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Maidstone East Edition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE Malling Edition downsmail.co.uk October 2017 No.Maidstone 246 & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper News Panto ahoy! Kate,FREE 107, dies THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be KATE Hart, a resident at an old Julystaged 2019 at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- No. 267 people’s home in Bearsted, stone, took to the River Medway to has died aged 107, her son 3 launch this year's panto. News David has disclosed. FOna boardiry Theta Kentishle fu Ladyn were national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy Postie Rick quits Godmother),in Sno formerdla EastEndernd Ste- PMP’sOPULAR Local Aylesfo rPland postm bidan fanOR GBoothANI S(PrinceERS oCharming),f this yea Eliza-r’s RHELENick Hol lWhatelyands is h askedangin theg u p his bethSnod la Brightnd C (Cinderella),arnival h a Craigve mgovernmentail sack aft etor 4halt5 y ethears Andersonbranded it (Buttons) a fairyt a and,le s u pictured,ccess dborough’soing the r ohousingunds. scheme. 34 Stephenafter floa Richardsts and wa l andker sAdam dress e Bor-d zoneup as (Ugly story bSisters)ook ch a. r acters. TheyThe d wereay ra igreetedsed mo rbye t pupilshan £6 5from0 CPlansonm eforn Drca lNigelling South Borough Primary School and FROM planting dead rats to for Breast Cancer Awareness. THE widow of GP Dr Nigel Minnet members of the media. The panto smashing roof tiles, we lift the  See next month’s Town Talk will walk the Grand runs from December 1-31. For tick- lid on the doorstep scam- for full report. Canyon for charity. 12 ets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk. mers. 8 FJasonoal le Donovanft for de datead MTHEERE formerWORT NeighboursH vets hav stare sa bringsved a Late worship to allow nhisew show-born to fo theal aHazlittfter s he was thTheatrerown o nextver aMay. fence and 18 CCTV call in a bid left for dead. 16 ‘morning after’ time Online GPs praised KINGS Hill’s virtual doctors have A CHURCH is launching Sunday afternoon services to head off clashes been praised by health service to stop fly-tipping watchdogs the Care with youth football and recovery time after Saturday nights out. Quality Commission. 17 CALLS for the installation of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on a In a bold departure from tradi- and fourth Sunday.” Obituaries 24 countrytion, the Revroad Mark M haveontgom beenery at made by the local borough councillor.Although traditionalists may St Gabriel’s, Kings Hill, says he baulk at the move, the clergy Burberry Lane, near Leeds and nearby, more than a year after it unlicensed waste carriers, but be- Parish Councils 26-27 Broomfield,recognises th hasat Su beennday targeted morning bys was dumped and set on fire. hlievesopes theinit costiativ toes smalllike S firmst Gab ofrie dis-l’s wasteare no dumperst ideal fo forr v years,isiting butchu inrc re-h, The church car park has also seen wposingill help of th constructione wider Chu wasterch car atve a CObituariesOUNCILLORS have express ed 32 centand h months,as pledg theed problemto instiga haste t be-he many instances of illegal dumping. otransferut a n stationew re isla provingtionship a deter-with concern over lorries getting stuck comechang moree from acute. September. But it is a problem in many rural prentaris thathion iser costings in the councils 21st cen more.tury, uParishnder a br iCouncilsdge in Adding to34-35n; ConstructionHis congrega waste,tion, rubble,which hardhas areas including Langley, Otham anCllrd av Fortoid c madelosure hers lik remarkse that o asf grass cutting next to the donkey core,starte windowsd worship andping household at Valley fur-In- and Kingswood. Water Lane in Ooneffh ofam the’s 1 borough’s20-year-old closest Metho trans-dist fiASHeld i ndieback Leybo uhasrn ebeenhas discoveredbeen in niturevicta isPr leftima illegallyry Scho –o oftenl wh strewnile it Bearsted and Pilgrims Way have cferhap stationsel in Apr atil. North Farm, Tun- dMonksifficult be Meadowcause of pa inrk ed Detlingcars; ; insea therch middlees for a of de thedic road.ated home in also been targeted recently. bridgeThe b Wells,uilding announced, on Teston itRo willad, i bes thHollingbournee borough counvillagecil has a fetegre e stall-d thCllre par Gillish, Forthas b said:acke “Everyd the m monthove. Last year, Maidstone Borough nclosedow th fore su 10bje weeks.ct of a planning ap- toholder polla rco-ordinatord trees in an Jean Offh Duffyam ca hasr Rev Montgomery, pictured, plication to be converted into a resigned; yellow lines are needed we are having toilets, sinks and Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tip- She added: “If you go along the park to prevent debris damaging said: “We understand that Sunday family home. for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow construction waste dumped in the ping and this year more than 163 line of increasing fines, they have to vehicles; Trottiscliffe Parish Coun- mornings are not always a great excited to announce that from Sep- Its former steward, Colin Wolfe, buses through Imperial Park; rub- village, specifically in Burberry have been recorded since April. be enforced. A reduction in the cil has discussed the welfare of time to come to church… there’s tember, we will be launching a told Downs Mail: “Our congrega- bish bins in the sports field in Lane, where we are now thinking The approaching darker evenings charge or offering it free may have goats near the bridle path. sport, visiting friends, family, the new Sunday afternoon congrega- tion had low numbers and we Kingswood are to be moved over to of installing cameras on private will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. the desired similar effect.” night out the day before or per- tion, in the new venue of Valley In- were all getting older. It reached the picnic area and rear exit. land, to oversee the problem area.” Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia- Crime Reports 27 haps the morning after that night victa Primary School. theA p three-monthlyoint where it litterwas n picko lo onng theer A recent event in Burberry Lane tive by the Environment Agency out… and a whole host of other “Initially, the congregation will vmile-longiable. stretch of road through CCrimeomm eReportsnt 3 4 -3355 sawthing as. caravan That’s w burnedhy we out are while really a mandeet thetwic Drivere a mon andth, o Vehiclen the sec Stan-ond Leeds“It w villageasn’t un producesexpected. an Go averageing to VEHICLES have been driven over torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on c32hu blackrch w sacksas on ofce rubbish.part of life on a farmland in Lenham, causing SuCllrnda y Fort, mo r whoning , alsobut servespeople asdo a damge to crops; an attempted oparishther th i councillor,ngs now.” says teaching break-in was reported in Detling; a childrenThe R eaboutv Da socialvid G responsibilityreen, of St vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted Mandar ythe’s, issueWes tof M litterallin ing ,schools attend willed Rd, Weavering; pumpkins were thelphe d takeecon stheecr issueation . offH ethe sa istreets.d: “A Instolenside th fromis e d aniti on allotment: in MSheet hbelievesodist c withhape levery has householdbeen in WLenhamEST Ma.lling Parish Council is Oreceivingffham si na cweeklye 1848 arefusend th ecollection current YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT launching a crowdfunding bservice,uilding there was bisu inolt iexcusen 1898. forIts litterclo- [email protected] appeal to fight off a controversial sbeingure m a thrownrks the e fromnd o f vehiclesan era f o orr Comment 46-47 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent planning proposal. Cdumpedhristian inw othersh road.ip in the village.” HomeHome AlarmsAlarms supplied supplied and and fitted fitted visit www.amiga.co.ukwww.amiga.co.uk oror call call 0800008000 199622 199622 Make 2019 a Summer to remember This summer make the most of your leisure time with tmactive. Here’s a list of must-dos:

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2 3514 TMLT Malling Summer July memories 2019 DM 247.5 x 181.indd 1 26/06/2019 19:45 downsmail.co.uk News Skate boost ECCLES Skateboard Park looks 10 Villagers pay tribute years younger, following a facelift. Urban Ramps drew up the de- signs after Aylesford Parish Coun- cil agreed the park was “looking very tired” after 10 years. as postie Rick retires The council chose the design AYLESFORD postman Rick Hol- after a site meeting and talking to lands is hanging up his postbag users. after 45 years. A parish council spokesman The 68-year-old, who delivered Villagers in said: “Feedback has been ex- daily to 370 addresses on his 30- Aylesford tremely positive, including a thank mile patch each day, has earned a threw Rick you card from users, which was a place in the hearts of residents, and Hollands a lovely gesture.” a home in the village’s almshouses. surprise He said: “I’ve made so many party as he WI meeting good friends. I can’t go anywhere retired from THE next meeting of the Aylesford now without people saying ‘hello’, his post and Eccles WI takes place at The which is lovely. I wouldn’t want to rounds Brassey Centre in Station Road, live anywhere else.” Aylesford, at 7.30pm on July 24. Memories from his decades de- are at work. I’ve grown up with lage Pantry tearooms in Aylesford. If you are curious about joining livering post include a TV appear- this community and we have been Villager Philippa Beacher de- the WI, join the members on the ance after a clutch of birds was there for each other.” scribed Rick as “a brilliant postie”, night or phone Ann Marie on born in the post box at Kits Coty, His years of service have not saying his replacement (Paul) “has 01622 756960 for more information. forcing him to collect letters for gone unnoticed, with colleagues, big shoes to fill”. weeks while asking villagers not to friends and neighbours making Susan Willmott said he had been use the mailbox. And his uncom- sure he had a first-class send-off. “a friendly face, rain or shine”. Church notes fortable Morris Minor mail van. They presented him with a Despite being a man of leisure, THE parish register at St Peter and He said: “The postie is now the Canon camera and an engraved Rick now confesses to feeling rather St Paul’s Church in Aylesford only person who calls on everyone. watch at the Freemason’s Arms, bored. But he does hope to take a recorded the baptisms of Lottie Is- I’ve always done bits of shopping close to his workplace in Snodland. holiday… his first in two decades. abella O’Brien and Harper Danielle for those who can’t get out, and The following day, neighbours Most importantly, he wants to learn Todd on June 5, and the burial of taken parcels in for those I know threw a surprise party at The Vil- how to sleep past 2am. ashes of Joan Paul on June 7.

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Malling July 2019 3 News downsmail.co.uk Goldsmith rings up 30 years A DEDICATED jeweller, who once melted down his own wedding ring to ensure he had enough gold for a client’s order, is celebrating 30 years’ trading in West Malling. Martin Wilde (61) started out cured enough work for a fortnight, Martin opted for a career in the with no tools, no money and no and with careful juggling bought specialist jewellery business after customers but, through sheer talent the specialist tools he needed. insisting, at a young age, on a ca- and hard graft, he became a cor- Today his business, which still reer in art, while his classmates nerstone of town life. bears his name, involves his daugh- wanted to play football or work in Making a name for himself by ter Lian and his wife Marlene… the a factory. initially working from his mother’s couple met at school at 14, married “It was a determination that led Maidstone conservatory, he moved at 20, and have worked alongside him into design and goldsmithing. into Swan Street three decades ago. each other since their honeymoon He said: “I’m still in the work- He told Downs Mail: “I worked in Margate. shop six days a week and when I the first seven years, seven days a Martin said: “There were tough go home I design. week, 14 hours a day just to get the times. I made both our wedding “It’s a lovely business to be in, business going.” rings, but one night I was working with generations coming back to “When I opened I had no tools, on a piece and ran out of gold, so I buy important gifts, wedding no money and no customers.” melted mine down to finish the job rings and keepsakes for the whole But by the close of business on and I’ve never had a chance to re- family. It’s a happy place to his first day of trading, he had se- place it since.” work.” Crash death Rail trespass A MAN was arrested and tasered A MOTORCYLIST in his 70s has after trespassing on railway tracks been killed in a fatal collision in in Wateringbury. Aylesford. Officers were called to the scene The incident happened in Forstal just before 4am on July 9 to re- Road at its junction with the en- ports of a 31-year-old man walk- trance to Cobtree Manor Park at ing along the track. about 12.30pm on Friday, May 31. A spokesman for British Trans- The collision involved a blue Ford port Police said: “At 3.47am today Focus, a blue Suzuki motorcycle officers were called to the railway and an unidentified vehicle. close to Maidstone after reports of The motorcyclist, from the a man trespassing on the tracks. Burham area, was taken to a Lon- “Officers were quickly on scene don hospital with serious injuries and a 31-year-old man was ar- where he died on June 16. His next rested on suspicion of obstructing of kin have been informed. the railway. He was taken to po- A spokesman for Kent Police lice custody. During the arrest a said: “Officers are urging anyone Taser device was discharged.” who saw the two vehicles or the motorcycle in the moments leading up to the collision, or who have School cricket triumph Charity quiz dash cam footage from the area LEYBOURNE Primary School saw trophies to the winners. USE your brain to raise cash for around the time, to contact them. off allcomers when it fielded a side She congratulated Leybourne on charity at a quiz night in Kings “Witnesses can call the Serious in this year’s borough-wide Kwik a “most impressive win”, adding: “It Hill. Cricket Festival. has been a pleasure to watch stu- Collision Investigation Unit on The Spitfire pub (upstairs) is the Pupils took on eight rival teams dents play with such enthusiasm. 01622 798 538 with reference venue for the challenge on Friday, from five other Tonbridge and “I would like to thank all the KH/COJ/66/19 or email them at July 19, starting at 7.30pm. Entry Malling schools at Kings Hill Cricket young cricket leaders and the [email protected].” is £5 per person, with teams of up Club on July 2. coaches involved and the staff at And, despite 100 budding sports- Kings Hill Sports Park for hosting a to six. There will be prizes and a Picnic fun men and women flocking to the fabulous event again this year.” raffle, and a collection for the Mis- carriage Association. Book in ad- THE carousel turned and the sun field from the four corners of the Kwik Cricket was devised by the borough, the runners-up were also sport’s national governing body, vance at The Spitfire, in Liberty shone for the third successful Pic- Square, on 01732 220754. nic on The Rec in Larkfield. local youngsters from West Malling the ECB, to encourage boys and The event organised by the com- School. girls aged five to 11 to try their munity group included live music The festival was organised by hand at the game. Award hope with Dr Syn, displays by Prima Tonbridge and Malling Borough It is played with a plastic bat and SPADEWORK has been short- Council in partnership with Kent ball, and teams of eight players bat Dance and Kent Samurai Jujitsa, listed for the Community Organ- Community Cricket. for eight overs. Bowlers can use ei- stalls, a raffle, tombola, a beat the isation Award for Disability at the Teenagers from the Young Cricket ther underarm or overarm. goalie competition and a barbecue. National Diversity Awards. Leaders Programme, as well as the As a result of their win, the team There was a fancy dress parade The charity, based in Teston borough’s community cricket from Leybourne Primary School was for youngsters, and a dog show coaches, did the scoring and umpir- due to represent Tonbridge and Road, Offham, provides life skills, sponsored by Sandhole Vets. ing. Malling in the county final in Can- training and work experience to Larkfield Community Group Mayor Jill Anderson watched the terbury on Thursday, July 11, as those with learning and other dis- was formed in 2017 to bring Lark- teams playing and later presented Downs Mail went to press. abilities. It will find out if it has field together. won in September.

