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Maidstone East Edition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper downsmail.co.uk Maidstone East Edition FREE Maidstone & Malling’s October 2017 No.No. 1 246 newspaper FREENews Panto ahoy! Kate, 107, dies JuneTHE cast2018 of Cinderella, which is to be No. 254 KATE Hart, a resident at an old staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- people’s home in Bearsted, stone, took to the River Medway to News has died aged 107, her son 3 launch this year's panto. David has disclosed. On board The Kentish Lady were Oyez! Crier required national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy Highways bosses in LENHAM has a vacancy for a new Godmother), former EastEnder Ste- MP’s Local Plan bid village crier and is staging a talent fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza- coHELENntest a sWhatelyGez Clar askedk the beth Bright (Cinderella), Craig regovernmenttires from the tojo bhalt. the 3 Anderson (Buttons) and, pictured, borough’s housing scheme. 4 ‘Stephenm Richardsa n and Adamn Bor-ed gate’ plan zone (Ugly Sisters) . MBC boss complaint They were greeted by pupils from COPlansUNCIL b oforss A liDrson BNigelroom has HSouthIGH BoroughWAYS Primaryboss eSchools are andconsidering a “temporary manned gate” to pre- fileTHEd a cwidowompla iofnt aGPbo Drut aNigel Minnet members of the media. The panto vent HGVs using Bearsted village as a ratrun when the M20 is shut for cowillunt ywalk cou nthecillo Grandr. 5 runs from December 1-31. For tick- Canyon for charity. 12 wetso rgok sto, www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk.Downs Mail can reveal. Night-time eastbound and west- works continue with routine resur- School site dumped bound closures have meant traffic is facing, conversion to SMART mo- A JasonSITE for tw Donovano new schools ndateear redirected off the motorway at either torway status and hard shoulder BeTHEarst formered has Neighboursbeen star brings junction seven or eight, causing reinforcement for Operation Stack. drhisop pshowed. to the Hazlitt 10 havoc to the sleeping patterns of res- Cllr Springett has used CCTV at Theatre next May. 18 idents. her home which picks up move- CCTVTr callucks are meant to use t inhe A20 ments athrough t bidhe village to count M&S lodges plan and New Cut Road to by-pass the the number of vehicles passing her M&S has submitted an application villages, but many routinely ignore house at night. for the M20 J7 Eclipse signs. Cllr Springett asked: “If they Park site. 14 Now Highways England has ac- knew that the works were going to to stopcepted fly-tippingthe sustained criticism, and take this long, did they not put in Hazlitt panto star is looking at mitigating measures, some form of contraflow system? CALLS for the installationinc oflud CCTVing a gate a camerast Roundwell to. prevent“Unles fly-tippings they have to co onmpl aetely SOAP star and comedian Richard Blackwood will star at A statement said: “We’re aware shut it, they should keep at least one 20 country road have been madethat dri byvers thechose localnot to boroughuse the lan councillor.e open. I appreciate that they the Hazlitt’s panto. Burberry Lane, near Leeds and snearby,igned di moreversion thanalon ag t yearhe A2 after0 and it hunlicensedave work to wastedo bu carriers,t the nois bute an be-d Broomfield, has been targeted by uwassed dumpedBearsted andvilla setge a ons a fire.n alterna- dlievesisrupt theion costis ho torre smallndous firms.” of dis- Obituaries 32 waste dumpers for years, but in re- tivThee. church car park has also seen posingShe hop ofes constructionthat a similar wasteblue si atgn a Obituaries 32 CLLR Val Springett (pictured) cent months, the problem has be- many“We instancesalways st ofro illegalngly en dumping.courage totransferthat on stationthe A2 is0 provingand agre ae deter-d by Parish Councils 34-35 comecoun moreted tra acute.ffic along the road dur- driButvers itto iss atic problemk to the c inlea manyrly sig ruralned Krentent C thatoun isty costingCounci councilsl will also more.help Parish Councils 34-35 iConstructionng the M20 c waste,losures rubble,in spec hardific dareasiversio includingn that is in Langley,place over Othamnight. to dCllreter Forttrucke maders usin herg Be remarksarsted as a as one- or two-hour periods: VIASHLLAG diebackERS in H hasarr ibeenetsha discoveredm have in core, windows and household fur- and“It Kingswood.was carefully Waterchosen Laneas th ine roneat-ru ofn. the borough’s closest trans- reported a recent spate of rogue nitureMay is1: left10-1 illegally1pm (ea –st oftenbound strewn clo- mBearstedost suitab andle ro Pilgrimsute for the Waytype haveand ferA r stationsesident o atf T Northhe Stree Farm,t, said Tun-her Monks Meadow in Detling; sure J7-8) 344 cars/35 HGVs (op- traHollingbourneders offering to fivillagex roofs ; fetethe c l stall-erk in the middle of the road. valsoolum beene of targetedtraffic th recently.at usually uses bbridgeedroom Wells,is just announceda few feet f itro willm th bee at Kingswood & Broomfield is pCllrosite Gill dire Fortction said:: 24). “Every month theLastM20 year,at nigh Maidstonet. Borough rclosedoad, wh forere 1044- weeks.tonne trucks thunder holder co-ordinator Jean Duffy has retresigned;iring; a de yellowlivery o flines grit sarealt w neededas weMa arey 3: having11-12pm toilets, (westbo sinksund cl ando- Council“We d clearedid use 911‘u casesnsuita ofbl fly-tip-e for pasShet her added:window “If. you go along the ordforer eBuffkynd but ne Way,ver re cOthameived in, to allow constructionsure J8-7) 15 waste9 cars/ dumped10 HGVs in(op the- HpingGVs and’ sign thisage yearon en moretry to thanthe v 163il- lineShe ofad increasingded: “It is fines,awful they. The haveplace to posite direction: 35 cars/3 HGVs). Dobuseswnsw throughood; a re sImperialident in L Park;enha mrub- village, specifically in Burberry lhaveage to beendeter t recordedraffic. How sinceever, fo April.r fu- sbehak enforced.es and shud Ade reductionrs and the innois thee May 4 10-11pm (westbound J8-7) habishd req u binseste d in in f theorm a sportstion a bo fieldut in Lane, where we are now thinking tTheure approachingclosures we darkerare loo eveningsking at ischargeconsta ornt. offering it free may have 316 cars/26 HGVs (opposite direc- traKingswoodffic calmingare; th eto p beari smovedh coun coveril in to of installing cameras on private fwillurth prompter mitiga ati riseons, insu illegalch as in tipping.stalla- the“It desiredis obvio similarus that effect.”the drivers are tion: 40 cars). Kinthegs wpicnicood c areaould andnot c reararry exit.out land, to oversee the problem area.” tioCllrn of Forta tem welcomedporary man an jointed ga initia-te at takAing three-monthlythe shortest ro litterute by pickigno onrin theg May 11 10-12pm (eastbound J7- grass-cutting on private land. A recent event in Burberry Lane ttivehe ac bycess theof R Environmentoundwell.” Agency the signs – and they don’t hang 8) 661 cars/13 HGVs (opposite di- mile-long stretch of road through Crime Reports 35 saw a caravan burned