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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling April 2016 No. 228

News Hospital braves £15m Care home to shut THE best efforts of campaigners, including local MPs, have failed to prevent the closure of  loss in opening year the Dorothy Lucy centre. 4 Election decision MAIDSTONE’S newest private hospital, the Institute of Medicine KENT’S controversial police and and Surgery, made a £15m loss in its first year of operation. crime commissioner Ann  Barnes will not restand. 5 Delays in signing up to the NHS was facing difficulties in November Their end-of-year report reveals “Choose and Book” service (now 2014 and brought in a new man- the original business plan was for known as eReferral) and the failure agement team to run the hospital. the hospital to generate high value, Southeastern delays of consultant surgeons to fully On its advice, the board was high complexity patient procedures RAIL commuters have been told commit to the ground-breaking forced to restructure or face run- but the initial take-up was lower to wait until late 2017 for new hospital, off M20 Junction 7 ning out of funds by December than anticipated. improvements. 18 near , meant income was 2015. This was partly due to the hospi- lower than anticipated, forcing the Measures implemented to pull tal missing the deadline to tender board to restructure and re-finance. Kims back from the brink included for NHS work and instead having Religious concern Accounts for the hospital, which the issue of new share capital, to rely on sporadic referrals. A PROPOSAL to rebuild a mosque opened in April 2014, reveal that al- which raised £7.8m and the con- “Uncertainty of NHS work in the town centre has though Kims had a turnover of version of £33.7m of loans into eq- streams led to the number of con- been criticised. 23 £8.76m in its first year, it ended the uity share capital. sultant surgeons fully transferring year with a shortfall of £15.22m. Founding directors Steven Bern- across to Kims being lower than ex- Existing lenders put an addi- stein, Franz Dickmann and his son pected, with a consequent impact Coffee chain fury tional £2m into the project, while a James Dickmann all resigned while on revenue,” it adds. A COSTA coffee shop in four-year “rent holiday” was Peter Goddard was appointed ex- During the year, more than 1,600 has made a controversial  granted under the property lease to ecutive chairman, Simon Rust fi- private and 1,200 NHS pa- first impression. 24 help ease cash flows. nance director and Simon James tients were treated at Kims, 6 Directors realised the hospital chief executive. but only 12% of the beds and Moving from Mote MAIDSTONE Mela will be held in the town centre for the 30 Carys makes light work of title first time, this September. A teenager lucky to be alive after being born severely pre- Friday is market day mature is targeting the Olympics A FARMERS’ market will take after winning a regional weightlift- place every month in ing title. Jubilee Square. 32 Carys Harper, 15, who attends St Augustine’s Academy in Maidstone,  won the Lion Heart category at this Crime Reports 40 year’s Celebrate Maidstone awards A FRENCH bulldog was stolen for overcoming difficulties to from a garden in . achieve great things. Born 12 weeks premature and Comment 42-4346-47 weighing only 3lb, Carys – daughter of Zoe Reed and step-dad Chris – Obituaries 43 was initially unable to breathe with- out an incubator. Diagnosed with Parish Councils 54-55 dyscalculia, a brain disorder causing difficulty in making arithmetical AN arsonist was operating in calculations, she struggled at school ; complaints were dis- but with the help of Jayne Brad- cussed privately in ; shaw, her mentor at St Augustine’s a dangerous metal fence was Academy, she refused to give up. present in ; rabbit- Her fighting spirit led her to take duced her to weightlifting and, in Schools Weightlifting Champi- proof fencing was to be erected in up kickboxing, receiving her junior just two years she has gone from be- onship in February 2015 and gold in ; football noise from par- black belt in March 2013. ginner to competing at a national the 2015 London & SE ents and coaches was increasing  in ; medals were marking Teacher Michael Blackford intro- level. Carys won silver in the British Junior Championships, 13 the Queen’s birthday in .

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2 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Learn more about Brexit Lady rowers show they BUSINESS owners in Maidstone anxious to learn more about what impact a British exit from the EU could have on employment in the can take on the best UK – and their own organisation – are invited to attend one of a series YOUNG women from Maidstone of workshops in the town. Invicta Rowing Club have been showing the country that “Kent The impact of the June 23 refer- Girls Can”. endum on UK employment law is The club is supporting the KCC one of the topics being examined sporting initiative which is aimed at by Kent law firm Furley Page in getting more girls into sport. partnership with Kent Invicta Three eight-women crews were Chamber of Commerce. among those taking part in the re- They will be led by Andrew Mas- cent Hammersmith Head race on ters, partner and head of employ- the Thames – a shorter version of the ment at Furley Page, and Amanda Oxford and Cambridge boat race. Okill, an associate who specialises This was the first race on the The Junior Ladies crew with coach James Knight in employment law. Thames for many of Maidstone’s The workshops will be held at crews and a different experience Second in this category were the vited to row in a London RC crew. the Mercure Maidstone Great from the sheltered River Medway. Women’s Junior 16 girls eight, who The Junior 18 boys eight came sec- Danes Hotel. For further informa- MIRC press officer Richard Bald- had to race up an age group with a ond to London Oratory School and tion, call 01233 503838 or email win said: “This was a great club per- time of 13:34, coming 99th overall. 34th overall with a time of 12:21. [email protected]. formance against tough opposition Both girls’ crews beat Emanuel The Junior Ladies went to London and despite quite a bit of lost train- School’s crew, who were racing on with coach James Knight to receive ing due to high river levels.” their home water. their winning pots for the Hammer- Pub change Five boats from Maidstone raced The adult ladies’ eight finished in smith Head. Six of the crew, plus cox STEVE Thomas is the new landlord over the 4.5km course, against 147 13:52 and were placed 109th overall, Cathy Metcalf, were present to re- at the Sugar Loaves in Holling- competitors drawn from rowing while the club’s youngest crew of ceive their trophies. bourne. clubs and schools from across the the day was the J15 coxed quad fin- The crew were also presented with Previously at the Cock Inn, South East and Thames Valley. ishing 118th overall in 14:00 and two plaques for Fastest Junior Ladies Detling, Steve took over the Ey- The Maidstone Women’s Junior 18 third in their category. Crew and also WJ18 8+. horne Street pub at the end of Feb- crew came in at the fastest time of all The fastest Maidstonian was di- Anyone interested in rowing or ruary. WJ18 crews on the day with an im- rector of rowing, Brian Humphris, coxing at Maidstone should go to It follows the departure of Kim pressive 13.24mins, coming in 91st who finished eight in 11:46 and win- www.maidstoneinvicta.co.uk or and Gary Hitch. overall. ning Masters Eights after being in- find them on Facebook.

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Maidstone East April 2016 3 downsmail.co.uk News Cash for kit SPORTS clubs and teams are in- vited to apply for £1,000 of new kit Closure date set for to celebrate the first anniversary of Ask in Maidstone. Applicants will then be invited to rally their fans for a public vote to find the winner. Dorothy Lucy centre Entry forms are available at the Italian restaurant in Earl Street, KENT County Council has voted to as providing support to local fami- which wants to hear from junior close the Dorothy Lucy centre and lies who needed respite facilities. and youth sports clubs and teams care home. “I am pleased I was able to help (up to U16) in the Maidstone area Despite efforts by local council- get Kent County Council to hold by Sunday, April 3. lors, campaigners and MP Helen back their decision while they car- The public will be able to vote for Whately, the county council’s adult ried out research to identify alterna- their favourite from a shortlist of social care cabinet committee voted tive providers for the services. three, via the ASK Italian Facebook to close the care home in Northum- “This was particularly important page or through a token system berland Avenue, Shepway, from Au- for day care services at Dorothy when dining in the restaurant. Vot- gust 2016 and to end dementia day Lucy, which now won’t be with- ing will close on Sunday, April 24. care provision from March 2017. drawn until March 2017, rather than The winner will be announced at Cllr Brian Clark made a final bid this month as originally planned. a first birthday event at the restau- for a reprieve at the meeting, with “While I understand the reasons rant on Wednesday, April 27. Marian Reader and Anna Ralph. Cllr Brian Clark, Anna Ralph and her KCC put forward for closing the cen- Both ladies made a case to keep father-in-law John Hoggin tre, providing high-quality health Flower course the centre going, based on the excel- care locally is a must. I will continue WOULD-BE flower arrangers lent service provided and the lack of time to make the decision on closure. to monitor the situation and press considering joining the rota at their like -for-like services locally. “KCC should be deferring the de- KCC to ensure good replacement fa- local church are being offered a free Cllr Clark said KCC should defer a cision until credible alternative serv- cilities are in place before the final floristry course at Holy Cross decision, claiming it had so far failed ices are available for the whole closure of the Dorothy Lucy Centre.” church room in Bearsted. to find any local alternative services package of services offered by KCC says the Dorothy Lucy cen- The course, aimed at beginners or in the private sector. Dorothy Lucy." tre is no longer fit for purpose, along near-beginners, starts at 7.30pm on He said: “KCC has had to extend His views were echoed by Mid with Kiln Court at Faversham. Monday April 11, 18, 25 and May 9. dementia day care provision at Kent MP Helen Whately who said: Mrs Whately said: “There are op- It is being run by Joan Curtis and Dorothy Lucy to March next year “I am disappointed the Dorothy portunities for health agencies to use her team of helpers who arrange after finding no suitable alternative. Lucy Centre is to close. It is a much- this overall situation to improve pro- the flowers at the church. For de- “Given the clear lack of current al- valued community asset and the vision in Maidstone and across Kent, tails or to book a place, call her on ternatives for dementia day care in staff there have done great work car- particularly for dementia care home 01622 737551. south east Maidstone, this is not the ing for the frail and elderly, as well and nursing care home beds.”

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4 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Police elections | News For children and adults Start April 2016 3-5 / 5-8 / 9-11 / GCSE / Adults I’ve done my Kings Hill - Maidstone - Sandling - Detling time, says Ann KENT’S police and crime commis- sioner Ann Barnes is not standing for re-election. Mrs Barnes, who was elected to the post in 2012, has been a promi- nent figure during her term of office – and not always for the right rea- sons. She has fought to retain the num- ber of police officers on the streets in the face of swingeing budgetary ity for seven years. cuts and has set up a successful sex- Having spent more than 15 years Planning a Wedding? ual assault referral centre and im- in police accountability and gover- proved the services of victim nance, Mrs Barnes believes she has Need Transport? support in the county. done her “time” and said: “I am But she received widespread content that I have delivered what I Want a good deal? ridicule after appearing in a fly-on- said I would and is in a Take your pick. I am now retired the-wall documentary on Channel 4 very strong and sustainable position about the role of the commissioner for the future.” and a classic car enthusiast (pictured). She warned candidates vying to I would be pleased to quote for Mrs Barnes made a public apol- replace her that they will need to be your requirements within a ogy and admitted she had been un- prepared to work around the clock, wise to appear in the programme, in listen to the public and put the peo- 15 mile radius of MAIDSTONE which she struggled to explain what ple of Kent first – not a political Drop me an email to her role involved and was filmed party and not Westminster. [email protected] having difficulty defining an ap- She concluded: “I have been hon- proach to policing priorities called oured to have the chance to meet Or text to 07851 162595 with “the onion”. She also failed to write and work with so many wonderful your contact tel number and her title correctly on a whiteboard individuals and organisations who I will get back to you and was filmed painting her nails in work tirelessly in Kent to make life the office. better for our communities. Their A former teacher, Merseyside- compassion, professionalism and born Mrs Barnes moved to Kent kindness is inspirational. more than 30 years ago and has “We should never forget these un- been a magistrate since 1986. Before sung heroes who only want the best being elected as commissioner, she for us and I am proud to have got to was chair of the Kent Police Author- know and work closely with them.” Timetable of the election NOMINATIONS close for the role lowing day. The electorate will on April 7 – so there is still time have two votes. Any of the candi- for more candidates to put them- dates who get more than 50% of selves forward for election. the vote in the first count will be The poll will coincide with local elected. authority elections on May 5 and Otherwise, all but the top two the count will take place at Dover candidates are eliminated and Town Hall on May 6. the second preference vote Nadeem Aziz, chief executive comes into play, ultimately de- at Dover District Council, has ciding the candidate with the been appointed the returning of- most votes. ficer. Mrs Barnes was elected with a Mrs Barnes will relinquish her majority of 53,889 but this year’s reign on May 11 and the new victory is likely to be much less PCC will take command the fol- clear cut. Conviction could bar Fergus PROPERTY tycoon Fergus Wilson has launched a controversial high- profile campaign in his bid to be Kent’s next police and crime com- missioner. DINNER IS SERVED! However, with a conviction for assault to his name, he might have to Join us for the dinner event of the year which combines pull out of the race. a sumptuous three course meal and classic comedy action Mr Wilson (67), from , says he has instructed as Basil, Sybil and Manuel do their very best to look after his solicitors to appeal against the conviction, in April 2015, after he you in their typical crazy style. was found guilty of hitting estate agent Daniel Wells and fined £1,500. Candidates who have put themselves forward so far include: Henry Bolton (Ukip), Tim Garbutt (Ind), David Naghi (Lib Dem), Tristan Os- borne (Lab), Gurvinder Sandher (Independent), Matthew Scott (Con), Fergus Wilson (Ind) and Steve Uncles (English Democrats).

Maidstone East April 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk Kims ‘can still break even’ Landmark ruling could

Continued from page one 20% of the operating theatre capac- ity were used. help reduce congestion Since registering with the eRefer- ral service, which went live on Sep- A LANDMARK decision to prevent new housing in south Maidstone tember 1, there has been a significant increase in the number could help campaigners stop other unwanted developments. of active consultants at the hospital The Secretary of State for commu- ture Schools Trust, which owns the impact on the highway network and the first CQC inspection, car- nities and local government, MP New Line Learning Academy, in would be unacceptable. ried out in September last year, was Greg Clark, upheld an inspector’s Boughton Lane, wanted to sell part “The proposed development extremely positive. findings that building should not of the school playing fields for de- would have a severe adverse impact Chief executive Simon James take place on land in Boughton Lane velopment to raise funds for the ex- on the highway network, in terms of concludes: “The company has had because of the adverse effect it pansion of the Five Acre Wood congestion and inconvenience to res- a challenging year in performance. would have on Loose Road and the special school, and create an 8.65- idents and other road users, and on This led to the need for significant congested Swan junction. hectare playing field on agricultural the strategic transport planning of additional funding and highlighted The decision to refuse on the land for use by NLL students and the area.” the need for a more appropriate grounds of road congestion was the the community. Mr Clark also said the proposed sustainable capital structure. first time that KCC’s highway de- Boughton Monchelsea Parish development “would result in sig- “With the restructuring in De- partment, which raised no objection, Council supported the scheme as it nificant danger to pedestrians, cy- cember 2015, the directors are con- had been overruled. would have gained 95 acres of land clists and other road users.” fident that the company has Previously, Maid- for public amenity, but the proposal He also took into account the sufficient appropriate funding.” stone Council plan- was contested by North Loose Resi- emerging North Loose Neighbour- Kims took two years to build and ners had stated it dents’ Association, Loose Parish hood Development Plan. cost more than £100m. It boasts could only refuse on Council and Maidstone Council’s While Mr Clark accepted there some of the best hi-tech equipment highways grounds if landscape and housing officers. was an acute shortage of housing in and consultants in the country and KCC lodged an ob- Maidstone councillors turned the area and that a new sports field has since carried out a number of jection. down the planning application for would be of benefit, he agreed with ground-breaking procedures, in- Sean Carter, pic- 220 homes, claiming the access road the inspector that “the benefits of cluding open heart and keyhole tured, chairman of the North Loose would destroy ancient woodland this proposed development are sig- heart surgery. Residents’ Association planning and the extra traffic would add to nificantly and demonstrably out- Speaking in October last year, Mr group, said: “This has great implica- congestion on Loose Road. After a weighed by its adverse impacts”. James said: “I have never seen a tions for the Maidstone local plan four-day hearing in July, planning Mr Carter added: “It’s a bit sad healthcare company make money and the council should be able to use inspector John Felgate dismissed an that it has taken a planning inspec- in its first year. It’s a business that this to seek constraints against the appeal against the decision. tor and the Secretary of State – both has to be resource-led, as you have identified housing need of 18,560.” His findings have been upheld by from outside the area – to quickly to recruit staff before you can take Mr Clark felt an increase of be- the Secretary of State, who said: “On and accurately identify the problems in patients.” tween 15% and 30% in traffic flows, the appellants’ own figures, the we have, while KCC’s highways au- He believes the hospital can in an already-congested area, were a likely impact on traffic conditions at thority and Maidstone Borough break even in its third year – still matter for “significant concern”. the Swan junction would be severe Council have failed to see it as a se- sooner than the accepted norm of BDW Trading Ltd, KCC and Fu- and without effective mitigation, the rious issue.” five to seven years for a private hos- pital. He said: “It will be hard work, but it is achievable. We have had great support from the consultants, Dawn patrol moves in to cafe base which is really good.” BRIGHT and early Rotarians in Maidstone are raising their coffee Copter search cups to finding a new home. The Rotary Club of Maidstone’s A POLICE helicopter was called in Dawn Patrol has been meeting at a to help officers looking for three variety of places since the closure of men in connection with a reported the Stone Court Hotel, but has now burglary at Scragged Oak Road, found a new home at the Art . Lounge in Market Buildings, Officers attended the scene and Maidstone – and marked the venue an area search took place with sup- with a commemorative plaque. port from the helicopter, which was The club meets at 7.30am on seen flying low over Detling. Thursdays for fun and fellowship Michael Topley, of the Art Lounge, with members of the Dawn Patrol Three men were arrested on sus- and to help communities, both of the Rotary Club and Dawn Patrol members and find out more, or picion of burglary and remain in locally and internationally. and would like to help with projects, email president Martin Pember on police custody. If you are interested in the work go along to a meeting to meet the [email protected]. Band concert KENT Police Band will perform at Church at 7.30pm on Satur- Pugin outing Cornish tale on the stage THE Ulcombe Friendship Club is day, April 9. THE Detling Players will be presenting Ladies in Lavender at going on an outing to Ramsgate on Tickets are £8 adults, £2 children Detling Village Hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 14-16. Wednesday, May 25 to visit Augus- (first drink and nibbles included) Shows will start at 7.30pm, with an extra matinee performance at tus Pugin's house, The Grange, and and all funds raised will go to the 2.30pm on the Saturday. his church, St Augustine's. preservation of the church. Ladies in Lavender is a romantic tale of two sisters who take care Pugin was an architect who de- For details contact Jackie Saun- of a talented Polish violinist who is shipwrecked off the coast of signed the Houses of Parliament. ders on 01622 677121 or Gill Mun- Cornwall, causing emotional problems in the household and the The cost will be £24, which includes son on 01622 630231. village. the coach and entrance fees. If you Tickets are £12 (£10 concessions) from www.detlingplayers.co.uk are interested in attending, call For more local news or on 07842 169725. Molly Poulter on 842988 or Pat www.downsmail.co.uk Davis on 844855.