4 Malling July 2019 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Goldsmith rings up 30 years Forecourt fracas A DEDICATED jeweller, who once melted down his own wedding ring to ensure he had enough gold for a client’s order, is celebrating 30 years’ trading in West Malling. ends in stabbing Martin Wilde (61) started out cured enough work for a fortnight, Martin opted for a career in the AYLESFORD’S Craig Graham with no tools, no money and no and with careful juggling bought specialist jewellery business after has been sentenced to 11 years in customers but, through sheer talent the specialist tools he needed. insisting, at a young age, on a ca- prison after stabbing a man in and hard graft, he became a cor- Today his business, which still reer in art, while his classmates the stomach, following a bust-up nerstone of town life. bears his name, involves his daugh- wanted to play football or work in at a petrol station. Making a name for himself by ter Lian and his wife Marlene… the a factory. Maidstone Crown Court heard initially working from his mother’s couple met at school at 14, married “It was a determination that led how the 37-year-old, of Royal Maidstone conservatory, he moved at 20, and have worked alongside him into design and goldsmithing. British Legion Village, left his vic- into Swan Street three decades ago. each other since their honeymoon He said: “I’m still in the work- tim with serious injuries follow- He told Downs Mail: “I worked in Margate. shop six days a week and when I ing the attack in the early hours of the first seven years, seven days a Martin said: “There were tough go home I design. July 29, 2017. week, 14 hours a day just to get the times. I made both our wedding “It’s a lovely business to be in, Graham and his wife Rachel business going.” rings, but one night I was working with generations coming back to met the victim and his partner as “When I opened I had no tools, on a piece and ran out of gold, so I buy important gifts, wedding they queued at an external pay no money and no customers.” melted mine down to finish the job rings and keepsakes for the whole hatch on a forecourt in London But by the close of business on and I’ve never had a chance to re- family. It’s a happy place to Road, Ditton. his first day of trading, he had se- place it since.” work.” After initially making friendly conversation, the four had an al- tercation. Graham smashed a wine bottle and threw broken Crash death Rail trespass glass, causing cuts to the victim’s A MAN was arrested and tasered head. A MOTORCYLIST in his 70s has after trespassing on railway tracks ous bodily harm with intent, pos- He also made threats using an- been killed in a fatal collision in in Wateringbury. sessing an offensive weapon in a Aylesford. other bottle, the court was told, Officers were called to the scene public place, and criminal dam- The incident happened in Forstal while Rachel Graham assaulted just before 4am on July 9 to re- age. He was jailed on Tuesday, Road at its junction with the en- the woman. The pair then left the ports of a 31-year-old man walk- June 4 to 11 years. trance to Cobtree Manor Park at scene. ing along the track. Rachel Graham (37), of Howick Relationship at about 12.30pm on Friday, May 31. A short time later, as the victim Close, admitted two counts of as- A spokesman for British Trans- The collision involved a blue Ford was walking home on his own, a sault by beating, criminal damage port Police said: “At 3.47am today Focus, a blue Suzuki motorcycle group of men attacked him near and a further charge of intimidat- officers were called to the railway breaking point? and an unidentified vehicle. Larkfield Fire Station. He was re- ing a witness. She was sentenced close to Maidstone after reports of The motorcyclist, from the peatedly beaten with metal poles to 16 weeks. a man trespassing on the tracks. The breakdown of any relationship can be Burham area, was taken to a Lon- or baseball bats. He was then Detective Constable Gemma “Officers were quickly on scene very distressing. don hospital with serious injuries stabbed in the stomach by Gra- Warford said: “What started out and a 31-year-old man was ar- where he died on June 16. His next ham. as a petty disagreement at a petrol rested on suspicion of obstructing Whitehead Monckton family lawyers can help you of kin have been informed. The offender later admitted to station forecourt quickly escalated the railway. He was taken to po- through this stressful and painful time. A spokesman for Kent Police police that he had been involved into a terrifying ordeal. lice custody. During the arrest a said: “Officers are urging anyone in a disturbance near the petrol “Craig Graham, in particular, Taser device was discharged.” We offer sensitive, constructive and cost effective who saw the two vehicles or the station, but initially denied stab- has shown himself to be a violent motorcycle in the moments leading bing anyone, or carrying and dangerous individual, who legal advice. All our lawyers are experienced members up to the collision, or who have School cricket triumph Charity quiz weapons. deliberately set out to cause seri- of Resolution, committed to a non-confrontational dash cam footage from the area LEYBOURNE Primary School saw trophies to the winners. USE your brain to raise cash for Appearing before Maidstone ous harm. He is quite rightly now approach to resolving family problems. around the time, to contact them. off allcomers when it fielded a side She congratulated Leybourne on charity at a quiz night in Kings Crown Court, Graham pleaded facing a significant time in “Witnesses can call the Serious in this year’s borough-wide Kwik a “most impressive win”, adding: “It Hill. guilty to counts of causing griev- prison.” An initial fixed cost meeting for just £10 (SOXV VAT) with Cricket Festival. has been a pleasure to watch stu- Collision Investigation Unit on The Spitfire pub (upstairs) is the Pupils took on eight rival teams dents play with such enthusiasm. one of our lawyers can help you see your way forward 01622 798 538 with reference venue for the challenge on Friday, from five other Tonbridge and “I would like to thank all the KH/COJ/66/19 or email them at July 19, starting at 7.30pm. Entry and understand your legal position and options. Malling schools at Kings Hill Cricket young cricket leaders and the [email protected].” is £5 per person, with teams of up WWII bomb exploded Club on July 2. coaches involved and the staff at to six. There will be prizes and a SOLDIERS detonated a wartime bomb after workmen found it on a Our offices are in the centre of Canterbury, Maidstone And, despite 100 budding sports- Kings Hill Sports Park for hosting a Kings Hill building site. and Tenterden so, if you want to take that first step to Picnic fun men and women flocking to the fabulous event again this year.” raffle, and a collection for the Mis- carriage Association. Book in ad- The explosive was discovered in Gibson Drive at 6.18pm on Friday, THE carousel turned and the sun field from the four corners of the Kwik Cricket was devised by the June 7. Police threw a cordon around surrounding streets and called finding out your options simply visit our website at: borough, the runners-up were also sport’s national governing body, vance at The Spitfire, in Liberty shone for the third successful Pic- Square, on 01732 220754. bomb disposal specialists. nic on The Rec in Larkfield. local youngsters from West Malling the ECB, to encourage boys and The device was subsequently destroyed the following day in a con- www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk School. girls aged five to 11 to try their The event organised by the com- trolled explosion. Canterbury 01227 64326 munity group included live music The festival was organised by hand at the game. Award hope A spokesman for Kent Police said: “We attended Gibson Drive follow- with Dr Syn, displays by Prima Tonbridge and Malling Borough It is played with a plastic bat and SPADEWORK has been short- ing a report of an old wartime device at a building site. Maidstone 01622 698051 Council in partnership with Kent ball, and teams of eight players bat Dance and Kent Samurai Jujitsa, listed for the Community Organ- “Officers assisted the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team Community Cricket. for eight overs. Bowlers can use ei- Tenterden 01580 7675 stalls, a raffle, tombola, a beat the isation Award for Disability at the and Kent County Council while they worked to dispose of the device. Teenagers from the Young Cricket ther underarm or overarm. goalie competition and a barbecue. National Diversity Awards. Surrounding roads were closed as a precaution. Leaders Programme, as well as the As a result of their win, the team www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk There was a fancy dress parade The charity, based in Teston “An EOD team carried out a controlled explosion at around 9.10pm on borough’s community cricket from Leybourne Primary School was for youngsters, and a dog show Road, Offham, provides life skills, Saturday, June 8. The scene is now clear and all roads reopened.” Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in coaches, did the scoring and umpir- due to represent Tonbridge and England & Wales. Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Kings Hill was the site of RAF West Malling, a frontline airbase during www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk sponsored by Sandhole Vets. ing. Malling in the county final in Can- training and work experience to Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Battle of Britain that was the targeted in a number of bombing Larkfield Community Group Mayor Jill Anderson watched the terbury on Thursday, July 11, as those with learning and other dis- the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279. raids. was formed in 2017 to bring Lark- teams playing and later presented Downs Mail went to press. abilities. It will find out if it has DM2019 field together. won in September.

Malling July 2019 5 News downsmail.co.uk Day for dogs ENTER your dog in a fun class and help raise money for brain tu- Wool donation boost mour research. Beth’s charity Fun Dog Show and German Shepherd Dog Rally is at Greenways Field on the Lon- for charity’s kniers don Road at West Malling on Sat- urday, July 20. Dogs should be A GROUP of hard-knitting Snod- booked in at 9.30am, with judging land pensioners has been handed from 10.30am. a stash of wool after appealing for Admission is £1, and there will support through the Downs Mail. be raffles, a tombola, hot food, Joan Bavin (81) and her dedi- cakes and stands. cated team create squares of pat- Proceeds will go to the Sarah terns and put them together to Kitchener Perrow Fund (Brain Tu- make blankets for patients at Valerie mour Charity) and German Shep- Maidstone Hospital. Ballard herd Rescue South. Early this year, they appealed for (left) talks Rosettes will be awarded for the support and materials through knitting top six places, and entry is £1.50 Malling’s favourite newspaper, with Joan per class. For details, call 07900 which prompted reader Valerie Bavin 452934 / 07778 7960730. Ballard (70) to get in touch. tended to help older patients, par- they have something to feel and Valerie, organiser of Aylesford’s ticularly those with dementia, find keep their minds occupied. Brassey Bazaar, said: “Crates of their bed on the wards. “We have also started knitting Quiz nights wool from the bazaar have been But the Snodland knitters are octopuses for premature babies, so TEST your knowledge at the sitting in the loft for over a year constantly on the lookout for new they have something to hold on to. weekly pub quiz at The Old Rec- and when I saw how it could be ways to use their needlework in “The hospital is always grateful tory in Leybourne, from 8pm put to use I jumped at the chance. support of patients. when we come in, and what’s even every Tuesday night. “I am so glad it has gone to Joan said: “We are putting to- better is the patient is allowed to Entry is £1 per person, with var- someone who will use it. I don’t gether sensory activity muffs, take the blanket home with them, ious prizes and a chance to win like seeing things go to waste.“ where patients, especially those so they are always in demand.” the rollover jackpot of up to £150. The idea of replacing standard with dementia, can feel the differ- The group also delivers blankets To reserve a table call 01732 hospital blankets with colourful ent textures. We put buttons, Vel- to Pilgrims View care home and 844888 or turn up on the night. homemade ones was initially in- cro, velvet and ribbon inside, so other charities across Snodland.

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6 Malling July 2019 News downsmail.co.uk Day for dogs ENTER your dog in a fun class and help raise money for brain tu- Wool donation boost Martin Wilde Jewellers mour research. Beth’s charity Fun Dog Show and German Shepherd Dog Rally Celebrating 30 Years is at Greenways Field on the Lon- for charity’s kniers don Road at West Malling on Sat- Come and Celebrate with us on Saturday 27th July urday, July 20. Dogs should be A GROUP of hard-knitting Snod- booked in at 9.30am, with judging land pensioners has been handed from 10.30am. a stash of wool after appealing for Admission is £1, and there will support through the Downs Mail. be raffles, a tombola, hot food, Joan Bavin (81) and her dedi- cakes and stands. cated team create squares of pat- Proceeds will go to the Sarah terns and put them together to Kitchener Perrow Fund (Brain Tu- make blankets for patients at Valerie mour Charity) and German Shep- Maidstone Hospital. Ballard herd Rescue South. Early this year, they appealed for (left) talks Rosettes will be awarded for the support and materials through knitting top six places, and entry is £1.50 Malling’s favourite newspaper, with Joan per class. For details, call 07900 which prompted reader Valerie Bavin 452934 / 07778 7960730. Ballard (70) to get in touch. tended to help older patients, par- they have something to feel and Independant Business Family Run. Est 1989 Valerie, organiser of Aylesford’s ticularly those with dementia, find keep their minds occupied. Brassey Bazaar, said: “Crates of their bed on the wards. “We have also started knitting 20%All stock items on theOff day only Quiz nights wool from the bazaar have been But the Snodland knitters are octopuses for premature babies, so TEST your knowledge at the sitting in the loft for over a year constantly on the lookout for new they have something to hold on to. weekly pub quiz at The Old Rec- and when I saw how it could be ways to use their needlework in “The hospital is always grateful 7 Mill Yard, Swan Street, West Malling, ME19 6LP tory in Leybourne, from 8pm put to use I jumped at the chance. support of patients. when we come in, and what’s even (opposite The Swan and next to The Post Office) every Tuesday night. “I am so glad it has gone to Joan said: “We are putting to- better is the patient is allowed to Entry is £1 per person, with var- someone who will use it. I don’t gether sensory activity muffs, take the blanket home with them, ious prizes and a chance to win like seeing things go to waste.“ where patients, especially those so they are always in demand.” the rollover jackpot of up to £150. The idea of replacing standard with dementia, can feel the differ- The group also delivers blankets 01732 870665 To reserve a table call 01732 hospital blankets with colourful ent textures. We put buttons, Vel- to Pilgrims View care home and 844888 or turn up on the night. homemade ones was initially in- cro, velvet and ribbon inside, so other charities across Snodland. www.martinwildejewellers.com