out while a andBor theough Drivercounc andillor V Vehicleal Sprin Stan-gett about either. Speeding can be an rection: 48 cars/1 HGV). Leeds village produces an average Crime Reports 35 torched car remains on a footpath hdardsas calle Agencyd for a be totte clampr solutio downn if M2 on0 is32su blacke, too.” sacks of rubbish. VEHICLES have been driven over Cllr Fort, who also serves as a ANfarmlandTIQUES we inre sLenham,tolen in a causing parish councillor, says teaching budamgerglary i n toLe n crops;ham; a an sh e attemptedd was Schildrenhop abouts asocialre responsibility safe brbreak-inoken into was at O reportedtham; a inba Detlingg of ; a THE much-loved parade of shops and the issue of litter in schools will fovehicleur lawn wasbow vandalisedls was taken in fr Bearstedom a in Bearsted has been saved after help take the issue off the streets. caRd,r in BWeaveringearsted; a m; o pumpkinstorcycle w a weres owners of W J Crouch, the village She believes with every household tastolenken wi tho fromut c on ansen t allotmentin in butcher, bought the building’s receiving a weekly refuse collection HaLenhamrrietsha.m; a barn at a farm in YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT freehold for more than £500,000. service, there is no excuse for litter Lenham was broken into. There had been plans to re- [email protected] being thrown from vehicles or Comment 46-47 develop the site as flats 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent dumped in the road. and shops. 12 Comment 46-47 webexpandHome Alarms.c osupplied.uk and0162 fitted2 880840 In the the top top 1% of 1%UK web of designUK companies webwww.webexpand.co.uk design companies | [email protected] www.amiga.co.uk web design or google call 08000 promotion 199622 ecommerce FORTHCOMING EVENTS AT YOUR LOCAL THEATRE KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE LATEST FROM THE HAZLITT THEATRE WWW.HAZLITTTHEATRE.COM 01622 758611
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2 Maidstone East June 2018
OUR REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF downsmail.co.uk News Road repairs It’s your chance to shout TWELVE contractors are reported to be working to repair the “ap- palling” state of the roads around Leeds. about the joys of village Cllr Gary Cooke told Leeds Parish Council that Kent County OYEZ, oyez – Lenham is looking in a regular appearance over the Council has allocated £11m to re- for a new village crier. years. pair the pothole damage to high- Gez Clark (pictured), who is He says the role of town crier, ways, which has been caused standing down from the position which is unpaid, continues to be mainly by the snow and winter after 27 years, will be hosting a com- highly sought-after. He bought a weather. petition at this year’s Family Fun crier’s uniform in 2002 for £1,100, Day in the village to find his re- for which he received several dona- Fashion show placement. tions, including from the parish He is looking for someone – male, council, and has found himself com- THE Friends of Leeds and Broom- female, young or old – to take up peting and taking on commercial field Churches are holding a the mantle, which saw him take the commissions. Ladies’ Fashion Show and pop-up national title for his verbal skills. He said: “There is always a call for shop on June 9. Those entering will be given two a good town crier and I have been Doors open at 2pm and tickets cries to try, with the best declared kept busy in Lenham. It is a com- cost £7. The Friends raise money the winner by three judges – one mitment, and I would say that any- for church-related good causes. from the parish council and two one who takes on the job needs to For more details, call Jenny Hoy well-known members of the com- love Lenham and be keen to sing its on 01622 861280. munity. praises.” The contest will start outside Gez was born in Lenham, and Rotary walk Lenham Community Centre in after a brief spell away, he returned THE Rotary Club of the Weald of Groom Way at 2pm on Saturday, with his wife Jan in 1990. Kent is staging a walk in aid of June 9. He says he’ll be reluctant to leave Cancer Research UK on June 10. Anyone interested in putting Gez (57) won the right to become “a very special village” where his The North Downs Walk is over themselves forward should apply in the town crier in an identical match family has lived for generations, but one, three, six or nine miles, with a writing, with their name and con- of skills in May 1991 and says he has with more houses on the way, the free lunch at the end. tact details, marking their entry “absolutely loved” promoting vil- taxi driver says he is looking for There is a minimum donation of Town Crown Contest and put it lage events. His last cry will be “somewhere that’s going to be a lit- £15 to take part. Call 07519 320919 through the door of Philip Jarvis es- given on the day after the contest at tle quieter”. He hopes to move to for more information. tate agent in The Square by June 7. the village market, where he has put Lancashire, to be nearer family. 01622 738772 7 Yeoman Court, Ashford Rd Bearsted, Kent ME14 4ND www.directorshairandbeauty.co.uk Directors hair and beauty studio Late nights Our services Tues/Thurs Shellac Gel Nails Bathing Contact us today Now Available Befriending 7 Mill Street Great Lengths hair Cogs clubs Maidstone Computer classes ME15 6XW extensions - book your Day care free consultation now Exercise classes 01622 753618 Foot care Gardening
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Maidstone East June 2018 3 News | Elections downsmail.co.uk
The Liberal Democrat group is celebrating keeping hold of power, despite losses at the polls Lib Dems hang on to power with support from Labour THE Conservatives have failed in their attempt to wrest back control of Maidstone Borough Council, despite being the largest party at the town hall. The Liberal Democrats resume as All the results for the ruling party after elections on THE NEW COUNCIL May 3 in a coalition with the Labour The composition of Maidstone borough council Party and assorted independents. Borough Council is now: Martin Cox is the new leader with Conservative 25 Allington Dan Daley (LD) – HOLD indie Fay Gooch as deputy. Liberal Democrat 20 Mike Cuming (Con) – Bearsted Although the Tories are numeri- Labour 3 HOLD cally superior, with 25 seats com- Independent Maidstone 2 Boxley Bob Hinder (Con) – HOLD pared to the Lib Dems’ 20, they Independents 4 Bridge Jonathan Purle (Con) – could only achieve the support of Independent other 1 CON GAIN FROM LD the two-strong Independent Maid- Source: MBC stone group. Two members were Coxheath & Hunton Lottie Parfitt- unavailable for the vote on May 19. Reid (Con) – CON GAIN FROM LD of a low turnout on the day – just Even with all the members in 31% – favouring the traditional par- East Nikki Fissenden (LD) – HOLD place, the vote would have been tied ties also proved true. Fant Paul Harper (Lab) – HOLD at 27-27, with the Lib Dem mayor Cllr English, who easily retook Harrietsham & Lenham Janetta given the casting vote. Cllrs