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May 2017 No. 241

News Tory candidate debates with pupils Trail of fame FORMER & Malling BLUE plaques will put up in MP Tom Tugendhat came face to to remember  face with all his political oppo- the village’s past VIPs. 3 nents at a local school. The Malling School has been staging its own election campaign Phone box’s new call in which pupils represent the na- AN unwanted phone kiosk at tional parties. Mr Tugendhat has been given a spoke to debating society students new lease of life. 3 and then at a Q&A session. Head Carl Roberts said he was proud his students asked “mature and Pantomime time informed” questions. Pictured are STARS hit the town to unveil plans Mr Tugendhat with Henry Cox, for panto fun at the Josh Burt, Matt Pettet, Emma  Hazlitt Theatre. 4 Stone and Kestra Willett. Drugs danger PARENTS warned after drugs are found on a footpath at  Villagers face bigger a church. 6 Top Twenty DOWNS Mail throws a party to blasts from quarry celebrate 20 years in  newspaper publishing. 10 PLANS to use bigger explosives at a quarry near Offham are creating shock- Ofsted praise waves among locals. TWO schools are celebrating after The explosions at Gallagher’s gressively worse, with more resi- Offham Parish Council began they were awarded Blaise Farm Quarry have been a reg- dents reporting disturbance, includ- compiling a dossier of the disruption “good” grades by Ofsted.  12 ular feature of life for villagers, who ing windows rattling and ornaments to homes last month and has urged are alerted by the company to blast- juddering. villagers to make their concerns ing up to twice a week. But now “In Offham, we have a significant known to KCC, the Minerals Plan- Obituaries 32 charges of up to 25kg – more than number of old houses without foun- ning Authority, Gallagher and the twice the current size – are being in- dations and the potential for damage Environment Agency.  vestigated to improve efficiency and is now a big concern.” Gallagher’s chief executive Nick Comment 34 meet demand. He says the parish council wants Yandle said he understood the reser- A document submitted to to see sensors fitted at various loca- vations of residents but felt the best Parish Councils 42-43 County Council for its view on the tions across the village before any way to allay fears is to carry out a idea has already attracted objections consideration is given to increasing trial of the higher explosives. from Offham Parish Council, which the size of the explosions permitted. He said: “We are progressing talks Crime Reports 43 says vibrations from blasting at the He added: “It seems that the with the county council which quarry have progressively worsened quarry is moving closer to the village would allow us to carry out a small in the last six months, even with the and we know that Gallagher has trial – maybe 10 blasts – to gather current 10kg charges. permission to mine even closer to data, which can be put in front of Parish council chairman David our homes, so we should be moni- people.” Frankling said: “In the last six toring any potential impact before He continued: “To be fair, we are months, the vibration has got pro- discussing anything further.” not limited by the amount of times we can blast, but are constantly look- ing at ways to meet demand and do Residents and parish councillors things in the most effective way. aired their views at a public meet- “It seems fewer, larger blasts are ing on proposals for a large re- preferable to more smaller blasts. tirement home at . However, the caveat is that this The 4-page supplement inside by YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT would only be on the basis of it not Malling Action Partnership sup- [email protected] causing a problem. If the data shows ports people and events in 01622 690290 it does, then we will keep things as 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent Malling. they are.” Mickey’s Open Early Morning - 7 Days a Week , , 01634 Please see our Café Diner Kent ME20 7EZ 682928 advert on page 28. Humphrey’s of Allington Unit 10, Mid Kent Shopping HUMPHREY’S Centre, Allington, Maidstone, ME16 0PU Humphrey’s of FISH & CHIP SHOPS 19 Queens Street, Liberty AT ALLINGTON & KINGS HILL Square, Kings Hill ME19 4AU

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2 Malling May 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Blue plaques will Phone box gets new role AN iconic but redundant telephone box has been given a new lease of life in Ryarsh. Now packed with books, games, umbrellas, dog waste bags and DVDs, mark village trail the new-look phone box will be opened officially on Wednesday, May 24, by MP Tom Tugendhat and a local youngster, who came up with the A BLUE plaque scheme is under The proposal has been welcomed idea of creating the Ryarsh way to remember important Wa- by Wateringbury Parish Council, Resources Room. The boy, teringbury residents and events. and the cost of about £80 for each called Lucas, was among The idea was inspired by a proj- plaque will be met by the history dozens of pupils from ect in West Malling, where proper- society and the village’s Rostrum Ryarsh School to offer the ties linked to notable people are magazine. parish council suggestions marked with a plaque similar to the The society is seeking approval for its new use, with ideas English Heritage scheme in Lon- from Coun- including a mini museum don. cil for plaques on four listed build- and an aquarium. Among the famous people com- ings. These will pay tribute to Lady Ryarsh Parish Council memorated at West Malling are Lena Campbell Logan (1820-1904) chairman David Storey The Beatles and novelist George who lived and wrote her book on (right) is delighted that the Orwell. While no rock stars have so the Koh-i-Noor diamond at The telephone box, which far been traced to Wateringbury, Thatched House, Mill Lane, and received just one call in its the village can boast of links with a Mathias Prime Lucas, Lord Mayor final year of operation, has 19th century Lord Mayor of Lon- of in 1827, who lived at been given a new purpose, don, two founders of breweries and Wateringbury Place South Gates on under the direction of local an aristocratic authoress of a book Tonbridge Road. children, who will act as its guardians. on the Koh-i-Noor diamond. John Jude, founder of the Kent The parish council Like the West Malling scheme, Brewery, who lived at Cross bought the K6 call box the plaques will carry a QR code so House, Tonbridge Road, and Ralph from BT for £1 and has more information can be found by Fremlin, who started Fremlins paid to have it repainted, connecting to the internet with a Brewery in Maidstone, and lived at installed an automatic smartphone. The Wardens in Bow Road, will light and soft door closure hinge, with the refit carried out by Councillors Wateringbury Local History So- also be commemorated. Storey and Ivor Emson. ciety says the project provides The 30cm discs will form part of Cllr Storey said: “This is an important local landmark, directional point “windows into the stories of people an already established walking trail and meeting place. If it had been left it would have fallen into disrepair, who have Wateringbury connec- around the village and will be but now it has a real purpose of its own.” tions, whose lives have helped “readily readable but not intru- The council also recently funded play equipment for village children. shape our world.” sive”, says the society. Tailor makes a 6” Mistake

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Malling May 2017 3 News downsmail.co.uk Ugly sisters kick off panto fun IT may only be May – but it’s already pantomime time at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone. Cinderella has launched, with fa- “It can be gruelling with three miliar faces returning and some shows on some days so you need star names promised. something to help you through – Producer Martin Cleverley said and the audience here is amazing that ”household names” would be and provides that boost. announced over the next few “Playing The Dame is different to weeks. this role. A dame is a cuddly auntie The traffic stopped in Maidstone figure that kids would not mind and passers-by posed for selfies getting a squeeze from. outside the Earl Street venue when “But being an Ugly Sister you get the show’s Ugly Sisters unveiled a to be vile and the audience love it. giant glass slipper. You get to be rude to the audience, The enormous prop was commis- to the other characters and it is sioned by the Hazlitt and made by great fun being nasty.” theatre students in Sussex, and And Mr Cleverley added: “The shipped in to Maidstone this week. Ugly Sisters bring colour and a It turned heads when it was sense of wickedness to the show wheeled into the road for a photo- with plenty of audience interaction. shoot with the Maidstone Ugly Sis- Stephen has ‘sistered’ all over the ters of No Mercy, played by country and Adam is returning Autumn Anderson (8), from West Malling, meets the ugly sisters Stephen Richards and Adam Bor- after last year’s success. zone. mas interesting. It’s my sixth year “I love being a villain and a “We have a strong cast, including Adam is returning to the Hazlitt in panto and this will be a new ex- dame.” familiar faces Craig Anderson who after a successful run in last Christ- perience. Everyone in Maidstone For Adam it is a return to his old played Jingles last year and mas’s panto Sleeping Beauty, has been so lovely and I like the tra- stomping ground. Matthew Pennington who will be which starred Louisa Lytton, from ditional theatre venue. He said: “It was so much fun so Dandini. EastEnders. “The Ugly Sisters are there to when I was asked back I jumped at “And we will be announcing Stephen is a sought-after panto cause carnage. We interrupt the the chance. some celebrity names over the next “sister” and he said: “I’ve never story-telling, have fantastic outfits, “The audience was great and for few weeks. It’s very exciting.” been to Maidstone before – this is and bawdy mischief in our attempt many children it is their first time  Cinderella runs from December my first day. to get Prince Charming for our- in the theatre and hopefully will 1 to 31. Tickets are available on “My first impression is…the one selves and leave Cinderella on the encourage them to come back over 01622 758611 or from the website way system. It could make Christ- scrapheap. the years. www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk. Tory victory CONSERVATIVE Des Keers swept Police target speeding drivers to victory in a Tonbridge and NEARLY 1,000 motorists were belt and two for no insurance. September 2016, 1,810 people were Malling Council ward with polling caught speeding in Kent during a A further eight speeding drivers killed and 25,160 people were seri- on the same day as the county seven-day police campaign. were reported for summons – mean- ously injured in crashes. council elections. Officers hit the county’s streets on ing they may face court – and four In 2016 there were 49 fatalities on He won 72% of the votes, gaining a road safety blitz between April 17 received graduated fixed penalty no- Kent roads compared to 57 in 2015. 1,249 in the Aylesford North and and 23. tices. Chief Inspector Tony Dyer, of seat, a Tory strong- The most serious offences – some Police issued 169 verbal warnings Kent’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “I hold for a number of years 81 – ended with drivers facing court, to speeding motorists and two vehi- hope this campaign drives the mes- The other candidates were receiving a penalty notice or being cles were seized for having no insur- sage home and those who fail to Mandy Morrison who polled 349 ticked off. ance. The Kent and Safety learn the lessons will be penalised. votes (20%) for the Liberal Democ- worked with partner Camera Partnership detected 955 “Communities list speeding as rats and the Green Party’s Mandy agencies including the Kent and speed offences. being one of the most important is- Morrison, who scored 148 (8%). Medway Safety Camera Partnership Research shows that 95 per cent sues for police to tackle and we The bi-election was due to the and Kent County Council to target of all collisions on Kent’s roads are have listened and are doing some- resignation of Sandra Hall who is speeding drivers. due to driver error, and speeding thing about their concerns. moving from the area. During the week of action, 81 traf- increases the chance of death or se- “Motorists should drive to the For full KCC and General Elec- fic offence reports were generated – rious injury significantly. conditions of the road. A speed tion coverage, see page 8. 77 for excess speed, two for no seat- In the UK, from October 2015 to limit is exactly that, not a target.” Castle gardens in miniature GARDENERS at Leeds Castle will be showcase information about turning their world “inside out” for notable plants at Leeds Castle and the popular Chelsea Fringe this signpost visitors to where the full year. size gardens can be found in the A mini version of the castle’s grounds. Woodland Walk, Lady Baillie Also for the Fringe festival – from Mediterranean Garden, the May 24-31 – the castle’s Culpeper Garden, and a miniature horticultural team will give talks on maze of cress will be brought the history of the gardens and day- indoors – squeezed inside a garden to-day maintenance, with useful shed – for the event, which runs tips for visitors. from Saturday, May 20 until Entry to the festival is free for Sunday, June 4. those visitors holding annual The festival centrepiece will also tickets.

4 Malling May 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Plan ‘will put us back in control’ THE days of speculative building are coming to an end, with Maid- stone council’s Local Plan likely to be approved by the autumn. That is the view of Maidstone Bor- ough Council’s head of strategic planning, sustainability and trans- portation, following a further two “opportunistic” plans which were thrown out by a government inspec- tor on appeal . “It will see Maidstone regain con- trol of its own planning destiny,” says Cllr David Burton (pictured). “We have seen a flurry of applica- tions taken to appeal while our Local Plan has been absent. Now we are moving into new terrain, with the dicated, and perhaps developers will plan gaining weight each day.” now be less confident in appealing.” He cited Gleeson Homes’ plan for It follows another steep learning 225 properties at Fant Farm, near curve for Maidstone Council, which Barming, which was refused by has faced applications for solar Maidstone council and fought by farms in the region, with what Cllr campaigners for three years before Burton describes as only “vague recently failing on appeal. guidance” from government. How- With the Local Plan in draft form ever, this has worked in the borough when he joined the council six years council’s favour, he believes. ago, he said: “I am hopeful we will A recent proposal for nearly 64,000 have a fully-adopted Local Plan later solar panels on arable land at Great this year, after years of work. Pagehurst Farm, in Staplehurst, was “We have got a plan that recog- also rejected on appeal, after having Buying,Buying, sellingselling nises the need for development and been refused by the parish and bor- how we intend to achieve that, ough councils. meaning opportunistic develop- He said: “The government is right ments can be refused unless they in- to encourage renewable energy as a corporate opportunities that are sustainable way forward for society oorr both?both? truly remarkable. It means that in general. Solar farms are not desig- Maidstone will be back in control of nated and so they can be proposed its own planning destiny.” pretty much anywhere. Whitehead Monckton solicitors can help Maidstone and the Weald MP “However, the council has set a Helen Grant added: “I hope Maid- high bar, creating its own case law you complete all the legal steps, whether stone Borough Council will take by insisting that these are in accept- heart that its refusals are being vin- able locations.” you’reyou’rree buying or sellingsel a prproperty.operty. Traffic congestion reviewed We take pride in offffering a no-nonsense approach to what can sometimes be a frustrating process, helping MAIDSTONE Borough Council is if more people wish to use it. We undertaking a detailed review of have access to another site at the ensure your transaction is completed as quickly and three major causes of congestion. bottom of Blue Bell Hill.” smoothly as possible. The public is to be consulted on A spokesman for Maidstone parking and bus services, with a council said: “The council is re- Recognised by the Law Society Conveyancing Quality survey on the public’s attitude to viewing the park and ride service as park and ride (P&R) completed. the current contract ends in 2018. A Accreditation Scheme, a requirement for some Cllr David Burton, chairman of report will be sent to strategic plan- the borough’s strategic planning, ning, sustainability and transport mortgage lenders to use the same solicitors. sustainability and transportation committee by July 2017.” committee, said: “The public told us Cllr Burton says more informa- Contact us today it didn’t want another park and ride tion is being gained from the public at Linton and no longer believes it on other possible moves, such as Canterbury 01227 643250 is the way forward for Maidstone, upgrading Maidstone bus station or so the council has taken a step creating transport hubs at locations Maidstone 01622 698000 back.” such as the old Royal Mail sorting He says park and ride closure at office near Maidstone East station. TTeTenterdenenterden 01580 765722 Eclipse Park saved the council Cllr Burton said junction im- £300,000 a year, at the expense of provements were on the cards, in- www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk 300 core users, many of whom cluding feeder lanes on the Ashford transferred to P&R stations in Will- Road where it joins Willington WWhiteheadhitehead MoncktonMonckton LimitedLimited (no.(no. 08366029),08366029), registeredregistered inin ington Street and the London Road. Street. Other plans include investi- EnglandEngland & WWales.ales. Cllr Burton said: “We have sta- gations to improve the Coldharbour RegisteredRegistered officeoffice 7722 KKinging SStreet,treet, MMaidstone,aidstone, KKent,ent, ME14ME14 1BL.1BL. bilised our park and ride offering junction of the M20. He said: “The AuthorisedAuthorised andand regulatedregulated byby thethe SolicitorsSolicitors RegulationRegulation AAuthorityuthority underunder no.no. 608279.608279. and are looking at other areas to early data from the Maidstone gy- tackle the congestion issue. How- ratory shows it is improving jour- ever, we will return to park and ride ney times.” DM/1

