales Manager Bastone TeresaClassified Jeffery Sales Executive RebeccaClassified AbbottSales Executive Maxwell, Carol, Bridge�, bestowed a lifetime honorary vice- TelesalesE: natasha@ Manager ClassifiedE: teresa@ Sales Executive ClassifiedE: rebecca.abbott Sales Executive Gordon, Simon and presidency in 2013. E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: @downsmail.co.ukrebecca.abbott Jason). Daughter Marie Derek leaves his children, and grand- T. downsmail.co.uk01622 630330 T.downsmail.co.uk 01622 630330 @downsmail.co.ukT. 01622 630330 Bruce Ernest Ealham ext. 227 ext. 234 said: “People knew her as a lovely lady children Aidan, Lilybelle, Lucy and He�y. T. 01622ext. 224 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 who enjoyed gardening and did sewing THE sudden death of former Maidstone ext. 224 ext. 227 ext. 234 and alterations for others. She held strong resident Bruce Ealham (64) has left family opinions on a few things and could stand and friends shocked and devastated. Appliance Repairs Carpenters Bruce lived locally Jeanee Hadlow Appliance Repairs Carpenters her ground. She was a devoted Appliance Repairs Carpenters Continued grandmother and great grandmother.” from 1975 to 1995. TRIBUTES have been paid to Jeane�e ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE Find your local Joan leaves 10 children – son Maxwell Born and raised in Hadlow – a stalwart of Broomfield life. 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Businesseson the Downs & Services Mail Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and She also leaves a brother and a sister. for the Kent She remained highly supportive of the fridges, freezers, vacuum cleaners, directory DECKINGSERVICE TO FROM DOORS, All aspects of CARPENTRY Messenger Group work done by her brother, Derek, for St  All work guaranteed on the Downs Mail fitted, Loft Conversions, Doors hung, t/dryers, Free estimatesdishwashers, and elec call ovens. out DECKINGKITCHENS TO & DOORS,FLOORS. Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and and when he, along Margaret’s. Her funeral was marked in the  All work guaranteed directory Locks fitted, Skirting, small alterations, 01622 673113 downsmail.co.uk ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL. fitted, Loft PlasteringConversions, and Doors Tiling hung, with many of his parish magazine, which noted: “no effort  Free estimates and call out KITCHENS & FLOORS. Rob Brown Anytime: 07831 557677 Locks fitted,All Skirting, work guaranteed. small alterations, colleagues, were was spared in preparing the church and 01622 673113 downsmail.co.uk ALLMAKING JOBS THE BIG BEST & SMALL. OF WOOD Plastering and Tiling ROBERT “Rob” Brown (42) of Kings Hill made redundant in the mid-80s he flowers, the choir and organist performed Anytime: 07831 557677 IN AND AROUND THE HOME AllFREE work guaranteed.ESTIMATES MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD Family business established 21 years was an airline captain and notable athlete continued to live locally, whilst beautifully”. Bathrooms IN AND AROUND THE HOME FREE ESTIMATES who qualified for the world commuting to a new typese�ing job in Bathroom Installers CALL Cliff on Chimney MaintenanceFamily01622 business established 743648 21 years championships in iron man triathlon. Bathrooms London. Eventually, he moved to 07940 854927 Mob:01622 07711 743648 291921 Born in Watford, Lewisham. Joyce Ann Hunter The complete Bathroom CALL Cliff on 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone Rob moved to Di�on Bruce was father to Lucy, Katie and 07940 854927 Mob: 07711 291921 as a small boy with his THE death has been reported in Dorset of Maintenance Company 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone Charles. Joyce Ann Hunter (84). The complete Bathroom family and went on to Daughter Katie said: “My father was a Chimney Maintenance be educated locally at Joyce worked locally for Seven Seas, Maintenance Company fit and healthy man who loved sports and Sharps and Preston Hall Hospital. A local NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES Maidstone Grammar Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Chimney Maintenance played football locally for MClassifiedsalgo for many announcement noted “Joyce...will be downsmail.co.uk School. years.” SupplyNO CALL • InstallOUT FEE • & RepairFREE QUOTES H & G Chimney Services He studied remembered by friends in Maidstone. A devoted family man, BruClassifiedsce leReachaReachves his moremore peoplepeople thanthan everever beforebefore www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.ukwww.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk downsmail.co.uk mechanical Never seen without her lipstick on.” Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services Chimney sweeping service • HLong & establishedG Chimney • ICS Servicesregistered Classifiedschildren and grandchildren Matilda, Her funeral took pClassifiedslace in Salisbury. Supply • Installdownsmail.co.uk • Repair All typesdowns of flumail.co.uk • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted engineering at Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Harper and Penelope. Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.ukFloor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services Loughborough University and intended a Reach more people than ever Callbefore Gary www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk 07738 902116 CompleteChimney re-buildssweeping • service Re-pointing • Long • established Guttering, •roof ICS & registered valley repairs career in the armed forces before the Reach more people than everReach before more www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk 01622 All739439 types 07860of flu •318166 All pots-cowls [email protected] supplied & fitted Beryl Beck Complete re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs diagnosis of a thyroid complaint led to Derek Hodge Call Gary01622 07738 736266 902116 him being medically discharged from the BERYl Beck (91) – born Brightman – lived ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 739439 07860 318166 [email protected] RAF. DEREK Malcolm Hodge (83) lived in in East Farleigh all her life. She a�ended 01622 736266 Bearsted for 47 years, raising children Rob went on to train as an airline pilot ContactContact Eour ourast F sales asalesrleigh team… ateam…nd Loose schools before ALL WORK GUARANTEED starting his career with British Midland Stephen and Sarah with his wife Ricky, joining Maidstone Technical School for BuildingBuilders Plans who died in 2011. Girls, where her love Clean Sweep and going on to fly for companies Contact our salesNatasha team… Bastone Teresa Jeffery Rebecca Abbott In 1971, Derek and Ricky moved from Natasha Bastone Teresa Jeffery Rebecca Abbott including Go and easyJet before moving to Telesales Managerof danContactcing develo poured. sales team…Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive Contactnorth-w eourst L osalesndon t oteam…a newly builContactt home our salesTelesales team… Manager Classified Sales Executive Builders Classified Sales Executive Brush & vacuum Emirates Airlines. E:NatashaE: natasha@ natasha@ BastoneAfter school she TeresaE:E: teresa@ teresa@ Jeffery RebeccaMDE:E: rebecca.abbott rebecca.abbott Building Abbott & Services Clean Sweep on the Sandy Lane estate, off the Landway. downsmail.co.ukdownsmail.co.ukwor k ed for the downsmail.co.ukdownsmail.co.uk @[email protected] Rob was married to Kerry and the pair Natasha Bastone TelesalesTeresa Manager Jeffery NatashaClassified BastoneRebecca Sales ExecutivePAUL AbbottBEST TeresaClassified Jeffery SalesSpecialists Executive in WoodRebecca Abbottburners and flues Derek worked as a production manager T.NatashaT. 01622 01622 630330 630330 BastoneWo o lwich Equitable TeresaT.T. 01622 01622 Jeffery 630330 630330 RebeccaT.T. 01622 01622 630330Abbott 630330 Brush & vacuum se�led in Kings Hill 11 years ago, though Telesales Manager E: natasha@Classified Sales Executive TelesalesE: teresa@ ManagerClassified Sales Executive ClassifiedE: Sales• rebecca.abbott Extensions Executive • Refurbishments Classified Sales Executive in the print trade and after his retirement, Telesalesext.downsmail.co.ukext. 224 224 Manager Classifieddownsmail.co.ukext.ext. 227 227 Sales Executive Classifi[email protected]. Building 234 234 Sales Executive & Services Building Society. It E: natasha@ Brickwork E: teresa@ • Plastering (All aspects) suppliedE: rebecca.abbott and fitted E: natasha@ E: natasha@E: teresa@ E: teresa@E: rebecca.abbott E: rebecca.abbott• Electrics • Modernisations downsmail.co.uk T. 01622downsmail.co.uk 630330was there she met her downsmail.co.ukT. 01622 [email protected] P AUL BEST downsmail.co.ukT. 01622 630330 Specialists in [email protected] burners and flues downsmail.co.ukext. 224 downsmail.co.ukext. 227 O Extensions @downsmail.co.uk•• ext. KitchenExtensions 234 & Bathroom • Refurbishments Installations All work insured T. 01622 630330 Appliance Repairs T. 01622fu 630330ture hu sband, Eric, T. 01622 630330T. 01622 630330 CarpentersT. 01622 •630330 Driveways, Patios & Repointing suppliedT. 01622 630330 and fitted Appliance RepairsT. 01622 630330 ext. 224T. 01622 630330 BrickworkO General Builder Carpentersext. 227T. 01622• Plastering 630330 (All aspects) ext. 234 ext. 224 ext. 224ext. 227before he was called ext. 227 ext. 234 ext.