Sainsbury's Store Plan Facing Further Delays

Four editions delivered to over 88,000 homes every month downsmail.co.uk

MaidstoneMaidstone SouthSouth EditionEdition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE

Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling South 2016 No. 230

News Sainsbury’s store plan War pipe unearthed A PIECE of piping found in a farmer’s field is part of a vital fuel line which kept the facing further delays D-Day landings going. 3 Maidstone mayor SAINSBURY’S says it won’t be building its promised store and filling station DEREK Butler and his wife Mary in Staplehurst any time soon. have been installed as mayor and mayoress. 4 Confirmation of a further delay Sainsbury’s sales.” sites to secure its planning permis- came in a meeting between Maid- Another person agreed that con- sion for a store, which expired in New Hunton pavilion stone Borough Council and the retail firmation from Sainsbury’s that the March. giant following pressure from the store is not in its construction pro- He added: “We are continuing to THE new cricket pavilion at area’s borough councillors, con- gramme for 2016-17 is “indeed, bad review our plans for a new store in Hunton Wanderers’ 6 cerned about the ongoing delay in news. Also having to live with the Staplehurst and will update the ground has been opened. bringing the plan to fruition and the eyesore that the old Texaco site has community once we are in a position deteriorating state of its filling sta- become does nothing for the image to do so.” Pony death search tion site. of the village.” Green King currently manages the One villager said on the parish The area’s borough councillors proposed store site – formerly TWO men are being sought by police over the death of council’s web forum: “It does seem Louise Brice and John Perry say they owned by DK Holdings – as a car 8 a shame that, despite many other will keep the pressure on the retailer, park for commuters for Sainsbury’s. a pony at Headcorn. places opposing proposed super- but concede that in such a challeng- However, the retailer rejected the market development plans, this is, ing climate, Sainsbury’s cannot be idea of turning the old Texaco Natalie is new chief by and large, something that is actu- forced to build. garage over for the same purpose ally wanted by the local population. A Sainsbury’s spokesman said because of the redundant pumps NATALIE Kirk has risen through It would no doubt also be good for work had been carried out on both and tanks on the site. the ranks to become boss of a Kent attraction. 10

Summer fest samba Jubilant Stones need more room THE town’s Summer Festival will feature no less than MAIDSTONE United’s promo- three samba bands. 27 tion to the highest tier of English non-league football has hastened the need for a bigger stadium. Spa hotel now at risk While the Stones have no in- PLANS for a hotel are under tention of leaving the Gallagher threat from council Stadium, the club must increase conservation rules. 32 its capacity by 1,000 to meet with National League requirements. Management will submit an Cider star of show application to Maidstone Bor- THE growth of micro-breweries is ough Council to extend one end celebrated at this year’s of the ground. Kent County Show. 37 The Stones beat Ebbsfleet United at Stonebridge Road on Comment penalties on May 14. The victory drenched in emotion and excite- extra-time sent the tie to penalties, 30-3146-47 means they graduated into the ment. which the away side won 4-3. higher division on an afternoon A last-gasp equalising goal in Full story and pictures, page 22 Crime Reports 3632 BUILDING gear was stolen from a site in Marden. Election special Obituaries 36 FULL coverage of the borough council elections, the Kent Police Parish Councils 46-47 and Crime Commissioner poll and TREES near the Scout hut in YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT your chance to vote in our special Kingswood have been cut down 01622 690290 [email protected] eve-of-referendum and the parish clerk will write to 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent opinion poll inside. 16-18 the group’s leader.

15 Royal Star Arcade, High Street, Up to 30% OFF Maidstone, ME14 1JL upholsterybrands.co.uk 01622 296680 Open Mon-Sat 9-5pm, Sun 11-4pm Champagne Cocktail & 2 Course Lunch just £19 The Who’d a Thought It is a lovingly restored sixteenth-century Champagne Bar with rooms set in the delightful Kentish countryside and is the perfect setting for any meal. Come and enjoy a sumptuous 2-course lunch with Champagne Cocktail for just £19, choose from classic peach or strawberry Bellini. Available Monday to Friday on production of this advertisement.

Forthcoming events Our Very Own Royal Blues Brothers Tribute Ascott Ladies Day Night Saturday 2nd July

Come to the Who’d A Thought It on On Saturday 2nd July we will be 17th June to enjoy the Royal Ascott having a big knees-up with music from Races! Make sure you dress to a Blues Brothers Tribute! £35 per impress! More information available head, including a 2 course meal and on our web site events page. welcome drink.

Who’d A Thought It. To book your table, please call Champagne & Oyster Bar & Rooms 01622 858951 Headcorn Road, Grafty Green, Nr Lenham, Kent ME17 2AR www.whodathoughtit.com

2 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Blaze at ﬂats FAMILIES are back home after Wartime pipeline gets being evacuated following a mys- tery fire at a block of flats in Mar- den. Six flats were affected by the a place in our history blaze, which starting in the ground floor bin room at The Cockpit. A PIECE of pipe unearthed in a Golding Homes, which owns the farmer’s field in Chainhurst flats, says residents returned home could have come in handy during on May 24 after safety checks. France’s recent fuel fiasco. A spokesman for Golding Homes The WWII pipe is part of said residents had all been kept up PLUTO - the Pipe Line Underwa- to date. Flats were not damaged, no ter Transport of Oil project - used one was hurt and repairs to the to deliver fuel to the Allied forces communal areas were underway. in France after D-Day. The bin store, in the entrance to The pipeline, built in 1944, car- the building, was sealed off while ried fuel from the Isle of Grain via investigations continue. a pumping station at East Peck- ham to Dungeness – and from Music dates there, underwater through pipes ST Margaret’s Church Collier Street on the seabed to Boulogne. is being turned into an auditorium Farmer Robert Day discovered a for a series of summer concerts. section of the pipe on his land at On Saturday, June 11, there will Gatehouse Farm some years ago be music from the reigns of both and used it as a barrier. The pipe, Queen Elizabeths – the Tudor Eliz- which appears to be a concreted abeth I and our Queen, Elizabeth II. joint section, would have been lo- The St Margaret’s Singers will be cated where the route changed di- accompanied by Tonbridge Chapel rection slightly – possibly between organist David Williams and pro- Gatehouse and Murzie Farms. Retained ﬁremen Grant Oliver and Andy Wardley helped out ceeds will go to the church. In February 2015, the Marden tre, where it joins a red telephone McFarland said: “PLUTO was one On Saturday, July 16, the Chan- History Group (MHG) was granted box and a WWII air-raid siren. of the major engineering achieve- cel Singers will perform choral a licence by Maidstone Borough Marden firefighters Andy Ward- ments of WWII. The history group works from across the centuries. Council to move the PLUTO pipe ley and Grant Oliver were called in believes that this section has a sig- Tickets for each concert are £7.50 and its concrete joint to a site near to help transport the hefty piece of nificant place in our parish and na- and available from Rachel West on Marden Library and Heritage Cen- pipe. The History Society’s David tional history.” 01622 872278.

www.castle-cleaning.co.uk

specialists in carpet & Ns Flooring upholstery cleaning

Exceeding expectations, but never your budget! Carpets Laminate Vinyl Rugs Remnants FREE measuring Experts in Cleaning Your Home and estimating Castle Cleaning is a small family run business operating service across Maidstone for 10 years and we are dedicated to delivering the highest cleaning standards possible combined with excellent value for money. We are IICRC registered company, we have to adhere to guidelines set down by IICRC.

Our truck mounted systems can clean… • Carpets • Upholstery • Rugs • Wood Flooring • Patios & Driveways • Decking & Conservatories Call us on: • Ceramic Floor tiles/grout 01622 813355/07710 660731 • Marble & Granite Floors 20A Bow Road • Wateringbury • ME18 5DD Mention the Freephone: 0800 3457219 Downsmail for a www.ns-flooring.co.uk Mobile: 07920 840972 5% Discount

Maidstone South June 2016 3 News downsmail.co.uk- Only one in 10 walk to work Mayor sworn in with KENT could become a pioneer for active travel, if a county council strategy to make walking and cycling a more realistic option gets on ﬂag-waving crowds the road. MAIDSTONE’S new mayor, Cllr The initiative comes into force as Derek Butler, has been sworn in at statistics from Kent County Coun- a civic reception held in the town cil suggest nine out of ten residents centre. do not walk to work. His wife Mary will be Cllr But- KCC believes its Active Travel ler’s mayoress during his year in of- Strategy will help tackle the fice. county’s growing congestion crisis, Cllr Butler’s election as mayor improve residents’ health, reduce was followed by a civic parade pollution and boost the local econ- through the town centre to All omy. Saints Church. It is now asking for comments on Crowds thronged the streets to the strategy, which it says will in- watch the horse-drawn mayoral fluence transport and development carriage pass by. The ceremonial decisions in future. landau is a former State carriage The authority acknowledges it owned by the third son of Queen will need to address some of the Victoria and now part of the collec- major things that stop people leav- tion at the Tyrwhitt Drake Museum ing their cars at home, such as con- of Carriages in Mill Street. venience, the need to carry bulky The parade was led by 36 Engi- loads. neer Regiment and the Queen’s In Kent, says KCC, only one in 10 Gurkha Engineers. Mayor Derek Butler and his mayoress wife, Mary, at the civic parade people walk to work, one in 100 A wide range of community cycle and only half of adults meet groups also took part, including the was born in Lewisham and moved and has been the chairman of the the recommended level of physical Royal British Legion, Royal Naval to Medway in 1973 and then to audit committee. Married to Mary, activity. Download the draft strat- Association, Merchant Navy Sea- Maidstone in 1984. they have one daughter, Georgina. egy and questionnaire at farers Association, Maidstone He became a borough councillor He retired in 2014 after working for www.kent.gov.uk/activetravel or Nepalese Community (Gurkha Vet- in 2002 representing Boxley Ward The Court Service at Bromley Mag- request a copy by leaving a mes- erans), Scouts, Cadets and the and has served on many of the istrates Court and, previously, The sage on 03000 421553. The consul- British Red Cross. Cllr Butler (67) overview and scrutiny committees City of London Magistrates Court. tation runs until July 13.

ƌĞǇŽƵ ĐĂƌŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƐŽŵĞďŽĚǇ ǁŝƚŚ ĚĞŵĞŶƟĂ ƚŚĂƚ ĂƌĞ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐŝŶŐ ƉƌŽďůĞŵƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŵĞŵŽƌǇ͍ ŶĞǁ ŝŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ ƚŽ ĂƐƐŝƐƚ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ĞĂƌůǇ ƐƚĂŐĞ ĚĞŵĞŶƟĂ ŝƐ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ƚŽ ǇŽƵƌ ĂƌĞĂ͘ dŚĞƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ ŝƐ ĚĞƐŝŐŶĞĚ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ŬĞĞƉ ƚŚŽƐĞ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ĚĞŵĞŶƟĂ ƐƟŵƵůĂƚĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐƚŽ ƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƚĞ ŝŶ ƉƵƌƉŽƐĞĨƵů ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ŝŶ ŽƌĚĞƌ ƚŽ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ ĂĐƟǀĞ ŵŝŶĚƐ͘

/ĨǇŽƵ ǁŽƵůĚ ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ĮŶĚ ŽƵƚ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ Žƌ ĚŽ ǇŽƵ ŬŶŽǁ ƐŽŵĞŽŶĞ ǁŝƚŚ ĞĂƌůǇƐƚĂŐĞ ĚĞŵĞŶƟĂ ĂŶĚ ǇŽƵ ƚŚŝŶŬ ƚŚĞǇ ŵŝŐŚƚ ďĞŶĞĮƚ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ ƉůĞĂƐĞĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ůŽĞŽŶ ddĞĞů͗ Ϭϳϯϴϵϵ ϴϴϭϱϴϮ Žƌ KĸĐĞ ϬϭϲϮϮ ϳϱϯϲϭϴ ĨŽƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ŽŵƉĂŶǇZĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŝƐ ůƚĞƌŶĂƟǀĞůǇĞŵĂŝů ĐůŽĞ͘ĞĂƐƚǁŽŽĚΛĂŐĞƵŬŵĂŝĚƐƚŽŶĞ͘ŽƌŐ͘ƵŬ ϯϯϰϰϮϮϰ

ŚĂƌŝƚǇZĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŝƐ ϭϬϲϮϳϮϯ

4 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Butcher cleans up after ﬁne AN AWARD-winning Kentish butchery has been fined £10,000 after traces of mice were found in its shop in The Maidstone Mall. The 50th anniversary celebrations of J. C. Rook and Sons Ltd were marred in March last year when in- spectors found vermin had been present in its premises on the lower floor of the shopping centre. Bosses of the family firm took immediate action, voluntarily closing preciate we were caught up in PLANT & the shop for 11 days. They dis- something which was not entirely missed three employees and imple- our own fault. EQUIPMENT HIRE mented a new food safety system. “Mice were not unknown in The The store now has five stars – the Mall in Maidstone and the poor con- Diggers/Dumpers & Rollers council’s highest hygiene rating. dition of The Mall pipework ... Towers & Ladders Lighting & Heating The company, which owns 11 meant that mice could penetrate our Breakers & Wackers Mixers & Sanders shops in Kent and runs a lucrative premises. Another shop in the cen- Powered Access & Cherry Pickers online business, admitted four tre also suffered an incident that was breaches of food safety and hygiene widely reported in the press.” All other building tools & equipment regulations when it appeared at Suzie Brindle, marketing manager HYDRAULIC including garden & Medway magistrates. at the Mall, said: “While we make HOSES landscaping equipment It was fined £10,400 plus costs, every effort to support and advise bringing the total to over £34,610. our tenants, the cleanliness of the In a statement, directors Chris and units they occupy is their responsi- 01580 891234 Andrew Rook said: “This incident at bility and they are obliged to main- FLO Lodge Road, Staplehurst The Mall, Maidstone, was the first of tain the highest hygiene standards. GAS www.acornhire.com its kind in any of our shops in 51 “We have a comprehensive pest Mon - Fri 7.30am - 5.00pm & Sat 7.30 - 1.00pm years of trading and we are deeply control contract and take expert ad- sorry that this has happened. vice in all such matter. So far, no “We wish to reassure our cus- major issues have been identified.” tomers and suppliers that we did all Tracey Beattie, Maidstone Coun- we could as promptly as possible to cil’s environmental health manager, rectify the situation and this is by no said: “We have been working means a true reflection of the rest of closely with J. C. Rook and Sons Ltd our business.” at The Mall to implement a number Company finance manager Julie of changes to the way they manage Rook said: “Our customer loyalty their food safety and hygiene in- has been outstanding and they ap- cluding a new pest control system.” Rose back for concert YALDING Church is playing host to a celebration of choral music. On Saturday, June 18, the Baroque Singers, a Tunbridge Wells chamber choir, with a strong Yalding contingent and directed by Laddingford’s own Anthony Purnell, will perform a miscellany of songs and the me- Special Offer Voucher dieval Carmina Burana. Guest soloist Yalding-born mezzo-soprano Rose Martin (pic- £20 Cut & Finish tured) will perform folk songs and 18th century operatic arias by Offer until 30th June 2016 Handel, Gluck and Mozart, accompanied by Cancionero. The choir will sing British folk songs and songs from overseas. As well as a range of medieval Please call for an appointment instruments, Anne Purnell will play the hurdy gurdy and Tim Garside will play percussion. 01622 812665 At 16, Rose was awarded a scholarship to study at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester. She went Opening hours on to read music at King's College London and now enjoys a varied career as a member of several choral ensembles, including the Platinum Consort, Tuesday – Thursday 9am – 5pm the Erebus Ensemble and Siglo de Oro. Rose has also sung with The Sixteen and Gabrielli Consort and co- Friday 9am – 5pm founded the Fieri Consort in 2012,. Her parents Karen and Kevin still live in Oast Court. Saturday 8am – 4pm The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available from the Post Of- ﬁce and online. 47a Bow Road, Wateringbury, Kent ME18 5DN

Maidstone South June 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk All fete fun PONY rides, a bouncy castle and a beer tent will be on offer at Hunton New pavilion marked Fete on Saturday, June 18. Activities start at 2pm following a peal of the bells at St Mary’s Church. Entertainment will also in- by smiles and charity clude Applause Rural Touring’s “Octopot” walkabout performance, led by a quirky chef and his red HUNTON Wanderers’ Cricket and white checked serving trolley. Club celebrated the official opening of their new pavilion with a Hospice run match that raised smiles and £700 for charity. MORE than 700 experienced and The match was held to raise funds fun runners braved the cold for a good cause in memory of a for- weather to turn out for Maidstone’s mer chairman in front of the smart, biggest road run in aid of the Heart traditional-style clubhouse. Taking of Kent Hospice. the tournament title was Hunton’s All three routes started and fin- own celebration T20 team, beating ished at Cornwallis Academy and challenges from the Hunton Leg- took the runners through the coun- ends and the Blue House club, in try roads around Linton, Boughton the fund-raiser for the British Lung Monchelsea and the surrounding Foundation. villages. The charity game was organised by Lesley Matthewson, with her son Mencap event Tom, in memory of her late husband MAIDSTONE Mencap members Paul, a former club chairman, who The new Hunton Wanderers pavilion is a perfect backdrop for cricket are busy preparing for the most im- died in 2014. The matches were um- portant event in their fundraising pired by Stuart Chilmaid, the chair- the pavilion open by cutting a yel- ing local participation in sport and calendar – the annual Grand Sum- man of the Kent Association of low ribbon. The facility has been community activities, while Mrs mer Fayre on Saturday, June 18. Cricket Officials. funded by Sport England, the parish Matthewson said: “We’re really It starts at 1pm at Cobtree Hall, Afterwards, Hunton Wanderers’ and county councils and the cricket chuffed to have raised £700 today. Mote Park (School Lane entrance chairman Simon Taylor presented club itself. Paul would have been so proud of off Willington Street). Entrance is Lesley with a plaque to mark the oc- Club chairman Simon Taylor the new pavilion.” free and the event will include casion. Kent county councillor thanked all those involved in the Wanderers are affiliated with the arena events, side shows, carousel Paulina Stockell, who is the member three-year project at the King George Kent Village Cricket League and the and big prize raffles. for Maidstone rural west, declared V Playing Fields, aimed at increas- Kent Regional Cricket league. All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates Get your garden ready for Summer All bags are £40 Top Soil • Sand & Ballast Free Delivery Bulk bag waste collection - Call for details www.allloads.co.uk email:[email protected]

6 Maidstone South June 2016 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone South June 2016 7 News downsmail.co.uk Hairy bikers at Headcorn Two men sought in HAIRY bikers and WWII aficiona- dos will be colliding with aero legends in a weekend of thrills at Headcorn Aerodrome. Merlins and Motorbikes, on June pony death tragedy 11 and 12, involves live music, POLICE are searching for two must have had a heart trade stalls, games and food. men after a pony, thought to have attack while trotting Maidstone’s Laguna Motorcycles been driven in a harness race, was and was left there are bringing in the big guns with dumped dead in a road at Head- while the men van- the Ducati Roadshow 2016 and the corn. ished with the cart and KCC Road Safety Unit and Kent Shocked villagers reported see- harness. Advanced Motorcyclist Group will ing the colt, believed to be about The news prompted also be taking part. three years old, drop to the ground a large number of com- The British Motorcycle Federa- on a sharp bend in Lenham Road, ments on the village tion (BMF), has joined forces with before it died. Facebook page with Aero Legends, Bikesure and WWII The men disappeared with the residents expressing Headcorn Aerodrome to launch harness and two-wheeled cart disgust at the way the this new event and there will be a which the animal had been horse was treated and ‘best in show’ competition plus pulling. that there could have several static exhibitions. The pony, which was said to been a serious accident Pony racing in an unrelated TV documentary One highlight of the weekend have sores all over its body and as it was left on a busy will be an aerial display from The face, was discovered at lunchtime road where people drive at speed. that the horse may have been in- Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on Monday, May 16. The incident Headcorn Parish Council chair- volved in a harness race. It is un- (BBMF) with two Spitfires flying sparked fury on social media at the man Lynn Selby said that a lot of derstood the horse had travelled past. apparent treatment of the animal. people had driven past and seen with two men who are not believed The ‘Great British Bike Off’ fea- Resident Lucille Blanquet said the animal and residents were very to be from the Headcorn area. “Anyone who believes they have tures a 1,200-metre drag race be- the village was upset at such an act upset. information that can help officers tween a Vincent Black Shadow as of “cruelty” and the way in which Police said they wanted to speak speak with the two men is asked to well as the chance to meet the day’s the horse had been left in the road to two men who were seen with “like a piece of rubbish was ap- the animal shortly before its death. contact Kent Police.” Call 01622 special guest, Tom Ward, from BSB palling”. She thought the horse A spokesman said: “It is reported 604100, quoting 16-0555. Superstock 600.