Malling May 2017 5 News downsmail.co.uk Drugs on path PARENTS have been warned to Park’s grieving swan be on their guard after drugs were found on an East Malling footpath. One stash contained about five tablets of chlorodiazepam, which is used to treat depression. ‘could find new love’ Walker Jackie Day found the A BROKEN-hearted swan trans- packet, took them home and ferred from Manor Park at West crushed and disposed of them. Malling following a dog attack On the next two days of her reg- may have a second chance of love. ular morning walk she found That is the hope of rescuers from empty amitriptyline packets. the Swans and Friends Bird Rescue The footpath cuts through St centre, who were called to an in- James The Great churchyard and is jured female at the country park. used by members of a weekly Unfortunately, the swan – who was mother and toddler group. found to have a six-inch wound Workers at East Malling Re- under her wing – later died, in spite search Centre also use the pathway. of efforts to save her. Swan rescuer John Potts (left)has Mrs Day said: “I’m worried Volunteer John Potts said: “It was urged dog walkers to keep their pets about children picking these up a massive dog bite that she proba- under control after a swan was killed and slipping them in their pocket.” bly sustained while defending her She posted her concern and her eggs on the water’s edge. Had it He said: “We decided to move – and it must have been a big dog – findings on the Facebook page East been a fox it would have gone for him where there are other wild Malling Matters and reported it to takes on a swan, it’s my view that the head.” swans. Although he was chased off the village community warden. they could take on a toddler too.” He added: “It would be a sur- by a male, later a female came over A spokesman for the RSPCA prise if the dog’s owners weren’t and gave him the nod and they South East added "We would urge WI party date aware of what had happened, but seemed to hit it off. We will just people to keep their dogs under sadly, they left the swan with in- AYLESFORD and Eccles WI will have to wait and see.” control when they're around juries that she never recovered He hopes that if the swans – who hold their “garden party” at the wildlife and birds. Swans, their from.” usually mate for life – pair up, the Brassey Centre in Station Road, nests and their eggs are protected Aylesford, on Wednesday, June 28, Days later the centre, which is male will take his partner back to under the Wildlife and Country- with a Swinging Sixties theme. near Twickenham, received a call to West Malling. side Act. There will be 1960s music and say that the swan’s mate was wan- In the meantime, he urged any- food and dressing up will be op- dering around the village looking one with a dog to ensure it is kept “If anyone has any information tional. For details, see the group’s for his mate. John returned to West- under control, or muzzled if off the about this incident they should facebook page or call Ann-Marie on Malling and decided to re-intro- lead. contact the RSPCA appeal line on 01622 756960. duce the cob at Wateringbury. He said: “Unfortunately, if a dog 0300 123 8018.” CLARKES FUNERAL SERVICE (R.G. KINSBURY M.M.S.Dip)

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Malling May 2017 9 downsmail.co.uk News MPs join guests to mark Control Tower show now on AN EXHIBITION of works by artists working in various mediums is now 20 years of Downs Mail on show in the Control Tower at Kings Hill. THE Downs Mail hosted a party They include atmospheric land- to celebrate 20 years of newspaper scapes by critically acclaimed pho- publishing in Maidstone and tographer David Anthony Hall Malling with a gathering of whose work has been exhibited at friends and distinguished guests. the Royal Academy of Art in the UK From left, Downs In his address at the Museum of and internationally at venues from Kent Life, the newspaper's founder Mail chairman New York to Hong Kong. and former editor Dennis Fowle Claire Procter, Visitors will also be able to see told guests: "I think the most excit- president and ‘Hubcap Creatures’ by Ptolemy El- ing memory is the way the people founder Dennis rington, who reshapes found and re- of Maidstone and Malling have Fowle and mayor cycled materials – such as shopping taken the Downs Mail to their of Maidstone Cllr trolleys, scrap metal and car wheel hearts." Derek Butler cut trims – into life forms. His daughter Claire Procter – the Downs Mail On show in the Control Tower is a now chairman of Mail Publications giant spider made from bits of petrol birthday cake Ltd – remembered the early days of strimmers, trains, shopping trolleys the business creating "wonderful backed our newest developments, nis and Claire before guests en- and computer monitor arms. and unique" newspapers that have including our Daily Downs Mail joyed ferret racing in aid of Heart Others include figurative oils by gone from strength to strength, initiative online.” of Kent Hospice and an owl display prize-winning Alice Trull, oils on with the creation of a fifth edition The Downs Mail, which is based laid on by the Kent Owl Academy. handmade linen boards by Nessie in the popular Downs Mail series in in Bearsted, is now posted through Other guests included Maidstone Ramm, wood carvings by Nicholas Novembe 2016. the doors of 85,000 homes across MPs Helen Grant and Helen Cheesman and paintings by Debo- She said: “At a time when other Maidstone and Malling each Whately, Heart of Kent Hospice rah Petch. newspapers are struggling to retain month, with more signing in to its chief executive Sarah Pugh, council The Control Tower exhibition is their readership, it is wonderful to website and enjoying its quarterly, leader Fran Wilson, Bearsted parish open 9am - 5.30pm, Monday to Fri- have a loyal and growing audience colour lifestyle magazine, Mid Kent councillors and Liberal Democrat day until the end of May. Details of that enjoys reading every issue Living. Parliamentary candidates David each artist together with an example cover to cover. Maidstone mayor Cllr Derek But- Naghi and Emily Fermor. of their work is listed on “We are also pleased to have the ler was among those to celebrate Other organisations represented http://www.kings- continued support of our advertis- the publication’s 20th anniversary, included the YMCA and Black- hill.com/live/kings-hill-art- ers who recognise this and have cutting a birthday cake with Den- thorn Trust. exhibitions/current-exhibition. VINER & SONS LTD Keith Viner

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Malling May 2017 11 News downsmail.co.uk school’s good score THE running of Mereworth Primary School has earned another “good” grade from Ofsted. It maintains the grade previously a caring and dedicated team of awarded, with much of the praise staff and governors. going to headteacher Amanda “As the headteacher, I have had Lavelle (pictured), who took over the full support of the staff and 19 months ago from Diane Moore. governors to make the necessary In his report, inspector Mark changes needed and we are in a Cole describes fantastic place to ensure we are the behaviour outstanding in every area. of the school’s “Our ‘can-do, growth mind-set 206 five- to 11- approach’ and our values-based year-olds as curriculum are at the centre of “exemplary” everything we do, enabling pupils and the work to flourish and enjoy the chal- environment as lenges in learning and the wider “a tranquil opportunities on offer at the place to learn”. school.” He added: “Miss Lavelle has a The school has just earned a Sil- very clear view about what the He said staff provided a “broad, and age-appropriate guidance ver Sing-Up Award for its music school does well and where it balanced and rich curriculum”, about what success in learning will provision and school choirs. could do even better. Her plans for with pupils taught key skills, in- look like. As a result, children make The inspector’s only suggestion improvement are ambitious and cluding art, from an early age. He good progress and achieve well.” was to ensure that the school’s as- focused on improving pupils’ out- added: “Adults are very ambitious Miss Lavelle said: “Mereworth sessment systems enabled teachers comes even further.” for children and give them clear School is a very special school with to plan even more effectively. Swinton jobs Snodland primary’s ‘caring ethos’ under threat PUPILS at a Church of making good progress as a result. WORKERS at an nationwide school in Snodland not only They are polite and friendly, and insurance firm may be under threat of redundancy. achieve well, but also acquire a car- enjoy talking about their learning. Swinton Insurance has an- ing attitude, according to a gov- Pupils are rightly proud of their nounced 900 roles in the UK ernment inspector. school and their learning and hold are at risk as it “reviews its The comment came from Ofsted a variety of roles with responsibil- branch network to meet chang- inspector Marcia Goodwin, who ity.” ing customer demands”. made a recent tour of the Church She added that an inclusive ap- Industry publication Insur- of England primary school in proach to school life, including ance Age said the broker was Roberts Road. extra interventions to assist disad- reviewing the size and struc- She said staff, under the leader- vantaged pupils, had been success- ture of its branch network as ship of head Holley Hunt, created ful, with pupils confident to talk 90% of its customers now buy an ethos and culture of nurturing about their learning and having a insurance online or over the that extended both to pupils and pride in their achievements. phone. their families. She concluded: “Pupils achieve A total of 84 branches are She added: “The strong Chris- rooms, pupils behave well, care well across the school in a range of under review – the Maidstone tian ethos is evident in all aspects about each other and feel safe. subjects, with outcomes at the end branch is in King Street. of school life. “All pupils are engaged and in- of the early years and key stages 1 Swinton has confirmed it “Around the school and in class- terested in their learning and are and 2 at or above national figures.” will now begin a formal con- sultation with all employees impacted by the proposals, adding that where possible, af- ‘Justice has prevailed’ for Lauren fected staff will be deployed into other parts of the business. THE anguish of a West Malling which led to her decision to have a These branch changes are in mum whose daughter was mur- few days break abroad. addition to the 130 closures al- dered in Qatar four years ago It’s a move that was fully sup- ready announced in February boiled over this week, with Alison ported by her friends, who say the last year. Patterson flying out of the country pressure has been incredible. Gilles Normand, chief execu- for a well-earned break. On her Facebook page, Alison tive of Swinton, said: “This It follows intense pressure on the wrote: “It has been so emotionally change is difficult for all col- mum, from Chase, who draining on the family and I am leagues, especially those who led a high-profile fight at home and feeling very emotional, but relieved are directly impacted by the in the Middle East to get justice for that the trial is now over. proposals, but is vital if we are the brutal killing of her daughter in “The family remains devastated to remain competitive in a chal- Doha. by the senseless and tragic events lenging insurance market. In the latest turn of events, the of October 2013, but due to the “While branches continue to man found guilty of fatally stab- burying her body in the desert. thoroughness of the judicial be an important part of our bing 24-year-old Lauren Patterson In an emotional message follow- process in Qatar, we now feel that multi-channel business model, learned he will face the death ing the latest court ruling, mum Al- justice has thankfully prevailed for we need to ensure that we can penalty after the country’s Court of ison, who is pictured above with Lauren. interact with customers when- Appeal called for a retrial. Lauren, admitted she was emotion- “I would like to thank all those ever, and however, they A judge has told Badr Hashim ally drained. After months seeking who have supported me during choose.” Khamis Abdallah al-Jabr he will justice for her daughter, she spoke this difficult process and request face the ultimate punishment for of being inundated with calls and that our family’s privacy be re- killing the teacher and burning and messages from the national press, spected at this time.”

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Malling May 2017 13 News downsmail.co.uk Cash for Nepal MAIDSTONE’S strong Nepalese community helped the Rotary Club of Maidstone stage a fund-raising evening at Boughton Monchelsea village hall in aid of the Nepalese Earthquake Appeal. Through Jhapat Bhujel’s café and catering services in Mangravet Avenue, they helped put on a three-course Nepalese meal for 90 guests, before entertainment from musicians and dancers. More than £1,200 was raised.