Fay Gooch and Martin Cox High Street ward, said that his mem- Sams (Ind) – HOLD Lib Dem councillor Clive English bers were “reasonably happy” with Headcorn Martin Round (Con) – said: “It was slightly more comfort- heath & Hunton (Lib Dem) and some of the results. He added: HOLD able for us because two Tories Shepway North (Independent “There were one or two surprises, weren’t present. Maidstone). Most Conservatives Heath Ashleigh Kimmance (LD) – but nothing earth- shattering. All the “In any case, it would have gone agreed that, had they worked Shep- results can be put down to local fac- HOLD to the casting vote and we’d have way South harder, they may have tors.” High Street Clive English (LD) – taken it that way. But it just goes to been able to take that seat as well. The Lib Dems dropped Bridge HOLD show that the Tories find it difficult Paul Cooper was essentially put and Coxheath & Hunton wards. Cllr Marden & Yalding David Burton to negotiate with other parties.” up as a paper candidate and banked English suggested a hard campaign (Con) – HOLD Defeated Tory group leader John on Independent Maidstone’s John by the Green Party’s Donna North Tony Harwood (LD) – HOLD Perry said: “We got stitched up by Barned retaining the seat on a large Greenan and her team may have an inevitable coalition. We were two personal vote. However, Labour’s Park Wood Daniel Rose (Con) – squeezed the Lib Dem vote in members down, for totally under- Malcolm McKay won the seat with a Bridge ward to let Tory Jonathan HOLD standable reasons beyond their con- majority of 51. Purle in by a handsome 110 votes, at Shepway North Alan Bartlett – trol. Mr Barned said: “I’m not going to the expense of David Pickett. CON GAIN FROM IND “Naturally, I am disappointed, be- stand again. I’m now in my 70s and He added: “In effect, there was a Shepway South Malcolm McKay cause we had just won an election.” it is time to stand aside and let some pincer movement between the (Lab) – LAB GAIN FROM IND Cllr Perry said the May 2019 elec- of the younger ones do it. I’ll still be Greens and the Tories. Evidently we South Derek Mortimer (LD) – tion campaign “begins immedi- active in local stuff where I can.” underestimated the number of votes Independent Maidstone’s Eddie HOLD ately”. the Greens would get in Bridge.” On May 3, the Tories made three Powell said the doorstep feedback In Coxheath & Hunton, Lottie John Perry (Con) – Staplehurst gains while the ruling Liberal De- towards the mainstream political Parfitt-Reid dislodged the popular HOLD mocrats dropped two. The Tories parties was “extremely negative, but and respected Brian Mortimer after picked up Bridge (Lib Dem), Cox- also extremely real”. His prediction a spirited campaign.
4 Maidstone East June 2018 downsmail.co.uk News MBC boss issues official complaint THE chief executive of the Maid- stone Borough Council has made an official complaint against a Leeds-Langley relief road cam- paigner over a Facebook posting. MBC chief executive Alison Broom took issue with county coun- cillor Gary Cooke’s claims on his so- cial media site that for months, MBC blocked cash needed for Kent County Council exploratory work to assess the viability of a by-pass. He alleged it was “reluctance” on the part of the “Liberal Democrat- controlled” council to release house- building developer contributions (section 106 or S106 money) because of a legal wrangle. Cllr Gary Cooke After months of disputes between the two authorities, £200,000 was re- the use of these funds for this pur- leased and Tory-led KCC has begun pose is perfectly legitimate. the work. “Happily now resolved and we On April 20, Mrs Broom wrote to can get on with the work to demon- KCC’s monitoring officer saying: “I strate the benefits of a South East am raising this with you formally, Maidstone Relief Road to not only given MBC’s concerns about its ac- Leeds and Langley, but also to the curacy and timing (given the local wider communities affected by the government elections in Maidstone) congestion in South East Maidstone and request that you investigate it.” and with that information we will Cllr Cooke’s Facebook posting on make the case for the Relief Road and April 19 read: “Am pleased to an- secure funding from Central Govt.” nounce that following a short delay Later in Downs Mail, Cllr Cooke the investigative works necessary as went further when he said: “I do not part of developing the data to sup- believe that members of the ruling port the Relief Road will now be party at MBC have ever demon- moving ahead at a pace. strated a real or credible desire for a “These are the works that were re- relief road – quite the reverse.” FREE ferred to by the Director of High- Of Mrs Broom’s actions, Cllr Cooke FREE GEORGIA TOILET & BASIN ways at the Public Meeting I held at said: “There were no inaccuracies in with any bathroom installation. the Great Danes before Christmas. the posting and I fully expected to be Please present this advert at time of order. Disappointingly – the delay was due be exonerated, at which point I will to a reluctance on the part of the Lib- look at all my options going for- eral Democrat-controlled borough ward.” council to release the funds from We approached MBC at the time S106 monies. of Cllr Cooke’s claims and received “This, as well as causing delay, no response. MBC was approached meant that KCC officers had to for a comment on the complaint but Bathing a problem - we can help spend time and effort in demon- did not respond. KCC refused to strating and persuading MBC that comment. we design • we supply • we fit • we care
Wet rooms • Walk in showers • Walk in baths RBS to close town branch • Product & installtion guarantee • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resitant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets THE Maidstone branch of the drawals, balance checks and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is paying in. • Local family business • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms to close. A statement said: “Since 2012 Discounts for over 60’s SSAFA and Ex Service personnel The High Street branch will we have seen the way in which shut its doors on August 8. people use Maidstone branch Call now to arrange a FREE survey & quote A spokesman said that now change, with 72% of customers plans to divest RBS as a “chal- already banking in other ways. Tel: 01622 738204 and 01622 611880 lenger” bank have been shelved, “Transactions at Maidstone [email protected] | www.ahminstallations.co.uk the decison was taken to close have reduced by 54% since 2012, the branch. with only 25 customers now vis- Showroom Open 7 Days RBS claims that the way its ac- iting the branch regularly.” Unit 11, Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted ME14 5LH count holders use the service has RBS also has an arrangement altered radically in recent years. with the Post Office, so that cus- But customers will be able to tomers can pay in and take out use NatWest, which is part of the money as well check on bal- same group, for cash with- ances.