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Maidstone East April 2016 7 downsmail.co.uk News Cathedral’s Waste freighter service new dean A FORMER Bearsted curate has to be axed to cut costs been made Dean of Rochester Cathedral. MAIDSTONE Council’s Saturday cline in usage, the borough envi- the report. The Reverend waste freighter scheme is to be ronment committee was told. “The Saturday freighter service Canon Dr Philip scrapped as part of a cost-cutting Only 2,600 residents used the has also been found to be used fre- John Hesketh BD, exercise across the borough. service in 2014, compared with quently by commercial businesses AKC, PhD, served The council feels the service re- more than 12,500 10 years ago. that are unable to access his curacy with sults in inequality as not all resi- Last year, 300 tonnes of waste Household Waste Recycling Centre Bearsted and dents, especially the elderly and was collected and sent to landfill as and would be required to travel to Thurnham from disabled, can access it. it could not be separated for recy- Sittingbourne to dispose of their 1994 to 1998. The bulky refuse freighter, which cling, which reduced the council’s waste responsibly.” He left the parish to become has been a regular sight in the vil- recycling rate by 0.27%. The council plans to introduce a vicar of St Stephen’s, Chatham, lages at weekends since it was “Small pockets of residents are subsidy to the bulky collection until 2005 when he was ap- started in 1991, costs £45,000 a year benefiting from a service which is service for those on low incomes, pointed Canon at Rochester to run. paid for by all taxpayers,” said the meaning they will only pay £16 for Cathedral. It visits 99 sites across the bor- report to members. the removal of up to four items, The Right Reverend James ough on a 10-week rota and collects The council’s bulky collection which will be reviewed after six Langstaff, Bishop of Rochester bulky items and household waste, service, which charges £23 to col- months. said: “Phil is already well-known to such as old furniture and children’s lect between one and four items The council will urge residents to the cathedral and wider commu- toys, but will be withdrawn from and £33 for five to eight items, costs recycle waste to charities and is also nity and I look forward to working the end of April. £68,500 a year to run but generates in discussion with Kent County closely with him.” The service pre-dated the intro- £80,000 and will continue. Council to explore opportunities Dr Hesketh said: “The cathedral duction of wheelie bins and recy- “The Saturday freighter service for accepting commercial waste at faces enormous challenges and I cling centres and was designed to provides an inequality of service to the council’s depot in Park Wood. am confident that together under help residents dispose of all types Maidstone residents as it enables Members heard that the with- God we can meet them.” of waste, particularly bulky items. abled-bodied people to dispose of drawal of the service would sup- Dr Hesketh is married to GP Over the past 10 years, the serv- bulky waste free of charge; how- port the council’s waste strategy Sugina and together they have ice has been adapted to reflect the ever those who are unable to trans- and have a positive effect on the three children. In his spare time, changing needs of the borough but port their waste would be required borough’s recycling rate of about he enjoys entertaining, listening monitoring has shown a steady de- to pay for a bulky collection,” says 0.2%. to music, reading biographies and keeping pigs. Read our archived editions FREE online at www.downsmail.co.uk

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Maidstone East April 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Charity shop Thames crossing route for homeless MAIDSTONE’S newest charity has signed the lease on its first shop. MADM – Making a Difference to gets council backing Maidstone – was set up to help the homeless and disadvantaged in the MAIDSTONE Council has given town and works the thumbs up to a new Thames with other charities crossing joining the M2 near to help those who Gravesend. on the streets or Highways has identified sleeping rough. three potential routes for a twin Mid Kent College tunnel between Essex and Kent and The route of the has refurbished the come down in favour of option C, shop, in Church which would link up with the M25 Eastern Southern Link is the option Street, as a commu- or emerge close to Shorne. nity project, and students are lend- preferred by Maidstone Council agrees that ing a hand with interior design. this option would be the best route Maidstone The charity needs a warehouse or for alleviating congestion at Dart- Council for the storage space for furniture and ford whilst having most benefit for proposed goods that have been donated. the people of Kent. Thames Crossing Charity founder Amanda Sidwell The council’s strategic planning has befriended most of the town’s the least environmental impact. 2025 and Highways England con- and transportation committee homeless, through her work with A new crossing would draw sultation manager Martin Potts heard the proposed crossing would the winter shelter scheme, meals some 13-14% of traffic away from said: “The number of responses have no direct impact on the bor- for the homeless at the Baptist Dartford, improving journey times and people we’ve seen at the events ough of Maidstone but could result Church and Salvation Army and at Dartford by five minutes and has been really encouraging. in economic benefits. CRI Maidstone (the West Kent Re- journeys from Kent to the M25 by “We need to get the best balance The twin tunnel, costing between covery Service for drug and alcohol up to 12 minutes. between improving journeys and £4.3bn and £5.9bn to build, would abusers), and is known by the soup It is estimated north-south cross- getting value for money while have a 70mph design speed along run teams and numerous associ- ing capacity across the river would managing the impact on the local its length. Motorists would be ated organisations/charities. increase by 70% in its opening year. area.” charged to use it. She is also looking for volunteers Maidstone Council believes the The Lower Thames Crossing will Although it is more expensive to to help man the shop, which was preferred route has the potential to be the first new crossing of the build and maintain a twin-bored due to be open by Easter. Email her unlock greater regional economic Thames east of London since the tunnel than a bridge or an im- at [email protected] or benefits than the alternatives. Queen Elizabeth II Bridge opened mersed tunnel, Highways England call 07769 268962 believes this kind of crossing has The new road could be open in near Dartford 25 years ago.

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10 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News

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PUPILS’ declining achievement at at the time. are well worth a visit, we’re an independent a senior school in Lenham has Swadeland’s interim executive retail nursery and we grow and source a been criticised by a Government head Harry Ingham was appointed inspector. after the inspection, along with fabulously wide range of garden plants. The Ofsted inspector said head of school Chris Ford. Swadelands School students’ He said: “We are naturally dis- We look forward to seeing you! record in gaining five good GCSEs appointed with the outcome, but was “significantly below the na- we accept the judgments of the re- tional average” and had declined port and have already started to 01622 737801 recently. make changes so that all our pupils The report’s rating of inadequate benefit from improved standards.” www.thepottedgarden.co.uk – down from its previous good “The judgment does not reflect Ashford Road (A20), Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4NH grade – did not restrict its criticism the qualities of the young people to pupils, saying: “Leaders have who attend Swadelands School. In not ensured that assessment of fact, the inspectors complimented pupils’ work and progress are ac- our pupils on their appearance and curate”, while teachers “failed to behaviour. motivate pupils well” and had “Although there are many chal- “low expectations of achievement, lenges ahead, we are confident that particularly in maths”. we can rapidly improve over the The report said the school’s pro- coming months and make a real grammes for students aged 16 to 19 impact on our pupils’ outcomes. required improvement, while in all “The support of parents and car- other areas the school’s standards ers in improving the school will be were inadequate, including its a key factor in this journey and I leadership, teaching and the per- would like to thank them for the sonal development and behaviour support that both I and Mr Fore- of students. man have received since starting at Among the report’s recommen- Swadelands School.” dations was for an external review He said a meeting to discuss a of governance to assess how this comprehensive action plan, drawn aspect of leadership and manage- up by the management team to im- ment could be improved, after prove standards in February had some teachers expressed a lack of been well attended by parents and confidence in the school’s leaders carers. Steeple repairs complete OTHAM villagers will be comforted to learn that the wonderful view from their church is from the roof – not through it – following repairs to We have a passion for creating the steeple. About 80 cedar shingles had to customised jewellery be replaced on the grade I-listed St Nicholas Church after high winds sent them scattering. Church warden Brian Page had to climb the 90ft scaffold tower twice for an inspection by an insurance agent before and after the work. He told the Downs Mail: “I’m sur- prised you couldn’t hear my knees knocking from your office. However, I did get to see the wonderful view to the North Downs once I opened my eyes!” An architect all his life, Mr Page became a warden at St Nicholas church four years ago, but never ac- quired a love of heights. However, his persuasive powers and expertise helped convince insurers to cover the repairs, amounting to just over £5,000 – with nearly three-quarters of the cost down to scaffolding. Kilburn Jewellers, 30 Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone ME14 1JL Mr Page thanked building firm Hurstway, in Cranbrook, for carrying Telephone 01622 677841 Damaged steeple at St Nicholas out the work. Email [email protected] Church before the repairs Website www.kilburnjewellers.co.uk

Maidstone East April 2016 11 CELEBRATING 70 YEARS 1946 - 2016

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“A very big thank you to yourself, your office staff and your removal team for a very helpful and efficient removal service which helped to ease the stress out of the day. We would certainly recommend your company to anyone who is considering a move. B012 B.A.R Mr & Mrs Underdown, Maidstone Trained Staff “Just a note to commend the team who moved me last week. Bray & Son They were all very courteous, careful with the packing and the moving, and A third generation, family continued to be cheeful in spite of the torrential rain.” Mr How, Bearsted run company with 70 years experience of moving homes. Call 01622 670562/663350 Why trust your [email protected] www.brayandson.com possessions to anyone else! Unit 15 Heronden Road, Parkwood, Maidstone

12 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Celebrate Maidstone | News Town’s stars shine at ceremony REPRESENTATIVES from businesses, schools, charities, public services and arts groups gathered at the Celebrate Maidstone 2016 gala event to recognise the contribution of the town’s brightest stars. Those attending the black tie-af- for our wonderful team of peace- fair at Kent County Showground, makers, who give up their time, vis- Lionheart title near Detling, included Deputy iting people in their homes and Lieutenant of Kent Bill Cockcroft, helping them to talk to each other.” Deputy Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Neil Pattison, chairman of Cele- for Carys Derek Butler, and MP Helen Grant. brate Maidstone, said: “Maidstone Continued from page one They enjoyed performances from is growing and benefits from strong ranked first in the county for her the Hazlitt Youth Theatre, the businesses, a healthy economy, and weight category. Maidstone Nepalese Dance Group, high employment. Her dream is to compete at the and the King Street band. “We also need quality of life re- Olympics and become a successful When asked what she thought sulting from a strong community physical trainer, encouraging other the best thing was about receiving glued together by love, compassion young children to take an interest the lifetime achievement award, and forgiveness. Let us follow the in this otherwise male-dominated winner Annette Hinton, of Maid- example and inspiration of the peo- sport. Annette Hinton stone Mediation, said: “Recognition ple recognised by these awards.” Carys was one of eight community stars given awards at the gala event, which took place at the Kent Show- ground near Detling. Carys thanked Mrs Bradshaw, Mr Blackford and the Reverend Kes Grant for support and nominating her. She also paid Sarah Allsebrook of Frederic Bistro Annabelle Pearsall, Maidstone Museum Donna Carr tribute to her weightlifting coach Matt Vine, who gives up his time to train with Carys three days a week and attend competitions at week- ends all over the country because he believes that she has the poten- tial to fulfil her dreams. Chairman of Celebrate Maid- stone, Neil Pattison said: “Carys is an inspiration to us all, demon- strating that even difficult hurdles can be overcome with determina- tion and a fighting spirit. A worthy winner and a star of Maidstone; we are proud of you, Carys.” Janet Judges Steve Purvis Jill Maynord Celebrating contributions to community  Lionheart – Carys Harper (spon- food quality. The restaurant was  Mentor – Janet Judges Through Donna’s hard work, sored by Maidstone Churches). also awarded runner-up in the Kent Janet has worked as a volunteer Maidstone Parkrun has become one Customer Experience – Jill May- Independent Trading Awards in for more than 20 years, serving of the largest parkruns in Kent. It nard (sponsored by Manak Solici- 2013. Rated highly on Tripadvisor, Maidstone Police Station. She has has more than 4,000 registered tors). Frederic Bistro is fast becoming a made a difference to the lives of members and a regular turnout of Jill and her husband Jim estab- jewel in Maidstone's dining and hundreds of young people who 200-300 runners. Donna started lished Zeroth Clinical Exercise in restaurant experience. find themselves in police custody. Maidstone Parkrun, which is run by 2003 to provide exercise therapy  Visitor Attraction – Maidstone Her patience, commitment and volunteers, just over two years ago. and rehabilitation for people of all Museum warm friendly nature enables her to Donna is present every weekend ages, including support for MS suf- Recently refurbished, the Maid- advise young people in a way that encouraging runners, joggers and ferers, children with behavioural is- stone Museum contains a rich his- makes a difference, and in many walkers of all ages. sues, and those tackling excessive tory of the county town that is free cases reduces their offending.  Lifetime Achievement – An- weight, as well as improving fit- to all entrants. Dawn Hudd, head of  Innovator – Steve Purvis nette Hinton (sponsored by Kent ness. Jill “listens, helps, supports, economic development at Maid- Steve is part of the charity Parents Event Centre). encourages and treats people like stone Council, said: “From invest- is the Word, which brings together Annette worked hard to establish they were an old friend.” ing in essential maintenance works parents in Park Wood. Steve has Maidstone Mediation in the 1990s,  Business – Frederic Bistro (spon- to scheduling an exciting calendar been a key person in helping with training volunteer mediators and sored by Creation Healthcare). of events and exhibitions, our aim the children’s work and to distrib- pioneering what was a relatively The Earl Street restaurant was is to aid the development of Maid- ute food parcels, and regularly goes new concept. Since then the idea of nominated due to its high stan- stone as one of the most significant above and beyond for the charity. mediation and restorative justice dards, relaxing and homely atmos- areas of culture and heritage within  Community – Donna Carr has been duplicated across the phere and excellent consistency in Kent.” (sponsored by Golding Homes). country and internationally.

Maidstone East April 2016 13 downsmail.co.uk News Cash for former High-tech help for smokers HARRIETSHAM health firm Bedfont Scientific is working on a high street gadget to help smokers’ quit as part of its focus on new technology. It follows the recent decision by the company, which produces exhaled mill workers breath and gas monitoring instruments, to sell off its UK subsidiary NOxBOX to Praxair Gases UK, for an undisclosed sum. The NOxBOX range of products monitors and delivers nitric oxide (NO) ALMOST 100 members of staff tive award to our members is about who worked at Aylesford £750,000. However, as the company to patients suffering dis- Newsprint have been awarded a is insolvent it is unlikely we will re- eases including chronic share of £750,000 for being dis- cover the full amount. The £321,000 obstructive pulmonary dis- missed without consultation. will be paid to our members from ease. Staff working on However, because the Larkfield- the Government’s redundancy these products will con- based company went into adminis- fund. tinue to work from Harri- tration early last year, the workers “The sale of the company’s land etsham, but under the may get less than half that figure. will raise several million pounds so new company. The workers, members of the it is possible that our members may Bedfont’s managing di- country’s largest union Unite, are also recover additional cash on top rector Trevor Smith, who is classed as unsecured creditors and of that paid by the fund, but it won’t pictured with son Jason will only receive £321,000 – although be the full amount.” who is the company’s it could be boosted by the sale of the Eighty workers who were dis- general manager, said: “This transaction will allow our company to focus company’s land, expected to raise missed on February 24, 2015, should on its core business in diagnostics using exhaled breath analysis, which several million pounds. each have received eight weeks’ pay. we see as a tremendous opportunity in the future.” An employment tribunal decided They are expected to receive about The business, which in 2014 had a turnover of £6m and exported 78% that the workers should receive an £3,700 each – a total of £296,000. of its products to overseas markets, says its new medical development di- award because the company dis- Eighteen workers were dismissed vision, led by Trevor’s son Andy, will be looking at technology trends to missed 20 or more employees with- on April 30 last year. As the 90-day supply user-friendly products not just to the health sector but to individu- out proper consultation with their protected period started on Febru- als, for use at home. representative, in this case, Unite. ary 24, they were entitled to 25 days Krissy Sedge, from the company, said: “There are exciting times ahead. In an insolvency situation, em- pay. These members should each re- Breath analysis is being described as the new blood test, providing non-in- ployees can claim up to eight weeks’ ceive three weeks pay, which will vasive diagnosis for a range of symptoms including food intolerance to pay arrears capped at the statutory amount to about £1,300 per person – asthma control. maximum (in this case £464 per £25,000 in total. “The sale of part of our business will allow us an opportunity to focus week) from the Government’s re- Aylesford Newsprint fell victim of more on the kind of products the public want, such as our new iCO Smok- dundancy fund. the downward trend in newspaper erlyzer, which can record carbon monoxide results for those trying to quit Unite regional officer Tim Elliott sales and it went into administration smoking on a mobile phone for their health advisor.” said: “The total value of the protec- with a loss of more than 230 jobs.

                           

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Maidstone East April 2016 15 downsmail.co.uk News Nomination for entrepreneur Teenager Ben leading FORMER Maidstone Grammar stu- dent Keith Mabbutt (pictured) has been named in the top 100 of Britain’s most suc- way for young talent cessful business professionals. A panel of ex- BRITAIN’S next Richard Branson zine’s Superteen Power List. perts from the Cen- is busy building up his empire He has also shot up the Richtopia tre for from an office at Maidstone’s Busi- British Entrepreneurs Top 100, to be Entrepreneurs ness Terrace. placed at number 34, along with ty- agreed the 36-year- The Virgin mogul has described coons Richard Branson and Lord old, from Harriet- Ben Towers as “one of the UK’s most Alan Sugar. sham, should feature in this year’s exciting young entrepreneurs”. He has more than 63,000 followers industry-nominated Maserati 100 Ben, who is still only 17, set up his on Twitter and regularly appears on index for his role in assisting the next first business at the age of 11, de- television. generation of business talent. signing websites from home. Ben still lives at home with his par- Keith said: “It is fundamental for He is now an award-winning en- ents in Gillingham, but is hoping to young people to have an enterpris- trepreneur, with three companies buy a house in Maidstone. ing attitude and I have a genuine en- and a six-figure turnover. Entrepreneur Ben Towers He is busy campaigning for busi- thusiasm for helping young people As most of Ben’s early work was ness bank accounts to be made avail- realise their potential.” carried out online, nobody had any sign agency, Towers Design, em- able for youngsters under the age of His first venture was a graduate idea of his age and he was offered ploys 15 people and has more than 18 and trying to influence the pay- recruitment company in Maidstone, his first public speaking engagement 700 customers. ment gateways and merchant ac- which he sold before launching a na- – at ExCel in front of 3,000 people – He is also behind the social media counts, which also restrict the ability tional job board for university stu- aged only 15. management company Social Mar- of U18s to be in business. dents. He has created a TV Today, he is an ambassador for ley and he is working on a third He said: “I want to be sure that if business-pitch contest for university Young Start-Up Talent (YST) awards company, NGBT, a social media there are budding young entrepre- students called The Grad Factor, and and for the National Entrepreneur- management platform. neurs out there that they aren’t held a social venture with West Ham ship Challenge, a scheme set up to He was tempted to the county back by their age. United for homeless youngsters. town by the attractive office rents His latest venture is a finance and teach and inspire enterprise in “I hope I can provide valuable available at the Business Terrace, funding academy for business own- young people in schools. support, things which I wished I had He also works alongside the Fed- which is in the Maidstone Gateway, known when I was starting out.” ers that will run from The Business  Terrace in Maidstone. For details call eration of Small Businesses to inspire King Street. For more about Ben read our 01865 261 480. young people. In December, Ben was named feaure in Mid Kent Living maga- Ben’s digital media and web de- number one on The Times Maga- zine at www.downsmail.co.uk.

e: [email protected] Willington Homes t: 07971720242 Willington Homes – specialists in subdivide partnerships

