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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling February 2016 No. 226

News Supermarket idea for TV show request MORE than 20,000 people have signed an online petition calling for a Maidstone footballer  M20 park and ride site to host BBC’s Top Gear. 3 A PLAN to build a Waitrose supermarket on Maidstone’s doomed park Shopping boost and ride site at Eclipse Park has been unveiled. WORK is to start on a major re- The £14m proposal would see a vamp of the historic Royal  29,000sqft store developed close to Star Arcade, Maidstone. 5 the new Next shop near M20 Junc- tion 7, bringing an anticipated 200 new jobs. The store would be more Open space vision than twice the size of the existing A NEW cafe and visitors centre is 13,000sqft Waitrose in Allington the key part of a project to  Park, which the retailer says it is boost Mote Park. 8 committed to retaining. Nick Yandle, chief executive of Mr Yandle outlined the vision, about traffic problems, Mr Yandle Youngsters concern Gallagher Group, the developer be- pictured, to Boxley parish council- said that vehicles visiting the store hind the proposal, said Maidstone lors and residents ahead of a plan- would be spread throughout the LOCAL playschemes could be remains a key target for Waitrose, ning application due to be day, whereas the park and ride traf- axed as the borough  who would have built a store in submitted to Maidstone Council in fic was condensed at peak times. council looks to cut costs. 10 nearby Newnham Court but for late February. He said the single- No new highways work would Maidstone Council refusing Land storey building, next to the Tower- be required, with shoppers using Obituaries 22 Securities’ application in June 2014. gate office block, would have a the existing access by the Chiltern He said: “The investment in a simple and contemporary design, Hundreds pub or the new junction POP icon David Bowie had an Waitrose store is a sign of confi- in keeping with the surrounding re- near the Next store. interesting link to Maidstone. dence in the borough. It will rein- tail and commercial units and The existing park and ride facility  force Junction 7’s importance as a would feature Kentish ragstone. closed on Saturday, February 6. Comment 46-4723 gateway to the Maidstone economy The car park would provide 300 If the plan is approved, building and will attract further investment spaces, with two hours free parking is expected to start in late 2016 with Crime Reports 24 and employment at Eclipse Park.” for customers. Replying to concerns the store opening early in 2018. A BURGLAR alarm frightened off RSPCA centre manager retires Age UK faces raiders in Wateringbury. Parish Councils 32-33 CHRISTINE Dooley has retired as budget cut manager of the RSPCA’s Leybourne LORRIES were said to be leaving Animal Centre in West Malling. CORE services for the elderly are fast-food litter in Birling; urgent Christine (56), who opened the under threat, Age UK Maidstone electrical work costing £1,600 Castle Way centre in 1996, has has warned. was authorised for a clock in Ec- helped to rescue, rehabilitate and It follows a request to the organ- cles; a Ford television advert was rehome about 35,000 animals in isation from KCC to cut its costs in featuring Kings Hill; a councillor that time. West Kent by £10,000 next year. in Mereworth called for the She was previously deputy Age UK says it has not received a parish precept to rise by 25%; manager of the charity’s real-term increase from KCC in six dog fouling was a nuisance in Southridge Centre in Potters Bar in years for the core services it pro- Wateringbury; deer shooting a career with the RSPCA spanning vides Kent’s elderly residents and was causing concern in West 30 years. already receives less per pensioner Peckham. RSPCA spokesperson than anywhere else in the country. Darren Parrish said: “The 6 Age UK’s chief executive in Maidstone, Paul Coles said: “We have a good relationship with Town Talk KCC’s adult services and under- A LOTTERY grant of up to stand it has difficult decisions to £25,100 was awarded for All make to balance its budget, but we Saints’ Church in Snodland. are already the poor relation to For more details see Town Talk other voluntary service providers. in the central pages of this “We are a lean organisation, so month’s Downs Mail. The bi- YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT monthly independent maga- [email protected] this request to trim our 01622 690290 funding needs further will 5 zine is dedicated to Snodland 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent translate into the closure of and Halling residents. Kent’s Most Awarded Optician Book Now 01732 617557 www.optometrists.co.uk All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates Get your garden ready for spring All bags are £40 Top Soil • Sand & Ballast Free Delivery Bulk bag waste collection - Call for details www.allloads.co.uk email:[email protected]

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2 Malling February 2016 downsmail.co.uk News New hope for cancer patients Call for ‘Undateable’ GROUND-breaking technology to diagnose lung cancer earlier is being used by Maidstone and Tun- bridge Wells NHS Trust – one of Alex to host Top Gear only two acute trusts to offer the service. MORE than 20,000 people have tion continues to gather momen- Doctors believe the electromag- signed an online petition to have tum. One fan wrote: "Alex has a netic navigation bronchoscopy Top Gear presenter Chris Evans natural talent and such charisma. (ENB) procedure will have a posi- deposed by Maidstone footballer I'd love to watch him every week." tive impact on survival rates and Alex Martin. Another said: "Alex is a ledge." patients’ quality of life. Alex (22), who plays for Maid- Alex, a student at Hadlow Col- The ENB equipment, which has stone United’s disability football lege, says his dream car would be been funded by the Peggy Wood team The Raiders, shot to fame last the "Bugatti Veyron Supersport, Foundation, uses X-ray, CT or PET year as one of the stars of Channel top speed 268 miles per hour, scan images to create a three-di- 4’s The Undateables. nought to sixty in two point five mensional roadmap that allows But in a recent episode, he re- seconds". doctors to guide catheters through vealed his first love is for fast cars Alex says his autism makes him airways to diagnose and prepare – although he only drives a Vaux- nervous around new people, par- treatments for lung cancer. hall Corsa. ticularly girls. The procedure requires patients Alex, who is autistic, had never He said: “I start blushing, my to be sedated, but explores deep had a date when he first appeared cheeks go red like a Ferrari then, into the lungs, where nearly two on The Undateables in January when it comes to doing the talking, thirds of lesions are found, and 2015. He has since fallen for 21- the words just don't want to come takes a biopsy. The process is far year-old Eloise from Surrey, and Evans has been struggling with the out.” less invasive than surgery and both were featured last month en- mantle he has inherited from the Alex, from Halling, took Eloise means most patients can go home joying a romantic break at his fam- show’s founder Jeremy Clarkson to Brands Hatch for their first date the same day. ily’s holiday home in the Loire with one commenter suggesting he and they have since been featured Consultant respiratory physician Valley. “can’t talk and drive at the same out and about in West Malling. Dr Syed Arshad Husain, the trust’s The petition was set up on time”. He said the five years spent with lead on the new ENB service, said: change.org by Jake Tasker, who However, this month the BBC Maidstone United Raiders had “Our trust is totally committed to believes Alex would make a great played its trump card by revealing played a large part in boosting his improving lung cancer outcomes. presenter for Top Gear. The show that former Friends star Matt confidence. and the show even This system aims to improve detec- returns to our screens in May, with LeBlanc will co-host the show, in a more so. tion times and will have a positive Radio 2 breakfast show broad- bid to appeal to a wider, transat- The online petition is addressed impact on survival rates and qual- caster Evans at the helm. lantic audience. to bosses at the BBC, who have de- ity of life.” There is speculation online that In the meantime, the online peti- clined to comment.

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Malling February 2016 3 News downsmail.co.uk Spade raider sent to jail Waterside Park A BURGLAR who left his DNA on spades used to break into his vic- tims’ homes has been jailed for two years and three months. appeal rejected Nathan Norman (30), formerly of Ewell Avenue, West Malling stole thousands of pounds of jewellery THE High Court has thrown out upholds it, it shows that coura- and electrical items after using the proposals to build an industrial geous decisions can win the day.” tool to force his way in through the estate on land south of the M20 In his summing up, the judge patio doors of a property. near Junction 8. mentioned the large amount of op- He pleaded guilty to two counts After last year’s public inquiry, in position to the applications. of burglary at Maidstone Crown which planning inspector Katie Mrs Richards said: “The inspec- Court. Peerless upheld Maidstone Coun- tor hearing the Kent International The court heard how the house cil’s decisions to reject Gallagher Gateway appeal several years ago containing the jewellery and electri- Properties’ two Waterside Park ap- also commented on the volume of cal items, in the Police Station Road plications, the company appealed. public opposition, so it is clearly area of West Malling, was broken However, High Court Judge Jus- worthwhile for the community to into by Norman on February 25, 2015. tice Collins upheld the council’s de- make its views known in large The victim returned to find the property ransacked, with drawers pulled cisions. Craig Howell-Williams, numbers in situations of this kind.” out and items strewn across the floor in many of the rooms. representng Gallagher, said being The judge ordered Gallaghers to Norman had also attempted to break into a house in the Barming area near the motorway made the site pay £9,290 costs. The company had of Maidstone in October 2014 but had been unable to force his way in suitable for warehouses, despite 21 days to decide if it wished to through the back door. one of the prospective occupants, issue a further appeal. On both occasions stolen spades had been left discarded in the back ADL, finding alternative premises Mid Kent MP Helen Whately gardens of the affected properties, providing forensic evidence linking Nor- for its relocation from Marden. said: “I have opposed this develop- man to the offences. Bearsted and Thurnham Soci- ment since I was elected [in May Speaking of the victims, Detective Constable Neil Buckle said: “Nathan ety’s Mary Richards said: “It is par- 2015] – speaking against it was my Norman demonstrated scant regard for their welfare when he selfishly tar- ticularly heartening to see that first official engagement. geted their homes and on one occasion rifled through valuables he had no when MBC councillors have the “We need successful businesses right to be anywhere near. courage to reject planning applica- and jobs in Kent, but Junction 8 – so “The DNA found on the spades he used proved he was involved in both tions that their officers wish them close to Leeds Castle and the Kent offences, and I am pleased he is off the streets and behind bars where he to grant, and when that decision is Downs Area of Outstanding Natu- can cause no further harm to law-abiding members of the public.” appealed, the planning inspec- ral Beauty – is not the right place. torate supports it. “Development around Junction 8 “When that decision is subject to will affect the landscape and par- For more local news judicial review and the High Court ticularly the AONB.” www.downsmail.co.uk MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF YOUR LAND Have you got a large garden, or small plot of land? We are experts at working with home owners to maximise the full value of their land

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4 Malling February 2016 downsmail.co.uk News

Arcade to get major revamp

MAIDSTONE is about to undergo case and redevelopment of the cen- some serious retail therapy. tral rotunda. Work is to start on a major revamp Mr Le Beau said: “In its place we of the Royal Star Arcade, which it is will have a large covered area that hoped will breathe new life into the will provide ample dining space, as High Street. well as the opportunity for seasonal The arcade, which stands on the events that are simply not possible site of the old Royal Star Hotel, has anywhere else in Maidstone at the had mixed fortunes, despite attract- moment.” ing top designer names because of its The original Star Hotel was a pop- prestigious location. ular overnight stop for those travel- Created as a shopping mall in ling between London and 1989, it retains much of the architec- Folkestone. The 19th century saw the tural splendour of the 16th-century hotel get the royal seal of approval, coaching inn. Manager Daniel Le and the ‘royal’ prefix, after a visit by Beau said: “The arcade will be trans- a young Queen Victoria. formed into a beautiful, classically- It is home to the Disraeli Balcony, styled shopping experience where Benjamin Disraeli made his unmatched in the area, with the parliamentary acceptance speech atrium, given its undoubted beauty, after being elected MP for Maidstone its crowning glory. We plan to focus in 1837. Mr Le Beau said the scheme on a high quality blend of independ- would draw on inspiration from the ent and niche retailers and comple- Burlington Arcade in London and Mid Kent Flooring mentary businesses for those who the Royal Arcade in Norwich. COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC FLOOR COVERINGS enjoy a little bit of luxury.” An announcement is expected MID KENT SHOPPING CENTRE The arcade has two levels, provid- soon on plans for land at Maidstone ALLINGTON, KENT ME16 0PU ing 28 retail units including a cafe, East railway station. Maidstone health food shop and other niche Council has long been keen to see a Carpets Vinyls Laminate Solid Wood outlets. The refurbishment includes supermarket and housing on the site the removal of the bandstand stair- but there have so far been no takers. Artificial Grass Karndean Wet rooms Age UK set for cut Uplift old Move furniture Amtico Continued from page one UK fills a large number of gaps in some services or more costs the service provision for the eld- being passed to our clients – erly in West Kent and these talks neither of which we want.” will need to look at what KCC Mr Coles said negotiations are wants and what we can offer. continuing with KCC, with a de- “If there is no flexibility in the cision expected in the coming budget we will not be able to pro- weeks. vide the same level of service.” However, it is clear that there He said the organisation was will be no funding after July 2016 being forced to absorb the cost of to continue Age UK’s befriend- setting up staff pensions and the implications of the living wage. ing service that was started in KCC part funds voluntary West Kent with Maidstone Mind. groups to help in areas such as Mr Coles said: “This attracted a adult social care services, which couple of hundred volunteers to has a £9.5m budget. A spokesman befriend or accompany elderly said: “Due to well-publicised people and those with mental cuts to local authority budgets, health issues in their home or on we have had to look again at how day trips. Unfortunately, the suc- much we fund voluntary organi- cess of this pilot is not the issue ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED sations and as a result have writ- here, but the county council’s re- ten to all 98, including Age UK. sources to continue funding it.” FREE ESTIMATES “We have asked if they could He said efforts were continuing reduce the amount of funding to fund the project from outside they require, and many have sources. Mr Coles added: “Age agreed to do this.” 01622 761230 www.midkentflooring.com

Malling February 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk RSPCA boss Developer to stand down stands down Continued from page 1 RSPCA is incredibly grateful for all the hard work as bridge work progresses Christine has put in for the charity. She will be sorely DEVELOPER Trenport has con- missed. firmed that it will step back later “Few people in life can this year from construction at Pe- truly retire knowing they ters Village, Wouldham on the have made a difference, but bank of the River Medway. The bridge Christine should be proud to The scheduled move reflects the over the River say that her working life was good progress that has been made Medway, devoted to making a on the new road bridge. linking the difference to the hundreds of The project means the return of a animals she has helped river crossing near Snodland – the proposed during her career. banks were temporarily linked at Peters Village “She has been a great that point by a Bailey bridge during and mentor to many staff World War II. Snodland members, including me. I and Trenport director Chris Hall said: two others now manage our river and the A228, is one of the last holes for piled foundations needed own centres after having “Major infrastructure works on Pe- elements to be put in place. to bear the new rail bridge. Work worked with Christine, and in ters Village by ourselves and our Trenport’s project manager Paul should then be completed at about this way she will continue to onsite contractor BAM Nuttall will Morris said: “There is an ageing the same time as the Medway contribute to animal welfare have been completed by late sum- brick and steel bridge over the rail- crossing and allow demolition of for a long time to come.” mer this year and have gone way, built simply for access when the old bridge over the railway. Mrs Dooley, who has lived smoothly and to schedule.” the old cement industry was active, Both new bridges will include foot- on site, worked alongside her However, the remaining work but inadequate for a modern day ways and cycleways.” husband Mike – the centre’s does include some of the biggest el- road link carrying the sort of vol- The first housebuilder Bellway official photographer. She is ements in the creation of the 1,000- umes needed here. came on site in January and has now looking forward to home community. The largest of “However, with the train begun construction. Other house- spending some quality time these is the new road bridge which timetable taking priority, windows builders who will be taking up fur- with her family. is due to open to traffic in late Au- of opportunity for building a re- ther phases are expected to be The charity hopes to gust and will link with the Snod- placement were few, but BAM Nut- announced shortly. appoint a replacement land-Halling roundabout. tall now has an agreed programme Building of Peters Village is ex- manager in the coming weeks. A second bridge, spanning the with Network Rail and has started pected to be completed in about north-south rail line between the building embankments and boring 2024.