Maidstone East June 2018 5 News downsmail.co.uk RNewsatrun fines downsmail.co.uk SIXTY-nine drivers were fined at £2,500 boost for village Detling as police enforced traffic re- sAnothertrictions from the A249 into incursion Detling. Eight police officers stopped mo- school from developers torists flouting the restricted access, inatan effort Larkfieldto stop the village being NEW library bparkooks and Kindles used as a cut-through. But one aellersre to simplybe bou movingght for p onup toils takeat th upe DTRAVELLERSetling parish r haveesiden movedt drivin backg to onto a popular park in Larkfield vtemporaryillage scho residenceol by Bou elsewhereghton Ma inl- Bforears theted secondfellfoul timeofthe inbli sixtzan months.dfound htheerb area.e Parish Council. himTheself familiesfined. A -vi inllag fiveer in caravansLangley, - THehe £ said:2,500 “Theydonati juston is seemthe fi torst beto wpulledhereaw oneight torest Gighillrictionon GreentheB216 in3 bdoinge mad thee fro rounds.m £100,0 These00 giv incidentsen to the isLunsfordflouted d Laneaily b ony d Sundayrivers of OctoberHGVs, chaveomm affectedunity by WestQui Malling,nn Estat forcinges, the w,,as releasingunsympat dogshetic to onpol theice. popular dtheeve closureloper o off t thehe villageformer hall,gard anden publicHesaid open:“Onl spaceytwot andickets settinghavebee upn cLeybourne,entre at Gra andfty G nowreen they. are back hwashinganded ou linest to lo withinrry driv hours.ers in t Ithe isp un-ast inPa Larkfield.rish counc Theil cle policerk Chr toldis Hu resi-me yderstoodearontheB2163,yeteightofficers de- sdentsaid: “ thatWe thishav wase be aen civilcon trespasssulting the fami- scend to stop Detling being a cut- wwhenith v theyillag reporteders how itth andey thatwan theyt to tlieshrough, in-even to its own residents.” couldn’t do anything and obviously volved uthese t councilhe mone officesy and t werehey h closedave com be-e have been ucausep with itso wasme f theanta weekend.stic comm Theseunity Bofferingloomingfun itravellersdeas, some knowof wh andich a playre sti thell be sys-ing tree felling item.”nvestigated, but the resources for ‘Spooktacular’ at the farm BEARSTED in Bloom entrants are services to theTheonl council’sy primar legaly sch teamool in servedthe are ana MAKE the most of the October half-term holiday at Kent Life Heritage being encouraged to register as soon residents wevictionas seen noticeas a v butery itp tookositiv ae weekrecip toi- Farm Park’s Halloween Spooktacular in Maidstone. ains p theoss area.ible. eenforce.nt for th Cllre firs Thornewellt donation.” held talks MBraver Hum kidse sa areid: invited“This m too theney vintagehas Q villageuinn toEs knocktates, onsa doorsid: “A andt Grafty TParishhe contest for gardens, commer- withThe Laddingfordmoney wil Engineeringl be used to inr ane- bediscoveren a hu whoge b –oo orst whatwith –ou ist lurkingthe re- behindGree themn we fromcar Octoberried ou 21-31.t extensive ccouncilial displays and hanging baskets was peffortlenis toh increasePlatts securityHeath furtherPrima onry stricThetion award-winnings of Section attraction106 mone aty, Sandling,consult nearation Maidstone,, listening hasto w ah fewat the chairman revived when parish council chair- Sthecho publicol’s ne land,wly-r nearefurb theish M20.ed library, other tricks up its sleeve to turn its usual exhibits into frightening David Thornewell says more has to meaning it can all be spent in our community wants and using that man Michael Bollom was appointed. theValdemarmobile co Kalininmputers (pictured),, and anothe ofr cofarmhousesmmunity. andWe horrifyingare invest homes.igating Youngstersto produ cance w tryha pumpkint will be carving,a stunning be done to stop the travelling com- the National Gypsy-Traveller-Roma Entries stating the display type £1,000 on a lick of paint for the tiny otdressingher pro upjec andts, i thenclu Uglyding Bugm Ball.uch- and sensitively-designed rural de- munity running circles around the Council said recently that local On October 25, there will be more spooky goings-on with Kent Life should be sent to amin@bearsted- school. needed traffic calming measures velopment.” police and local councils. councils must provide designated After Dark, parHeishc saysounc theil.g jobov. ofuk movingplus ful onl na trav-me, Boughton Malherbe, which has a through Grafty Green.” The site (pictured), to be re- address and contact details includ- traveller sites or “tolerated zone” This event includes a spine-chilling tour suitable for under-eights from ellers for a second time will run into pwhichopulat gypsyion of j convoysust under can500 movepeo- At the time the offer of the cash named Boughton Park, will com- ing email address for the council to 5-6pm and, for older visitors, from 7-8pm. thousands of pounds The last inci- ponto.le, ha Hes an said:ann “Itual comesparish downcounc toil wasIfm youad woulde to likethe topa knowrish, moreMar aboutk pri anyse a ofm theix of above,new ho callme 01622s and 5,000 cdent,onfirm iny earlyour en summer,try. costing the bracialudget prejudiceof just £5, against000. this com- Q763936.uinn, managing director of sq ft of offices. parish council £1,200, with the trav- munity.” WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C? 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Maidstone Weald October 2017 7 Maidstone East June 2018 7 News | Hollingbourne protest downsmail.co.uk Homes plan ‘hare-brained’ VILLAGERS in Hollingbourne say they are horrified by Maidstone Borough Council’s decision to allow 10 new detached houses on a site they say is not fit for purpose. Dozens of comments sent to A spokesman for Hollingbourne Downs Mail by villagers describe Parish Council said: “The general the permission as wrong, and the view is that villagers feel the council move to put the Windmill Lane site has totally ignored local concerns in the Local Plan in the first place as and local knowledge.” “hare-brained”. Guy Osbourne, from developer In letters to MBC, villagers raised Country House Homes, said it concerns about the narrow and would be hard to reassure residents shared access to the estate; the area’s sufficiently, but added: “We have no overloaded sewers; a lack of places problem with the approval and will at Hollingbourne school; gridlock at be progressing the development. We peak times on Eyhorne Street; the are a safe pair of hands and we do need, instead, for affordable housing Protesters gather in Windmill Lane, the proposed access to the site understand.” and, potentially, the loss of their vil- A £33,240 contribution from lage hall. engine or dustcart, and the need to development when 90% of houses Country House Homes is under- Reacting to the planning commit- negotiate use of this shared access.” here do not have parking. stood to be destined for Harrietsham tee’s decision, North Downs bor- The narrow access on to one of the “The driveway to this site is too School and £248,595 for affordable ough councillor Patrik Garten said: busiest sections of Eyhorne Street narrow and will be unsafe for peo- housing has yet to find a home. “You’d have to go a long way to find should have spelled its end, accord- ple walking to the hall and those Maidstone council planning com- a less suitable site for development. ing to long-term resident Martin using the public footpath.” mittee member Cllr Tony Harwood Unfortunately, the committee deci- Foad, who lives opposite the Wind- Describing the decision as a mess, proposed the application be ap- sion was merely a side-show be- mill pub and the proposed entrance John Holley, from the village hall proved. He said after the meeting: cause it was on the Local Plan and to the new estate. committee, said: “It is difficult to be- “The Windmill Lane site is a strate- the decision a fait accompli. “The road at this entrance is too lieve that the site off Windmill Lane gic (if small) housing allocation “The issue now is whether the de- narrow and the traffic at peak times was included as a potential devel- within the new Local Plan, ap- veloper can deliver on the many is- is gridlocked. The village has no opment site by MBC, in spite of local proved by Maidstone’s Strategic sues not considered ‘planning public parking, except 16 bays on and parish council objections, par- Planning, Sustainability and Trans- relevant’, such as the access not Eyhorne Street, and they are talking ticularly regarding the poor, shared port Committee, full council and lat- being able to accommodate a fire- about reducing these as part of this access.” terly a government inspector.”