Read all the latest editions of the Downs Mail at www.downsmail.co.uk orchard YMCA MAIDSTONE o dental practice TOVIL COMMUNITY CENTRE Emergency New Pre-school Appointments Now Open! Free Parking

Our new Ofsted Registered Pre School is available to children aged 2-5 years. Government Funded Spaces available (for eligible children). Pay Less Session Times Monday - Friday Dental Care 9.00 - 12.00pm Examination 12.00 - 3.00pm Introducing £19.70 9.00 - 3.00pm Late evening & For your information and to register your Independent Saturday appointments interest email [email protected] Dentistry To see how we can help call Our prices are based Barfreston Close, Tovil, Maidstone Kent ME15 6FG on NHS charges 01622 741817 Tel No: 01622 749404 Charity No: 1110087 www.paylessdental.co.uk 146 Heath Road, Coxheath, Maidstone, ME17 4PL SUPPORT & ADVICE ACCOMMODATION FAMILY WORK HEALTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & EDUCATION

8 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk News PE teacher’s court ordeal Joe gets on his bike to A FORMER head of PE at Maidstone Grammar School has been cleared of stealing raise cash for charity property valued at £25,000 from the school. A YALDING coach driver has Steve Restarick (44) from abandoned his bus for a bike in a Sutton Road, Maidstone, was bid to get fighting fit. accused of using the school’s Joe Westgate admits he was some- resources, including the photo- thing of a couch potato – but now copying paper and kit for his he’s getting in trim after his wife’s Joe Westgate own business, Premier Foot- diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis. ball School (PFS). Amy is the daughter of West Far- with his wife He ran the business in tan- leigh parish councillor Larry John- Amy, who dem with his teaching at the son. Like Joe, Larry and his wife suffers from Barton Road school, coaching Brenda were rocked to learn their rheumatoid youngsters in how to play foot- daughter had such a debilitating dis- arthritis ball. ease at the age of only 33. The former professional dressed. The couple have moved ness, and is to help Joe with his train- Rheumatoid arthritis is an incur- footballer and football coach from Barming to Yalding to be closer ing free of charge. able autoimmune disease, but drugs was cleared of five charges by a to Amy’s family and share a house Joe has also signed up for the 54- can alleviate the symptoms. jury at the Inner London with her brother Stuart, who is also mille London to Brighton ride with At a recent consultation, the cou- Crown Court at the end of a able to help. Cllr Johnson. ple were devastated to learn that, de- two-week trial. Amy said: “Joe often works long Joe said: “I am sure after cycling spite medication, the condition had The father of three left the hours and I just can’t manage on my 100 miles my joints and body will already damaged Amy’s bones. school to work at St Simon own. Fortunately, I have a brilliant, ache and hurt in places I never knew As well as inflamed joints, Amy supportive family.” Stock after the allegations sur- existed, but it is no comparison to faced and now works for a suffers from constant fatigue as well Joe is taking part in the 2016 Pru- the pain and hurt my wife suffers on school in London. as anxiety and depression, all while dential Ride London – a 100 -mile caring for the couple’s one-year old route around London and Surrey on a daily basis and the pain that we son, Noah. July 31 – to raise £1,000 for the Na- suffer watching her hurting.” Read our archived Amy first showed signs of the ill- tional Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Joe would liked to hear from any- ness at Noah’s Christening, a year group, but that meant getting fit. one who would like to support him editions FREE online at ago. She has had to give up her ca- Fortunately, Chris Mollison (35), during his training or donate www.downsmail.co.uk reer as a teacher and nowadays is of Larkfield, has just launched his through his Just Giving page at happy if she can get up and boot camp business CYCLEmefit- www.justgiving.com/joewestgate.

PRE-BOOK YOURYOUR TICKETS

8,9,108,9,10 JulyJuly wwwwww.kentshow.co.uk.kentshow.co.uk 0016221622 663306033060

kentcountyshowkkeennttcocounnttyysshow kkekentcountyshowenntttccounntty

Maidstone South June 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Castle rated highly for Estate agents’ price deal accessibility LEEDS Castle figures highly as being user-friendly in the latest ‘feeding frenzy’ claims guide for disabled visitors to the UK, The Rough Guide to Accessi- ESTATE agents in Maidstone have He added: “The market is buoy- ble Britain. been accused of creating a “feed- ant at the moment. This kind of tac- Some 17 attractions from the ing frenzy” and pushing house tic will not be as popular if the South East figure in the 2016 guide, prices up to unrealistic levels. market slows down.” which has been developed with Agents have started to offer 0% Ward & Partners claim their sale Motability Operations Ltd. commission on sales, leaving the by tender package last year meant The castle is applauded for its buyer to pick up the tab for their vendors in 66% of transactions ob- free wheelchairs, disabled lifts, rest service instead of the vendor. tained more than their asking price. seats and audio guide with Braille The trend started with Ward & Lee Crane, regional managing di- keypads, but visitors are advised to Partners who introduced sale by rector, said: “Sellers can be reluc- book online to avoid lengthy tender two years ago. The company tant to test their properties on the queues at peak times and to book has now refined its package, offer- “I have real reservations about all market for a variety of reasons. in advance for wheelchairs. ing a 0% commission deal – Best the small print contained in these “If they have concerns over sell- Emma Bowler, reviewer and Offers Plus – where interested buy- so-called 0% offers. There are so ing fees, we can overcome this by foreword author of the guide, ers submit sealed bids with their many caveats.” offering a 0% commission option. said:“Gone are the days when peo- offer on price and ability to pro- With property prices rocketing This can lead to new instructions ple thought a ramp was all it took. ceed. and competition getting increas- that otherwise might not have “Attractions around the UK have Maidstone agency Page & Wells ingly fierce from online estate agen- come onto the market – and a really upped their game since the is understood to be about to re- cies, high street agents are looking greater selection of properties for first edition of the Rough Guide to spond with its own 0% commission for new ways to win business. our buyers to choose from.” Accessible Britain, and are being in- deal, but director David Page de- Mr Ferris said: “We feel 1% is a Mark Hayward, managing direc- creasingly creative as they recog- clined to comment. fair rate for the job, particularly tor of the National Association of nise the diverse needs of disabled Bearsted independent agent Tim when you realise we are getting in- Estate Agents said: “This practice visitors.” Ferris, who fears he may have flation built into our fees while was prevalent a few years ago and The sixth edition of the guide is started the price war four years ago property prices are rising. seems to be making a return. In ef- now available online at accessi- with his company’s low 1% com- “The agent is instructed by the fect, the buyer pays the fee that the bleguide.co.uk mission, said: “Other agents feel vendor, not the purchaser, who seller would normally pay. Due to The website also has additional they cannot afford to sell at this low should not have to pay the fee. the current shortage of property, practical information for a great price, so are just looking at other These tactics are creating a feeding the prospective purchaser has little day out such as visitor reviews, ways of skinning the cat. frenzy.” choice.” special offers and a Days Out blog. Monty helps Natalie takes over at park nab suspects KENT Life Heritage Farm Park’s op- who lives in Maidstone, said: “I thor- MONTY the police dog helped of- erations chief has been promoted to oughly enjoy being at Kent Life. Ex- ficers find three burglary suspects general manager of the award-win- cellent customer service is extremely – one from Coxheath – within an ning attraction. important to me, as well as continu- hour of the report being made. Natalie Kirk (28), joined Kent Life, ing to improve our offer. Officers were in Sandling, near Maidstone, in June “Having worked in different areas called after 2011 as an administrator providing of the business, I have a real under- three men tried maternity cover, and was promoted standing of what our customers to get in to a within a year. want. We have lots of fantastic de- private prop- Last July, Natalie, left, who was velopments in the pipeline and I’m erty in Lower nominated for a Tourism South East very excited about taking Kent Life Street, Leeds. Unsung Hero Award 2015, became forward.” However, operations manager, with overall re- Set in 28 acres of countryside, they were dis- sponsibility for health and safety Kent Life is also a real working farm turbed by a across Kent Life’s 28-acre site as well with the chance to get up close with neighbour, who as managing the attraction’s team. pigs, sheep, ducks, goats and al- was assaulted before the suspects The former Malling School pupil, pacas. fled the area. A person was later seen speak- ing to police officers with blood pouring from an apparent head Pub hosts celebrity birthday bash wound. Police dog Monty tracked and CELEBRITY artist Ralph Steadman man’s life, No Good Reason, which searched through fields for 40 min- marked his 80th birthday with a was narrated by Johnny Depp. utes before finding a 20-year-old bash at the Chequers Inn in Loose. Friends, family and villagers man and a 17-year-old boy in The legendary cartoonist, who packed the pub for the party, which Burberry Lane. Both were arrested shot to fame in the ‘70s in collabo- was also attended by the chief ex- on suspicion of burglary. ration with American author ecutive of the Flying Dog brewery, The suspects, from Maidstone Hunter S Thompson, moved to Jim Caruso. and Coxheath respectively, have Loose Court, Maidstone, in 1980, Mr Steadman, who hosted an ex- been bailed until July 14 as investi- from where he has continued to hibition at Maidstone Museum last gations continue. produce his distinctive works. year, designed the brewery’s dis- Monty then picked up the scent Guests at his pub party included tinctive labels. Fellow Kent artist of a third man, an 18-year-old from columnist and broadcaster Will Graham Clarke was also among the Coxheath, who had been located in Self, Radio 4’s Laurie Taylor and party-goers. A raffle at the party Brownfield Road. He has also been film director Charlie Paul, who di- raised £3,000 for the Heart of Kent bailed until July 14. rected the biography of Mr Stead- Hospice.

10 Maidstone South June 2016 WE ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING VISUAL STRESS IN CHILDREN Symptoms Include: • the words “moving“ • print blurring • letters changing size & shape • halo of colours that surround letters or words • tired eyes whilst reading

Visual Stress is a sensitivity to visual patterns, words or numbers. It affects about 15% of the population, this condition can cause visual perception problems which interfere with reading and therefore learning.

Our trained Optometrists and committed Staff want to help you, your Child and your School, in overcoming all the visual issues, that may be having an impact on your Childs Learning.

For more details please call us on 01732 875544 or visit: www.kingshillopticians.co.uk/visual-stress

Kings Hill Opticians t: 01732 875544 2 Liberty Square, Kings Hill, www.kingshillopticians.co.uk West Malling, Kent, ME19 4AU [email protected]

Maidstone South June 2016 11 News downsmail.co.uk

SummerMaidstone Festival

Team members Darren Heathﬁeld, Lee Goddard and Simon Rhodes Saturday 2 July Pals’ epic cycle Entertainment in Tom’s name LIVE MUSIC A GANG of brickies, a plasterer, mechanic and a printer will be turning their talents to a new ven- DANCE TROUPES ture by getting on their bikes for charity. CHOIRS The friends from Grove Green in Maidstone will ride from Winches- GRAFFITI ter to Eastbourne to raise money for two cancer charities in memory of FACE PAINTING their friend Tom Clarke, who last year lost his life to cancer, aged 29. The 100-mile off-road stunt will WACKY BIKES be the second charity ride for three of them, including organiser Lee Cancer victim Tom Clarke YARN BOMBING Goddard, who led a team along the which were suggested by Tom. same route over two days last year, However, this time, Lee, Danny Ba- to raise more than £3,000 following stone, Darren Heathfield, Simon Live Music the death of his brother Marc to Rhodes, Shane Collier, Paul Car- cancer. Tom Clarke, from Ware penter and Lewis Young have Street in Bearsted, was his cousin. given themselves just a day to com- GET INUIT Lee said: “Tom was an incredible plete the ride. individual who touched the hearts Lee said: “Tom fought long and HOBO JONES & of everyone who knew or met him hard but kept smiling and laughing with his incredible energy, com- to the end, always putting on a THE JUNKYARD DOGS passion, and drive for life.” brave face to his friends and family. In spite of being diagnosed with With this in mind, in spite of last NO LIMIT STREET BAND Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of year’s ride being incredibly gru- bone cancer, just four years after elling, we have decided to com- CLEA LLEWELLYN TRIO leaving Oakwood Park Grammar plete the challenge in half the School, Lee describes his cousin as time.” RHONDA AND “strong, brave and inspirational – They will be supported on the never feeling sorry for himself”. day by friends James Day and Mick THE GREAT UNKNOWN This second ride on Saturday, Jones, who will cook their meals. June 4, will be for the Bone Cancer To support the ride visit uk.vir- LARKSPUR Research Trust and CLIC Sargent, ginmoneygiving.com/team/Clarkey DANIEL SON Summer songs Planters paid BLOCO FOGO ST Margaret’s Church Collier Street FIVE local businesses have is being turned into an auditorium agreed to fund large planters OLD SCHOOL SAMBA for a series of celebratory summer in the centre of the county music. town as part of Maidstone in BATERIAS NOT INCLUDED On June 11, the aisles will be Bloom. filled with music from the reigns of The planters will be situ- both Queen Elizabeths – the Tudor ated in Jubilee Square by the Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II. end of June. STARTS MIDDAY The St Margaret’s Singers will be accompanied by organist David TOWN CENTRE Williams. Somme date On Saturday, July 16, the cele- A SERVICE to remember the Thanks to the Maidstone Summer Festival's Media Partner, The Downs Mail brated Chancel Singers will per- 100 year annivesary of the Bat- form choral works from across the tle of the Somme will be held centuries. in Brenchley Gardens at 11am Tickets are £7.50 and available on July 1. A number of digni- from Rachel West on 01622 872278. taries will attend.

12 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk News KCC staﬀ email under scrutiny MORE than 100 Kent County there is continual electronic moni- Council employees have had their toring of the e-mail system. emails monitored by the author- “In terms of individuals' ac- ity, it has been disclosed. counts, between 2013 and 2015, Corporate and democratic serv- over the past three years, KCC has ices chief Cllr Gary Cooke said 108 monitored 108 employee accounts. employees had been put under There have been no requests to scrutiny over a three-year period monitor any members' accounts. from 2013 to 2015. “Kent County Council's ICT Ac- There had ceptable Use policy reserves the been no reason right for KCC to monitor the use of to tap into mem- its ICT systems. As part of this, em- bers’ accounts, as ployees are advised that emails no allegations may be disclosable and they are re- have been re- minded that emails on a KCC ac- School raises £60k for Nepal ceived to war- count are not private. STUDENTS at Sutton Valence School have celebrated “smashing” their rant such an “Access to accounts will have fund-raising target of £60,000 to help children in Nepal. investigation, he been either to establish whether an Ten months ago, they pledged to raise £58,000 to rebuild the said. investigation into a matter is re- secondary school at Dhading, destroyed by the 2015 earthquake. Now, The information came to light quired or as part of an ongoing in- that ﬁgure has been beaten, securing the money for the Pahar Trust after Liberal Democrat Dan Daley vestigation to help determine project to rebuild an 18-classroom replacement Shree Tamang Kharka tabled a question to KCC cabinet whether there has been any con- Secondary School. member Cllr Cooke, pictured. duct of concern.” Among the pupils taking part in fund-raising activities, including It said: “How many Kent County Cllr Cooke added: “These num- sponsored car washes, a glittering black tie event, the sixth form ball and Council employees and how many bers are remarkably low given the a Prep Practice-a-thon, were pupils who travelled to the country in councillors have had their emails number of people who are em- December 2014 as part of their studies. monitored in each of the past three ployed by the council. years and for what purpose?" “We have to obey strict require- Headmaster Bruce Grindlay says students jumped at the chance to Cllr Daley received the following ments from our HR and legal de- raise money for the relief work and, as the magnitude of the destruction answer: “To ensure the security partments to make sure it is done in became clear, established the Nepal Fund. and safety of the KCC network, the proper way.”

“When our new fence looks this good, is maintenance free and guaranteed for 25 years, it’s a no-brainer”

Our customers tell us they’re glad they chose Colourfence, and were delighted with our range of colours. They love that our fences are tested to withstand merciless weather – even wind gusts of up to 130mph. They enjoy how it 25yr is maintenance free, and they love the peace of GUARANTEE mind provided by its 25-year guarantee*. For a lifetime of trouble-free garden enjoyment, make yours a Colourfence garden.

For a free no-obligation quote, please contact us now. 01622 233322 www.colourfencemidkent.co.uk

*Terms & Conditions apply please ask for details

Maidstone South June 2016 13 Woolpack I The nn Dining Out

The Woolpack Inn is a family- Inn, and it is the perfect spot for Fine cask beers & lagers friendly country pub in the quiet passing cyclists and ramblers, or and rural village of Benover, with for an evening meal with family a good selection of cask beers, fine and friends in a traditional Home wines, and home-cooked food. English country pub. With old-world decor and a Teapot Island, Yalding with its cooked burning log fire, this historic pub huge collection of novelty teapots, has a traditional restaurant with a is still growing and currently meals & friendly and warm atmosphere, stands at over 8,000! Teapot Island and beautiful gardens with a play started life in the 1950s as a tin bar snacks area to enjoy on balmy summer shack which sold bait to days. fishermen and served up tea. Now the family-run business The varied menu features top Our opening hours are : includes a café with a tranquil quality meat, fish and vegetarian garden and a wide variety of food Tues til Friday 11am ‘til 3pm, 5pm ‘til 10.30pm dishes, made with locally-sourced on the menu. It also offers the ingredients. From hearty Sunday chance to paint your own pottery Saturday 11am ‘til 10.30pm roasts and steak and ale pie, to from teddies to teapots. Sunday 12 noon ‘til 8pm light sandwich lunches, and Mondays closed except bank holidays seafood suppers, there is something for everyone. There is a children’s menu for little ones, Benover Road, Benover, Yalding, Kent ME18 6AS and a good selection of delicious desserts for those with a sweet Tel: 01892 730356 tooth. [email protected] All are welcome at The Woolpack

Indian Restaurant & Takeaway

During the day Break up the week with our Cream teas - Sunday Roasts - Restaurant Wednesday Buffet Visit the amazing teapot exhibition with over 8,000 teapots, each with their own unique history and enjoy something 6pm - 9pm homemade to eat and drink after! £12.95 per person Free admission into Whether you want a quick * dinner or a sociable evening Teapot Island Museum with friends, we offer a wide with any purchase from the Gift Shop or Café. selection of starter and main *Bring this advertisement course dishes to suit every to entitle you to free admission into our palate. It's a good opportunity Museum with any purchase from the Gift Shop or Café. for you to try something new Hampstead Lane, Yalding, Maidstone, ME18 6HG whilst still enjoying familiar Follow favourites. us on 01622 814541 a: 41 High Street, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9NL Exhibition entry. Adults £2.50, O.A.P's and kids £1.50 t: 01622 890665 Opening times mon-fri 10am-4pm Sat-Sun 9am-5pm. w: www.krishna-restaurant.com