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Maidstone East April 2016 17 News downsmail.co.uk Train delays ‘likely until Celebrating the fruits of end of 2017’ COMMUTERS in Kent are likely to their labours at awards face delays until the end of 2017, ac- cording to Southeastern. Only 61% of trains have run on CHEGWORTH Valley Juices at Harrietsham has been named Kent Juice time since Christmas, with several Producer of the Year in the Taste of Kent Awards. major events when trains have been disrupted for hours. Our region also squeezed an- The 24-year-old started The Juice Mid Kent MP Helen Whately has other worthy title when young Executive from her garage after been holding talks with Southeast- juice-maker Alexandra Auger leaving university and in 2014 ern in a bid to get to the root of the walked away with the title of opened her purpose-designed juic- problem. Young Food and Farming Entre- ing facility in Lordswood. She said: “While they are trying, preneur of the Year. Alex, who grew up in Bearsted I’m frustrated that – by their own ad- Chegworth Valley, which was set and attended Maidstone Grammar mission – we’re likely to see delays up in 1983 at Water Lane Farm, School, said: “The award is fantas- all the way through to the end of presses its fruit in small batches, tic to win as it raises the credibility 2017 when the major works at Lon- often within hours of picking, to of our business, and it is great to don Bridge eventually finish.” make organic, single variety and recognise the work of our team.” The MP met with Southeastern blended juices, including rasp- She started the business to make managing director David Statham. berry, strawberry, wild elder- Chegworth Valley director Charlotte good juice from vegetables, to keep She said: “Since Christmas Eve flower, rhubarb and beetroot. sugar levels down and nutrient lev- Walter receives her award from Nigel we've seen the service go from bad The farm now sells from its Lon- els up and to deliver on amazing to worse.” One of the “disaster” don stores at Borough Market and Stewart, from sponsor A C Goatham taste. days was caused by the failure of Notting Hill as well as from the have been awarded Best Kent Juice Alex said: “I started by myself new signalling equipment and an- farm gate and farmers’ markets. Producer for the second year run- and now have a nine-woman team other due to iced-up rails. Heavy The judges said: “It was very dif- ning. As a family-run business, – mostly under 25 – working at our rain at Christmas caused several ficult to pick a winner. All three fi- much time and dedication is put in Lordswood factory.” landslips, including one at Holling- nalists produce fantastic juices, but to the running of the farm and to The judges commented on the bourne. Chegworth Valley provided the receive another Taste of Kent standard of the entries – and the Mr Statham said the collapse of whole package and really stood out award makes it all the more worth- fact that all the finalists were the sea wall at Dover, destroying the as the overall winner.” while.” women – praising Alexandra for track and putting that part of the net- Director Charlotte Walter was at Alexandra Auger, from “demonstrating a clear business work out of action, had made it very the black tie awards’ dinner at the Lordswood, was also there to re- focus, a commitment to local sourc- difficult for Southeastern to keep Detling Showground to receive the ceive her award after being named ing and for generating employ- services working. Repairing the line award for Chegworth Valley. She Kent Young Food and Farming En- ment opportunities as her business at Dover may take most of the year said: “We are over the moon to trepreneur of the Year. expands”. and Southeastern recognises it has to find a way to improve the service. Mrs Whately said: “While the con- ditions may have been challenging, Pupils put their pride in school on film Southeastern acknowledged that be- PUPILS from Loose Primary School Council have tween it and Network Rail, they been working with A-level media students from need to be able to keep the service Invicta Grammar School on a video to promote running better.” their school. Southeastern told the MP it was Pupils and parents attended the premiere to employing more drivers and crew, see the results of the 12-week project. Three increasing “engineers on the road”, videos created by year 1 pupils showing and avoiding decoupling trains to learning throughout the curriculum were shown speed up services and reduce break- as well as a film of a day in the life of a pupil. downs. It is also going to de-ice at Miss Watts, assistant headteacher at Invicta, milder temperatures to avoid a re- thanked all staff and pupils at Loose, saying she peat of iced-up rails. Mrs Whately is had seen such pride and excellence at the due to meet Southeastern again, to- school during their visits and that this had made gether with Network Rail, to keep the filming of a video easy for her students. up the pressure. Concerns at care home put in special measures

A HARRIETSHAM care home for tive, responsive and caring the provement. People were not safe- be able to ensure the provider sig- adults with learning disabilities of- service was, the CQC said all re- guarded against abuse or the risk of nificantly improves. The care fering a range of poor services and quired improvement. abuse and some staff were unclear home’s performance will be kept standards has been placed into spe- The inspector noted that only an of the signs to look for if they sus- under review and, if needed, ur- cial measures. interim manager was in place, with pected abuse.” gent enforcement action could be An unannounced inspection of other care staff vacancies, and a However, the inspector added: taken. The CQC will inspect the Parkwood House in West Street by high amount of agency workers “People were treated with respect home within six months. the Care Quality Commission ruled used to meet people’s needs. and staff knew how to maintain A spokesperson for Parkwood the home “inadequate”. The inspector also found: “Peo- people’s privacy and dignity. Peo- House said a new manager was ap- The inspecting officer ruled the ple were not provided with activi- ple received their medicines safely pointed in January. They added: safety of its 13 residents was inade- ties which met their needs. People and, when necessary, health care “We are committed to ensuring quate, health and social care regu- were not always actively involved professionals were involved to that, on the next inspection by the lations were being breached and in planning their meals. The qual- make sure people remained as CQC, Parkwood House is able to the management of the service pro- ity assurance systems were not healthy as possible.” evidence significant improvement, vided by Counticare Limited was being implemented and not effec- The CQC says that by placing the building on the positive work being inadequate. In terms of how effec- tive in identifying areas for im- service into special measures it will led by its new manager.”

18 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Tiny Tots Nursery School Est.1969 • OFSTED Inspected Patients helped Tel: 736270 / 630001 Memorial Hall, Manor Rise, Bearsted ME14 4DB SCHOOL Weekday Mornings with care plans HOURS 9.15 to 12.30 for children 2 to 5 years of age

RESIDENTS are to be given help strong reorientation from reliance to draw up their own NHS care on acute and episodic care towards also Teeny Tiny Tots plans with an emphasis on prevention, self-care, more consis- A very successful parent and child group. smoking, drinking, diet and exer- tent standards of primary care and Grandparents welcome too! cise. care well co-ordinated and inte- Initially the focus will be on resi- grated across partners from all sec- Wednesday afternoon 1.30pm - 3.30pm dents with life-threatening condi- tors. for children 0 to 2 years. (Term time only) tions, frail “Self and community-supported elderly patients care will mean new ways of work- and end of life ing for us all, changing how serv- Save money on your hair styling costs! care. By 2018- ices are commissioned and 19 the proposal delivered and the way service users At the Keith Graham is that all pa- access care and interact with tients should healthcare and other profession- Hairdressing Academy Salon have a person- als.” Cut & Style £10.00 alised care plan The CCG sees extensive engage- Perm £10.00 to be devel- ment not only with local GPs but oped and re- also with partners in public health, Blow - dry or set £6.00 viewed with KCC, district councils, carers and Full Head Foils £26.00 the individual. the voluntary sector – with achiev- Partial Foils £18.00 Proposals involving special serv- ing people’s own life goals the pri- Tint £16.00 ices to help residents achieve plans, ority. health trainers, walking groups, It says it must tackle barriers pre- Hair styling is carried out by voluntary sector activities and fam- venting people benefiting from apprentices who are supervised by ily weight programmes. self-care (such as social isolation, trained professionals. Self-care is “what people do housing, energy costs) by engaging For further information and themselves to establish and main- with partners to offer advice, guid- to book call 01622 691916. tain health and prevent and deal ance and practical support. 49 Earl Street, Maidstone. with illness”. Dr Bob Bowes, chairman of West Self-management is defined as Kent CCG, said: “Self-care needs to “actions individuals and carers can work with existing services to im- take for themselves, children, fam- prove the population’s health by ilies and others to stay fit and main- preventing illness but also in im- tain physical and mental health”. proving the effectiveness of med- The GP-led NHS West Kent Clin- ical interventions. The CCG will ical Commissioning Group (CCG) work with partners in West Kent.” has agreed to implement recom- Nationally the NHS wants to see mendations to progress a national “improvements in the proportion strategy for physical and mental of people who feel supported to health with co-operation from a manage their condition, care and range of partners. treatment”. It says the economic It says: “The ageing population prosperity of Britain now depends in West Kent and increased preva- “on a radical upgrade in preven- lence of chronic diseases require a tion and public health”. Cancer misses Trees planted EIGHTEEN trees have been MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge planted this week by volunteers Wells hospital trust has an ac- from the Hollingbourne Meadows tion plan aimed at improving Trust on the land behind Tile- the standard 62-day wait for fields. A further four trees were to cancer patients to beyond the be planted before Easter. 85% standard target. Matt Mordaunt, of the conserva- However, demand, which tion volunteers, was present for a was up 22% in December com- formal planting ceremony of one pared with the previous year, of the new trees to mark the com- still outstrips capacity and the pletion of the National Lottery- funded planting project. trust continues to miss current target times. Nursery cash Call delays ABOUT £500 was raised by a boot fair at Lenham Nursery School. THE local NHS 111 call service Parents, children and other local is still seriously missing target people bought coffee, tea and for answering within 60 sec- cakes to raise money for improve- onds. Latest figures show ments and additions to the nurs- 77.9% of calls were answered ery school. within the target time, signifi- For more local news cantly below the expected 95%. www.downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone East April 2016 19 downsmail.co.uk News Flying the flag for St George MAIDSTONE will be emblazoned cepted date of the death of Saint (off St Faith’s Street), will host The with red and white bunting when George in 303 AD. Legendary Skynflynt Big Band at it flies the flag for St George on One Maidstone events organiser 2pm on an outdoor stage. They are April 23. Zoe Sparkle said: “Last year’s event also putting together a special pie Patriotic performances will be tak- was a great success and this year’s and mash menu. ing place throughout the town cen- celebration is shaping up to be even Re-enactment battles are also on tre, commemorating the patron better. What a great excuse to fly the the cards. saint’s day, with St George and the flag for England and celebrate its For younger children, there will be Dragon playing a prime part in pro- finest traditions!” magic shows at 2.15pm and 3.15pm ceedings. The programme gets underway at at D'Lishious in Market Buildings, Yarn bombers are already busy noon, with the popular Maidstone and Maidstone Museum is running knitting their fiery dragons to install band Fate the Juggler in Jubilee a children’s craft workshop where in Jubilee Square as fiddlers resin Square, followed by the Sally Iron- they can make their very own their bows. The Honk Project monger Trio. dragon to take home. Face painting Morris men, clog dancers, tradi- Back by popular demand from last will be free for under 12s in Jubilee tional music and innovative folk ated by joining the Town Team and year are the Black Lion Courtiers, a Square and Fremlin Walk. rock will be among the entertain- Town Centre Management, with the five-piece Indie folk band from Street theatre is provided by The- ment provided in the town, cele- support of Maidstone Council. Rochester, who perform from atretrain and the Hazlitt Youth The- brating everything that is English. Although Saint George’s Day is 2.20pm, followed by another Med- atre and the eccentric Honk Project’s The event is being run by One not an official national holiday, it is way folk band, Larkspur at 3.30pm. dancing day trippers – mad moped Maidstone, a new Community In- celebrated by various Christian The oldest building in Maidstone, enthusiasts with music – will be at terest Company that has been cre- churches and is the traditionally ac- the Royal Albion in Havock Lane Fremlin Walk. Staff take on charity walk A TEAM from iTS Leadership in raise at least £2,500 for Action Med- Bearsted is planning a 15-mile ical Research. Staff will be joined by sponsored walk through London some of their children for the walk for a national children’s charity. on April 17. Led by husband and wife Kirstie Action Medical Research is cur- Kirstie and and Antony Tinker, the team will rently funding research into condi- Antony Tinker be following the route of the Lon- tions including meningitis, Down’s with the team don Underground Circle Line from Syndrome, epilepsy and premature from iTS Paddington back to Paddington to birth. Leadership         SHOWROOM OPEN 6 DAYS        Here at The Stone Tile Warehouse our comprehensive range of products are especially sourced to offer excellent value. Expert advice and installation service available

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Maidstone East April 2016 21 downsmail.co.uk News Cricket club aims for top 999 chief quits A MANAGEMENT structure while running a 1st XI able to reg- aimed to make The Mote the best ularly challenge for the Kent cricket club in Kent was pre- League premier title”. sented to the annual meeting. The Mote, with four Saturday over delays The club now have seven man- teams, as well as Sunday and agement groups: cricket (led by midweek sides, plus an expand- club captain Alex Fordham); ing colts section, are looking for THE head of the South East’s am- the right way. ground (Howard Waters working promotion from division one to bulance service has quit following Under NHS rules, calls desig- with new groundsman Chris the premier division of the Kent revelations that services were in- nated as life-threatening are sup- Dale); finance and strategy (new League after missing out at the tentionally delayed. posed to receive an ambulance treasurer Paul Heynes); develop- final game last season. Chairman Tony Thorne’s resig- response within eight minutes. ment (Dennis Fowle); community Chairman Glen Aukett said the nation comes shortly after the chief The calls affected were in the sec- engagement and membership £4m development plan, to in- executive Paul Sutton went on ond most serious category – Cate- (Laurence Waters); house (John clude a large new pavilion, was “mutually agreed” leave of absence gory A Red 2 – which covers Fuggle); and social and fund rais- on hold while the club negotiated from his post. conditions such as strokes or fits ing (Nick Aldridge). with Maidstone Rugby Club over The South East Coast Ambulance but which are less critical than The aim is to offer “enjoyable playing space. Rugby’s current Service (SECAmb) NHS Founda- where people are non-responsive. cricket for all, providing a thriv- lease expires on May 31. tion Trust was investigated after it One national newspaper has ing membership, with the best Anyone interested in playing admitted delaying sending help for claimed the practice was responsi- playing and pavilion facilities, for the club can call 07725 418305. certain 111 calls during a pilot proj- ble for at least 11 deaths – some- ect, transferring them instead to thing refuted by SECAmb. 999, which earned them a low pri- An independent review has said ority and gave the ambulances an there were fundamental failings in Cash for maternity services extra 10 minutes to respond. the pilot scheme. MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge The training will also allow The health regulator Monitor Katherine Murphy, chief execu- Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has been healthcare staff to have confidence said the trust had not fully consid- tive of the Patient Association, said: awarded £16,000 as part of a drive to support women in their choice ered patient safety. “Any decision that downgrades ur- to make the NHS one of the safest of where to give birth to their baby Mr Sutton said the trust had gent category ambulance calls in places in the world to have a baby. – whether at home, in hospital, or wanted to make sure the most ill order to massage performance tar- The money will be spent on sim- in a birthing centre. patients were responded to gets is deplorable and undermines ulation equipment to train mid- Applications for funding, from a promptly. However, he did ac- the confidence that the public wives, doctors and ambulance pot of more than £2 million, were knowledge that it had not acted in places in NHS leaders.” staff in a range of labour and birth considered by the Department of scenarios to ensure they are confi- Health and representatives from Read our archived editions FREE online at dent and skilled in dealing with the Royal College of Midwives www.downsmail.co.uk all situations they might en- and the Royal College of Obstetri- counter. cians and Gynaecologists.

22 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Mosque plan Samaritans ‘here to listen’ SAMARITANS volunteers in Maidstone went to Maidstone East station to talk to travellers about the charity’s brand new ‘We Listen’ campaign. Posters in railway stations across the country contain hidden messages where people claiming to be fine are not OK at all. One says “I’m alright with raises concerns being single I guess. It’s not ideal for the kids, but they seem to be coping”, the real message being “I’m not coping”. NEIGHBOURS have expressed ries of extensions”, but says a plan to The campaign aims to concerns over a plan to level Maid- turn it into a three-storey building show that while it’s easy to stone’s mosque and rebuild it as a represents “total overdevelopment”. hide your feelings, when three-storey building. He also comments on the parking someone really listens A planning application submitted problems caused on days of wor- you’re more likely to open to Maidstone Council proposes ship, adding: “There is not enough up and start working transforming the Mote Road prem- parking in Melville, Kingsley, and through your problems. ises into a centre for worship, in- Hastings Road already.” Maidstone branch director cluding a prayer room, classrooms, John Peden moved to Melville Maggie Jones said: “Life’s kitchen, offices, library and washing Road less than two months ago and pressures can build, without facilities for the Islamic community, says he is already aware of parking you even realising. It’s all with three shops, for lease, to pay for and congestion issues. In a letter to too easy to turn away, ig- the building. However, there would the council, he says: “It is already nore how you’re feeling, and be just two parking spaces, with the difficult enough to navigate the put on a brave face, but you applicant suggesting up to 200 wor- roads around this area and find a don’t have to do that with Volunteers put up posters for The shippers would attend services. parking space. The extra traffic that us. Samaritans volunteers Samaritans at Maidstone East station Maidstone Council, which will de- this redevelopment would poten- make time for you and really termine the application, has received tially bring in would make an al- listen to you, because simply being listened to can help you put into words almost 20 letters from neighbours, ready bad situation much worse.” what’s going on in your life. concerned about the size of the de- He says the building would over- “Talk to Samaritans free from any phone, email us, text us or come to our velopment and parking problems. look properties and “lead to a level branch in Grecian Street. We’ll listen and help you find a way through.” Others have expressed concern of discomfort” for neighbours, and Network Rail has been working with Samaritans to raise awareness of the about the scale of the building, questions the need for shops within charity’s emotional support services since 2010, along with Britain’s train which would overshadow neigh- the development, which is 400m operating companies and British Transport Police. bouring properties. from the town centre and across the Volunteers will be inviting travellers to find out more about the work they Neighbour Andy Woodward is road from Sainsbury’s. do and encouraging commuters to spread the word about the campaign on concerned the development could Hayley Collins, from Kingsley social media, using the hashtag #WeListen. damage the foundations of his prop- Road, says residents who pay £25 for You can call Samaritans on 116 123 (you don’t even need credit and this erty in Mote Road. parking permits already find they number won’t show up on your phone bill), email [email protected], or visit He describes the current single- can’t park and more shops would samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch. storey mosque as a “ramshackle se- add to the issue of illegal parking. First Aid TTrTrainingraining -89;-&!;380T 1'8+'2$@ -89;-&!;380T!'&-!;8-$ -89;-& !; 380T  1'8+'2$@  -89; -& !; 3380T !'&-!;8-$  -89;-&!2&138'f=-9-;3<8>'#9-;'(38(<££$3<89'&';!-£9 -89;-& !2& 138' f =-9-; 3<8 >'#9-;' (38 (<££ $3<89' &';!-£9