How do the Meet council’s Access and affordability planners get it so wrong, even when it is so new chairman obviously wrong? THE new parish council chairman are the real issues here “It will precipitate such a for Hollingbourne is Adam Ward PATRIK Garten (pictured), bor- was one common answer by 90% of “ lot of other issues, like (pictured). ough councillor for North Downs all respondents: “We need more af- A councillor of 10 years’ stand- what will happen to ward, writes: fordable housing for our children.” the village hall. ing, his ap- “The planning committee deci- This need was neither solved by pointment at sion was a mere side-show, and this that development, nor exhausted Michael Gray the AGM in development may by the planning committee. Hollingbourne May follows continue to hover Without affordable housing the the resignation over the village village could become an assembly ” of long-serving like a bad dragon. of old fogies and commuter dormi- chairman Mike The real battle is a tories. Village hall Bedwell. The civil one, which is Under the current local plan, 48-year-old still to come: The Windmill Lane will be the last now at risk chartered sur- question of access major housing development in THE Planning Committee was veyor moved to the village with his rights. Hollingbourne for many years. told that the landlord of the vil- wife Sarahin 2002.Their son attends While I am per- This gives me some comfort, and lage hall, the EI Group PLC (for- Hollingbourne School. mitted to file a planning applica- I’ll be happy to defend the status merly Enterprise Inns), has so far He said: “We face new develop- tion for anything on anybody’s quo. If, however, the village and declined to renew the 20-year ments imposed upon us by govern- land, I would need the landowners’ the parish council want more af- lease, pending a decision on the ment housing targets and the failure permission to build on their land. fordable housing, this can be ac- planning application. of the council to provide a mix of The Windmill Pub, the house next commodated too. There is now a risk that notice housing that includes more afford- to it and, of course, the village hall It is vitally important that if any could be served, leaving Holling- able homes in our village; We plan to are all major stakeholders in this further expansion of the village bourne requiring a new hall, at lookatthisagain,butwehavelimited game. At least one of these still has should take place, that it is driven an estimated cost of £1 million. sites available. the power to stop this development and supported by the villagers. A spokesman for the parish in its tracks. Windmill Lane was not. “Traffic volumes and the speed of council said: “Many people in The planning committee was The planning committee brought vehiclesthrough the village has been Hollingbourne are of the opinion neither the beginning nor the end this hare-brained idea a decisive a long-term concern for residents that MBC would have a moral if of this saga. step forward. The main thing is and we will continue to hold talks not legal obligation to stump up Eighteen months ago, I went now for the community to work to- with the various authorities. The fu- for a new Hollingbourne village door to door in another part of the gether with all stakeholders to alle- ture of our village hall is also un- hall if we lost the present one as clear.” village, asking the community viate the forthcoming problems about another development. There with this site.” a consequence of its decision.”
8 Maidstone East June 2018 News | Hollingbourne protest downsmail.co.uk downsNewsmail.co.uk Advertisementdownsmail.co.uk Feature Homes plan ‘hare-brained’ Almost 20% of Brits fear a VILLAGERS in Hollingbourne say they are horrified by Maidstone Borough Council’s decision to allow 10 new detached houses on a site they say is not fit for purpose. trip to the Optician Dozens of comments sent to A spokesman for Hollingbourne Downs Mail by villagers describe Parish Council said: “The general Voted the UK’s best Optometrist, the permission as wrong, and the view is that villagers feel the council Alisdair Buchanan has been move to put the Windmill Lane site has totally ignored local concerns testing eyes for nearly 20years in the Local Plan in the first place as and local knowledge.” “hare-brained”. Guy Osbourne, from developer and has looked after many In letters to MBC, villagers raised Country House Homes, said it nervous clients. He tells us how concerns about the narrow and would be hard to reassure residents shared access to the estate; the area’s sufficiently, but added: “We have no he can help the 20% of us who overloaded sewers; a lack of places problem with the approval and will dread going to the opticians. at Hollingbourne school; gridlock at be progressing the development. We peak times on Eyhorne Street; the are a safe pair of hands and we do Maidstone East June 2018 9 News downsmail.co.uk Rubbish plea USERS of Bearsted Green are being Schools plan dropped encouraged to take rubbish home with them. Bags of waste have been dumped next to full bins attracting vermin. A Bearsted Parish Council at site of hospital unit spokesman said: “Whilst we love to see The Green enjoyed in lovely THE government agency in charge weather, we’d politely request that if of funding a new primary school the bins are full you take your rubbish has dropped the Kent Medical home. Please do not leave bin bags by Campus (KMC) site as a suitable the bin, thank you.” location, Downs Mail has learned. The Education, Skills and Fund- ing Agency (ESFA) has placed the Wartime songs search for a site in the hands of spe- SONGS That Won the Wars will be cialist schools planning firm, performed at All Saints’ Church in LocatED. Hollingbourne on June 16. The decision came as this news- The Kent Medical Campus site and right, borough councillor Denis Spooner Sung by Kathryn Norman and paper published details about the Brian White, they are accompanied kind of mental health facility to be Senior Maidstone Borough Coun- for a primary school in Maidstone, by pianist Richard Kemp. placed near Bearsted. We revealed cil official William Cornall has indi- but we understand those in and Tickets are £10. Call Jim on 01622 that mentally-ill criminals and cated that MBC would not have around J7 would be unlikely to fit 880244, Peter on 01622 880580 or women with borderline personality advised the ESFA of the hospital's the bill over pedestrian access issues. Derek on 01622 880650 for more. disorders will be treated there. proposed remit. Mr Cornall told col- Mary Richards of the Bearsted & Profits go to the church and the Campaigners hoped the KMC site leagues that private health company Thurnham Society, said: “I am not Meadows Trust. near J7 of the M20 would house a Cygnet, which will run the mental aware of any alternative sites being primary and special needs school. hospital, published a 44-page docu- found anywhere around here.” Plays & picnics We understand that the ESFA deci- ment in December 2015 outlining its MBC Cllr Denis Spooner said: sion to pull out of the site has LEEDS Amateur Dramatic Society intended use. “We desperately need that school.” prompted a behind-the-scenes stages Plays and Picnics on June 22 But one insider said: “With MP Mrs Whately claimed the KMC blame game over who knew what. and 23 at the Old Vicarage in Lower Helen Whately pushing hard for the site would be the answer to the An application to secure the ESFA Street. Entry is bydonation.More de- schools to be sited at KMC, someone chronic shortage of primary places funding was being advanced when tails are available on @LADSamdram should have thought to do a bit of in Bearsted and hoped the schools it became clear about the hospital's on Facebook. checking.” would have been open by Septem- intended use. A dozen sites have been identified ber 2017. 