Titch inquest Warning of dog disease AN inquest into the death of a man who fell during an organised pram A MAIDSTONE group for dog from becoming infected. “depressed” with a loss of appetite race has revealed he died of a severe traumatic brain injury. lovers has warned owners to be on The devastating illness can cause a and they may start to vomit. Francis “Titch” O'Sullivan (52) suf- its guard against a deadly disease dog's flesh to rot and can ultimately In this latest outbreak, three cases fered a serious head injury at the an- sweeping the nation, four years lead to kidney failure, tiredness, have been confirmed within a 50- nual Sutton Valence pram race, on after it last appeared. vomiting and loss of appetite. mile radius of Chelmsford city cen- New Year's Day. He died in a Lon- RK9: Maidstone Borough Council If dogs displaying any of these tre. don hospital the next day. Responsible Canine Ownership symptoms are not treated urgently, Owners who spot wounds or le- The Langley resident, who often posted on its Facebook page that it they can die of a fever, reported Mi- sions on the limbs of their pet, or on served behind the bar in the George was “feeling concerned” about re- crosoft News. their dog's face, that appear to take a Inn in Leeds, was riding on a Spit- ports. It is thought that the disease is long time to heal, should make a fire-themed vehicle when it crashed. It posted: "This dreadful disease is picked up on the paws and legs on prompt visit to the vet. The father of three had served in still out there, so please be super vig- muddy walks, so dog owners are re- Alabama Rot, which was first dis- the Army as a tank driver in Prince ilant and share." minded to always wash off wood- covered in dogs in America, broke Harry's former regiment. Alabama Rot can lead to devastat- land mud, check for signs of disease out in the UK between December Thousands turned out to watch ing symptoms in all breeds of dogs and if in doubt, call the vet. 2012 and March 2013 and killed 17 the charity event, which involves and there is no way to prevent pets Dogs can also appear to become dogs. people racing in homemade prams.

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Malling May 2017 15 News downsmail.co.uk Travellers return to parish land A HIGH-level meeting is to be held following a further invasion of the borough council’s land at Leybourne by travellers. Tonbridge and Malling Council’s settling in Aylesford. chief executive and council leader Cllr Ulph said: “We are paying have agreed to meet for crisis talks £20,000 to upgrade wooden fenc- with the parish council on Friday, ing along Castle Way, which starts May 26. It is also hoped they will shortly, and Gallagher’s kindly be joined by the chief constable. brought in some bigger boulders, Leybourne Parish Council chair- but these serve only as a temporary man, Bob Ulph, said: “Given that measure to the problem.” the parish council does not own He added: “We are now prepar- this land, which has become a tar- ing a range of landscaping options get for gypsies, we have called for to safeguard the open space, which a high-level meeting to discuss we will be taking to the meeting to what can be done. get approval and financial assis- “The parish council has taken a tance from the borough council.” pro-active stance over the protec- He said one other suggestion tion of this open land, and has be- likely to be discussed would be the come all too familiar with the land being gifted to the parish process required to move travellers council, which would allow it to on. However, this is an issue for gain “private land” protection the borough and county councils Gallagher’s provided bigger boulders to deter future invasions from traveller invasion. and enough is enough. We want Cllr Ulph added: “This is one action to resolve this perma- get their caravans on the land. of this happening, we were able to way that has worked successfully nently.” Cllr Ulph said: “Unfortunately, alert the necessary authorities out at Kings Hill, where the process of It follows the arrival of three car- this was all around the weekend of hours and get things moving.” ejecting trespassers seems easier; avans prior to the bank holiday when council offices are closed, The caravans finally moved on although the cost implications for weekend, which grew to 11. Two- and there were extra problems get- Friday, May 5 – leaving behind a the parish council of maintaining tonne boulders used to protect Old ting a court hearing to evict them. trail of rubbish and excrement – to the land would need to be dis- Barn were moved by travellers to However, because of the frequency reassemble at Willow Mead before cussed fully first.” Lions serve up Road closure MOTORISTS have been warned of centenary tea roadworks off the M20 either side A HUNDRED pensioners were of the bank holiday weekend. treated to a tea party at the East The left hand slip road off the Malling Centre to mark the cente- M20 at junction 4, westbound, at nary of the Lions movement, Leybourne will be closed for four which is being celebrated by clubs nights for resurfacing. all over the world. A diversion will be in place from The party was hosted by 9pm-6am every night from Thurs- Malling Lions and there was a day, May 25 to Friday, June 2, band to entertain and, of course, apart from the bank holiday week- lots of cakes. The food was do- end, when work will be sus- nated by Tesco, whose staff also pended. went along to help at the event. A spokesman said: “We apolo- Ray Lawrence of Malling Lions, gise in advance for any inconven- said: “The result was 100 happy ience caused, but we will try to faces on a dull afternoon.” keep this to a minimum.” Primary school sweeps the board at art competition CHILDREN from St Mark’s Primary workshops in the run-up to the School, Eccles, made a clean sweep competition, with this year’s theme of prizes at the third annual Peters chosen as Why I Love My Valley: Village Tri-History Arts Competition. Our Homes, Past, Present and The competition for year five Future. pupils at primary schools in Eccles, The winners are pictured with and , was artist Colleen Dunn and launched in 2015 by Peters Village judges,Tonbridge and Malling developer Trenport, joined this year Council deputy mayor Cllr Roger by housing association Orbit, which Dalton and Tracey Crouch, who is is building 157 homes on the site. seeking re-election as MP for The results meant pupils at St Chatham and Aylesford. Mark’s shared most of the £800 The winners, all from St Mark’s, worth of cash prizes, although included: gold (£250 and certificate, Highly Commended awards were plus a £10 voucher for every were: Burham Primary - Lily Zara Immanuel, Alfie Morrell; St earned by pupils at the classmate) Lewis Allen; and silver Beresford, Lexie Brice, Karis Frost, Mark's – Zara Berwick, Daniel neighbouring village schools. (£100 and certificate) Charlie Briggs. Oliver Wotton; Wouldham Primary – Culver, Annabelle Davies, Amelie The children took part in Highly commended (£10 each) Erin Church, Jack Colvill, Ellena Giles, Devlin, Ryan Francis-Penney.

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Malling May 2017 17 News downsmail.co.uk Hospice staff put out blaze Friends work together PROMPT action by hospice staff stopped a fire from spreading at Aylesford. The small blaze broke out in the in marathon challenge chapel attached to the Heart of Kent Hospice at about 9.30am on TWO mums from Snodland, who April 24. Nobody was hurt but fur- made a pact to run the London niture and a wall were damaged. Marathon together, completed the A spokesman for the hospice 26.2 mile course and have raised nearly £5,000 for charity. said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service After last year’s event, Lauren was called to extinguish a small fire Whale asked Sue Pritchard to help at St Luke’s Chapel, Preston Hall, her train and run the marathon, as Aylesford, in the Roman Catholic one of 40 things she wanted to do Parish of St Francis. for her 40th birthday year. “The chapel is attached to Heart Sue, who had previously run in of Kent Hospice. Due to the prompt 2011, took up the challenge and the response of the hospice team and pair became part of the team for the Kent Fire and Rescue Service, the Brain Research Trust. It is a charity fire was extinguished promptly. close to Sue’s heart as her father The full extent of the damage will died in 2009 from an incurable neu- now be assessed. There was no rological condition called ataxia. damage to the main building. “It was an amazing experience,” Kent Fire and Rescue Service said Lauren, who is 40 this month. (KFRS) said that two fire engines “The support from everyone along attended the scene after being the course, including family, friends alerted at 9.32am. Hospice staff and complete strangers, was phe- ambitions and raise money for a awareness of the charity’s work. used fire extinguishers and the fire nomenal. It really helps to keep you wonderful cause along the way.” They were supported by Dame was already out when crews ar- going.” They thanked the hundreds of Kelly Holmes and Aylesford MP rived. Breathing apparatus and a Sue (45) said: “The sheer scale of people who have supported their Tracey Crouch. They even managed ventilation fan were used to help this event, and all the emotions in- fundraising through sponsorship or to appear in Sport England’s This clear the smoke and the incident volved, is truly mind-blowing. It donating their time and prizes for Girl Can TV ad campaign. was over by 10.06am. was a privilege to experience this competitions. To donate or find out more, see: The cause of the fire is not yet once again, as well as helping a Over the past seven months, Sue www.justgiving.com/fundrais- known. friend to achieve one of her lifetime and Lauren have worked to raise ing/Lauren-and-Sue-VLM2017.

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Malling May 2017 19 News downsmail.co.uk Ops cancelled in beds crisis THE number of cancelled operations caused by bed shortages at Maidstone Hospital has more than doubled since 2015, a request under freedom of information legislation has revealed. Twelve surgeries were cancelled erly grandad who is battling bowel She said her party could aim to in 2015, but this has risen sharply cancer, was left in a corridor in redirect a penny in the pound to to 31 this year alone. Maidstone Hospital overnight after plug “funding gaps” in the NHS In total, the Freedom of Informa- he had been admitted to A&E. and social care. tion Act request shows that 58 op- “Despite the tireless hard work A Maidstone and Tunbridge erations in total have been of our NHS staff, he did not get the Wells NHS Trust spokesman said: postponed in the past two years. urgent treatment he needed be- “It is sometimes necessary to post- The disturbing revelation by the cause there were not enough beds pone planned procedures during Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells available. periods of unprecedented demand NHS Trust was made by the Lib- “My grandad is not the only one. for emergency care to maintain eral Democrat parliamentary can- Our Freedom of Information re- safe services. didate for Maidstone and the quest has revealed that 31 people “To put this into context, our Weald Emily Fermor (pictured). so far this year had their surgeries hospitals carried out over 1,900 She discovered that surgeries the accuracy of the figures, it cancelled because there were not more planned procedures, and ad- cancelled due to bed availability sought to set the figures in context enough beds available, that’s an in- mitted over 4,400 more patients in rose from 12 in 2015, to 15 in 2016, of treating 100,000 patients in total. crease of 50% on the 2016 total. an emergency last year than the and 31 in 2017. Miss Fermor said: “I have expe- “Urgent funds are needed for year before – treating nearly This meant an increase of over rienced first-hand the pain caused Maidstone NHS. We cannot con- 100,000 patients in total. 50% from 2016, just five months to patients and their families of bed tinue asking the system to deliver “We are working with our health into 2017. shortages in Maidstone Hospital. more and more, without giving it and social care partners to meet Although the trust does not deny “In February this year, my eld- the resources to do so.” people’s changing health needs.” Izzy’s walk for Parkinson’s cure PARKINSON’S sucks – that is the conclusion of a youngster from Snodland whose grandad has the disease. But 11-year-old Izzy King, who is pictured right with her grandad, is determined that her devastating in- troduction to the illness will be put to good use, raising funds for a pos- sible cure. Her heart-wrenching hashtag – Friends’ leap #parkinsonssucks – and her deter- mination to walk five miles to fund research into the condition has al- for hospital ready seen a flood of donations to TWO friends are doing a sky dive her justgiving page, which beat her to raise funds for Evelina London £500 target in 24 hours. Children's Hospital. Her aunt Charlotte Nolan, from Kassie Hawkett, of Church Field, Eccles, whose father Robert Barnes Snodland, and Charlotte Kings- was diagnosed with the condition bury of Covey Hall Road, Snod- in 2015, said: “Izzy loves her Snodland to the Spitfire pub at “I want to raise money to fund land, will carry out their parachute grandad so much, and although Kings Hill, and hopes her grandad research to find a cure or make jump at Headcorn on June 24. she is so young she is aware that will be out of hospital by June 10 to tablets to help slow the disease. It's Kassie (23), who works at Happy currently there is no cure. watch her cross the finish line. probably too late to make my Feet Day Nursery at Holmesdale “She came up with the idea of a She will be walking with her grandad better now, but we can School, Snodland did a sky dive sponsored walk to fund more re- mum Lucy and some of the fam- still help other people suffering last year with window cleaner Bub- search into finding a cure. We’re so ily’s 10 dogs, which helped Izzy from this horrible disease.” bles (Graham Ballard), of Kent proud of her and we’ve been so win the title of Under 12 groom at She added: “If grandad is out of Crufts last year. hospital he'll come on his scooter Road, Halling, and they raised chuffed to have had so many dona- Izzy said: “It’s horrible to watch and cross the finish line with me.” more than £2,400 for research into tions, including one anonymously my grandad suffering every day; To support Izzy’s efforts go to cancer. for £100.” Izzy, who attends Snodland CE he even struggles to put his shoes www.justgiving.com/fundrais- Charlotte (25) works at Kent on now and it’s so sad to see. ing/Izabellaking. County Supplies, and is the daugh- Primary School, will walk from ter and granddaughter of Simon and Bob Kingsbury, who own Clarkes Funeral Service in Snod- Pallet blaze rages all night Summer fete land High Street. FIREFIGHTERS tackled a large fire crews responded within six FUN for all the family is prom- There will be sponsorship forms "uncontrolled" fire at a commercial minutes. A Kent Fire and Rescue ised at Ryarsh School PTA’s at Snodland Working Men's Club, unit in Church Road, Offham. Service spokesman said: "Fire summer fete on Saturday, June in Holborough Road, where they They used a JCB digger to make a crews are using a hose reel and 10, from 1pm to 3pm. hope to hold a fun day to raise fire break as 30 tonnes of wood using a JCB to make a fire break, to This is a particularly special money. They can be contacted at burned through the night at the site stop the fire spreading. event for the school as it is cel- www.justgiving.com/fundrais- in Church Road. “The uncontrolled bonfire in- ebrating its 75th anniversary The 999 call was received at volves approximately 30 tonnes of ing/KassieHawkett-CharlotteK- this year. ingsbury. about 9pm on Tuesday, May 9, and pallets and conifers.”