14 Maidstone South June 2016 Dining Welcome to the Krishna Out Indian Restaurant! Father’s Day - Sunday 19th June walks. Offering a good-sized, atmospheric restaurant, varying 3 Course Lunchtime Special! menus are available throughout Indian Feast Traditional Roast the week, including traditional Starter Platter Vegetable soup or stone-baked pizzas and brunches Any main course of Mediterranean salad as well as delicious Sunday roasts. your choice served Chicken or beef served OAP menus are available with saag aloo, pilau with roast potatoes Monday –Wednesday. Since The rice and naan bread and fresh vegetables George enjoys a wonderful, Finish with a mouth-watering selection picturesque garden, barbeques of desserts from the trolley and hog roasts are available virtually all year round, and a £14.95 PER PERSON large childrens’ play area to keep Children’s Menu the children amused. Main Course of your choice The George in Yalding is a Krishna Indian Restaurant in Ice cream and a drink beautiful family run pub situated Headcorn Yalding is a traditional £6.00 PER CHILD (under 10 yrs) on the River Beult and as such, we roast or a curry? Spoilt for choice! offer fishing facilities from the Gift for Dad Housed in a beautiful 15th 16th June for just £10 for all day century Tudor building with low Large bottle of Cobra and Cobra glass fishing and also includes lunch to take away and a drink. Check ceilings and oak beams, the Headcorn restaurant offers both www.thegeorgeyalding.co.uk for e: [email protected] t: 01622 890665 details of all events coming up options. So why not spoil Dad on including live entertainment, Fathers’ Day and make him feel a: 41 High St. Headcorn, Kent. TN27 9NL raffles, quiz nights and charity special? Geo Come & celebrate with us he rge T YALDING 1st Birthday Beer Festival on the 18th and 19th June with live bands: 18th - Gez Gold, 19th - Brilleaux, plus other acts • Children’s Entertainment • Face Painting • Hog Roast The family warmly • Barbecue • Traditional Homemade Pizzas welcome you to and much more - a great day for sure! The George, Yalding Outside barbeque area, Fishing facilities from our garden hog roast also available includes lunch a beer/drink £10.00 and all day fishing Atmospheric family friendly pub, outside events including a great Food served all day and a Sunday roast available garden for many uses including new fishing facilties and live music. All football showing 01622 814376 The George Yalding Benover Road, Yalding, See our new website for more information on our lovely pub Maidstone, Kent ME18 6EJ www.thegeorgeyalding.co.uk

Maidstone South June 2016 15 News | Elections 2016 downsmail.co.uk Lib Dems triumph in elections

THE Liberal Democrats have secured a firmer foothold in the bor- The new council ough after the May 5 council The new make-up of the council is: elections. The party gained two seats and Conservative 23 (-2) have retianed control of the au- Independent 5 (-1) thority. The Tories remain the Labour 2 largest party in the council chamber with 23 seats while the Lib Lib Dems 22 (+2) Dems have 22. Lib Dem Fran Wil- UKIP 3 (+1) son has been confirmed as the new leader in an alliance with other smaller parties to keep the Conser- and Miss Fermor was declared the Lib Dem winners: Georgina Harvey vatives out of power. That agree- winner by 798 votes to 797, beating (Bridge Ward), Emily Fermor (Cox- ment was formalised on May 21 at Ron Leagas. The jubilant victor de- heath and Hunton) also pictured the annual general meeting. clared on Twitter: “Hugest thanks left, Lib Dem leader Fran Wilson, Her appointment will come as no to the local residents of Coxheath, Paul Wilby (South), Michelle Hastie surprise to council observers. Hunton, East Farleigh, West Far- (North) and Diana Lewins (Allington) Leader Fran Wilson said: “Over- leigh for electing me as your bor- all it was a good day for the Liberal ough councillor.” his party as an independent. How- Democrats and we can have no Her victory earned her a congrat- ever, the official candidate Mike complaints. ulatory message from her old Revell squeezed in over Denis “I am delighted for the young school. Spooner by 899 votes to 840. Mr people, including four women, Cllr Wilson added: "To take Cox- Revel said: “Fifty-odd votes in a who were elected. You need the heath and Hunton from the Tories local election is a reasonable mar- older experienced hands as well as was a delight and a little bit of a gin – we certainly weren’t in re- the younger people coming surprise as it was very, very close. count territory. through.” The contest of the day Across the whole election we re- “I had a very good team to help was played out in Coxheath and tained all the seats and we gained me and they deserve a lot of the Hunton, where 23-year-old former two more which is a good result." credit.” Invicta Grammar School pupil Despite her national party's re- In Shepway South, UKIP’s Eddie Emily Fermor took the seat from cent difficulties, the Lib Dems re- Many eyes were on Bearsted Powell comfortably snatched the the Tories by a single vote. It took main "very strong" in this part of where the defeated candidate for seat from Labour. UKIP now has four recounts to establish the result Kent, she said. the Tory nomination stood against three seats on the council, up one.

HAMILTON KITCHENS Discover our stunning range of contemporary & traditional designs

❚ Free no obligation consultation & design ❚ All building works undertaken. ❚ Quality ❚ Design ❚ Imagination ❚ Better and at the right price ✓ www.hamiltonkitchens.co.uk ❚ Tel: 01622 844897 Visit our showroom at Warmlake Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sutton Valence, Kent ME17 3LQ

16 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk Elections 2016 | News Pick-up your The results across the borough

Allington Diana Joy Lewins, Lib hold FREE copy Dem (1,177). RESULT: Lib Dem Heath Bryan Vizzard, Lib Dem of the hold (729). RESULT: Lib Dem hold Barming Fay Gooch, Independent High Street Denise Joy, Lib Dem (747). RESULT: Ind hold (689). RESULT: Lib Dem hold Bearsted Mike Revell, Conservative Marden & Yalding Steve (890) RESULT: Con hold McLoughlin, Conservative (938) Boughton Monchelsea and Chart RESULT: Con hold Sutton Steve Munford, Ind (543) North Michelle Hastie, Lib Dem In addition to RESULT: Ind hold (851). RESULT: Lib Dem hold delivering the Boxley Wendy Hinder, Conserva- North Downs Patrik Garten, tive (1,118). RESULT: Con hold Conservative (482). RESULT: Con Downs Mail to Bridge Georgia Harvey, Lib Dem hold over 82,500 (590). RESULT: Lib Dem gain Park Wood Matt Burton, Conser- Coxheath & Hunton Emily Sarah vative (305). RESULT: Con hold addresses every Furmore, Lib Dem (798) Shepway North month additional RESULT: Lib Dem gain Christopher Garland, Conservative East Martin Cox ,Lib Dem (987) (656). RESULT: Con hold copies are now Result: Lib Dem hold Shepway South available to pick Fant Keith Adkinson, Labour (644) Eddie Powell, Ukip (448) RESULT: Lab gain RESULT: Ukip gain up from: Headcorn Shellina Prendergast, South Paul John Wilby, Lib Dem Conservative (1,002). RESULT: Con (1,002). RESULT: Lib Dem hold New Avenue Stores – Charlesford Ave, Kingswood Mr Powell said: “I was very Ginley, who gained 558 (24%) votes Haven Farm Shop – North Street, Sutton Valence. happy to have won the seat and to on May 5. The UKIP candidate Mo Stanley's of Marden – Albion Road, Marden have taken it from the Tories is an McDonald-Robertson came in third added bonus.” place with 388 (16%) votes. Labour Post Office – High Street, Yalding ME18 6HS The Lib Dems swept into the polled 201 (9%) and the Green Station Newsagents – Station Road, Staplehurst Allington ward at Maidstone Bor- Party 31 (1%). ough Council with an emphatic All eyes are now on the county Headcorn Post Office – High Street, Headcorn win. council elections next year to see Shop on the Green – Chart Sutton Diana Lewins polled 1,117 (50%) where the Lib Dems might pick up beating the Conservative Barry seats or if UKIP can cause an upset. The Cock Inn – Boughton Monchelsea MP stays positive Leaflet LOCAL MP Helen Grant has taken an optimistic view of the elections NEW on May 5. Distribution Despite her party losing two borough council seats, the Conserva- tives are still the largest party and TAKE AWAY the council remains under no over- Now all control. MENU Mrs Grant said: “Our team in available Local Indian Maidstone did very well indeed in with Restaurant the face of a traditionally difficult FREE DELIVERY phase of the electoral cycle. Maidstone Open until 11pm every day “We won the popular vote with and Malling’s Free bottle of 33% beating the Lib Dems by a full beer with every six points and we are still the No.1 Free £10 spentHandymanLocal largest party at Maidstone Borough newspaper All types of Council. MP Helen Grant with Matthew Scott renovationbuilding and “Matt Scott’s victory in the PCC initiatives including Operation gardening work election was decisive and I very Stack and our local rural speeding FREEundertaken. ESTIMATES much look forward to working campaign in particular.” •Carpentry • with him on a number of ongoing Letters & comment, pages 30-31 Brickwork • Tiling • Patio’s • Decking The figures behind the polls • Distribution area can be MAIDSTONE operates a system where one third of its members tailored to meet your needs are elected each year. There is a break in one of the four years for the Kent County Council polls. • Arrive through the letterbox with Downs Mail Many of the wards have more than one member and, this year, • From 3000 - 88,000 addresses per month there were 19 seats up for grabs. There are 26 wards in the Maid- stone borough. In those contests, 95 candidates stood with the Con- • Competitive rates & volume discounts servatives, Greens, and Liberal Democrats fighting each one while Labour fielded candidates in all but two. UKIP fought in 14 wards while there were five independents and two English Democrats. The total number of votes cast was 31,979 meaning a turnout of Call 01622 630330 33.9%, which most observers would consider better than average for a quote, and see how easy it is to get but less than half of the number expected at a general election. your leaflet delivered with the Downs Mail

Maidstone South June 2016 17 News | Elections 2016 downsmail.co.uk Brexit or beer together? VOTERS will go to the polls on Thursday, June 23, to decide whether Britain should leave or remain in the European Union.

Now you have a chance to take “Remain” supporter Helen part in an eve-of-poll opinion sur- Grant, MP for Maidstone and the vey as the countdown begins in Weald, said: “Leaving the EU will earnest. disconnect us and set Britain adrift Simply cut out the coupon on this in a very stormy ocean. Britain is page or go online to tell us if you stronger, safer and better-off re- are ready to “leave” or “remain” in maining in the EU. “Stronger be- the EU. Perhaps you are not yet cause we can play a leading role in sure. one of the world’s largest organisa- The forthcoming referendum will tions from within, helping make be the first opportunity for the the big decisions that affect our fu- British people to register their ture.” views on subject since 1975. Chatham and Aylesford MP But the EU has changed a lot in Tracey Crouch, who has been on the 40 years since that referendum maternity leave following the birth vote to stay in. And now the argu- of her son, Freddie, is yet to declare ments rage about whether Britain her choice. will be stronger or weaker if it See comment & letters, pages 30 leaves the union, involving 28 Eu- and 31 ropean countries, or opts to remain. Many people already have strong Mail distribution area. downsides to going it alone, not views about how they will place Tonbridge MP Tom Tughendhat least great uncertainty. Many of the Have your say their X, but opinion polls indicate told us: “I cannot, in all conscience, farmers I represent are seriously TO gauge what Downs Mail read- that the decision could ultimately follow my heart and not my head worried about the future of the UK ers think, we are inviting you to rest with the third of voters who when to do so would, I believe, di- agriculture outside the EU. “This is complete the simple coupon on are still undecided. On this page we minish our security.” not a decision to be made on in- this page and send it in. have tried to garner the views of Faversham and Mid-Kent MP stinct, but through a serious con- Or you can go online to local community figures, including Helen Whately remains undecided. sideration of the potential www.downsmail.co.uk/views the four Tory MPs in the Downs She said: “There are definite outcomes of either choice.”

Seeing it from both sides A referendum is being held on IN MAIDSTONE, opinion is as divided as in the rest of the country. David Thornewell who is a passionate pro-European, and Eddie Pow- Thursday, June 23, to decide ell, from UKIP, explain their views... whether Britain should leave or Eddie Powell David Thornewell Harrietsham East Malling remain in the European Union. I HAVE struggled I SHALL be vot- To gauge the views of Downs Mail with the concept of ing to stay in the the EU for many EU. It is impossi- readers, we are carrying out our years and its dicta- ble to forecast torial approach to what would hap- own eve-of-poll survey. member countries. pen economically if we left. Many If we vote to leave the EU and stop who want to leave would seek a sending £350m plus per week to the similar arrangement to our present European Union we can spend our trade deals, but without the bits I will vote to: money on priorities like the NHS. they don’t like. EU immigration puts pressure on If we stay in we can address the the NHS and it will get worse if we issues which do not recognise na- stay in. Countries including Serbia, tional borders and which need Leave Albania and Turkey are ready to join joint action, such as climate change. the EU and they in turn will have Many who want to leave do not Remain free access of movement and thus accept climate change as a fact. Oth- use of member state resources. ers oppose wind farms and solar The EU wants to take control of energy, which I feel are needed. Not sure the NHS. The European Commis- Europe helped introduce envi- sion has said we should manage ronmental assessment for major health issues at EU level and the se- projects such as cleaner air and Send your coupon to The Editor, cret TTIP trade deal will let big US beaches, now our rivers. It also companies buy up parts of our NHS. strengthened wildlife protection. Downs Mail, Mail Publications, EU regulations like the clinical tri- Those who argue that employ- als directive are making it harder to ment rights are stronger because of 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green introduce life-saving drugs. our EU membership are correct. I believe if we vote to stay in the Human rights are not directly the Business Park, Bearsted, EU our NHS, which has an amazing result of the EU as the convention reputation, will be in danger. is a separate document and will Maidstone ME14 4DT by June 15 Lets vote to get out of the EU and still apply to us. In an uncertain spend our money on our priorities world, we’re better co-operating and health should always be first. with our European neighbours.

18 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk News £3m plan to boost town centre THE latest phase of Maidstone town centre’s revamp is about to get underway, after councillors agreed to spend more than £3m on road improvements to Week Street and Gabriel’s Hill. The council has gone out to ten- The Greens claim the £3.1m der for a contract to improve sec- could be used to address other is- tions of the town centre between sues, such as the 10-fold increase in Maidstone East Station and Frem- homelessness since 2010. lin Walk and the entire length of Stuart Jeffery, coordinator of Gabriel’s Hill, from Jubilee Square Maidstone Green Party said: “The to Lower Stone Street. Lib Dems cite a potential for 1% It is hoped a contractor can be ap- more sales in the town centre as a pointed before the end of the year, reason for paving Week Street and with work getting underway early Gabriel’s Hill. next year. “Meanwhile 130 people are Maidstone Borough Council dying each year in Maidstone be- plans to apply for Heritage Lottery cause of air pollution caused by Gabriel’s Hill is set for a facelift funding which will also help to traffic, which will increase under fund the design team. the town centre and help reduce Maidstone Greens claim the deci- Lib Dem economic, housing and The county council helped fi- the number of empty shops. sion is hypocritical on the part of transport plans. nance previous work on the High The county town has slipped the local Lib Dems, who agreed to "If they wanted an immediate Street but has no funds available down the popularity stakes for fund the continued paving in the benefit to the town they could have for the current phase. shopping in the past 10 years – a town centre just a few years after spent the money on building some The council hopes that the facelift situation the council is keen to re- they criticised the Tories for doing truly affordable homes close to the will encourage new businesses into dress. the same. town centre.” Make music Road safety campaign wins award with orchestra THE Road Safety Team at Kent YOUNG musicians from Maid- County Council has won a national KCC’s road stone are invited to join jamming award for its campaign against safety officer sessions with an experimental or- drivers under the influence of drugs. Carol Collen chestra to craft music using tech- Its crackdown – Don’t Let Drugs collects the Take The Driving Seat – won gold in nology for a concert in the town. award from The idea of bringing music talent this year’s Road Safety Support Meredydd together in a series of free work- young driver campaign of the year shops is the idea of Kent Music, category. The team won the same Hughes whose Orchestra ONE Project 14 is category in 2015 for Speak Up, (centre) and aimed at musicians, of varying tal- which encouraged youngsters to James Evans, ent, aged eight to 18. speak up if they felt unsafe in founder of The course will be held at the someone else’s car. First Car. Cornwallis Academy in Hubbards Judges said the 2016 campaign Road on August 1, 2, 4, and 5, cul- “addressed a vitally important area, understanding of the target KCC transport member Matthew minating in a concert for family with very clear aims and objectives”. audience” Balfour said: “The team is always and friends. Describing the campaign as “very KCC road safety team leader Vicky setting challenging but achievable The theme of this year’s Project well researched”, one of the panel Watkins said “The team is thrilled to objectives and follows each 14 will be technology. Workshops added: “It made great use of media, have had its work nationally campaign up with evaluation of the will be led by music producer Russ demonstrating an in-depth acknowledged.” impact and reach.” Callaghan-Grooms. Email orchestraone@kent- music.com, call 01622 358406, go to New gift store www.facebook.com/ORCHES- Data firm expanding TRAONE or get an application FLUTTERBYES, the gift and home form at www.kent-music.com/or- A MAIDSTONE data centre has Kent County Council, Shepway accessories chain, has opened a chestra-one-application-form. invested £3.7m in growth, tripling and Medway District Councils. store in Maidstone. its current capacity and taking on Data centres are often used as The shabby chic retailer will take new business. part of back-up and disaster re- up residence on the upper level of Knife charge Custodian Data Centres, on covery systems, where preserva- The Mall, Maidstone, next to BB’s coffee and muffin cafe on May 26. A 19-YEAR-OLD Maidstone man New Cut Road, Bearsted, has just tion of data or ability to be It will be owners Giuseppe and found in possession of a butterfly recruited 10 new members of staff “always on” is vital to a business’s Charmain Deblasi’s fourth store, all knife appeared in court before Mid and now supports more than £1.5 strategy. Kent magistrates. of which are in Kent, including one billion of client turnover. CEO Rowland Kinch said: at Bluewater. Lewis Reynolds, from Sher- It is one of the leading privately- “Most IT directors understand bourne Drive, admitted carrying Mrs Deblasi said: “We decided to owned data centre facilities in the that their equipment is critical to the knife in a pub in the town’s open in Maidstone as it’s a great UK, housing and operating IT in- their organisation – data centres Medway Street. town, but didn’t really offer any- frastructure for multi-million are able to meet business require- Magistrates ordered Reynolds to thing like our brand. We are excited turnover companies. ments at a lower cost than if the carry out 200 hours of unpaid work to be able to showcase our full in the next 12 months. He must also However, 70% of clients are service was kept in-house. They range and have a loyal customer pay £85 costs and a £60 victim sur- small and medium enterprises can get businesses up and running base, which we hope to build on charge. and Custodian is used by legal within hours, as well as provide with the opening of our new store.” firms, shipping, media, account- the flexibility to grow. Suzie Brindle, marketing man- For more local news ancy and retail companies. “Our job is to ensure that the in- ager at The Mall, said the centre It also supports some local NHS frastructure located by these com- was thrilled to welcome Flutter- www.downsmail.co.uk services, and provides support to panies at our site stays on.” byes.