10shernold_1/2pg_181x123mm_downs_mail_OUTLINED.indd Maidstone East June 2018 1 17/05/2018 12:19 NOW OPEN Opening Friday 25th May The Herbalist Juniper’s A place where great food meets a great If you’re a discerning hedonist, you’ve time and your new central social hub. We come to the right place. Head down to make no apologies for loving the fresh and Juniper’s were we take the best in tank vibrant cuisine, so our chefs cook it in our beer, great wine and craft spirits and mix open kitchen for all to see. Boasting a fine them together with top DJ’s Friday & selection of keg and cask beers, delivered Saturday to create a vibe which keeps the directly into the copper tank every week, party going until dawn. Our expert a sumptuous wine list and a boutique mixologists shake up the classic and the selection of spirits. We serve food from bespoke just for you and, as you might eight in the morning right through until have guessed from the name, gin is a eleven at night so whenever you feel like speciality. As well as the best dance floor dropping by, you’ll find a warm welcome. in town, we’ve got live music, secret events and more – plus, if you ask us Have to get home? Drop by our Pizza nicely, we can even let you have the whole Shack on Pudding Lane and pick up a piping place for your special occasion. hot pizza to take away, fresh from the wood-fired oven. Have a drink on us, visit… www.theherbalistmaidstone.com www.junipersmaidstone.com www.elitepubs.com Maidstone East June 2018 11 News downsmail.co.uk Ladies’ lunch HUNDREDS of Kent’s most influ- ential women met for a charity Butcher’s £500k plan to lunch at the Great Danes Hotel in Hollingbourne. About 300 guests attended the event on May 16, organised by the save shops on the green Women of Kent Committee. THE new owners of Bearsted’s pa- buy Hunker Down Daisy to relo- Lady Kingsdown became patron rade of shops have exciting plans cate there before we got into a bid- after the death of her predecessor, for the popular outlet. ding war with Costa. Then we Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Rob Crouch, who with mum bought a property next to our store in June 2017. This year’s charity is Rowena and sister Sara have in- in Staplehurst, as we feared we ellenor, which supports families vested more than £500,000 to buy would have to move our baking facing terminal illnesses. the freehold, says the threatened and catering operation, and finally business can now move forward, we were able to buy the freehold at Crash closure although major work will have to Bearsted.” TRAFFIC was disrupted when a wait. Mr Crouch said: “We have just white van and a foreign-registered He thanked campaigners for spent £200,000 rebranding our lorry collided on the A20 near keeping the business in private butcher’s in Wadhurst, and Hollingbourne. hands, adding: “The efforts of Bearsted will take on the same style The accident happened at the Bearsted and Thurnham Society in time. Centred around a butcher’s roundabout linking to the M20 at and Downs Mail in raising aware- block, with a kitchen feel, and junction 8 shortly before 8am on ness of the plan to pull the building funky food lines and friendly, in- May 21. down were pivotal in rallying op- formative butchers, the idea is to The van ended up on its side position.” create a more comfortable buying with its windscreen shattered. Po- However, four years of uncer- environment.” lice and paramedics attended the tainty have left their mark, with the In the meantime, the company scene. loss of key members of staff and no has also launched a new website investment in the building. and a presence on social media. Mr Crouch, who runs W J New owner, butcher Rob Crouch Mr Crouch said: “Overall, Play auditions Crouch butchers in the parade, is change will come gradually, with THE Detling Players are holding now recruiting a manager. He says a profit across its three stores be- exciting times to come. I can’t auditions for Yes, Prime Minister to general improvements will be fore major plans can be realised. wait.” be staged in November. made and tenants offered new The third-generation butcher He will be spending more time at For further details, email detling- leases at market rates, but the fam- said: “The journey to this point has the store in Bearsted and hopes its [email protected]. ily firm will need to show the bank been expensive. We were in talks to existing tenants will wish to stay. 12 Maidstone East June 2018 downsmail.co.uk Business Focus Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade double glazing? If you act now quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote Cloudy2Clear also replace Cloudy2Clear windows have you can avoid these problems. takes on average no longer faulty locks handles and hinges become a leading company for Now, you may think you need to than 20 minutes. Once the on all windows and doors. glass replacement. 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We will Trusted Trader, plus our work steamed up, broken or damaged a few minutes checking your send out our highly experienced is backed by an industry give Luke a call for a free home to see if you have any failed engineers for a free no obligation leading 25 year guarantee. quotation on 0800 61 21 118. Cloudy2Clear Windows... Cloudy2Clear Service With A Smile! GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!! www.kentshow.co.uk 01622 633060 Kent Showground, Maidstone ME14 3JF Maidstone East June 2018 13 News downsmail.co.uk Red kite hope M&S submits plan for A PAIR of red kites have been spot- ted on the North Downs, sparking hopes that the raptors may have started breeding in the area. The bird, once persecuted to near- new Eclipse Park store extinction, leaving just four in mid- BRITISH high street favourite Wales, has recovered in recent Marks & Spencer has submitted its decades with an increasing number of sightings in Kent. application to join the growing A Downs Mail reader reported the Eclipse Park retail centre near junc- pair above arable land off Pilgrims tion seven of the M20. Way near Hollingbourne, in what he It is hoped the scheme, lodged described as an “aerial display with Maidstone Borough Council in which could have been a mating late April, will create up to 300 full ritual”. and part-time jobs. Red kites are now seen regularly in An M&S planning statement the Maidstone area, especially around reads: “M&S currently operates with opening expected in October A recent survey conducted by the Sutton Valence, Chart Sutton, Leeds from two stores in the town centre 2019. Daily Downs Mail website con- and Langley. on Week Street. One store is freehold Whilst the announcement of M&S cluded that the borough council was and the other a leasehold with the expanding its offering in Maidstone wrong to impose increased parking lease expiring in 2022. has been broadly welcomed, there charges. The poll saw 91% disagree Hall re-opens “The intention is that the lease- have been worries that it will further with the increases, 7% agree, while BATTEL Hall, the 14th century hold store will close ... to allow staff damage the town centre. the rest were