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Maidstone East April 2016 23 News downsmail.co.uk Improvement in staff survey Mixed reviews for AN NHS survey which invited staff at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust to rate the organ- Bearsted’s new Costa isation, showed more would rec- ommend the trust as a place to work or to receive treatment. TROUBLE has been brewing in Bearsted over the opening of a new cof- Staff also felt the care of patients fee shop in Yeoman Court. was the trust’s top priority. While the staff survey, which Costa Coffee’s new cafe in the permission.” Ashford Road parade of shops was Supporters of Hunker Down covered 32 areas, showed the trust opened by the Maidstone Mayor, Daisy and local business took to so- outperformed the national average Cllr Daniel Moriarty, pictured, on cial media to suggest a boycott of in eight areas, and seven within the March 29. the new coffee shop – but were top 20%, according to staff, 10 areas The premises were vacated at the equalled in number by those who scored within the national average, end of January by Sara Henderson, welcomed the addition to the vil- and six fell below that, including who ran the Hunker Down Daisy lage. one regarding the extra hours they florist and gift shop for five years Stephen Williams said: “Pleased needed to work, which put it in the previously, but was forced to move to see Costa arrive. Good coffee bottom 20%. because of a huge hike in the rent. and service and I got a welcoming Other responses put the trust in The florist took on a 10-year lease including a change from a shop to a greeting from staff that appeared the top 20% for ensuring staff had for the shop in 2001 but the Lon- café, without the need for planning pleased I was there. That it's a chain appraisals, relevant training and don-based landlord took advan- permission. or a franchise is irrelevant – it's learning and development oppor- tage of a five-year break clause to Bearsted Parish Council con- people's livelihoods." tunities. increase the annual rent by a mas- tacted Maidstone Council's plan- But John Barrett said: “I’m totally ning enforcement team on behalf of Richard Hayden, deputy director sive 37.5%. At the time, it had an A1 in favour of independent cafes over the grumbling residents and was of workforce, thanked staff for their classification (shops and retail). yet another Costa,” while Mandy advised accordingly. hard work and dedication at a time Some residents contacted the May said: “I can’t understand how parish council, arguing that coffee A council spokesman said: “In this is acceptable with only limited of enormous challenge and un- shops required an A3 planning terms of planning, the change of an parking.” precedented demand on the service consent (food and drink), which A1 shop to a coffee shop can occur A spokesman for Costa said: and said that the trust would con- the new tenant had not obtained without needing planning permis- “Our store has created eight jobs, tinue to invest in frontline staff and from Maidstone Borough Council. sion. This is because a coffee shop both full and part time." services. However, the Government would either be judged to be an A1 There is already a Costa at Next, He added: “While this is an im- changed permitted development use (the same), or if deemed an A3 in Maidstone Road, Weavering, provement on last year, the trust is rights in April last year to allow use (restaurants and cafes); such a and at the shopping centre in working with staff to help make much more flexibility in retail uses, change would not need planning . further improvements with an aim of having no areas at all below the national average.” Marathon effort for cancer charity Shop needs A CHEESE and wine fundraiser at Fish on the Green in Bearsted raised almost £2,000 for Bowel and Cancer Re- volunteers search. VOLUNTEERS whocan spare a Helen Fowler, who has worked at Fish since it opened few hours a week are needed to eight years ago, is running this year’s London Marathon work in Hi Kent’s new shop in for the cause and had set herself a target of £2,500. Week Street, Maidstone. The success of the evening means she has already The shop will be open after raised £3,025. Easter, from 10am to 4pm Monday Helen said: “We had great support from so many local to Saturday. No experience is nec- companies, including Chapel Down Wines, , essary as full training will be House of Fraser and our suppliers, Enotria and Coe Wine given and travel expenses paid. Suppliers and Turners Fine Foods. The charity, which works to Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer and Magician Etienne Pradier entertains at the event help deaf and hearing-impaired Helen’s father is currently fighting the disease, which with this disease. people in Kent, welcomes applica- killed her grandmother. “My grandmother died of the disease, my father is tions from a diverse range of peo- Helen and her fiancé Pete, who also works at Fish, fighting the disease and I can't bear the thought an- ple. A DBS check will be have a little boy, Eddie, who is six and she said: “He's other family member may have to go through it too. necessary and will be paid for by half the reason I wanted to do something to help the “We love working at Fish. As soon as I said I was think- the charity. future generation through funding money into research. ing of doing the marathon, they were all behind me and This is an opportunity to make My family has a history of bowel cancer, so it only the support has been amazing. To be over target already a real difference to Hi Kent’s seemed right to raise money to help others suffering is wonderful and great for Bowel and Cancer Research.” clients by promoting assistive equipment that can help a person living with hearing loss. Charity offers help for parents Please contact Donna Chadwick Drivers plea on 01622 691151, textphone to PARENTS looking for support with youngsters demonstrating behav- INVICTA Gateway Club, 07795 951466 or email d.chad- ioural problems are invited to call a Maidstone charity for help. which runs a social club for [email protected]. HearSay has been established for 12 years, but has recently moved to adults with learning disabilities, Mill Street. The charitable trust offers counselling to those showing is looking for volunteer drivers. symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism, The role involves driving the Read our archived as well as support for other members of the family. club’s minibus between 6.30pm Counsellor and senior psychotherapist Dr Kitty Morgan Jones assists and 10.30pm on occasional Fri- editions FREE online at those referred by care professionals such as GPs and with self-referrals, days. Anyone interested should www.downsmail.co.uk who are asked to give a donation to the charity, based on what they can email carolynpiper431@hot- afford. mail.co.uk. For details call 01227 271172 or email [email protected].

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Maidstone East April 2016 25 News downsmail.co.uk Work aims to Historic move for town A SERIES of historical interpretation boards has been erected in the county town to help connect locals and visitors alike with Maidstone’s past. The panels, developed by Maidstone Council and creative signage cut traffic jams specialist Fitzpatrick Woolmer, were unveiled by the mayor, Cllr Daniel Moriarty, at the start of English Tourism Week. A £1.8m SCHEME toimprove the peak traffic conditions,” says a re- Also present were representatives of Maiden Distillery, based in The flow of traffic along Willington port to KCC’s cabinet committee Old Brewery, who gave a short presentation and tasting showcasing the Street is set to get underway later for environment and transport. 200-year-old this year. The committee agreed to the gin distilling As the primary route linking vil- widening of the A274 near the heritage of the lages south of Maidstone with the junctions with Willington Street area. A20 and M20, Kent County Coun- and Wallis Avenue and to create a The 12 cil wants to make improvements to left turn lane into Willington Street panels provide the road, starting with the junctions from Ashford Road. a glimpse into at both ends. The Willington Street Junction Maidstone’s Both junctions are significant Improvements Scheme forms the compelling “pinch points” on the A20 and first part of the Maidstone Inte- history, with A274 corridors, with the traffic sig- grated Transport Package, which colourful nals causing delays at peak times. has been provisionally allocated representations Ashford Road has an average £8.9m from the local growth fund of events two-way daily flow of between via the South East Local Enterprise offering an 13,800 and 21,800 vehicles per Partnership (SELEP), for spend be- insight into hour, to the east and west of the tween now and 2019/20. times past. Willington Street junction. SELEP has now recommended Cllr Moriarty said: “Whether it’s the 14th-century Peasants’ Revolt led At peak times, it can carry up to the approval of £1.3m local growth by Wat Tyler, the legacy of gin distillation that thrives to this day, or the 1,850 vehicles an hour. fund to the project in 2016/17 and, ancient trade routes established with Rome during the conquests of Sutton Road has a two-way aver- subject to Government approval, Julius Caesar, the evolution of Maidstone and its residents ensures that age daily flow of 19,000 and peak the funds will be released to KCC. the culture of the region is as rich and fascinating as any other. flows of 1,680 vehicles per hour, This, together with local devel- “To be able to unveil these magnificent panels is a great honour, and I according to KCC. oper S106 contributions of hope that residents and visitors take the opportunity to learn more A significant number of vehicles £500,000, would enable the scheme about the compelling cast of characters that has defined not only use Willington Street to avoid con- to proceed. Maidstone, but history itself.” gestion in the town centre. No land needs to be acquired to The council hopes the panels, which will be at key sights in the town, “At present these signalised junc- make the improvements and resi- will encourage people to take a closer look at the cultural significance of tions at each end of Willington dents will be informed when work the region. Street are heavily congested under is to start, via a mailshot. All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates Get your garden ready for spring All bags are £40 Top Soil • Sand & Ballast Free Delivery Bulk bag waste collection - Call for details www.allloads.co.uk email:[email protected]

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Maidstone East April 2016 27 News downsmail.co.uk Good news for Firewalkers help hospice CROWDS gathered in Maidstone’s Jubilee Square to watch 50 brave fire walkers hotfoot it across 15ft of smouldering coals in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice. school applicants The event was hosted by Scott Bell, who holds two world records for fire walking and is MOST Maidstone children have ing on its school place planning pro- one of the country’s secured their first choice of second- vision, has meant 2016 will see the leading experts. It ary school – and almost all of them highest number of children securing was sponsored by one of their four preferences. their first preference school to date.” central heating and This year, more children than ever Cllr Gough commiserated with boiler installer applied for a place in a Kent second- those who did not receive their pre- Samsian Ltd, from ary school, with 18,797 applications ferred school but said there was still Borough Green. received – an increase of more than time for things to change. Many of those 600 on last year. “This is the first stage of the school taking part in the Despite the increase in applica- allocation process and I would like challenge were tions, 363 more Kent children will to reassure parents that a KCC team walking in memory get their first preference of second- is on hand to help with any queries. of loved ones and in ary school for September compared Between now and September there recognition of the with last year, and more than 97% will be movement through waiting care that staff and will receive an offer from one of their lists and appeals process.” volunteers at the four preferences. Parents have until March 17 to ac- hospice provide for However, 428 will still have their cept or refuse their offer and must those with a life-limiting illness and their families. school allocated by Kent County lodge appeals by April 13. KCC will Sarah Lawless, from Vinters Park, who has raised more than £400 in Council – but the figure is a third less send out a second round of offers on memory of her mum and mother-in-law who were both cared for by the than the 641 last year. April 29. hospice, said: “The fire walk was awesome. I was really anxious when I Cllr Roger Gough, KCC’s cabinet The charity ChildLine has opened first arrived, but the training was brilliant and Scott put everyone at member for education, said: “Offi- its helplines to children worried ease. I felt a great sense of achievement when I completed the walk cers have been hard at work to en- about their allotted place. and being able to say I did it in honour of my mum and mum-in-law. sure that there is enough capacity in An NSPCC spokesman said: “I can never thank the hospice enough for the respect and dignity Kent schools to cope with another “Finding out that you haven’t got they gave my mum at the end of her life.” year of increased applications. In into the school of your choice means More than £11,500 was raised by the evening, which drew a big crowd spite of the challenge, 13,159 families starting again in a new environment of supporters and spectators, and more money is still pouring in. will receive their first preference and having to make new friends. Tom Abbott, events manager for Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “There school and 1,840 their second. “ChildLine is there 24/7. Call and was a real buzz in the air as our intrepid walkers took on this huge “The excellent work in Kent speak to a counsellor on 0800 1111 or challenge and made this a great night to remember.” schools coupled with KCC deliver- go to www.childline.org.uk.”

28 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Lions’ cash for support service

A BEREAVEMENT support serv- ing. Our volunteers provide first- Glaze-Tech Services Ltd ice in Maidstone, which was fac- line telephone and email support ing closure after KCC pulled the and face-to-face counselling that is plug on its funding, has found a well-known across the county for A family run business backer in Maidstone Lions. its contribution to bereavement with over 30 years experience The Cruse Centre in Marsham care. The Lions’ group has helped Street, where trained councillors us in the past and we are ex- Free survey & quotations offer free and confidential support tremely grateful for their support.” to hundreds of people every year, Peter Hooper, Maidstone Lions Installers of top quality was due to run out of money in welfare chairman, said: “I had the April, after losing £5,000 in fund- privilege of seeing the dedication double glazing ing from the county council. of these volunteers when I was But Maidstone Lions has said mayor of Maidstone in 2004-5, so I • UPVC double glazed windows & doors the service must continue and has had no hesitation in recommend- • Solid core composite doors, the best in the market offered £5,575 to keep it going ing to the Lions that we support while it looks for long-term fund- this worthwhile cause.” • Domestic & commercial aluminium products ing. Alison said: “This grant will en- • Insurance backed guarantee on all installations Cruse’s Alison Blair said: “We able us to keep going while we were disappointed when we were look to secure permanent funding • Supplied and installed by skilled fitters told that we were to lose our fund- from April 2017.” • Secondary Double Glazing Specialists • Repairs service to locks, Princess Royal at show hinges & handles HRH Princess Ann was the guest of honour at this year’s Agri-Expo, at T: 01622 717130 The Kent County Showground, Detling. Exhibitor and visitor numbers were once again up at this “must-see” F: 01622 717132 event on the agricultural calendar, despite biting winds and snow show- www.glazetech.co.uk [email protected] ers. Unit 8 2M Tr ade Park, Beddow Way, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7BT The Princess Royal toured the show’s highlights, accompanied by the Lord Lieu- tenant of Kent, Vis- count De L’Isle, whose family seat is Penshurst Place. With an evident and keen interest and more than 40 years’ experience of farming, Princess Anne, who • Carpentry • Paving has her own work- • Landscaping • Painting ing farm on the Gatcombe Park Estate in Gloucester, has experience of the challenges facing rural areas and farming and the need to evolve by • Renovations • Plastering diversifying. • Maintenance & more! • Doors & Windows She delighted stand holders and visitors with her enthusiasm and in- terest in the show and its exhibitors. • Fencing • Repairs Mid-Kent Training hosted a breakfast seminar discussing agricultural • Tiling • Roofing vehicles on the road and understanding transport rules and regulations with expert Mike Sumner. Other events included a lively debate on the EU referendum. The Princess Royal is pictured presenting a special award to Karl Glass CRB Checked, Insured, All work of Kirkland, winner of the best new exhibitor title. The award for best new guaranteed. Free quotes and no innovation went to Bunn Fertilisers, while best livestock was awarded to AHS South East, of Herne Bay. call out charge. The trade stands were judged by the chairman of Kent Young Farmers Josiah Jones and chairman of Sussex Young Farmers Dan Harris. Call 0800 111 4664 Singers’ summer concerts or Mid Kent area THE programme chosen by the Maidstone Singers for their two summer Bruce 07584 056821 concerts this year embraces major sacred works by two of Britain’s lead- ing living composers: Bob Chilcott's Requiem and Sir Karl Jenkins’ Sta- bat Mater. [email protected] The concerts will take place at All Saints’ Church, Maidstone at 7.30pm on Sunday, June 19 and St Mary’s Church, West Malling at 7.30pm on www.hireahubbygroup.com Saturday, June 25. Soloists are Stephanie Crooks, Diane Seargeant and David Clarke. Tickets: £12 for adults, free for U18s.

Maidstone East April 2016 29 News downsmail.co.uk New chair Mela takes to streets for Tories MAIDSTONE and The Weald Conservative Association has to find new energy elected a new chairman to lead its battle to regain overall con- MAIDSTONE’S culturally-di- trol of Maidstone Council. verse Mela is going on the move. He is for- The Mela, which takes place in mer Maid- September each year, will be mov- stone ing from Mote Park to the town borough and centre, with a new format which is Kent County designed to reach out to wider au- councillor diences. Alan Chell, The Mela was introduced in 2002 who held the to build a better understanding be- office for tween local communities and cele- three years brate the diversity of Maidstone’s when Helen residents. Grant was selected as the par- Featuring music, dance and food liamentary candidate. from around the globe, the Sunday GDF Productions performing at the Maidstone Mela last year Retiring chairman Brian afternoon event quickly became a Cllr Gordon Newton, chairman have been engaged through the Moss highlighted in his report successful, well-respected and cul- of Maidstone Council’s heritage, Maidstone Mela Advisory Group Mrs Grant’s general election turally diverse celebration. culture and leisure committee, said and aims to meet those communi- success in doubling her major- But with the town’s changing moving the Mela would re-ener- ties that never have been, or are no ity to about 10,000. population – and the need to make gise the festival. longer, engaged and ask them for Cllr Matt Boughton was the Mela financially self-sustaining He said: “In view of the chang- their input. elected deputy chairman (po- – organisers now plan to take the ing communities and the compet- Cllr Newton said: “Since 2002, litical) and Andrea Thorpe festival to the masses. ing demands on us as a local the town and its population have deputy chairman for member- The first Maidstone Street Mela authority, it is time to consider changed considerably. ship and fundraising. will be a celebration of culturally what the Mela represents and what “This is a good opportunity to diverse arts, with street perform- format it should take. update and re-energise this great ances and interactive arts work- “Research will help to clarify this event, to reach new audiences and Read our archived shops. and investigate how it can be to bring together more people to It will take place at venues funded to make it sustainable.” enjoy music, dance and food from editions FREE online at around the town centre on Satur- The council will be consulting within our multi-cultural commu- www.downsmail.co.uk day, September 10. with the local communities who nity.”

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30 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Sponsored parish council | News Complaint over delay in decision on lights THE parish council has sent a formal complaint to Maidstone Council over its failure to decide the planning application for lights on Church Landway. The council has been trying to get activated by a light sensor, and permission to install new column would be set to go off at 11pm. Big clean-up lighting along the path since the be- The path is used by members of THE parish council is having a ginning of October last year and had the tennis club, bowls club and the hoped to have it in place before the church, as well as the Scouts and purge on cleaning up Bearsted. depths of winter. Guides, many of whom have written The council’s environment com- However, despite submitting de- letters in support of the application. mittee has had ongoing talks with tailed plans of the columns and the However, there has been some Maidstone Council and Golding type of lighting planned, Maidstone opposition regarding the environ- Homes regarding the fly-tipping at planners continue to request more mental impact of the lights in a con- Cross Keys. information. servation area and their possible The rubbish has now been re- The current low-level lighting effect on wildlife and bat move- moved and all steps will be taken to along Church Landway (pictured), vandal-proof. ments. prevent a re-occurrence. which links the church car park and The council has some Section 106 The clerk has now written to The council is also keeping its eyes Ashford Road, has been repeatedly money in its budget and KCC Cllr Maidstone Council chief executive peeled for unwanted graffiti, litter- vandalised since its installation sev- Paul Carter has also offered a grant Alison Broom to complain at the ing, dog fouling and fly posting – in- eral years ago. towards the cost of the lights, de- delay in reaching a decision and deed, anything which spoils the The parish council believes seven signed to create a safer atmosphere warned that it will lodge an appeal beauty of Bearsted. four-metre tall columns, with LED for pedestrians who use the path with the Secretary of State on the Later in the year, there will be a lights at the top, will be preferable after dark. basis of non-determination if the Bearsted in Bloom contest and also to the present 23 bollards – and be The lights would come on at dusk, matter is not dealt with speedily. the Beautification of Bearsted proj- ect. Councillors hope as many resi- dents as possible will get involved Pothole app with both of these. Plans for summer playscheme RESIDENTS who want to see PLANS are being put in place for this year’s summer playscheme at Madg- speedy action on potholes in the Royal picnic inford Hall. The playscheme which will run from July 25 to August 5, every village have been urged to contact weekday from 9am to 1pm, is for children aged five to 11 . Kent County Council highways de- THERE is to be a gigantic picnic on partment. the Green to celebrate Her Majesty The play scheme offers a wide range of activities to keep your little ones entertained with field sports and a sports day, a themed dressing-up day, With holes in Yeoman and the Queen’s 90th birthday. Roseacre Lanes, Tower Lane and The picnic, which is open to every- dance workshops, arts and crafts, library visits, cake-decorating, picnics on the school field, temporary tattoos and nail art bar, workshops with the the Landway, the parish council one in the village, will take place on was told some were in danger of Sunday June 12, when everyone is emergency services who come in and visit and a talent show. The cost is £35 for the week, or £7.50 per day. damaging vehicle tyres. invited to roll up with their chairs, Cllr Richard Camp advised- Single or multiple sessions can be booked. For further details go to the rugs and picnic hampers for an af- downloading the free app “Fix My parish council website or contact the clerk on 01622 630165 or 07436 ternoon of jollity and fun. Street” which allows photographs 791709. Although the Queen celebrates and reporting of potholes. her real birthday in April, her official birthday is in June, when the annual Trooping of the Colour takes place. Circus date New warden It’s also likely to be warmer Cash grants JOHN Lawson’s Circus makes its BEARSTED has a new community weather and more conducive to a THE parish council has ap- annual visit to Bearsted from April warden, Sally Williams. picnic in the great outdoors! proved grants to four groups. 22-24, when it will set up on the vil- Sally worked previously in Further details will be released Madginford Seniors will re- lage green. KCC’s contact centre and prior to closer to the date. ceive £500 towards the cost of The circus has been voted best that with Kent Trading Standards. hiring transport and speakers small circus in Great Britain and She is already getting acquainted for their weekly Wednesday will be bringing the usual fascinat- with community groups and resi- Ideas please meetings; Heart of Kent Hos- ing array of skilled showmen and dents on her beat. THE parish council is planning to pice, which has supported 147 women, acrobats and other artistes. Sally takes over from Martin organise an event for the more sen- patients and their families from Sherwood who will be concentrat- ior citizens in the village. Bearsted, will receive £500 for Alley closed ing on Harrietsham and Lenham. Ideas on the table so far include an help with its care at home team; THE alleyway linking Ragstone Old Time Music Hall or tea dance Bearsted and District Girl Road to Egremont Road in Madg- School talk but a date and venue have yet to be Guides will receive £300 to- wards the upkeep of the guide inford is to be closed for a week for THE chair and deputy vice chair of confirmed. hut and the Friends of Thurn- essential gas main repairs. the parish council, Cllr Fiona Red- Parish council chair Fiona Red- ham School will receive £250 to- The alley was due to close on man and Cllr Dan Conner, together man said: “This year, we have put wards the costs of having the March 29 and should re-open on with Cllr Paul Young, have been in- the sports day on hold to cater for a playground re-lined. April 8, if all works go to plan. vited to speak to children at Madg- different section of the community. Southern Gas Networks (SGN) inford Primary School in May on All ideas are welcome.” has issued alternative routes. the subject of democracy.