Malling July 2019 7 News | Scam warning downsmail.co.uk IN YOUR AREA Increase in scammers LARKFIELD AND SNODLAND Two men have been accused of hurling bricks at roofs before knocking on doors and offering to preying on vulnerable fix the damaged tiles for cash. They were arrested on Saturday, May 11. Their van was stopped by CRIMINALS are using increasingly imaginative tactics to part officers at Quarry Wood Indus- trial Estate, Aylesford. They are on pensioners from their savings in an unprecedented attack on society’s bail until July 30. most vulnerable, writes Jade Schopman. KINGS HILL Doorstep callers have been targeting homes, selling Since the beginning of this year, household products. Kings Hill Downs Mail has been inundated Parish Council said: “They will with reports of ruthless scammers often say they are on a rehabilita- pursuing householders for every tion scheme trying to find work penny they can get. and may have a false trading per- Con artists have posed as council mit or ID. Callers may claim to be members and police officers, smug- ex-convicts on a course arranged gled dead rats into homes while by probation services or other or- claiming to be pest controllers, then ganisations. Probation services do convinced residents the animals had not run such schemes.” been found on their premises. And they have even damaged properties MAIDSTONE A bogus pest con- before knocking on the door and of- troller convinced a pensioner he fering to fix their own vandalism. needed work done after smug- Police have reported cases of seri- gling a dead rat into his property. ous fraud in Headcorn, Lenham, The victim agreed to hire the Larkfield, Maidstone, Snodland, crook but, after a week of very lit- Kings Hill and Ditton. tle work and the price increasing And local councillors say the situ- to nearly £60,000, the pensioner ation seems to be getting worse. tails from her and this lured them these people sound genuine, that contacted his family. Kent County Age UK Trustee Martin Round into seeking more, which they did. they are offering a genuine service, Council Trading Standards inter- (pictured) said: “This subject is very “As her power of attorney, I froze when in fact they’re not. vened and prevented the victim important to me as my own mother, the bank account, meaning I could “It’s something that is getting paying any more money. who is 87, got scammed last Christ- only conduct finances using cash worse in Headcorn, but it happens HEADCORN Police received four mas. drawn from a branch over a long all over the place… Bearsted, reports of a woman asking for “A card came in the post in De- holiday period. Kingswood, Downswood. money to pay a locksmith, either cember, but it wasn’t a Christmas “My mother worries greatly “I know of some Headcorn resi- because she had been locked out card. It seemed like a message of about money and account manage- dents who have even had their of her car or her bank cards had goodwill, but there was a note from ment now, to the point where it does number plates cloned and are get- been stolen. Two of the targets somebody claiming to be a financial have a severe impact on her health. ting speeding and parking fines were pensioners. A 54-year-old advisor with a number to call. It’s more time, more stress and more through the post for offences they Maidstone woman was arrested “My mother called the number energy. had not committed. It’s extremely and charged with two counts of and they managed to get a few de- “The victims think that because worrying.” fraud by false representation. She has been bailed to appear before Maidstone Magistrates Court. LENHAM An elderly couple were How to avoid being a victim “scammed out of their life sav- ings” by two thieves claiming to POLICE and anti-fraud specialists fraud and be wary of emails with at- be repairmen from the council. are giving Downs Mail readers ex- tachments which might contain Kent Police said: “The house- tensive advice on spotting the signs viruses designed to obtain personal holder, who is in his 90s, said he of a scam, and guidance on who or financial information.” was persuaded to hand over his criminals target and how. KCC victim safeguarding officer bank card and PIN to pay a de- District commander Chief Inspec- Elaine Mount said: “Victims are not posit for the repairs, after which tor Ray Quiller (pictured) said: just the elderly, they are people with the men left. The cash was taken “Please don’t allow anyone you mental health issues, dementia, or from his account.” don’t know or were not expecting to those living alone. enter your property and certainly do “Isolation is a major problem be- MAIDSTONE An elderly woman not hand them cash or your bank cause they (the callers) befriend was cold-called by a man claiming card for repairs or services. them and, for the victim, it is a bit of to be a roofer. He convinced her “Don’t be afraid to ask them for company. roof was leaking by going into the identification.” “The financial and health impacts loft and bringing down a wet piece Inspector Mark Hedges added: can be devastating.” of wood that he had dipped in the “Sadly, some criminals will look to Head of Action Fraud, Pauline For more information, visit water tank. He increased the price exploit the more vulnerable mem- Smith said: “These criminals will con- www.kent.gov.uk/SpotTheSigns. by “finding” other work that was bers of our communities by charg- tact victims in many ways including If you think you may be the in “urgent” need of attention. The ing exorbitant amounts of money spoofed calls, voicemails and text victim of a scam, contact Action criminal told the victim to cash for work that is often completely un- messages. Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or Kent several cheques, totalling over necessary or at best substandard.” “People should spot the signs of Police on 101. £10,000, at a high street cash ex- change business.

8 Malling July 2019 downsNewsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.ukBusiness Focus Eye test probably saved man's life! Mr Denyer had noticed several Fortunately for Mr Denyer, like Mr Denyer, we can monitor his unusual symptoms, but it was a rapid Alisdair at Buchanan Optometrists retinal health closely and treat any change to his vision that prompted owns one of only two Heidelberg problems long before it threatens him to call his optometrist Alisdair OCT-A scanners in the UK which his vision.” Buchanan. Concerned enough to monitor blood flow through the Mr Denyer’s GP was full of praise come in on his day off, Alisdair retina and can pick up on diabetic for the experienced optometrist too examined Mr Denyer urgently and retinal damage far sooner than the and thanked him for his “excellent diagnosed suspected diabetes. The basic photographs of the eye that thorough and professional care”. same day appointment with his GP diabetics will be familiar with Being diabetic also increases your led to hospitalisation to stabilise his having once a year. risk of other eye conditions such blood sugars and in Mr Denyer’s as glaucoma and cataract. Regular words ‘probably saved my life’. advanced eye examinations are With regular scans, even tiny recommended annually to diagnose diabetic changes can be found early and treat these conditions early. If Diabetes the facts: and treated before they become a you notice any sudden changes in • By 2025 5 million people in the problem. Alisdair explains “We your vision, Alisdair recommends UK will have been diagnosed have one of only two of these an urgent eye examination using the with diabetes machines in the country, capable of new OCT-A scan where applicable. monitoring blood flow through the • Half of all sufferers are unaware retinal blood vessels and detecting that they have diabetes changes as small as 1/1000th of a • Forty per cent of people with mm. This new technology is set to To find out more about type 1 diabetes and 20 per cent revolutionise care for all diabetic Buchanan Optometrists with type 2 diabetes will develop patients. As Optometrists, it is a joy sight-saving OCT-A scans sight-threatening damage to their to be able to detect changes early and more about how diabetes retinal blood vessels (diabetic and prevent sight loss, where just can affect your eyes, retinopathy) during their lifetime a year ago the same patients would • Symptoms of diabetes include have suffered damaged vision or Visit blurred vision, increased thirst, unnecessary and invasive tests and www.diabeticeyecare.co.uk frequent urination, feeling more treatments. Diabetes is the leading tired than usual, losing weight cause of preventable sight loss without trying to, cuts and amongst working age people in wounds take longer to heal the UK. Using this technology, we • Diabetes can cause a short term hope to help change that statistic. shift to a person’s vision but can With early detection and treatment, also lead to damage to the retinal the chances of sight loss is reduced 56 Malling Road, Snodland, Kent blood vessels for 9 out of 10 patients. For patients ME6 5NB

Malling July 2019 9 News downsmail.co.uk Theft charges A 23-YEAR-OLD man has been Brexit Party could take charged with 10 counts of theft across west Kent. Between March 16 and June 14, items including food and alcohol are alleged to have been stolen Kent seats in election from supermarkets in Lenham, THREE of our four local MPs pictured, told Downs Mail that he Aylesford, Kings Hill, Borough would lose their seats to the Brexit expected parliamentary candidates Green, East Malling, Allington and Party if a general election were to to be announced shortly. Holborough. be called, according to the re- He said: “It is a bit premature to On June 20, officers arrested Cal- spected polling website Electoral be talking about target seats in lum Geary and charged him with Calculus. Kent but, yes, we will field candi- 10 counts of theft. Conservatives Helen Whately dates there and it will be serious. Mr Geary, of no fixed address. (Faversham & Mid Kent), Helen And, yes, that means Maidstone. was remanded to Medway Magis- Grant (Maidstone and the Weald) It’s all a bit up in the air.” trates’ Court on June 21, where he and Tracey Crouch (Chatham & Mr Johnson is widely tipped to was bailed to appear before Maid- Aylesford) would leave parliament become PM ahead of his challenger stone Magistrates’ Court as Downs Mail went to press. while Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge Jeremy Hunt by the end of July. and Malling) would hang on, ac- One local Tory activist told cording to the prediction service. suggests the Conservatives would Downs Mail: “Boris appears deter- Hospice help All would see massive Tory ma- crash to just 87 seats from its pres- mined to get us out by October 31. THERE is a chance to find out jorities wiped out, if the polls ent 313, while the Brexit Party “It is possible he will stumble be- about helping at The Heart of Kent proved correct. Only Mr Tugend- would take 193. Labour would cause he won’t be able to renegoti- Hospice in Aylesford. hat would scrape back in, with a achieve 238, 88 short of a working ate the deal. No deal can’t get Volunteer Open Mornings will majority of 2.4%. majority, and the Lib Dems 60. through parliament so it could be be held at the Preston Hall site Electoral Calculus uses polling The site says that a hung parlia- a short premiership. from 10am-1pm on the second Sat- data, trends and analysis to reach ment is more likely than any other “The Brexit Party is a far better urday of each month, until the end its conclusions but does not take outcome at this stage. run organisation than the shambles of November. into account local factors. Tory activists hope a Boris John- of Ukip so we should be worried.” For details, drop in at one of the Nationally, the Tories would pay son premiership and a clean break Downs Mail approached both sessions, call Volunteer Services on a heavy price for failing to leave the from the EU on October 31 will MPs but Mr Tugendhat did not 01622 792200, or email volun- EU, according to the site. neutralise the Brexit Party threat. answer our call and Miss Crouch [email protected]. Electoral Calculus says that data Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage, declined to respond. VINER & SONS LTD Keith Viner

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10 Malling July 2019 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Theft charges Group’s talk A 23-YEAR-OLD man has been Brexit Party could take AYLESFORD Active Retirement charged with 10 counts of theft Road scheme aims to Association (Aylesara), the group across west Kent. for “recycled teenagers”, meets Between March 16 and June 14, next at the village community cen- items including food and alcohol tre at 2pm on July 25. are alleged to have been stolen Kent seats in election Geoff Collins will speak about from supermarkets in Lenham, cut town congestion Women in a Man’s World. THREE of our four local MPs pictured, told Downs Mail that he Aylesford, Kings Hill, Borough would lose their seats to the Brexit expected parliamentary candidates PLANS to reduce congestion at The group is open to anyone aged Green, East Malling, Allington and Party if a general election were to to be announced shortly. three junctions on the A20 in 50 plus, retired or semi-retired. Call Holborough. Wayne Sprigmore 01622 710734 or be called, according to the re- He said: “It is a bit premature to Malling have been unveiled. On June 20, officers arrested Cal- go to www.aylesara.co.uk. spected polling website Electoral be talking about target seats in The proposals promise two lum Geary and charged him with Calculus. Kent but, yes, we will field candi- freer-flowing lanes in both direc- 10 counts of theft. Conservatives Helen Whately dates there and it will be serious. tions from Ditton crossroads Mr Geary, of no fixed address. Church walk (Faversham & Mid Kent), Helen And, yes, that means Maidstone. through to the New Road junction, was remanded to Medway Magis- FRIENDS of Kent Churches will Grant (Maidstone and the Weald) It’s all a bit up in the air.” East Malling. trates’ Court on June 21, where he hold their annual Ride & Stride and Tracey Crouch (Chatham & Mr Johnson is widely tipped to Central to the plan is the re- was bailed to appear before Maid- event on September 14. Aylesford) would leave parliament become PM ahead of his challenger moval of the bus lane at the top of stone Magistrates’ Court as Downs Half the money raised helps to New Hythe Lane, which has Mail went to press. while Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge Jeremy Hunt by the end of July. maintain and repair historic church and Malling) would hang on, ac- One local Tory activist told prompted drivers to complain of buildings in the county while the cording to the prediction service. suggests the Conservatives would Downs Mail: “Boris appears deter- hold-ups. This will also allow other 50% goes back to the partici- Hospice help All would see massive Tory ma- crash to just 87 seats from its pres- mined to get us out by October 31. more room, Maidstone bound, for With a planning application for to be done it happens quickly.” pant’s parish. For details, call Aline THERE is a chance to find out jorities wiped out, if the polls ent 313, while the Brexit Party “It is possible he will stumble be- traffic to merge after passing more than 800 homes now lodged The scheme involves moving on 07771636872. about helping at The Heart of Kent proved correct. Only Mr Tugend- would take 193. Labour would cause he won’t be able to renegoti- through the traffic lights outside for White Post Field, at the bottom back the pavement at the pedes- Hospice in Aylesford. hat would scrape back in, with a achieve 238, 88 short of a working ate the deal. No deal can’t get Wealden Hall. of Hermitage Lane, the traffic trian crossing on the A20 at Lark- Volunteer Open Mornings will majority of 2.4%. majority, and the Lib Dems 60. through parliament so it could be Larkfield Parish Council chair- problems will only grow, he says. field. The central island on the Road closure be held at the Preston Hall site Electoral Calculus uses polling The site says that a hung parlia- a short premiership. man David Thornewell (pictured) “The modest alterations to re- approach to the A20 from East MOTORISTS are warned that the from 10am-1pm on the second Sat- data, trends and analysis to reach ment is more likely than any other “The Brexit Party is a far better says he supports the principle of align the A20 at these junctions, re- Malling will also be removed to Old Chatham Road at Aylesford urday of each month, until the end its conclusions but does not take outcome at this stage. run organisation than the shambles the scheme. move islands and the bus lane will allow more cars to line up at the will be closed for electrical work of November. into account local factors. Tory activists hope a Boris John- of Ukip so we should be worried.” “The road is getting increasingly ease congestion, but they won’t traffic lights. outside the petrol station from July For details, drop in at one of the Nationally, the Tories would pay son premiership and a clean break Downs Mail approached both busy at peak times because of all make journey times any quicker. The plans will be on display at 25 for up to two days. sessions, call Volunteer Services on a heavy price for failing to leave the from the EU on October 31 will MPs but Mr Tugendhat did not the building work going on ‘over “It really is a case of ‘holding the Larkfield Village Hall from noon to The alternative route will be 01622 792200, or email volun- EU, according to the site. neutralise the Brexit Party threat. answer our call and Miss Crouch the border’ in Maidstone that is line’ in light of advancing devel- 3pm on Tuesday, July 16, and from sign-posted via Old Chatham [email protected]. Electoral Calculus says that data Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage, declined to respond. coming along the A20,” he said. opment in the area. We hope if it is 5-8pm on Wednesday, July 24. Road and Chatham Road.