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Malling February 2016 7 News downsmail.co.uk New cafe boost to Mote Park

AN “iconic” cafe and visitors cen- for future events.” One option could be to install a tre is set to be built as part of a Also included in the plan is a skate park near the leisure centre. £3.96m bid to improve Maid- £790,000 adventure zone, new Officers believe the research stone’s Mote Park. maintenance area, new paths and behind the plan – entitled “A sus- Maidstone Council’s policy and formalised overspill parking areas tainable future for Mote Park” – resources committee agreed to the to accommodate up to 350 more ve- will “maximise operational and capital investment, which would hicles. There will be at least two commercial opportunities” at the see the new £2.5m cafe managed separate toilet blocks. park. in-house and repositioned for However, the scheme will see the Councillors heard that progress views of the lake. The existing cafe, Skate park is set to be removed permanent removal of the skate had been made by bringing the which, as well as the public toilets, containing four times more floor- park, though officers are to investi- management of the cafe back in- was most criticised by a recent res- space than the existing cafe. gate an alternative site in the park. house and through the impending idents’ survey, would be removed. Cllr Annabelle Blackmore, leader Cllr John Perry said: “Skate parks introduction of parking charges. A design competition will be of the Conservative group, said: exist very happily in rural areas A consultant has been appointed held, with the council confident “To have a brand new iconic build- and are very popular. I would like to prepare and submit a planning that notable architects will be keen ing for a cafe really will help to put to keep a skate park somewhere be- application for the adventure zone to create a high-quality building Maidstone on the map, especially cause it is a well-used facility.” on the council’s behalf. Bid for flag Firewalk to boost hospice fund Library plan MAIDSTONE is hoping to raise the KCC PLANS to save £150,000 by Purple flag for another year. THE Heart of Kent Hospice is inviting people to walk across hot reducing mobile library stops. The accreditation for the quality coals to raise money for the charity. The county council wants to cut of the twilight and night-time econ- The hospice has 100 places for budding firewalkers to take the 5m the least-used of the 651 stops omy was awarded to the town two stroll across coals that can reach up to 650C. made by the 11 mobile libraries to years ago. Five major pubs and The fire walk takes place in Jubilee Square, Maidstone at 7pm on reduce its £367,000 annual outlay. clubs have since closed, but there Friday March 4, and is managed by a highly experienced team for Analysis showed that 368 stops are more restaurants. whom the safety of the walkers is the top priority. had an average of two visitors or Maidstone town centre change Entry is limited to those aged over 18 and the entry fee is £25, with fewer. The proposed routes will see co-ordinator Ilsa Butler said: a minimum sponsorship requirement of £100. more than half the stops increasing “There has been a growth in the To book a place, call fundraising on 01622 790195 or go to their stopping time and the service night-time economy but it reflects www.hokh.org. moving to a Tuesday-Saturday the change in tastes and demand.” schedule. The town was due to submit its www.downsmail.co.uk See how stops could affect you at application by the end of January. For more local news www.kent.gov.uk/consultations. WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C? DON’T REPLACE THEM MAINTAIN THEM! MAINTAINING YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS & DOORS IS CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN REPLACING. UPGRADING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BFRC A & B RATED GLASS WILL HELP SAVE YOU MONEY ON BILLS. Fairdeal are local specialists in the repair, upgrade and maintenance of double glazed windows and doors. We repair PVCu, Aluminium & Timber Fogged double glazed Local Authority Approved glass units - replaced NO Call out charge with with energy rated glass Free Quotations & Advice Handles & mechanisms repaired & replaced Window and door hinges Thank you for the excellent product and efficient installation of our front porch. and stays “ A large congratulations for the co-ordination of survey, floor laying, door ordering, Leak and draught repairs supplying & fixing is very much appreciated ” Mrs Jupp - Orpington We supply & install windows, doors & conservatories including UPVC fascias, soffits & guttering & Call 01622 902005 FOR FAST FRIENDLY QUOTES & ADVICE www.fairdealwindows.co.uk Celebrating 22 years of continuous trading Find us at: Unit K, Orchard Business Centre, 20/20 Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent ME16 0JZ

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8 Malling February 2016 Malling February 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Playschemes at Pupils’ boost for wildlife PUPILS from Kings Hill helped to create wildlife havens in the nature conservation area on the development. The youngsters, who attend the new Valley Invicta Primary School, risk due to cuts heaped woodland debris into mounds for hedghogs to hibernate in and made stone-lined hollows where lizards and slow worms can find CHILDREN’s playschemes in tised schemes and the council could insects as Tonbridge and Malling could be continue to provide play sessions in food and axed as the borough council looks East Malling, Snodland and Trench bask on for savings of £60,000 in the activi- ward, Tonbridge in 2016 if no one warmer days. ties it runs for youngsters during comes forward to run them. They also the school holidays. The council would maintain its had an Cutbacks were proposed by the support of £1,700 a year for the Y2 opportunity council’s overview and scrutiny Crew programme, subject to other to explore the committee following a review of the partners continuing financial con- World War II authority’s three main holiday pro- tributions. The project provides ac- pillbox in the grammes – Activate, Y2 Crew and tivities for young people with more conservation the Summer Playscheme. challenging behaviours. area which Last summer, Activate provided The council needs to make sav- provides a about 200 youngsters with activi- ings of £1.4million in its 2016/17 home for ties, and there were 1,416 atten- budget with additional potential animals and dances at the borough’s 12 Summer cuts of £700,000 now having to be insects. Playscheme centres. identified. Susan The council currently operates Higher admission charges for Davies, Kings both schemes but would withdraw each child were considered but it Hill estate manager, said: “Many of the children are fairly new to from directly providing them, sav- was felt that the activities would be Kings Hill and so it was lovely to be able to show them parts of the ing £15,000 from the Activate too expensive. development they may not have seen before and for them to learn budget and £47,000 from the Cllr Allan Sullivan, chairman of more about the habitats on their doorstep. They worked really hard playschemes, which cost £120,000. the overview and scrutiny commit- and the habitats they have created will be so important for the Other groups or companies would tee, said the council faced difficult wildlife. They enjoyed seeing the fruits of their labour and I hope be sought to take over the running decisions through no fault of its they will continue to visit the site to see how things are going.” of the schemes, with the council own and could leave no stone un- Headteacher Sarah Bone said: “Our aim is to enrich the curriculum providing £3,000 to support Acti- turned when it came to making sav- by learning outside the classroom. It has been a wonderful vate and £18,000 for the Summer ings. opportunity for the children to learn more about nature and Playscheme. The proposals were due to go be- appreciate the environment they live in as well as seeing how they Concessions could be kept for less fore the council’s cabinet after the can help animals and insects.” fortunate families to use the priva- Downs Mail went to press. BEANEYS MEDWAY BAKERY Homemade bread & cakes Hot savouries Filled rolls Freshly made sandwiches

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Malling February 2016 11 News downsmail.co.uk More time to Leap in memory of sister STEPHEN Brown is planning an adrenaline-fuelled tribute to the sister he never knew. The 20-year-old from Leybourne will be making a 10,000ft parachute save surgery jump for the charity that supported his parents after the death of his sister Helena, who would have been 25 this year. Stephen says: “I A VILLAGE GP surgery under would have little option to accept want to raise money threat of closure has been given a the application to close as I under- for charity and six-month reprieve. stand there are no alternative sites achieve a life goal Residents in East Peckham have the practice can identify. However, before the scary age been fighting to save the branch we note East Peckham Parish of 21 and decided to surgery in Old Road after consulta- Council is potentially offering to do this for Soft UK. tion on its future began in Decem- support the practice with the fund- “Soft UK was a new ber. The service is run as a satellite ing of improvements to get the charity at the time of by Paddock Wood-based Wood- premises into a condition whereby Helena’s birth, and lands Health Centre where patients a new lease could be offered. Thus, provided support and from East Peckham would have to NHS England would like to delay guidance for my visit for appointments if it closed. the process of closure for up to six parents. It’s Soft The campaign was backed by months.” UK’s 25th anniversary in May, so I aim to raise as much as possible in Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom He emphasised the NHS did not Helena’s memory.” Tugendhat and East Peckham have any funding for the work but Helena was born in 1991 with the rare genetic disorder Edward’s Parish Council. More than 600 sup- hoped the doctors could come to an Syndrome. She was less than six months old when she died. porters signed an online petition to arrangement with the parish coun- Speaking ahead of his challenge, on March 26, Stephen. who is save the surgery. cil and the landlord. pictured with his family, said: “I will be very excited to get up there. The NHS has now sent a letter to The parish council and GP prac- People have been very kind and I would like to thank anyone who has the practice, agreeing to postpone tice are negotiating the extension of donated. It's something that I won’t forget and something that I am the process for six months to give the lease with the landlord. Con- proud to achieve.” the parish council time to find sideration was being given to He also has the full backing of his proud parents, Sue and David, and money to bring the premises up to whether modifying the building Soft UK. The charity’s development manager Kirsty Bassett said: “We its required standard so that the was possible, perhaps with parish are so grateful to Stephen for taking on such a brave personal challenge. lease can be renewed. council money, anonymous dona- We know that support for siblings is an important part of Soft’s work NHS England (South East) senior tions, crowdfunding and fundrais- and with Stephen’s help we will be able to reach even more children contracts manager David Selling ing. The parish council would also across the UK – children who have to cope with the death of their wrote: “It is with reluctance we look at alternatives such as the con- brother or sister.” find ourselves in the position, as it version of changing rooms at the Back Stephen at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/stephenbrownskydive. formally stands today, that we Jubilee Hall or use of its land.         SHOWROOM OPEN 6 DAYS        Here at The Stone Tile Warehouse our comprehensive range of products are especially sourced to offer excellent value. Expert advice and installation service available

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12 Malling February 2016 Malling February 2016 13 News downsmail.co.uk Council to find £1.9m savings Takeover set to rescue TONBRIDGE and Malling Council has identified the need to make savings of £1.9million in the next five years. crop research company Controversial proposals to the council’s cabinet include cutting EAST Malling Research has been more than £60,000 from summer saved from potential administra- play schemes and a review of park- tion after a takeover by another ing charges in West Malling. leading crop research institute. Council leader Nicolas Heslop The company, which made losses said the council had always taken of more than £1.5m last year, has measured steps in how it delivered become part of the National Insti- services but had thought that the tute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), revenue support grant from the based in Cambridge. Government would not be taken Despite its high scientific reputa- away until 2019. The council had tion, there had been concerns for now learned that it would be re- the survival of East Malling Re- Dr Tina Barsby and David Neill, chief operating officer of EMR (right) moved a year earlier. Combined search (EMR) for several years after with the reform of the business the loss of government support. guards the future of this 500-acre vide long-term stability, scale and rates, Tonbridge and Malling will Its rescue, for an undisclosed site of prime agricultural land for capacity for investment in crop sci- get 65% less in Government sup- sum, means the new organisation continuing with its internationally ence. port, equating to £2.4million. can create a major centre for applied admired and valued research. A spokesman said: “NIAB EMR West Malling Parish Council has crop science and innovation. “Many people locally have will be established as a wholly- called for the proposed introduc- Founded in 1913, fruit research worked on the fields, greenhouses owned subsidiary of NIAB and will and labs at ‘the Research’ and will continue to operate from the exist- tion of parking charges in the High specialist EMR employs 85 people. be hoping that this announcement ing site at East Malling.” Street car park to be delayed for six The huge site was recently included means its proud reputation of em- Chief executive of the combined months to allow time to work on al- in Tonbridge and Malling Council’s ploying the top scientists and prac- organisation, Dr Tina Barsby said: ternative options. An online peti- call for development sites, raising titioners will be continued. We need “The move creates a potent new tion against the scheme had more fears that the prime agricultural to hear quickly from NIAB about its force in independent applied re- than 3,300 signatures and another land and laboratories would be re- placed by housing. plans for the site.” search, bringing together the scien- 300 were collected at the farmers’ The NIAB group said the com- tific expertise required to support market. Giving a cautious welcome to the merger, KCC and borough Cllr bined organisation, employing progressive crop production at all The proposals were due to go be- more than 300 staff and with a levels, and represents a major step fore the cabinet after the Downs Trudy Dean said: “Hopefully, this is good news for EMR if it safe- turnover of £22 million, would pro- forward in NIAB’s plans.” Mail went to press. FREE FITTING ON SELECTED CARPETS 100’s of carpet Weekly FREE payment rolls to clear MEASURING scheme from £10 each SERVICE available

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14 Malling February 2016 News downsmail.co.uk Decision on picnic site delayed PROTESTORS have won a reprieve for Blue Bell Hill picnic site after a plan to dispose of the popular viewpoint caused a huge backlash.