This page is sponsored and edited by: Council Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted Telephone: 01622 630165 E-Mail: [email protected] Bearsted Parish Council Chair: Fiona Redman MEETINGS HELD SECOND TUESDAY OF MONTH (7.30PM) www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk AND THE PUBLIC IS VERY WELCOME

Maidstone East April 2016 31 downsmail.co.uk News Vegan festival Market plan for town first for town MAIDSTONE will host its first A MONTHLY farmers’ market is to would have required planning con- ning application will be submitted vegan festival on July 23, with be introduced to Maidstone’s Ju- sent, as did a proposed Christmas for this. stalls, live music, a vegan pop-up bilee Square as part of a drive to in- market. As it can take up to 90 days to get café, children’s activities, talks and crease footfall in the town centre. Previous attempts to hold a farm- street trading consents, the council more. The monthly market – on the ers’ market at Lockmeadow and out- hopes the markets will start in June. With an estimated 175,980 vege- fourth Friday of the month – will be side County Hall have failed but About 80% of the stalls would sell tarians and vegans in Kent, the fes- organised by the council in conjunc- officers believe the square would be food, while the remainder would be tival is set to be a major tion with the Kent Farmers’ Market much more successful, as it is cen- given over to crafts. crowd-puller. It follows Kent Association and Produced in Kent – trally located. There was some disagreement be- Vegan Festival, which was attended and will coincide with pay day for Research has shown that between tween members of the town’s her- by more than 1,500 people in Can- many town centre workers. 3,000 and 4,000 people per hour pass itage, culture and leisure committee terbury last year. Since the creation of Jubilee Square through Jubilee Square on a Friday, as to whether the square should be The festival will take place at in 2012, there has been no set policy which should prove profitable for hired out by political or religious Maidstone Methodist Church in for its use. stallholders and for the council. groups and the council is to look Union Street from 11am to 4pm. A similar suggestion failed to get Officers believe up to 32 stalls again at what kind of events will be Local businesses with vegan- off the ground last year because it would fit on the square and a plan- permitted to take place. friendly products are invited to apply for stalls by emailing [email protected]. With “flexitarianism” on the rise, Nursery celebrates third outstanding rating and one in eight people looking to STAFF and children at Pennies Day Nursery in Hockers Lane, replace meat, eggs and dairy with Bearsted, are celebrating a truly exceptional achievement – plant proteins, the festival aims to the nursery’s third consecutive Ofsted rating of “outstanding be a welcoming place for both long- in all areas”. term vegans as well as those curi- Manager Trudi Mayes said: “We are absolutely blown away ous about this way of life. following the outcome we received from our Ofsted The organisers said: “Relax in the inspection. To achieve the grade of outstanding for the first garden with a slice of cake as you time is one of the proudest moments of any nursery take in the sounds of some of Kent's manager’s career, but to gain the accolade for a second and finest bands. Learn more about this third time is completely overwhelming.” compassionate way of living and how veganism helps animals, peo- Trudi thanked her assistant manager Emma Pemble and Manager Trudi Mayes joins Imogen (four) and the rest of the team, whom she described as “kind, caring and ple and the planet.” Entry is £2 per Phoebe (three) to do some drawing committed.” person, and free for under 16s, who must be accompanied by an adult. FREE FITTING ON SELECTED CARPETS 100’s of carpet Weekly FREE payment rolls to clear MEASURING scheme from £10 each SERVICE available

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32 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Footballer Josh’s England call-up JOSH Wisson, a sixth-form student at Maidstone's Maplesden Noakes School, has been selected to play for the England under-18 football squad. Josh (17), who is studying for A ever, their names were not revealed with professional clubs, and three levels in history, psychology, sociol- at that stage. This was done formally students secured football scholar- ogy and PE, was at home alone by letter of appointment. ships at universities in the USA. A when he received his England call- Josh’s news came at the end of a further four students represent the up letter to play centre back. week's trial for south London pro- school at county level and five at dis- He said: "I was ecstatic at this, the fessional side Millwall FC. He is also trict level, which is an outstanding biggest achievement in my life. investigating the possibilities offered achievement for the school. “I was so proud that the months of by a soccer scholarship at an Ameri- Josh praised the role of the Soccer trials and selection and the years of can university, where he would be Elite Academy at the school in get- hard work and dedication had paid able to combine degree studies with ting him to where he is now. off with this life-changing opportu- playing at varsity level. He said: “I've been pushed and nity to play at the international level. As captain of the Kent U18 foot- encouraged every single day. I've I phoned my mum and dad imme- ball team and a semi-professional worked hard and they've really diately and they were over the moon player with Sittingbourne first team brought out the best in me.” with the news. Then I phoned my (Ryman League), Josh is the second Headteacher Jane Prideaux said: older sister, who lives in France, and student from Maplesden Noakes to “I am always very proud of all our she was just so proud of what I'd shortlist of 32 players. be awarded U18 international hon- students who excel and represent achieved.” The final 18 players were chosen ours and follows in a long line of the school at any level, but special Josh was chosen to play after a at the Football Association's School elite soccer players at the school. congratulations must go to Josh for highly-competitive process involv- of Excellence at Lilleshall Hall, In recent years four students have his outstanding achievement and we ing more than 500 young hopefuls. Shropshire – where the 1966 World progressed from the school’s soccer wish him well for the rest of the foot- The field was narrowed down to a Cup winning squad trained. How- academy to be awarded contracts ball season and his career.” Entertainment lined up for county show STUNT motorcycles, award-win- area of the show will also be bigger ning bands and racing pigs are this year. Roz Yates, Bill Murray, Claire Ryan and oncologist Dr Russell Burcombe among the acts at the Kent County The Coakham Bloodhounds will Showground this summer. give a display on the Friday and As tickets go on sale for the annual there will be a parade of beagles on Clinic tribute to cancer patient three-day extravaganza at Detling, the Saturday. There will also be gun- A NEW clinic providing acupuncture for people with breast cancer organisers of the County Show have dog, falconry and ferret displays. has been officially opened at Kent Oncology Centre. revealed the full line-up for the Chef Dan Kennedy of Kent Cook- The Susan Murray Ear Acupuncture Clinic has been set up with weekend of July 8, 9 and 10. ery School will give game demon- support from the Murray family from . Susan Murray, a Show organisers are introducing strations daily while the Kent former patient at the Kent Oncology Centre, at Maidstone Hospital, more displays and entertainment for Spitfire will fly overhead. died in June 2015, and her husband Bill and children were keen to younger visitors and Joseph’s Amaz- The Royal British Legion Band & do something positive in her memory. ing Racing Pigs are sure to prove fun Corps of Drums, Romford, will be With the help of Macmillan nurse clinician Claire Ryan and acute for all the family. Six rare breed pigs entertaining in the main ring on Sat- oncology nurse Roz Yates the clinic was set up, primarily for people will be throwing themselves over urday and Sunday while the Bold- living with secondary breast cancer. hurdles in a bid to be first to get their dog FMX Stunt Team will see riders The complementary therapy aims to promote relaxation, encour- nose in the trough. jumping gaps of over 75ft. age a sense of well-being and assist in the management of Peppa Pig will also be at the show Show manager Lucy Hegarty said: menopausal symptoms – a common and debilitating symptom of with her brother George, and Trac- “Many of the displays have been breast cancer treatment. tor Ted have his own area with a part of the event for a number of The clinic was opened by Mr Murray and saw its first patients in bouncy castle, operate Digger Den years. The sheep show, sheepdog March. and welly-wanging. and duck show, birds of prey and The Country, Game and Canine ferret racing are incredibly popular.” Livestock market taken over by auction firm THE livestock market at Detling has but said it would take the form of a with many government depart- striction imposed by Maidstone been taken over by the Wilsons Auc- collective sale. The issue of whether ments, including the UK Border Council, limiting the site’s use to the tions empire. livestock will continue to be sold Force, to sell seized items, with lor- sale of livestock no longer appears The third-generation auction from the former market, off the ries from Dover likely to feature. to exist. house, which runs sales online and A249, had not been ruled out. Wilson Auctions already sells Thurnham parish councillor John from seven sites across the country, He said: “We’ve only had the site items including former hire tools Horne said: “It is a concern that has acquired the aerodrome market since February 1, but have ap- and machinery as well as land and what we will see here is unrestricted – covering about nine acres – from pointed two full-time staff and we property, but its biggest sales are use of the site all year round.” Lambert and Foster. are making headway in determin- generated by second-hand cars, of Mr Wilson said the company’s Gareth Wilson said the purchase ing how we will operate here, with which it sold 150,000 last year. The lawyers had looked through the pa- fulfilled the family firm’s ambition the hope of holding our first sale in business also supports six satellite perwork before the decision was to take up residence in the South September, if not before.” sites servicing its storage require- made to move to Maidstone. East “nearer the big smoke”. He said Maidstone Council had ments and online business. He said: “We are delighted to be He said talks were still in their confirmed there is no restriction on Concern has been expressed by here. We have been well accepted early stages as to what exactly will what can be sold from the site. both and Thurnham and hope we can work with every- go under the hammer from the site, The auction house has contracts parish councils that a former re- one.”

Maidstone East April 2016 33 downsmail.co.uk Sponsored parish council | News Boxley Parish Mail CHAIRMAN: Ivor Davies CLERK: Pauline Bowdery ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, , ME5 9RU

Tel: 01634 861237 email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website Concern over crossing route Peg tiles ‘should stay’ THE parish council has responded BOXLEY parish councillors raised is maintained.” Natural Beauty, the conservation to a Highways England consultation concerns about a planning applica- The applicant has now asked for area and the appearance and char- on options for the Lower Thames tion to change the roofing materi- the condition to be varied so that acter of the buildings.” Crossing route. als for the conversion of farmyard other clay tiles can be used, but the The parish council said: “A quick Members considered a briefing buildings to two dwellings at parish council considers that the search of the internet has found nu- note which suggested that, whilst Street Farm in The Street, Boxley. original ruling should stand. merous sites that offer handmade the crossing point was immaterial to Permission was originally granted It has asked Maidstone Council to and reclaimed Kent peg tiles and so the parish, Walderslade, Lordswood by Maidstone Council in 2013 on refuse the new application, stating: the argument that they are difficult and Sandling areas would be ad- condition that handmade Kent peg “To now compromise on the roofing to source is not accepted.” versely affected by the plan. tiles were used “to ensure the ap- materials will make a mockery of The council wishes to see the ap- The council’s response anticipated pearance and character of the build- the original permission and ad- plication refused or reported to that a significant percentage of the ings, the setting of the listed versely impact on the visual Maidstone Council’s planning com- vehicles using the proposed cross- buildings and the conservation area amenity of the Area of Outstanding mittee for consideration. ing would use Junction 3 of the M2 to access the M20 via the A229 Blue Bell Hill. Response to This would have an adverse and Meet the latest churchgoer ... severe impact on the highway struc- ture and local communities would local plan suffer from increased noise and air THE parish council’s response to pollution and from even worse con- the consultation on the draft local gestion at the Lord Lees round- plan included requests that it be about. changed to include: The council stated that Junction 3  Protection for the Medway of the M2 was already overloaded at Strategic Gap: currently the gap at peak times and it was unacceptable , Bredhurst and Capstone that the consultation had ignored Park is deemed countryside but this issue and had in fact absolved no additional protection to stop itself from making a decision on im- Lordswood and Walderslade join- provements. ing up with Hempstead.  More protection for the coun- Fitness class PARISH clerk Pauline Bowdery spotted this tryside.  A NEW class teaching tai chi qigong newcomer – a kestrel – and took a snap as the The addition as Landscapes of starts on Monday, April 18 and bird perched in a nesting hole high up in the Local Value of Beechen Bank, more details of the health benefits masonry at St Mary’s Church, Boxley Walderslade Woodlands, Cow- and cost can be obtained from beck and Reeds Croft woods.  [email protected]. The reference to new bus serv- The hall has many regular clubs Put dog waste in household bin ices at the proposed development including dance, short mat bowls, at M20 Junction 7 to include the karate, children’s activities, maths RESIDENTS were reminded that which are used regularly by dog bus service serving Bearsted vil- and English tuition, adult jewellery they can place dog waste in their walkers and are not very big. lage and Bearsted train station. class, Age Concern social club, pi- own household bins with the gen- Hence the bins were filling up The parish council’s response to lates, yoga and babies and pre- eral waste and it will be collected. very quickly, leaving nowhere for the integrated transport strategy school children groups. Borough Cllr Wendy Hinder re- dog walkers to put their bags. highlighted numerous issues. ported that after contacting the The bin in The Spinney was Councillors raised concern that it line manager to raise the issue of emptied following her request. A was very aspirational and ap- Lights change the dog bin in The Spinney not litter/dog bin had been removed peared to ignore the likelihood that THE rollout of LED lights to replace being emptied, it emerged that from Forestdale and she had people would continue to use their existing street lights will take place some residents were placing large arranged for a dog bin to be put in cars in preference to other modes between September and November. bags of dog waste collected from place closer to the woods and of transport. It was recognised that On completion, the street lights gardens into the public bins, away from houses. the position would only worsen will return to all-night illumination, with the proposed increase in with KCC anticipating that the housing. whole country will have all-night Nuisance vehicles increasing The parish council will be at- street light illumination by next PCSO Matt Adlington reported on a recent increase in incidents involv- tending the public inquiry (the spring. ing nuisance vehicles in Walderslade Woodlands; Boxley Road, Walder- date is as yet unknown) to ensure slade and Boxley Warren. that its views are presented in per- Local elections He would be working with the woodland volunteers group and police son to the planning inspector. LOCAL council elections will be off-road bike team to deal with the problem. He believed that many of the Residents wishing to be kept in- held on Thursday, May 5. Make drivers were uninsured, so risked having their vehicles confiscated. formed of the progress of the local sure that you are eligible to vote. The PCSO said any information could be useful and urged members of plan can sign up to a community Further information can be obtained the public to report any nuisance vehicles or behaviour to 101 or the alert by contacting the parish of- from the parish office. parish office. fice.

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Maidstone East April 2016 35 News downsmail.co.uk Ten marathons in 10 days BEARSTED mum Donna Fitzpatrick will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime in May when she runs 10 marathons in 10 days in Cumbria’s Lake District. A frequent sight in the village, ner isn’t too happy that I am going ning days. The main running with her cocker spaniel, to do this without her. She is a great aim is to get to the Bess, Donna will cover 262 miles companion and joins me on every starting point with- for charity. run, no matter how long, short, out injury.” “It’s going to be in Windermere. cold, wet or hot and her tail never And as for her So, very hilly, but pretty,” says the stops.” calorie intake? She 46-year-old, from The Orchard, She says friends who have taken replies: “For the first who describes herself as a regular part in the Brathay 10-10 challenge, time ever I can eat, mum who’s taken part in a few fun and a video diary, have given her and eat, and eat vir- runs. an insight into the challenge. tually whatever I “I have never taken part in any- “After following the run for the like. The really thing this crazy before and I am last two years, for some mad reason daunting thing is petrified; I have felt sick and I felt inspired to enter. It looks awe- that when the chal- slightly hysterical since getting the inspiring and it is for a very good lenge starts we have call saying I had been accepted,” cause.” to eat a minimum says the mum of Jess (16) and The Brathay Trust’s run, which 6,000 calories a day Harry (12). raises money to support and in- to be able to con- Unfortunately, her faithful run- spire youngsters who have had dif- tinue.” ning companion will not be al- ficulties in their life, celebrates its You can support lowed to join her, although Donna 10th anniversary this year. Donna’s efforts by hopes the organisers may let her Donna said: “Preparing has been visiting the Just Giv- run alongside her for part of the tough. By mid-February I am going ing website, and last leg. to be back up to marathon distance. searching for Donna Donna said: “My running part- Then there will be back to back run- Fitzpatrick. School must Women’s charity climb for cancer try harder FIVE Maidstone women are raising A SHEPWAY school has been told money for two charities as a by a Government inspector that in practical way of dealing with an spite of progress, more needs to be illness that has hit their family. done to improve standards. They will take part in a three peaks The visit to Molehill Primary challenge to fund research by The Academy in Hereford Road follows Brain Tumour Charity and support an overall rating of inadequate at its from Marie Curie Cancer Care. previous inspection. Chloe Loy (18), whose mum In its latest Ofsted report, the in- Jennifer was diagnosed with a brain spector found that while leadership tumour in 2011, will join her aunt and management at Molehill were Kay Irving (41) and her daughters now good, the school’s overall rating Alice (20) and Sophie (18), along From left, Sophie Irving, Tina Salt, Kay Irving, Chloe Loy and Alice Irving of “requires improvement” included with cousin Tina Salt (31), who lost another family the help and support and works at Tesco Express, said: the quality of its teaching and pupils’ her dad Martyn Ridd to pancreatic they need or prevent them from “Doing the challenge as a family will behaviour. cancer, aged 56. having to go through it altogether, motivate me to keep going and it The report noted that progress by Chloe, who works in retail in the it’ll be worth it. The fact that we’re will be a constant reminder of why pupils varied from class to class and town and lives in Westmorland Road, doing this together will keep us all we are doing it. Both of these by the end of year 6, standards in Shepway, said: “My aunt and cousins going and help us push each other charities need funds for research and reading, writing and mathematics have organised charity nights with on to the finish. support purposes so that other were too low and too few reached auctions in the past and Sophie and “My dad came from Yorkshire, so it families don’t have to suffer like we the higher levels of attainment. Kay did a bungy jump in 2014, but seems right that this is where our did and still are.” It added that while teaching had this is like nothing we have done first big challenge is.” They are already busy training for improved: “The quality of teaching before.” The girls will be climbing Pen-y- their challenge in August, at the gym is not consistently good or better Tina, who owns the Midnight Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough and with walks each week at Mote across the academy because not all Flower florist in Hanson Drive, added: – a challenge that should take about Park. Sponsor them at teachers have high expectations.” “We’ve all been affected by these 12 hours. www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/t While the executive principal, sen- conditions and if we can give Sophie, who lives in Tarragon Road hreepeakss ior leaders and governors had worked effectively and made signif- icant changes, the report said: School’s wartime life recorded Charity walk “Work is sometimes not demanding WALKERS wishing to raise enough to challenge the most able THE former head of Maidstone Girls’ Grammar pupils so they do not always achieve is looking for memories from former pupils for a money for charity are invited to join as well as they could.” book she is writing about the school during the the North Downs Walk on Sunday, It noted that the number of inci- war. June 16. dents of poor behaviour had been Mary Smith (right) has been asked by the The walk starts from Harrietsham reduced considerably and staff were school to compile the book, using wartime illus- Village Hall at 8am, with a choice of determined to provide the best pos- trations painted by former art teacher Miss Keen. three, six or nine-mile routes. sible learning for pupils. Mrs Smith said: “If you think you may be able For details go to www.weald- to help, even if your knowledge of the time seems ofkentrotary.org.uk. Walkers can For more local news insignificant to you, please get in touch.” give half their sponsorship money www.downsmail.co.uk Email [email protected], marking your subject to a charity of their choice, with the for the attention of Mary Smith. rest going to Cancer Research UK.