Maidstone South June 2016 19 News downsmail.co.uk Will Waitrose hit town trade? THE future for scores of food stores will become clear this summer when Waitrose learns if its plan for a new supermarket at Eclipse Park in Maidstone has the go-ahead. The proposed store’s anticipated store in King Street, the applicants customer catchment area would state: “We have been unable to stretch from Walderslade to Staple- identify any sites that are likely to hurst and Strood to Sittingbourne come forward in a reasonable and everywhere in between, with timescale that are available, viable Tesco at Grove Green worst hit, ac- and suitable for the proposed de- cording to a shopper survey. velopment.” But fall-out is likely to be felt by It adds that the proposed Wait- supermarkets and convenience rose at Eclipse Park will fulfil a need stores across the region. for a wider choice of convenience The joint applicants, Waitrose and retail provision in Maidstone, and, Gallagher, noting that trade will if approved, will be open for trad- come at the expense of others, both An artist’s impression of the planned supermarket at Eclipse Park ing by 2018. inside and outside the catchment change, as trips are usually com- afield as Sainsbury’s at Hempstead It would have an estimated area. bined with another activity,” the re- Valley, Tesco in Gillingham and turnover of £24.38m by 2018. A report from MDA, setting out port suggests. Asda at Kings Hill. Most of the concerns expressed the proposal, confirms the highest Nonetheless, it is anticipated that The Eclipse Park supermarket by the public about the store so far level of “trade diversion” is ex- 5.38% (£1.16m) of the proposed proposal has now been submitted has related to the potential traffic pected to come from Tesco at Grove store’s trade will be diverted from to Maidstone Council for consider- that would be generated by the site, Green and Farleigh Hill, as well as Sainsbury’s in Romney Place and ation, following lengthy negotia- which would incorporate the food- Morrisons on Sutton Road and the 0.46% (£0.10m) from the food hall in tions with planning officers. store, a café and parking for 284 existing Waitrose in Allington. Marks and Spencer in 2018. After looking at alternative loca- customers. “Less trade is expected to be di- Further trade is expected to be di- tions in the centre of town at Maid- Ironically, it formerly hosted the verted from town centre stores, and verted from stores in Maidstone in- stone East and the former Royal town’s park and ride scheme, tak- the shopping habits of those using cluding Lidl on Farleigh Hill and Mail site; Len House; TJ Hughes in ing cars off the road and shoppers town centre stores is less likely to Aldi in Well Road and from as far The Mall and the former Somerfield into town. Free concerts A PROGRAMME of Midsummer Work starts on special school extension Music will take place at lunchtimes PUPILS at Five Acre Wood School in Boughton Lane, in the United Reformed Church, Maidstone, have helped with a ground-breaking Week Street. ceremony to mark the start of an expansion project. On Wednesdays throughout June As part of its extensive programme to expand its and July, the church will be open special school provision in the county, KCC is taking from 12.30pm for a series of short forward a £12m scheme at Five Acre Wood, which concerts, starting at 1pm. educates children with profound, severe and complex Admission is free and there will be learning difﬁculties. coffee available. A retiring collection The school was rated outstanding by Ofsted with be shared between the Maid- following an inspection in March last year. stone URC and The Samaritans. School principal Peggy Murphy joined some of the The season started on June 1 with pupils and staff, together with representatives of the a concert by Bel Canto, comprising main contractor, BAM, at the ceremony (pictured). bass-baritone Brian White, soprano She said: “This extension will give us purpose-built Kathryn Norman and Richard facilities for our pupils and will provide us with the Kemp on piano. specialist classrooms we need as we increase the The concert on Wednesday, June number of pupils.” 8, will be by the recorder consort Fri- The project, which will provide a 24-classroom day’s Music and on June 15, pupils extension, a relocated car park, enhanced landscaping from Invicta Grammar School. and a refurbishment of the existing building, is due for places for secondary age pupils. The Helier String Quartet will per- completion by Easter next year. Five Acre Wood’s total roll will rise from 275 to 330, form on June 22, followed by Over the next four years, KCC is anticipating the which includes 15 at East Borough Primary in Vinters Stephen Hatfield on violin and need for extra 225 places for primary age children Road, and 70 at Holmesdale Technology College in Rodri Protheroe on guitar on June with special educational needs and another 506 Snodland. 29. Private gardens open to raise money for hospice GARDEN lovers will have the op- Sunday, June 12, and a stroll meadow and learn about bee-keep- terest to its patients and visitors, be- portunity to take a peek inside some through a series of garden “rooms” ing from a local bee expert. There tween 2 and 5pm on Saturday July of the area’s most beautiful gardens, at Knowle Hill Farm in Ulcombe on will also be tea and cake served on 2. when they open exclusively to raise Sunday, June 19. the day. Last year’s programme raised funds for Heart of Kent Hospice. Garden owner Tikki Gulland Tikki’s garden was joint runner more than £12,000, which ensured Dozens of gardens are taking part from Detling will be opening her up in the 2015 Kent Life Amateur that more patients and their families in this summer’s Open Gardens garden exclusively for the Hospice Garden Awards and she said: “We were able to benefit from skilled and scheme – and 12 of them are raising on Sunday, July 17. are very pleased to be able to help compassionate care. funds for the Hospice. The Croft boasts a walled garden raise vital funds for the hospice by Visit Heart of Kent Hospice web- There is an evening of wine and laid out as it was in Victorian times. opening our garden.” site to see which gardens are open- tapas at two neighbouring but con- There will be lots to interest families, The hospice will also be opening ing and when or call the fundraising trasting gardens, at Arnold Yoke as children will be able to spot its own garden, which provides a team on 01622 790195 for a copy of and Inverarnold in Leeds Village on wildlife, including butterflies in the haven of year-round colour and in- the Open Gardens brochure.

20 Maidstone South June 2016 UP TO 30% OFF

Surround yourself in complete Georgia comfort with La-Z-Boy UK’s Georgia. With its unique styling and luxurious pillow-top cushioning, the Georgia opens the door to new levels of relaxation. Also available as Luxury Lift ‘n’ Rise. Free Chairs from £499 Sofas from £699 delivery on all Combining comfort, flexibility and New Hampshire classic La-Z-Boy style, the New orders Hampshire is a range that will leave you spoilt for choice. New Hampshire is a perfect choice to create a relaxing and welcoming living space. Various configurations available. Available in fixed or recliner options. Corners group from £1649 Express delivery La-Z-Boy Anna’s generously padded Anna cushions and three-tiered back options design will surround you in a combined world of comfort and available snugness. Pocket sprung seat cushions for added comfort and durability. 10 year warranty.

Chairs from £499 Sofas from £749 0% Interest Choice of over 100 fabrics and luxury italian leathers Free credit

15 Royal Star Arcade, High Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1JL 01622 296680 Open Mon-Sat 9-5pm, Sun 11-4pm upholsterybrands.co.uk

Maidstone South June 2016 21 News downsmail.co.uk Stones’ big plans as they go up VICTORIOUS Maidstone United have reached the highest tier of non-league football – and now they need a bigger ground. The club – which qualified for Na- tional League status next season after beating Ebbsfleet United in the play-offs – need to increase the Gal- lagher Stadium’s capacity by another 1,000 to meet requirements. The riverside ground can already hold 3,030 but must be able to demonstrate it can raise it to 4,000 by the end of March 2017. The club will submit a planning application to Maidstone Borough Council in due course, outlining a desire to extend the terracing at the Springfield end. The new terrace, with a capacity of 1,500, would be built into spare land behind the current structure. Stones fans celebrate as the last-gasp equaliser goes in and right, Stones A spokesman for the Stones said: keeper Lee Worgan was the shoot-out hero “We have to increase the capacity to 4,000 by the end of next March. model and good management – has in years. Maidstone looked to be “We’ll get an application into the seen the club on an upward curve. heading out until a last-gasp borough council and hopefully they The Gallagher Stadium is re- equaliser in the dying seconds of will give us the green light.” garded as one of the best non-league extra time sent the tie through to The promotion at Ebbsfleet’s stadia in the country and has en- penalties, which the Stones won 4-3, Stonebridge Road on Saturday, May joyed higher attendances than most thanks largely to goalkeeper Lee 14, marks a remarkable turnaround other clubs at a similar level in non- Worgan’s heroics. for a club which won a place in the league football. There are few fans The spokesman added; “The play- football league in 1989 but went who believe they cannot be serious off final was a bit heart-stopping, to bust three seasons later. contenders, even at the higher level. say the least. But we got there in the It re-emerged as a small non- The Stones triumphed over Ebbs- end. league entity and in recent years – fleet – watched by 3,800 fans - in one “Now we have next season to with investment, a solid business of the most dramatic play-off finals look forward to.” Garden of ﬂowers to remember loved ones HEART of Kent Hospice is inviting families, relatives and friends to celebrate and remember the life of a Home Secretary Theresa May and MP Helen Grant with the team from loved one this summer by taking Maidstone and Mid Kent Mind part in its Sunflower Appeal. The Sunflower Appeal provides an opportunity for families and Minister visits Mind centre friends to dedicate a sunflower in memory of someone special and HOME Secretary Theresa May joined Maidstone and the Weald MP Helen make a donation; ensuring more pa- Grant at Maidstone and Mid Kent Mind (MMKM) to hear how their Well- tients and families get the very best “The care given was exemplary being Centre supports local people experiencing mental health problems. hospice care and support. and all the staff were very profes- The minister heard how MMKM has Wellbeing Workers in the Kent Po- The appeal will culminate in a day sional. For any family, remembering lice Control Room to help provide telephone support to people experienc- of remembrance and celebration at their loved ones is important and for ing mental health distress. the Aylesford-based hospice from us the Sunflower Appeal is a lovely This pilot project is funded by Kent Police and National Mind. 11am to 1pm on Saturday June 25, way to remember Mum as she loved It has already reduced police time and resources as well as providing a when the hospice garden will be flowers and enjoyed gardening.” more appropriate support mechanism. turned into a sea of flowers. Ann-Marie Kelly, director of in- Mrs May was interested to hear about the wide scope of services MMKM There will be time for reflection come generation for Heart of Kent were providing across Kent and the importance of talking about mental with a short service at 11.30am led Hospice, said: “Many people find health, including within the police service and other front line services. by the hospice’s chaplain, followed our Sunflower Appeal a really posi- Julie Blackmore, Interim CEO of Maidstone and Mid Kent Mind, said: by a plant sale and refreshments. tive way to keep happy memories of “Our chairman Tim Arnold and other members of staff were delighted to For Shirley Town’s daughters, their loved one alive. By supporting welcome the Home Secretary Theresa May. We were able to talk about Sara and Louise, the Sunflower Ap- our Sunflower Appeal you will en- our work supporting people experiencing mental health problems, includ- peal will be an opportunity to re- sure that even more patients and ing police and other front line services. It’s vital we support staff and vol- member their mum, from Loose, their families will be able to benefit unteers in particularly challenging roles who are often in situations where who spent her final two and a half from the skilled and compassionate they are required to support people in crisis. weeks at the hospice last year. care we offer.” “This visit allowed us to explain how we are meeting increasing needs by “Mum settled in very quickly and For details, go to our website the development of new programmes that now include a young person’s it soon became evident just how www.hokh.org/ways-to- support programme, low cost counselling, partnership working with DWP/ friendly, caring, calming and safe the donate/our-appeals/sunflower- JCP, Kent Adult Education, RBLI, Age UK and many others.” hospice was,” said the girls. appeal

22 Maidstone South June 2016 WWee are currently lookingng ffoor volunteers to lend a much needed hand in our Maidstone Donation Centre & Charity Shop VVaariety of roles required from customer service, sorting stock, volunteer drivers,s,, drivers mates, warehouse activity ² moving stock, changing furniture roomset Please ntact us ffoor more details

Brand New Straight Stairlifts Reconditioned Stairlifts

Tel No: 01622 756128 Next day Mobile: 07905 182363 installation www.stairliftstoday.co.uk [email protected] 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF Call us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey.

Maidstone South June 2016 23 News downsmail.co.uk Driver banned A MAIDSTONE man has been Vicar’s Picnic festival to banned from driving for more than three years after pleading guilty to drinking and driving. Michael John Smith (36), of Ter- get Reef as its headliners minus Road, was sentenced by Mid Kent Magistrates after admitting to ONE of Britain’s most exciting driving a Ford Focus in Tonbridge Britpop bands, Reef, will be hot- Road on April 9, where he gave a footing it to Yalding from Wemb- breath test of 79 microgrammes of ley Stadium to headline this year’s alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes. niche music festival, The Vicar’s He was banned from driving for Picnic. 40 months and must also pay a Drawn up on the back of beer £120 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim mats in 2012, the festival was de- surcharge. signed as a social enterprise to raise money for local charities – and as a tonic for locals who missed out on Aﬀray charge Glastonbury tickets. THREE teenagers from Maidstone Since then, it has become one of have been charged with affray after Kent’s fastest-growing festivals for a violent clash in Staplehurst. music fans and now covers two Police were called to Headcorn days of entertainment, offering on- Road at about 7.15pm on February band’s back catalogues; the fast-ris- fun. We also hope to support local site camping and family fun. ing incendiary punk-folk singa- young talent, helping to get them 5 this year after reports of an alter- Reef (pictured), who rose to cation. Three 16-year-old boys were longs of Skinny Lister and the noticed while giving an experience prominence with a string of hits ever-popular Coco And The Butter- of the great festival vibe. charged and will appear at Maid- and a number one album in the late stone Youth Court on July 6. fields. “We are committed to blending 90s and are currently part-way The Vicar’s Picnic, so-called be- established popular music with through a UK tour supporting cause of its origins in Vicarage new and alternative artists from Garden prizes Coldplay, is the festival’s biggest Road four years ago, takes place on every possible genre. JUDGES will be out and about in coup so far. two stages in The Lees, on the “We believe that if kids can be East Farleigh on June 8 to select the The band includes Jesse Wood, banks of the Medway, on July 15 fully entertained in a safe, fun en- village’s best kept front gardens. son of Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood and 16. vironment – especially where the The parish council competition and husband of Fearne Cotton. Festival organiser Dave King majority of entertainment is free – covers five areas, with winners re- Other acts this year include an said: “The heart and philosophy of it offers the best way for the adults ceiving a voucher for Broadview exclusive acoustic set from Cast’s our gathering is to bring a great to relax and be able to enjoy an Garden Centre donated by Hadlow John Power and Jay Lewis of The time to the whole family, with a amazing festival, safe in the knowl- College. La’s, featuring songs from both unique edge of cool and creative edge that the kids are happy too.” ARTIFICIAL UPTO 20% GRASS SALE OFF

Tango Palm Beach

Menorca

Artificial Top image grass in stock Grande Valley

www.carpetnextday.co.uk MON - SAT 9.00-5.30pm New store Now Open Landlords Developers Maidstone Tonbridge Gillingham Letting Agents Tovil Hill 5 Tannery Road Beechings Way Trade Discounts Maidstone Tonbridge Gillingham (Opposite Call for details ME15 6QS TN9 1RF ME8 6PF McDonalds) Find 01622 677787 01732 362332 01634 366444 us on

24 Maidstone South June 2016 soft furnishings Family firm based in Coxheath, offering all aspects of soft furnishing from curtains and blinds to knitting wool and haberdashery Personal 1-1 service Nearly 40 years of experience Available to every budget Knitting wool and haberdashery

Unit 2, The Oast, Clockhouse Farm, Coxheath, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4PB 01622 744265 www.aquariussoftfurnishings.co.uk Email:[email protected]

01622 840006 Workshop, Office & Showroom 07951 730848 Kent Wardrobes, Homestead Works, 07715 654381 Gravelly Bottom Road, Kingswood, [email protected] Maidstone ME17 3NU

Maidstone South June 2016 25 News downsmail.co.uk Thames crossing views pour in MORE than 47,000 people contributed to the consultation on a new Lower Thames Crossing, making it the largest ever public consultation for a UK road project. The consultation invited views nificant number of responses that on proposed routes for a new road we have received, as they will re- – the first new crossing of the ally help us to make the best possi- Thames east of London for 25 ble recommendation to years. government about the route that Highways England believes the this vital road link should take.” new road would relieve congestion The road could be open in 2025 at other routes – chiefly the Dart- and will be the first new crossing of ford crossing and the Blackwall the Thames east of London since Tunnel. the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, Supporters believe it will unlock opened at Dartford 25 years ago. massive economic benefits, not just The route proposed would run for the south east, but the whole from the end of the M2, crossing country. under the river just east of The responses are being analysed Gravesend and Tilbury and joining before a final decision on a pre- the M25 between junctions 29 and ferred route is made by the govern- 30. ment later in the year. Highways England has ap- Highways England consultation time to take part in the consulta- sion and it is vital that we get it pointed a technical partner as it manager Martin Potts said: “I am tion. The route for a new Lower right. continues its work on the contro- grateful to everyone who took the Thames Crossing is a massive deci- “I am very encouraged at the sig- versial project. Funding for Picnic event FUN, food and a prom-style singa- charity which long will all form part of a new event in Sutton Valence to help mark Armed Forces Day. helps children The Sutton Valence and District DANDELION Time has been se- Branch of the Royal British Legion lected as one of this year’s benefici- has organised a Picnic in the Park, to aries to receive funding and take place in and around the Sutton support through Global’s Make Valence village hall from 1.30pm to Some Noise. 5.30pm on Saturday, June 25. Global’s Make Some Noise was Distinguished guests will include created by Global, the media & en- Sir Hugh Robertson DL, represent- tertainment group which includes ing the Lieutenancy of Kent, the Heart, Capital, Classic FM, LBC, deputy mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Smooth and Gold, in 2014 to give a Village home up for £3.75m Malcolm Greer, and the vice-chair- voice to small charities and projects man of Kent County Council, David across the UK which struggle to THE seventh most expensive property in Kent has gone on the market in Brazier. raise awareness. West Farleigh. For details call Mike on 01622 Dandelion Time was established Fox Pitt, a historic Georgian mansion in Shingle Barn Lane, is up for sale 743270 or email mike@laxton- in 2003 and is a farm-based project with a price tag of more than £3.75m. drive.co.uk for children struggling with signif- The house and its estate have been in the Devenish family for almost 80 icant behavioural, emotional, or so- years. Owners Michael and Belinda Devenish brought up their two chil- cial difficulties resulting from dren there but now, having reached retirement age and with the family Memorial ball physical or sexual abuse, neglect or having ﬂown the nest, the couple are looking to downsize to something A FUND-raising ball entitled “A other traumatic circumstances. smaller. They hope to remain in the area, where they have been parish- Midsummer Night’s Dream” is It provides practical, farm-based ioners for almost half a century. being organised in memory of Maid- therapeutic activities to help chil- The Grade II listed three-storey home with views across the Medway stone actor Daniel Wiltshire, to raise dren overcome past suffering, de- Valley was built in the late 1700s. As well as having a tennis court and awareness of organ donation. velop in confidence and self-esteem swimming pool, it has an original bell from the 1890s, when Fox Pitt served Daniel died two years ago, aged and discover a new path to follow. as a nunnery. just 39, of a brain haemorrhage. Jane Angell-Payne, part of the Now with seven bedrooms and three bathrooms, the house has 37 acres The ball at the Mercure Great management team at Dandelion of land, including both formal parkland, landscaped gardens and a half- Danes Hotel on Saturday, June 25, Time, said: “We are thrilled that acre walled garden. The estate also includes three farm cottages, stables includes a three-course meal, music, Global’s Make Some Noise is help- and outbuildings, 10 commercial units and pasture and woodland. dancing and a charity auction. Go to ing us fund and communicate our It is outranked by only six other properties currently for sale in the thedanielwiltshirefoundation.com innovative work across Kent and county, primarily in West Kent. beyond, enabling more young peo- Summer fair ple to attend the programme. A SUMMER fair and pet show is “We believe knowledge of the Garden safari helps Scouts being held on the Collier Street Dandelion Time approach can GREEN-fingered gardeners threw open their homes and garden for the Parish Field to raise funds for St make a useful contribution to cur- bi-annual Yalding Garden Safari. Margaret’s School, Collier Street. rent thinking about young people’s The Yalding Scout Group organises the event every two years to sup- There will be dance shows in the mental health and emotional well- port the Beavers, Cubs and Sea Scout groups in the village. Eight home- arena, a bouncy castle, face painting, being – this is worth making a owners took part in this year’s safari, now in its 12th year, raising more lots of stalls and games, a bar, bar- noise about.” than £1,700. becue, tea tent and raffle. For more local news Organiser Karen Martin said: “This was a fantastic sum and the day The fair opens at noon on Satur- was really well supported by people both in and out of the village. All in day, June 18, with the pet show start- www.downsmail.co.uk all, a successful event with a great amount raised for our Scout groups.” ing at 1.30pm.