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Malling May 2017 21 News downsmail.co.uk Pervert used cameras to spy on his victims A MAN from West Malling rigged prison for the five offences, Judge covert cameras at two houses to James said the victims had been vi- film the occupants for his own olated by Wynne videoing and sexual gratification has been copying images of them and he had jailed for two-and-a-half years. caused a great deal of upset and Print works Fifty-year-old Stuart Wynne, an stress. audio-visual expert from Rugby Wynne has been made the subject demolition Walk, Kings Hill, was told by Judge of a 10-year sexual harm prevention WORK on dismantling struc- Simon James that his voyeurism in- order and placed on the Sex Of- tures at Aylesford Newsprint volved a significant degree of plan- fenders’ Register for 10 years. can now begin – three years ning and a callous abuse of trust. Investigating officer Detective after the closure of the factory. Canterbury Crown Court heard Constable Julia Pettman said: Administrators have been on Friday, April 28, that Wynne had “Wynne used his professional skills given permission by Tonbridge been charged with 16 offences of as an audio visual specialist to rig and Malling Council to demol- voyeurism dating from 1998 to 2015 two houses with hidden cameras so ish the buildings which domi- – all of which he denied. On trial in he could film people for his own nated the landscape around March, he was convicted of five of- Discs were later recovered at the sexual gratification. Some of these Aylesford and Larkfield. fences and cleared of the other 11. house in Hoath showing images of offences dated back almost 20 years Conditions have been im- The court heard Wynne rigged up Wynne’s victims bathing, shower- and I hope Wynne’s sentence is a posed, including limiting hours covert cameras in the bathrooms of ing, using the toilet and having sex. stark reminder to sexual offenders of work and providing histori- two houses, one in Beltinge, Herne Police were alerted in December that Kent Police will investigate all cal records of the buildings, as Bay, and one in Hoath. 2014 and the defendant was arrested allegations, no matter how long ago well as protecting trees and At the Beltinge property, cameras on suspicion of voyeurism. He said they were committed.” footpaths. were hidden in the main bathroom, he installed the cameras because he Paying paid tribute to the victims, The 100-acre site, on the New under the sink in the downstairs toi- suspected the owners were taking she added: “Wynne’s conduct was Hythe Business Park, closed in let, and in a ceiling fan and an infra- drugs, although during an early po- unforgivable and his actions have March 2015 with the loss of 230 red alarm case in a spare bedroom. lice interview he admitted secretly blighted the lives of his victims, yet jobs and is set to be redeveloped In Hoath, his cameras were con- filming people for his own sexual they have shown great bravery by with homes and businesses. cealed behind mirrors in the main gratification. coming forward and giving evi- and en suite bathrooms. Sentencing him to 30 months in dence.”

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22 Malling May 2017 May/June 2017 Serving local people, businesses & events in Addington, Birling, East Malling, Kings Hill, Larkfield, Leybourne, Mereworth, Offham, Ryarsh, , West Malling Village hall needs bags of cash SHOPPERS are being asked to help raise short of the target. As Malling Mail went to press, the hall funds for West Malling’s award-winning Chairman Chris Gosney said: “Tesco have management committee members were village hall. agreed that we can use their Bags of Help hoping for news from assessors from Action Money is needed to foot the bill of in-store scheme to raise the rest and we are with Communities in Rural Kent (ACRK) £8,000 to £10,000 for urgent repairs to the currently one of three projects featured in that the village hall had reached the main roof of the building which is in regular the store in West Malling High Street. If, required standard to be awarded a Level use by community groups. when you are shopping in the store, you 3 Hallmark Award. The hall has already The committee of volunteers has could manage to ask at the checkout for gained Levels 1 and 2 awards, and Level obtained a grant of about £2,000 from one of the blue tokens and post it in our 3 is the highest available and relates to the County Cllr Trudy Dean, but is still away box, then we would be most grateful.” way in which a hall is run. Helping to get Larkfield Together CONCERNS OVER A LARKFIELD woman who wants to bring the SCHOOL ADMISSIONS community spirit back to the area, is calling on fellow PEOPLE have been urged to send in their views on villagers to join in. the proposed federation of Brookfield Infant and Mrs Jackie Hirsch, a member of Larkfield Women’s Junior Schools. Group, called a successful first meeting to set up Opening in September, the scheme would mean Larkfield Together which was attended by 40 people. there would be one executive headteacher and single Now she is planning a meeting to get a social governing body, with a senior leadership structure in committee together to organise events. each school. Both schools would retain their separate She would like to see regular events bringing identity in respect of budget, admissions, performance neighbours and residents together, such as a picnic in the park during the tables and Ofsted inspections. August bank holiday which could involve groups and organisations from the The proposals were outlined at a parents’ drop in village. meeting but concerns were raised about the infant She said: “I would like to see everyone involved with maybe a dog show, a school being over-subscribed for the first time this cake stall, and a football competition. There are six estates in Larkfield and year. County Cllr Trudy Dean said that 22 children, for they all seem to be their own entity – I want to bring us together as one whom Brookfield was their first preference, have been village and get the community spirit back.” turned away. They included six who are thought to Jackie, who has lived in Larkfield for 40 years, said: It’s really exciting. I was have a sibling link. very pleased with the response to the appeal in the Downs Mail. We had put While supporting the proposed federation, Cllr 20 chairs out and then twice as many people turned up so we had to quickly Dean has taken up the issue of admissions with Jared find more seats. We decided to form a social committee to organise events Nehra, Area Education Officer. She urged KCC to and in the longer term we would like some form of community centre. consider expanding the school as a matter of urgency “The meeting was very successful and lots of people wanted to be involved, to enable it to take at least the pupils who have older as they agreed that Larkfield’s once community feel has long been lost. Quite siblings in the junior school and Larkfield pupils who a few residents hardly even know their immediate neighbours. have been unsuccessful. A temporary mobile classroom was suggested as the school’s preferred “Enough people came forward to form a committee with many offers of option to accommodate them. help, and we are hoping to organise our first committee meeting towards the end of May, when we will decide what social event we wish to start with. In her response to the consultation, Cllr Dean said: “I think an executive head will strengthen the focus on “I would have been happy to start with a good old fashioned summer fete, teaching and learning, and the federation will but this may be a bit ambitious at this late stage. However, a picnic in the facilitate inter school co-operation in teacher park event at the August bank holiday may be more manageable.” professional development and cross year working.” Larkfield Women’s Group meets 8pm on Wednesdays at Church Farm, Written responses to the federation proposals should New Hythe Lane. New members are always welcome. be sent to Rachel Pearson, Clerk to the Governors, c/o To contact Jackie, email [email protected] or call 07563 School Office, Brookfield Infant school, Swallow 196479. Road, Larkfield, or email clerk@brookfield- infant.kent.sch.uk. Closing date is June 9. A Malling Action Partnership publication What’s On Malling & district clubs, societies & activities

IT IS never too late to make a fresh start by taking up new in the area in 2017. So if you would like your group activities or making new friends. The many clubs and organisations or event to be included, please send her all the information, in the Malling Action Partnership area cater for including your contact details. a wide range of interests and offer a warm welcome to Please let her know as far in advance as possible so that it may newcomers, so why not give them a try? Details of regular be possible to avoid clashes and maximise the attendances at each meetings are listed on this page. event. Mary Rayner collates our community diary with details of Details should be emailed to [email protected] various groups and is also compiling a list of special events or call 07772 318330.

Saturday May 20 tent, archery, live music, hog Trottiscliffe Garden Safari availability. Tickets are currently Summer Concert – Music in the roast and much, much more to Contact 01732 824530 for £12. Concessions are £10 and Royal British Legion Village. All entertain all the family, from 1 to further details and if you wish to school children admitted free. 5pm. This year the chosen welcome to RBLI’s free summer open your garden or host teas. Saturday July 15 concert held in the beautiful charities are Kent Air Ambulance Saturday July 1 Open Air Concert. St Peter and Garden of Honour, Aylesford. and Leybourne Grange Riding St Paul, Leybourne, presents Starts at 2.30pm. School for the Disabled. East Malling Singers - Music from Danny as Michael Jackson. Friday May 26 the deep south of America to the Saturday June 27 Fundraising open air concert, in Afternoon Tea in Trottiscliffe deep south of Africa. John Mereworth Village Fete starts at the grounds of Leybourne Castle, village hall, 2.30pm. Rutter's Feel The Spirit and Songs 2pm in the Queen Elizabeth for the church’s improvement All welcome. of a Rainbow Nation. All Field, The Street. Attractions concerts begin at 7.30pm and fund. Gates open at 5pm, Saturday May 27 include a grand draw, tombola, take place in the Church of St Children’s entertainment from East Malling Grand Stamp Fair children’s games and entertainer, James the Great, Church Walk, 6pm, tribute act from 7.30pm. refreshments and lots of stalls. will be held at East Malling East Malling, by kind permission Saturday July 15 and 22 village hall, New Road, East Ample free parking, access via of the vicar and church wardens. East Malling Research Station Malling, 9.30am to 3.30pm. the gate off the A228. Tickets are available from Sue Music Club Free admission and everyone Sunday June 25 Greenham. Ring 01622 750943 Straight Eight Plus: An evening of welcome.There will be 14 West Malling Farmers’ Market or email mixed choral music directed by dealers’ tables in the large hall from 9.30am to 1.30pm, High [email protected]. Peter Brice. From 7.30pm at and stamp displays on the stage, Street, West Malling. uk . Tickets can also be Pilsdon Barn, Water Lane, West as well as refreshments and free June 25 purchased on the door subject to Malling. car parking. Sunday May 28 West Malling Farmers’ Market Local clubs and societies have from 9.30am to 1.30pm, High their regular meetings as follows Street, West Malling. Sunday May 28 and June 25 East Malling Singers rehearse Malling Stamp Club meets on the Mereworth church on Wednesday evenings, 8pm second Tuesday of every month at children’s choir meets every The Twitch Heritage Centre, to 10pm, at St James the Great the Clout Institute, West Malling Wednesday. The children’s choir Douce’s Manor, St. Leonard’s Church, East Malling. High Street, at 7.30pm. is a free after- school group which Street, West Malling, will be rehearses at 6.30pm. Parents open from 11am to 4pm. Kings Hill Rotary meets every East Malling Women’s Institute welcome. Conductor: Stephen Visitors, please note - Douce’s Monday at 7.30pm at the Spitfire meets at the East Malling Institute Manor is a private residence; pub. behind the King and Queen pub Thomas, 01732 321114. Y1 and up – no need to pre-book. the house and grounds are not Chip Productions Drama Group on the third Monday of every open to the public. Parking on meets Fridays at 7.30pm at West month, 7.45pm to 9.45pm. Addington Bridge Club meets St. Leonard’s Street. Malling village hall. LeyARA meets on the second every Tuesday from 7pm in the Thursday of the month at 2pm sports pavilion, Park Road. Tuesday June 13 Malling Photographic Society at the Leybourne Village Hall. meets every Tuesday at West Junior ParkRun East Malling Research Station Speaker, raffle and refreshments. Music Club presents Piano Malling village hall at 8pm. The Manor Park, West Malling, Wizards: Mary Methuen’s prize- The Heath Players meet Crafty Chin-waggers. Craft and Junior ParkRun starts at 9am winners on her Steinway Grand. at the East Malling Institute, Mill chat meeting on the 3rd with a series of 2k runs for Jinah Shim will play Beethoven’s Street, at 8pm on Fridays. Tuesday of the month. 19:30 to children aged four to14, every Pastoral Sonata Op.28 and 23:00 in the Village Hall, Sunday. Malling Rotary meets Tuesdays Butchers Lane, Mereworth. Liszt’s Ballade No.2 in Bm. at 6.30pm at Spadework, Adult 5k runs Xiaoyun Lim will entertain with Road, Offham. Craft and chat group Leybourne Lakes Country Park, Haydn’s Fm variations, two Drop-in. Wednesdays, 10am to Spadework Farmers’ Market is on Larkfield. Adult 5k runs are held Debussy preludes, Chopin’s noon, East Malling Centre, East every Saturday, starting at 9am. Scherzo No.3 and the second Saturday of the month Malling. Rachmaninoff’s Etude Op39 from 10am to 1pm at Spadework, The runs are free of charge. All Teston Road. For more details, see Malling Art Society meets every no9. you need to do is register your www.spadework.net. Thursday at Offham village hall, Starts at 7.30pm at Pilsdon Barn, 8pm to 10pm. details at: Water Lane, West Malling. Malling Community Choir meets www.parkrun.org.uk/register every Tuesday at West Malling Malling District U3A Monthly Count 2 13 Bridge Club plays Saturday June 10 Baptist Church, 7.15pm to meetings are held at Ryarsh Offham Farmers’ Market, from 8.45pm. £2 per adult, children village hall, starting at 2pm, on at Offham village hall every 10am to1pm. free. the fourth Tuesday of the month Wednesday at 7.15pm. Details Spadework Nursery, Teston throughout the year. Angela 01732 874928. Wateringbury Flower Club Road, West Malling. meets every third Wednesday of Baby and toddler group meets Malling District Lions Club Saturday June 17 the month (with the exception every Wednesday at St James the meet every third Monday in Ryarsh Village Fete of June) at The Institute Hall, Great, East Malling. Lots of fun for the month in Wealden Hall, There will be all the traditional East Malling, doors open at all children and babies. Starts at Larkfield at 8pm. www.malling fete events - coconut shy, beer 7.00pm for start at 7.45pm. 1.30pm. lionsclub.moonfruit.com EastEasst MallinMallingg CCommunityommunnity FFayreaayyre & MMallinMallingng Rotaryry present...present...t....