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Malling July 2019 11 News | D-Day Flypast downsmail.co.uk D-Day flypast thrills spectators THOUSANDS of eyes turned to the skies over Maidstone as more than 30 wartime transport planes flew over the county, writes Jade Schopman. The historic flight – comprising 5pm, spectators agreed it had almost every surviving Dakota in been well worth the wait. the world, plus a few Spitfire es- Helen Ladlow (44), of Boarley corts – was heading to France on Lane, Sandling, said: “About 35 June 5, in preparation for the 75th Dakotas flew straight over my anniversary of the D-Day land- house, we had a really good view. ings. I watched the display from my The “Daks over Normandy” garden with my two daughters, spectacular started from Duxford Sophie (17) and Katie (15). Airfield and crossed Maidstone “It was really amazing watch- en route to Caen-Carpiquet. ing them fly right over my house. News of the flypast fired the I count myself very lucky.” Helen Ladlow took this picture of the Dakotas over her garden public’s imagination, with cars The planes were carrying 250 stopping at random vantage locations for the growing number spokesman said. The traffic issues parachutists who, like Allied points, people gathering on M20 of spectators. were further exacerbated by a troops exactly 75 years before, bridges between Maidstone and At one stage, Kent Police issued two-and-half hour delay to the flew across the English Channel Kings Hill, and others packing and appeal for people to think be- Dakotas’ much publicised take- and jumped into the famous drop onto the Downs for a glimpse of fore abandoning their vehicles in off, with people waiting around zones of Normandy. the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. dangerous locations. for the best part of the afternoon. They all wore WWII-style uni- Mote Park, Blue Bell Hill, and “Remember it’s in the sky, so is However, when the aircraft did forms and used military round Bearsted Green proved popular going to be very visible,” a thunder overhead just before parachutes. Crowds take Pupils stay late to salute air heroes stables cafe MANY students, hoping to see the historic flypast, were defeated by by surprise the take-off delay. However, some Maidstone A SMALL village riding school Grammar School pupils stayed came to the rescue of those left after school to witness the event. waiting to glimpse the delayed A spokesman for the school said: flight, by serving up much “Sadly, due to the delayed depar- needed hot drinks. ture most of the school missed the Hayley Squirrell (56), owner of flight. Many, however, planned on Cadets salute the flypast at Maidstone Grammar School Squirrells Riding School on Com- staying after school to catch the disrupted by the long delays. the staff did before they went mon Road, Blue Bell Hill, said: flypast.” A spokesman said: “We hope the home, but it would have been more “Had we known there would be Loose Primary School revealed children eventually managed to special with the children. We had so many vehicles, we would have their plans for the flypast were also see the Dakota flypast. Some of planned to stand in a heart shape.” happily opened the overflow car park we use for shows, but by the time we knew, the cars were com- pletely blocked in. Gridlock at viewpoints Planes backed “We served at least 200 people KENT Police were forced to issue a statement to urge those watching and we were just selling cakes, the flight to park responsibly. up the troops bacon sandwiches and soft A spokesman said: “Please park responsibly and not dangerously. THE D-Day landings, on June 6, drinks. We also had a toilet peo- Reports of people stopping 1944, saw an onslaught that was to ple could use.” in silly locations are coming Mrs Squirrell added: “It’s actu- ultimately break Adolf Hitler’s in. Try to remember it’s in ally really lovely, we are a busi- brutal grip on Europe the sky so is going to be very ness that’s pretty tucked away, so Almost 160,000 Allied troops visible. Don’t risk your to have that many people come to stormed onto Normandy’s beaches safety to get the ‘best’ view.” us was really nice. We’ve been at in a bloody and brutal battle. One spectator contacted this site since 2011, and the café Those landings were preceded Downs Mail to say: “The has only been going for just under by 24,000 troops who parachuted whole of Blue Bell Hill vil- two years. into, or used gliders to touchdown lage ground to a halt. It took “We did have to cancel a few in enemy territory. The most sig- me an hour just to get from lessons. People trying to get here nificant aircraft to support the as- the village to the round- would have only got trapped in sault were the 800 Douglas C-47 about. the traffic, so it was a safety thing. Sky trains, also known as Dakotas. “When the delay was an- “We were thrilled to accommo- Organisers of this year’s flight, nounced, people who date the people who were caught said it was most probably the last needed to pick their kids up in the middle. Most people just large tribute to this historic opera- from school could not get wanted a takeaway cup of tea and tion. Nearly all the world’s re- out of the car park. It was Cars were parked up on the sliproad from maining Dakotas took part to then went back to watch the completely gridlocked.” flight.” Blue Bell Hill to the country park recreate the event.

12 Malling July 2019 News | D-Day Flypast downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Business Focus D-Day flypast thrills spectators Shine Hairdressing THOUSANDS of eyes turned to the skies over Maidstone as more than 30 wartime transport planes flew over the county, writes Jade Schopman. The business opened its doors in August 2000. Shine The historic flight – comprising 5pm, spectators agreed it had owner Leigh Anthony has built a reputation as a successful, almost every surviving Dakota in been well worth the wait. the world, plus a few Spitfire es- Helen Ladlow (44), of Boarley leading hairstylist in Kent and believes that you can get corts – was heading to France on Lane, Sandling, said: “About 35 high quality hairdressing with excellent service without June 5, in preparation for the 75th Dakotas flew straight over my anniversary of the D-Day land- house, we had a really good view. travelling to London. ings. I watched the display from my The “Daks over Normandy” garden with my two daughters, Our staff regularly visit top London achieve any colour result. spectacular started from Duxford Sophie (17) and Katie (15). Airfield and crossed Maidstone “It was really amazing watch- academies such as ‘Not Another Your colour, in expert hands en route to Caen-Carpiquet. ing them fly right over my house. Salon’ ‘Vidal Sassoon’ ‘and others to News of the flypast fired the I count myself very lucky.” Helen Ladlow took this picture of the Dakotas over her garden make sure we learn from the best ‘REACH YOUR HAIR GOALS’ public’s imagination, with cars The planes were carrying 250 and keep our skills updated. Hair colour is so unique to the stopping at random vantage locations for the growing number spokesman said. The traffic issues parachutists who, like Allied points, people gathering on M20 of spectators. were further exacerbated by a troops exactly 75 years before, The salon is situated in a two individual person and there are so bridges between Maidstone and At one stage, Kent Police issued two-and-half hour delay to the flew across the English Channel storey listed building on the High many aspects that come into play when Kings Hill, and others packing and appeal for people to think be- Dakotas’ much publicised take- and jumped into the famous drop Street in the historic town of deciding on the ‘perfect’ colour, so onto the Downs for a glimpse of fore abandoning their vehicles in off, with people waiting around zones of Normandy. West Malling. that’s why our highly trained colourists the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. dangerous locations. for the best part of the afternoon. They all wore WWII-style uni- Mote Park, Blue Bell Hill, and “Remember it’s in the sky, so is However, when the aircraft did forms and used military round take skin tone, eye colour and lifestyle Bearsted Green proved popular going to be very visible,” a thunder overhead just before parachutes. Master Colour Expert into consideration before creating a Lorraine our MCE has dedicated 2 customised hair colour tailored to the Crowds take years to achieving this accreditation clients needs and desires. Pupils stay late to salute air heroes to make sure she achieves the very stables cafe MANY students, hoping to see the highest accolades on offer in the historic flypast, were defeated by industry. Why not enter our by surprise the take-off delay. This comprehensive program hones However, some Maidstone competition win a colour A SMALL village riding school Grammar School pupils stayed the colourist’s practical skills in the came to the rescue of those left after school to witness the event. craft of colour and inspires them to make over with our waiting to glimpse the delayed A spokesman for the school said: create bespoke colour looks for flight, by serving up much Master colour expert? “Sadly, due to the delayed depar- every single client with the latest needed hot drinks. ture most of the school missed the Hayley Squirrell (56), owner of Cadets salute the flypast at Maidstone Grammar School techniques and trends. flight. Many, however, planned on www.shinehairdressing.co.uk/register-shine Squirrells Riding School on Com- staying after school to catch the disrupted by the long delays. the staff did before they went Your Master Colour Expert is a mon Road, Blue Bell Hill, said: flypast.” A spokesman said: “We hope the home, but it would have been more true master of colour; able to “Had we known there would be Loose Primary School revealed children eventually managed to special with the children. We had so many vehicles, we would have their plans for the flypast were also see the Dakota flypast. Some of planned to stand in a heart shape.” happily opened the overflow car park we use for shows, but by the time we knew, the cars were com- pletely blocked in. Gridlock at viewpoints Planes backed “We served at least 200 people KENT Police were forced to issue a statement to urge those watching and we were just selling cakes, the flight to park responsibly. up the troops bacon sandwiches and soft A spokesman said: “Please park responsibly and not dangerously. THE D-Day landings, on June 6, drinks. We also had a toilet peo- Reports of people stopping 1944, saw an onslaught that was to ple could use.” in silly locations are coming Mrs Squirrell added: “It’s actu- ultimately break Adolf Hitler’s in. Try to remember it’s in ally really lovely, we are a busi- brutal grip on Europe the sky so is going to be very ness that’s pretty tucked away, so Almost 160,000 Allied troops visible. Don’t risk your to have that many people come to stormed onto Normandy’s beaches safety to get the ‘best’ view.” us was really nice. We’ve been at in a bloody and brutal battle. One spectator contacted this site since 2011, and the café Those landings were preceded Downs Mail to say: “The has only been going for just under by 24,000 troops who parachuted whole of Blue Bell Hill vil- two years. into, or used gliders to touchdown lage ground to a halt. It took “We did have to cancel a few in enemy territory. The most sig- me an hour just to get from lessons. People trying to get here nificant aircraft to support the as- the village to the round- would have only got trapped in sault were the 800 Douglas C-47 about. the traffic, so it was a safety thing. Sky trains, also known as Dakotas. “When the delay was an- “We were thrilled to accommo- Organisers of this year’s flight, nounced, people who date the people who were caught said it was most probably the last needed to pick their kids up Shine Hairdressing | T: 01732 522 226 in the middle. Most people just large tribute to this historic opera- from school could not get 31-33 High Street | West Malling | E: [email protected] wanted a takeaway cup of tea and tion. Nearly all the world’s re- out of the car park. It was Cars were parked up on the sliproad from then went back to watch the maining Dakotas took part to Kent ME19 6QH shinewestmalling completely gridlocked.” flight.” Blue Bell Hill to the country park recreate the event.

Malling July 2019 13 Fun in the sun

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Malling July 2019 15 News downsmail.co.uk Organ concert THE organist and Master of Cho- risters at Canterbury Cathedral Abandoned foal finds will be giving a recital at St Peter and Paul’s church in Aylesford later this year. David Flood will perform on the home and a new mum 1865 Forster and Andrews organ at 3pm on November 17. Tickets are A NEWBORN foal that was Kate Morris, who set up the Lit- £10 and can be obtained by calling thrown over a fence and left to die tle Sweep’s Fund to treat aban- the church office on 01622 719366 has been saved by vets in Mere- doned ponies after rescuing her or Michael on 01622 719589. worth. first from Biddenden, near the Proceeds will go towards church The filly, called Honey, was Three Chimneys pub, said Honey maintenance. taken to Bell Equine Veterinary had a “heck of a turnaround” fol- Clinic in Butchers Lane, suffering lowing treatment. Church appeal from dehydration and sepsis. The filly is now staying at Kate’s The surgery believes she was less stud in Ashford, and has been “fos- THE Friends of Aylesford Church than a day old when she was tered” by a horse who lost her own has appealed for members with brought in. foal just 24 hours before Honey ar- ideas for fundraising events and “Despite her extreme illness, she rived. where money can be well spent. The group is organising a day displayed an extraordinary fight- The Bell Equine spokesman said: trip to the Royal Chelsea Hospital ing spirit. Within minutes of arriv- “We are proud and grateful to be and the Allington incinerator plant ing at our clinic, we were able to part of this incredible story. We as well as the Proms in the Pews teach her how to drink milk from a hope Honey will continue to go events. Call the church office on bucket,” a spokesman said. from strength to strength with her 01622719366 and speak to Anita. But hours later, Honey “crashed new mum.” and stopped breathing” and there The foal was found abandoned were fears her kidneys were failing. in a field near Orpington by a Wedding day “It took a great team effort to mother and daughter who hope to THE latest parish register for the St support her through the following rehome Honey when she is old James the Great Church in East hours, with our specialist-led med- enough. Malling has just one recent entry – ical team working round the clock Kate said: “Unfortunately, this is the marriage of Richard Payne and to give her every chance of sur- the peak time for abandoned foals Megan Lowery. vival,” the spokesman said. because it’s the breeding season.”