unsure. manor house in the grounds of to transfer to the new store at Eclipse Maidstone council has been criti- John Barned, spokesman for In- Leeds Castle, has opened to guests. Park. cised for driving shoppers away dependent Maidstone, said: “There Once the home of former chief ex- “The intention would be to signif- from the town centre by changing is little doubt that the new M&S ecutive Victoria Wallace and her icantly improve the freehold store the park and ride scheme and hik- store will be very popular – because family, it is now high-end accom- opposite Fremlin Walk and it would ing the cost of off-street parking. it is accessible in a way that the cen- modation for up to 14 people. continue to sell clothing and food, as Both form part of the council’s pol- tre of Maidstone no longer is and be- Current chief executive Sir David well as having a cafe.” icy for “modal shift”, which aims to cause the parking is free.” Steel said: “This is such an exciting A spokesman for MBC confirmed ease the traffic pressure created by Gallagher spokesman Nick Yan- addition to our hospitality portfolio a planning application had been re- Maidstone’s 17,600 new homes by dle said: “M&S sees the importance and once again Leeds Castle is in the ceived. Developer Gallagher said encouraging people to walk, cycle or of free parking because it encour- vanguard of development and diver- work should begin by Christmas take buses. ages dwell time in the store.” sification of its business.” Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers • Free valuations • Regular fine & general auctions • Probate & Insurance specialists • Home visits 2 Speak to our specialists about selling your antiques 0800 881 5691 [email protected] 15 North Street - Lewes - BN7 2PE www.gorringes.co.uk 14 Maidstone East June 2018 downsmail.co.uk Business Focus Eye2Eye teams national recognition OPTOMETRISTS Chirag and Manish Patel have They spoke on how to effectively and efficiently the only accredited primary care acute cemented their reputation within their industry after manage and treat patients in a community practice - ophthalmology service for the Maidstone area. This being invited to lecture at a prestigious conference. essentially delivering a hospital service on the doorstep. means they can accept emergency and acute referrals The brothers, who run the highly-regarded Eye2Eye in The lecture topic was 'anterior eye disease' and for any eye problems and provide medical treatment Allington, delivered an address to the National how to treat it in a community setting and why in-house. They accept walk-ins, optician referrals, GP Optometry Tomorrow 2018 conference in Birmingham being able to treat patients on a local level saves referrals, referrals from NHS 111 and A&E. to 150 top UK specialists across the country. the NHS money. Chirag and Manish are both part of a select group of Eye2Eye is in the top three in the UK for enhanced optometrists in the country who can treat patients by optical services. issuing prescriptions. 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For a free no-obligation quotation, please contact us now. 01622 233 322 www.colourfencemidkent.co.uk *Terms & Conditions apply please ask for details Maidstone East June 2018 15 News downsmail.co.uk Death of theatre critic and community stalwart John DOWNS Mail’s theatre critic of west London, in 1934, but moved to many years, John Munson, has Kent as a child. died suddenly, at the age of 83. He attended St Joseph Road is closed John (pictured) was taken ill while Williamson’s Mathematical School on holiday in Suffolk and passed in Rochester, and served for a short away in Ipswich on May 13. time in the Merchant Navy, before as hole opens John’s love of drama (he was an his National Service in the RAF. A SINK hole which suddenly ap- actor and director for the Detling John studied at the Borough Road peared in a residential road in Players) was a lifelong passion. Teacher Training College in London, Grove Green has caused Easily recognised by his white before going into primary school headaches. beard, John was the person the teaching in Buckinghamshire and The void in Provender Way is panto actors in Leeds and Holling- Kent. He rose through the ranks to about 60cm by 45cm in size. The bourne would look out for in the au- become a head teacher. street was immediately shut to traf- dience, although his reviews were Boxley’s current chairman, Bob fic, although a steady stream of lo- invariably kind and generous. Hinder, described John’s passing as cals looked into the hole. He was also a tireless community “very sad news”. The parish council It is thought to have appeared on worker and served as a Boxley ple less fortunate than himself. held a minute’s silence in his mem- May 15, and appears to stretch for Parish Council chairman between “He supported Medicin Sans ory on May 21. several metres in the direction of 1998 and 2002. Frontieres, Amnesty International John and Jill married in 1991 and Grovewood Drive, the main ap- His wife Jill said: “He was a great and had deeply-held beliefs about had five children. John had three proach to Tesco in Grove Green. raconteur who loved being with women’s equality and human children from his first marriage – Southern Water inspected the people, and was a dedicated family rights. Sara, Guy and Abby. Jill is mother to site to see if a sewer was at fault but man who supported all the children “All the family had their chance to Joanna and Jonathan. found no issues after a CCTV and grandchildren in a very positive say their goodbyes and they were all Between them they have eight probe. and caring way. incredibly supportive throughout grandchildren: Harriet; Joseph; Kent County Council claimed “John had an enormous interest in his last illness. They visited him and Phoebe; Sophie; Rex; Cameron; work to “rectify” the situation good causes and areas of politics in they looked after me. That was very Clara and Celeste. Their great would happen quickly and to re- which he felt there should have been important.” grandchildren are Maxi, Ari and open the road to traffic. a great deal more care given to peo- John was born in Fulham, south Alby. A personal service at a time of loss Michael Lawrence, difficult decisions about how best to remember celebrates life. and his son Robert a loved one and to meet their personal wishes. "Our approach is simple. We sit with you in our along with Kim and With so many years’ experience, Family office or your home, taking you slowly and Angela, are the Funeral Service has learned how to respond to methodically through the various decisions that team behind a the specific and different needs of every you will face and the options available to you. family-owned individual facing one of the toughest times in Sometimes, it’s just good to sit funeral service that their life. This personalised approach includes and talk, and to learn about has been helping the option of home visits and access to a the services and venues families across the friendly voice at the end of the phone around available from someone with Maidstone area for the clock, as well as personal support to clients experience and compassion 40 years. through the bereavement process. before making a decision.” With offices in Bearsted and Barming, Family Michael Lawrence said: "The loss of a loved Funeral Service is a third generation business, one is never easy to cope with, and the added experienced in caring for your needs with stress of making arrangements