• Electrics• 234 Fencing • &Modernisations Blockpaving O 25 years Experience All work certified to cover insurance Appliance Repairs up for WWII service. Extensions Carpenters• Kitchen FULLY & Bathroom INSURED Installations All work insured ALLALL DOMESTIC DOMESTIC APPLIANCE APPLIANCE FindFind your your local local • Driveways, Patios & Repointing REPAIR SERVICE TheyAppliancemarried and Repairsset O General Builder A.H.B.S CarpentersPest control available Appliance Repairs ApplianceREPAIR SERVICE Repairs tradestrades people people CarpentersWoodWood Building01622 Works WorksServices891960CarpentersCarpentersTel:A.H.B.S • FencingMarkCarpenters &07841 Blockpaving 409061 All work certified to cover insurance withwith fully fully qualified qualifiedup hengineer engineerome in Forge Lane where they raised O 25 years Experience ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE Find your local FULL CARPENTRY Carpentrye:Carpentry [email protected] INSURED AllAll makes makesREPAIR of of washing washing SERVICEa da umachines, machines,ghter and son, and wBusinesseshere she liv &ed Services FULL07748 CARPENTRY 630747 A.H.B.S Camera inspections availableCleaning Services ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE fridges,Find freezers, your vacuum local cleaners, ALLBusinesses DOMESTICtrades people &APPLIANCE Services WoodFind your Works local www.mdbuildingservices.co.ukAll aspects of CARPENTRY fridges,ALLwith DOMESTIC freezers, fully qualified vacuumu nAPPLIANCEti lengineerhe cleaners,r death in NovembFinder. your local SERVICESERVICE FROM FROM Tel: MarkAll aspects 07841 of CARPENTRY 409061 Pest control available REPAIR SERVICE t/dryers,t/dryers, dishwashers, dishwashers, elec elec ovens. ovens. 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Maidstone February 2018 45 downsmail.co.uk C o m e n Tax bullet we must all bite VERY few will welcome a heftier should keep most of them off our t increase in council tax from April but if overcrowded local roads. It is the type of our quality of life is not to diminish location businesses demand and I believe further, it has to happen. MailMarks it will quickly prove an economic boom Our local councils (Maidstone, DENNIS FOWLE President to our town. Tonbridge & Malling and Kent County [email protected] What I do not buy is that it will be an plus Kent Police Authority) have been unseemly distraction for our lovely Leeds severely restricted by government since Castle. They are far enough removed. 2012 on increases and they have cut back places, diminishing library services, I also disregard suggestions this should services and expenditure to the bone (and reducing rural bus services, lack of be linked with the huge and successful beyond). council staff, shortage of police. Add to KIG ba�les. KIG was a rail/warehouses In addition, they have been starved of these, deteriorating national services on monstrosity proposed from much traditional government funding the likes of the NHS, the nation’s Hollingbourne through Thurnham to the and expected to meet more costs, infrastructure, and support for those in centre of Bearsted. especially on social care. greatest need. It is not a happy picture. Some fear the new business park is just When they were limited to only 2% Those in Band F properties will see the first step in KIG No. 2. I see no increases in 2012, councils trimmed off council tax bills rise from around £2,300 evidence of this and welcome Maidstone mostly the fat we hardly missed. But over to about £2,450 and Band G from about Council statements that land between the next five years the restrictions were £2,650 to around £2,820. The increases Woodcut Farm and Bearsted will be almost as severe and very significant cuts are rightly less for smaller properties. safeguarded. have been made in vital services. For many, the increase will be painful – The business park will require quality Now councils will be able to raise our but it is a local tax bullet we now have to bills by up to 6% but as 2% is ring-fenced bite. design and good landscaping to ensure to help government meet costs of that its prominent position viewing from seriously underfunded local social care, the A20 is not unduly harmful in this and with inflation running around 3%, do Woodcut Farm se�ing close to an Area of Outstanding not expect to see a big improvement in  N OW it has been carefully Natural Beauty (AONB). local services. The Local Government considered and accepted by a I am still not convinced, however, that Association says many councils are at government inspector as a significant Maidstone Borough Council chose the breaking point and the planned increase feature of Maidstone Local Plan, I see no right site for this park. is nowhere near enough. prospect of success for on-going I preferred the Gallagher proposal on The UK is reputed to be among the protestors against the business park now the opposite side of the A20, with its wealthiest countries in the world – yet scheduled for Woodcut Farm at J8 of the natural visual shielding. It would have increasingly I get a third-world feeling M20. also been the starting point for the about many local services, such as quality It has the massive advantage of the Leeds/Langley bypass running to Five of our roads, uncleared li�er, hedgerows easiest-possible access to our key Wents, Langley, with a good chunk of running wild, lack of sensible school motorway for lorries and cars and this funding to support the new road.