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16 Malling July 2019 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Organ concert THE organist and Master of Cho- Virtual doctor Cricket club honours risters at Canterbury Cathedral Abandoned foal finds will be giving a recital at St Peter THE Mote Cricket Club hon- and Paul’s church in Aylesford oured two outstanding hon- later this year. orary secretaries when David Flood will perform on the service praised framed photographs of John home and a new mum Gulland and Malcolm Bassett 1865 Forster and Andrews organ at A TEAM of virtual doctors in information appropriately shared were unveiled next to the 3pm on November 17. Tickets are A NEWBORN foal that was Kate Morris, who set up the Lit- Kings Hill has been praised for with a patient’s own GP. club honours board in the £10 and can be obtained by calling thrown over a fence and left to die tle Sweep’s Fund to treat aban- the service it provides to patients. Offering the service a good pavilion. the church office on 01622 719366 has been saved by vets in Mere- doned ponies after rescuing her Independent health regulator, grade, with outstanding leader- Blair Gulland (pictured), or Michael on 01622 719589. worth. first from Biddenden, near the the Care Quality Commission, vis- ship, the report commended the chairman of the Maidstone Proceeds will go towards church The filly, called Honey, was Three Chimneys pub, said Honey ited the online service at its offices training of doctors and security, maintenance. taken to Bell Equine Veterinary had a “heck of a turnaround” fol- solicitors’ firm, unveiled the in Kings Hill Avenue, where Doc which included GPs using an en- photo of his late father, who Clinic in Butchers Lane, suffering lowing treatment. Reports Ltd provides remote help crypted password secure laptop to held the office from 1958 to from dehydration and sepsis. The filly is now staying at Kate’s Church appeal to patients across the country suf- log into the operating system. 1973. Blair said he was The surgery believes she was less stud in Ashford, and has been “fos- THE Friends of Aylesford Church fering certain minor conditions. There were processes to manage pleased the long association than a day old when she was tered” by a horse who lost her own has appealed for members with The i-GP Virtual Doctor site any emerging medical issues dur- with the club would continue brought in. foal just 24 hours before Honey ar- ideas for fundraising events and deals with 25 conditions, including ing a consultation and for manag- now that Gullands were main “Despite her extreme illness, she rived. where money can be well spent. contraception, sore throat, chlamy- ing test results and referrals. sponsors for five years. The group is organising a day displayed an extraordinary fight- The Bell Equine spokesman said: dia, dental abscess, sinusitis and In an emergency, the patient’s lo- Club chairman Glen Aukett trip to the Royal Chelsea Hospital ing spirit. Within minutes of arriv- “We are proud and grateful to be urinary tract infections, 24 hours a cation was known, so emergency unveiled the photo of Mal- and the Allington incinerator plant ing at our clinic, we were able to part of this incredible story. We day, seven days a week. services could be called. colm Bassett, who has just re- as well as the Proms in the Pews teach her how to drink milk from a hope Honey will continue to go The service, run by 12 doctors, The report noted: “GPs provid- tired after 31 years. events. Call the church office on bucket,” a spokesman said. from strength to strength with her does not treat patients under 18, or ing the service were aware of both He also praised lunch guests 01622719366 and speak to Anita. But hours later, Honey “crashed new mum.” prescribe pain relief, controlled the strengths (speed, convenience, who included Malcolm Bristow and stopped breathing” and there The foal was found abandoned drugs, or high-risk medicines. choice of time) and the limitations (past groundsman and tal- were fears her kidneys were failing. in a field near Orpington by a Dr Rosie Benneyworth, from the (inability to perform physical ex- ented batsman), Bill Hickling Wedding day “It took a great team effort to mother and daughter who hope to CQC, said there were systems in amination) of working remotely. (hon treasurer for seven vital THE latest parish register for the St support her through the following rehome Honey when she is old place to manage risk and abuse. “They worked carefully to max- years), John Booth (fixture sec- James the Great Church in East hours, with our specialist-led med- enough. Her report said staff treated pa- imise benefits and minimise risks retary for 22 years) and Nick Malling has just one recent entry – ical team working round the clock Kate said: “Unfortunately, this is tients with compassion, kindness, for patients. If a patient needed ex- Aldrich (who has built up colts the marriage of Richard Payne and to give her every chance of sur- the peak time for abandoned foals dignity and respect. Risk assess- amination, they were directed to membership to over 130). Megan Lowery. vival,” the spokesman said. because it’s the breeding season.” ments were made and consultation an appropriate agency.” For all your heating and bathroom needs

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Malling July 2019 17 News downsmail.co.uk Crash motorist Pervert hid laptop in loo A PAEDOPHILE from Larkfield has been jailed after police found a lap- top containing over 1,000 indecent images of children stashed behind seen drinking a toilet cistern. Russell Hogg (58), of no fixed ad- dress, hid the computer behind a A DRIVER has been jailed after wooden panel so he could search leaving another motorist wheel- for illegal material on the internet. chair-bound following a collision. On March 2, officers went to an Paul Jones (34), of Alex Hughes address in Larkfield where Hogg Close, Snodland, was seen swig- had been staying, after a report the ging from a bottle of Baileys on device had been discovered by peo- nied searching for indecent images. September 9, 2018, following a ple trying to fix a toilet. Checks con- He was charged with breaching a three-vehicle smash at 12.45am on firmed it belonged to Hogg. sexual harm prevention order and a the A228 Snodland by-pass at the further offence of making indecent junction of Sortmill Road. Hogg was arrested and was found photographs of children. Jones appeared before Maid- to have breached the terms of a sex- On Tuesday, July 2, at Maidstone stone Crown Court on Friday, June ual harm prevention order imposed Crown Court, he was jailed for two 28 charged with causing a serious for previous offences, which re- Jones left the scene and returned years and six months, and will re- injury by dangerous driving, fail- stricted his use of electronic devices. a short while later, drinking from main on the sex offenders’ register ing to stop at the scene of an acci- He told police the laptop be- a bottle of Baileys. He failed a road- longed to a deceased uncle. He de- indefinitely. dent, and driving under the side breath test and drugs test be- influence of drink and drugs. fore being arrested and taken to Jones was driving his Audi S4 hospital. A blood test showed ex- with a passenger in the vehicle cess alcohol, as well as a metabolite Crash victim cut from his car when the incident happened. of cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis. A MAN was cut free from his car A spokesman for Kent Fire and He joined the A228 heading The driver of the Peugeot suf- after a collision on the M20. Rescue said: “Three fire engines south, ahead of a Peugeot 307. He fered life-threatening injuries and Fire crews were called to a crash attended and crews used hy- crossed into the opposite carriage- requires 24-hour care. on June 7 involving one car on the draulic equipment to remove the way and hit a tanker. The tanker Jones was sentenced to three M20 London-bound between J5 car roof and release a man trapped driver lost control and hit the Peu- years in prison and banned from for Blue Bell Hill and J4 for Ley- inside. He was passed into the geot head on. driving for four and a half years. bourne. care of SECAmb paramedics.”

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18 Malling July 2019 News downsmail.co.uk Crash motorist Pervert hid laptop in loo A PAEDOPHILE from Larkfield has been jailed after police found a lap- top containing over 1,000 indecent images of children stashed behind Malling Mail July/August 2019 seen drinking a toilet cistern. Russell Hogg (58), of no fixed ad- dress, hid the computer behind a A DRIVER has been jailed after wooden panel so he could search leaving another motorist wheel- Serving local people, businesses & events in for illegal material on the internet. chair-bound following a collision. On March 2, officers went to an Addington, Birling, East Malling, Kings Hill, Larkfield, Leybourne, Mereworth, Paul Jones (34), of Alex Hughes address in Larkfield where Hogg Close, Snodland, was seen swig- had been staying, after a report the Offham, Ryarsh, Trottiscliffe, West Malling ging from a bottle of Baileys on device had been discovered by peo- nied searching for indecent images. September 9, 2018, following a ple trying to fix a toilet. Checks con- He was charged with breaching a three-vehicle smash at 12.45am on firmed it belonged to Hogg. sexual harm prevention order and a the A228 Snodland by-pass at the further offence of making indecent junction of Sortmill Road. Hogg was arrested and was found photographs of children. Jones appeared before Maid- to have breached the terms of a sex- On Tuesday, July 2, at Maidstone stone Crown Court on Friday, June ual harm prevention order imposed Crown Court, he was jailed for two Crowdfunding fight against homes plan 28 charged with causing a serious for previous offences, which re- Jones left the scene and returned years and six months, and will re- injury by dangerous driving, fail- stricted his use of electronic devices. a short while later, drinking from main on the sex offenders’ register WEST Malling Parish Council is launching a crowdfunding ing to stop at the scene of an acci- He told police the laptop be- a bottle of Baileys. He failed a road- indefinitely. dent, and driving under the longed to a deceased uncle. He de- appeal to fight off a controversial planning proposal. side breath test and drugs test be- Villagers are being asked to contribute whatever they can influence of drink and drugs. fore being arrested and taken to Jones was driving his Audi S4 hospital. A blood test showed ex- afford to cover the costs of mounting a legal challenge to with a passenger in the vehicle cess alcohol, as well as a metabolite Crash victim cut from his car proposals that would impact on green fields between West when the incident happened. of cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis. A MAN was cut free from his car A spokesman for Kent Fire and Malling Abbey and the railway station. He joined the A228 heading The driver of the Peugeot suf- after a collision on the M20. Rescue said: “Three fire engines Developers, Bellway, are seeking approval to build a housing south, ahead of a Peugeot 307. He fered life-threatening injuries and Fire crews were called to a crash attended and crews used hy- estate of up to 80 homes, with a new access onto Swan Street crossed into the opposite carriage- requires 24-hour care. on June 7 involving one car on the draulic equipment to remove the way and hit a tanker. The tanker which will require removal of a line of established trees to Jones was sentenced to three M20 London-bound between J5 car roof and release a man trapped provide clear visibility for drivers. driver lost control and hit the Peu- years in prison and banned from for Blue Bell Hill and J4 for Ley- inside. He was passed into the geot head on. driving for four and a half years. bourne. care of SECAmb paramedics.” These new houses will also damage the quiet, rural setting of nearby St Mary’s Abbey, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, the rural setting of the railway station, and open fields on the eastern side of West Malling. Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council did not make a decision on the application within the required six week timescale, saying it was awaiting responses from other will be able to see into much of the grounds of the abbey and consultees, including KCC Highways. the Pilsdon community. This failure meant that Bellway was able to bypass the “The site is also part of what is planned to form part of an borough council and go, instead, straight to a planning inquiry extended green belt when the Borough Council’s Local Plan is before a government-appointed inspector. The inquiry is set to approved. To lose the site to development now undermines open on August 20 and last six days, the arguments for extending the green belt. including a site inspection. “Planning Inquiries are very much like a court of law, and Trudy Dean, chairman of West the parish councils must match the arguments put by barristers Malling Parish Council, said: “This and expert witnesses on behalf of Bellway. planning inquiry is crucial. It involves “We expect the costs of the inquiry to be at least £60k and plans to build on fields which are so we need all the help we can get if we are to protect the site part of the quiet rural setting of the from the bulldozers.” abbey and the station. To support the crowdfunding appeal, visit www. “The tree lined approach into crowdjustice.com/case/protectlavendersroad and please share West Malling along Swan Street the link on social media and with friends and family. would be ruined to create the new For further information, contact Parish Councillor David entrance to the estate, and people Thompson at [email protected]

Have your say at the inquiry

WEST Malling Parish Council understands the Inspector is likely to parish council on 01732 870872 or on [email protected] to have an ‘Open Session’, probably on the first day, when she will give her your details. Although the council cannot guarantee who invite any member of the public to give their views to the inquiry. If is called to speak, it can ensure you are informed if the inspector you would like to do so, please contact Claire Christmas, clerk to the does hold one of these sessions.