Kent County Council wanted to also expressed concern, saying and groups such as the Kent outsource the running of the site to there was “little notice or no con- Wildlife Trust in due course to ex- save money, as part of a wider pro- sultation on this with interested plore what may be possible.” posal involving five of the smaller parties including myself.” Former leader of Tonbridge and country parks in its ownership, in- The park is within the Kent Malling Council, David cluding The Larches in Pilgrims Downs Area of Outstanding Natu- Thornewell said: “I am glad the Way, Detling. ral Beauty and is managed by Kent process of disposing of this well- However, after a storm of protest Wildlife Trust. loved site on the Downs has been including an online petition with A spokesman for KCC said: “We suspended. I was a borough coun- more than 6,800 signatures, and fully appreciate the environmental cillor at the time when KCC ac- complaints about the lack of con- significance of these sites and that quired it so this downland site sultation, the county council “It’s not public knowledge that they are highly valued by local could be open to the public and agreed to suspend the process. It they were placed under that stone, communities and those who are in- provide a viewpoint from the top will now review the proposal in but I think now it needs to be made volved with them. of the Downs. the coming months. aware that this isn’t just a stone but “Our over-riding intention is to “At that time they were proud of Support for the campaign came their grave. It’s a place for us as see all these sites retained as open their achievement. Most of the from the families, friends and for- family and friends to mourn and spaces with existing public access North Downs are wooded or mer colleagues of the crew who celebrate their heroic actions. I re- maintained, and it is within this farmed so unlike the South Downs, lost their lives in the Kent Air Am- ally don’t think this has been context that we will be looking to there are few places where there is bulance crash on the nearby hill- thought through.” explore with stakeholders what public open space grassland where side in 1998. It emerged that the Her mother Susan, called the opportunities there may be to en- people can enjoy the view. memorial stone (pictured) at the plan “outrageous and without con- sure that these sites continue to be “I know KCC says it is a ‘small’ site also marks the place where the sultation; unforgiveable”, and enjoyed by members of the public site, but the volume of objections three men were buried. called for support to “protect this in a more cost-effective way. show how much people value this Rachel Darby, whose father beautiful site”. “We look forward to discussing unique site. It should be kept as a Mark died in the accident, said: Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch, this further with local stakeholders public space.”

Lier target Village’s last pub calls time on drinkers for volunteers DITTON has lost its last remaining A Shepherd Neame spokesman pub after the Kentish Quarryman in said that once it was established LITTER pickers in Allington New Road closed its doors for good. that a pub could not work expect to clear their 1,000th bag Owner Shepherd Neame said it financially, the owner was legally of rubbish as part of a special had no plans to reopen the public required to stop leasing it out. He drive ahead of the Queen’s house which has had a chequered said: “The decision to close the pub birthday. history. was not taken lightly, but it had not The Allington Alligators The property was formerly the been economically viable for some have lined up Clean for the village working men’s club which time.” Queen litter picks on March 5 was turned into a pub in 2008 with Tonbridge and Malling Cllr Ben and 6, and is hoping the com- a £200,000 refurbishment by the Walker said the site had real munity will join in. brewery. This development and a potential to be an asset to the The litter-picking volunteers bid to extend licensing hours caused Although Cobdown Sports and community, so it was hoped that organised by April Lambourne controversy with residents raising Social Club in Station Road and positive inquiries would be made in began their clean-up crusade concerns about potential anti-social Ditton Community Centre in Kiln the future. Meanwhile he would in 2000 and meet monthly on a behaviour. The pub suffered a Barn Road have bars, the keep a close eye on the site to Sunday morning. further setback when it was Quarryman was the village’s last ensure that it did not become an The group, which uses litter targeted by arsonists. pub. area of neglect. bags that are emptied by Maid- stone Council, also works in conjunction with the Medway Valley Partnership. Call for assault witnesses Time for lunch The Clean for the Queen lit- POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman suffered injuries to A SENIOR lunch club meets at The ter picks will last about 90 her face and arm during an alleged assault in Aylesford. Dorcas Centre, Swallow Road, minutes. The March 5 picks Officers want to hear from anyone who saw the mother – who was with Larkfield from 11am to 1.30pm will meet at Giddyhorn Lane her three children – in an altercation with a man driving a Land Rover in every Thursday. Rec, off Poplar Grove, at 10am Hall Road at 5.39pm on Saturday, January 30. Light activities and food are on and the top of Castle Road, It is understood that the woman got out of the 4x4, which subsequently offer for a minimum donation of near the traffic-lights, at 2pm. hit her, before she was forced to get back inside. The family were then £4. Free door-to-door transport On March 6 pickers will meet driven off towards the junction with the A20 London Road and the may be available within Larkfield, at the Topnotch Gym at the re- Quarry Wood Industrial Estate. It is understood that the driver is known Leybourne, East and West Malling tail park, London Road, at to the family. He is about 6ft 1in tall, white and of stocky build. He has and Kings Hill areas. 10am and Allington Commu- short, dark brown spiked hair and hazel eyes. This is a Dynamic Future To- nity Centre in Castle Road at DC Leanne Carter, the investigating officer, said: “There were a num- gether project in partnership with 2pm. ber of people in the area at the time and I am keen to hear from them. Churches Together in Malling. Equipment and a safety talk “Anypiece of information, no matter how small you may consider it to To book a place and transport, will be provided. be, could help us investigate this case.” call 07434150922. Volunteers and For details, email April or Anyone with information is urged to call 01622 604100, quoting refer- drivers are needed – please call to Mike Lambourne at mike.lam- ence YY/2245/16, or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. apply. [email protected] and [email protected] m or call 01622 763553. For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk

Malling February 2016 15 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Hospital sue threat over death THE family of a young mother who died following an emergency caesarean operation are expected to sue Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. Offham Primary School teacher However, Mr Justice Peter Coul- family are expected to seek a civil Frances Cappuccini (30) died of a son QC ruled that, while the trust settlement, accusing the trust of heart attack within hours of giving had admitted its care fell short of being liable for her death. birth to her second son, Giacomo, expected standards, mistakes did A spokesman for London-based in October 2012. not constitute crime. lawyers Kingsley Napley, which is Criminal charges against the The trust made legal history representing the Cappuccini fam- trust and against its consultant when it became the first NHS Trust ily, said: "The family has no further anaesthetist Dr Errol Cornish were to face a charge of corporate comment to make at this sensitive dismissed by a crown court in Lon- manslaughter. But Mr Justice Coul- time.” don in January. son dismissed the trial at the Inner Mrs Cappuccini, pictured, suf- However, the family is now free London Crown Court and also the fered severe bleeding and never re- to take civil action for damages charges against Dr Cornish. gained consciousness after the against the trust, which they be- Dr Nadeem Azeez, another doc- operation to deliver her son. lieve is responsible for her death. had been admitted by the Maid- tor involved in the case, was not on The trust was accused of failing A pre-inquest review, held in No- stone and Tunbridge Wells NHS trial as he was no longer in the to check that the doctors were vember 2013 heard that liability Trust. country. Now Mrs Cappuccini’s properly qualified. Another look New scheme to tackle diabetes at cancer fight MAJOR changes in diabetes care proach with support for self-care The CCG would like to see a THE CCG is considering setting up a are planned by the CCG – a ‘key and care in the community as key comprehensive obesity strategy, specialist committee to improve the priority’ due to the predicted rise in elements.” improved early detection and local battle against cancer after a re- prevalence. It proposes a new model be pro- greater capacity and capability in port of a gap in outcomes compared It says the current pathway for vided by both current local second- primary care. The aims include re- with other EU countries. care is fragmented with services ary and primary care providers to duction in average years of life lost Some key needs already identi- provided by different organisations maximise local knowledge; ensure due to type two diabetes from six fied include more endoscopy and – hospitals, GP practices and in the access to complete patient records to four within 10 years and from 15 imaging provision and better GP community with no over-arching and minimise delays; reduction in to 12 years in type one diabetes.  education. care planning. prescribed drugs; and to reduce Diabetes patients are more One concern is late diagnosis due “Successful management of pa- duplication of time, tests and infor- likely to have a heart attack or to patients presenting late with tients requires a whole-system ap- mation. stroke. symptoms. One change under consideration Stroke fears is that nurse practitioners should When things go wrong... THE CCG is to meet the local NHS be authorised to request patient ra- MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells hospital trust reported a specimen col- diology tests in addition to GPs. lection bag had been left inside a patient undergoing surgery – and later trust to discuss under-achievement Cancer waiting times in the removed back in the theatre. in its stroke service, which “has area now exceed the standard 62- made significant improvements re- A BABY admitted with non-accidental injuries was sent home from hos- day waits. cently but, in common with many pital prior to receipt of results of an expert opinion. This revealed multiple fractures that could only have been sustained through excessive force. The similar services across the country, baby and twin sibling are now in foster care and the parents were arrested. still struggles to meet all the recog- KCC concern nised quality standards”. THE GP-led NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group G4S transport (CCG) is seeking closer consul- Radiotherapy staff awards tation with the county council NON-emergency NHS transport after KCC proposals for will be provided in Kent and Med- changes in funding health serv- way by a different operator – G4S – ices such as health visitors and from July 1. It was given the contract nicotine replacement. after “consistently showing a great The CCG is concerned that understanding for the needs of the the new health visitor specifica- customer.” It will take over from tion is “much narrower in NSL, which had difficulties in the scope, with some omissions.” early stages of the current contract. The CCG is seeking clarification from KCC about the specifica- New surgery? tion and says “it should not be THE CCG is considering the case to assumed the CCG would be move the Stockett Lane surgery in able to fund elements omitted RADIOTHERAPY staff in the Kent Oncology Centre, divided between the Coxheath to a purpose-built GP from the specification.” hospitals in Maidstone and Canterbury, have won two awards. premises. The practice has out- Christine Richards, head of radiotherapy services for Maidstone and Tun- grown the current building and bridge Wells NHS Trust, was named South East Radiographer of the Year Nurse shortage problems are expected to escalate by the Society of Radiographers (SoR) and the radiotherapy treatment de- with the rise in population. partment as a whole won South East Radiography Team of the Year. LATEST figures show a worsening Christine’s award noted her tireless fight to promote the therapeutic ra- picture of nurse vacancies across The have nots diographer profession both at a local level and nationally, as well as her en- the Maidstone and Tunbridge thusiasm and innovative approach. RESIDENTS of West Kent live Wells hospital trust, up from 7.6% One comment from a patient was included in the team’s award cita- longer than in the rest of Kent. But to 10.7%, equating to 482 full- tion. It read: “The reception staff were friendly, helpful and professional. those in deprived areas – mainly in timers. There is still a reliance on Radiographers – professional, extremely helpful and liaised with doctors to Maidstone – can live about 13 years agency and locum staff. Staff present a seamless service. Excellent.” turnover runs at more than 10%. less than in more affluent areas.

16 Malling February 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Leing train take the strain THEWINTERSALE FIGURES show a significant rise estimates. in the number of people using Figures for other stations in our trains across the region. region (with the previous year’s Latest statistics from the Office of figure in brackets) include: Rail and Road show sharp in- Aylesford 115,906 (112,666) creases in journeys to and from all Barming 129,926 (127,656) of the area’s stations for the year to Bearsted 396,840 (391,478) March 2015, with only Yalding Beltring 13,502 (11,890) showing a dip in rail passengers. Headcorn 612,206 (607,386) The data offers no suggestions Hollingbourne 46,554 (42,854) for the rise in rail use in our region, Lenham 108,194 (103,782) indicating only “local event traffic” Maidstone East 1,358,356 as the possible reason for reversing (1,339,752) the previous year’s decline at Bel- Maidstone West 843,268 (831,718) tring station – still the least used Maidstone Barracks 270,645 Hypnos Stratus 150cm divan set station in the area, with an average (266,938) Pocket sprung mattress divan with luxury RRP £2179 37 commuters a day. Marden In spite of the combined in- 480,498 (459,402) TMPPS[XST½RMWLJSVI\XVEGSQJSVX SALE £1479 creases across Maidstone’s three Staplehurst 888,016 (848,158) Drawers and other sizes also available. town centre stations and at West West Malling 782,090 (760,292) Malling, the number of rail users Yalding 21,604 (22,542) still falls nearly a million short of The estimates of station usage Tonbridge station, which remains consist of the total number of peo- the busiest in the region, with more ple travelling to or from the station than four million users a year. (entries and exits); and interchang- The Estimates of Station Usage, ing at the station. for all stations in Great Britain, is The figures are based on ticket available on the ORR website at sales. Single and return tickets www.orr.gov.uk/statistics/pub- translate into one and two journeys lished-stats/station-usage- respectively. M20 cameras catch drivers Harrison Sapphire 150cm divan set DRIVERS need to take their feet with 2 drawers off the gas when travelling on 2 drawer divan featuring layers of pocket RRP £3599 the M20 outside Maidstone. springs creating a supportive mattress with Speed cameras clicked a total HIIT½PPIHLERHWXMXGLIHWMHIWXSEHHWXEFMPMX] SALE £1999 of 3,367 motorists exceeding the 70mph limit coastbound be- tween J4 near Leybourne and J7 near Bearsted in 2014, which safety camera was repaired at helped make the borough the the end of 2013, so the statistics second most ticketed in Kent. for 2014 represent a full year of With 1,160 tickets issued as a re- operation and are not directly sult of camera action south- comparable with the previous bound on the A249 year. Similarly, during 2013 Sittingbourne Road (Detling cameras on part of the Maid- Hill), 933 southbound on Sutton stone section of the M20 were Road towards Langley and 375 not fully operational. Kent and Huge selection of beds, from cameras on the A20 Lon- Medway Safety Camera Partner- mattresses, headboards don Road, the total number of ship revealed the figures. & bedsteads. tickets issued in Maidstone dur- Kent’s busiest speed camera Experienced team offering ing the year was 5,800 – 1,200 was at the Dartford Tunnel ap- expert helpful advice more than in the previous year. proach, which clocked 7,637 ve- The figures are inflated for hicles. The M20 cameras were Detling Hill as the southbound second busiest. Plus0% Up to 2 years available on all orders over £1000* Easter debut for choral work *Cash price £2000, deposit £500. 24 monthly payments of £62.50. Total payable £2000. MAIDSTONE Choral Union is set- Crucifixion, with choruses for a Subject to status, quotation available on request. Credit provided by an external fi nance ting the scene for Easter with a choir, soloists’ passages (for the company determined by Clarkes. Subject to acceptance. special performance of Stainer’s risen Christ and for Mary Mag- “The Crucifixion”. dalen) and hymns for the audi- The performance, on Saturday ence. www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk March 12, at All Saints’ Church, It will be the first public per- Maidstone will be followed by a formance of this interesting com- 01622 753073 new work by composer David Pen- position, which is 35 minutes long. nant, Stainer’s great-grandson. The evening begins at 7.30pm Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF “The Resurrection” sits comfort- and tickets can be purchased at ably in the same format as The the door. UPHOLSTERY | DINING | BEDS | BEDROOM | ACCESSORIES