26 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Kent Music’s Samba and dancing at vacancy plea KENT Music is looking for a new chairman to take over from Richard town’s summer festival Finn,who is stepping down from the role after three successful terms. His replacement is expected to THE county town of Kent will be a take a leading role in the direction of splash of colour as local groups Kent Music, working to ensure that come together for a spectacular music education continues to thrive Summer Festival. in the county. Terms of office are for Shops have been asked to deck renewable periods of three years. their windows in the brightest of The position is unpaid but expenses colours as singers, dancers, artists are available and tickets provided and a host of other entertainers take for Kent Music events. to the streets on Saturday, July 2 for Chief executive Peter Bolton said: a bumper celebration of local talent. “We are looking for someone with a Three Samba bands, three dance passion for music and education schools, singers, school groups and with experience of senior leadership. baton twirlers are among artistes Above all, we are seeking a good who have promised to take part in Old School Samba band communicator and ambassador, displays at venues around the town. cluded. Seven local bands are taking loon modelling, stilt walkers and with a network of contacts in Kent And as last year, the Downs Mail part, including headliners Get Inuit, magicians. and beyond, who is able to talk cred- is proud to be the community Rhonda and the Great Unknown, Irish folk dancing group from Fry- ibly about music education.” event’s official media partner. local folk band Larkspur, The Big days Academy is shining up its He added: “Richard has worked The festival, being organised by Sing and Hobo Jones and The Junk- shoes ready to get jigging, teenagers tirelessly for the organisation for One Maidstone, the town’s new yard Dogs. from the Vocademy singing school nearly a decade and his successor community interest company, will Much of the action will take place are tuning up and Mandy Ellen Per- will find an organisation in good fi- take place at venues around the in Jubilee Square, with other dance forming Arts and the Margaret nancial shape with a clear sense of town centre, including Jubilee and music displays in Brenchley Preedy Dance School are both put- direction.” Square and Brenchley Gardens, with Gardens, Fremlin Walk and St ting together routines to entertain Kent Music, in partnership with all-day entertainment offering fun Faith’s Street. shoppers and visitors. Kent County Council, delivers in- for all the family. There will also be wacky bikes in Activities get underway from strumental and vocal teaching to Maidstone Baton Twirlers will be Brenchley Gardens, a street artist in noon and continue until 4pm. more than 14,000 students and or- joined by Bloco Fogo, Old School Jubilee Square and face-painters in For more information, contact Ilsa ganises music groups and summer Samba and the Maidstone Grammar two locations, plus street entertain- Butler at One Maidstone – 01622 schools. For more details, visit the School samba band Baterias Not In- ment including yarn bombing, bal- 678777. website www.kent-music.com. Hair and Beauty

• Fashion colours including foils, Lycon - Waxing offer Book two waxing treatments ombré balayage and get the second one HALF PRICE* • Perms, Ladies and Mens Book three waxing treatments cutting & styling and get the THIRD ONE FREE* • Special occasion hair - Nouvatan including wedding packages Spray Tan Offer Offer 1 Book three consecutive Spray Tans • Late night opening on and get the THIRD Thursdays ONE FREE Offer 2 Bring a friend Book your appointment now and you both get £5 OFF 01622 817800 *Expires 29th June 2016 T&C apply. www.hairtraditionalmaidstone.co.uk Treatments must be used on the same day. See our profile on the Downsmail Drectory www.downsmail.co.uk 1 Bow Road, Wateringbury, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5DD hairtraditionalmaidstone

Maidstone South June 2016 27 Summer’s arrived!

Heavy Duty Top Quality Fence Panel 6’x6’ get your £16.99 EACH +VAT garden ready for the new season!

Bark (Bulk Bags) WE CAN DELIVER Homeleigh Offer BULK BAGS OF: £46.00 +VAT bark • compost • top soil & building aggregates

Natural Paving FROM £13.00 EACH +VAT (per sq.m) DECKING

per mtr Railway Sleepers 99p +VAT Homeleigh Offer (25x100mm) £13.99 EACH +VAT (+5 rate) £15.99 EACH +VAT (Single)

ATING 50 BR YE E A L R E S Screened Top Soil C (Bulk Bags) th Homeleigh Offer 50 Anniversary

66 +VAT 1 £41. 966-2016

www.homeleighgroup.co.uk YOUR LOCAL TIMBER & BUILDERS MERCHANT

Maidstone 01622 791111 Woodford Depot: 01580 892733 Staplehurst: 01580 892037 Ashford: 01233 850075 Hall Road | Maidstone Maidstone Road | Staplehurst Station Road | Staplehurst Ashford Road | High Halden ME20 7QZ TN12 0RH TN12 0PY TN26 3BP

WA-2-16

28 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Police target drug gangs REVIEW moving in from capital GANGS of drug dealers are tar- Last summer, Kent Police “We are continuing to work very geting towns in Kent – including launched Operation Jupiter, a team hard to identify those we believe Maidstone – in a meticulously or- created to target organised crime are trying to sell drugs in our ganised expansion of operations gangs attempting to supply drugs towns and if you are planning to which have their origins in the and intimidate vulnerable people commit crime there is a very high capital. in parts of Kent. chance we already know who you More than 80 sophisticated net- The creation of Operation Jupiter are and my of- Not the end for works of criminals are suspected of signals an increased focus by Kent ficers will ar- spreading their trade into the Police on emerging criminal gangs, rest you.” Max and Ivan Home Counties, employing busi- whose members often travel into Tunbridge MAIDSTONE hosted some of the ness-like sales and marketing ploys Kent from areas outside of the Wells Chief most strange and inventive com- to drum up new customers. county, particularly London. Inspector edy around when double act Max The gangs enter new territories Although Jupiter was launched Dave Pate and Ivan came to the Exchange with business cards, travelling to tackle the apparent rise in activ- (left) said: Theatre. salespeople, direct text-messaged ity in north Kent, Kent Police ac- “One of the The pair opened with a series of marketing and ‘introductory of- knowledges there are other problems we comedy sketches before perform- fers’ on their wares, according to significant problems in Maidstone have identi- ing their award-winning show The one report in a national newspa- and other towns, particularly Tun- fied over the past two years has End, which tells the surreal story of per. bridge Wells. been caused by dealers travelling a seaside town facing annihilation Four main groups, says the re- Chief Superintendent Adrian in to Kent from places such as Lon- as the local nuclear re-processing port, appear to be targeting Kent: Futers said at the time: “Our initial don and who have attempted to plant melts down. Shower, Younger PDC, Woolwich focus will be to crack down hard sell class A substances including A small but enthusiastic crowd Boys and Gipset. on those trying to sell drugs and cocaine and heroin. was pressed into action, with one The dealers are becoming prolific who criminally exploit the vulner- “What is pleasing is that the member of the audience being in a string of towns within easy able, which can have a devastating courts are supporting our hard called upon to provide lines for the reach of the capital, such as Ox- impact on our communities. work. In this time, they have show and another being co-opted ford, Cambridge, Guildford, “We are aware there is a signifi- handed down sentences totalling into a karaoke performance. Epsom, Crawley and Salisbury. cant element of drug dealing which 119 years.” The show has played successfully But they are also known to have has resulted from people travelling The exact number of arrests and at the Edinburgh Festival where it started to ply their trade in Maid- into north Kent. Offenders are convictions for drug offences in the was nominated as best comedy stone, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells often from London and are part of Maidstone area has been requested show. Neil Nixon and Rochester. a larger drug-dealing network. by the Downs Mail. Camrass Wills Advice you can trust Recruitment

Do you want help writing your Will? Do you need help with Probate? Do you need Powers of Attorney? Do you want to buy a Funeral Plan? PART-TIME • We offer help & advice • Home visits • MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE • All fees agreed before you proceed • Maternity Cover We are currently recruiting a part time telesales person to For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass sell advertising across our successful Downs Mail and Mid DipPFS Aff.SWW Kent Living publications and associated online products. 01622 720985 The role will involve: www.camrasswills.co.uk • Handling inbound and making outbound calls • Developing business from existing clients • Obtaining and growing new business • Working to achieve revenue targets. STAPLEHURST MOWERS LTD The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a similar role Sales, Service , Spares and Repairs and will: • Have experience of working to sales targets Of Garden Machinery • Have a confident and outgoing personality • Be self-motivated and able to show initiative • Have excellent communication skills Starting July, this is an 8 month maternity cover contract of 22.5 hours Official dealer per week to be worked Monday to Wednesday. www.mitoxgm.co.uk Friendly, flexible, family owned business Basic salary + uncapped commission + bonus + 31 days (pro rata) annual leave Email applications including your CV to the sales 01580 893950 manager, Bill Brett. [email protected] [email protected] Maidstone and Malling's No.1 Newspaper

Maidstone South June 2016 29 downsmail.co.uk Comment Passionate support for Brexit NOTHING in the almost 20-year history not work and co-operate with them on signifi- of Downs Mail has aroused Maidstone pas- Mail cant issues. And all countries will want to con- sions more than EU referendum since I rea- Marks tinue to trade on sensible terms. I love Europe soned in March why I would vote Brexit. This but not the ramifications of an anti-democratic is our last chance to reflect reader views before DENNIS FOWLE President organisation which tries to control us at im- the big vote on June 23. [email protected] mense financial and cultural cost. OUR family too was inspired by the Downs Mrs. J. Russell, Tonbridge Mail to discuss Brexit and all three generations Britain are with us. I have a feeling they are. MY passions for Brexit grow stronger by the agreed we must vote Leave. We all suffer in M, Reed, Walderslade day. I see June 23 as our Independence Day. Maidstone by massive population growth and I USED to travel out of rush hours to do my serious deterioration in services and lack of in- business in Maidstone. Now I despair because Unpredictable to the end frastructure. We too have an infant denied a the jams so often last most of the day. And ex- place in three schools of choice and facing a perts warn me with all the housing planned MAIDSTONE Borough Council elections nightmare and costly journey. Maidstone will just grind to a halt. It is almost remained predictably unpredictable until the P.B., Maidstone impossible to fix timed business appointments very last vote was counted in Coxheath and Hunton ward – giving LibDems’ Emily Fermor THE Government has broken its green belt in town. And yesterday I requested a doctor’s appointment and it is four weeks away. What (23) a single vote victory over Conservatives’ pledges and insisted on appalling urban Ron Leagas. sprawl. Much of this is down to uncontrolled will happen for my children and grandchildren if we stay in the EU? Brian Coe – by email The Lib Dems, UKIP and Labour ended the immigration. The impact on our lovely Maid- day with smiles. The Tories needed probably stone area and pressure on services are im- THE Prime Minister cannot frighten us in to to gain one seat for overall control. By losing mense. And if we vote to Remain in the EU it continuing with the frightening consequences two to the Lib Dems (22 seats) they remain the will get much worse. The National Trust is on of remaining in the EU. We have to leave to largest party (23 of the 55 councillors) but their the ball – and so must be all of us. stand a real chance of regaining the Britain we influence on the council is diminished. Mrs B. Chalmers, Maidstone want and avoid a growth in the horrors we cur- Once again, Maidstone Lib Dems punched IT SEEMS to me only voters (and foreigners) rently endure. We know they will get much above their weight, but politicians from all par- who want us to remain in Europe are the priv- worse by retaining membership of this unde- ties offered other reasons. They said the EU ileged protecting personal or business interests. mocratic, expensive and troubled club. vote dominated on the doorsteps and felt the They are protected from the awful impacts of T Patel , Maidstone vicious split in the Conservative party nation- the EU so damaging to the lives of the rest of I AGREE with readers in May Downs Mail – ally, plus a loss of popularity for Prime Minis- us. I meet hardly a Maidstone resident who leaving the awful EU does not mean we are ter David Cameron helped both UKIP and Lib will vote to Remain and I trust the rest in leaving our many European friends and will Dems locally.

School commute shocking Another great season on a roundabout that works so poorly that traffic lights are needed. I WAS sad to read of a single mum who is AS A local councillor, I would just like to The southern approach roads from Suon going to have to travel 5.3 miles to get her congratulate everyone connected to Road and Loose Road had a roundabout but daughter to a reception class. Maidstone United for yet another very this was replaced with traffic lights and I couldn’t believe that the bus that will successful season. nothing was done to remove the problem. enable her to get her daughter to school on The club has done so well since coming What is the problem here? time leaves Maidstone at 06.34. That means back home to Maidstone and I feel the clubs It seems simple to me. Two busy A roads that her daughter will have to get out of bed success has put Maidstone itself back on the joining together into Loose Road in two by 05.30 to be able to have her breakfast, get map. I am sure that I and the people of lanes. But then squeeze all the traffic into one dressed and then catch the bus. How Maidstone will be wishing the club even lane at Armstrong Road – not a roundabout more success next season now that ridiculous is that? in site. Maidstone United have won deserved We are talking of a child that may still be Why are the A roads so busy? Because all promotion to the National League. COYS. four years of age. the through traffic with a destination other Cllr David Naghi, Maidstone Then after a hard day of learning, she will than Maidstone has no option but to use the have to repeat the journey to get home. What A roads provided, that lead to the gyratory is the being that the first few weeks of Link road poorly planned in the town centre. school will be mornings only? Will mum be Creating local rat runs through housing estates is not going to make the problem go going backwards and forwards for that? REGARDING the “link road” article in the May edition of Downs Mail I make some away. It will just increase risk and Why on earth can’t a place be found in one observations. disturbance in housing areas that should be of her nearest schools? I understand the way The traffic problems within Maidstone are free of through traffic. This is where our kids school places are allocated, but I find it now at the same level as Guildford 35 years play! totally ridiculous that such a thing is ago. Remember leaving home at 3am then The M20 acts as a bypass for half the town, happening to our children and families. going to the West Country to get through but traffic that need to cross the river and go A child needs to be at school with their Guilford before it became blocked with south of Maidstone is bringing the county peers who live in much the same area. The traffic? Well, Maidstone is the new town to its knees. friendships they forge at school frequently Guildford. A Maidstone bypass would allow the local continue after school. But not if they have The problem is due to poor planning and traffic in the town to move more freely by travelled five miles just to get to school! under-investment in the county town. keeping the through traffic out of the town. I shall be following this story with interest. The town has A229, A249, A20, A26 and local But only if it is planned and implemented Susan Priest, Lile Buckland Avenue, roads all needing to enter the town to access their with care and thought for the future. Rat Maidstone desired destination. The gyratory system is based runs are not the answer. Contact our team ... Simon Finlay Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist simon.fi[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233

30 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk

A dual carriageway bypass from M20 The end for Cameron? to thank publicly all those who help so Comment Leeds via Langley, Loose, Barming and effectively in my election campaign. finishing at the M20 will alleviate the I AM a definite Leave voter, but a Tory For the next four years that I represent problem within the town and villages like supporter too. I can see trouble ahead for Bearsted, I will remember that I have: Leeds and Langley. There even seems to be Prime Minister David Cameron. - been elected as a Conservative, holding enough farmland to do it without disrupting He took a gamble on the rise of UKIP by Conservative values; residential areas. calling the referendum in the first place and - to reflect the opinions and views of the It is up to the KCC to organise and fund felt sure he could win. He knows if he loses, residents; this and not put it off for another 44 years. he is out, no question. - to check the quality of services provided by The longer it takes the more difficult and But if he wins, he is left with the party split the council; disruptive it will be. The borough council over the single most toxic issue possible: - to check that the money provided by local has stopped granting planning permission Europe. He’ll have to go. Maybe not taxpayers is wisely and effectively utilised. south of Maidstone to avoid adding to the immediately but sometime soon. Thank you. traffic congestion. Too lile too late. And that leaves us with another scramble Cllr Mike Revell Let us see how the new gyratory system to find someone who can reunite the party Borough Councillor, Bearsted improves things. If not, would the money after the divisions over Europe. Let’s hope have been beer spent on a bypass? they don’t choose someone like John Major Christopher Smith, via email for he was the kiss of death. Great care at hospital The smart money seems to be on Boris Johnson, whose charisma and ambition are DUE to all the bad press Maidstone Hospital Immigration not the issue not in doubt. But I’m not sure. The lustre gets, I would just like to tell you what around the jovial fellow seems to be fading fantastic care I received at Maidstone I HAVE been canvassing on the EU somewhat. Hospital in the cardiac unit and Culpepper referendum for the last two weekends and Perhaps the party should been looking to ward after I had a heart aack recently. feel that Dennis Fowle’s views and the the backbenches for its next leader. Anyone The care I received whilst in hospital, and correspondence he chose to use in his got any suggestions? at home, by the cardiac nurses could not column do not reflect the debate that is P Warren, via email have been beered anywhere else. currently happening. Jill Wellbelove, via email I have found that the Leaves and Remains Let’s get it over with are very even, with the “don't knows” and PERHAPS I am in a minority, but I am “don't cares” being in the vast majority. My totally fed up with listening to the EU debate Liering a disgrace experience seems to be borne out in the local and the sooner the blasted thing is out of the REFERENCE Downs Mail May edition, and national opinion polls. way the beer, in my view. The uncertainty regarding Terance Turner’s praise for the Mr Fowle’s correspondents seem to think of a possible Brexit is probably causing more parish council and the state of the this is a referendum about immigration – it’s damage than we realise as many businesses Madginford shop fronts. not, it’s about our place in Europe. seem to have put everything on hold while Either Mr Turner or the council cannot However, a lot of people are talking about the issue is still to be resolved. have looked beyond the immediate shop immigration. The last figures for All my instincts are to say that we should fronts. If they had, they would have seen just immigration I saw gave a net figure of leave, as the EU appears to be a massive club how unswept are the guers thereabouts. 300,000 per annum. Half that figure was for for people with vested interests and lile The build-up of mess plus thousands of non-EU migrants, who are either refugees or interest in the people to whom their rules cigaree bus demonstrates how economic migrants. Our government could will eventually affect. infrequently it is swept. stop this immigration tomorrow, but it Sadly, I can’t help thinking that, if the It’s not the first time that I have wrien to doesn't. polling is broadly correct and 30 per cent or complain of this unsightly shortfall and it is Stopping or slowing this immigration is so remain to be convinced one way or no use complaining that cars are always harder than you think, but it is a UK another, the vote is more than likely to parked thereabouts. government issue, not an EU one. What swing towards remain as undecided voters If only the cleansing department could get about the other half? They come following are inclined to stick with the status quo its finger out and learn when the area when the jobs, because that’s part of being in the rather than take a leap into the unknown. the area is not so congested, because it is not single market. You can't have a single And that will be a terrible shame and a always congested. market without the free movement of capital golden opportunity gone to throw off the Roy F Wilsher, Blenheim Close, Bearsted and labour. shackles of an organisation so vast and so If people are thinking of voting Leave to enmeshed with its own self-interest. Another reduce immigration, are they sure they are referendum is highly unlikely to come along Dog owners a menace going to get that? I feel it is unlikely. again any time soon. So make your vote I AM fully aware that the vast majority of Michael Gove says leave the EU and single count. dog owners love and care for their dogs, market, but he is the only one saying it Phil Simms, via email because the single market was our idea and train them and keep them under control, we do very well out of it. Why we’re stronger as one clean up after them and dispose of their If we were out of the single market we waste properly. could still buy BMW cars and Bosch tools, I RESPECT the views of local residents and However, there are irresponsible dog but the single market would become a more encourage them to exercise their decision at owners who – when the clocks go back – difficult place for UK plants like Toyota, the ballot box on June 23, for what will be sneak out under the cover of darkness and Mini and their suppliers to sell their I'm sure a very personal choice. For me, allow their dogs to poop around the village products and in years to come they would personally, there is a positive, patriotic case and leave the mess where it lands. Often an probably move their plants inside the single to be made for why Britain is beer off in unsuspected pedestrian will tread in it. market to avoid the tariffs. Europe. Together we are stronger fighting Disgusting. Would the older generation care? Maybe cross-border global problems like climate Others allow their dogs to run free, chase not, but the younger generation does care change and terrorism. It is by no means other dogs, jump up at people going for a and it's not a surprise that younger people perfect, but working together we have quiet walk and sniff anybody who happens tend towards Remain, because they have delivered decades of peace and prosperity to be passing – usually in areas where they more to gain. and created the world's largest ever trading are not wanted – and they traumatise We are pensioners who have worked hard area, benefiting local businesses across children and adults who are afraid of dogs. and paid our dues. The money we paid in Maidstone and our county. In Mote Park, where I often walk, dogs are a has gone to pay the previous generation's Cllr Emily Fermor menace, running all over the place and pensions. It's nice to think the free Borough Councillor, Coxheath & Hunton geing under my feet. I have also come close movement of labour is paying its share for to tripping over those stupid extending our pensions. leads. Now is the time for the younger Many thanks to voters The law is, however, on our side and generation's voice to be heard, so I hope they I WOULD like to thank all those who voted everyone should make themselves aware of vote on June 23. for me in the Maidstone Borough Council the rules. Bill Banks, via email elections. In addition I am pleased to be able J Richards, The Landway, Bearsted