36 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Photos row nursery upgraded A CHILDREN’S nursery branded inadequate by Ofsted because its manager took photos to reassure parents has been upgraded to good. But the education watchdog has 2,500 signatures. The case was even children. All legal requirements are Mrs Fox’s favour, Ofsted is not stopped outsourcing inspection raised in the House of Commons. met. obliged to change or remove the contracts following the outcry by Mrs Fox feared she would lose “The weaknesses identified at the contentious report from its website. parents of children who attend her funding for September if the last inspection have been tackled ef- Her husband Steve said: “We still Cherubs pre-school, Linton. classification was not lifted, leaving fectively.” feel that no rules were broken and if Cherubs was rated as outstanding the business facing potential clo- The nursery has changed its poli- we cannot take and privately share until inspector Amanda Vidler, sure. cies and no longer takes pictures of photos with parents there should be from the Tribal Group education However, when senior Ofsted in- the children. However, Mrs Fox has a total ban on sharing photographs support service condemned the spector Jo Caswell visited last complained to the Ombudsman, through social media.” nursery’s practice of texting the oc- month, she was happy that the about the original classification. Ms Caswell said it was not possi- casional photo to reassure parents nursery had tightened up proce- She said: “I have no faith in Of- ble to upgrade the pre-school to out- their children were happy . dures. sted after what has happened. standing because information about Parents leapt to the defence of She said: “Good improvements There are schools out there who use the progress of children was still owner Cindy Fox, from Bearsted, have been made since the last in- webcams and are not being pe- new and senior staff were only just and a petition set up by parent spection. Staff fully understand nalised.” beginning to check that all children Chantelle Bourne attracted almost their responsibilities in protecting Even if the Ombudsman finds in learned as well as each other. Academy’s Neighbourhood watch chair quits head named THE chairman of Maidstone and some younger blood. We are all get- cluding a database manager, prod- FUTURE Schools Trust has an- District Neighbourhood Watch has ting older but not being replaced – ucts manager (dealing with pur- nounced the appointment of Is- resigned. and young people nowadays are so chasing and selling) and website abelle Linney-Drouet as principal Jim Wilson (right), who has been a very, very busy. manager, all of whom are prepared of Cornwallis Academy. member of the association for six The scheme to give up two hours for meetings Mrs Linney-Drouet joined the years and its chairman for the past has been run- once a month. school in Lin- two and a half, has resigned as chair- ning in Maid- Mr Wilson, from Penenden Heath, ton in Septem- man but is remaining a member of stone since the said: “Linda is the ideal candidate to ber last year on the committee. Members have 1980s, providing fill the position of chairman and she an interim elected Linda Sinclair, from Barm- crime and safety brings with her a unique historical basis but has ing, who was the association secre- awareness and knowledge of the association. She now accepted tary for nine years, as his successor. advice through- has many contacts with the co-ordi- a permanent The association is still struggling out the borough. nators and police representatives.” contract. to attract members to the committee, There are cur- In a letter to members, he said: “I Sir Nick despite a plea at the last AGM in No- rently 485 coordinators who dissem- thank and acknowledge the support Williams, chief vember. Although one new member inate information to 14,000 you have given me during my executive of came forward, another one resigned households. tenure as chairman and sincerely Future Schools Trust, said: “The after being involved for 22 years The committee has a secretary and hope that some of you will consider governing body agreed it has been Mr Wilson said: “We really need treasurer but needs six people in- becoming committee members.” extremely impressed by Isabelle’s leadership since she joined in an acting capacity and is delighted to Was town ready for Witches? Charity jump appoint her to the post. A RETIRED builder from Shepway “In the six months Isabelle has By Dennis Fowle is to undertake a 111m bungee jump been at Cornwallis, she has already EASTWICK was not ready for the raunchy antics of the Devil and for charity. made a number of important three witches. Was Maidstone? Answers will vary widely. Ray Taylor (75) will changes to the running of the Maidstone Amateur Operatic Society, with a proud tradition of jump from Victoria school and we look forward to see- bringing popular musicals and light opera to the town, bravely Falls in Zimbabwe for ing her lead the academy towards staged the 2000 American show, The Witches of Eastwick, which the Heart of Kent even greater success.” tells of the impact of the rampant Devil arriving in a small town Hospice, which cared Mrs Linney-Drouet was previ- and especially on three attractive but frustrated ladies. Their an- for his wife Mary dur- ously vice-principal at Highworth tics and language left little to the imagination. ing the last weeks of Grammar School, Ashford, where It gave a large cast a chance to enjoy a very lively show and the her life. The couple she was responsible for raising the dance and choral scenes were colourful highlights. The lasting would have cele- achievement of pupils to outstand- memory, though, is confident performances and voices of the brated 50 years of ing levels. three witches (Lili Westlake, Kathryn Norman and Christina marriage in November. She officially relinquished this Whitehead) and the power of Ben Smyth as a very unlikeable Ray is halfway to his £10,000 tar- post at Easter. Devil. get for the Aylesford hospice. He Mrs Linney-Drouet said: “I am said: “I want to give something back delighted to accept the permanent The mix of contrived American accents and some strident music did not always make listening and understanding easy. to those who cared so wonderfully role of principal at Cornwallis for my wife.” The society is promising us Sweet Charity on April 3-8, 2017. Academy. The pensioner, from Shropshire “I look forward to continuing the Terrace, thanked his friend Michael invaluable relationships with stu- Drink driver fined and banned Lawrence, from Bearsted, for his dents, parents and staff, to ensure support and Leroy Tomlin, from A HOLLINGBOURNE man who was arrested for drink driving has been we achieve only the best possible Maidstone, who will fly with him to fined more than £1,000 and banned from driving for 20 months. outcomes.” Zimbabwe on September 5. Callum Melrose (45), from Hollingbourne Hill, was arrested driving Ray will pay for the trip himself to an Audi on Hollingbourne Hill on October 31. ensure every penny raised goes to Read our archived He pleaded guilty when he appeared before Mid Kent magistrates after the hospice. To sponsor him go to editions FREE online at giving a blood test of 184mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. The legal limit www.downsmail.co.uk is 80mg. He was ordered to pay a £1,040 fine, £85 costs and a £1,040 vic- www.virginmoneygiving.com/Ray- tim surcharge. Taylor.

Maidstone East April 2016 37 News downsmail.co.uk Draft local plan is not compliant, says society THE Bearsted and Thurnham Society has reiterated its opposition to Maidstone’s draft local plan. The detailed response will go to a Framework because it has not been the High Court.” government planning inspector.The positively prepared or based on ob- The society says major changes society says the plan is not compli- jectively assessed housing require- need to be made to the draft before it ant as it has failed to use a credible ments; its excessive housing can be considered sound. The evidence base to determine its hous- projections and its employment allo- spokesman said: “We consider that ing projections of 18,560 homes be- cation at junction 8 cannot be justi- the housing figures must be reduced tween 2011 and 2031. fied; and, most particularly, it is not to reflect realistic and accurate pro- “The council’s projections are effective or deliverable because key jections and to a level commensurate Powerboat based on a massive ‘spike’ in house infrastructure providers, principally with the infrastructure that can real- building five to 15 years ago when Kent County Council (highways, istically be provided; that a local win for Ben an unprecedented and unrepeatable transport, education, social services), landscape protection policy must be amount of brownfield land was de- indicate that essential physical and re-instated to protect the setting of POWERBOAT racer Ben Jelf (pic- veloped for housing,” said a social infrastructure cannot be pro- the Kent Downs AONB; and that tured) has received the RYA East- spokesman. vided to serve the high rates of Junction 8 must be deleted as an em- ern Regional Youth Champion “A simple extrapolation of these growth envisaged in the Plan. The ployment allocation.” Award at Alexandra Palace. unrepresentative building rates has so-called ‘Integrated Transport Pol- The 15-year-old Swadelands been used to devise housing projec- icy’ is NOT supported by KCC.” School pupil, from Ulcombe, was tions which are excessive, unjustified The society points out that the nominated for the award following and which have given rise to new draft plan fails to maintain a local Comments another successful season that saw housing allocations on unsustain- landscape protection policy to pro- THE inspector, appointed by him claim his 10th and 11th con- able and inappropriate sites.” tect the setting of the Kent Downs local government secretary Greg secutive British titles in 2015 in the The society is vehemently op- AONB, which has been in existence Clark, will decide if the local plan powerboat and sprint GP RYA posed to any industrial development since the early 1970s. is legally compliant, sound and GT30 championships, leaving him near M20 Junction 8 and claims there “It is totally unacceptable to not complies with the duty of Maid- unbeaten in the category. Ben’s is no evidence to suggest that any maintain such an essential local stone Council to co-operate with nomination also recognised the meaningful cross consultation has landscape protection policy which, adjoining planning authorities. support he offered his team-mates taken place with the surrounding in protecting the setting of the na- All comments will be consid- during the season. planning authorities of Medway, tionally designated Kent Downs ered and the most important is- Ben, who is sponsored by Peters Ashford, Tonbridge and Malling. AONB, has vitally underpinned sues raised will be considered at & May Racing is a third-generation “The society considers that the very important recent planning de- a local plan hearing, chaired by powerboat driver and has been plan is not sound and not consistent cisions in the local area by the Secre- the inspector in Maidstone. competing for five years. He also with the National Planning Policy tary of State, by an Inspector and by acts as a member of the pit crew for his dad Colin. Colin said: “For Ben to have been Countryside group adds its concerns nominated for the RYA Regional Youth Championship awards is a THE scale of development in the Board, while the cost of providing sustainable journeys. great honour, but for him to have Maidstone Local Plan has been much of the necessary supporting Chairman of the CPRE Kent won it for the second year running condemned by CPRE Kent. infrastructure is unknown. Maidstone Committee Gary against the calibre of youngsters The countryside campaigning CPRE Kent is Thomas (pictured left) said: “This that the awards attract is a phe- charity has said it is concerned concerned that local plan would cause enormous nomenal achievement and I could- about the proposed 18,560 new most of the pro- traffic problems and a strain on n’t be prouder.” homes in the absence of “sound posed housing – school, health and travel facilities. On winning the award, Ben said: supporting evidence”. 84% – is allo- “The number of new homes is “To have been nominated for the It is also concerned that land cated on green- unrealistic and unsustainable. award is an honour in itself but to near J8 of the M20 remains allo- field land, which There will be a loss of greenfield have actually been chosen to win it cated for employment. will not encour- land.” from such a high standard of peo- Responding to the local plan pre- age the develop- Public consultation on the plan ple is fantastic.” submission document, the group ment of brownfield land. has now closed. The response will also expressed concern that the It argues the scale of residential be discussed by the council in draft Integrated Transport Plan has development in villages and rural April and the plan revised if neces- Jazz for church not been agreed with KCC or the settings is disproportionate to their sary before being submitted to the JAZZ fans are invited to a night of Maidstone Joint Transportation size, and is unlikely to promote Secretary of State. their favourite music in the stun- ning surroundings of Boxley Church. Superstore part of homes plan A music night featuring Dr Jazz RESIDENTS in south Maidstone are to get a new superstore as part of Kims award – an ensemble that can trace its the 600-home scheme at Langley Park. KIMS Hospital in Maidstone roots back to the ‘50s – will perform Supermarket giant Aldi hopes to open a 1,254sqm store towards the has been voted The Most Prom- ising New Business in Kent by on Saturday May 7, along with end of 2017, creating 40 jobs. Kent Invicta Chamber of Com- singer Lynn Falvey. The park will also feature a Toby Carvery and several smaller retail merce. The evening is a Friends of Box- units, ranging in size from 72sqm to 400sqm. The success was announced at ley Church production, starting at Aldi’s Maidstone store in Well Road opened in 2011. A second store is the Chambers’ 2016 Business 7.30pm, with proceeds going to the due to open off Hermitage Lane at Aylesford later this year. Awards at Cathedral Lodge, maintenance of St Mary and All A spokesperson for the company said: “Now that planning consent has Canterbury. Nurses Claire Tra- Saints’ church. been granted at Langley Park, we are working with the developer on the verse and Sue Robins were Tickets, including a first drink construction plans. We look forward to making it easy for residents to joined by patient advisors Les- and nibbles, are £8 for adults and shop and save closer to home.” ley Hickman and Judith £2 for children. Call Gill on 01622 Kendall to collect the award. 630231 or Jackie on 01622 677121. For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk

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Maidstone East April 2016 39 News downsmail.co.uk How sensory dog Pal gave Claire her life back

WHEN it comes to special dogs, me until I have eaten something or Notice board you could say Pal has a nose for taken some insulin,” says Claire. trouble. “He’s also just learned to press a The black Labrador is no ordinary panic alarm at the house in case I back in use pet, but a life-saver to mum-of-two lose consciousness. A NEGLECTED notice board at the Claire Pearson, clocking up an in- “On top of that, his tail never stops heart of Senacre has been restored credible 10,000 alerts that have pre- wagging and he loves to play ball to its former glory and full use. vented her from falling into a coma. like any other dog.” Parishioners at St Hilary’s Claire was diagnosed with type 1 Among the six-year-old’s many Church in Senacre have agreed to diabetes at the age of six. Now 47, fans were the judges in last year’s take responsibility for the commu- she recalls losing the ability to detect Friends for Life contest at Crufts, nity notice board in Senacre her falling blood sugar levels; it who put him through to the finals. Square. meant losing her driving licence and Claire spends much of her free Maidstone Council said it was the confidence to venture out alone. time raising awareness of the charity not responsible for what is possibly It also put a huge strain on her fam- and its work. the largest community board in ily, especially her two sons, who She says: “There are huge strides Maidstone – nor did anyone else would often return from school to being made by the charity in terms claim ownership. find their mother needing medical of non-invasive detection of cancers The board had been unused for a attention. that was formed in 2008. using dogs’ sensitive sense of smell. number of years as the keys had Claire said: “Jake was about to “Before he arrived I had to send “People have been talking about gone missing. take his 11-plus, Jed had just started breath samples, taken when my their stories of recovery thanks to Parishioner Len Bond cleaned it at Hollingbourne School and my sugar levels were at both ends of the their pets, but the charity is taking up and Senacre Co-operative Hous- husband worked, so for them to re- scale, to fine tune Pal’s nose to my this a step further with trials to de- ing Association paid to replace the turn home and find me in a heap on scent changes. It’s a process that tect breast cancer and using tiny locks. the floor, needing professional help, takes 18 months to two years, and samples of urine to detect prostate Mr Bond will now manage the was very stressful. costs about £12,000.” cancer, which is showing a 98% suc- board and any organisation or in- “I found help from Crossroads Claire, who needs dialysis three cess rate.” dividual in Shepway wanting to Young Carers for the boys and then days a week – to which she takes Pal Claire will be among the charity’s post a community notice can con- noticed a story online about sensory – says her friend has given back both representatives at the Kent County tact him on 01622 205452 or email dogs providing new freedom to her confidence and freedom. It also Show this year and will be at the [email protected]. those with diseases like mine.” means her children and husband steam days at Bredgar Railway from Theresa Lyons, chair of Senacre In August 2012, after meeting the Steve know she is in safe hands. 11am on the first Sunday of the Co-operative Housing Association, team from the Medical Detection “He lets me know if my glucose month from May to October. She is is pictured handing over the keys Dogs’ charity, Pal joined the family levels are falling or rising danger- willing to give group talks about her to Mr Bond and Rev Joyce Addison in – one of three working ously by licking my hands or paw- partnership with Pal. For more in- (right), vicar of St Martin with St partnerships in Kent and 67 across ing my leg. He’ll then bring me my formation visit www.medicaldetec- Hilary’s. the country for the fledgling charity testing machine and sits in front of tiondogs.org.uk.

A FRENCH bulldog, fawn in colour with a reports Crime black face, was taken from the garden of a home in White Hill Road, Bredhurst. Neighbourhood Watch A custom bicycle with a grey and yellow floral pattern was stolen from a home in Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Ashford Road, Bearsted. A vehicle was stolen from a hotel car park in Lock Lane, Sandling. A gate was damaged at a home in Holly Lane, Lenham. A garage door was damaged at a property Farm Road, Otham. Items were stolen from the garage of a in Lenside Drive, Bearsted. A man was seen tampering with the door home in Bell Way, Kingswood. The cover was stolen from a motorhome of a property in Pennine Way, A vehicle was damaged in an attempt to parked on a drive in Forstal Road, Sandling. but no entry was gained. break into it in Warren Street, Lenham. The tyres were damaged on a vehicle Items were stolen after a vehicle was bro- Nothing was reported stolen. parked outside a home in Merton Road, ken into in Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone. A vehicle was stolen from a business park Bearsted. Plant pots were taken from a garden in in Gravelly Bottom Road, Kingswood. Cash was taken from a premises in Church Road, Downswood and found dam- The door of a property in Chiddingstone Chatham Road, Sandling. aged further down the road. Close, Senacre was damaged but no entry A vehicle was stolen from a garage in a A washing machine was stolen from the was gained. block in Birch Drive, Lordswood. drive of a property in Curzon Road, Maid- Item were stolen in a break-in at a building Electrical equipment was stolen from a stone. site in Faversham Road, Lenham. garage in Tyland Lane, Sandling. A fence was damaged and a kiosk was Solar panels were damaged at a property Various items were stolen in a break-in at broken into in Warren Street, Lenham. in Wildwood Close, Kingswood. a property in Dunn Street Road, Bredhurst. A radio was taken from the communal Items were stolen in a break-in at an out- However, the intruder set off an alarm area of a property in Holland Road, Maid- building in . which alerted a passing police officer. stone. A mobile phone was stolen from a van The door of a home in Ham Lane, Lenham parked on a drive in Woodlands, Walder- was damaged by three youths. SECURE YOUR HOME Fencing was damaged at a property in slade. ALARMS FROM £495+VAT Items were stolen in a break-in at a prop- Cayser Drive, Kingswood. erty in Friningham, near Thurnham. There was an attempt to remove parts CALL 01622 880751 Machinery was taken from a yard at a from a car in Old Ham Lane, Lenham. premises in Hockers Lane, Detling. A wheel trim was stolen from a van in Items were stolen from an outbuilding at a Quested Way, Harrietsham. ALARMS & SECURITY LTD farm in Thurnham Lane, Thurnham. A gate was damaged at a property in Ham

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Maidstone East April 2016 41 downsmail.co.uk Comment Local elections so hard to read AT this stage, with a month to go, it is Tory Paul Cooper will be looking to over- spin of the coin time again for forecasters of turn that. who will really control Maidstone Council MailMarks The reverse applies in & after the elections on Thursday May 5. Hunton, where prominent Tory Cllr John As usual it is a close battle, with the Con- DENNIS FOWLE President Wilson is retiring. The Tories believe they servatives probably needing a net gain of [email protected] have a strong replacement in Ron Leagas, one seat to ensure their desired overall con- but the Lib Dems hold the other two seats trol. With this would probably come the sig- in this ward and they will be looking for a nificant position of leader of the council, Current council make-up gain to ensure the hat-trick through youth- which was lost last May when Lib Dem Cllr ful local candidate Emily Fermor. Fran Wilson had a majority of one vote at Conservative 25 Both the national and local political scenes the annual council meeting when she was LibDem 20 make forecasting so difficult this year. also backed by the majority of Independ- Independent 6 The Tories did well last year on the back ents, Ukip and Labour councillors. UKIP 2 of a successful general election campaign The Conservatives hold 25 of the 55 seats. Labour 2 while the Lib Dems floundered. Has that Two Independents usually vote with them. tide turned at all? Labour defend Shepway They feel they are well-placed to win con- Labour-held Shepway South and Inde- South locally, but will divisions nationally trol but they campaign hard to achieve a pendent-held Park Wood. over the party leadership affect local sup- comfortable majority. There are many un- The Lib Dems have dominated High port? certain ingredients – but one certainty is the Street for many years but it is a ward where Will passions over the EU referendum im- local Lib Dems will still be punching well population migrates more than most, and it pact locally? above their weight to strengthen their posi- became marginal last year when Cllr Fran In Maidstone borough the Conservatives tion. Wilson ended with a 119 majority over the reckoned they suffered because they had to There are several key battlegrounds in the Conservatives. The Tories are targeting it in lead the essential but controversial local relevant 19 wards and the power battle will May and believe their hard work can now plan which required very heavy residential probably be decided by the results in these bring success for Joe Mamo against former development. This year council leader Cllr nine: Bridge, Coxheath & Hunton, Fant, Mayor, Lib Dem Cllr Denise Joy. Wilson has had to front the local plan and Heath, High Street, North, Park Wood, The Tories also believe they can succeed take flak from many unhappy residents. It Shepway South and South. again in North ward, where they pulled off is a poisoned chalice she has drunk from A political change in any of the other 10 a surprise victory last year after long Lib bravely. I did not have courage to forecast the final wards (Allington, Barming, Bearsted, Dem dominance. It was only a 25-vote win outcome last year. This year it is even more Boughton Monchelsea & , Box- – but with long-standing Lib Dem Cllr Jenni difficult… ley, East, Headcorn, Marden & , Paterson now standing down, there will be North Downs and Shepway North) would an intriguing battle between Michelle Hastie be a significant surprise. (Lib Dem) and Jeff Tree (Conservative). The EU vote The Conservatives will need to hold in the South ward has often fluctuated and the LAST month’s Mail Marks when I rea- three marginal key seats of Bridge, Cox- Tories see their chance with the retirement soned why I will vote for Brexit brought a heath & Hunton and Fant – no easy task – of stalwart Lib Dem Cllr Ian Chittenden record number of emails and other contacts. and look for gains mainly in Lib Dem-held (Paul Wilby is the new candidate). There Thank you. I will touch on them next Heath, High Street, North and South or in were only about 100 votes in it last year and month.