Malling February 2016 17 News downsmail.co.uk MP demands New care home will rail action PASSENGER train services in Kent are going off the rails, according to local MP Helen Whately. house ex-servicemen After Southeastern scored the country’s second-worst passenger A PLAN to demolish a 38-bed care home in Larkfield and redevelop the satisfaction rating, the Mid Kent MP called on transport minister site with a new three-storey block of apartments has been approved. Patrick McLoughlin to take action. Abbeyfield Kent Society has won More than 15,000 people have permission from Tonbridge and signed a petition demanding the re- Malling Council for the scheme at moval of the franchise from South- Martin’s Square. The housing com- eastern and the MP wants to know plex will replace the existing if the rail operator is in breach of its Abbeyfield residential care home. franchise agreement. All 41 residents have moved to new Speaking in a debate in the accommodation, the last leaving in House of Commons, Mrs Whately December, and some of the 44 staff said: “My constituents use the were found new positions at other ity and training room, therapy and Abbeyfield Kent Society, said: “The Southeastern network. Day after Abbeyfield homes. The rest have day their trains are being delayed, lost their jobs, but 100 new roles are hairdressing, assisted bathrooms charity has been providing accom- particularly at peak times. expected to be created with the de- and two landscaped gardens. There modation and care for older people “This morning all trains between velopment. will be 35 parking bays and eight in Kent for nearly 50 years and Maidstone East and London be- The new scheme will provide 74 spaces for cycle storage. Larkfield, like all communities in tween 6.30 am and 7.30 am were extra care units, of which 20 will be The charity said it had been Kent, will be experiencing a sub- for ex-servicemen. There will be 52 forced to close the home as it was stantial increase in the numbers of cancelled. These are unacceptable one-bedroom units and 22 two-bed- no longer viable due to cuts in KCC older people needing long-term levels of service.” room units for shared ownership or funding; also, the facilities, includ- permanent care in the coming In the Transport Focus survey, affordable rent. The apartments will ing shared bathrooms and toilets, years. 67% of passengers were satisfied be available only to over-55s who were outdated and upgrading “This project will create two years with the punctuality of Southeast- have a care need. would not be feasible. There was of development work and over 100 ern trains, a fall from 72% in 2014. Communal facilities will include now a demand for homes where new jobs, relieving the suffering of Overall satisfaction stayed at 75%. 24/7 staffing presence, a nurse-call people could be independent with many very vulnerable people.” More passengers were happy system, restaurant, sun room, activ- support from carers. Building is to start this summer with ticket-buying facilities after Leon Steer, chief executive of the and be completed by March 2018. Southeastern got new machines. Finance firm Fringe benefits for six days moves in BANDS are in rehearsals for the events and dance all-nighters, as Flawless Carbon, alongside estab- SPECIALIST mortgage broker sixth Maidstone Fringe Festival, well as family-friendly entertain- lished favourites such as David Mortgages for Business is moving set to run for six days across the ment at many of the town centre’s Migden & The Twisted Roots, its headquarters to Kings Hill. May bank holiday weekend. cafes and coffee shops. Much of Funke & The 2 Tone Baby and The company is relocating 38 Celebrating the diversity of new the music will be free. indie/alternative artists Theatre staff from its Sevenoaks office to its and original music in Kent and the Among the businesses support- Royal, We Are Bandicoot, Jody’s new premises in an entire wing South East, the festival will feature ing this year’s Fringe Festival, Flat, Aux and Upcdownc. Flying (8,572 sq ft) of 17 Kings Hill Av- live performances at venues in- from April 27 to May 2, is Clive the flag for folk and acoustic music enue. It plans to expand by more cluding The Style & Winch, Earls, Emson Auctioneers, which has will be The Dredgermen, Tobys than 50% during the next three to The Druids Arms, The Flowerpot, come on board as the major Starks & Friends and Vaughan five years and also has an office in The Source Bar, Drakes, The White sponsor. Batchelor, along with a huge ska Horse, The Art Lounge, Pizza Ex- Artists confirmed so far include and reggae event at The Source Wilmslow, Cheshire. press, The Royal Albion and The Coco And The Butterfields, Nick Bar, featuring Winston Francis, The independent broker advises Pilot. Incorporated within the fes- Harper and Gentlemen Of Few, Dennis Bovell, and Carl St Clair. on all aspects of property finance tival are a number of all-day new blues acts Salvation Jayne and Visit www.maidstonefringe.com. including buy-to-let, residential and commercial mortgages. Managing director David Whit- taker said: “Relocating to Kings Hill Water staff lauded for 25 years’ service is an exciting move for us because we are bursting at the seams in our TWO employees of Snodland-based plumber. He left in 1989 to become current office. We chose the busi- South East Water have received self-employed, but returned to the ness park because it has services, awards after 25 years working for company as an area inspector. Now space and the parking we need the company. a leakage technician, he recalls see- today and in the future. Mick Bryant and Mike Masters ing some spectacular burst water “It is will also mean a shorter were among 17 staff presented with pipe fountains, including one in commute for staff who live in Maid- certificates and gifts for their long 1991, during KCC roadworks near stone and Medway.” service. Roydon Hall at Seven Mile Lane, After starting work as an appren- near East Peckham. tice garage mechanic, before mov- He said: “I remember, when driv- Starring role ing to a farm in East Farleigh, Mick Paul Butler (centre) presents the ing to the site, seeing a cartoon-like KINGS Hill has a starring role in a needed job security and applied for awards to Mike Masters (left) and scene of a column of water 100 foot new TV commercial for Ford cars. a labourer’s post at Mid Kent Water. Mick Bryant tall feathering out at the top and A sequence showing a pack of He has since worked in several de- flooding the entire site.” dogs, of various shapes and sizes, partments including on the first be, with new technology converting South East Water managing di- running across a green space in the household free water mains. our vans into mobile offices.” rector Paul Butler said: “The water in- development was filmed in Decem- Mike’s career with Mid Kent Water Now a distribution technician, dustry has seen many changes in ber for Ford UK’s “unlearn cam- Mick said: “Things are much more started 32 years ago when he joined the last 25 years but they both have paign” which urges people to let go customer focused than they used to from school as an apprentice taken it all in their stride.” of preconceived conceptions.

18 Malling February 2016 Local news for Snodland and Halling A Downs Mail supplement produced in conjunction Town Talk with the Snodland Chamber of Commerce. Another busy Grant to restore church year for retired THE Snodland Town Active Retire- ment Association (STARA) has had another incredibly busy year. and spread its message Members have been on holidays to Ireland, Malta, Scotland, incor- ALL Saints’ Church in Snodland Heritage “at risk” register in 2014. porating the Edinburgh Tattoo, and has received a first-round develop- Rector Hugh Broadbent said: Weymouth. ment grant of up to £25,100 from “Our wish is not only to preserve Kathy Maynard said: "We had vis- the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). this outstanding building for future its to Kew Gardens, the Venetian The money is for the develop- generations but to enhance its use, Regatta at Hythe, and a river trip ment of a restoration project which and we are very grateful to the Her- from Runnymede to Windsor. will include repairing stonework in itage Lottery Fund for giving us this “Our charity donations included the tower, windows and entrance, support.” £1,110 for the Leybourne Riding and strengthening the floor of the Grant applications are assessed Stables for the disabled." ringing chamber. in two rounds. A first-round pass is A dance to mark the Queen's The aim is also to make the build- given when HLF has endorsed out- birthday and St George's Day has ing’s historical features and spiri- a detailed study of the work line proposals and earmarked been booked for April 23 and the tual resources more open to the needed and associated costs. funding. This first-round pass may club is hosting a thanksgiving serv- wider community. The engage- All Saints’ is an important histori- also include an immediate award to ice at Rochester Cathedral for ac- ment and support of the commu- cal building and a “local treasure”, fund the development of the proj- tive retirement associations. nity will be essential to the success strategically located at the point at ect. Detailed proposals are consid- The club has 180 members and of the project. which the Pilgrims Way crosses the ered by HLF for the second-round meets once a month at Snodland Development funding has been River Medway. A church has stood and, as long as plans have pro- Community Centre. Anybody inter- awarded to help the church on this site for over 1,000 years and gressed satisfactorily and accord- ested in joining can contact mem- progress plans to apply for a full is mentioned in the Domesday ing to the original proposal, an bership secretary Pam Ayto on grant. This initial funding will permit Book. It was placed on the English award for the project is confirmed. 01634 241522. Slim chance Photo call SLIMMING classes have become Pupils’ talents help charity SNODLAND Historical Society is so popular in Snodland that a HOLMESDALE Technology Col- trying to obtain pictures of resi- third session has been opened at lege's Year 13 Sport Studies dents named on the 1911 census. Ham Hill Working Mens Club, class organised a highly suc- Chairman Andrew Ashbee said Malling Road. cessful event called Innovation the society had a good many pic- Slimming World consultant to raise funds for the Slide Away tures but there were 4,700 resi- Tracey Open of Hollow Lane, charity. dents on the census, including Snodland started her slimming Slide Away works in partner- Ham Hill. club on Wednesdays at 5.30pm. ship with schools and offers be- "An exhibition of pages from this She then started a 9.30am ses- reavement support to children 1911 project is on show in Snod- sion on Thursdays and last month and young people in West Kent. land Museum and it is hoped that launched an 11.30am club. The evening was a good oppor- the pictures and pages will be put She said: “I decided to open a tunity to raise awareness of the on the society's website. Many daytime session as the morning charity. local families will have pictures session became very popular with Acts included singers such as and the society would be grateful over 70 members attending. Day- Finlay Frost (left), dancers, for the opportunity to scan these. cheerleaders and gymnasts. time groups suit part-time work- "Earlier or later pictures will be Slide Away's vision is for all ers, parents, shift workers and gratefully accepted, including children in Kent to have access retired people.” to a bereavement support serv- men who served in WWI. Scan- Men are particularly welcome. ice which acknowledges their ning can be done at the museum Tracey said: "The trouble is men grief and experience of loss fol- or email pictures to me at think that if they join a slimming lowing the death of a close rela- [email protected]. club they can’t have a pint of beer, tive or friend. "Group photos of school, sport but of course they can.” etc are particularly useful."

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Town Talk Local news for Snodland and Halling No response to bus Cafe helps with dementia A DEMENTIA cafe to support sufferers and their carers is held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month in the hall at Christ Church, Malling Road, Snodland. ‘hit and run’ claim The Rev Sue Brooks, associate rec- A SNODLAND couple who claim blue paint. tor of Snodland, Ann their parked car was hit by a bus, “A neighbour came out and told Palmer and June say their complaint to Arriva has my husband she had heard the Wright, who both have been ignored by the company. bus coming round the corner and experience of people Peter Jefferies of Queens Av- then the sound of the impact. with dementia, organ- enue, said he was drawing the "That the driver of a public serv- ise the group which offers individuals with memory loss and their curtains at the front of his house ice vehicle carers a chance to meet for mutual support and fellowship. at 7.30am on January 19 when an should fail to Sue a retired teacher and dyslexia specialist, said the cafe started Arriva bus hit his car. stop at the four years ago. She said: “The programme includes activities de- He said the No 575 did not stop scene of an signed to stimulate memory. Carers can talk to each other or any and was turning right into Holbor- accident I find professionals. We also have a shared lunch at £2.50 a head.” ough Road. His car had been shocking and The cafe has the support of the Snodland Medical Practice. knocked into another car, damag- distressing. It ing his tailgate and bumper. has been The incident was reported to the suggested by police on the 101 number. Arriva cus- Peter's wife Sara said she called tomer serv- Arriva customer services who said ices that he they would contact the depot on was possibly her behalf. unaware of the impact.” She has also written to Tracey Ms Crouch said she had written Crouch, Chatham and Aylesford to Arriva and was looking into the MP; KCC Cllr Sarah Hohler, Kent case. County Council, Kent Police Traf- Karen Sowten, chief executive fic Summons Unit and Snodland of the town council, said the coun- Basketball team’s strong finish Town Council. cil was trying to contact Arriva to ST Katherine's Primary School, Snodland represented Sevenoaks and In her letter she said: “Extensive discuss a "number of concerns" Malling in the Kent School Games Basketball final at Medway Park. damage was apparent on the rear residents had raised with the bus The 10-strong team finished sixth overall. of our car (pictured), and blue Ar- service. The team, which qualified last year, was invited to train at Aylesford riva bus paint was visible on both At the time Town Talk went to Sports College, receiving coaching from the head coach of Maidstone the vehicle and road, where there press a response had not been re- Warriors. was a large skid mark also with ceived from Arriva.