A Malling Action Partnership publication What’s On Malling & district clubs, societies & activities Tuesday July 16 & Wednesday July 24 Tuesday July 23 Wednesday of the month in the church Exhibition on A20 Highway Improvement Come down to celebrate the last day of school from 9am to 11.30am. Enjoy a chat, cup Consultation New Hythe Lane to Station at the Kings Hill Cricket Club. Bring a picnic of tea or coffee, and delicious home-made Road. This consultation involves proposals for blanket and some shade. There will be Pimms, cakes in a friendly atmosphere. All dona- cycle tracks on both sides of A20, upgraded pink gin, prosecco and other summery drinks tions that are received go to a different islands, removal of a bus lane, and relocation on tap. Harvey, the ice cream man, will also be charity each month. The charity picked of the bus stop. The consultation runs until in attendance. Starts at 3.15pm. for August is in aid of Leybourne Grange September and can also be accessed on the Riding Centre for the Disabled. Kent County Council website under Open Sunday July 28 & Sunday August 25 Consultations “Highway Improvements New West Malling Farmers Market is held on the Thursday August 15 Hythe Lane to Station Road”. The exhibitions fourth Sunday of the month between 9.30am A minibeast hunt in the park to find insects at run from noon to 3pm on July 16, and 5pm to and 1.30pm. Enjoy a wide variety of local Leybourne Lakes Country Park from 11am to 8pm on July 24. They will be held at Larkfield produce including fish, cakes, pies, bread, 12pm. Your findings will be looked at in closer Village Hall, New Hythe Lane, ME20 6PU. wines, fruit juice and much more. detail using digital microscopes. Booking is essential due to limited places. Book at www. Saturday July 20 Tuesday August 6 eventbrite.co.uk. This is a free event. Come and enjoy Beth’s Charity Fun Dog Show Everyone is welcome for a morning of friendly at Greenways Field in West Malling. Book in chat and coffee on the first Tuesday of every Wednesday, August 28 from 9.30am for judging at 10.30am. There month from 10.00am to 11.30am at Spade- Come along for a 5 mile walk from Birling will be rosettes from 1st to 6th place and work to reminisce and a chance to have some Church to The Coldrum Stones. A steady trophies for all 1st place winners. The event fun with friends old and new. climb for the first mile and then undulat- is raising money for Sarah Kitchener Perrow ing for the remainder. The walk starts at Fund and German Shepherd Rescue South. Wednesday August 14 10.15am. Park in Birling village hall car park Entry is £1. There will be a tombola, hot food, West Malling Baptist Church invite local situated down a track beside the hall and cakes, stands and much more. residents to a coffee morning every second behind the church. Local clubs and societies have their Fun run and smiles regular meetings as follows SCHOOL and clubs may have finished, but your local junior East Malling Singers Malling Community Choir parkrun is there for you every Sunday morning. rehearse on Wednesday meets every Tuesday at West Come and join us at Manor Park Country Park in West Malling evenings, 8pm to 10pm, Malling Baptist Church, this summer, and you’ll never want a lie in on a Sunday again. at St James the Great Church, 7.15pm to 9.15pm. £2 per Since October 2015, over 1,200 young runners have enjoyed East Malling. adult, children free. our 2km course through beautiful Manor Park. And that doesn’t count the hundreds of parents, grandparents, Kings Hill Rotary meets Wateringbury Flower aunts, uncles and other adults who join our youngsters. every Monday at 7.30pm Club meets every third Fun is compulsory at parkrun; you go at your pace with a at the Spitfire pub. Wednesday of the month smile on your face and there is a troupe of awesome volunteers (with the exception of June) there to cheer and high five you the whole way round. Chip Productions Drama at The Institute Hall, East It’s a fantastic way for the whole family to start and maintain a Group meets Fridays at Malling, doors open at healthy activity together. 7.30pm at West Malling 7.00pm for start at 7.45pm. And we warn you now - once you’ve experienced the energy village hall. and enthusiasm from our young runners, their wonderful Malling Stamp Club meets Malling Photographic families and our volunteers - you won’t want to be anywhere on the second Tuesday of Society meets every Tuesday else on a Sunday morning. every month at the Clout at West Malling village hall It’s not all about the running though - it’s about being Institute, West Malling High at 8pm. part of a community and, even if running isn’t your bag, it’s Street, at 7.30pm. incredibly rewarding and uplifting to volunteer and support The Heath Players meet at East Malling Women’s our young superstars. the East Malling Institute, Mill Institute meets at the East Find out more at http://www.parkrun.org.uk/manorpark-juniors Street, at 8pm on Fridays. Malling Institute behind the All you need to do is to register online (it’s all completely free) Malling Rotary meets King and Queen pub on and bring your barcode and a smile. Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the third Monday of every Spadework, Teston Road, month, 7.45pm to 9.45pm. Budding volunteers Offham. LARA meet at Larkfield LARKFIELD Community Group is calling for volunteers to help Spadework Farmers’ Market Village Hall at 2pm on the with the planting, mowing and maintaining wildflower areas is on the second Saturday 3rd Friday of each month. in roadside verges. Many wildflowers have been lost from the of the month from 10am to Visitors welcome. Come and countryside due to intensive farming, and the group is trying to 1pm at Spadework, Teston find out about the many create mini meadows by the highways. Road. For more details, see activities on offer and how As organiser Jackie Hirsch explained: “It’s hard work with www.spadework.net. you can enjoy them too. For planting and raking, but we would like to brighten up our area more information contact and we’d like to hear from anyone interested in having a go.” If Chris 01732 873705. you are interested, contact Jackie at [email protected] Malling & district clubs, societies & activities All change at GP practice Bid for new Leybourne bus

WEST Malling GP Practice has set out the changes it has planned NEW buses introduced on the 58 route are smaller than those over the next two months. traditionally used for the service. Councillors queried whether these The practice currently runs surgeries at West Malling, Leybourne new vehicles could now access Leybourne Chase where larger buses and Kings Hill. have been unable to negotiate the estate roads. Norman Kemp, Although facilities will remain open at all three locations, the owner of operator Nu Venture, said he had identified a possible changes will reduce services at West Malling and relocate them to turning area, but a new height restriction barrier and the road Kings Hill. humps on the approach would prevent the service operating there. Trudy Dean, chairman of West Malling Parish Council said: “It Officers were asked to investigate whether developers’ money, is a very sad day indeed to see the GP practice reduce High Street originally set aside to provide a bus service to West Malling Station, services. could also be used to replace the humps with a bus friendly design. “NHS funding cuts, a lack of GPs nationally, and a chaotic system of planning for future health needs in areas of rapid housing growth have all created a perfect storm. “The changes will make life more difficult for local people and their families, especially those who have multiple health problems. “The Parish Council hopes to be able to offer help to the practice to enable more clinics to be held locally, and to promote improved bus services to Kings Hill where surgery parking is already difficult.”

Changes include: • The existing Kings Hill surgery is being refurbished at first floor level to be used as consulting rooms and for support staff. The main Milverton House West Malling surgery, now privately owned, will close and all its services transfer to The Hollies annexe building. • There will be no receptionist facility, patients will have to check- in on the screen supplied. • The practice says that wherever possible it will try to direct Age Concern Centre patients to other surgeries so that the least able can be given priority at the Hollies. WEST Malling Parish Council and KCC are discussing ways to ensure • Prescriptions can be sent as now electronically direct to the the Age Concern Centre in Norman Road can continue to be used chosen chemist for collection, but cannot be collected from The for services for elderly people. Hollies. Malling Age Concern closed its doors to clients at the end of May • Appointment times will be the same at the Hollies as now, but when the charity became insolvent. there will be only two consulting rooms, one for a GP and one The parish council has asked KCC if it will lease or sell the site to for a health care assistant who will be available daily for blood the council. Local branches of Age UK were discussing a merger with pressure and blood tests. All appointments will now need to be Age Concern West Malling before its financial problems, and may be made by telephone, on line or in person at the Leybourne or Kings interested in continuing to deliver services from the site. Hill surgeries. Parish council chairman Trudy Dean said: “The money to build the centre was originally raised by Malling Rotary who organised fund • Leybourne Village Surgery will continue to operate as now. raising events for a centre for services for the elderly. “The parish council would like to continue that aim, perhaps in partnership with other local voluntary organisations. “We would like to see more clients coming from the local area, Parking charges scrapped and a greater variety of activities on offer. “We also had discussions with the GP practice to see if they were MAIDSTONE Borough Council scrapped parking charges in the interested in relocating there, but it appears they are not. Allington Park and Ride Car Park as we went to press on July 1. “Much will depend on the condition of the building, and the price Parking was expected to be free and the bus service in to Maidstone KCC will charge for the lease or sale of the site.” town centre would also be free to pensioners and everyone with a concession bus pass. Ticket prices for all others are £3.20 all day return available before 9am. And from 9am, the charge is £2 return or £2.50 for a group of up to five people including two adults. Details are available on MBC website.

New bus timetable

THE 58 bus will start on its new timetable on July 15. It will travel its normal route, but will terminate at Maidstone Hospital. Passengers wanting to travel to central Maidstone can transfer to other scheduled services at Wealden Hall, at Preston Hall (Homebase) for London Road routes, or at the hospital for services running along the Tonbridge Road. East Malling Parish Council Report

Parish Council Committees. Following New Hythe Station through to Station Road, “brown field”. The borough says it wishes the elections, new committees have been Aylesford is badly overgrown, including net- to keep the sites for employment use to formed. David Thornewell was re-elected tles and brambles. This has been reported meet government targets and it would not council chairman and Margaret Moore the to KCC. be satisfactory to mix housing into an area vice chair. Tim Bishop is the new chair of already with offices on adjoining land. amenities; Roger Roud allotments and open Development at Heath Farm, East Malling. spaces; David Thornewell planning; and Mar- Two applications by Liberty, developers of Forty Acres, East Malling. These fields garet Moore finance and general purposes. Kings Hill, to build houses on a field next lie between the A20 at Larkfield and to Heath Farm with access to Wateringbury Lucks Hill, with the footpath crossing Whimbrel Green. KCC has advised there Road, and at Warren Wood with access them to West Malling station. It seemed have been no objections to the registration back into Kings Hill have both been refused at an earlier stage a planning application of this land as a village green, which will give by the borough council. Both sites are would be made, but it did not materialise. it greater protection. As soon as it has a con- shown on the existing Local Plan as rural However, the first steps towards such an venient meeting, it will report the parish’s and are in the area of the proposed green application have now been made. Again, application to its regulation committee with belt extension in the draft plan now with the this is land within the proposed extension a view to the registration being finalised. planning inspectorate for consideration. of the green belt intended to keep East Liberty argued these were the last two and West Malling separate. Gighill Green. Highways contractors have sites they owned at Kings Hill suitable for been given permission to enter across this development and should be permitted as Footpath to Four Acres, East Malling. green from Lunsford Lane to do works in the council no longer has a five year supply Volunteers have cleared this path from respect of their “Smart Motorway Scheme”. of housing land as now required by the Rocks Road as far as Four Acres houses. This includes putting up a new noise fence government. It is possible they will appeal Some of the street lights need repair, and along the motorway boundary of the green to the planning inspectorate. this is being dealt with by the parish coun- to reduce impact on homes in the Partridge Liberty also put forward three sites within cil. These are among the few remaining Road area. It is understood a fence is also Kings Hill, that are currently proposed for parish lights; most are now a Kent County to be provided for the Willow Road area. employment land, to be used for housing. Council matter. They argued there is no demand for new Overgrown Footpath at New Hythe. The office blocks for which these sites were David Thornewell public footpath running by the railway from originally intended and were in effect Chairman.

West Malling Parish Council Report Richard Byatt. Councillors were shocked Local Councils Community Award in recog- attracted a large number of families, who and saddened to hear the news of Councillor nition of his work. were able to enjoy the lovely weather Richard Byatt’s recent unexpected death. and it raised over £400, which will help Richard was a very popular and hardworking Village hall car park. Councillors have to support the ongoing maintenance and chairman of our planning committee, and an approved further work to the village hall improvement of Macey`s Meadow, for the enthusiastic defender of the uniqueness of car park with extra ragstone blocks, a tam- benefit of the local community. A quiz was West Malling. He was a very active member per proof alarmed padlock, and a height organised for the children and there was of the Green Party, keen ‘birder’, and very restriction bar to help prevent further gypsy live music and a bee-keeping demonstra- efficient organiser for local bike rides in Kent or traveller incursions. tion. As always, the cake stall proved to and France. The Council will be discussing a be particularly popular. Thanks are due to suitable way to mark his life in West Malling. Boots chemist. The council has passed the volunteers, who helped to make it a on to Boots chemist shop some residents’ very successful day. The next event is the Chris Gosney. We are also sorry to be losing complaints about long queueing times as Applefest, which is scheduled for Saturday, Chris Gosney, as he is retiring as chairman a result of the retail till not being manned, October 5. of the village hall management Committee. and concerning some prescriptions going Chris has given extraordinary service to the astray when ordered with the surgery for Volunteer at Macey’s Meadow. Help keep hall over many years obtaining Hallmark collection from the Boots Pharmacy. the meadow looking lovely, our upcoming 3 accreditation for the hall’s facilities and volunteer dates are July 27, August 10 and condition, and carrying out many repair, Macey’s Meadow. The annual Blossom August 24, between 10 and noon. Please improvement and decorating jobs himself. Picnic was held in Macey`s Meadow, West contact the parish council clerk on 01732 He was also awarded a Kent Association of Malling, on Sunday May 12. The event 870872 for more details.

LOCAL CONTACTS Supported by Trudy Dean, Malling Action Partnership chairman Pothole reporting – T: 08458 247800 E: [email protected] T: 01732 843 119 Travel Enquiries Citizens Advice Bureau – T: 01732 440488 Nu-Venture Buses – T: 01622 882288 Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council Trains – T: 08457 484950 main switchboard – T: 01732 844522 Arriva Buses – T: 0871 200 22 33 downsmail.co.uk News Policing focus of village talk

LAW enforcement chiefs face a failing neighbourhood policing grilling at a public meeting in policy.” Leybourne. Among the topics to be raised, Kent’s Police and Crime Com- said Cllr Ulph, is travellers. Lark- missioner Matthew Scott, district field has been forced to invest in police commander Peter Steen- barriers for its open spaces after huis, and Malling’s MP Tom Tu- being targeted on more than 20 gendhat will be quizzed about occasions in the last five years. neighbourhood policing. Cllr Ulph said: “I will be asking The meeting later this month why the police rarely use their has been arranged by Bob Ulph, power to immediately evict trav- chairman of Leybourne Parish ellers who are causing a nuisance, Council. He is hoping for a ca- when this Section 61 power is pacity crowd from the village used elsewhere in the country Centre’s charity boost and neighbouring communities. with good effect. THE team behind Larkfield Leisure challenges and charity quiz nights. He told Downs Mail: “It has “I am pleased Chief Inspector Centre has handed £2,500 to Kent Martin Guyton, tmactive’s CEO, taken a lot of work to get those at Steenhuis will be attending. He Air Ambulance. said: “This is the first time we have a high enough level, and with the did use these powers when trav- Staff at tmactive, the not-for- partnered with a charity, and we power to make changes locally ellers moved from Leybourne profit organisation which runs the have enjoyed getting involved in and through legislation, to come into Platt Primary School, and sports facility for Tonbridge and organising events to raise funds together on the same night. again when they pulled on to a Malling Borough Council, named for this worthy cause. “I am very pleased that this field being used for a fun run.” the life-saving service as its charity “We look forward to working meeting will be going ahead and The meeting will be taking partner last year. with the Heart of Kent Hospice, I hope the public will use the op- place at Leybourne Village Hall It raised the money through a which is our Charity of the Year for portunity to question police and on Thursday, July 25, starting at range of events, including gym 2019/20.” our MP on, what I believe, is a 7.45pm.