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• BETH’S DOG SHOSHOWW & COMPETITION • KID’S RIDES • • GAMES & AMUSEMENTS • RAFFLE & TOMBOLA • Where I live... West Malling Parish Council Village Green The parish council is most contact the parish clerk on 01732 870872 weekends at Macey’s Meadow continue grateful to Peter Cosier for his thoughtful for further information. throughout the summer on the following planting and care throughout the seasons to Macey's Meadow Despite the wet and dates: May 6 and 20; June 3rd and 17; July our Village Green. Visitors and shoppers chilly April evening, a group of enthusiasts 1, 15 and 29; August 12 and 26, from often enjoy a pleasant lunchtime break enjoyed the Bat Watch and Bird Song Walk 10am to 12 noon. Helpers are needed to sitting on the seat. Is there anyone that at Macey's Meadow, Noman Road. The could give Peter a hand in pulling up the keep the growth under control and all tools odd weed and trimming plants? It is not interesting walk through the meadow are provided. Meet at the container near hard work or a big commitment, but one concluded in the bird song at dusk. the mixed woodland. Follow their progress that would be much appreciated. Please Working parties Volunteer working party on Facebook and Twitter.

WEST MALLING NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN Have your say on retirement HELP NEEDED IN SHAPING OUR FUTURE village plan COULD you help shape West Malling over the next 15 to 20 A PROPOSAL for a retirement However the application is an years? West Malling Parish Council is looking for volunteers to village of more than 70 outline one only and therefore put together the Neighbourhood Plan. You may have particular apartments and “cottages” was the details of such things as skills that would be really valuable or you may just be overwhelmingly opposed by parking, and building design interested in how the town develops and the need to protect the 40-plus people who provided by the developer its unique features. attended a public meeting were for illustrative purposes Neighbourhood Plans, once adopted by the borough council, arranged by West Malling only. Parish Council on April 18 at are part of the statutory planning framework and can be used The parish council, which is a West Malling Primary School. to decide where and what type of development should consultee on the application, happen. Members of the public has responded to the borough The plan can look at things such as housing; provision for objected to the use of Green council that it opposes the businesses to set up or expand; transport including cycling; Belt land for housing, and felt application on the basis that protection and creation of green spaces; renewable energy and there were enough properties there is no demonstrated community facilities. to cater for retired people in community need for housing of The Neighbourhood Plan cannot conflict with the borough’s West Malling already. this type to justify development Local Plan (currently in draft) but it can include additional A number of residents said of Green Belt land where it policies such as standards of design. the greatest housing need in would be an inappropriate use. Understanding the views and needs of the community is a big West Malling was for affordable Richard Selkirk, chairman of part of the neighbourhood planning process so there will be housing for younger families. the planning committee, urged extensive engagement and consultation with those living and Objections also related to the residents to send their views to working in West Malling. size and design of the Tonbridge and Malling Council, If you think you’d like to help or would just like to know apartment blocks proposed for quoting reference more, please contact WMPC clerk Claire Christmas on 01732 the London Road site. TM//17/0509. 870872 [email protected]

Larkfield litter pick CanCan youyou Join us on Wednesday, June 28, at 10.30am from Parish Offices, Church Farm, New Hythe Lane. Refreshments at the end. All help? welcome. We are a merry bunch! help?

LOCAL CONTACTS Supported by Trudy Dean, Malling Action Partnership chairman Pothole E: [email protected] reporting – T: 01732 843 119 T: 08458 247800 What could be nicer than chatting to passers-by, could strolling along your ancient make it even more pleasant. Citizens Advice Bureau – Travel Enquiries Village Green to the shops, Without any hard work or T: 01732 440488 Trains – T: 08457 484950 looking at the flowers and commitment. I would greatly Tonbridge & Malling Nu-Venture Buses – sitting on the seat for lunch? appreciate a bit of this kind of Borough Council main T: 01622 882288 Pulling up the odd weed, switchboard – Arriva Buses – trimming badly behaved and help on the flowerbed. T: 01732 844522 T: 0871 200 22 33 rude shoots of plants and Peter Cosier FUN! DANCING SINGING & ACTING

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Malling May 2017 23 News downsmail.co.uk Messy church Mike devoted to saving MESSY Church at St Peter’s and St Paul’s, in Aylesford, will next meet on Friday, June 2. It will be taking place from 4.15pm abandoned terrapins to 6.15pm in the Brasssey Centre, Sta- tion Road, Aylesford. LEGIONS of abandoned pet tur- of the UK. She said: “I feel sorry for This is a chance for families to enjoy tles are living in our lakes and them but I wish we had more story time, crafts, singalong and shar- rivers where they become prone to room.” ing of a simple meal, but children disease and starvation and are a Mike said: “People hand them in must be accompanied to the event. threat to wildlife. because they can’t look after them There is a small charge of £1 per Bought as children’s pets while and fishermen find them in lakes child on the day. brightly-coloured babies no bigger and rivers. I have just got one from Organisers say that the Messy than a 50p coin, they grow to din- Bluewater – someone found it Church date “is becoming an in- ner-plate size and are dumped by walking on the side of the road. A creasingly popular event and families owners who mistakenly think it is lot are dumped in Mote Park. are welcome to go along and join in kind to release them into the wild. “People think terrapins are lovely the fun and celebration”. Hundreds have ended up being presents for children. But they cared for at the Turtle Sanctuary at grow to about 40cm and can live Staplehurst, which was set up by for 30 years. Some people get rid of Rogue traders Mike Butcher in his back garden. them because they have got too big POLICE are investigating after an Mike, pictured, now has 1,000 or because they think they smell.” elderly Maidstone woman paid for a from someone on Facebook who roof restoration - but was told days terrapins, or freshwater turtles, in was giving it away. I found they Dumped in the wild, the crea- tanks and ponds behind his home tures can become diseased, blind later it needed more work. were being abandoned worldwide. Officers warned that rogue traders in Green Hill and hopes to raise I took in more and I started build- and deformed through poor diet overcharge for unnecessary work, money to set up a charity so that he ing ponds. There are three large and conditions, and can strip a wa- damage property deliberately to get can rescue even more. ponds and tanks in the garden and terway of fish, newts and frogs, and The 37-year-old has been fasci- tanks in every room. even young waterfowl. money or leave work unfinished. nated with terrapins since child- “My dream is to build a big sanc- Mike said: “I don’t re-home Inspector Jody Gagan-Cook said: hood when he was a fan of the tuary, but we need more donations. them. I just want to look after them. “Anyoneneeding work done should Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He To register as a charity we need We run a sanctuary. We take them obtain two or three quotes from rep- began taking them in six years ago £5,000 a year and we are lucky to them in and keep them until they utable companies." when he became concerned about get £40.” die of old age. We only ask for a do- Call Kent Police appeals line on people dumping them. Mike’s mum Denise (62) helps to nation.” To make a donation go to 01622 604100 or email west.divi- Mike , who is looking for crowd- care for the turtles, which arrive www.justgiving.com/crowdfund- [email protected] funding, said: “I got the first one from throughout Kent and the rest ing/denise-butcher lice.uk.

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Malling May 2017 25 News downsmail.co.uk Helping to save Molly rewarded for her the water vole VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help look for water voles in Kent commitment to village following a rapid decline in their numbers. IF it’s enthusiasm you seek, then dog show and the village fair, which In May, wildlife charity People’s one villager has put her energy to became a significant event from Trust for Endangered Species is good use – earning the coveted 1981-94, raising money for the pri- asking for helpers to record all community award from the Kent mary school and church. sightings and signs of the endan- Association of Local Councils. She edited the monthly Ulcombe gered little creature. Molly Poulter was nominated for Parish Newsletter and partly wrote The species has experienced the the KALC title in recognition of her Ulcombe's Story, an illustrated 255- most dramatic decline of any wild “hard work, commitment, and en- page history of the village, which mammal in the thusiasm” which has been the inspi- was distributed to villagers. over the last century. ration for dozens of successful Peter Titchener, chairman of Ul- As part of a national programme, Kent residents are asked to survey projects over the last 50 years. combe Parish Council, said: “Mrs a pre-selected river bank site Now 84, her achievements include Poulter is one of those very rare peo- throughout May. helping to raise more than £1m for ple who succeed in transforming a Once completed, the volunteers the Heart of Kent Hospice, Ayles- community, for the benefit of every- will be asked report any findings ford, and instigating community one, through their vision, hard work back to conservation experts at the groups and events with appeal to and enthusiasm. Although she is trust. It is the third year the survey everyone from horse fans to dog now in her 84th year she continues, and Ulcombe History Society – or- has been done. owners, young mums to church- indefatigably, with all of her current ganising talks and coach trips for Water voles were once a common goers. activities in spite of her deteriorating both every year. sight along river banks and water- Mrs Poulter moved to Ulcombe in In recent years, she founded the health and has just published her ways, but numbers have declined 1966 and, in spite of having two Friends of All Saints' Church and, as memoirs.” due to pollution, changing agricul- small children and her husband Bill a former churchwarden, the deanery The self-published book, “Of Such tural methods and the impact of at work, tirelessly set about instigat- synod representative for All Saints' Things”, is a diary detailing her life. non-native American mink. ing community projects and raising Church and Lay Chair of the North The award was presented at the It lives in rivers, streams and money for good causes. Downs Deanery Synod, Molly re- council’s annual parish meeting and ditches, around ponds and lakes Her work has embraced organisa- mains actively involved on the formally, by the High Sheriff of and in marshes, reedbeds and areas tions in her village all around the Parochial Church Council. Kent, George Jessel. They are pic- of wet moorland. Maidstone area. According to Ulcombe Parish tured here. He congratulated her on To find out more or take part in At home, she started a playgroup, Council, which nominated Molly for her achievements and presented her the monitoring programme, visit the baby-sitting group, the village the award, she helped re-start and with a book about Kent and its Lieu- www.ptes.org/watervoles hall committee, the Friendship Club then run the Ulcombe horse show, tenancy.

26 Malling May 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Flytippers traced and fined TWO flytippers who dumped rubbish in country lanes in Malling after being paid to dispose of it have each been ordered to pay more than £1,000. Richard Mayhew, of , de- in April, 2016, and two days later in nied flytipping at Magis- Brook Lane, Snodland, Sevenoaks trates court but was found guilty. Magistrates court heard. The court heard that Mayhew, Tonbridge and Malling Council owner of Rusty’s scrap metal collec- officers traced the waste from both tion and waste removal, collected places back to a house in Larkfield, waste including a mattress, bed base, and the householder confirmed that wooden joists, pictures, black sacks they had paid Ashley to dispose of and other household rubbish, from the waste. a house in Wateringbury in March He was fined £600 for each offence last year. A few days later, a Ton- with £700 legal costs, £308 clear- bridge and Malling Council officer up/compensation costs and a victim found fly-tipped waste in Old surcharge of £60 for each offence. Chatham Road, off Blue Bell Hill. Robert Styles, the borough coun- Items were traced back to the cil’s director of street scene, said: house in Wateringbury and the “Fly-tipping is a crime – it is anti householder confirmed the details of he is registered as a scrap dealer bridge and Malling Council, Elliott social, unsightly and hazardous and the waste carrier she had paid to dis- with the borough council. Ashley, of Sheerness, who dumped will not be tolerated in Tonbridge pose of them. Mayhew was fined £420 with £650 a trampoline, children’s toys and and Malling. The estimated cost of An Environment Agency public legal costs, £183 clear-up/compensa- fencing and household waste, was clearing up fly-tipping for 2015-2016 register check confirmed that neither tion costs and a victim surcharge of ordered to pay more than £1,600. was £31,860 – money that would Mayhew nor Rusty’s were listed as £42. He admitted flytipping in have been much better spent on registered waste carriers. However, In a separate prosecution by Ton- Water Road, Trottiscliffe, services for our residents.” Music in park ST PETER’s and St Paul’s Church Vandalised defibrillator is replaced members are holding a Music in A DEFIBRILLATOR on Woodlands the Park event in the walled garden Road, Ditton has been replaced at The Friars, Aylesford on Satur- after it was vandalised three day, July 8. months ago. There will be a variety of music Tonbridge and Malling Cllr Ben from the 1950s to the present, Walker, was involved with other played by Ray’s Relics, from 7pm members of the community in the to 10pm and gates will open at effort to get the original 6pm. Take your own picnic, drinks, equipment installed. chairs and rugs. He said: “This is the only 24/7, Tickets are £5 for adults, £2 for community accessible defibrillator children, and can be obtained from in our village, making Ditton a safer Aline on 01622 716608/07771 and better community to live in. 636872, Ann on 07981 002623, or at Vandals who attack life-saving the gate. equipment endanger the lives the defibrillator is there to save.” Stamp fair He is pictured with Ditton Cllr Tom Cannon. THE next East Malling Grand Stamp Fair will be held at the vil- lage hall in New Road, from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday, May 27. Fourteen dealers will have tables in the large hall and there will be stamp displays on the stage. There Police destroy seized scooter will also be refreshments and free car parking. A SCOOTER being ridden in an quently destroyed.” Admission is free and everyone “antisocial” manner in Ditton Kent Police Sergeant Joanne welcome. Call 01474 325507. has been seized and destroyed Mott, of the Tonbridge and by Kent Police. Malling Community Safety Unit Officers were called to Ditton said: “Kent Police will not toler- Plants for sale Court Quarry, where two people ate anti-social behaviour and in A WIDE range of flowering and were seen driving the bike. particular vehicles used to cause vegetable plants will be available at A Kent Police statement said: alarm and or distress to other a plant sale in the car park at the “They were then reported to members of the public which is Brassey Centre, Station Road, have driven it onto Ditton Recre- why we took action to seize this Aylesford, on Saturday, June 3. ation Ground and on the foot- scooter and have it destroyed. The Saturday market will be paths leading into Pear Tree “I would always encourage holding its summer special at the Avenue. anyone who witnesses anti-so- same time, so there will be stalls, “Police attended and located cial behaviour to report it by raffle, tombola and refreshments. the scooter which had been calling Kent Police on 101. Proceeds from both events go to abandoned. Following en- “Remember in an emergency St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church, quiries, the scooter was subse- always call 999.” Aylesford.