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31 High Street, Snodland Tel: 01634 240458 Town Talk Local news for Snodland and Halling Ups and downs for chess club SNODLAND Chess Club is expe- The club has a mixed record of riencing mixed fortunes this two wins, two defeats and a draw season. in the Tom Fuller Cup, and is sec- The club has entered four tour- ond behind Medway. In the Intro naments in the Mid Kent zone. competition it has lost one and Secretary, Neil Miners, said: “We drawn one game, putting it in bot- are the defending champions of tom place. the En Passant Cup, which is the “Maidstone actually beat us 4-0 highest competition we are in. At which is quite unusual in chess the moment we are top of the matches to get a whitewash win or qualifying group with four wins defeat, so that was a rather disap- Above: Andrew Ashbee and the and a draw from five matches. pointing evening,” Neil continued. post box Right: Fred and Betty The highlight was a convincing “In summary, we are on course 5-1 win against Maidstone. for two semi-finals and have our outside Ham Hill Stores “In the Harvey Cup we are also work cut out to progress in the re- doing well – in first place of a large maining competitions.” qualifying group that includes The club meets at 7.30pm every Museum given eight teams. Our best results were Thursday at the cricket club pavil- 4-2 wins against Tunbridge Wells ion. Contact: http://snodland- and Medway.” chessclub.com/. Ham Hill post box Co-op’s Bull conversion delayed DEMOLITION is under way of cluded the Coffee House, with the WORK on converting the former new Co-op was expected to be Dene Hall, 269 Malling Road, builder, Robert Langbridge, living Bull public house at Holborough opened last autumn. Snodland – previously the Ham in the main part. Road, Snodland into a branch of A spokesperson for the bor- Hill Stores – and building eight “By 1911 The Old Coffee Tavern the Co-op will not start until later ough council said the company flats on the corner site in Brook was occupied by a fishmonger this year. received planning permission but Lane, opposite the Freemasons and general dealer, with Henry The Co-operative Group took is still to provide details of land- Arms public house. Newman, ‘late farmer, grocer, out a 20-year lease on the build- scaping and boundary treatment. Andrew Ashbee, curator of draper and postmaster’ running ing in September 2014. It received A spokesman for the Co-op Snodland Museum, said the con- the enterprise. The post box dates planning permission for an exten- said: “We are looking at around tractors had kindly donated the from George V’s time, so Newman sion and alterations to the prem- September/October time before building’s George V post box to was probably the first post- ises and site from Tonbridge & we start work on the Bull.” the museum. master.” Malling Borough Council. The post office staff will be “The early history of the building He added that older parish- The branch at 46-48 High transferred to the Bull premises is difficult to ascertain,” he ex- ioners will remember Ham Hill Street, which includes the post while the Co-op store at 11 High plained. “It was erected by 1891 Stores owned by Fred Kent and office, was due to close and the Street is not affected. and by 1901 it seems to have in- his niece, Betty. MORNING RUSH Fresh Coffee 16 High Street, Snodland Breakfast 01634 242588 Sandwiches AlexandersBarbershop.co.uk Paninis - Hot Pastries OPENING TIMES Jacket Potatoes MONDAY * CLOSED Homemade cakes TUESDAY *12:00 - 6:00 WEDNESDAY 9:30 - 7:30 THURSDAY 9:30 - 6:00 7.30am – 2.30pm FRIDAY 9:30 - 6:00 SATURDAY 8:30 - 5:00 Local Delivery SUNDAY CLOSED * Opening Times will be extended in due course. Available

3B Hoborough Road Snodland ME6 5NL 50% OFF Telephone orders welcome WITH THIS VOUCHER Expires 1 May 2016 01634 780420 Town Talk Local news for Snodland and Halling Ready for the morning rush TWO friends put their heads to- take it over. We put our heads to- gether and have introduced gether and introduced something “something a bit different for a bit different for Snodland. Snodland” by running a cafe “We did a lot of research on called Morning Rush. local produce and decided to use Lucy Arnold (left), of Church Court Farm, Upper Halling and Field and Sarah Mockridge (right) City Bakeries, Rochester.” of Saltings Road met as their chil- Lucy, who has been involved in dren are in the same class at catering for 10 years, said they St Katherine's Primary School, have bought a fresh coffee bean Snodland. machine called Bean to Cup. They both went to work at Sarah set up a company with Farewell to town’s Doorstep, a sandwich bar that her mum Sue, called Kent Cake oldest lady, Grace opened up in a small unit in Hol- Ladies, seven years ago, so will borough Road next to Trios hair be providing the cakes for Morn- GRACE Spencer, Snodland’s old- studio and the Specialised An- ing Rush. est lady, died on Christmas Day, gling Centre. The cafe is open from Monday aged 102. Sarah said: “It didn’t work out to Saturday and recently invited She lived and worked all round for the previous owner and he residents to sample the varied the country and was married for asked Lucy if she would like to breakfast and lunch menus. 20 years to Joseph, who died in 1969. She had lived in Ostlers Court since 1987 and when Town Talk reported her 101st birthday Mystery buyer for former NatWest bank we quoted her saying: THE former NatWest Bank at 21 Town Talk asked for the infor- 2015. There was uproar in April “I was only married for 20 years High Street, Snodland was sold at mation from the buyer but did not 2014 when Royal Bank of Scot- but had the best man going. I auction for £360,000 in January receive a reply. land, NatWest owner, threatened have been from Hull to Torquay but at the time Town Talk went to The property comprises a two- to close the branch on two days a and various places in between — press it was not known who had storey building of brick construc- week and the decision was re- different people, different places bought the building. tion beneath a pitched and flat versed. but it has been a sparkling good A spokesperson for the auction- roof of about 2,639sqft (245sqm). When the complete closure was life.” eers, Lambert Smith Hampton, The ATM cash machine produces announced Chatham & Aylesford She did not have children and said: “We don’t disclose who a rent of £3,000 a year and must MP, Tracey Crouch, joined bor- has been looked after in recent bought a property. We can pass remain for five years after comple- ough and town councillors, the years by her niece, Barbara on your details to the buyer if you tion. chamber of commerce and local Spencer, and her husband, Keith, wish.” The bank closed in January businesses in objecting. who live in Halling. Head appointed MP visits Paddlesworth church Tracey Crouch, Chatham and does fantastic work protecting Aylesford MP,has visited St Bene- many of our important historic dict’s Church at Paddlesworth churches and making them ac- Road, Snodland to support the cessible to the public. for St Katherine’s Churches Conservation Trust “The Trust’s Champing scheme (CCT) Champing scheme. has proved a hugely popular and RUTH Powell (pictured), head Alexander, was suspended in May The church is 900 years old and inventive way to encourage peo- teacher of Offham Primary 2013 before leaving “to concen- was, for centuries, a passing point ple to explore church buildings. School, takes over as head of St trate on her family”. She suc- for pilgrims travelling over the As Minister for both Heritage and Katherine’s Primary School, ceeded Allan Adams, head for 25 River Medway to Burham. In 1678 Tourism, this scheme is truly an Snodland, from next September. years until he retired in 2012. it was abandoned for 250 years encouraging way to ensure the Announcing the appointment, Gerald Cadwallader, acting but came back into use in the rich history in churches are not John Edgar, chairman of the head, early 20th century. lost.” school governors, said: “This is and asso- St Benedict’s is one of great news for the future of St ciate many churches supported Katherine’s but it is also appropri- head, by CCT. Under Champing ate to reflect on the past few years Barbara breaks people can learn and recognise the hard work and Scott, about the history of the commitment of the staff. have churches and can stay “With this in mind I and all my been overnight in the buildings. colleagues on the Governing holding For more information Body would like to put on record the fort about Champing visit www. our thanks to them and particu- since. visitchurches.org.uk/ larly Mr Cadwallader for the won- Mrs champing/ or email derful job he has done leading St Powell, [email protected]. Katherine’s during the time that who lives Tracey said: “The CCT the school has been without a in Maid- substantive head. stone, has been head teacher at “We will be working hard be- Offham since September 2011 tween now and the end of the ac- and had previously worked at Dit- Care home to host an Easter bazaar ademic year to ensure a smooth ton Junior School. The Mortimer Society, a residen- The bazaar will be held from transition and I am sure there will Her hobbies are gardening and tial care home at Birling House, 11am to 1pm at the Devonshire be opportunities for Mrs Powell to walking and she teaches in every High Street, Snodland – next to Rooms, Waghorn Road, Snod- come into the school before her year group and thinks it is im- the railway station – is holding an land. official start date.” portant to keep her hand in in Easter bazaar on Saturday, 26 Julie Luker, one of the organis- Mr Edgar said Mrs Powell was teaching. March. ers, said there will be an Easter an experienced head teacher who “I am really excited at being ap- The home is for adults with Bonnet competition, plus stalls, a led her school to be judged out- pointed and I am really looking learning and/or physical disabili- raffle and refreshments. For more standing in 2015. forward to working with the staff at ties and specialises in the care of information she can be contacted The previous head, Sharon St Katherine’s,” she said. people with Huntington’s Disease. on 01634 244689. Charity Balloon Launch and Raffle!