Mote Park is fine as it is park and do not want this interrupted by worded to get the answers they wanted – not Segways, noisy model boats etc. There are to get honest answers and opinions. Dear Sir – Having lived in Maidstone all my already too many cars in the park and one Mote Park is not a London park and I for life, I have seen Mote Park change, but I’m has to be very careful when taking small one, whilst I do appreciate the path round afraid a lot of the recent changes have not children or dogs over there. the lake, would suggest hands off everything been for the beer. Less environmental damage might also else. Leave us to enjoy it just as it is. Many of us appreciate the peace and give the nature of the park a chance to Jean Howland, by email tranquillity of the park and the nature which recover. There has been talk about provision makes its home there and would like it to for nature but most of us long-term residents remain that way, without the need for even have sadly seen it all decline over the years. Bypass money was there more building and commercialisation. If we don’t all help protect it, it will Dear Sir – I was reading the comments about Yes, perhaps it does need a new cafe, but disappear altogether. the Leeds-Langley bypass and was only because the present one was built with This is one of the few places in Maidstone interested by KCC leader Paul Carter’s such a definite lack of forethought and where we can make a difference and we statement that he would have to find £55m planning and one of the biggest problems ought to limit the damage. to do this project. has always been the lack of stock control. I I do love Mote Park and care passionately Didn't they once put £50m into an Icelandic have been in the cafe at least three times only about its future. I resent all these commercial bank, and would it not have been cheaper to to be told I couldn't have a cup of tea as they ventures. I met a number of mothers at carry out the work at this time? had no milk. On another occasion during the Gillingham Strand last year and they were I would be surprised if he lives in Langley school holidays the only ice creams they had moaning about the fact that they couldn’t because you state that he uses the South Park were the very expensive ones. A lot of the come to Mote Park during the summer as rat-run to get to work. No doubt we will con- mothers weren’t too impressed with this and they had several small children and didn't tinue to have 44-tonnes lorries, some contain- none of this is hard to sort, but unfortunately want to spend the entire day being pestered ing liquefied petroleum gas, mounting the that is the way it always seems to be. by their children to be allowed in the fair! kerbs through the centre of town In this modern stressful world, a lot of I did complete the survey when asked at James Burnham, by email. people love to escape to the peace of the the park, but let’s face it, the questions were Contact our team ... Stephen Eighteen Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233

42 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk

answer. much longer; our GPs and hospitals are Council tax error Comment If I was the parent I would seek some totally overstretched and delays for patients Dear Sir – Your story on council tax in the advice from a solicitor and explain that my are unacceptable; and too many parents recent edition of Downs Mail quotes that son's name had been blackened (is that have deep concerns about finding desired the average council tax bill for a band D racist?) by the school. It’s shocking. places in schools. property in the current year is £1,089.99 Carole Revell, Hillden Shaw, Maidstone Brexit may bring early uncertainties but I This is wrong – that is just the Kent will live with these to expel the hand the EU County Council portion and is not the total casts over our country. of what people have to pay at the moment. Comments out of context Robin Brand - by email Added to this are precepts for Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue, Maidstone Council Dear Sir – Regarding your story about an Vote for Brexit and the local parish council. So, as an allegedly racist comment made in a school, I example, my bill for a band D property (just feel very sorry for the young boy who made Dear Sir – I feel guilty my generation is an average three-bedroom semi) in the comment, as I went through a similar creating through EU membership a Coxheath is £1,584.28 this year. experience. diminished Britain I will be ashamed to I do think you should make this clear and I live in sheltered accommodation and leave to my children and grandchildren. quote the correct total figures. about three weeks before Christmas men (Mail Marks, March). Peter Welfare, by email arrived to fit new windows and doors. I am patriotic and have loved living in I was siing in the lounge, and the Maidstone, Kent and England. I cannot bear window and door were out and the back to see what now happens through Racism claim shocking door was open. The workmen were overcrowding and the financial crises I throwing rubbish out of the door, but the consider are closely linked to our EU Dear Sir – I have just read the school racism wind was blowing it back into the hall, so I membership, especially on welfare claim in your paper today and am put a black bag outside the door. payments. astounded that a young child has been When one of the men came back in I said: I love Europe too, and believe we can victimised by the school in this way. “Excuse me, I’ve put a black bag outside for work well with our friendly neighbours It's disgraceful – Gaynor Harryman and you to put your rubbish in.” I thought he without all the serious downsides of EU her son should receive a sincere apology was going to hit me, and he shouted: membership. We have to give this a chance and all claims that her son made a racist “You’re not allowed to say that any more.” and vote for Brexit. comment should be wiped out. What is it coming to – what are we Mary Jameson - by email. Black is an accepted term for a black man allowed to say? I did report it but nothing as white is for a white man – a lot of was done. derogatory terms existed in years gone by (I Mrs S Hayes, Greenborough Close, do remember them as I am 72) but black is Jobs an illusion Maidstone totally acceptable, ask any black person. Dear Sir – When yet another supermarket The school has gone mad – I would proposal comes up, I have to give a wry certainly not want my grandchildren to be smile as the bid always includes “hundreds going to Vinters Park if that’s the way they Retake control of borders of new jobs” (Downsmail, February). teach and treat their pupils. The headmaster Dear Sir – After 70 years living here I am With the proliferation of supermarkets and teachers need a lesson in racism before appalled at how Maidstone has been forced and Tesco even closing some down, it’s they are let loose teaching young people. to change over the past five years or so and I obvious that one person’s supermarket job, I hope a lot of people complain about this too will be voting to exit the EU (Mail is another person’s redundancy. as it is something that needs to be addressed Marks, March). We can only buy so much. There isn’t an prey promptly. Anyone reading the report Maidstone has become so overcrowded inexhaustible supply of money, unless and what was said and to whom and her and immigration is radically changing the you’re in government of course. reaction would first of all laugh as it’s so culture of our town. It will get worse until Why not merge the park and ride in with outrageous and then be disgusted that a Britain gains full control of its borders. the store, to supply all the local shops? It’s young boy had to go through being We are having huge residential something that more understanding disciplined and having a racism report developments imposed on us very much councils seem to manage quite easily! against him when there was no case to against our will; road journeys now take so Phil Granger, Alma Road, West Malling

his musical legacy”.

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies Michael Jordan Obituaries Sir Peter first came to prominence when SIR Peter Maxwell Davies CH CBE (81) forming the group New Music Manchester THE death has been reported of Michael was a patron of Kent Music. He took an with composers Harrison Birtwistle, Jordan who lived on Pilgrim’s Way, near active interest in music created throughout Alexander Goehr, Elgar Howarth and John Hollingbourne. the county and Ogdon. He was awarded a number of Michael lived locally for almost all of his engaged both with honorary doctorates and was a keen life and spent years baling illness. He was teachers of music and environmentalist. a motor sports enthusiast, competing musicians. One of his best known compositions – regularly in car rallying. Michael spent The Lancashire- Farewell to Stromness – celebrates the much of his working life in insurance but born composer and environment around his Orkney home. also used his professional skills when conductor was a serving as trustee of the Friends of major figure in the Hollingbourne's Historic Church. UK classical music Marion Pring Michael leaves his wife, Liz, with whom he community; noted for THE death has been reported of Marion shared his passion for motor sport. a personal journey Pring (80), of Hollingbourne. that took him from being the composer of Marion was known for her years of difficult and challenging works to become involvement with the WI; the local branch The Stone Shop the Master of the Queen’s Music. hosted a party for her 80th birthday in July Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, Despite living in the Orkney Isles from last year. Marion’s roles with the WI lettered and installed anywhere. 1971, Sir Peter was a noted advocate of included two years as president and a Inscriptions added to existing memorials local music, and remained passionate lengthy spell as honorary treasurer. She Renovations and memorial about music education. He had been a was also active in a number of village cleaning patron of Kent Music since 2006. organisations including All Saints’ The association’s chief executive Peter Parochial Church Council. The Stone Shop Bolton described Sir Peter as “a great Marion served her local church in a Station Hill, , Kent. supporter of music education for all” and number of capacities including 01622 726633 noted “we will cherish his patronage and churchwarden and honorary verger.

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

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46 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified Fencing Garden Services Garden Services continued Complete Fencing All Repairs and New Fencing ARBOUR INVICTA Free Estimates TREE SURGERY ‘Trust your local experts’ GREEN LAWNS Landscaping Call Tony On All Aspects of Tree Work JB 01622 880218 07796 772020 JB Felling • Pruning Artificial Grass LandscapingLandscaping Hedge Cutting Specialists Drives, Paths, Patios, Fencing, I.WALLOND FENCING Stump Grinding ALL TYPES – REPAIR/RENEW Turfing, Shed Bases, Decking Fully Insured and Qualified We Supply and install Est. 25 YEARS Free No Obligation Written Quotation Artificial Grass All aspects of treework & FREE ESTIMATES 01580 890649 07931 368710 01622 759119 07771 970570 Please call for a free site garden clearance www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk www.IWallondfencingcontractors.co.uk survey – 07493 140330 Fully Insured For a free estimate Fence me in & alot more TNC Property or advice All types of Fencing & Gates please call Jim Installed & Repairs & Landscapes All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, Driveways and Paving Tel: 01622 828036 Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. Block paving refurbishment Mob: 07763 905464 Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, (level sunken areas, clean & sand) Hedge Cutting etc. Lawn construction Call Colin on 07521 377306 or 01622 853978 Fencing new and repairs Brickwork/patios re-pointed EPIC Call Tremayne Fully Insured 01622 758221 LANDSCAPES 07748004252 Find us on No job too big or small David Matthews ad ad ad ad ad • Fencing • Treework Fencing TANTONS • Turfing • Decking • Free estimates & friendly advice Tree Surgeons • Levelling Ground • All types of fencing at Maidstone Medway Surrounding Areas • Jet Washing Service competitive prices TREE FELLING CHIPPING • Water Features • Fencing supplied and erected CONIFER TOPPING • Astroturf • Patios • You talk directly to David at all CLIMBING/DISMANTLING stages for your fencing • Clearance • Driveways SITE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS • Go on, give him a call on HEDGE TRIMMING LOGS For a free site survey call: Phone: 01622 755342 POLLARDING FREE ADVICE 01622 527106 Mobile: 07749 202140 STUMP GRINDING SPECIALISTS Clean & Tidy Friendly Service Guaranteed 07788 532926 BRANCHING OUT Public Liability Insured/ Approved Contractor TREE SERVICE Call our sales team now - All aspects of tree cutting, Re-shaping, 01622 630312 Crown reduction. Felling of dangerous www.tantonstreesurgeons.co.uk 01622 630 330 or dying trees. All hedges and shrubs, ad ad ad adand ad ad ad find us on www.yell.com ad ad ad ad ad ad ad topped and shaped ad ad ad ad ad Site clearance, prompt services

FREE ESTIMATES Family run 01622 880218 INVICTA business LANDSCAPES DRIVEWAYS www.wrightsfencing.co.uk 07796 772020 Tree work Block paving Turfing Tarmac No1 Locally Since 1996 Fencing Shingle drives Raised Beds Patios Decking Concrete FENCING Weald Garden Care LANDSCAPING Mowing, Weeding, Hedge FOR A FREE QUOTE AND ADVICE PLEASE CALL: Garden Maintenance trimming. Fence and Shed 01622 890352 OR 07340 100780 & Contractors painting and repairs. Patios and drives cleaned. TONY YOULES Written quotes. GARDENING SERVICES Phone Neil Do you long for a beautiful and well maintained garden? Don’t have the time or know-how? I DO! 07753 328366 • Fully qualified, at C&G & NVQ levels I & II - FULLY INSURED All grass, shrub & general maintenance - also planting and landscaping. • Decking Organics a Special Interest • Patios Call Tony on Maidstone 01622 891328 • Clearance • Gates z Fencing z Treework • Pergolas L.W.LANDSCAPING z z • Concrete bases Turfing Decking • Retaining walls Fully Insured & Reliable z Levelling Ground • All types of fencing z Jet Washing Service undertaken z z Tel: 01622 631941 Tel: 01622 260149 Astroturf Patios 07876 540250 Mob:07772 231419 z Clearance z Driveways

Maidstone East April 2016 47 Classified downsmail.co.uk Garden Services continued Painting & Decorating continued

MAIDSTONE TREE SERVICES LADY INTERIOR Painting & Decorating DECORATOR Services • Interior & exterior painting Professional Tree Services NO JOB TOO SMALL • Wall papering • Plastering FREE ESTIMATES • Fully insured Call Lynda Daniel • Friendly & reliable service on 07733 354617 Call Nick for a Tel: 0800 567 7175 free quotation 07921 193298 [email protected] www.maidstonetreeservices.co.uk Y Decorator Y 01622 206702 D. STEWART [email protected] All decorating interior & exterior The Bearsted Green Gardening Co. FREE ESTIMATES We offer the following services: Bearsted 730541 • Quality Decorating at a Hedges • Mowing • Weeding • Conifer Topping fair & competitive price • Dulux approved over • Tree Removal • Ponds • GardenClearance LEE Hughes 30 years experience Garden Maintenance: Private Gardens, Commercial Contracts PAINTING & DECORATING • Fully insured fully insured, free quotes. SERVICES Tel: 01622 737225 Call 01622 739586 or 07976 367 593 Interior & Exterior Work Mobile: 07816 149502 Undertaken www.sr-interiors.com OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE email: [email protected] Handyman Services Locksmith City & Guild Qualified Tel: 01622 759040 Handyman No job too small Maidstone & Kent HALLFORD DECORATING Competitive prices T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 Painting & Decorating Services •Painting & Decorating • Plastering 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT Call for free estimate www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk • Tiling • Fencing • Plastering • Carpentry • Property Maintenance • Laminate Flooring • Plumbing 24 hour service locks opened General Household Maintenance. new locks fitted security checks • Ceramic Tiling, Floor Tiling, Laminate Flooring Any odd jobs considered emergency work undertaken Call Martin Hallford on 01622 685732 or 07956 234273 Phone Lee for quotes Your friendly local service - Bearsted 07894 138224 01622 204491 Day Evenings or to leave a message Painting & Decorating Fully insured Professional MIKE LEWIS Rathbone Decorating Services PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Interior Decorator • HOME & GARDEN Painting & Decorating Not just a decorator, No job too small IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS with special rates • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING Interior & Exterior but one with over for pensioners & DECORATING Works Undertaken • WALLPAPER HANGING 40 years experience • GARDEN MAINTENANCE now semi retired, • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services • DECKING & PERGOLAS • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman •FREE QUOTATIONS so can offer a cheaper price • SMALL JOBS UNDERTAKEN MIKE LEWIS 01622 687200 Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 TEL: 01622 663192 MOB: 07810 486146 C. TAYLOR Plastering INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING & HANDYMAN DECORATING SPECIALISTS D K PLASTERING No job too big or too small. PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENTS Painting & decorating, All plastering work carried out Painting all roofing works & repairs, Paperhanging • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • Partitioning FREE Quotes chimney’s, guttering & gutter Carpentry •Plastering •Painting & Decorating cleaning, pressure cleaning, Coving •Laminate Flooring•Home Improvements Email: [email protected] fencing & brickwork & driveways Wood & Laminate FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE Floors Call David 01622 727534 07554 267087 FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE • FULLY INSURED 07804 927680 Mobile: 07974 891795 0800 4748750 CALL CHRIS ON 07970 980611 Free from landlines MALCOLM ROBERTS MID KENT Over 25 years’ experience of PLASTERING R K Plastering maintaining people’s homes. 01622 631915 All Aspects of Plastering A friendly, reliable service. 0781 392 7162 / 0791 994 6328 Internal / External All our editions are Painting & decorating, Plastering, Rendering & Screeding Plastering Over Artex Wall Papering, Tiling New Ceilings & Repairs Coving avilable to view online and all aspects of DIY. Free Estimates Coving & Stud Walls Clean & Reliable www.downsmail.co.uk Tyrolean & monocouche rendering CALL MALCOLM Call Rob on: 07984 609133 ON 01634 308067 FULLY INSURED www.rkplastering.co.uk Mob: 07788 142576 Commercial & Domestic FOR A FREE QUOTATION www.midkentplastering.co.uk

48 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified Plumbing & Heating Roofing Services

NO CALL OUT CHARGE Chris Bourne Plumbing Services & FREE QUOTES HIGH TOP ROOFING making water work Heating Wall & Floor For all your SERVICES Plumbing Tiling PLUMBING plumbing needs ALL TYPES OF ROOFING WORK & REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN Complete 25yrs experience TILING • SLATING • FLAT ROOF • LEADWORK Bathrooms New Taps • Toilet & Cistern Repairs Bath & Shower Installation COMPETITIVE RATES 01622 747272 / Leaks & Fault Finding • General Repairs • All Work Guaranteed • FREE Advice & Estimates • 07885 950959 Call Gary Larkrise, Green Lane, Tel: Maidstone (01622) 736130 Mobile: 07946 085259 Boughton Monchelsea. 07738 902116 / 01622 736266 STEVE JARRETT