Malling May 2017 27 News downsmail.co.uk River festival plan scuppered

MAIDSTONE’S popular river fes- stone, but this has been ignored.” thing and we had even lined up vol- idents and visitors to the River Med- tival has been cancelled – with the Mark Smurthwaite, secretary of unteers from McDonald’s to clear way.” blame laid at the door of the bor- the Medway River Users’ Associa- rubbish,” added Mr Smurthwaite. He added: “If the organisers are ough council. tion, added: “People in the council “We are at a loss as to why the keen on having a festival, a change Organisers say the council’s “in- do not want the festival. council doesn’t like the event. It cer- of date could have been an option. competence” in arranging repair “I don’t know why, because it pro- tainly doesn’t cause trouble, even This would have also given the or- work, which has closed the river- motes the town. People come from though people are drinking by the ganisers time to refine their plans, front’s towpath until late August, is far and wide for the event.” river all day long. But we are already submitting all necessary licence ap- behind the decision to axe the event, The free Maidstone River Festival working on next year’s event and we plications and working with Maid- held at the end of July for the last 47 was set to include raft races, live will be back big-time.” stone’s Safety Advisory Group to years, with the occasional exception. music and an illuminated boat pa- Maidstone Council’s Matt Roberts ensure people can enjoy a safe and The Boaters say the rade, followed by fireworks. The said: “It is unfortunate that the River well-run event in the surroundings dedicated organising committee are charity raft races had already raised Festival organisers have decided not of the improved river path. frustrated by the lack of vision by the £1,500, which will be returned to the to hold the event and I am surprised “MBC is happy to provide guid- borough council, adding: “The teams that had paid the entry fee. by the comment that this is due to ance to the organisers should they council has a plan that highlights the “The festival would not have cost the towpath works; these improve- wish to arrange a date change or use of the river to promote Maid- Maidstone Borough Council any- ments will be of great benefit to res- plan a River Festival for next year.” Police cadets on parade MORE than 100 young people have new recruits. Applications for the passed their Kent Police cadet Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme training. opened last year for young people Assistant Chief Constable Tony aged between 13 to 17-years-old, Blaker and Police and Crime from all communities across Kent, Commissioner Matthew Scott including those vulnerable to crime congratulated the cadets at a and social exclusion. parade at Kent Police Training ACC Blaker and PCC Matthew School. Scott are pictured here with new Cadet ambassador, and cadets Amy Carter and Chloe Paralympian ski guide, Charlotte Newbury as well as Charlotte Evans Evans, attended to congratulate the MBE. ARTIFICIAL UPTO 20% GRASS SALE OFF

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28 Malling May 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Roads closures Decades of loyal service TWO of Downs Mail’s sales team have been celebrating two decades with the business – in the same year the newspaper turned 20 years old. Jo-Anne Brown for civic parade and Natasha Bastone both MOTORISTS will be delayed by  Mill Street joined Mail the closure of more than a dozen  Bishops Way Publications Ltd in streets in Maidstone for the tradi-  Knightrider Street 2007. tional Civic and Freedom Parade.  College Road To mark their The borough council has apolo-  Old College Horseway closed achievement, gised ahead of the parade and civic from 6am to 1pm company service for any inconvenience  Jubilee Square and Bank Street Chairman Claire caused by the road closures, which closed 9am to 5pm Procter presented take place from from 10.30am to The Mill Street car park will also the pair with a 12.30pm, on Saturday, May 20. be closed until 1 pm. bunch of flowers The historic parade, where some The parade will be led by the and engraved will march with fixed bayonets, Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas pens. starts in Maidstone town centre at and will incorporate the inaugura- Jo and Natasha are pictured here on Bearsted Green, just a stone’s 11.15am, with the Civic Service at tion of the new Mayor of Maid- throw from the Mail Publications Ltd offices. All Saints’ Church at noon. Rolling stone, Cllr Malcolm Greer, who road closures will be used where will later ride through the town in a possible, affecting: horse drawn carriage. Union Jack  Sandling Road at its junction flags are to be handed out. Aled is back at Leeds Castle with the White Rabbit roundabout A spokesman for Maidstone  ALED Jones has been lined up to host the Leeds Castle Classical Station Road Council said: “Roads will only be Concert this summer. It is the second year running that he will be  St Faith’s Street closed to allow the formation and  presenting the event, this year on Saturday, July 8. Week Street safe passage of the parade, not for Event director Richard Millward said: “He will be acting more as  High Street the full length of time. Because of the event host this year, interacting with the performers on stage  King Street security implications, parking re- and with the audience.”  Wyke Manor Road junction with strictions along the route will be Aled swept to fame in the 80s as one of the world's most success-  King Street tightly enforced. ful boy sopranos and for the Christmas hit Walking In The Air from  Bank Street “Residents, visitors and mo- the cartoon The Snowman.  Pudding Lane junction with torists passing through the town The concert line-up includes Royal Philharmonic Orchestra con- High Street centre will be delayed on the morn- ducted by John Rigby, singing sensations the Patriot Girls, soprano  Lower High Street junction with ing and the Council apologises for Katie Bird and tenor Anthony Flaum. High Street any inconvenience caused.” All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates • Logs • Salt • Top Soil • Turf • Sand & Ballast Free Delivery All Bags £40 Bulk Bag Waste Collection www.allloads.co.uk email:[email protected]

Malling May 2017 29 downsmail.co.uk Health Measures to avert GP crisis PLANS to avert a crisis due to a shortage of GPs in the area have been revealed to Downs Mail. This follows publication of a which includes Maidstone and “This will provide opportunities study which shows 40% of GPs in Malling. for greater innovation and for clini- Kent plan to leave general practice Dr Bob Bowes, chairman of the cians to develop their skills and we in the next five years. budget-holding, GP-led NHS West are hopeful this will attract new re- Already many patients are in dif- Kent Clinical Commissioning cruits to the profession. ficulties. A local NHS consultation Group, told Downs Mail the survey “The CCG is developing initia- meeting was told by a member of results were concerning but not tives to analyse workforce gaps for Maidstone Hospital A&E staff that surprising. It reflected the national GPs and practice staff, promote pressures on the department were scene. training and education, and ensure largely caused because the public He said: “West Kent CCG is cur- there is a sustainable and flexible either could not register with a GP rently undertaking a full audit of workforce to meet future popula- or a timely appointment was im- GP premises to decide where fu- tion needs. possible. ture local investment is needed to “Other projects to reduce pres- In neighbouring Swale the Iwade ensure premises are fit for purpose sures on GPs, and make sure pa- practice should have five GPs – and one vacancy and 40% are short of and patients can get more tailored tients across our area have access to there are none. nurses. local care. the right care in the right place, in- A study by Kent Local Medical This is at a time when the Kent “We are also looking at how we clude training medical assistants to Committee shows most of the 40% population is increasing rapidly – can provide care differently by process paperwork more effec- planning to leave will be retiring, and the number of people over 65 sharing services across a number of tively to free-up GP time, promot- and there are not enough young re- will grow by 25% in the next few GP practices working in ‘clusters’, ing recruitment and retention cruits to replace them. years. or combining GP and hospital serv- schemes and increasing the use of Of the 250 Kent surgeries sur- About one third of the respond- ices as we are proposing in Eden- technology for patients to book and veyed, half already have at least ing surgeries are in West Kent, bridge. cancel appointments online.” CPR scheme SECAmb is inviting schools and Paul fighting back after heart disease community groups to register their interest in Restart a Heart – a CPR A HEADCORN man who had a awareness campaign. heart attack at the age of 43, is The trust is keen to hear from joining the fight against heart schools and community groups disease by taking on the Nightrider aged Year 6 and upwards inter- London cycling challenge in aid of ested in taking part and from the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Paul Turpin will pedal the city healthcare professionals who could streets on June 10 and 11 to Paul Turpin help deliver the training. Email highlight that heart disease can [email protected]. cycling with his strike anyone at any time. daughter Gracie The director of a London (11), and nine- Death rates architects’ firm, Paul’s demanding year-old son life often led to anxiety. Last MORTALITY levels in Maidstone Hendrix and Tunbridge Wells hospitals are September, he woke up one being closely monitored because morning with chest pains from a stone in weight and I feel good, but been training at weekends and recently they have been higher than heart attack and had to have two mentally it remains challenging. taking my children out on the bikes, anticipated. stents in his coronary arteries. Support in the professional which has been really nice.” workplace is so important. It’s no The Nightrider London is part of A new medical director (Dr P. Paul said: “The hardest part of moving on with my life has been to longer an option for me to take on a series of Nightrider charity bike Maskell) has been appointed and find a new way of coping with the the stress burden or lead the rides. Cyclists in London ride hospital mortality is his priority pressures of my job. I have 25 years lifestyle I used to.” overnight along one of two road focus. Mortality rates are not a sure of professional life left, so I need to Paul has signed up for the routes – the 100km and a 50km reflection of care provided – but completely change how I balance Nightrider London 50K challenge ride, both starting and finishing at can be a warning sign. things. Finding my ‘new normal’ is with his partner, Kathleen Pratt. Lee Valley VeloPark. mentally really difficult. He said: “I love London and I love To support Paul’s fundraising, see Anorexia help “Six months on, I have lost two it even more in the light nights. I’ve his justgiving page. AN all-age Eating Disorder Service is to be operated in the area, often in a patient’s home if appropriate. The age group most at risk is 15- Drive to improve urgent care 24, with anorexia the third most common long-term illness among A DRIVE to improve urgent and for: “front-door clinical screening” A plan for support for care homes teenagers. It is the most common emergency care in the area is to be in A&E departments and measures should be complete by July. cause of death among young emphasised by the local budget- to support patient flow; special The role of urgent treatment cen- women in this age group. holding GP-led NHS West Kent mental health care in A&Es; sup- tres across West Kent is being re- Clinical Commissioning Group. port for care homes; the role of ur- viewed. But the group sees meeting NHS gent treatment centres. NHS England expects 40% of the More cost cuts England’s expectations as “a signif- Some GP streaming does occur in country to benefit from access to THE local health budget-holding icant challenge”. These include local A&Es and the group plans to GP appointments at evenings and NHS West Kent Clinical Commis- treating 90% of A&E patients improve the system. Discharge sup- weekends by March 2018, extend- sioning Group has reviewed its op- within four hours by September port initiatives are in place and ing this to the whole country by erating budget for 2017/19 and says this year and 95% by March 2018. these will be enhanced. March 2019. that “an extensive cost reduction From April 10-16, Maidstone and The group has won extra funding  The local group says it is also de- programme is needed”. Tunbridge Wells hospitals’ A&E to enhance staffing and hours for veloping partnerships among key This follows three reduction ex- performance was 88.2%. specialist mental care support in local providers to integrate care in ercises over the past two years. NHS England is also pressing both its A&Es. the area.

30 Malling May 2017

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Malling May 2017 31 downsmail.co.uk