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48 Holborough Road, Snodland ME6 5PB Town Talk Local news for Snodland and Halling Alex’s barbers shop offers a taste of the 50s YOU may be forgiven for thinking you are liv- “While I want Alexanders to be one of a kind, ing in the 1950s if you call into Alexanders The the most important thing is, of course, that you Barbershop in Snodland High Street for a hair- always get a good quality haircut and good cut. customer service, whether you have clippers Walking past the red telephone box, you all over or a scissor cut.” can sit on one of the wooden cinema chairs Alex lives in Tonbridge, but is buying a and admire the Brylcreem and dinky toy ad- house in Wouldham. He hopes his business verts, the wallpaper cut from old football will benefit from the new bridge over the River books or read one of the Snodland history Medway, which will be completed in the au- books. tumn. But if you have to wait there is free use of He added: “The bridge is actually one of the Ipads, wifi or you might fancy a game of bar reasons I chose Snodland to open a barbers. billiards. the time came to open my own shop I was It's an expanding and up and coming area. Alex Mackintosh, who trained at West Kent never going to be a standard boring barbers, There are a lot of new houses going up all College, managed Retro Blue Barbers in Ton- with chairs and mirrors and messy worktops. around Snodland and once they finish the bridge before deciding to work for himself and “I wanted Alexanders to be different and bridge, I think a lot of people will come over found an empty unit in Snodland. unique – somewhere comfortable, relaxing, from that side of the river because it will be He said: “I did 22 haircuts on the opening sophisticated, but most of all I wanted to open very convenient for them.” day and it has been growing ever since. When a barbershop that was quirky and fun. Alex is pictured cutting Luke Roffey’s hair. Rugby squad make UK top 12 at first attempt DESPITE losing its last two rugby However, All Saints managed a strongly and took the lead after Injury blow for games, Holmesdale Technology last-minute win of 24-22. some silly mistakes and missed College Year 9 club is within the Lee Downey, director of applied tackles by Holmesdale. top 12 Rugby League schools in learning at Holmesdale, said: "I Mr Downey said: “The boys re- boxer George the UK. could not be prouder of the team. grouped, kept their heads up and GEORGE Hennon, the Snodland Town Talk reported in its last They were so unlucky after con- began to play the flowing rugby welterweight boxer who is un- issue that the squad had reached trolling the game and each one of that got them to the national stage. beaten in his first two professional the final of the London and South them gave 110% from start to the In the closing stages of the first half fights, has had to withdraw from East Year 9 Boys Champion final whistle.” Bill Miners powered over the line his forthcoming bout against Fonz Schools tournament after winning He praised James Button, Harry and Zac Harris converted.” Alexander at Grays Civic Hall, the Kent championship earlier in Gearing and Bradley Harris as out- Holmesdale fought hard in the Essex on March 4. the year. standing, and added: “The support second half, but lost by 38-26 George (21), from Malling Road, Holmesdale faced All Saints’ from parents, staff and pupils was points. said he had to pull out because of Catholic Church School from Da- out of this world. I have never ex- Mr Downey added: “Holmesdale a recurrence of a back injury genham, Essex at the Allianz Sta- perienced anything like it at a were the first team to enter the which it was feared could keep dium, home of Saracens Rugby school game. Everybody in the competition for the first time and him out of the ring until May. How- Club. Holmesdale played an ex- stadium said how loud and enthu- make it all the way to the national ever, he was looking forward to ceptional game which was only siastic they were, so a huge thank competition. This is an outstanding getting back into the gym within decided in the dying minutes. you from me and the team. They achievement and puts them within the next week and returning to full Holmesdale took a half-time lead really did make a difference.” the top 12 rugby league schools in training by the end of the month. of 12-4 after tries by Bradley Harris Holmesdale competed in the first the UK. George, who was born in Snod- and team captain James Button, round of the National RFL Schools “The boys will prepare for their land and attended Holmesdale with conversions by Zac Harris. Competition against last year's Disneyland Paris rugby tour in April Technology College, started kick- Harry Gearing scored two tries with quarter finalists, Chosen Hill from and look forward to entering the boxing when he was six. He be- a conversion by Zac leading to a Gloucester at Maidenhead RFC. local rugby league competition came the International Kick 22-14 lead. The opponents began the game later in the year.” Boxing Federation English light- welterweight champion at 19. He started boxing when he was 19. His two previous professional Community party a success Paralympian fights were in June and October last year. He is pictured in his pro THE first community event at Hol- inspires pupils debut against Matt Seawright. borough Lakes, Snodland, proved to be a great success. PARALYMPIAN Tim Prendergast Father Christmas arrived on a visited the Church of England Pri- Party in Park sleigh with a real reindeer and mary School, Snodland . gave out presents in his grotto. Tim, who won a PRIORITY tickets are now avail- gold medal for New able for Snodland Town Football The event was organised by Holborough Lakes Residents As- Zealand in the Club's Party in the Park at Potyns 800m at Athens in Sports Ground on July 9 and 10. sociation (HLRA). Chairman Janet Naylor said: “It was sponsored by School and Valley Invicta Primary 2004, started the Members of the club and par- day with an assem- ents and carers of the Nomads develope, Berkeley Homes, man- school. agement company RMG, South- Police and the fire service were bly about stepping football teams can buy the tickets out of your comfort from the Medway Room at De- ern Housing Group and Tarmac. also available with vehicles. Prizes and donations were also Janet concluded: “It was a fan- zone, and spent the rest of the vonshire Rooms, Waghorn Road day discussing the theme with between 10am and 2pm on Sat- received from local businesses.” tastic turnout. For a very first event Snodland Scouts provided the this was a fantastic show and we small groups of children. urday, January 16 and between The day ended with him leading 7pm and 8pm on Friday, January catering and entertainment was are grateful for all the input and re- provided by Malling School band silience from both participants a staff meeting discussing the 22. They are available to the pub- project “Inspired ways to Rio”. lic from the box office at Hicks Es- and choir, Ditton Air Cadets, the and residents and everyone had Silhouette Dance and Theatre an enjoyable and successful day. The following day he visited St tate Agency, 30 High Street from Katherine's Primary School. Saturday, January 23. 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Malling February 2016 19 News downsmail.co.uk Firm tracks your phone to analyse how you shop BUSINESSES in Maidstone town centre are being urged to embrace Gail Isted (left) and Vanessa Brown mobile phone tracking to keep pace with online shopping. created KidzCoins Tracking software is now avail- tect how many shoppers logged ables the company to eliminate able which can monitor shoppers’ into Google, Facebook, Amazon multiple signals – so the 3,135 movements and habits. and Twitter to potentially compare shoppers were individuals and not Screen time The data gathered can be used prices of goods for sale in shops. the same people identified in dif- by retailers to counter shoppers’ Town centre retailers could soon ferent locations. drift away from town centre stores take up the service to retain their Mr Hotchkiss said: “Data scien- trading to the comfort of their computer. market share. tists understand in minute detail The system was trialled in Maid- Scout Solu- how people use websites. We need scheme stone on Black Friday in November tions director to obtain insights into how people TWO mums from Wateringbury – supposedly the busiest day for Pete Hotchkiss behave if we are to remain com- have come up with a novel way of bargains prior to Christmas – on (pictured) said: petitive. Data such as this can be raising awareness among children behalf of Maidstone Council and “Increasing used to reveal what are the busiest about the time they spend in front Maidstone Town Centre Manage- numbers of times, how often shoppers return of television and computer screens. ment. people are to a particular location and how Gail Isted and Vanessa Brown’s By tracking shoppers’ mobile making their long they spend in that environ- “screen time trading scheme” is phones, Scout Solutions Ltd was purchases on- ment. already earning top flight support able to discover that 3,135 people line. If high “We can also find out how many from the Royal College of Paedi- visited the area between McDon- street shops are people are simply browsing, then atrics and Child Health in London. alds in Week Street, the bottom of to retain their share of the market, ordering online via their phones – KidzCoins – aimed at helping Gabriel’s Hill, the High Street and we need to encourage people to or possibly shopping later at families to manage children’s King Street between November 25 buy in the high street.” home.” screen time at home – encourages and December 8. The busiest days The company can track shoppers November 2015 was the eighth parents to negotiate a time limit for unique visitors were November whose mobile phones are switched month in a row that shopkeepers with children, who then “buy” 28, December 2, 6 and 8. on. However, they cannot identify had noted a decline in footfall and screen time trading tokens in 15, 30 The busiest times were at about individuals nor any of the content Black Friday shoppers were 3.4% and 60 minute denominations. noon and between 4pm and 7pm. on their phones – just their location down on the previous month. The mums say the launch of their The highest footfall was in the area and usage. Analysing the data en- Tracking services can be com- scheme comes at a time of increas- around The Mall and Gabriels Hill. bined with Google analytics and ing concern among parents about A series of six nodes positioned How do you feel about your mo- other software, such as weather the impact too much screen time is in the town was able to capture bile phone being tracked? Email forecasts, to more accurately pre- having on children’s mental and mobile phone activity and also de- [email protected] dict and monitor trends. physical health and social skills. Mum of two Gail said: “After chatting to lots of parents on the Swimathon school run it became clear that Kent faces police bill GET fit for spring and raise money many shared our frustration about for charity by joining this year’s the growing impact of gadgets on Swimathon at Larkfield Leisure family life. We sat round a kitchen for Operation Stack Centre. table and, over a few cups of coffee, The pool will hold exclusive ses- created a simple and positive way KENT taxpayers are likely to ing, Fire, Criminal Justice and sions on Saturday and Sunday, to help parents with managing have to foot the bill for the polic- Victims, on November 17 last March 19 and 20 from 6pm to 9pm screen time while motivating chil- ing of Operation Stack. year, seeking funding under the in aid of Sport Relief and the dren to take some responsibility. Home Secretary Theresa May Home Office Special Grant Swimathon Foundation. Funds It’s about trying to establish good was asked to use her discre- Process. raised will help vulnerable and dis- habits early on which should mean tionary powers to reimburse Mrs Barnes said: “I need to advantaged people in the UK and our children will have a healthier Kent Police for the additional discuss with the Home Office, as beyond. Challenges suit all levels of lifestyle balance in the long run. All costs incurred in 2015 – more a matter of urgency, about how fitness, ability and age, with an in- the feedback we’ve had so far has than £570,000 – but the answer we can take things forward from dividual 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k challenge been extremely positive.” was a definite no. here to make sure that Kent Po- or team 1.5k and 5k challenge. Vanessa, a mum to two boys, ex- The county’s independent Po- lice is not left carrying the can in If you can’t make a session over plained how KidzCoins works: lice and Crime Commissioner, the future. the Swimathon weekend you can “Families agree a screen time limit Ann Barnes, has spoken of her “It would seem from the register for Simply Swim, so you each day or week with their child surprise and dismay at the deci- Home Secretary’s decision that can compete at any pool at any and when they run out of screen sion. She said: “‘Operation Stack should Operation Stack be time. time they quickly learn to manage is acknowledged as a national called again the taxpayers of For more details, visit www. their time.” problem, and yet policing serv- Kent will be unfairly expected to swimathon.org, pick up a leaflet Speaking about KidzCoins, Pro- ices in Kent have been put under pay for policing it. This misery from the leisure centre or call 0845 fessor Russell Viner, officer for strain to deal with it. Local tax- has been going on for years and health promotion for the Royal Col- payers should not have to pick will continue until we get a Castle boost lege of Paediatrics and Child up the bill for the inability of long-term solution. Health, said: “KidzCoins is a fan- others to solve the problem.” “It is simply not acceptable to FRESH investment is being made tastic idea which will allow parents The request for the “reason- have to routinely divert police at Leeds Castle. Improvements are to hand over some responsibility to able, additional costs” of resources to cover Stack and for being made to the kitchen that children themselves, teaching them £576,925.59 was sent to Mike those extra costs to be borne by serves the visitor restaurant, and its the importance of time manage- Penning MP, Minister for Polic- the taxpayers in Kent.” education centre will be doubled in ment as well as the need to live a size. balanced lifestyle.” For details and coins visit www.downsmail.co.uk www.kidzcoins.co.uk. For more local news 20 Malling February 2016 Free collection & delivery service

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Malling February 2016 21 downsmail.co.uk David Bowie When Freddie was four months old Hayley tribute, as have his fellow members of the Obituaries received the news that her cancer had West Kent Biker group. West Kent Biker AMONG the flood of tributes, stories and returned in an inoperable form. noted on its Facebook page that Osvaldas lile known facts which have emerged since Her energy and selflessness in raising had “real passion for motorcycling” and David Bowie’s death is his Maidstone awareness and living the remainder of her described him as “one of our own”. connection. life positively have prompted an outpouring It went on to note: “Osvaldas…had been From 1964 to 1965 of tributes and memories. with West Kent Biker right from the start the then unknown Hayley’s achievements include helping to and aended virtually every meet; [he] was David Jones was a raise thousands of pounds for the Charles dedicated and had a real passion for member of the Dickens ward at Maidstone Hospital, where motorcycling.” Manish Boys, a group she received treatment, and becoming the who lived and face of the charity Hair and Beauty rehearsed locally in Benevolent. The charity’s website includes a Dave Currer cramped conditions. video of “Hayley’s story”, chronicling her DAVE Currer (50), of Shortlands Green, Its main rehearsal cancer bale. space was a living Park Wood was known locally as a room in Coxheath. motorcyclist and a volunteer with The band played locally, including Jackie Harris rehabilitation groups. performances at the Royal Star Hotel in He was also involved in organising the Maidstone. JACQUELINE “Jackie” Harris, who was annual Green Fair in Mote Park in support Bowie’s memories of the county town known to some as “Tessie” (102), lived of environmental causes. were coloured by an incident in which a locally for about 50 years, as her husband – Many of Dave’s friends in the local local man aacked him after seeing him on William “Bill” – managed Loder and motorcycling community have paid tribute the street, knocking him down and kicking Payne’s store in Bank Street, Maidstone. to his genial nature and valued friendship. him. Long hair on young men was still a Born Jacqueline He died in an accident on the A274 near controversial subject at the time and Bowie Harding-Goodman in Biddenden. and his band mates suffered some Wallington, Surrey, prejudice. Jackie grew up in Chris Haswell Bowie would later talk about his dreams Surrey and Sussex. TRIBUTES have poured in after the sudden to become “their Mick Jagger” with regard The couple moved to death of East Farleigh’s Chris Haswell. to his time in The Manish Boys. He left to Maidstone in the Chris (62) worked join another band, The Lower Third, before 1930s and raised locally in the finding stardom as a solo artist. daughters Antonia “Toni” and Roberta construction industry “Robbie”. They but was widely known Jean Austin remained locally until moving to Cornwall as the lead singer in in 1987. Their homes in Maidstone included Rod Stewart and The THE Mascalls Academy in Paddock Wood Monckton’s Avenue, Heather Road, Loose Faces tribute band, has announced the death of Jean Austin (88), and Madginford Road, Bearsted. The Ronnies. a long serving teacher at the school who Daughter Robbie said: “My mother was The married father taught PE and English from the 1950s until very sociable and outgoing; she and my was also a keen 1988 and rose to become deputy head. father loved socialising at dances, pubs and fisherman and friends The school – based parties – we held a lot of parties at home. As from all areas of his life posted tributes on in Maidstone Road – a couple they were closely involved in the social media and shared news of his death. also posted a Conservative Club when it was located on Samuel Paul Jacques said: “A true and photograph of Jean. Earl Street, in the present home of the Pizza lovely gentleman.” Ian Maggs added: “Very Tributes poured in Express restaurant. sad and unexpected – great entertainer.” from those who knew “My mother was proud of her noble her. Donna Wozny heritage, and was a very giving person who Bob Williams said: “An amazing was generous to her chosen charities, which woman and teacher,” included time spent volunteering at the ROBERT “Bob” Williams (83), of Marden, and Jean’s Cheshire Home in Mote Park. She was also moved to East Malling at the age of 17, while granddaughter Jo very involved with St Faith’s Church in the serving in the RAF. McCallion added: “Thank you everyone for town.” Born and raised in Bootle, Liverpool, he your lovely comments about our Nanna; Jackie – who was widowed in 2004 – was a loyal Liverpool FC supporter. our family really appreciates it. leaves her daughters, grandsons Guy, John His RAF service brought him to the local “She loved this school and always told us and Sean, great-grandchildren Vikki and area where he met and married Joy, wife of how she never had a bad day at work. Charlene and great-great-grandchildren 63 years. They raised children Barry and “She'd be so touched that you all Sian, Freddy, Emily and Mahew. Kay. After working at Aylesford paper mill remember her and would hold you all dear Bob became a postman. The family lived in in her heart.” Leeds before moving to Marden where Bob Osvaldas Rimsa spent the final 32 years of his life. Kay said: “My father never lost his Scouse Hayley Martin OSVALDAS “Ozzy” Rimsa (27), who was a sense of humour; he had an answer for keen motorcyclist known throughout the MOTHER-OF-ONE Hayley Martin (31), of everything. He was a loving and loyal family local motorcycling community for his man, a real hands-on dad, grandad and Loose Road, was known for her fundraising dedication and club membership, died in an for cancer treatment and for helping to great grandad. accident in Rocky Hill, Maidstone. “His granddaughter and great- establish a cancer charity – Freddie’s Ozzy, who lived in Florence Road, Fant, Friends – dedicated to granddaughter used to call in on him on worked as a their way home from school. Long after he supporting young warehouseman adults with cancer. came to live down south he would still locally and was travel to see Liverpool play in London. The Hayley worked as a previously a head L’Oreal technician last thing he watched on television was a 4-5 waiter at the Dean’s away win for Liverpool. and was first Place Hotel, diagnosed with bowel “He was also a great giver to charities, Alfristron, East especially animal charities.” cancer in 2011; she Sussex. was later given the all Bob leaves his wife, children, His work grandchildren Peter and Karrie-Anne and clear and gave birth to colleagues paid her son Freddie. great-grandchildren Kate-Ellen and Maria.