Maidstone South June 2016 31 News downsmail.co.uk £5m spa hotel plan at risk PLANS to plough £6m into a spa hotel in Maidstone could be scuppered by a fire-ravaged former schoolhouse and the town’s conservation officer. Entrepreneur and actor Ciaran Maidstone, said: “One Maidstone O’Quigley, owner of Mu Mu’s in feels that this development would Week Street and a director of Mu deliver some much-needed en- Mu Experience Ltd, wants to build hancement to the area and that the Kent’s finest five-star spa hotel on proposal makes good use of cur- waste land at the lower end of rently disused and derelict proper- Brewer Street, behind St Francis’ ties.” RC Church. Parish priest Canon Luke Smith The 36-bedroomed hotel, com- says he believes the hotel would be plete with a luxury Roman swim- an asset to the town and that the ming pool, 10 treatment rooms, a agreement being drawn up be- “living wall” entrance and a Japan- tween Mr O’Quigley and the dio- ese garden, would have the finest cese would be beneficial to all Italian marble bathrooms and An artist’s impression of the Mu Mu Hotel, planned concerned. hand-made furniture and provide for Brewer Street, and Ciaran O’Quigley, right Planning committee chairman 20 jobs. Cllr Clive English and Cllr David The ambitious ideas for Hotel welcomed the scheme. He says the This would Naghi are among members who Mu Mu incorporate a 1930s piano derelict buildings are a constant plug that want to see the application dis- bar, a 100-cover restaurant, two li- worry to him, attracting drug-users gap and cussed in full committee, so that the brary-style lounge areas and a retro and vandals. bring clien- tourism and regeneration impact cinema. The project also includes Mr Parkinson has lodged his ob- tele who can be considered. the renovation of St Francis’ jection with the council, saying he would then Cllr Naghi said: "The scheme fits derelict church hall for community fears the development, which spend money in the town – not in in perfectly with the regeneration use. would encompass the site of a dis- the villages on the periphery.” of that end of Week street and The 48-year-old businessman has used dance studio, would harm the The proposed hotel would sit Maidstone East station. It will give been working on the concept with heritage of the county town. next to listed Grove House, the first a ‘wow’ factor and a much needed design consultants for almost three He considers the old school, permanent base for Catholic wor- point of interest to visitors who will years and has the support of the which was badly damaged by fire ship in Maidstone. However, the be stepping off the train to walk in church, his neighbours and several in September, to be a “non-desig- schoolhouse was added later and to town. " local councillors, as well as the nated heritage asset”. He says not carries no listing. Mr O’Quigley added: “It’s sim- town centre partnership One Maid- only should the application require Mr Parkinson said: “The loss of ple. We want to take dilapidated stone. listed building consent, but also ap- the original school building would, buildings that are a complete eye- However, Maidstone’s conserva- proval from English Heritage. in my opinion, cause harm to the sore and embarrassment to the tion officer Mike Parkinson is Mr O’Quigley says demolition of significance of the Grade II* listed county town and turn them in to against the demolition of the for- the schoolhouse is key to the proj- building of Grove House by re- this luxurious hotel and spa, which mer St Francis’ Church School even ect. “The site is landlocked without moving an important feature of the will help draw in people from all though many say it has become an the removal of this building,” he overall interest of the site as a com- over Europe. eyesore, having suffered neglect, said. “Tourism plays a massive part plex of Roman Catholic Church, “It will be five star luxury at three vandalism, fire, damp and dry rot. in the plans for Maidstone, yet presbytery and school, the earliest star prices. We are hoping to have Jason Howard at Trash or Treas- there is currently no high-end ac- example of such in Maidstone.” a bit of London chic here in Maid- ure, which backs onto the site, has commodation in the town centre. Andy Davy, chairman of One stone.”

AWHEELIE binwastaken from outside a rm reports Crime property in Forge Lane, Headcorn. A generator and building equipment Neighbourhood Watch were stolen from a building site in Goud- hurst Road, Marden. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police A building site in Lenham Road, Head- corn, was broken into and items of plant were damaged. aged in Bell Lane, Staplehurst. Heath Road, East Farleigh. Guttering was damaged at the memorial A Seat Leon parked on a driveway in Items were stolen from a property in The hall in Goudhurst Road, Marden. High Street, Yalding, was scratched. Green, Boughton Monchelsea. A property in Worsley Cottages, Collier Fencing was damaged at a home in Ju- Solar lights were stolen from a garden in Street, was broken into and items were bilee Corner, Staplehurst. Station Hill, East Farleigh. stolen. Four conifer trees were cut down in a An orange Bosuer motorbike, registration Security barriers were damaged at the vil- church yard in Vicarage Road, Yalding. GK16***, was stolen from the back garden lage hall in North Street, Sutton Valence. A garage of a property in Friday Street, of a home in Huntington Road, Coxheath. Diesel was syphoned from a vehicle in East Sutton, was entered. Nothing ap- A locked gate and fencing were damaged. Maidstone Road, Headcorn. peared to have been taken. A Kia Sportage was scratched in Oak A grey Toyota Hilux pick-up, registration A building in Boughton Lane, Boughton Lane, Headcorn. J4 ***, was stolen from South Lane, Sutton Monchelsea, was broken into. Valence. Two men were disturbed fishing on pri- A wheelbarrow was stolen from a shed on vate land in Chart Hill Road, Chart Sutton. an allotment in Sutton Valence Hill, Sutton Carp were later reported missing. SECURE YOUR HOME A white Ford Transit van index C8 D** Valence. ALARMS FROM £495+VAT A white BMW 320m was stolen from was stolen from Amsbury Road, Coxheath. Chestnut Avenue, Staplehurst. A garden table and four chairs were CALL 01622 880751 A green Land Rover Defender, M178 ***, stolen from a drive in Charlton Lane, West was stolen from a driveway in Sutton Road, Farleigh. A Clarke welder and a Makita grinder Langley. ALARMS & SECURITY LTD A parked vehicle had its window dam- were stolen from a workshop at a home in

32 Maidstone South June 2016 BATHING A PROBLEM? Specialists in walk in baths, showers and wet rooms. • Free Survey & Quote FREE Georgia basin & • Easy Access toilet with every Shower/Bathroom walk-in shower/ • Door Widening bath order* • Stairlifts • Care Home Adaptations • Full Installation • Open by appointment *Offer expires 30th June 2016 DO YOU QUALIFY FOR OUR DISCOUNT? Discounts for OAPs, Co-op members, ex-service personnel, SSAFA & British Legion members Discount for Medway WRENS Unit 11, Newnham Shopping Village Bearsted, Maidstone Kent Showroom: 01622 738204 Office: 01622 611880 www.ahminstallations.co.uk

CollectionPrompt

Fast Delivery D.TD.T SKIPSKIP HIREHIRE Over 20 Years Experience

Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 & 12 Yard Bins Covering Maidstone & The Weald EA Registered Fast & Prompt Service Commercial & Domestic 01233 623721 South Belringham Yard, South Lane, Sutton Valance, Kent ME17 3BD

Maidstone South June 2016 33 News downsmail.co.uk Henry Cooper’s ﬁght for life A BATTLING little boy by the name of Henry Cooper has defied all the odds to bring joy to his parents, who are now raising funds for the hospital which saved his life. Henry – still weighing a mere 5lb real roller-coaster journey, but we 5oz at almost five months old – has cannot praise the unit enough for the faced a tougher fight than his boxer care given during our time there.” namesake ever did, surviving more Although the NHS pays for med- than a dozen blood transfusions, col- ication and staffing at the Oliver lapsed lungs and a life-threatening Fisher Unit, all the highly-spe- blood disease. cialised and sophisticated equip- He is still on a constant supply of ment is funded by donations. oxygen, while his lungs recover The unit cares for about 1,000 sick from weeks of living on a ventilator. and premature babies each year and For his parents, it has been the Nicki and her family have decided most terrifying roller-coaster ride, to organise fund-raising activities to during which they thought they help the unit. The first will be a 5km would lose him on more than one run at Capstone Park, Gillingham, occasion. The couple have no idea on August 28. why Nicki went into early labour. Running alongside Nicki will be Henry was born at Pembury Hos- her mum Sharon Terry, Kevin’s pital 17 weeks prematurely, on De- mum Jeanette Cooper, from Forest cember 27, along with his twin Hill, Maidstone, Henry’s auntie Archie. Each of the boys weighed Elayne Fleming and cousins Faith, just 1lb 2oz, making them among the Paige and Summah, from Medway, tiniest tots ever to be born in Britain. along with many more friends. With two crash teams on hand Schoolteacher Nicki set an initial and more than 20 doctors and nurses target of £1,000 and is already well in the room, mum Nicki Cooper was over halfway there. However, now warned: “It will be a miracle if the that Kevin’s employers and col- babies survive. It will be a miracle if leagues at cloud service company they survive the birth, a miracle if Carrenza, in London, have agreed to they survive the transfer to the spe- make the unit the works’ charity, cial care baby unit and a miracle if they plan to set the target higher. they survive intensive care. That’s a Nicki said: “We were fortunate lot of miracles.” that Pembury is one of the hospitals Incredibly, both boys came into which fights to save babies born at the world kicking – but, barely big- 23 weeks; for many, 24 weeks is the ger than the palm of dad Kevin’s cut-off point. But without the round- hand, they were clearly very poorly. Kevin and Nicki Cooper with baby Henry the-clock care and support from the The twins were transferred by However, Henry battled on under ical treatments, including ventila- Oliver Fisher Unit, things could have Kent’s only special neonatal ambu- the watchful eye of the specialist tion, various types of breathing sup- turned out very differently. lance to the Oliver Fisher Special team, eventually coming home to port, X-rays and 12 blood “We lost Archie, which is very sad, Care Baby Unit at Medway Mar- Downswood the day before his transfusions. He fought off a series but neither twin should really have itime Hospital, where, sadly, Archie mum Nicki’s birthday, on April 18. of infections and Nicki said: “His survived, so our glass is definitely lost his fight for life the following During his 16 weeks in hospital, strength and resilience has been half full.” day. Henry endured a vast array of med- nothing short of incredible. It was a Jane Shotliff A story of miracle babies

AS well as setting up a Just Giving page, Nicki has created a website – miraclebabies.co.uk – to tell the story of Henry and Archie and to offer comfort and support to other families who might be in a similar situation. The website has attracted more than 1,200 visitors – from as far away as China, Australia and New Zealand. She said: “We were naively confident at the start, but after Archie died, it came home to us what a long way there was still to go.” Henry was a week old before his eyes opened Nicki said: “We can’t really thank the amazing and Nicki was at his bedside for 12 hours a day. team at the Oliver Fisher Unit enough for She was finally able to hold him at four weeks ensuring we brought home a healthy, happy old. However, he then developed sepsis, a little boy at the end our journey with them. potentially life-threatening blood disease, and “It was quite emotional saying goodbye to all his lung collapsed. the wonderful staff on the unit, but very exciting At 10 weeks old Henry still only weighed 1kg to be coming home after such a long journey.” but he was able to leave intensive care for the To read more about Henry’s journey, visit high dependency unit and at 13 weeks, the www.miraclebabies.co.uk. Henry, above, finally comes home, and at the family felt it was safe to finally go on a shopping To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/ age of five months old weighed 5lb 5oz. Left, trip to kit out the nursery for his homecoming. CooperFundraising Henry shortly after he was born

34 Maidstone South June 2016 Freephone 0800 6942024 HOMEFRESH Throughout the South East CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING OFFER Carpets (Average) Normal rate Special rate Single Room (12’ x 12’) £42 £21 Through Room (12’ x 18’) £56 £28 Hall, Stairs & Landing £56 £28 Upholstery 3 piece suite £84 £42 Leather 3 piece suite £146 £73 50% Curtains Discount Full length £74 £37 Half Length £42 £21 No hidden extras - All prices inclusive of VAT SAVESAAVVVEE £££s ONON SKIPSKIP HIRE ACROSS KENT

4, 6, 8 & 12yd Skips DomesDomestictic & CommerCommercialcial TREE CARE Reliable Service Contact Tom Tree Surgery PermitsPermits ArrangedArranged Stump CompeCompetitivetitive RatesRates T: 01622 206431 Grinding Fully rrecycledecycled aatt our oownwn ffacilitiesacilities M: 07812 921748 Hedge Cutting 01622 804427 E:[email protected] Pruning CRB checked countrystylerecycling.co.ukcountrystylerecycling.co.uk Fencing

MAIDSTONE TREE SERVICES Professional Tree Services

Tel: 01622 296412 [email protected] www.maidstonetreeservices.co.uk

HEDGE TRIMMING PRUNING ReynoldsTREE SURGERY STUMP REMOVAL Brand New Straight Stairlifts TREE REMOVAL SERVICE Reconditioned ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN Stairlifts Next QUALITY WORK AT THE RIGHT PRICE Tel No: 01622 756128 day Mobile: 07905 182363 installation www.stairliftstoday.co.uk t: 01622 817664 m: 07960 455001 [email protected] 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF www.reynoldstreesurgery.co.uk Call us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey.

Maidstone South June 2016 35 downsmail.co.uk Dave Sargeant aircraft. Claude was married for 69 years to University and Lincoln Theological College Obituaries Irene and father to Carol and Michael. and a former cox of the Cambridge Rowing MAIDSTONE Borough Councillor Dave Carol said: “My father was always busy. Team. His funeral took place in Edinburgh. Sargeant (77) has died suddenly. He drove until he was 93 and last dug over The UKIP member of Westmoreland his whole garden when he was 97. Road, Shepway, passed away at Maidstone “He grew all kinds of vegetables and that Nigel Knights Hospital on May 13. may have helped him live to be 99. He THE search for Nigel Knights (63) was Cllr Sargeant was a well-liked and supplied lots of the neighbours and our widely reported before the grandfather’s admired man, not family with firewood, taking the spare body was found in the River Medway in least by council offcuts from Len Cabinet Makers home on Strood. colleagues. his bike. Nigel worked at Holmesdale School and Fran Wilson, leader “He will be remembered as a live-wire at the Barnardo’s charity shop in Maid- of the borough who always had something to say and a stone. council, said: “Cllr person who could have a laugh with He was reported Sargeant was anybody. When he was asked what missing after being passionate about the medication he was on he’d usually say ‘I seen walking near the people and take an Aspirin if I have a headache but river nine days before communities he that’s it.’ He helped out lots of people.” his body was found. represented and was Claude leaves his wife and his daughter. A Facebook a hard-working and enthusiastic member of His son pre-deceased him. community called the council.” Findnigelknights was Fellow UKIP councillor Eddie Powell established to help in said: “He was a quite amazing person. I was Ray Edwards the search and after blown away by the number of people whose THE death has been announced of Ray the body was discovered a message on the lives he touched.” Edwards (66), who lived in Leybourne for page stated: “The family of Nigel Knights Lib Dem councillor Dave Naghi said: “He 32 years and was known for his 25-year wish to thank you all for every bit of was one of the most genuine and nicest men involvement with the Kent Messenger support and help you've given them in the you could wish to meet.” newspaper group. last nine days…we hope you can respect Cllr Sargeant was elected in May 2014 to Ray was most recently a local corre- our request for privacy at this upseing the council as one of two members for spondent for Leybourne and West Malling. time.” Shepway south and served diligently on His previous work for the group included Nigel, who lived in Lanzarote, leaves his several commiees. contributions for its What’s On section. wife Sue, children and grandchildren. It is understood in Maidstone political Born in Wandsworth, Ray moved to circles that he was considering contesting a Welling as a boy and suffered with TB, local division of Kent County Council at the which left him in hospital for two years. At Jackie Read KCC elections next year. 15, he became a messenger boy for the FORMER Maidstone resident Jackie Read Yorkshire-born Cllr Sargeant had the London based Extel operation but was soon (54) was killed in a skiing accident in distinction of being the first-ever UKIP invited to join their sports department, Flaine, France, where she had worked for member of the borough council and was distributing information to being offices two years. also the leader of the UKIP group. up and down the UK and aending many She suffered fatal injuries when she was A keen follower of sport, he was a fine sporting events. He also met the Queen hit by a snow-boarder. footballer and cricketer in his youth. He Mother on one occasion. Jackie’s partner Barry Philpo – who was played for Sheffield Wednesday’s junior Ray joined the Kent Messenger as a due to marry her in Australia in September team and represented Yorkshire cricket at typeseer but his knowledge of sports and – has spoken of the loss of his “soul-mate”. youth level. his other skills soon won him work as a The couple lived on Sheppey before Cllr Sargeant was an active member of the journalist. moving to Flaine to manage catered chalets Vine Church in Maidstone, well known for Ray leaves sisters Debbie and Jean and on behalf of the Ski Club of Great Britain. greeting worshippers at the door and for his brother David. Originally from Yorkshire, Jackie met Barry good singing voice. in Tenerife. They had been together for 15 Although retired, Cllr Sargeant was far years. from idle. Family, local politics, UKIP Rt Reverend Richard Third Jackie leaves Barry, her five children and activities and the church took up a lot of his THE Right Reverend Richard Third (89) one grandchild. Her funeral took place at spare time. served as Bishop of Maidstone from 1976 to Vinters Park crematorium. But he also had a passion for 1980. photography, birdwatching and writing He had a lengthy career within the Tony Hyde poetry. Church of England that also saw him serve He is survived by his wife June, daughters as vicar of Sheerness from 1959 to 1967 and PC Tony Hyde (64) covered the Farleighs Ruth and Heather and his grandchildren vicar of Orpington. when Kent Police allocated policemen to Megan and James. Known to many as “Dick”, the married the rural parishes and was very popular. father of two retired to Somerset but kept on After retirement, he moved abroad and working within the diocese of Bath and was subsequently diagnosed with Claude Greenstreet Wells, where he ministered as an assistant pancreatic cancer. He is survived by wife CLAUDE Greenstreet (99) lived for 70 years bishop. Jackie, daughter Charloe, mother Joan on the Mote Park estate and died a few The Diocese of Canterbury praised the Rt and sister Joanne. months short of his 100th birthday and 70th Rev Third as a man who “although small of wedding anniversary. stature had a big heart” and noted the “care Claude moved locally as a teenager and and sensitivity” that marked his ministry. The Stone Shop showed engineering skill from his early Amongst a range of roles the former years by building a factory from Meccano. Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, bishop carried out within the church, he lettered and installed anywhere. He studied engineering whilst serving in served as chaplain to the Queen Mother in the Royal Navy, servicing war planes and her role as Lord Warden of the Cinque Inscriptions added to existing memorials seeing service on two different aircraft Ports. It has been reported that when he told Renovations and memorial carriers. the Queen Mother of his intention to stand cleaning Returning to Maidstone after de-mob, down from this role she told him that if she The Stone Shop Claude spent most of his working life with could continue working at her age, then so Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. Len Cabinet Makers. He faced redundancy could he. After this, Rt Rev Third did decide when the company closed, but found work to continue. 01622 726633 with Ozonaire engineering materials for He as an alumnus of Cambridge