Trevor Sandford work as assistant controller of the Post Jean Brownlow Obituaries Office’s Investigation Branch. His work TREVOR Sandford (64) from Bearsted, involved detecting fraud and crime. JEAN Brownlow (78) lived locally her whole served as deputy director of education for Jim served as secretary to the local parish life, most recently on College Walk, and was Kent. council, supported the local bird sanctuary a champion ladies darts player. He began work in the post in 1998, and enjoyed wood-carving, producing work Born Jean Beautridge in Maidstone she moving to Bearsted soon after. He later took for Teston Church. aended Vinters School and began work for on a freelance role with Twice married, Jim had sons Nigel and Printway on the site now occupied by the Department of Martin with his first wife Jean. After her Clark’s furniture store. Jean was also a Education in London death, he met his second wife, Frances, on a member of the Territorial Army for a and also worked for train and became step-father to her son Tim number of years. She met and married Colin the Learning and Skills and daughters Pat and Nicole. Brownlow and raised children David, Angie Council (a role that Jim cared for Frances for four years after and Debbie and worked for many years on involved working with she suffered a stroke, but was eventually Alan Firmin’s farms. leading politicians widowed. During his war service, Jim was Jean was a local singles darts champion including Ed Balls and mentioned in dispatches and was a member and a newspaper dubbed her “The Queen of Michael Gove). of the Long Range Desert Group; a the Arrows”. Born in Northern forerunner of the SAS. Debbie said: “My mother was very Ireland, Trevor earned a degree in physics As a prisoner of war, Jim escaped from a sociable, open-minded and friendly. She and from the University of Cambridge and went moving train using a hacksaw blade sewn my father were married for over 50 years. on to a PGCE. into a lapel, a compass hidden in a uniform She was a loving mother and grandmother.” His first job was as a bassist, singer and buon and a silk map sewn into his beret. Jean – who was widowed around five songwriter with the Water into Wine Band, a He made his way to Yugoslavia where he years ago – leaves her children and leading Christian folk rock outfit who joined the resistance. grandchildren Keaton, Rebecca and Alex. released two albums in the 1970s, supported Nigel said: “My father loved his life Cliff Richard and toured the USA. around West Farleigh and was an absolute Trevor’s teaching career started in a stalwart of the community.” Don Nichols private school in Bristol. After teaching in Jim leaves his children, step-children, MEMBERS of East Farleigh parish church three schools he moved on to advisory posts, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. are mourning the death of Don Nichols (90) starting as science advisor to Wiltshire on Good Friday, two days after joining his schools. He moved locally from the post of wife Doreen in a nursing home. county advisor in Somerset. Olive King A talented gardener and prize-winning Trevor was married to Diana for 31 years orchid grower he was generous to the and father to Clare and Helena. His hobbies OLIVE Kathleen King (90) lived locally from 1952 spending 40 years on South Street, church in supplying flowers for the bigger included choral singing; he was hoping to be festivals. He would regularly be seen cuing part of the Bath Choir’s rendition of the St Barming and then moving to Allington. She worked on local farms and on Week grass and tending to the large churchyard Mahew Passion this year, but ultimately with its splendid views over the Medway. the choir performed the work in his honour. Street. Born Olive Bowley in Dover she Don and Doreen always ran a stall at coffee Trevor ran wine-tasting events, was a mornings etc. cyclist who enjoyed group rides, played golf was raisedin that area at Tudor Park and was involved with the before war service in Holy Cross Church in Bearsted. the WRNS took her to Brenda Day Diana Sandford said: “Trevor was a man Suon in Surrey and to of integrity, a highly-proficient organiser; a Portsmouth. Her work BRENDA DAY (100), of East Farleigh, was logical, articulate, wiy, entertaining and taking telegraph born Brenda Body, into a local farming resilient character.” messages to ships led family in Biddenden. Trevor leaves his wife and daughters. to her meeting her After studying at Goudhurst Ladies husband Bob. The College, she became a nanny and went on to couple were married for 46 years, raising war service with the WAAF, as a ploer in Jim Patch daughters Trisha and Jennie. the operations rooms at RAF Fighter Trisha said: “My mother worked on Command in Stanmore. Her duties included JAMES Douglas “Jim” Patch (97) lived at Croucher’s farms sorting apples and later in ploing the route of the plane taken by Tutsham, near West Farleigh, from 1980, Hilton’s shoe shop on Week Street. She Hitler’s deputy, Rudolf Hess, as he flew to worked in a national loved walking with my father. People will Scotland on a secret and unsuccessful role for the Post Office remember her as fun-loving and amiable. mission to negotiate peace with Britain. and had a fine war Her family will remember her as a loving Brenda married Roland Day in 1942. Her service record, mother and grandmother.” husband was also from a Kent farming including ground- Olive was widowed in 1997 and family. They seled down after the war, breaking and daring subsequently spent a lot of time with her forming Elphicks Farm in Hunton, farming operations. widowed sister, Joyce. Olive leaves her hops, fruit and livestock. The couple raised He moved to the daughters, grandsons Steve and Mike, children Robert, Simon and Diana. Maidstone area when granddaughters Hollie and Rosie and has Brenda took up bowls in later life, going he retired from his one great-granddaughter on the way. on to compete at county standard. She and Roland retired to West Farleigh 20 years ago. Brenda was widowed in 2011 and lived independently until a few days before Camrass Wills her death. A thanksgiving service for Advice you can trust Brenda’s life drew over 100 people to Vinters Crematorium. Do you want help writing your Will? Do you need help with probate? Do you need powers of attorney? Do you want to buy a funeral plan? Norman Butcher THE death has been announced of Norman • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed Edward Butcher, who died in Edinburgh, a For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS MSWW week before his 89th birthday. The former Maidstone Grammar School pupil was a noted academic. He studied 01622 720985 geology and lectured and tutored at Reading www.camrasswills.co.uk University and The Open University.

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Malling May 2017 33 downsmail.co.uk Comment Hitting the litter louts hard MY comments about the litter disgrace along the A249 Maidstone to Sittingbourne MailMarks £9.50 parking bill road produced a lot of reader support – and I BEWARE of evening parking charges at expect most will back new moves announced DENNIS FOWLE President Fremlin’s if you are taking in a meal and a Ha- by Environment Secretary of State Andrea [email protected] zlitt show. Leadsom. I joined a Rotary club group for a 6pm pre- She told me on her recent visit to Maidstone theatre meal at Frederic’s followed by Maid- that she would really like litter louts put on stone Amateur Operatics’ Sweet Charity. pride in our country and want to avoid the display locked in stocks! She agreed this was I parked at 5.45pm and, due to a long, slow immense costs to us as taxpayers of cleaning not one to put before Parliament – but these queue at machines, could not pay until up. changes probably will: 10.50pm. The five-hour charge was a hefty £5  Fines doubled to £150. but as I missed this by five minutes my bill  Beautiful spring Drivers responsible for litter thrown was £9.50. from vehicles unless a passenger admits the I WORRY about climate change – but Had I used a Maidstone council car park the offence. enjoy some of the benefits. bill would have been £3. Lesson learned!  More bins in litter hot spots. The last two spring seasons have been  Scrap tip charges to encourage people to memorable – last year for its length from De- Simon: cancer advice dispose of litter responsibly. cember to May and this year for a magnificent  Convicted fly-tippers to pick up waste display of flowers and blossom. GOOD news for parliamentary candidate they dump. It has been such a pleasure enjoying the best Helen Grant and husband Simon after his full  Anti-litter campaign, including schools, display of daffodils I can remember, and blos- recovery from prostate cancer surgery. “to lead the fight against relentless rubbish soms have been strong and beautiful. His problem was revealed in the autumn droppers”. And now I hear of Kent wines reaching from periodical blood tests. His advice: “Act Littering is a social taboo in so many coun- very high quality and winning awards early.” tries. We must catch up if we really have a among the world’s best. Many friends echo that.

Lorry ban won’t be upheld Now we only have the volume of traffic to No solution to budget cuts deal with. I WAS delighted to read your article in Don Wright, Willington Street, Maidstone I READ Dennis Fowle’s comment piece and Downs Mail regarding a lorry being pulled he correctly laments government cuts, but up for breaking the B2163 weight restriction. without suggesting any cause or solution. I use the road regularly and it is rare that I Traffic beyond a joke He then concludes with the hope that do not see an HGV which shouldn’t be Brexit will fix all. there. WHEN are the authorities finally going to The issue this country has is that it has So, obviously, Kent Police are not do anything about Hermitage Lane? It took never supported so many retired people in enforcing the ban, possibly because of a me over 20 minutes to get to Barming its entire history. Those who are retired are squeeze on their budgets but also because station this morning, which should take less quite correctly beer cared-for than any the only place to pull the lorries in is at the than five minutes. previous generation. This causes strain My wife joked that I was being over keen entrance of Leeds Castle. elsewhere – such as roads. leaving so early – and only just made the The castle authorities are hardly going to The solution was that we were correcting train 28 minutes after I left home. This was put up with that. the population dynamics problem with a only because there was a gap in the traffic P Shor, via email steady influx of young educated EU citizens coming up from the A20 and I was able to who helped us grow the economy. Sadly, go down the outside to get to the turning. Brexit has stopped this in its tracks. The traffic was jammed from the hospital as I patiently await the current government’s Beating roadside car sales far as I could see heading towards the A20. suggested solution. YOUR readers will know that I have been So it was nothing to do with the traffic lights Paul Fitch, via email pressing Maidstone Borough Council on the for the new development there. blight of used cars for sale on the highways Coming home, the traffic towards in this area. Aylesford was even worse. It was almost at I am delighted now to say well done to a standstill, taking 10 minutes just to get out 20 years of great reading two councillors who took up the cudgels of the station – no one could turn right as I HAVE been living in Coxheath for five against the traders, and have returned the the traffic was like this right back to Heath years and always look forward to reading area to its old self. Road. the interesting articles that appear in the Gary Cooke (Kent County Council) and With North Street being closed for weeks Downs Mail. Ma Burton (Maidstone Borough Council) now at the other end of Heath Road, we will Congratulations to you and all your staff are the pair who have managed to overcome soon not be able to get out at all. Why do we on your considerable achievements over the the reluctance of others and to give back to bother employing planners and voting for first 20 years.and wishing you even more their constituents their laybys, grass verges councillors? success in the future. and roads. Thank you and well done! Kevin Reed, via email Michael Dillon, Park Way, Coxheath

The five editions of the Downs Mail are delivered to 90% of households in the Maidstone and Malling area, reaching over 190, 000 readers every month. Maidstone North Maidstone South Maidstone East Maidstone Weald Malling Current and archived editions are also free to read online at www.downsmail.co.uk Contact Editorial Sales Accounts Dept. our Editor: Simon Finlay Sales Manager: Bill Brett [email protected] teams… [email protected] [email protected] 01622 630330 ext 229 01622 734735 Mail Publications Ltd 01622 630330 ext. 221 Assistant Editor: Diane Nicholls Forge House [email protected] Advertising Sales Enquiry: Bearsted Green Business Park 01622 630330 ext. 232 01622 630330 option 1 Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT

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Come and join our friendly sales Fo ur editio ns deliv ered to over 88,000 MMalling Edition home alling Edition s every team and share in our success. month dow nsmail.c o.uk Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling Maid stone & No. 1 Mallin THE K new g’s ent Co spa joyed unty S per fine how e bum weath n- per cro er a F grou wds at nd RE nds in the sho E M Detling w- ore tha . visit n 80,00 ors,ove 0 July 20 last r 3,000 1 year, a up on 6 N We are currently recruiting a the ttende o. 2 d 3 county one o 1 C ’s bigg f ompe est eve Ne an titors,s nts. ws d busin tallhold ac esses c ers ross th ame fr Bett th e coun om er b e usua try buth use l big lo ad PARE s ca Amon cal pre NTS ar ll g thos sence. bett e urgin Shan,o e were er scho g actio f Stap Jo Kin ol bus n to g Ken S lehurs gs Hill servic et helton t, and M and W es from both ,of Ayle alling. est picture sford, repre d, who sented  Fuch the M 3 sia Gro id Kent Ph has up. Ke one bo been n said:“I xe sh a wond t VILLA s sa ow.” erful GERS h ved  ways ave co Mor of reta me up p e pictu red p ining with age 1 res, se hone their 6 e boxes.  An 4 early C Media Sales CHIL hristm D c horist as are rec ors in M ording erewo B tive so a CD o rth rid ngs in O f fes- ct g ober. 5 in Pl g aygrou th KIN nd a GS H nge e w ill resid r e e b re misle nts say g u pla d abou they ap n t sin ned ne a w to play are TRADERS and home ownersess in Snodland p are heading for a bonanza with a a.  Petitio 6 new road bridge across the River Medway setro to open within w n aga A Executive N outd inst g sp oo r y ing new prosperity to the town. has gym i m erity been d n Leyb ism ourn a waste issed a e Th of mo s at is th ney. nes e pre  s peop diction 12 the le and of loca Joe route counci l busi- ’s d ou linkin llors w peop ash tskirts g the ho say le are THE for ca h of t A228 trad look eeks, bring- last pu sh omes he to on th e boo ing fo for a b in D on th wn a e ing m whe rward new itton lo mean e opp nd ne acros n traff to a an lease o oks se an inc osite w s the b ic star star office f life a t hous rease bank Amo ridge ts flow t my o block s e price in bu will ng the . - wa wn b . Th s. siness m is h s one usines  e £19 and airdre Sn of the s. The O wh mil M sser A odlan main r bridg bitu 28 ich is lion r ackin lex e d to o eason e aries to sell advertising across our ha due to oad tosh xpan pen a s I cho s b ope brid ture (pic ding bar se  een bu n in S ge, d lef - Th and u ber’s. I 3 port ilt by eptem op t) wh ere are p and t’s an Co 2 , as th deve ber, ened o up lots o comin mme 1,00 e key loper A his sa all a f new g area nt 0 hom to Pete Tren- lexan lon t round house . ea e new rs Vil der’s in hey fin the s goin  st ban com lage, a town’ the ish th area, g 34 k near munit s peopl e brid and o Crim With Woul y on th Stree High e will ge, I th nce e R Snodl dham e t of th come o ink a l eports benef and al . mo seve e rive ver fr ot of it of ready nths n con r beca om tha RO  whic a high feelin ca ago b venie use it t side OF lea 43 h star -spee g the use of e- p nt for will b s d and ted a d rail shopp i the an ut Sno them e ver tolen f coppe year a link, ers an pated tic- dland . It w y rom a r were go, bu H d com influ Afte on the ill rea house sines e said mute x of r recen map. lly in Ayl publications and online products. s ber : “I wa rs. ham tly m ” esford ’s in T s man with oving . onbri aging look wife, K to Wo dge b a bar ing fo atie, uld- ut I w - ing rward Alex i anted to sho to the s also to co rten h bridge mmut is dail open- e. y work 8 YOU Police to pulp 01 R LOC Inside this edition: 62 AL PR A FOR 2 6 OPE MER M 90 RTY E ficer etrop it N 290 m XPER is the olitan EW b aidst T Mallin new Police M uilding 2 one@ g, Tes vicar of- alling a prop 3 Pudd mar Rev N ton an at E b re bein osals ing La tinco ick W d Wat ast ridge a g draw for ne • M .com with illiam eringb nd M n up a aidsto two s s, wh ury. on its alling C s Ton- ne • Ke po ons, w o is m emerg ounc nt st in O ill sta arried four ing Loc il work th ctobe rt in h -page al Plan s Kent’s Most Awardede vica Opticianr and is new Act supple . See t rage in live i ion Pa ment b he East n p rtnersh y Malli You will be working on the best Mallin  eople, b ip, whi ng g. 5 usin ch su the 11 esses a pports parish nd ev Book Now 01732 617557 es in th ents in e Mallin g area. www .optom etrist publications serving the local community s.co.uk and enjoy a working environment that provides you with the freedom and flexibility FREE Autumn 2015 to use your initiative while working within a supportive team. The role will involve: pkin hley e pum As On th son Jack ey il at ’s hock • Handling inbound and making tra Kent tar Emmetts supers outbound calls Garden • Developing business from existing clients • Obtaining and growing new business • Working to achieve revenue targets.