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Malling June 2019 21 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Staffing crisis LATEST NHS figures show Maid- stone and the rest of West Kent pri- Travelling on horizon mary care workforce development is below the national average for GPs, nurses and direct patient care. There is a shortage of both GPs as radiographer retires and nurses, with concerns this will worsen, especially as 38% of GPs MAIDSTONE radiographer Christine Richards is looking forward to are aged 50 and over. The NHS Nursing and Quality spending time travelling after a career in medicine spanning 37 years. Care Education facilitator is now Christine retired at the end of working with West Kent’s Educa- May as the head of radiotherapy tion Network Training Hub and services at Maidstone and Tun- local universities. both to develop bridge Wells NHS Trust, which the existing workforce and create she joined in 1990. innovative new roles. During her early career, she West Kent is now able to provide travelled to America, Sweden and apprenticeships to primary care Norway to source state-of-the-art providers. equipment for the Trust, as well A key area of workforce growth as overseeing training for staff. in general practice is helping sur- The 68-year-old said: “I will geries to attract, recruit and sup- miss the people because it’s such port nurses new to primary care. a friendly atmosphere here. I’m also going to miss the patients, be- Dementia care cause being part of something A SPECIALIST NHS service to that is going to make such a dif- support local people with demen- ference to someone’s life is so re- tia and their families is about to be warding.” launched. Seven specialist nurses Christine twice won Radiogra- will work in West Kent with the pher of the Year as a member of Radiographer Christine Richards seven clusters formed of 55 GP the College of Radiographers and (above) and left, receiving her MBE has been at the forefront of proj- practices. from Prince Charles, in recognition ects to improve patient care and The aims are to increase the well- of her work with cancer patients being of patients, improve their shaping the Trust’s innovative quality of life and reduce waiting Radiotherapy Department. it really topped off my career. tions, including Italy and France. time for assessment and treatment. In June last year, she received “Everyone at MTW really re- Former radiotherapy planning This will include: education, an MBE from Prince Charles for spects one another and works as a manager Amanda Williams steps sleep advice, medication reviews, her services to cancer patients. team to help our patients and it into her role, after working with counselling, signposting relevant She said: “I’ve been fortunate in has been a real honour to work the Trust for 21 years. services (reducing waiting times) being able to achieve many things alongside them all for so many Amanda qualified as a radiog- and support for carers. and going to Buckingham Palace years.” rapher 27 years, ago after training to be awarded an MBE is some- She is now looking forward to as a therapeutic radiographer in Practice praise thing I never even dreamed of, so holidays in her favourite destina- Velindre Hospital, Cardiff. THE budget-holding NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Measles jabs Group has praised “the excellent HEALTH service teams are warn- achievement” of the leadership ing people to ensure they are pro- team at the Vine Medical Centre, tected against measles, with five Tonbridge Road, Maidstone. more confirmed cases in Kent. The team at this GP practice has Public Health England (PHE) received an outstanding rating South East says everyone needs to from the Care Quality Commission check they are up to date with two for being well led. It was com- doses of MMR vaccine and anyone mended for providing a culture concerned they have the condition that had shared purpose, motivat- should stay away from others. ing staff to succeed. The overall rating for the centre PHE spokesman Dr Rachel Pud- is good. Bearsted Medical Practice ney said: “If you’re concerned that received a similar rating. Hospital hits top 10 you or your child has measles, call DURING a period of seriously There was a significant improve- your GP or ring NHS 111.” Longer hours missed targets, especially on cancer ment in March towards the 85% investigations and treatments, target for patients receiving cancer Testing boost PATIENTS in Maidstone and the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells treatment within 62 days of an ur- KENT and Medway are support- rest of West Kent are welcoming Hospital Trust saw 95.7% of A&E gent GP referral. It hit 67.91% ing the creation of a single pathol- the longer hours now available in patients within four hours in March. compared with 56.02% in Febru- ogy service with clinically GP surgeries. West Kent Clinical Commission- ary. Early results of a survey show “a ing Group says: “This was a signifi- All patients waiting for 104 days appropriate turnaround times. clear preference for access to week- cant achievement and put them in and more are subject to a harm re- They say this will enable earlier day evening appointments from the top 10 best-performing emer- view. So far no harm has been iden- diagnostic services supporting bet- Monday to Thursday up to 8pm, gency departments in England.” tified. ter outcomes. There should also be and for Saturday morning access”. an NHS saving of more than £5m.

22 Malling June 2019 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Staffing crisis LATEST NHS figures show Maid- Call for the stone and the rest of West Kent pri- Travelling on horizon mary care workforce development is below the national average for GPs, nurses and direct patient care. There is a shortage of both GPs as radiographer retires and nurses, with concerns this will worsen, especially as 38% of GPs MAIDSTONE radiographer Christine Richards is looking forward to are aged 50 and over. The NHS Nursing and Quality spending time travelling after a career in medicine spanning 37 years. Care Education facilitator is now Christine retired at the end of working with West Kent’s Educa- May as the head of radiotherapy tion Network Training Hub and THE FIREPLACE services at Maidstone and Tun- local universities. both to develop bridge Wells NHS Trust, which the existing workforce and create A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS she joined in 1990. innovative new roles. 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O b i t u a r e s Alan Colegate before moving to Plymouth, Devon. charity responsible for the allotments on Gareth was married to Pamela for Old Loose Hill.” CALL THE EXPERTS ALAN Colegate (73) lived in Upper Fant almost 60 years, and died just a few Hugh, who lost his wife seven years ago, Road for more than 40 years. months before their diamond wedding leaves his children and grandchildren Born in Maidstone, Alan a�ended anniversary. He was father to Beverley, Alexander, Eleanor, Toby and Amelia. Westborough School Gordon and David. and started work in Gordon said: “My father remained a COMPUTERS COMPUTERSNO FIX NO FEE, NO CALL OUT FEE! Smedley’s canning proud Welshman to the end of his life. 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He played for their B team Democratic Party (SDP) in the 80s and for a few years and continued playing into £62 £31 Tree Reductions and Felling particularly difficult work to be done.” £76 £38 Stump Grinding Alan leaves Heather, his children, served as SDP chair for west Kent. his 60s with the veterans team. My father grandchildren Hannah, Daniel, Chloe, Hugh was married to Wendy for over 50 was a keen squash player and followed a £76 £38 Hedge Cutting and Removal Vicki and Ma� and great-grandchildren years and was father to Jamie, Fraser and number of sports including F1. We have Seasoned Logs James, Olivia, Ella, Brooke and Kyle. Jo. 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MallingMalling June July 2019 25 downsmail.co.uk P

a r i s h Addington Crime report Cllr Garret reported that a rear number plate had been stolen from a

C vehicle in Mill House Lane and three o u n c i l s tonne digger had been stolen from the quarry in Addington Lane. Defibrillators Both had been checked and a test run had been carried out on the recently-installed emergency telephones. Speedwatch A lack of volunteers meant the scheme was unable to continue. Recreation ground The revised quote for the play area from Sutcliffe Play was approved, it would include a 2m perimeter fence. It was agreed to place an order for the play equipment to be provided by Sutcliffe Play at a cost of £28,175, and groundworks from Playsafe at a cost of £14,051. Communication The idea of using social media was discussed. The clerk was to investigate the idea of a Twi�er account and whether it would be feasible to use the Nextdoor social media account to communicate with residents. Lizard lessons GENTLY does it … Youngsters from one Lorries There was concern about lorries school in West Malling came face to face using Church Road from the A20 to reach the fruit farm and ge�ing stuck under the with some unlikely classmates in a lesson to railway bridge. There was also concern study some of the planet’s mini-beasts. about lorry drivers using the area as a Panda Class and year 1 took part in the toilet. workshop, looking at the senses of certain Footpaths The ro�en post at the top of the species, such as the tortoise and lizards. The footpath outside the church had been youngsters from Valley Invicta Primary reported. The public footpath crossing School in Derby Drive, Leybourne Chase, Aldon Lane needed maintenance. The looked at how these creatures see, smell and clerk had reported it. taste their food and, in some cases, hear, as Pavement The clerk had reported that the they strive to survive and flourish in their var- footpath from Plowenders lay-by to the ious habitats. Angel Inn was unstable. KCC said the After getting used to their new class- resurfacing team had been asked to mates, the youngsters admitted to having review the footpath and patch it where had a brilliant time. necessary. Trees There were trees overhanging the join the parish council. After a vote, Mr Donations It was agreed to make a pavement on Tro�iscliffe Road from a Mullen was co-opted. donation of £250 to LeyARA, and £100 to property called Peacehaven. KCC had Policing Cllr Ulph asked for more Citizens Advice. arranged for works to take place. information on crimes to be provided and Light Engineers were due to inspect the for the PCSO to be present at meetings faulty light at the junction of the A20 and where possible. A public meeting to Mereworth Tro�iscliffe Road. discuss local policing had been arranged Officers elected Cllr Jon Regan was Vegetation KCC had cleared the for July 25 in the village hall. It would be overgrowth that was blocking sightlines a�ended by MP Tom Tugendhat, the appointed as chairman and Cllr Jenny when turning on to the A20 from the police and crime commissioner and local Thorogood was appointed vice- Clearway. police officers. chairman. Road surfaces The surfaces at Park Road The Chase The summer event would take Vacancies There were two vacancies on and Roughe�s Road were said to be place on July 20. There had been some the parish council for Airfield Estate breaking up and were unlikely to survive issues with the site now that the CDT had ward. The chairman proposed that another winter. transferred to Trinity, whilst the Katherine Eykelenboom be co-opted to Bus service The clerk was asked to Leybourne Grange Community interest represent this ward and this was agreed contact the bus company again regarding commi�ee was being set up. unanimously. the buses waiting a long time at the bus Football club There had been issues with PCSO report The clerk said crime figures stop in Tro�iscliffe Road and blocking the grass cu�ing on the pitches. Cllr Harrison had not been received for some time. sight lines of neighbouring roads. confirmed that the club was likely to be PCSO Wendy Stanley said she would HGV warning Due to ongoing problems running 13 teams over the year and had look into this. She said number plates with HGVs reversing onto the A20 from set up a meeting with The Chase to had been stolen from cars in the Moody Church Road, when they find they are discuss pitch issues. Mare car park. Members noted that unable to get under the bridge, KCC was Vegetation Cllr Ulph had requested a speeding motorcycles were still causing consulting on new signage. It was agreed copy of the KCC and TMBC cu�ing concern on Seven Mile Lane. to have no objection as long as the schedule to share with residents. There Church It was reported that Rev Pat makeshift signs in the area were removed. had been problems cu�ing the grass next Dicken would be leaving in August. The to the donkey field, due to cars being post would be advertised. The merger parked across the entrance, stopping the with Wateringbury would be going Leybourne mower ge�ing in. It was agreed to apply ahead. It was felt grass cu�ing had Co-option Two candidates gave a for double yellow lines across the improved this year. The contract would summary of their reasons for applying to entrance. be reviewed next year.

26 Malling June 2019 downsmail.co.uk

Highways The planned closure of date and the ba�eries needed changing at by Whi�akers co�age be re-instated to its P Butchers Lane had been postponed while certain intervals. original route and made good. The group a r i s h the contractors looked into other Village hall A new roof was being felt that the path as it stands was difficult arrangements. The clerk was considered, along with external to access due to a number of steps. They congratulated on ge�ing this work insulation. The new door was said to look said they would be submi�ing a claim to C o u n c i l s revised. good and provided be�er access for have the sloped path on the other side of Traffic Cllr Regan had contacted TMBC disabled people. The cinema was doing the fence to Whi�akers created as a and KCC regarding speeding on Seven extremely well. The laurels in the car public right of way and asked the parish Mile Lane. There had also been park had been trimmed. council to support this. Highways An articulated lorry had been correspondence regarding an accident Public concerns There was concern about seen driving on the pavement past outside Brewers Hall. Tregothnan Estates tree cu�ing at Trosley Park and the were investigating the possibility of an parked cars in the village. Incidents such welfare of goats kept near the bridle path. additional entrance to Brewers Hall from as this should be reported, with photos if There was also concern about the recent the roundabout. possible, to the farm or to the company. diversion while speed humps were Allotments There had been a request for Bench Cllr Williams had ordered a bench a temporary advertising poster at the – it was a plastic four-seater bench with a reinstated on Taylors Lane. It was gate for vacant plots. There were no plaque saying it had been donated by the claimed that the diversion along Pilgrims objections, and it was agreed the poster Methodist Church. Way had resulted in the death of a dog. could be displayed for a maximum of Speed indicator devices Cllr Ricke� was The clerk was asked to advise KCC that two months. contacting the manufacturer about this was not a suitable diversion route, Parish records Cllr Murray asked problems downloading the data. particularly for lorries. whether there was emergency access to Plough Inn Regarding the community the records in the event of the clerk being bid, a number of local residents had indisposed. The clerk explained the Ryarsh submi�ed further comments to the records were in an office at her home and Village sign Members were pleased that inspectors. the computer had an external back-up. the village sign had been put back and Passwords were held by her husband. was looking good. Recycling centre It was noted that Wateringbury residents could use the household waste Officers Cllr Wells was re-elected as O�am recycling centre at Cuxton for the next 18 chairman and Cllr Simons was elected as Co-option A seventh councillor, Brian months while a new site was built in vice-chairman. Jessica Roe had resigned Jones, was co-opted at the meeting, and Allington. KCC had introduced certain for personal reasons. charges, which were displayed on its the parish council was now full. Rogue traders The chairman read out website. Recycling centre It was noted that KCC information warning residents about Play area The parish council was carrying is to set up a new Household Waste Site rogue traders. In some cases, this at Allington. New rules about charging out improvements to the play area. New swings and a safety surface for under the involved causing damage to people’s were available on the KCC and parish homes before offering to fix the damage council websites. slide were being ordered. for cash. Residents were warned not to Car park It was noted that TMBC owns Projects Residents were invited to contact deal with people who knocked on the the car park by the recreation ground on the parish clerk with details of any door offering work. Teston Road. Following complaints about projects that could be carried out to debris falling from the trees and improve the village. Highways The pavement along Red Hill damaging cars, TMBC agreed to pollard was said to be uneven and causing the trees, but said it would not remove problems for pedestrians. There was an them. Tro�iscliffe indent in Phoenix Drive, which had Villages in Bloom Work was continuing School parking The PCSO had visited already been reported. Road markings at to make sure the village looked as good the school following complaints about the junction of Pizien Well Road and Old as possible before the judging visit on parking and driving by parents. The clerk Road had faded. July 10. was advised that there were no issues of Village warden Three candidates had Defibrillator David Frankling would concern on this occasion. been interviewed for the post of part time continue to look after this. Checks needed Footpath A delegation of concerned village warden. John Ibbs had been to be carried out as the pads go out of parishioners requested that the footpath appointed.