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22 Malling February 2016 downsmail.co.uk Mote Park – best in Britain? Comment WE should be very proud Mote Park is in levelling and well-planned layout would be now regularly voted among the best three Mail very welcome by our sporting community. parks in the country – and it could rise to the Marks There is a strong demand from various sports top. – and the council knows it under-provides for Improvements to pathways, parking and DENNIS FOWLE President sport in the borough. views over the last two years have seen visi- [email protected] It should be protected for quality sport use tors numbers swell. Now Maidstone Council – but routes left for walkers and dogs to ac- has announced plans for the next big steps – a to the cricket club. cess other more popular areas of the park. major, larger, re-built restaurant with mag- With the park attracting a million visitors a Those I questioned have little appetite for nificent vistas down to the scenic lake, up- year – and this will grow – parking problems walking over the current sports pitches. graded toilets and a charged adventure and will increase, despite the new £1-a-day activity feature next to the free children’s play charge. I believe one of the next areas for Changing rooms and showers are available area towards the leisure centre. council consideration should be the large in the leisure centre – but sports clubs would We often take our grandchildren for an grassed area lined with lovely trees between like to see these upgraded. I know some will hour or so. These new attractions will make the entrance and exit roads. In winter it is see my thoughts as harmful to their image of most stays a lot longer – perhaps for three often a quagmire. parts of the park. But no one should now hours if the restaurant and eating experiences I think its main value will be as a surfaced doubt the popularity of recent changes – it has hit the right buttons. I would like to see the car park – but recommend greater ambition. I becomeaparkofevengreaterbeautyandfun. magnificent scenery and fascinating history of think the end closest to the park entrance Let’s keep that ball rolling. the park imaginatively displayed around the would be a very popular location for two or What do you think? The Downs Mail wel- restaurant to excite visitors and encourage three quality restaurants. I think dining in the comes reader letters on Mote Park. wider exploration of the 440-acre park. park would be a very exciting addition. This How many know the enthralling story of area could be a good earner, too, for our cash- former park owner Lord Bearsted, founder of strapped council. Fax frustrations Some 20 years ago a business abused my Shell oil company? He named it after his fam- I would also like the council to upgrade the ily business which traded worldwide in orna- sports take in the park. There is a little-used fax machine by sending unsolicited adverts. mental sea shells. He was an amazing man area close to the leisure centre and bowls club Ten years ago I removed the machine – but who died in 1927. His heirs sold Mote Park to large enough for high-quality football, rugby still these unwanted nuisance phone calls ar- Maidstone Corporation for £50,000 in 1929 etc pitches. At the moment, much of this land rive almost daily, causing great inconven- and The Mote Cricket Ground was left in trust undulates all over the place but an investment ience. Any advice please? Quashing NHS myths economics. We are 27th out of 29 EU countries in the number of doctors per Dear Sir – In a recent Mail Marks Dennis head of population. The NHS is not Fowle repeats some old myths about the unaffordable or unsustainable but NHS that need squashing. underfunded. The cost of your GP per year Recycled regularly, especially by those per head is £74 in West Kent. Try insuring who want to convince us that we can no you cat or car for that. longer afford an  It’s abused: Greatly exaggerated, NHS and we according to the evidence. This is not the should be thinking cause of the NHS’s problems. Contrast that of charges, an with the private US system that the insurance system Government is so keen on: waste $690 or privatisation, billion , overcharging $750bn , fraud $98bn. they include: The USA spends three times as much per  Charging or three “quality” restaurants in the same head with worse results. area. We have more than enough concrete would help:Noit It’s time the subtle but relentless wouldn’t. It just and Tarmac in the park already. campaign by the media and politicians to Starting with the leisure centre and shifts the costs to undermine our health service stopped. the poor and the Maidstone Bowls Club premises all built Dr Paul Hobday Correcting some of the anti-NHS on part of the park, not to mention the elderly who are less propaganda is a start. healthy than other groups. The Germans retirement village and the park and ride, Dr Paul J Hobday, Churn Lane, Maidstone has more than enough gave this up after the failure of a six-year Horsmonden experiment. The evidence is that it restaurants, coffee shops and cafes. Every encourages the “worried well” but deters time you go into town there’s a new one the poor sick, which costs more in the long Leave our park alone opened. run. The US Commonwealth Fund rates We need the park, a green open space. I the UK NHS as the most cost-effective Dear Sir – I feel I must write to defend think certain things are good ideas such as healthcare system in the world. Mote Park against ideas put forward by Mr the adventure playground and a new café,  Ageing population: Exaggerated. Fowle in his musings in Mail Marks in this which could be built near where the old Most money is spent in the last six months edition of the Downs Mail. one is by razing all the buildings in that of life, irrespective of how old you are. He thinks that the next area for the area.  Costs too much: Wrong. We spend less council to consider is the “large grassed However, the park can be enjoyed by on health than the other G7 nations and in area lined with lovely trees” between the simply walking round it. Why is it people the last few years, the percentage of GDP Mote Avenue entrance and exit roads, seem to need things to occupy themselves spent has fallen from 11% to a lile over which he thinks should make a lovely with? There is nothing as pleasant and 7%. This is a political choice, not surfaced car park. refreshing as a walk in a green open space. To make maers worse he suggests two S Johnson, West Park Road, Maidstone Contact our team ... Stephen Eighteen Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233

Malling February 2016 23 downsmail.co.uk News Royal honours announced LOCAL people have been celebrating being named in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list. Of this year’s 1,196 recipients, 76% than £500,000 for the Retail Trust have undertaken “outstanding with an annual fly-fishing event work in their communities”. over the last 28 years. In the Maidstone area they are: The former Maidstone Grammar George Batts (90), from Barming, schoolboy, who built a hugely suc- will be made an MBE for his volun- cessful career in retailing and re- tary service to war veterans. A vet- cruitment, said: “I’m delighted to eran of the Normandy Landings, have been able to give something George became the national secre- back and help some of its people tary and treasurer of the now-dis- who have fallen on hard times.” banded Normandy Veterans’ Craig, who met and married his Association and spent many years wife of 46 years while working in organising pilgrimages to France to Craig Vidler, George Batts and Venessa Willms have all been honoured South Africa, returned with Mar- remember The Fallen in the D-Day Venessa Willms, from Maidstone, provide every child with the tools jorie and their daughter Claire to conflict. will be awarded an OBE for services they need to go to university or pur- Maidstone in 1971 and lived in His voluntary work has also in- to education. The director of pri- sue a career of their choice.” Loose and for a short time in Leeds cluded compiling an archive of eye- mary education for Ark Schools Craig Vidler receives a BEM for village. witness accounts from the said: “Over the past nine years at services to charity. The 69-year-old, The couple now live near Ashford battlefields and assisting with civic Ark, including seven as the found- who lived near Mote Park in Maid- but are regular visitors to the area, visits, for which he received an ing principal at King Solomon stone throughout his early years, particularly Bearsted. Craig remains award from Prime Minister David Academy, I have worked with tal- has raised money for charities such a founding partner of a mentoring Cameron in 2014. ented teachers and senior leaders to as the Royal Marsden and more service for the over-55s.

rm reports Crime THE windscreen of a minibus was smashed in Forstal Road, Aylesford, when an object was thrown at it. Neighbourhood Watch Cash was stolen by raiders who broke into a café in Martin Square, Larkfield. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police The patio door at the back of a house in Edgar Close was damaged during an at- tempted break-in at Kings Hill. park at East Malling was keyed. and a garage in Roughetts Road, both in A property in Station Road, Aylesford, A VW van in Eccles Road, Eccles, was bro- Ryarsh. was broken into and items, including cash, ken into but nothing appeared to have been A Toyota people-carrier parked on the were stolen. Inquiries are ongoing. stolen. drive outside a property in Snodland was Cash and electrical equipment were Damage was caused to a communal door damaged. among items stolen from a house in Watts at a property in High Street, Aylesford. Damage was caused to a house and a gar- Close, Snodland. Damage was also caused to a vehicle in an den shed during a break in at a property in A group of youths are thought to have allocated parking bay in High Street, Ayles- Pepingstraw Close, Offham. Nothing was damaged a shop sign in Lunsford Lane, ford. reported as stolen. Larkfield. The front forks of a Sulcata bicycle were Golf equipment was stolen from the shed A car was broken into while in a desig- stolen from the garden of a home in Temple of a property in East Street, Addington. nated parking bay behind the owner’s prop- Way, East Malling. Attempts were made to break into a Land erty in Brampton Field, Ditton. A white Peugot caravan, with the regis- Rover on the drive of a home in Carnation Fishing tackle was stolen from a garden tration prefix WU52, was stolen from a com- Crescent, East Malling. Nothing was taken. shed in London Road, Ryarsh. mercial yard in The Street, Ryarsh. Tools were taken from a building in Aluminium chequer plates were stolen Tools, including a Makita saw and a De- Broadwater Road, East Malling. from a Land Rover in the Station Road car walt router were stolen from a garden shed A car was stolen from Snoll Hatch Road, park in Aylesford. in North Meadow, Offham. East Peckham. A shed at The Malling School in Beech A skip was taken from a yard in Lake The bodywork was damaged on a parked Road, East Malling, was broken into. A list Road, Aylesford. car in New Hythe Lane, Larkfield. of items stolen is awaited. A bicycle left behind a property in Martin Items were taken from a vehicle in Jasmine A black tool box containing various hand Square, Larkfield, was stolen. Road, another in Lime Crescent and a third tools was stolen from a Ford Mondeo in A metal drain cover was stolen from the car in Hardie Close, East Malling. Eagle Close, Larkfield. road in Braeburn Way, Kings Hill. A set of outside lights were damaged Items were stolen during a raid on several A window was damaged when something at a premises in Norman Road, West sheds in North Meadow, Offham. was fired at it in Malling Road, Snodland. Malling. The driver of a car or a motorbike is The tyres were slashed on a car in Butch- Lead was stolen from a garage at a prop- thought to be responsible for causing crimi- ers Lane, Mereworth. erty in Smithers Lane, East Peckham. nal damage at a property in Atlas Close, The rear windscreen was smashed on a Equipment was taken from a car in Mos- Kings Hill, when it was driven across the Mercedes C270 in Hermitage Lane, Ayles- quito Road, Mereworth, and the window of lawn. ford. a house in the same road was damaged. A vehicle in The Beeches, Aylesford,was A red Honda motorbike was taken from The window of a house in Kent Road, keyed. the garage of a property in London Road at Snodland, was smashed. The tarpaulin was damaged on a lorry Ryarsh. parked in a lay-by on the Snodland Bypass, A garage in London Road East, Aylesford, but nothing taken. A man in a black Audi was broken into but nothing was reported SECURE YOUR HOME

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Refrigeration Repairs Rubbish Clearance

Fridge Freezer Repairs ALL RUBBISH CLEARED Refrigeration | Air Conditioning | Ventilation You Name It We Clear It REPAIRS, SERVICING & SALES Household, Garden, Factory, Garage, Builders & Construction Waste • Fridges/Freezers • Ice Machines Private and Commercial • American Style • Wine Coolers Anything Anywhere Fridge Freezers Cheaper Than A Skip 01622 321040 07931 274388 Wait & Load Service Available Friendly • Effecient • Reliable • Competitive Email: [email protected] All Demolition Work Undertaken www.refrigerationkent.uk All Areas covered 7 Days a week FOR A FREE CONSULTATION NO OBLIGATION PINBINS SITE SURVEY Follow Call our friendly team on Commercial and domestic us on 01580 893990 or 07933 388024 1-14 day hire Council approved REGISTERED WASTE CARRIER Same day delivery Tipped at our site 2-4 yard mini skips 70% waste recycled Security Systems 6-20 yard skips Crushed concrete Roll-on, roll-offs Top soil Double Glazing Repairs Grab hire also available & Locksmith Services • Locks repaired or replaced • Letterboxes Access NEW SITE NOW OPEN • Hinges & window handles Denied Detling • Broken glass & misted units Aerodrome • Lost key replaced & doors opened Maidstone • Patio doors, runners & rollers • Doors that are difficult to close and lock Freephone 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 0800 028 49 00

28 Malling February 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified

Trailor Hire, Sales & Repairs Recruitment

Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair Kent Trailers Indespension Agent, Livestock, Plant, Recovery, Van, General Purpose Trailers in stock, New & Used - Detling 01622 730063 [email protected] 07860 318166 Maidstone and Malling's No.1 Newspaper

Upholstery We are currently recruiting a part time field sales person to sell advertising across our successful Downs Mail and Mid BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS Kent Living publications and associated online products. • 3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired The role will involve: • 3 piece suites individually made to order • Making face to face presentations and telesales calls • Developing business from existing clients • 100’s of fabrics to choose from • Obtaining and growing new business • DIY supplies • Collection & delivery • Canvassing from competitor publications and online products • Antique restoration • Working to achieve challenging revenue targets and meeting strict deadlines on a weekly basis (01622) 863069 • Maintaining accurate and up to date records Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a similar role and will: Waste Collection • Have experience of working to sales targets • Have a confident and outgoing personality D. BODY LTD Waste Collection • Be determined and persuasive Cesspool Emptying • Be self-motivated and able to show initiative Septic Tanks Drain Clearing • Have excellent communication skills Sludge Removal • Show commitment and be a team player Treatment Plants Gulleys & Forecourts A full driving license and use of own car will be required High Pressure Jetting This is a permanent part-time position of 25 hours per week to be Domestic & Commercial worked Tuesday to Thursday, plus Monday on press week. ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS Friendly, flexible, family owned business 01622 631688 24Hr - 7 Days A Week Basic salary + uncapped commission + bonus + 31 days Prompt & Friendly Service D.BODY www.dbody.co.uk The Paddock, Detiling Hill, Maidstone, Kent (pro rata) annual leave + mileage allowance Email applications to the sales manager. Include your CV and a Window Services covering letter explaining how your experience matches the job requirements and why you would be successful in the role. MirandaMiranda [email protected] DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS SPECIALIST REPAIRER FOR OVER 20 YEARS On the Road ALL REPAIRS GUARANTEED Misted / Broken Glass Units, All MOT’s Door & Window Handles, £40.00 Locks & Hinges Patio Door Wheels & Tracks SPARE PARTS SHOP TilyardAuto’s Units 15-16 Dickens Court Enterprise Close, Medway City Estate MoT Testing Kent ME2 4LY Free re-test and minor adjustments 01634 717400 Service and repairs carried out to all www.mdgrepairs.co.uk makes and models Local recovery service now available Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY Health & Beauty SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS

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Malling February 2016 29 ACE M.O.T. and Clutch Centre Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T. Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted • Broken belt damaged repaired • All makes, petrol & diesel 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG Tel: 01732 870368

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Malling February 2016 31 downsmail.co.uk

both the trees and the heritage in speed check in the village for comparison

aihCouncils Parish Addington Addington. Ideally, members would like with the previous one but was not sure Police matters A house in The Clearway, to start a programme of identifying trees what would be achieved. It was decided Addington had been broken into and a that should have preservation orders, that a possible grant and parish council garage was broken into in Woodgate Road. Incidents such as the recent felling of trees funds might be better spent elsewhere. A Award Members nominated Cllr Patricia in woodland near Scarbutts on London letter would be sent to Tom Tugendhat Garrett for the Kent Association of Local Road were of concern. It was also MP, asking for his support in getting Kent Councils community awards scheme 2016 suggested that the clerk approach Kent Police to take action against speeding for her services to the community. Men of Trees for advice. motorists. Budget The total allocation for section 136 East Street North One of the oak saplings Emergency plan It was agreed that it funding for 2016/17 was £3,290, including had disappeared. would be a good idea for an emergency £925 for the maintenance of the plan to be drawn up with contact details churchyard. A total estimated expenditure and information for display on the website of £27,530, including £5,000 for Aylesford and noticeboard. The chairman and clerk community projects, was agreed. It was Lighting KCC had provided details of would produce a draft for the next resolved that the precept for 2016/17 additional work it required to be done on meeting should be £19,571.98 including the council York Avenue and Victoria Road before HGVs A councillor reported having seen tax support grant of £645. Any shortfall adoption could be carried out. The clerk HGVs parked on the verges at the bottom would be met from reserves. This would was in detailed discussions with of Birling Road leading to the A20 and a be the ninth year that the council resolved Streetlights Ltd about works required to considerable amount of fast food not to increase the precept. parish-owned lighting, the drawing up of packaging litter had been left. In particular Public session A member of the public a detailed schedule and future a Clancy Docwra vehicle was seen on the expressed concern about the current maintenance. verge and new planting at the entrance to external lighting at Humphries and Parks Eccles memorial clock Urgent electrical Leybourne Chase had been damaged. The and referred to informatives and work was authorised at a cost of £1,600. clerk would contact the firm and conditions of previous planning Rogue emails The clerk reported some councillors would take photographs of permissions and a previous refusal for the members receiving emails purporting to vehicles seen there in future with dates, site. They considered that the level of come from the council’s old address times and registration numbers. current lighting was wholly incompatible and/or from previous clerks and members. Road study Details had been received of with a rural location and requested that He asked members to ensure they delete an A20 road study to be carried out by the parish council asked borough planning these without opening and only respond Amey to establish an evidence base of enforcement officers to research the to emails from the council’s current existing and forecast problems or issues planning history of the site in line with addresses. between the A228 at Leybourne and related planning policies and take Blue Bell Hill The milestone was still Coldharbour Lane, Aylesford. Councillors appropriate action. with the contractor. Work had been commented on traffic congestion and lack A member of the public expressed delayed due to an injury to the of synchronisation of traffic lights on the dismay about the activities that had stonemason. route and were hopeful that the study recently taken place at the Scarbutts site Aylesford village square There was a could lead to improvements in traffic on the A20. A removals firm had been successful visit to Gallagher’s to view management. using the site which had been reported to street furniture alternatives. A rustic style enforcement officers. A concrete garage with a low-level table was preferred. The had since been turned into an office and in clerk would now pursue KCC to confirm Kings Hill the past week a number of trees adjacent arrangements regarding funding and to the site had been felled. They feared aspects of work it would be undertaking. Town Feedback from the parish council’s that this area would be surfaced and Members requested a site meeting with all consultation for Kings Hill to become a turned into further parking and requested interested parties before final decisions on town was considered. It was resolved to that the clerk reported these concerns to design were confirmed. defer the proposal pending further enforcement officers. Bridleways The public inquiry into the investigation. Humphries and Parks Planning creation of bridleways for Aylesford and Public session Members of the public enforcement officers had investigated and Burham parishes was scheduled to last for raised the following issues: the said that a breach of planning control had six days, starting on February 23 at investigation of other local Facebook sites not occurred. The clerk was asked to Burham Old School Community Centre. and the process of adding useful parish challenge this decision, quoting the River Medway towpath Work was council information to those sites; could planning information supplied by the expected to start after April. The parish the parish council contact the GP surgery member of the public. council had committed £20,000 to the to discuss the time the appointments Woodgate Road KCC was continuing to project. system takes; could an update on the investigate possible problems with drains Ferryfield A request from Lawsons Circus memorial stones be added to the parish in the area near The Paddocks where the to visit in April for three nights was council website; issues with opening times road kept flooding. agreed. of the Sports Park bar/restaurant area. Jet Garage One of its signs was regularly Eccles recreation ground The fencing of Borough council report Cllr Sarah Barker blocking the footpath on the south side of play equipment had been completed and reported on changes to the school bus the A20. well received. service to Tonbridge; a new fast-track bus Stubblesdown The clerk had reported the Budget The precept for 2016/17 would be service to replace the 123 service running missing posts and damaged verge to the increased by £10,651, making a total of on Kings Hill and an update on the M20 highways steward and was awaiting a £177,374. junction 4 bridge widening. Queen Street response. Two cars had been seen for sale had been adopted by KCC from Fortune in recent weeks. Way to the GP surgery. Further Village hall Members discussed the Birling investigation would take place on this serious fire in the village hall car park on Crime report A garage in The Close had matter. An assessment of the bus stops December 31 when two caravans caught been broken into and garden equipment and bus stop flags would be taking place light. Cllr Peter Robinson played an was stolen. in Discovery Drive. enormous part in assisting and offering Planning Regarding a caravan in the field Local plan The results of the call for sites hospitality to the shocked members of the opposite Langhold House, Tonbridge and were noted and it was agreed that the Caravan Club. Councillors thanked him Malling Council was awaiting a planning parish council would continue to for everything he had done. The event had application for a dog walking/training challenge these proposals. highlighted a few areas of concern which business on the site. Advert It was noted that Kings Hill would be considered in a complete review Precept It was agreed that the precept for feaures in the new Ford television advert. of the emergency plan. 2016/17 would be £8,772, the same amount Queen The Queen’s 90th birthday Open spaces The clerk was asked to find as last year. celebrations were discussed and it was out from Tonbridge and Malling Council Speeding KCC Cllr Sarah Hohler had said agreed that the parish council would not how the parish council could try to protect that she would be prepared to part fund a be lighting a beacon.

32 Malling February 2016 downsmail.co.uk

Box” and would include shelves of books amount paid for 2016/17 by a band D Mereworth Councils Parish which could be read and replaced or household to £50.48, which is £3.61 less Fete management Two members of the swapped by residents. than the previous year. The final precept public raised the matter of the village fete Speed Watch Volunteers would be taking request was for £14,289. and asked that the parish council take the part in training for the programme which lead by forming a fete sub-committee. This should restart in the village soon. was agreed. The parish council’s insurance Quiz night Tickets for the quiz night Wateringbury would cover the fete and all activities being held in the village hall on February relating to it. An appeal would be made Co-option John Evans was co-opted to 27 cost £7.50 each and include a glass of serve on the parish council. for volunteers, emphasising that this was wine and hot food. They can be purchased the village’s one main fundraising event of Allotments The minor repairs to the gate from Cllr Wendy Williams on 01832 had been done. the year. 841501. Village hall soakaway Bill Piper reported Budget Councillors voted to set the Noticeboard The parish council had paid precept for 2016/17 at £109,516.32 which that several tennis balls had been removed for and installed a new noticeboard from the drain and it was now cleared. included the £40,000 one-off requirement outside the village hall. for a new wet pour surface at the play However, water was starting to Precept Councillors discussed the budget accumulate outside the fire doors and a area. for 2016/17 and agreed to keep the amount Community assets The Mill Pond had gulley here might help. The guttering on per band D household the same as last been placed on the list held by Tonbridge the neighbouring building was damaged, year. causing further flooding and the and Malling Council. householder had been asked to deal with Planning The council had no objections to this. A report was awaited from the Ryarsh the following applications: South View contractor before deciding the next step. House, 226 Tonbridge Road, single storey Signs Kent Highway Services had looked Police matters There had been one extension; 5 Phoenix Yard Cottages, at the “slow” signs and white lines in the burglary (non-dwelling) and a theft from a removal of mobile home and domestic village and considered the centre line was house. outbuildings and erection of new annex. adequate. Of the seven “slow” signs, two Road accidents There had been three Play equipment Negotiations were still were worn and did not warrant action yet. traffic incidents on Seven Mile Lane at the progressing with Playdale about the White lines were not marked in winter but bend by Orchard Place and one fatality. replacement of some wooden supports. possible work would be investigated again KCC Cllr Matthew Balfour said there was The existing surface would be replaced in April. no engineering solution to the accidents. with wet pour once these had been Phone box The contractor suggested by There was a 50mph restriction and the replaced. BT for maintenance of the phone box was police must enforce this. The PCSOs said Sports and Recreation Association Mike not interested in such a small job. A local they had undertaken several speed checks Witts reported that the wetness of the resident, who was a painter and decorator, recently. The chairman said the parish ground had delayed the work to refurbish would be contacted. council expected the police and KCC to part of the playing fields. Cllr Dennis Pothole A pothole in The Street had been continue to look for a solution to this dire Stones agreed to represent the parish reported to Kent Highway Services. situation. council on the association’s management Grass The KCC Landscape Service quote Kent Street Cllr Matthew Balfour said that committee. for cutting the recreation ground grass Village warden John Ibbs reported that the plans for Kent Street were still ongoing had been accepted. and the parish council would be the only problem currently was dog Defibrillator A local electrician would be fouling. Dog owners were reminded to consulted. There was no money for major contacted to provide a light for the phone roadworks though a solution could be pick up after their pets. box which would be on a timer or operate Public discussion Topics raised were: development (section 106) which was not when the door is opened, and for the wanted by residents. councillors’ meetings with Siemans about defibrillator. It was agreed to keep the box use of Drayhorse Meadow car park for Precept The precept for 2016/17 was set at red on the outside and white on the inside. £11,947.22, an increase of 10% on the work to be carried out to install a Pub The Duke of Wellington pub would temporary switchgear module; village previous year. It was generally felt that as be 500 years old this year and celebrations the parish council had been running at a plans for Clean for the Queen; Croudace were planned throughout the year. It was plans for housing at a site in the village. deficit for some years and had used up the hoped that the parish council could join in revenue from land sale some years ago, it with the celebrations with something at was not prudent to allow this situation to the village fete suggested. West Peckham continue. There had been no increase for Highways The bank opposite Moonfield several years and the workload required was eroding and had been especially bad Deer shooting Concern was expressed of the parish council had increased. Cllr in the past few weeks. A couple of trees that deer shooting was taking place in Jenny Thorogood wished it to be recorded had come out of the bank and appeared to Hazel Wood in the locality of a public that she did not agree with the small have been holding it together. The bank footpath. The landowner would be increase, but felt it should be 25%, as she was breaking down and soil was washed contacted to see if permission had been felt that parishioners wanted tree pruning, down the road and blocked the drains on given for this. grass cutting and verges to continue to be The Street. It was presumed that Redrow Funding A request had been received for done to a high standard. was now responsible for the bank but it financial assistance for West Peckham was not known if repairing and Cricket Club. The council agreed a one-off maintaining it was built into the terms of donation of £500 to secure the future of Offham the planning permission for the site. the cricket club and ensure its financial Crash It was reported that the police, Kent Bus stop The bus stop on London Road, security. Highway Services and Tonbridge and opposite Roughetts Road, heading in the Roads Iron work was missing outside the Malling Council were investigating the Wrotham direction, had no shelter. church. This had been reported to circumstances of the recent fatal crash on Waiting passengers were getting soaked Southern Water. Concerns were expressed Seven Mile Lane to try to prevent a similar when it rained. The clerk was asked to about the crossing at Seven Mile Lane and accident happening. write to Tonbridge and Malling Council to Mereworth Road at school time with the Aldon Lane A lorry recently got stuck on request a shelter. way cars were being parked particularly Aldon Lane and caused damage trying to Play area The roundabout was beyond around The Octagon, often forcing cars turn around. Kent Highway Services was economic repair. The play area was still into the middle of the road. The clerk looking at ways of preventing vehicles popular with children from school, hall would write to the school asking if parents taking short cuts along this narrow road. hirers and users of the recreation ground. could please be considerate about parking. Phone box Following the parish council’s It was anticipated that it would continue Dog bin This had now been installed. successful application for a defibrillator to be popular even when the new play Budget The precept for 2016/17 was set at and case from the British Heart area was installed in the Brickworks site. It £2,998, meaning £17.30 for a band D Foundation, plans were discussed for was agreed that the parish council should property – a slight increase of 6p or 0.35% installing it in the old phone box on Teston look into replacing the roundabout. over last year because the tax base Road. The box was to be called the “Book Precept It was agreed to reduce the reduced from £173.93 to £173.32.

Malling February 2016 33 Seasonal Delights at your local gastro pub Fine Wine, Real Ale, Good Food Lunch and Dinner Club available Monday - Saturday Lunch Sunday - Wednesday Dinner £12.95 for 2 courses £16.95 for 3 courses Our menu’s are packed with seasonal delights using the very best Kentish produce (Excluding Mothers Day. Not in conjunction with any other offers. Conditions apply.) Visit your local gastro pub The Farmhouse, West Malling The Poacher & Partridge, Tudeley Serving fresh cooked seasonal food All day, Every day

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