EU cheeky to demand more us totally ruled from Brussels! No choice over Woodcut Phil Granger, West Malling RECENT studies show the EU costs £980m IN LIGHT of the controversial nature of a week, while we’re cu�ing services and the Woodcut Farm application, I thought it the national debt rises to £2 trillion. After Make roads system work worthwhile placing into context my all our contributuions to the EU – decision to frame and move the motion THE le�er published in a recent edition of infrastructure, to its bank, to rescue the EU which saw approval granted for outline Downs Mail addresses the serious issue country’s undermined by the one size planning permission for up to 45,295m2 of that all of us who live in and use the roads doesn’t fit all Euro and so on – they now commercial development on farmland around New Cut Road and Bearsted Road have the damned cheek to demand billions between the A20 and M20, close to J8. have to deal with and an issue that more, or they will try to wreck our A planning commi�ee must determine worsens as more development takes place, business! all applications in conformity with the not only on the TV studios site but also on Some friends! They’re more like the the nearby medical campus. development plan. To stray from this Mafia. This must be dealt with now, and it quasi-judicial straight-jacket and refuse a The EU took 40% of our fishing rights, seems to me we should make full use of policy compliant application invites an decimating ports like Grimsby, Lowestoft the roads we already have. expensive planning appeal, an overturn of and Hull. You don’t hear Remoaners The removal of the barrier fence, which its decision and hefty costs award. worrying about them, just the EU workers prevents Averenches Road from being For a big application like Woodcut Farm, who have taken the jobs of the 1.6 million used as it was intended, is urgently such an award of costs would total many we pay billions to, to sit doing nothing on required. The road was designed to hundreds of thousands of pounds, the dole, adding more to our massive debt. provide access into Grove Green – and no resulting in further cuts to council services. They’re more concerned about having to doubt the development was granted The planning commi�ee cannot make or get visas to travel to Europe. planning permission taking that access amend the policies by which it is bound. It There may be some drawbacks from into account. was Maidstone council’s strategic leaving the EU, but it depends how much If traffic could access the area as was planning commi�ee (and the full council) of their greed, arrogance and corruption it intended in the design then there would which democratically agreed the Local really is worth pu�ing up with, to get be a reduction in traffic using the section Plan, including its allocation of 49,000m2 of minimal returns. of Bearsted Road through the narrow commercial floor space at Woodcut Farm. They have taken years to do trade deals section past Gidds Pond co�ages, as well All responsible members of our around the world, as it needs only one of as a reduction in traffic using the northern planning commi�ee understood that they the 27 states to have a self-interest against. section of New Cut Road. had no choice but to permit this People think London is remote, imagine Roger Hurst, Maidstone application.