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

36 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Kent show to celebrate beers THE growth of Kent’s micro-brewing and beer producing business will be showcased at this year’s county show in July. A new beer and cider festival is being added at this year’s three- day event, along with more stands providing locally-produced food and a chance to chat to some of Kent’s most notable vendors. Visitors will be able to explore an area dedicated to the county’s artisan producers, the Kent cookery theatre, a cheese and wine tent, as well as the popular international food marquee. The beer and cider festival is A beer and cider festival will join the being co-organised by The Craft more traditional attractions at the Beer Man, in response to the growing popularity of food and drink Kent County Show this year among show visitors. livered to The Queen. Show manager Lucy Hegarty “This proved very popular and A spokesman said: “Their Tickets on the gate are £48 for a said: “Every year we look at what the number of people commenting knowledge means they are in a family ticket and £22 for adults. our visitors like to experience, and on the wonderful selection and unique position to invite some of Multiday tickets cost £50 and are each year one of the most popular quality was heart-warming. the finest brewers and cider mak- only available in advance. activities is to explore the food we “Kent is such an important ers for a truly Kentish experience.” The show, which attracted 77,000 offer. county when it comes to beer and The Kent County Show on July 8, visitors last year, opens at 8am, “Last year, we looked at expand- cider, and it is only right that visi- 9 and 10 also hosts the National with gates closing at 6pm, al- ing the catering court offer, and in- tors to our show can sample some Cherry and Soft Fruit Show, from though some food stands will stay vited more local and artisan street of the best refreshments in the which the winning produce is de- open later. food producers. UK.” £40k to help Choir brings vulnerable classical hits youngsters SUMMER is coming and Maidstone Choral Union is A MAIDSTONE-based charity tuning up for a veritable feast which supports disadvantaged of favourite musical pieces young people has been presented guaranteed to get audience with a cheque for £40,000. participation. The Young Lives Foundation (YLF), in College Road, was invited The Best of British Summer to Downing Street to receive the Prom, to be held at All Saints’ cheque from Global radio presen- Church, Maidstone, on Satur- ters Marvin Humes and Kate Gar- day, July 2, includes well- raway, on behalf of Make Some known and much-loved pieces Noise, which represents Global by Handel, Parry, Elgar and brands including Heart radio, Cap- Walton. ital, Classic FM, and Gold. Help to shape future of NHS With Martin Hindmarsh Representatives from the YLF conducting, the choir will per- were invited to speak about the PATIENTS are invited to offer their personal prescription for the ills of form Music for the Royal Fire- work it does with vulnerable chil- the health service on a giant double-decker bus. works by Handel and Zadok dren and young people in Kent. Healthwatch Kent – the independent voice for patients and social care the Priest, plus Three Songs YLF provides the children’s rights users – will bring its fact-ﬁnding bus to Maidstone’s Jubilee Square from from the Sea Pictures by Elgar. and advocacy service for all young 9am to 4pm on Sunday, June 19. Four songs from The British people entitled to receive support Members of the public are invited to jump aboard and share their Isles, arranged by Martin from the region’s Specialist Chil- experiences of local health and social care services with the team. Hindmarsh, and items by other dren’s Services. Many of the chil- A spokesman said: “This is your chance to voice your experience about British composers will be fol- dren are in foster homes or any local service from your latest hospital appointment to the local lowed with a rousing finale of residential care and two young peo- pharmacy, care home or optician, which we will then use to help improve Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and ple from YLF told their stories. services for the future.” Land of Hope and Glory. Mr Gray said: “It was a privilege The concert starts at 7.30pm to be invited to Downing Street and and tickets are available from a proud moment to see our young Training future Olympians [email protected], people tell their stories to a busy telephone 01622 726193, and room. With this generous support OLYMPIC hopefuls from Maid- Sport and Physical Activity Service. from Maidstone Museum Vis- YLF can now work with many more stone are to get help with their Those receiving help from Maid- itors’ Centre, four weeks prior children across Kent, ensuring we training from the county council. stone are athletes Martin Brockman to the concert. are making a positive difference.” Building on the legacy from Lon- and Jack Green; gymnasts James Tickets are also available on The money will help fund addi- don 2012, 43 sportsmen and Hall and Courtney Tulloch, the door. tional activities required to meet the women hoping to represent Britain kayaker Peter Bannister, footballer ever-increasing demand the charity at Olympic and Paralympic Games Alessia Russo, rower Kelsie Gib- faces. YLF will now be able to ex- will receive grants towards their son, lacrosse player Alexandra pand its activities programme to training. This is the eighth year that Drewe, fencer Simon Dacey and For more local news more than 180 children in Kent. KCC has offered the support, via its table tennis player Luke Savill. www.downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone South June 2016 37 Classiﬁeds downsmail.co.uk Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk

Contact our sales team…

Natasha Bastone Teresa Jeffery Rebecca Abbott Lara Alexander Telesales Team Leader Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive E: natasha@ E: teresa@ E: rebecca.abbott E: lara.alexander downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk @downsmail.co.uk @downsmail.co.uk T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 ext. 224 ext. 227 ext. 234 ext. 223

Appliance Repairs Builders continued

ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE To place your Blackwood Building Services REPAIR SERVICE PAUL BEST Home Improvements & Property Maintenance with fully qualified engineer advertisement in our Internal / External / Domestic / Commercial All makes of washing machines, Brickwork 07957434485 – 07855869806 fridges, freezers, vacuum cleaners, classiﬁed pages please [email protected] t/dryers, dishwashers, elec ovens. call our dedicated Extensions - Free Estimates All work guaranteed General Builder - Call outs classiﬁed team on Free estimates and call out - 24Hr response 01622 673113 01622 630330 25 years Experience - Competitive prices Anytime: 07831 557677 Blackwood Building Services provide all 01622 891960 aspects of building / home improvement and property maintenance for domestic / Bathroom Installers 07748 630747 commercial properties inside and out.

MD Building & Services The complete Bathroom Specialists in Maintenance Company • Extensions • Plastering (All aspects) • Refurbishments • Electrics • Modernisations • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations • Driveways, Patios & Repointing • Fencing & Blockpaving NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES FULLY INSURED Tel: Mark 07841 409061 Supply • Install • Repair email: [email protected] www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services Call Gary 07738 902116 • 01622 736266 Building Plans ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Builders

Welcome to Here at Rapid Mix Kent, we are proud to be a leading provider of readymix concrete for customers in the Kent, Ashford, Carpenters Maidstone and Canterbury areas. Using a combination of expertise, state-of-the-art equipment and a Wood Works All aspects of commitment to quality, we can provide a first class service for all our FULL CARPENTRY CARPENTRY customers, regardless of the size of the project. SERVICE FROM Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and fitted, Loft Whether you need concrete for flooring or screeding, or for DECKING TO DOORS, Conversions, Doors hung, domestic or commercial use, we have the skills, equipment and service KITCHENS & FLOORS. Locks fitted, Skirting, necessary to provide you with everything you need to help your project go ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL. small alterations, Plastering and Tiling as smoothly as possible. MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD All work guaranteed. If you would like to know more IN AND AROUND THE HOME FREE ESTIMATES about what it is that we do, please CALL Cliff on Family business established 21 years feel free to get in touch with us 07940 854927 01622 743648 today and our team will be more 01622 729092 Mob: 07711 291921 than happy to help you. 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone Call us today for a free no obligation quote: Call our sales team now - 0800 8595 375 ((01622 630 330 www.rapidmixkent.co.uk

38 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classiﬁed Chimney Maintenance Cleaning Services Electricians "WE CLEAN L.W Electrical OVENS!" Part P Registered H & G Chimney Services Using van mounted cleaning tanks, Chimney sweeping service All electrical work undertaken your oven hob and extractor is 24hr Call Out • Free Estimates Business Directory Long established cleaned to showroom shine without ICS registered • All types of flu smell, mess or fuss. 1000's of Fully Qualified & insured Advertise from as little as All pots-cowls supplied & fitted delighted local customers. OAP Discounts Ring Lee per month Complete re-builds Oven cleaning from just £49 £3.00 Re-pointing 01622 737016 07906 517599 Call 01622 630330 or visit Guttering, roof & valley repairs Please call James on Email: [email protected] our website for more details 01622 739439 07860 318166 01622 616168 [email protected] www.ovenwizards.com www.downsmail.co.uk

Computer Services Electric Rewired ELECTRICIAN The new 17th Edition wiring regs are applied ATLANTIC ELECTRICAL We are Part P Certificated For all your electrical needs For all your Electrical needs Fuseboards, Re-wires, Certificates From extra sockets to house rewiring NICEIC Part P registered Replace old light fittings with new fittings Free Estimates, Friendly Service Call Alf for your free quote Fully insured, 25yrs Experience Ring 07831 247843 or 01622 738680 Call Steve 01622 747257 www.electricrewired.co.uk. Mobile 07985 474176 [email protected] Uplands, Halstow Cl, Maidstone ME15 9XA Drives

Patios & LTJ SURFACING TBK Landscapes Family run Business for over 27 years Specialists in: No job too big or small • Tarmac • Block Paving • Concrete • Bonded Tar and Gravel • Resin Bounded Block paving, shingle drives, • Brickwork • Driveways • Patios patio, tree topping & tree felling, • Footways • Alterations and Repairs Jet washing & refurbishment driveways • Carparks and Roads • Pressure Washing • All other Groundwork undertaken private Patterened concrete, Fencing, Rubbish removal. and commercial No deposit needed We offer Machine & Hand Lay Tarmac Teams For a Free Site Survey and Advice please call 07554 267087 07799 351299 or 01622 436933 0800 474 8750 Or visit us at www.ltjsurfacing.co.uk Fencing

Fence me in & alot more I.WALLOND FENCING All types of Fencing & Gates ALL TYPES – REPAIR/RENEW Installed & Repairs Est. 25 YEARS BUTLER All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, FREE ESTIMATES DRIVEWAYS Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. 01580 890649 07931 368710 Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Block Paving www.IWallondfencingcontractors.co.uk Hedge Cutting etc. Patterned Concrete Tarmac Driveways Call Colin on 07521 Shingle Drives Patios 377306 or 01622 853978 01622 850491 David Matthews Mobile: 07885 253623 Fencing Warren House Headcorn Road • Free estimates & friendly advice Sandway Maidstone • All types of fencing at competitive prices • Fencing supplied and erected • You talk directly to David at all stages for your fencing • Go on, give him a call on www.wrightsfencing.co.uk Phone: 01622 755342 •Driveways •Tar & Grit •Tarmacadam Mobile: 07749 202140 •Footpaths •Block Paving•Car Parks No1 Locally Since 1996 Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES Garden Services

01622 743037 Tree 07729 862518 / 07771 523799 Surgery www.rssurfacing.com Stump TREE CARE Grinding Contact Tom Hedge T: 01622 206431 Cutting We accept payment by M: 07812 921748 Pruning E:[email protected] CRB checked Fencing

Maidstone South June 2016 39 Classiﬁed downsmail.co.uk Garden Services continued Garden Services continued

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

TTreeree Care Hedge cutting WWeedeed Killing TTurfingurfing FAIRVIEW FARM TREE MAINTENANCE & GARDEN SERVICES FFencingencing for a helping hand with:- All Aspects of Landscape FFullyully insured, PrProfessionalofessional serservicevice TREE SURGERY: Gardening & Fencing CROWN REDUCTION, FELLING, TTel:el: 0794407944 5510742 1 0 774 42 E-mail:E-mai [email protected]@gmail.com PRUNING, HEDGE & SHRUB - Decking Fencing TRIMMING, CLEARANCE SEASONED LOGS SUPPLIED, Patios Driveways MOWING (lawns) and much more! FULLY INSURED Call for a free estimate! Handyman Services (City & Guilds For a friendly & NPTC qualified) 07464856603/07493468502 professional service & advice Fully Insured Please call:- 01622 743428 [email protected] HANDYMAN Mob:- 07817 517 733 PRACTICAL PHIL No job too big or too small. DAVID WYNN THE HANDY MAN Painting & decorating, Sheds constructed & repaired all roofing works & repairs, Door hanging • Flat Pack Furniture chimney’s, guttering & gutter GREEN MAN Interior & Exterior Decorating Tree & Garden Services Many small jobs undertaken cleaning, pressure cleaning, fencing & brickwork & driveways Weald Garden Care Hedge cutting Please phone with your requirements 01622 755898 Mobile 07554 267087 Mowing, Weeding, Hedge Traditional 07834 601428 trimming. Fence and Shed Hedge laying 0800 4748750 Free from landlines painting and repairs. Fencing Patios and drives cleaned. Landscaping Written quotes. Free estimates & advice - Fully insured KD & SON Locksmith Phone Neil NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL 07753 328366 Tel: 01622 892244 •All roof repairs undertaken & repaired. Mobile: 07732 768331 •UPVC Soffits & fascias. •Painting & decorating •Fencing MAIDSTONE •Brickwork & driveways Maidstone & Kent EPIC •Pressure cleaning T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 TREE SERVICES 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT LANDSCAPES Please call for your free quation Professional Tree Services www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk No job too big or small 01622 809794 24 hour service locks opened 07785 180605 new locks fitted security checks • Fencing • Treework emergency work undertaken • Turfing • Decking • Levelling Ground 0800 567 7175 • Jet Washing Service Painting & Decorating • Water Features [email protected] • Astroturf • Patios www.maidstonetreeservices.co.uk • Clearance • Driveways LEE Hughes For a free site survey call: KD & SON • Quality Decorating at a 01622 527106 NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL PAINTING & DECORATING fair & competitive price •Tree & Garden Work •Clearance SERVICES • Dulux approved over 07788 532926 •Patios •Astroturf •Turfing Interior & Exterior Work 30 years experience Undertaken • Fully insured ad ad ad ad ad •Decking •Levelling ground OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Tel: 01622 737225 •Jet washing service City & Guild Qualified TANTONS •Driveways & Patio •Fencing Tel: 01622 759040 Mobile: 07816 149502 Tree Surgeons www.sr-interiors.com Please call for your free quation Maidstone Medway Surrounding Areas email: [email protected] TREE FELLING CHIPPING 01622 809794 CONIFER TOPPING 07785 180605 CLIMBING/DISMANTLING SITE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS ARBOUR HEDGE TRIMMING LOGS TREE SURGERY Rathbone Decorating Services POLLARDING FREE ADVICE ‘Trust your local experts’ STUMP GRINDING SPECIALISTS All Aspects of Tree Work Painting & Decorating No job too small Clean & Tidy Friendly Service Guaranteed Felling • Pruning Interior & Exterior with special rates Public Liability Insured/ Hedge Cutting Works Undertaken for pensioners Approved Contractor Stump Grinding • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services Fully Insured and Qualified 01622 630312 Free No Obligation Written Quotation www.tantonstreesurgeons.co.uk • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman ad ad ad adand ad ad ad find us on www.yell.com ad ad ad ad ad ad ad 01622 759119 07771 970570 ad ad ad ad ad www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796

40 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Painting & Decorating continued Plumbing & Heating continued

MALCOLM ROBERTS Gavin Francis Over 25 years’ experience of maintaining people’s homes. Central Heating Installations ex British Gas A friendly, reliable service. Painting & decorating, Wall Papering, Tiling and all aspects of DIY. • New Boilers • Noisy Boilers and repairs CALL MALCOLM - FOR A FREE QUOTATION • Burst pipes & leaks ON 01634 308067 Mob: 07788 142576 • Bathroom & shower installations Your local plumber • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 Pest Control • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected]

Please call Plumbusters for a FREE quote PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS 96<;05,*65;9(*;:*(990,+6<; Tel: YH[ZTPJLIPYKZZX\PYYLSZHU[Z We are a well established family run company 01622 672743 ^HZWZJVJRYVHJOLZMV_LZYHIIP[Z with over 25 years experience based in Maidstone Mobile ÅLHZTP[LZOVYUL[ZILKI\NZ covering Kent, we can help you with your bathroom or kitchen design and install, we 07703 442025 specialise in central heating repairs and www.plumbusters.co.uk upgrades including boiler replacements. Gas safe No 521635

WWWSABRE KENTCOM Roofing Services HOUR %ROBLONGSABRE HOTMAILCOM A.P.S Ltd Plastering Roofing & Chimney Services • New roofs & repairs Flat Roofing • Slating/Tiling/Lead work R K Plastering D K PLASTERING Specialists in Fibreglass • Chimney rebuild/repairs All Aspects of Plastering All plastering work carried out • Pointing Internal / External /Liquid Membrane Systems • Guttering Services Plastering Over Artex • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • Full systems overcoat and repairs Free estimates & all works guaranteed Coving FREE Quotes Up to 25 year Guarantee Available Free Estimates 0800 0232665/01622 729600 Email: [email protected] For a free survey/quotation Clean & Reliable Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh Please call Joe on [email protected] Call Rob on: 07984 609133 Call David 01622 727534 www.rkplastering.co.uk Mobile: 07974 891795 07786 802959 Kingswood •Plastering Roofing •Painting & Decorating ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE •Laminate Flooring FLAT ROOFING SPECIALIST • Full Roof Installation •Home Improvements • 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE • FREE ADVICE & ESTIMATES • Tiling & Slate Roofing • UNBEATABLE QUOTES • uPVC Fascias & Soffits FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE 07804 927680 • ALL WORK GUARANTEED • Chimney Repointing or Removal • AS RECOMMENDED BY KCC TRADING • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance STANDARDS & WHICH LOCAL www.apolloroofing.co.uk Plumbing & Heating CALL: 01622 743741 07885 750066 07808 414965 [email protected] or 01622 853601 Chris Bourne Plumbing Services IRELAND PLUMBING WWW.KINGSWOODROOFING.COM for a free, no obligation quote making water work All domestic plumbing & Heating Wall & Floor heating work undertaken Skip Hire Plumbing Tiling boiler installations, Complete 25yrs experience servicing and landlord Bathrooms certificates BMP SKIP HIRE 01622 747272 / 07885 950959 07912 892341 Larkrise, Green Lane, 512663 Boughton Monchelsea. [email protected] 2/3/4 & 6 YARD NO CALL OUT CHARGE & FREE QUOTES • SAME DAY SERVICE For all your plumbing needs E.A. REG General Repairs • New Taps • FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE • Toilet & Cistern Repairs • WE RECYCLE YOUR WASTE PLUMBING Bath & Shower Installation • Leaks & Fault Finding Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266 01622 858887 07870 680 979

Maidstone South June 2016 41 Classiﬁed downsmail.co.uk

Skip Hire continued TV Aerials, Satellites & Repairs

Prompt D.T Collection Fast PAUL MILL Television Ltd Delivery SKIP HIRE Est. 1981

Over 20 Years Experience Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 01622 751000 Prices from £110+VAT & 12 Yard Bins Covering Maidstone 01622 & The Weald • See the latest Panasonic LED, Latest 4K, Smart & 3D Screens EA Registered 843511 Fast & Prompt Service • Youview Record, Pause, & Rewind TV, South Belringham Yard, South Lane, Commercial Sutton Valance, Kent ME17 3BD & Domestic BBC iPlayer, ITV Player& 4oD • Your local Sky expert, SKY HD, Friendly • Effecient • Reliable • Competitive multiroom & “hidden” dish installation • Freeview & Freesat, Expert aerial and dish installation service PINBINS Please phone us for free friendly advice today Commercial and domestic www.paulmilltelevision.co.uk 1-14 day hire Council approved We pride ourselves on being a local business offering outstanding service Same day delivery Tipped at our site Trailor Hire, Sales & Repairs 2-4 yard mini skips 70% waste recycled 6-20 yard skips Crushed concrete Roll-on, roll-offs Top soil Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair Kent Trailers Grab hire also available Indespension Agent Livestock, Plant, Recovery, Van, General Purpose Trailers in stock, New & Used Detling NEW SITE 01622 730063 [email protected] 07860 318166 NOW OPEN Detling Upholstery Aerodrome Maidstone BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS • 3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired Freephone • 3 piece suites individually made to order • 100’s of fabrics to choose from • DIY supplies • Collection & delivery 0800 028 49 00 • Antique restoration (01622) 863069 Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone

Waste Collection D. BODY LTD Waste Collection

Cesspool Emptying Treatment Plants Septic Tanks Gulleys & Forecourts Drain Clearing High Pressure Jetting Sludge Removal Domestic & Commercial ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS Call our sales team now - 01622 24Hr - 7 Days A Week 631688 Prompt & Friendly Service 01622 630 330 www.dbody.co.uk The Paddock, Detiling Hill, Maidstone, Kent

42 Maidstone South June 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classiﬁed Water Services Health & Beauty PILATES Foot Care at Langley & Staplehurst CHIROPODIST Benefits:•Alignment•Strength Mrs Linda Abnett •Flexibility•Endurance•Stress HPC Registered. relief Mondays at 1.30pm Langley • HOME VISITS • & Thursdays 1.30pm Staplehurst 01622 891333 6 weeks course £42 Mobile 07787 838645 ALL MAKES OF WATER SOFTENERS Look after your body and it will allow you to enjoy your life more! SERVICED • SALES & SERVICE Call Gina on 07864 914056 Follow or email: [email protected] us on • FILTERS & REVERSE OSMOSIS •FREE SURVEY PROMPT INSTALLATIONS Welcome Emma to Court Hair and Beauty ALL OTHER MAKES SERVICED 20% OFF BLOCK SALT SOFTENER NEW CLIENTS Cuts from £10, Colours from £20, 01474 812005 Gellux nails from £18 OPEN Tues-Sat BARNSIDE, WROTHAM ROAD, MEOPHAM Tovil Green Court, Tovil Green Lane, Late nights Wed www.softwaterservices.co.uk Maidstone ME15 6NE & Thurs [email protected] 01622 681114 07725032299 www.courthairandbeauty.co.uk Window Cleaning MB WINDOW CLEANING • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service Pet Services • Power washing available for block paving & patios 01622 863502 07950 211 507 www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected] PETS HOLIDAY HOME Window Services BOARDING FOR DOGS & CATS • Small friendly family concern • 24 hours supervision • Professional one-to-one care • Cats have extra large runs with heated chalets • Dogs have a secure exercise area www.collins-windows.com (50mx25m) where they can run lead free safe & secure. GREAT SAVINGS ON WINDOWS, All ages accepted, fully insured DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES 01622 745438 07944 070355 www.petsholidayhomekent.co.uk EAST FARLEIGH, MAIDSTONE

Loving Home wanted for 2 cats Public Mother 3 years old Notice Son 1 years old

House trained Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence Friendly & affectionate W. B. Chambers & Son trading as W. B. Chambers & Son of Oakdene Farm, Leed’s Road, Photos availale on request Langley, Kent ME17 3LT is applying for a licence to use Oakdene Farm, Leed’s Road, Langley, Kent Call Claire on 07516075934 ME17 3LT as an operating centre for 7 goods vehicles and 5 trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their Recruitment use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Please see page 29 for Lane, Leeds LS9 6NF stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the a vacancy with same time send a copy of their representations to All our editions are avilable to view online the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to making representations is www.downsmail.co.uk available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.