A VEHICLE window was smashed in C r i m e Roman Close, Aylesford. A vehicle was stolen from outside the Neighbourhood Watch owner’s home in Maidstone Road, Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Aylesford. r e p o r t s The trailer of an HGV was cut open and between two and four pallets were stolen batteries. They left without them when of a church in New Hythe Lane, from in in Old Chatham Road, Aylesford. challenged by an employee. Larkfield. The rear number plate was stolen from A quantity of wine was stolen from an A brick was thrown through a kitchen a Skoda Octavia in St Laurence Avenue, HGV in Bellingham Way, Ditton. window at the front of a house in Saltings Aylesford. A house was broken into in Catlyn Road, Snodland. A skip was stolen from an industrial Close, East Malling. A Ford Fiesta parked in Simpson Road, estate in Mills Road, Aylesford. The wheels were removed from a Snodland was broken into. A van was stolen in Station Road, bicycle locked up in a school bike shed in An egg was smashed on a private post Ditton. Beech Road, East Malling. The gear cable box at a home in Edwards Close, Both number plates were stolen from a was also snapped. Snodland. vehicle in Woodlands Road, Ditton. Side curtains were slashed on an HGV A Toyota Yaris was keyed on the side Two men arrived on a commercial site in a supermarket in Lunsford Park, and the boot in Brickfields, Snodland. in Bellingham Way, Ditton, in a white Larkfield, and clothing was stolen. A Swift Lifestyle 4SB caravan was stolen Ford Transit van and tried to steal Lead flashing was stolen from the roof from a farm in London Road, Ryarsh.

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Guttering Cladding MAKING01622 739439 07860 THE 318166 BEST [email protected] OF WOOD Transform your home with a range of 01622 736266 IN AND AROUND THE HOME FREE ESTIMATES Family businesscoloured established cladding 21 years Bathrooms ALL WORK GUARANTEEDSales CALL Cliff on * MED01622WAY’S LEAD IN743648G APPROVED INSTALLER Services Mob: 07711 291921 BuildersBATHROOM INSTALLATIONS& 07940 854927 WE GUARANTEE TO BEAT ANY COMPETITOR’S PRICE Clean Sweep 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone The complete Bathroom Bathroom Solutions 01732 871254 Brush & vacuum Approved Maintenance Company 07908 021913MD Building & Services Chimney Maintenance The complete Bathroom Maintenance Company BSI. 4576 Installer PAUL BEST David BartholomewSpecialists in Wood burners and fluesChimney Maintenance NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES [email protected]• Extensions • Refurbishments NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTESBrickwork • Plastering (All aspects) supplied and fitted CALL NOW FOR A FREE QUOTATION : Complete bathroom installs, supply• Electricsand design • Modernisations or fit only. 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Available GeneralTrailer Hire-Sales-Repair Builder • FencingHorse & manure Blockpaving loaded and taken away. O Kent Trailers 13 tonne 360 with experience operator, full range of bucket’s concrete breaker All workFriendly Sta certified to cover insurance 25 years Experience CircularFULLY saw for overgrown hedges INSURED – other services available (anything considered). Indespension Agent REQUIRED: Fields for haying and grazing. Est 15 years plus OAP 10% Discount FOR SALE: Livestock, Plant, Recovery, Van, General Purpose Tel: Mark 07841 409061 Pest control available 01622 891960 Oak offcut’s ideal woodburner (large loads). Half tonne apple bin’s – used once. Pop in to see us for more information Trailers in stock, New & Used e: [email protected] type and shapes of forage. Clean brick and block hardcore, also plannings. Martin Square Tel: Large quantity of farmyard manure any size load, collected or delivered. Camera inspections available 07748 630747Detling www.mdbuildingservices.co.ukAll above subject to availability. Lark eld 01732 522221 01622 730063 [email protected] 07860 318166 Telephone/Fax: 01233 756673 Mobile: 07890 818783 Weddings attended 28 Malling July 2019 Malling JuneJuly 2019 2019 29 BuildingPlease call Plans Member of the ICS H²0 Plumbusters for winter special PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS price and a HETAS approved FREE quote We are a well established family run company Contact Kevin Bovis with over 25 years experience based in Maidstone Tel: covering Kent, we can help you with your 01622 672743 bathroom or kitchen design and install, we Mobile 01622 844385 specialise in central heating repairs and 07703 442025 upgrades including boiler replacements. Gas safe www.plumbusters.co.uk 07885 651578 No 521635 [email protected]

38 MBMaidstone WINDOW Weald CLEANING October 2017 • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service 01622 863502 07950 211 507 www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected]

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Malling July 2019 31 MallingMalling June July 2019 33 downsmail.co.uk C o m e n Population growth biggest issue W HAT is the biggest issue currently pressure will arise for a new Lenham t worrying the people of Maidstone and junction to the M20 if a much-extended area? MailMarks village or new centre of population Brexit, of course, is a main contender. DENNIS FOWLE President mooted at 2,500/5,000 houses is imposed But there is an even bigger talking point [email protected] on this area. – the severe deterioration in quality of There are proposals for massive our lives brought about by the massive developments around Kingswood growth in housing and population. (helping to finance what was once called Politically, I suspect these two have very bad. On top of that, the Government is the Leeds/Langley bypass) and a big new close links. very slow providing meaningful village at the top of Detling Hill, All this is behind the anger of a infrastructure to back up its monumental although the designation of an Area of Maidstone Council commi�ee agreeing housing demands. Outstanding Beauty may thwart this. to consider substantial further growth It does not stop at roads, of course. Our All this goes on when lack of national (more than 7,000 houses) behind closed health and care services are stretched by and local funding is impacting so heavily doors. The big picture comes before population growth to dangerous limits on our services and infrastructure. How commercial confidentiality (which must and we lose vital professionals due to many nominations are there for the worst be respected, normally at the end of a unfair strains. Our number of local GPs road surface in the area; the greatest meeting). contracts at a time when we need more. diminution of health and care services; Urban Maidstone is beyond saturation Hospital and ambulance NHS targets are lack of school places of parental choice; point and our MPs and elected seriously missed, most worryingly on the most ill-lit streets at night? councillors must get this across to cancer investigations and treatments. Government and somehow make it listen We cannot build new schools fast The Brexit county and respond. Electorate pressure is now enough and sites are increasingly I h a ve crossed swords with several beyond doubt. difficult to find. My sympathy is with who claim Maidstone has changed its A main problem used to be traffic residents around Eclipse Park/New Cut mind after voting 58% in favour of Brexit. congestion approaching Maidstone with the added traffic chaos they will They have no evidence – and the centre, and at that time there may have face. European Parliament elections now been some merit in the local Lib Dems’ Maidstone Council has to respond to almost certainly indicate Maidstone still desire to make us bus, cycle or walk to Government demands for extra houses strongly favours Brexit. town (so called Modal Shift). and to avoid trying further to fit a quart There can be no denying the view of But now serious traffic congestion in to urban Maidstone’s pint pot looks to 20,475 who voted for the Brexit Party and occurs all over the place as we try to get our larger villages to take the strains. 1,062 for UKIP. They alone outnumber to work, schools, health services, shops There are now rural rebellions. the combined total who voted for and to places of leisure, family and In the current Government-approved Labour, Green, LibDems and Change UK friends. Life just cannot be planned – a Local Plan, villages such as Lenham, – and among these there will be Brexit journey traditionally taking 15 minutes Harrietsham, Marden, Staplehurst and supporters who will always vote party can stretch to 30 minutes or very much Headcorn were designated for growth – loyalty first. The Conservatives polled longer. and the extent is now emerging. So much only 4,697 – the loyal few who did not To a degree I have given up, and to for Kent – the Garden of England! join the protest vote. avoid these nightmares I try to reserve Unless Government relents, I cannot All Kent’s 13 areas saw the Brexit Party my visits to and through urban see an alternative. Marden has just gone top the poll – even Tunbridge Wells, the Maidstone to an occasional half day and on the march to protest against 2,000 only Kent area to vote against Brexit suffer the anger and frustrations in one more houses. Perhaps it will achieve about three years ago. hit. something of a reprieve, but in the longer A Prime Minister who made so many Significant road structures in and term it seems this ba�le cannot be won. mistakes and saw her surrender of a around Maidstone have largely been Lenham (in particular) and withdrawal agreement defeated three ignored for decades, and as the urban Harrietsham face even bigger challenges. times by Parliament has now been forced area has massively grown, just about all Both villages are close to the M20 and to resign. MPs are having to listen to the possibilities have now closed. In Kent, A20 and are served by stations on the people. But no one can yet see how this Maidstone’s situation looks uniquely London-Kent coast rail line. Surely is going to end. No raing from May hasn’t she, too, fallen victim to the very elements in all parties, and accepted the condition she identified and, in particular, softer Norway-style deal offered soon after ANN Widdecombe, the county town’s to the over-entitled ex-public school boys, negotiations started. former stout-hearted warrior queen, may now busy jockeying for position, who Rees Moggites, Faragestes and Mr Fowle be right that the Prime Minister is Britain’s privately cling to traditional ideas about would have been incandescent with rage, worst leader since Sir Anthony Eden, but the role of women? but it would have been the least disruptive at least Theresa May, a quiet remainer Mrs Thatcher said that early on in the departure from the EU, and could well during the referendum, has not leadership of the party some of her senior have won a majority in the Commons. shamelessly jumped ship – which colleagues treated her like she was the K G Banks, Maidstone Churchill, never one to mince words, cleaning lady. called “ra�ing”. May was dealt a ro�en hand when What is people’s vote? This was an issue on which he could Cameron left to spend more time in his BEFORE David Cameron departed for his speak with authority since as he once shepherd’s hut, but, that said, one she has last visit to the EU, he stated that if his admi�ed “I ra�ed not once, but twice”. played badly. demands were not met, there would be an Early in her career, Mrs May told a Instead of wooing hardliners, who in/out indisputable referendum. stony-faced Tory conference that much of would probably only be happy leaving the It was obvious that he and the majority the public saw them as “the nasty party”. EU without a deal, she ought to have of MPs, who wanted to remain, had no Whatever her failings and limitations, appealed to the larger mainstream idea of public feeling. Those who voted to

34 Malling June 2019 downsmail.co.uk

leave were derided as racist and too naive the children playing and also doing sports be an organ donor – you can opt in or opt C to be able to understand what they had activities. Not a good idea. out. Your family will always be involved o m e n voted for. The schools are to be situated on a road to ensure any recorded decision reflects However, as most of those politicians which is really a country lane and is your decision, so please talk to them. later admi�ed, they did not themselves totally unsuitable as there is only a narrow Organ donation is, and will always be, a know many of the facts which, in their

footpath, which swings from side to side precious gift, and one donor can save or t positions, they should have done. seven times between the A20 to KIMS transform the lives of up to nine people The remainers have also used roundabout. and help many more people, if they also percentages as a means of hiding the One school is to be named a “Bearsted” donate tissue. actual figures to show the large difference school, when it is in Boxley, and the To find out more, and to register your between in and out. children will have to come by car, which organ donation decision, visit With the UK’s departure from the EU will jam the already-gridlocked area as www.organdonation.nhs.uk. If you can’t now overdue by many weeks, causing well as junction 7, which is hardly coping. find the answer to any questions you may confusion to many in business, MPs have The planners and councillors have also have on the website, please call our hotline had two recesses of about 14 days, because approved an office block and warehouses on 0300 303 2094. they are tired. at Woodcut Road, 500 metres from the Anthony Clarkson, director of organ If they manage to cobble some kind of Leeds Castle entrance, so junction 8 will donation and transplantation, NHS Blood deal together, then some want a people’s also be jammed with lorries, and if the and Transplant vote to hold their hand for them. What is a motorway is closed at junction 8, God help people’s vote? It is not defined in the us. Oxford English Dictionary? Can anyone As usual, the highways authority is not Become a volunteer vote? fit for purpose, and nobody listens to local HAVE you ever thought about There are no politicians who can fill the residents. We do know our area –- I cannot volunteering? Could you help an boots of Winston Churchill or Clement think of any other part of Maidstone that established charity as it celebrates its 80th A�lee. has 10 schools in a radius of birthday? Alan Wallace, via email approximately three miles. Citizens’ Advice Maidstone wants We, the residents, feel u�erly helpless people to be part of the next 80 years of its Why not have referendum? with our Kent leaders and also our history by volunteering with them. CAN any of your readers explain why government. Nobody is listening to us. We started in Maidstone on January 1, some people are against a “confirmatory I never thought I would see this once 1940 – four months after the beginning of people’s vote” or second referendum on great country in such a dire state and feel WWII and the start-up of the national any EU leaving deal? thoroughly ashamed of the incompetence, Citizens’ Advice service. In life, initial decisions are always dishonesty, selfishness and uncaring From April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019, reviewed and questioned as more facts a�itude we now have. Thank goodness I the 45 volunteer advisers and 15 volunteer become available, thus avoiding bad have lived the best years of my life in a assessors at Citizens’ Advice Maidstone outcomes. What is so different, now more country that was well run and pleasant. helped 10,409 people with 41,098 facts are known? R A Harlow, Bearsted problems, including debt, housing benefit I hope your readers can enlighten me. and employment issues. Our organisation AJB Colllins, Staplehurst worked over 550 hours on average per Organ donation change week providing this service. THE law around organ donation in Volunteers are the linchpin of the Majority are ignored England is changing. service, providing clients with information WHAT on earth is happening in this From spring 2020, all adults in England and advice, raising funds, keeping the country when the wishes of the majority will be considered to have agreed to be an service running smoothly, and helping are ignored and the minority take organ donor when they die, unless they with the strategic direction of the precedence? have recorded a decision not to donate. organisation. We have planners who think it’s fine to We want everybody in Kent to take a For information about volunteering put two schools, which are not needed in moment to think about organ donation, with Citizens’ Advice Maidstone, call this area, and a nature reserve next to a making their organ donation decision and Heather Hardy on 01622 750770 or email home for people with, I understand, sharing it with family and friends. [email protected]. mental health problems. Several of the Those covered by the new law will still Bonny Malhotra, Citizens’ Advice rooms of this establishment will overlook have a choice about whether they want to Maidstone

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

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