46 Maidstone February 2018 downsmail.co.uk

Despite my own misgivings over beautiful borough. Cllr Boughton’s words – “River walk not what it was” – I regularly C

development at Woodcut Farm (and make it clear the Conservatives intend to cycle along the river path and the o m e n having never personally voted for the implement “their” Local Plan in full, while kingfishers have not gone. In addition, Local Plan), I understood that this local Liberal Democrats intend to make big there are li�le egrets, green woodpeckers, allocation enjoyed majority support at changes at an early review. nuthatches, kestrels, cormorants, and

Maidstone Borough Council, and therefore Tackling gridlock and pollution, and re- others besides. An abundance of wild t sought to play a constructive role. This introducing the tough policies vital to flowers – orchids, kingcups and red included negotiating design parameter protect local quality of life, landscape and campions, to name a few – can be seen enhancements and a binding legal biodiversity all inform the Lib Dem vision beyond Allington Lock. The barge dwellers agreement which ensures that the for a reset Local Plan. have all lawfully obtained their land beside applicant must provide more than 22 acres Clive English, member of Maidstone the river and are making it very a�ractive. of new woodland nature reserve (in Borough Council’s Liberal Democrat I am sorry that Mr Town no longer uses perpetuity), thus conferring big gains for Group the path, because he is missing out on so wildlife and landscape and, crucially, much peace and joy. providing a buffer against any future Margaret Tate, Maidstone westward expansion. Noxious fumes concern Cllr Tony Harwood, Liberal Democrat MOST, if not all, local motorists will have member, Maidstone Borough Council no doubt experienced the frustration ‘Mast year’ for the oak Dennis Fowle expresses at being routinely I WAS wondering if any of your readers caught up in heavy traffic congestion has been as staggered as I have been by the Urban sprawl admission afflicting Maidstone every day. One might sheer number of acorns which fell in the THE admission of responsibility for our add that it is not very pleasant for the autumn. There is one tree in the King’s ferociously pro-development Local Plan by many pedestrians making their way to and Wood near Broomfield where literally tens the Conservative planning commi�ee from the town, either – inhaling noxious of thousands dropped to the floor. And member, Cllr Ma� Boughton, in Downs and health-damaging fumes all the while. virtually every other oak I have come Mail is a welcome intervention. His Air quality is a real issue here as, indeed, it across this year has been the same. surprisingly open admission shines a light is elsewhere. At one oak, I disturbed five jays as they on where true blame lies for this Yes, building more roads, as your did their best to work their way through depressing blueprint for urban sprawl and commentator suggests, would, I fear, only the masses of seeds on the ground. It is not gridlock. generate more traffic – and more pollution. uncommon to see a pair of jays but I have Conservatives ran Maidstone council What is really needed is a much be�er never seen five in one place at one time. It between 2008 and 2014 when the ‘call for public transport system – in this case, must say something about how abundant sites’ exercise was undertaken, which buses – than currently exists as a way of the feedingwas in Kent. spawned a raft of controversial dissuading drivers from using their cars. Still, even as I write, in mid-December, developments, such as those in Su�on Safe lanes for cylists would be an added thousands of acorns under the Broomfield Road and Hermitage Lane, and saw local bonus. oak remain. I have noticed, however, that landscape protection deleted or diluted. KG Banks, Maidstone quite a few have started the process of By the time the Conservatives lost germination. control, largely as a result of public anger This event is known as a “mast year” at their development choices, the process Thanks for hospitality when the sheer scale of the fruit harvest ef- had gone too far to reverse. MORE than 60 pensioners a�ended the fectively means there will be enough spare Government had by then introduced Bearsted Community Luncheon on seeds to germinate and bring on the next punitive rules for councils without a Local December 9 at the Madginford community generation. In other years, the oak fruiting Plan, which had made them prey to centre. This was a huge success and, on will fluctuate massively. speculative development. behalf of everyone, we should like to thank What causes the “mast” is not something I The urgency of agreeing a Local Plan all the local businesses who supplied the have been able to get a definitive answer to further intensified when Sajid Javid, food and drink to the many volunteers in my own researches. Secretary of State for Housing, before and during the afternoon. Some suggest it is weather-related, others Communities and Local Government, Pat Grimes, Bearsted that it is a natural check for the tree or there announced plans to increase housebuilding are messages spread from tree to tree via by 40%. funghi roots deep underground. With a plan in place MBC can (hopefully) Towpath walk still lovely Mrs I McIlrath, via email fend off this increase until 2021. There are two visions for the future of our still IN RESPONSE to Ray Town’s recent le�er (Editor: See page 30 for explanation)

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