Maidstone South June 2016 43 Farleigh Forge Garage MoTs Servicing & general repairs to all makes Tyres and tracking Free local collection and delivery by arrangement On the Road Air Conditioning Established since 1985 Tel: 01622 726473 Lower Road, East Farleigh SILVERBACK RECOVERY Car recovery and transportation Light commercial ACE Cars for scrap removed Competitive rates M.O.T. and CALL ROGER ON: Clutch Centre 01622 813733 07740 123495 Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T. B M Travel (Kent) Private Hire Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 Airports-London-Seaports-Days Out-Events M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 Ditton based, our locally established drivers are friendly, helpful and courteous. • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted Competitive rates (airports from £40). • Broken belt damaged repaired 24 hour service. • All makes, petrol & diesel For enquiries contact 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG Bob Matthews on: 07904 492819 or Tel: 01732 870368 [email protected]

AUTOSPRAY SOLUTIONS MOBILE BODY REPAIRS For the ultimate paint finish! • BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB • VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING • FULLY GUARANTEED TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED MOBILE BODY REPAIRS FREE SCUFFS, SCRATCHES, DENTS etc ESTIMATES SAVINGS UP TO 50% COMPARED TO BODYSHOPS Fully guaranteed to main dealer standard Fully insured 15 years experience Before Before Insurance work welcome Call now for your free quotation on 01622 727263 / 07773 340049 or email After After [email protected]

Proud • 6 day operation Follow sponsors of • Around 1/4 of body shop price us on Bearsted • Reliable, professional and flexible Cricket Club Winner of Call: 07771 621 769 tradesperson of [email protected] www.touchupsltd.co.uk the year 2013

44 Maidstone South June 2016 On the Road

All MOT’s £40.00 TilyardAuto’s MoT Testing Free re-test and minor adjustments Free collection & Service and repairs carried out to all delivery service makes and models from your home or office... Local recovery service now available call us sit back and relax! Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking Service • MOT • Bodyshop FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY All makes & models

SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS DETLING BEARSTED Highland Garage, Detling The Willows, The Street, Bearsted Tel: 01622 663662 Maidstone, Kent ME14 3HT Maidstone, Kent ME14 4HH Unit 5, Bridge Industrial Estate, 01622 739864 Wharf Road, Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR - G A R A G E S E R V I C E S - www.patheardgarageservices.co.uk HH && CC MotorsMotors Ltd.Ltd.

Independent BMW & Mercedes Specialists Servicing & Repairs while you wait, close to town centre Dealer Level Diagnostics MOTs by appointment Free Courtesy Car by Appointment Air Conditioning Specialists Why pay main dealer prices? Convertible Hood Specialists Affordable, advanced technology servicing Over 70 years’ of combined experience and accredited training with local main dealers 01622 752364 We service all makes & models www.handcmotors.co.uk 19-25 Rawdon Road, Maidstone, ME15 6PT Approved by Trading Standards

Maidstone South June 2016 45 downsmail.co.uk

the Allcars site and it was agreed to ask the of £3,500 had been secured for a full set of

aihCouncils Parish Broomfield and Kingswood owner if he intended to sell the it. wicket covers . School places Kent County Council’s Cllr Defibrillator Cllr Chris Webb asked if School sign Cllr Wyles and chair of Jenny While said 20 available primary training sessions could be made available. St governors Herschel Santineer had discussed school places in Kingswood had been filled, John Ambulance and the Red Cross charge the sign. The cost of moving was likely to be of which 18 were first choices. Two other for training. The clerk was to ask the first an issue and the school might require help children who did not have Kingswood as responders if they could help with training. with labour. It was suggested it could be their first choice had been allocated places. RBL Picnic in the Park The parish council moved up towards the telephone exchange Police maers Three crimes had been considered a request for a donation towards where it was not opposite any houses. reported – criminal damage in Charlesford this event at Suon Valence Village Hall on Flooding It was thought that the water Avenue and in Cayser Drive and a burglary June 25. A donation of £200 was agreed. which flooded Bishops Lane was coming (non-dwelling) in Bell Way. There had been from a soakaway put in place when the a report of antisocial behaviour involving school was built or possibly from a natural nuisance youths in Gravelly Boom Road. Headcorn watercourse which had been diverted. Cllr Bank Unity Trust Bank was going to charge Police report Although it was noted that the Ron Porter thought the soakaway was too £6 a month for the use of the bank and total number of crimes reported had small. would no longer pay interest on balances. reduced over last month, the type of crime Footpaths and ditches Chippings had been Alternative banks were being considered. was disheartening. Cllr Nigel Pyman said bought to fill the holes in the permissive Payment The precept payment for 2016/17 the village petrol station had two recent footpath which would be laid and sprayed. for a total of £58,597 (including £1,987 Local incidents where individuals had driven off The road flooded near the Gudgeon due to a Council Tax Support Payments) had been without paying for petrol. The suspects large volume of rain in a short time, but then received. identified and advised to return to the petrol reduced quickly It was possible the culvert Sports field A company was offering a two- station and pay. No further action was was not big enough for the volume of water. week trial of a CCTV camera at the sports taken. The council asked the clerk to contact Highways A pothole had been reported on field as Community Safety Unit had been the PCSO/police to ascertain if this was the West Street. The verge near the school had unable to supply one. The football club had policy for dealing with this type of offence. been eroded by traffic and had also been re-marked the pitch and would be moving Headcorn Still Maers The clerk showed reported to Kent Highways. KCC was to the goal posts and nets for the parish the new banner to the council and it was look at flooding in East Street. Maidstone council. The motorbike inhibitors had been agreed that it should be posted as soon as Council had cleared drains outside the ordered and would be delivered to the possible against the hedge at the boundary almshouses but were blocked again, unable handyman. The wooden bollards had been of Days Green. to cope with water coming from the school ordered and would be installed with a 75cm Defibrillators It was reiterated that the soakaway. Hunton Hill had been closed to gap between them. A rubbish bin had been council supports the need for a defibrillator fill potholes. ordered. in a central village location. The clerk would Speedwatch There had been three aempts Clearance Trees beside the Scout Hut, which speak to the surgery to see if it has a at Speedwatch exercises. The first two had were subject to preservation orders, had machine and its views on the maer. A had to be abandoned due to the weather. At been cut down. The clerk would write to the meeting would be arranged of all interested the third, 51 vehicles were seen but only one scout leader. parties and the church would be asked to was recorded, travelling at 36mph. Bridleway The landowner Mrs Morgan and participate. Huntonwatch Cars had been seen parked the Public Rights of Way officer had both CCTV The camera was due to be installed with their headlights on from 7.30-9.30pm agreed to allow the parish council to make on Days Green. The issue of flytipping at on Thursday evenings. This had been improvements to the bridleway to bring it Baker Lane and Shearway Lane, Headcorn, reported and a uniformed officer had been up to the standard of the permissive was raised and whether CCTV could be asked to keep an eye on the situation. footpath. A quote of £6,500 was accepted. installed there. The clerk would raise the Village fete This would be held on June 18. Vacancy There was one vacancy on the maer with Maidstone Council. Pop-up shop Sue and Steve Wyles would parish council and it was hoped that two Playscheme The parish council had received host a pop-up shop in their garden on July more would be allowed. The clerk would formal notice from Headcorn Primary 10. Cream teas will be served. This is a write to Maidstone Council requesting more. School board of governors that it would not ticketed event with funds going to the Defibrillator The defibrillator had arrived be possible to use its facilities for the Gardening Club Community Orchard. and the village store owner had requested summer playscheme this year due to Cider festival This is planned for September that the parish council provide an building works. The clerk said the council 24 in the Community Orchard and will authorised electrician to install it. was waiting to hear from Staplehurst include an evening barbecue. The event is regarding their scheme and the possibility of organised by the Village Club and Liz offering places to Headcorn children. Ridgeway and will incorporate use of the Chart Suon new cricket pavilion and the orchard. Election of officers Cllr Peter Forknall was Defibrillator The cost of fiing the elected chairman for the forthcoming year Hunton defibrillator to the outside of the village hall and Cllr Steven Waring was elected vice- Police report Stone chippings had been was £195 plus VAT. The playing field chairman. stolen from the village hall and two quad commiee had agreed to contribute a third Annual parish meeting It was agreed that bikes and a push bike were stolen from East of the cost. Members agreed that the parish the evening went well and that the Street. There was an aempt to steal oil from council should also contribute a third. The Campaign to Protect Rural England a property in West Street and garden defibrillator may be covered under the presentation was informative. Cllr Mike ornaments were stolen from East Street. village hall insurance. It was agreed to get a Figerald proposed that Mary Underdown CCTV Cllr Steve Wyles said a splier port quotation from the parish council’s insurer. be given a £20 M&S voucher for her help could be bought to allow footage from the Playscheme Members agreed to donate £100 providing refreshments. This was agreed. CCTV system to be copied to a memory to Yalding Parish Council’s 2016 playscheme Football pitch It was agreed to offer licences stick. It was agreed that Cllr Wyles should under s137 expenditure. to one team each from Tri Sports FC and look into the cost. A secure cupboard would Three Suons and two teams for Bearsted be organised to store the monitor. for next season at £490 for 12 matches, with Playing field No action would be taken Loose each additional match incurring a charge of regarding the moles until the spring. A date Community warden Liz Lova advised that £42. It was also agreed that the council was being arranged to deal with the minor the flytipping in Well Street had been should arrange for the seing out of the issues in the play area inspection report. A reported and dealt with. There was an football pitch in early August. quotation would be sought for a new increase in flytipping, particularly in the CCTV PCSO Alan Hunter recommended pedestrian gate. Boughton Monchelsea area. She said visits that the system be serviced as two cameras Defibrillator The management commiee had been paid to vulnerable residents and a in Maidstone had recently stopped working had agreed to fund a third of the cost of number of residents had been harassed by a due to hard disk errors. It was agreed that installing the defibrillator cabinet. local cowboy roofing company. She asked Crossfire Ltd should do the work which Cricket pavilion The sub frame had been that residents undertaking maintenance could be paid for by the shop commiee. assembled and additional work on the works at home should obtain three wrien Allcars Members discussed the options for decking was due to be carried out. Funding quotes. The car on blocks on the top of Old

46 Maidstone South June 2016 Parish Councils 47 June 2016 Maidstone South A Marden resident spoke A member of the Symonds It was agreed to provide a PCSO Nicola Morris reported The parish council now had Coage had put in a gate A disabled resident had asked The two new defibrillators The bus operator was willing to There had been a request to clean up It was agreed to ask Brookside if they The side of the track from the High portable toilet at The FenSeptember from at May a to cost end ofBench £20 a week. Roger’s bench in the Highwished Street.Mrs that Craske it was left as it is and all agreed have moved the fence. The clerk would look domestic waste dumped next tochairman it. would The bring these issues to Portable toilet Lane and Hampstead Lane FloodGroup Mitigation addressed the council. Councillors agreed to hold a separatetheir meeting ideas. to present Old Hay Airstrip Yalding Public session about a planning application forAirstrip, Old urging Hay councillors to reconsider their decision to make noCouncillors comment. felt there was noevidence new that substantial would cause themtheir to decision. change Official representation by parish residents to the parishnot council significant, was only two hadCouncillors wrien. did express concerns aboutproposed the transport strategy during construction and would write accordingly. Police maers local children were behaving antisocially. She appeared to have thecontrol situation as under they had notcouple been of seen days. for a Defibrillators had arrived, one had beenVenice fied and at the Lile other awaited fiing. Council Land The owner ofCouncil 1 Land Wayside leading to Jubilee Field and appeared to at the drawing of thegate land to and be ask removed. for the Bus route support the proposal for aYalding bus station. routing Councillors via agreed that another request should be madeThe to Lees KCC. gate for a key to Themobility Lees vehicle gate would as not her fit new entrance. through The the resident was involveddesign in of the the entrance tocould ensure access that it. she Councillors feltto they protect needed The Lees andout did keys not to wish residents to but hand observed the that chairman someone also in awould mobility have scooter difficulty in closingThere the is gate. disabled access torequest The was Lees. denied, The but itshould was agreed at that any time thebe fencing upgraded, at a The lockable Lees pedestrianbe gate added. may Track Street to The Kintons waswere very being worn forced as closer cars tothe the residents’ wall hedges due not to beingclerk cut had back. wrien The to theasking churchwardens, them to ask thethe residents hedges to were ensure cut. Cale would like to graze theirThe Sussex Fen cale this on year. Lier picking several lier pickers who werefantastic doing job a and it wasof agreed thanks. to However, send Maidstone leers Council’s waste collection system appeared togone have awry. Orange sacks, lierbins bins were and not dog being emptiedrubbish regularly. bin The at The Anchor continued to have Maidstone Council’s Jennifer Shepard. six picnic tables from Four Jays. The examiner’s It was agreed to give £300 The Knoxbridge A229 This had been refurbished It was agreed to accept the It was agreed to accept the Councillors Spearink and The parish clerk had met Parishioners addressed the It was resolved to buy one Marden Pre-School was looking Fiona Kenward was appointed as The children’s centre in Headcorn Cllr Peter Tichener was elected The car park white lining needed a parish councillor and signeddeclaration the of acceptance of office. Public forum council on their early stageMr negotiations W with Tassell regarding the purchase of land Ulcombe Election chairman with Cllr Mary Annvice-chairman. Lovegrove as Co-option Staplehurst Parish planters quote of mcch Growing Concernmonth for contract. a It 48- was askedannual that reviews formal be built intoWimpey the Fields contract. quote of Twig Group for clearanceCllr work. Peter Spearink said athe representative Medway of Valley Countryside Partnership had visited the site andproposed was works. happy with the A229 speed limit residents group Some residents felt50mph the speed limit did notCouncillors go agreed far to enough. write towhy KCC a to 50mph ask limit wasappropriate considered than more 40mph. Neighbourhood plan interim report had raised twoto issues the relating potential need forenvironmental a assessment strategic of the planthe and methodology to of site allocations.steering The roup had held aFeria conference Urbanism call and with planned toMBC meet spatial the policy team toresponse discuss to a the examiner. Parish surgery Riordan said issues raised wereBathurst parking Road; in highway and fencingon repair High Street; bulky refuseparking collection near and the school. Donations to hold football sessions foryear-olds the for two a to further four- oneMarden day 16+ a youth week club and askedcouncil the to parish consider paying forCouncillors the agreed hall to hire. contribute toevening Tuesday youth sessions and toto donate the £150 pre-school. Mounting block and moved along the Highwith Street a together new tree beingHighway planted. Services Kent was thanked for undertaking this work. Station redoing and potholes in thewould approach be road reported. behind their properties in Thegarden Street extensions. for Clerk’s report Steve Wareing to discuss the replacementroen of bollards in the recreation area border and island, to erect theto no clean dog the signs signs and around also the village hall. Sure Start had asked to use theone recreation day ground in for the summerevent holdays to for help a raise family theThe profile council of agreed its to work. thisthe and use also of offered the pavilion if required. Queen’s birthday towards the Friendship Club’s creamthe teas village at picnic. A temporary licence Speed Watch Sure Sight speed indication device. would be obtained for the sale of alcohol and it was agreed to look into hiring up to Following the parish Information had been There were two loose Police had arrested two men in A request had been received for The parish council welcomed After a site meeting, Golding Cllr Dorothy Reed was elected Councillors were asked to review An email had been received from The neighbourhood plan steering A leer of complaint had been mail.co.uk said that the amount ofgive support was she fairly could limited as she was working Police report council’s funding bid, no further it was successful. However, following council would buy one camerapark. for the car Conifers Homes maintained trees at Mardenfield playing were not on itsconsider land paying and half would towards not theagree removal, or to the removal if they were on its land. Marden Election chairman and agreed to takeone on final the year. role Cllr for Katevice-chairman. Tippen She was accepted elected the role but full time. She would notfor automatically chairman stand if she was elected in 2016. connection with a number ofboles. thefts Nuisance of youths gas had beenin reported fields behind Meades Close/Bramley Court and talks were ongoingyouth with leader the and community warden. Youths with catapults, reported at the playing field and Bramley Court,identified had and been their parents spokenWebsite to. their profiles and update ifPublic necessary. toilets/CCTV downs Loose Hill had been reportedChairman to Vianne the Gibbons police. said stonesbeen had thrown at the Walnut Treewindows. pub Cycle route the idea of a cycleTwier route in Lancet Lane. group had decided that Twier wouldgood be tool a to promote theidea Local was Plan brought and forward this to thesee meeting if to it would beas good a for whole. the It parish was council complications agreed and that time due restrictions to itnot would be feasible for thethis admin via staff the to office. operate Old Loose Hill ragstone edges at the topThe of deputy Old clerk Loose would Hill. speakhighways to officer. the Pothole the Walnut Tree Lane Residents Association regarding the large pothole atto the the entrance lane. A quotethis had work been from received for the group.the It works was should agreed be that completed. Traffic received regarding traffic issues inCllr Loose. Sue Grigg had alreadywas responded. agreed It that no furtherLoose comment Parish from Council was deemed necessary. Geocaching a geocaching device to bevillage installed green in red the phone box.agreed. This was Royal birthday received on an offer tocommemorative purchase medals bulk for the Queen’sbirthday. 90th It was agreed toaction. take no further information had been received as to whether several acts of vandalism andbehaviour, anti-social the purchase of onediscussed. camera It was was decided that the parish If the parish council decidedthem, to Golding remove Homes may havewall to or build communal a fence. A leersent would to be Golding Homes totrees give would notice be the removed. OUR REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF windows : doors conservatories

No tacky misleading offers. SORRY Just simply the keenest prices around.

To find out more about Southern Glass contact us on T: 01622 686732

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm 1a Brunswick Street East Maidstone ME15 7UX www.southernglassmaidstone.co.uk

WE DO NOT employ pushy salesmen on commission. WE DO employ our own fitters. WE DO insure all our guarantees for peace of mind. WE DO give prices over the phone.

Downs Mail is published by Mail Publications Ltd (President — Dennis Fowle, Chairman — Claire Procter, Editor — Simon Finlay, Sales Manager — Bill Brett) 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT 01622 630330 www.downsmail.co.uk email: [email protected] Printed by Newbury News.