Gavin Francis P.BROWN BUILDING & ROOFING Central Heating Installations ex British Gas Extensions, renovations, roofing, • New Boilers • Noisy Boilers and repairs loft conversions & alterations • Burst pipes & leaks Call Paul on • Bathroom & shower installations Your local plumber 01634 865213 • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 07748185920 • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 E: [email protected] & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH W: pbrownbuildingroofing.co.uk NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected] 2 Warren Road, Bluebell Hill Chatham, Kent ME5 9RD

Please call Rubbish Clearance Plumbusters for a FREE quote PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS Tel: COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE ALL RUBBISH CLEARED We are a well established family run company 01622 672743 • Full Roof Installation with over 25 years experience based in Maidstone You Name It We Clear It Mobile • Tiling & Slate Roofing covering Kent, we can help you with your • uPVC Fascias & Soffits Household, Garden, Factory, Garage, bathroom or kitchen design and install, we 07703 442025 • Chimney Repointing or Removal Builders & Construction Waste Private and Commercial specialise in central heating repairs and • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance www.plumbusters.co.uk Anything Anywhere upgrades including boiler replacements. Gas safe www.apolloroofing.co.uk No 521635 Cheaper Than A Skip 07808 414965 Wait & Load Service Available All Demolition Work Undertaken or 01622 853601 for a free, no obligation quote All Areas covered 7 Days a week R. WEBSTER EST 20 YEARS FOR A FREE CONSULTATION PLUMBING & HEATING Reg No. 185889 NO OBLIGATION HEATING AND PLUMBING ENGINEERS SITE SURVEY Call our friendly team on High efficiency boilers and heating systems installed, existing systems Follow updated, all gas appliances repaired and serviced. us on 01580 893990 or 07933 388024 Fault finding. REGISTERED WASTE CARRIER All plumbing work undertaken. New bathrooms, en-suites, showers etc. Free estimates. Security Systems All work guranteed. No call out charge - Proudly advertising in the Downs Mail for 12 years. Tel: 01622 208621 Double Glazing Repairs Mobile: 07949 241982 & Locksmith Services • Locks repaired or replaced A B MOYLER • Letterboxes Access • Hinges & window handles Denied PLUMBING & HEATING • Broken glass & misted units Family Business Est. 1973 • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Bathroom & Tiling • Patio doors, runners & rollers • All plumbing work NO JOB • Doors that are difficult to close and lock • Power flushing TOO SMALL • Additional Radiators 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 • Hot water cylinders NO CALL OUT CHARGE • FREE ESTIMATE 07976 298296 ((Call our sales team now - 01622 863771 01622 630 330

Maidstone East April 2016 49 Classified downsmail.co.uk

Skip Hire Trailor Hire, Sales & Repairs TV Aerials, Satellites & Repairs D.T CollectionPrompt R & P Aerial Service Fast D.T 01622 631717 or 078069 12345 Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair Email: [email protected] Delivery SKIP HIRE Kent Trailers Aerials Over 20 Years Experience Indespension Agent Digital Freeview Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 Livestock, Plant, Recovery, FM Radio DAB Radio Prices from £110+VAT & 12 Yard Bins Satellite Van, General Purpose Covering Maidstone Freesat & The Weald Trailers in stock 01622 SKY HD EA Registered New & Used 843511 Fast & Prompt Service Detling TV Wall Mounting South Belringham Yard, South Lane, Commercial 01622 730063 07860 318166 From a standard install to hidden cables Sutton Valance, Kent ME17 3BD & Domestic [email protected] Free initial visit

PAUL MILL Television Ltd 01622 751000 Est. 1981 • See the latest Panasonic LED, Latest 4K, Smart & 3D Screens • Freeview play • Catch Up & On Demand BBC iPlayer, ITV Player & 4oD • Your local Sky expert, SKY HD, multiroom & “hidden” dish installation • Freeview & Freesat, Expert aerial, dish installation service TV wall mounting service. Please phone us for free friendly advice today Bower Place Maidstone ME16 8BG www.paulmilltelevision.co.uk We pride ourselves on being a local business offering outstanding service

Upholstery

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Waste Collection

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50 Maidstone East April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified Window Services Health PILATES www.collins-windows.com at Langley & Staplehurst Benefits:•Alignment•Strength & Beauty •Flexibility•Endurance•Stress relief Mondays at 1.30pm Langley STEPHEN GRAY & Thursdays 1.30pm Staplehurst State Registered Chiropodist 6 weeks course £42 and Podiatrist Look after your body and it will 111 Madginford Road Bearsted allow you to enjoy your life more! Call Gina on 07864 914056 01622 630393 or email: [email protected] Home visits and evening and weekend appointments available

Mobile Manicures and Pedicures Personal Service in your own home Call Dorothy on 07929 652 012/01622 749002 email [email protected] website: softhands.org Special Offcer: book a Luxury Manicure/Pedicure or Gel Polish before 30 April 16 for £12 Working with the natural nail

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Maidstone East April 2016 51 On the Road

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52 Maidstone East April 2016 On the Road

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Maidstone East April 2016 53 downsmail.co.uk

Highways Cllr Jenny While stated that a either burned or chipped, with the chips

aihCouncils Parish Bredhurst highways officer was reluctant to continue being spread on the footpath. Police briefing PCSO Ma Adlington with a scheme for the A249 junction as he Dates The annual parish meeting was set reported one crime – a break-in at Pickwick felt this may not be successful. The parish for 7.45pm on April 5, with the AGM at Motors – which was an ongoing council would push to have it progressed if 7.45pm on May 3. The Olympicnic will investigation. There had been some calls Cllr While would still support it. start at 11am on July 16. about nuisance vehicles. Horish Wood Cllr Christopher Evernden Carbon neutral project The parish council Forge Lane Large potholes in Forge Lane had met with Roy Hopkins regarding the would buy the loft insulation with certain were reported to Kent Highway Services. management plan and coppicing work members installing it in conjunction with Planning A member of the public had would be undertaken during the next the Downswood Community Association. raised concerns about a planning winter. Tree maintenance would be application for three pairs of semi- undertaken this winter and the logs would detached homes north of Blind Lane. It was be removed when the weather was beer. Harrietsham agreed to repeat previous objections. Roy Hopkins was to put his proposals Elections Cllr Gary Trussler nominated Lorry Watch A member of the public was regarding coppicing of the oak trees to the thanked for offering to coordinate a Lorry Cllr Kenny Kay as chairman and this was parish council. seconded by Cllr Glenda Dean. There were Watch scheme which seeks to discourage The Larches The chairman read out an lorries from using inappropriate routes. no further nominations so Cllr Kay was email from Cllr Paul Carter, leader of KCC, elected as chairman. Cllr Kay nominated stating that the process of selling The Cllr Dean as vice-chair, seconded by Cllr Broomfield and Kingswood Larches had been stopped. He said the Eddie Powell. She was duly elected. intention to sell land had been stopped but Complaints Two complaints received by Police maers Burglaries at homes in KCC had indicated that it was looking to the parish council were discussed in closed Charlesford Avenue and Gravelly Boom pass responsibility to another entity. session at the end of the meeting. Road were reported. A suspicious person Kent Wildlife Trust managed The Larches Lier pick An early start was arranged to had been seen in Charlesford Avenue. on a lease until 2020. In the short term, the not clash with a concert in the church. Neighbourhood plan Should an inspector risk to The Larches was over, however Teers Meadow Cllr Sams thanked the not require any amendments, the earliest a Boxley Parish Council was to arrange a volunteers who aended the scrub bash. referendum could take place would be six meeting to discuss this. Another day was planned before the start to eight weeks after February 22. of the nesting season. Sports field The parish council resolved to Duck islands These needed new floatation buy three inhibitors for the ends of the Downswood aids as the islands were sinking and had footpath and remove the fencing. Police report There was vehicle been removed from the lake. An estimate Donation To consider a request from the interference in Len Valley Walk and of £236 had been received. Cllr Dean said village hall for a donation, the parish Bournewood Close, criminal damage in they needed to be painted with anti-foul council asked to see a business plan and Foxden Drive, two thefts from vehicles in paint. The parish council would set aside accounts. Nothing had been forthcoming. Bournewood Close and one in Deringwood £400 for the required work to be completed Footpath There was concern that there Parade. There had been a large increase in as soon as possible. was no pedestrian route into the village vehicle crime recently. There had been Highways A resident in Goddington Lane hall though the car park. Also discussed increased patrols in the area. had raised speed and traffic concerns. Cllr was the recent treatment of Cllr O’Neill at a Dog mess More dog mess was reported in Gary Trussler said the planning commiee village hall meeting when he was asked to and around the steps between Cotswold had recently recommended refusal of an leave; the village hall constitution; the Gardens and Mallard Way. Warning signs application for two homes as the lane did village hall accounts, and that the clerk was were to be requested for lighting columns not meet the requirements detailed in the not receiving adequate invoices. and the clerk was to ask if a warning could KCC Kent Design Guide. Broadband and telephone The parish be sprayed on the pavement. HGV signs Council council considered contributing to the David Nuall memorial Wording for the was considering asking surrounding installation of a telephone and broadband memorial was agreed. It was hoped to parishes to consider buying “Unsuitable service to the village hall if other users did. unveil it at the Olympicnic. Mr Nuall’s for HGVs” signs. These would be located It was vital for running of the pre-school. family would be invited. on the A20 leading towards East Street. An Mobile library service The service would Defibrillator The community centre would application had been agreed for the Chilton continue on a Saturday when the changes be asked to arrange for an electrician once sandpit, which allowed HGVs to access the were implemented and stops would the delivery date had been confirmed. site via East Street for the next 18 months. increase from 15 to 30 minutes. The council Carols and lights ceremony It was agreed Cllr Kay said that he had aended police resolved to respond, proposing weekly to take on board residents’ requests for meetings where it was said similar signs Saturday stops of 30 minutes. more carols at this year’s ceremony, set for were being ignored. Saturday, December 3 from 4.30pm to Annual meeting This would take place at 5.30pm. Madginford Brass Band would be 8pm on April 27. It will follow a shorter Detling invited. Festive lighting for the hall would parish council meeting from 6.30pm. The Rubbish bins It was reported that, once be investigated. organiser of the North Downs Walk was again, the bins were not emptied in the Play areas Cllr Richard Ash said that keen to encourage more walkers and this parish. The clerk was to chase. £35,819 Section 106 money was available would be a good topic for the meeting. Nuisance vehicles A resident reported for Mallards Way. The clerk was to check Music event The use of the Glebe Field for motorbikes and quads in the woodlands the conditions for the funding. Thought parking for the Village Hall Trust event along North Downs Way and Hermitage would be given to maintenance of the pond was discussed. It was noted that this Lane. He asked if the police could monitor and the surrounding area. The clerk would would be later than events in the past. Cllr the situation as they were now making a seek a copy of the monthly inspection Dean raised concerns that it would be dark course in the woods. He also reported that reports for Foxden and Mallards Way. when people returned to their cars and an arsonist was starting fires in the woods. Spires medical centre The initial asked who would be liable if anyone Parking A resident asked about the consultation proposal was rejected as tripped and was injured. The trust had parking on Hockers Lane causing an misleading and unrealistic. A second been emailed to ensure it would take obstruction. PCSO Ma Adlingon said he proposal was marginally beer but responsibility. It was agreed that the trust could not take action as the vehicles were objections were again raised and it was be given permission to use the field for parked legally. He would monitor the area. rejected. The parish council would produce parking.A £750 grant for the village hall Hockers Lane A member of the public a consultation document to be delivered to trust was agreed, but if the event did not reported that the hedges in Hockers Lane every household. A draft questionnaire go ahead the money should be returned. needed cuing back before the birds would be sent to MP Helen Whately and Cllr Tom Sams said he would like to see started nesting. the results passed to NHS England. the first event on a much smaller scale. The Grant British Heart Foundation was to give SSSI A successful day had been spent at level of security was questioned. a grant for a a defibrillator. Confirmation the site of special scientific interest and Defibrillator The grants from the British was awaited that the phone box had been further volunteer sessions had been held. Heart Foundation had now closed and it decommissioned to use for this. The area had been cleared and the waste would cost about £2,500 to buy two units.

54 Maidstone East April 2016 Parish Councils 55 mail.co.uk downs April 2016 Dawn Riach-Brown Maidstone East The event was reported While noise from players Cllr Gardner’s suggestion to No response had been A donation of £475 was agreed Three four-drawer files would A layby appeared to be Kevin Hipkins was co-opted to Ideas to market Lenham included The quote for rabbit-proof fencing It was resolved to order 130 The 2016/17 precept would be set A £50 donation was agreed for St Once agreement was reached on the KCC Cllr Gary Cooke had agreed to A resident and a friend collected The “No Dogs” signs for the A quote would be sought to remove a Ulcombe Community warden noted that many flytipping incidentsquickly were reported by members offor the removal. public She hoped tofundraising aend event a near Ulcombe ChurchApril on 17 and was liaisingorganisers with regarding the road signs onLenham the Road to help makefor the pedestrians. event safer Dogs recreation play area/car park hadreceived. been A borough-wide audit ofwaste all bins dog was being carriednot out widely and used any would beclerk removed. would The request that thevillage one hall by be the removed. Village party received from residents to formgroup. a It working was felt that,short, as a time picnic was on running thecould recreation be ground arranged for JuneMedals 11. commemorative medals for the pupilsthe of school to mark thebirthday. Queen’s 90th File storage be purchased up to theHighways value of £350. emerging in the Ulcombe Roadjunction near of the Boycourt Lane. Otham Co-opted fill the vacancy on thePrecept parish council. at £10,466.23. Village hall to cover the cost ofand the allow new work floor to shortfall proceed. Church Nicholas’s Church as thanks andexpenses to for cover the village meetingDecember. in Football ground was lower, levels had increasedcoaches/parents. from Noise, lier and traffic would be discussed at aaended meeting by to Cllrs be Bole andDitch Trench. finance the clearance of theVillage ditch. green have reflectors fied to thevillage posts green on as the a safetyagreed. feature They was would be sourcedas and soon fied as possible. Christmas carols as very lovely, if notpreviously. as Cllr well Gardner aended had as wrienhosts to Mr and Mrs FisherLier to thank them. about six bags of lierLane. in Stakeholders White in Horse the villagecontacted would to be request action on lier. CCTV use of the church towerequipment for and, installation subject of to thethe agreement associated of costs to installsystem, a works new could CCTV progress. Rabbits at the cemetery from Raccepted. James Fencing was Tree fallen tree across the pathTourism at Glebe Pond. updating the Walks in Lenhamcontacting leaflet tourism and websites to seeLenham if could be included. Cllr Michael Ballard Mel Lawlee of Safe Hedges in Dickley Lane The Dirty Habit would provide The pavement was very dirty Safety issues regarding the The parish assembly is on There was a need for two more A group from Templeuve would Cllr Richard Greenwood A quote had been agreed to The new bin for the Maidstone It was reported that Swadelands It was resolved to raise a precept of Repairs to the gents’ WCs were Cllr While would look into The community warden reported Lenham Scams recent scams which covered medical equipment sales, nuisance phone calls and would remain in situ duringseason. the A cricket management company would Queen’s birthday on April 21. Signpost refurbish the village signpost outsideDirty The Habit public house. Thewould contractor be instructed to startTraffic work. whether the village could havespeed a limit, 20mph particularly near theCardwell school. pavilion Hands, who provides an after-schoolwas club, likely to soon startAssembly hiring the pavilion. Tuesday, April 12. Pavements from Hasteds to the Sugarhouse. Loaves The public clerk would requestFete it report be swept. the evening food, band andwas bar. pursuing The a clerk response fromSteel, Sir chief David executive of theFoundation, Leeds regarding Castle opening the fete. Twinning like to visit Hollingbourne on26 November and 27 for avillagers martial or arts local event. clubs Any whobe would involved like were to asked toor contact Cllr the John clerk Cobbe via the parish website. blue badge charges, all offraudulent which contacts. were Vacancies councillors, preferably from the south ward of the parish. Therecouncillors were from currently the 10 north wardone and from only the south. Itadvantageous would to be have representatives from Sandway or Lenham Heath. Hedges School was aware of thebetween overgrown the hedges school field andBudget Cherry restrictions Close. and staff shortages were delaying non urgent/emergency maintenance and repairs. Toilets being undertaken as emergency repairs. Precept £57,232.93 for 2016/17, which equatedband to D a charge of £40.89. Dickley Lane opposite the garage had beenthe cut area back lier-picked. and Car park Road car park had beencontractors collected ready by for the installation. Thepark car improvements were progressing well. regularly lier picked. Neighbourhood plan would apply for £3,000 fundingthe towards costs of the process. Planning along the boundary between the development and the cricket ground. It take responsibility for the operation of the faded road marking outside Lenham Primary School were reported. Itrequested was they be repainted. The area had new floodlights and was reported on negotiations between Lenham Cricket Club and the developerat of the the United stie Reformed Churchsafety site. neing The would be 8m high and run net. The possibility of burial remains on the site would be investigated. Highways A quotation was agreed for The parish council sent PCSO Ryan Waring spoke of The parish council might Cllr Dean had offered to take on A resident said mess was being A resident gave background of The PCSOs had emailed parking KCC Cllr Jenny While would A potentially dangerous metal fence driver’s key fob when remotely unlocking properties were for elderly or disabled the role of representative forthe the working year group and was happyWilliams for to Cllr assist too. ThisNoticeboard was agreed. want to buy an extraStreet noticeboard close for to West the Hollies,ownership but and land permission would havebe to investigated. Once the parishmoved council to its new premisesthe the green board would on be obsolete,possibly and be could moved to theAccident Hollies. an historical accident on Eastvehicles Street were when unable to bethe diverted A20 along or Church Roadbridge. as The both police had had a to low direct use traffic radios along to East Street.said The he resident didn’t think Kentthe Police use would of like the “UnsuitableA20 for mess HGVs” signs. caused by larger vehicles accessingCrest the Nicholson site. Cllr Janeaasked Sams the had company to complete the work. Hollingbourne Condolences condolences to Mary Henderson, former parish clerk, on the lossJim, of and her to husband the familyMarion and Pring friends who of died Miss onBuses March 12. pursue the issue with Stagecoachschoolchildren of having to cross theRoad Ashford to reach the busFence stop. with spikes had been erectedHospital along Road and it wasquad believed bikers the who use thewere adjoining responsible. land The concern wasany that cyclist, if horse rider oron child to should it, fall the fenceAlan could Benne impale had them. contacted Cllr Maidstone’s enforcement office. The parish neededmake to a formal complaint. Theforward clerk photographs would of the fenceJenny to While Cllr who would takewith up Richard the Emme issue of KCC. Crime report a rise in vehicle thievesdevices using to electronic clone the signals emied by a a car. The information canproduce then an be identical used key. to Vehicles are then double yellow lines in theThe layby Pavings. opposite Cllr Benne mentionedhigh-sided a commercial vehicle which was permanently parked outside properties in Bourneside Terrace, Eyhorne Street. The residents, and the vehicle took up parking view of housebound people. Royal birthday Cllr Trussler said money couldfrom be general taken reserves. He offereddoctors to to ask assist with fundingsuggested and that it other was groups mightwish also to contribute. The counciltwo would units. buy Cllr Kay saidwould the need defibrillators servicing every twowould years look but in to otherBig costs. Lunch stolen to order. Parking services regarding ongoing parking on double yellow lines and the provision of space designated for them and blocked the repairing the fire beacon brazierschool on grounds. the The clerk wouldwith liaise the school and startlighting organising of the the beacon to celebrate the RTS Creativereative LimitedLimited Drives, Patios, Walls, Fences, Design etc. Unit 33J Jamesames SStreettreet MMaidstoneaidstone FREE ESTIMATES KentKent ME14 2UP (01622) 738933 Est. 1984 30, Copsewood Way, Bearsted ...b...bee seen

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