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Malling May 2017 41 downsmail.co.uk

one “bring” site at the Co-op service station heavily on Tower View being opened.

aihCouncils Parish Birling in Road which had both glass, Minutes It was resolved to publish draft Police report A drill and lawn mower were textiles and can banks and that most minutes on the council website seven days stolen from a cabin in a field in Snodland households had the green-lidded bin for after they are circulated to councillors. Road. garden waste, food waste and card, as well Drones The use of drones was discussed Spring clean No date would be set for a as the green box for papers and cans. The and it was resolved to investigate usage of village spring clean but if any volunteers waste service contract was coming up for drones on Kings Hill and any restriction on would like to do a lier pick then equipment renewal by Tonbridge and Malling Council the usage that there may be. was available from Simon Houldsworth. and officers were looking again to see John May Charity Cllr Spooner would take whether additional recycling services could over from the outgoing parish clerk, Jenny be included. Leybourne Grimme, as a trustee. Correspondence There was a steady stream Broadband BT Open reach would be Public session A member of the public of completed surgery questionnaires. A queried why a portable loo had been installing a new cabinet in Bull Road leer had come from Girls between April and June to increase speeds situated on many occasions in a certain Brigade whose badgework was looking at place. It was explained that it was for the up to 24mbps. The chairman spoke on the recycling in East Peckham. They had asked broadband issue and advised that George community payback team who had been for additional recycling bins in the village. assisting in clearing lier and shrubbery. A Chandler and Lucy Owen from KCC would This had been referred to the borough aend the meeting on May 9 to give a member of the public commented that it council. looked a lot nicer after their work. presentation and answer questions. Antisocial behaviour Mini motorbikes had Holiday schemes It was resolved that due to Leybourne Chase parking It appeared that been ridden on the playing fields and until all the roads were adopted, there was budget restraints, the parish council was not playgrounds. It was believed the culprits able to make a donation to the Tonbridge lile that could be done. Leers had been had been identified to the PCSOs. sent to residents regarding commercial and Malling holiday activity schemes for Community emergency planning The 2017/18. parking and enforcing where needs be. Environment Agency (EA) had assessed the Street lighting Several streetlights were Parish bag Cllr Hewe spoke on the parish Coult Stream with a view to removing some bag which was passed round by councillors owned by the parish and remedial work of the accumulated silt. They had also would be required. A £2,000 emergency and asked what the purpose of it was. It was visited the Hatches lane area and thought now only really used for large documents as repair budget was approved with the the water flow had not been impeded. They remainder of the work going to tender. most correspondence came through email therefore did not intend to carry out any that was forwarded by the clerk to members. Mead fencing Tonbridge and Malling work on the Coult Stream. The EA would be Council had refused to replace the fence and It was resolved to withdraw this bag and for asked to inspect again in the autumn. the clerk to bring any large documents to the no funding was available from the borough Surgery consultation After the information council for the parish to do the work. parish council meeting where members gathering process, public consultation events could view them. Bombhole It was agreed to spend £960 plus would be held on July 10 in the Jubilee Hall Vat on a repair at the Bombhole play area. Planning The parish council objected to an from 10am to 3pm and from 7pm to 10pm. A application for demolition of the existing Christmas lights The event will be on decision would be made at the September December 3. coach house, relocation and construction of a meeting of the parish council. new coach house with ancillary Allotments Two plot holders had disagreed accommodation at Langold House, 285 over the lighting of a bonfire. The Mereworth Snodland Road. It was felt that the proposed complainant had been advised that the building was materially larger than the parish council would not be introducing any Seat It was agreed to install a seat on existing one and would be more imposing additional restrictions but advised that those Butchers Lane. The clerk would write to the when seen from the public right of way, lighting bonfires took a common sense landowner to ask permission to install it at making it harmful to the Green Belt and to approach and were considerate of the needs the entrance to the Equine Clinic. If this was the character and openness of the Area of of fellow allotment holders. not given it would be installed outside the Outstanding Natural Beauty. Planting Members expressed their delight at village hall. The design would be similar to Clerk The chairman thanked Jenny the stunning spring hanging baskets in the those on the recreation area. Grimme for all her hard work as clerk to village centre and felt that their decision to Pavilion car park The electrician had the parish council for the last seven years. cancel the summer hanging baskets had aended and ensured that the cables were been premature. It was resolved the summer safe. A request had been received from ones would be installed. Mereworth village hall for the parish council East Peckham Parking Cllr Harra reported that parking to pay the electrician’s costs of £136 plus Vat. Billy Can awards Mr and Mrs Boyle outside the school on yellow road markings It was agreed to pay this. presented the 2017 awards to James Brown, was still a problem and was causing Church The church clock had caused of East Peckham Boys Brigade, and Mary dangerous situations at the beginning and problems recently but was working now. Westerman. end of the school day. She asked if the school The Vision Morning had been aended by Shield Mr Crawford presented the Parish could be approached to ask if they could 15 people who had discussed proposals on Council Community Engagement Shield to take some action on the problem. the future functions and activities of the Serina Page on behalf of the East Peckham church. It was requested that the mowing of Magazine team. the churchyard should begin soon and KALC Community Engagement Certificate Kings Hill members of the parochial church council This was presented by County Cllr Mahew wished to meet with Kent Landscapes before Buses A resident raised concerns regarding work started. The clerk would contact Kent Balfour to Penny Graham. the demise of the 77 bus service. They were Garden competition Mrs Page presented the Landscapes. disappointed that there was no awareness of War memorial More poppy seeds would be award to Mrs Feaver, who was the 2016 Arriva’s consultation and the information overall completion winner. planted as the first sowing had not been from the company was very sparse and slow successful. A wooden post and chain fencing Guest speakers Ma Boughton gave a in being published by Arriva. A resident presentation on the work of Tom Tugendhat around the war memorial were broken. It raised concern about the X buses and how was agreed that Kentish Stone replace these MP and representatives of J Clubb Ltd spoke they are linked to the timetable at West on East Peckham Quarry. and that the clerk try to get a grant to cover Malling train station. The parish council the costs of having the war memorial Question time The parish council was would write to Liberty property Trust and congratulated for organising an excellent professionally cleaned. the borough council with these concerns. Allotments The fencing was in a poor state annual meeting and members and the clerk Resignation Cllr Hurring had resigned as were thanked for all their work on behalf of of repair. The clerk had asked Kentish Stone vice-chairman but would continue as a to quote for repairs and two options had the community. Concerns raised included parish councillor. parking on pavements and the future of the been received. The cheaper option to renew Website Work was ongoing on the new the badly-damaged posts and rails, tighten village surgery. council website. Recycling Regarding several requests for and repair existing wire and cut back Phase 3 A report was given on the proposed growth, was agreed. additional recycling facilities in east access roads into the Phase 3 development Peckham, it was noted that there was only Recreation area A bag and flag day had and it was noted that the access route relies taken place and another bin had been

42 Malling May 2017 downsmail.co.uk installed. The chairman was to meet with the to the play area was going ahead. She agreed these changes would cause. dog warden to discuss further ideas. with the parish council that there was a huge Drayhorse Meadow The chairman stated a Councils Parish Christmas lighting There were two separate amount of traffic using Roughes Road and lease had not been signed as the proposed issues – the lighting of the church spire and other village roads, travelling at speed. tenant had a number of issues to raise and it decorations to The Street. It was suggested Birling Parish Council was carrying out a was hoped to clarify these and complete that funding could be met jointly by the traffic count and some action was going to soon. The trees that needed cuing back had parish council, parochial church council and be taken at the top of Woodgate Road at the been done. Any repairs to the roof would be villagers. This would be discussed at a request of Addington Parish Council. done. future meeting. Planning It was noted that a property on Car park Cllr Marks reported on a site Village Pound The land had become Roughes Road had built a big shed which meeting he had with Mike Hoiles, chairman churned up by vehicles. It was thought that did not require planning permission. It was of the village hall commiee, regarding the the building works were almost complete understood that the shed was being used as car park. Mr Hoiles stated he felt that the use and that the land would recover once the a commercial property. The chairman would of the car park by commercial vehicles was builders’ vehicles had gone. investigate whether a commercial use did impinging on local business during the day. require planning permission. He felt that pay and display would affect the Speed KCC Highways had been asked to smaller day time users. Mr Hoiles also Oam consider measures to reduce the speed of discussed the problems with the CCTV. Speed Three sites for a mobile speed traffic through the village. It had replied that There was no service agreement with the indicator had been approved by KCC some Section 106 money was available and supplier, Chroma Vision, and the cameras Highways. KCC had provided £6,000 the clerk had requested a meeting. It also had not been serviced for some years. funding towards the mobile sign. suggested that the village adopt a Chroma Vision had looked at the cameras Blaise Farm The parish council would Speedwatch scheme. and would let the council have a wrien forward notifications about blasting at Blaise Parish maintenance Work had been carried report on their findings. There was a £90 call Farm to residents and ask people to keep a out to the Resource Room by Cllrs Emson out charge. Cllr Marks suggested Tonbridge log of the date, time and effect of blasts. The and Storey. It was almost finished and just and Malling Council is asked if any formal parish council would strenuously object to needed filling with books, records, jigsaws legal agreement was in place regarding any formal application to increase the size of and games. Cllr Storey had purchased a parking and the possibility of the parish the blasts, but it was important that residents notice board for it. He had asked two local council taking over the running of the car also object. Details were on the parish children to act as monitors for it, park. Cllr Fielding said the cost of council’s website. encouraging children to get involved. He resurfacing the car park would be Pond A working party had helped to would request a door adjuster from BT to horrendous. Cllr Marks said any costs maintain the pond and duck signs had been prevent the door closing so heavily. would be down to the borough council. It installed warning cars to drive carefully. Dog waste The dog waste bin had been was also suggested to look again at replacing Signs The parish council had purchased two moved to its correct location. the height barrier that Tonbridge and signs to be placed at either end of the village Malling Council had removed. during events such as May day, warning Allotments All invoices had been sent. that there would be traffic congestion. Wateringbury There was one vacant allotment. Trees The village had been entered into the Co-option Frances Fielding was co-opted to Cemetery The car park had been cleared of Kent Men of Trees annual competition. fill the vacancy on the parish council. rubbish including signs of possible drug use. Meeting The annual parish meeting was Thanks The chairman confirmed the It was suggested that the council write to well-aended by about 60 people. A Kent resignation of Dennis Stones and thanked request the hedge be removed completely association of Local Councils Community him for all his hard work and support while and replaced with fencing. Award was presented to Clare Innes and he was on the council. A leer of thanks Public discussion The planters on the Oam Village Awards went to Val Taylor would be sent. station platform were overgrown. Trees at and Stewart Malcolm, recognising their County report County Cllr Mahew Balfour the village hall needed to be looked at significant and long-standing contribution reported that in the Local Transport Plan, especially the fir tree which was now to the village. Kent County Council had identified hanging over the pavement. There was still a Jazz Tickets were on sale for the Oam improvements needed to the Wateringbury problem with water splashing up against the Society jazz event on June 18. crossroads. If funds were available in future Post Office door from repairs done to the this would be looked at. The question of road. It would be reported again. changes to Arriva buses was raised. Cllr Fete There were still places available for the Ryarsh Balfour said KCC had nothing to do with village fete which had 33 stalls and activities

County report County Cllr Sarah Hohler this as it was a commercial service, but were arranged. Volunteers were still needed to reports Crime was pleased to see the modernisation work doing all they could to raise the problems help on the day.

GOODS were stolen from a pallet on a truck parked at the side of the road in Chatham Watch Road, Aylesford. A curtain side was Neighbourhood damaged to gain entry. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police A catalytic converter was stolen from a Working to reduce crime. Land Rover parked on the road in Swallow Road, Larkfield. Snodland. A vehicle was found in Amisse Drive, Damage was caused to the front gate of a Someone tried to break into a house in Snodland, with all its windows smashed. property in Saltings Road, Snodland. Glebe Meadow, Wateringbury but did not A wing mirror was broken off a vehicle In Mackenders Lane, Eccles, a garage at a gain access. parked in Bridgewater Place, Leybourne. house was broken into. There was an attempt to break into a Two youths were senn running away. A vehicle parked in Belgrave Street, garden shed in Cork Street, Aylesford. The A white BT Openreach Ford Transit was Aylesford, was broken into. shed alarm is thought to have disturbed the damaged and a generator stolen from it in A garage in Teston Road, Wateringbury, offenders and nothing was taken. High Street, Snodland. was broken into and a tool box and assorted Footballs were stolen when a shed was tools were stolen. broken into at a school in Norman Road, Some games, console accessories, mobile West Malling. phones, keys and clothes were stolen from a A red 250cc quad bike was stolen from a drive in Red Hill, Wateringbury. ALARM NOT WORKING? house in Aylesford High Street. WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS Play equipment belonging to Leybourne Someone tried to break into a shed in Parish Council was damaged in Oxley Shaw Kingfisher Road, Larkfield, but no access CALL 01622 880751 Lane. was gained. Catalytic converters were stolen from a A Ford Kuga and a Vauxhall Corsa were Mazda tipper truck and a LDV minibus keyed on the same evening in Lunsford parked in the road in Lakeview Close, Lane, Larkfield. ALARMS & SECURITY LTD

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