for the service commitment and understanding. can often bring further emotional upset. With At such a stressful time, they know it’s our experience of making funeral arrangements important to sit and talk to you about every we have learned how to help families have and detail and to assist you in making the often be part of a unique and meaningful service that 4 Cavendish Way, Marlborough Parade, Ashford Road, Bearsted, 6 Beverley Road, Barming Maidstone ME15 8PW Find us at: Maidstone ME16 9JN 01622 260200 01622 260210 16 Maidstone East June 2018 mail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News downs News Businessdownsmail.co.uk Focus Death of theatre critic and Get your free shinglesQuality jab adviceKate’s at canyon affordable trek prices in MAIDSTONE and Malling resi- dents in their 70s are beingCamrass urged Wills gives help and advice with Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Inheritance community stalwart John to take up the offer of free vacci- nations against the “painfultax, andProbatememory and Funeral plans. Peter Camrass of has over husband 30 years' experience in financial DOWNS Mail’s theatre critic of west London, in 1934, but moved to debilitating” condition shingles. many years, John Munson, has Kent as a child. By the end of July, justservices over half andTHE 8 widow years' of as a populara legal Maid-advisor. Peter is a member of the Societyrates from of pancreatic Will Writers, cancer have died suddenly, at the age of 83. He attended St Joseph of all eligible older patients in Kent stone GP is in training for a self- not improved much in the last 30 Road is closed John (pictured) was taken ill while Williamson’s Mathematical School and Medway had been vaccinated. thefunded largest trek self-regulatory through the Grand trade body within the Will Writingyears. Profession Nigel died on January 19, on holiday in Suffolk and passed in Rochester, and served for a short But the NHS is now encouraging Canyon, in aid of the charity 2012. I had been thinking about away in Ipswich on May 13. time in the Merchant Navy, before everyone who is offered the vaccine which is battling the cancer that what I could do to celebrate Nigel’s claimed him. life and decided to join the Pancre- as hole opens John’s love of drama (he was an his National Service in the RAF. to take it up. WeLocal are GP practices so lucky are offering to be humanKate Minett, a staff nurse, will be atic Cancer UK Grand Canyon A SINK hole which suddenly ap- actor and director for the Detling John studied at the Borough Road peared in a residential road in patients the vaccination as part of travelling to America for the Trek Challenge Trek in October. I am Players) was a lifelong passion. Teacher Training College in London, Together Grand Canyon Challenge self-funding the trip to ensure that Grove Green has caused theAs NHS humans shingles we immunisationare very lucky. Our subconscious brain assumes that we will live forever. Day to day life would Easily recognised by his white before going into primary school campaign for 2017/18, which began in October. all donations go directly to the headaches. beard, John was the person the teaching in Buckinghamshire and onbe September very strange 1 2017. if it was any otherKate who way. lives in Staplehurst, charity.” The void in Provender Way is panto actors in Leeds and Holling- Kent. He rose through the ranks to Dr John Rodriguez, Public will hike through areas of the This is the third big fundraiser about 60cm by 45cm in size. The bourne would look out for in the au- become a head teacher. Health Screening and Immunisa- canyon not accessible to many the family has taken part in. Kate’s street was immediately shut to traf- dience, although his reviews were Boxley’s current chairman, Bob tionAt leadsome for point Kent andmost Medway, of us finallytourists accept to raise that money we for are Pancre- not immortal and we get round todaughter, doing the Laura, things took partwe in a su- fic, although a steady stream of lo- invariably kind and generous. Hinder, described John’s passing as urgedknow local we people should to takedo – up like the drawingatic Cancer up UK. a Will and making arrangements for the right peopleperhero to fun deal run dressedwith our as Super- cals looked into the hole. He was also a tireless community “very sad news”. The parish council offer. The Benenden Hospital nurse has man in 2012, raising over £2,000, It is thought to have appeared on worker and served as a Boxley ple less fortunate than himself. held a minute’s silence in his mem- affairsHe added: when “As peoplewe can’t, get older i.e. lastingchosen topowers support of the attorney. charity be- and her sister Rebecca organised a May 15, and appears to stretch for Parish Council chairman between “He supported Medicin Sans ory on May 21. their immune system naturally cause her husband, Dr Nigel Minett dinner dance in Tenterden which several metres in the direction of 1998 and 2002. Frontieres, Amnesty International John and Jill married in 1991 and weakens which is why those aged (54), a GP for more than 20 years at raised £10,300 in 2015. In the UK, 70 and over are more likely to get the Marden Medical Centre, then pancreatic cancer has the lowest Grovewood Drive, the main ap- His wife Jill said: “He was a great and had deeply-held beliefs about had five children. John had three Getting these documents sorted out does not shorten your life! What it does is let you relax knowing that proach to Tesco in Grove Green. shingles. The Orchard Surgery in Langley, survival rate of the 21 most com- raconteur who loved being with women’s equality and human children from his first marriage – “Shingles can be very painful husband was admitted to hospital Southern Water inspected the things are in place. Camrasssuccumbed Wills can todo it all in Januaryof this 2012,for you and at a very reasonable price.mon cancers. Pancreatic Cancer UK people, and was a dedicated family rights. Sara, Guy and Abby. Jill is mother to and debilitating and lead to health just over 10 weeks after he was di- after developing jaundice. Until supports those affected, investing site to see if a sewer was at fault but man who supported all the children “All the family had their chance to Joanna and Jonathan. problems long after the initial rash agnosed. Dr Minett (pictured) was that point, his only symptoms had in research and lobbying for recog- found no issues after a CCTV and grandchildren in a very positive say their goodbyes and they were all Between them they have eight has disappeared. It can also be fatal well-known for his church work in been a few weeks of mild gastric nition of the disease. probe. and caring way. incredibly supportive throughout grandchildren: Harriet; Joseph; for around one in 1,000 over-70s Maidstone. discomfort. He was diagnosed the For details visit www.justgiv- Kent County Council claimed “John had an enormous interest in his last illness. They visited him and Phoebe; Sophie; Rex; Cameron; whoPhone develop it.Camrass Wills toShe book said: “This a free cancer initial is known consultation.same day with stage four metasta- ing.com/fundraising/Kate-Minett. work to “rectify” the situation good causes and areas of politics in they looked after me. That was very Clara and Celeste. Their great “I would encourage all patients as a silent killer as it usually pres- tic pancreatic cancer, which had For more information on Pancre- would happen quickly and to re- which he felt there should have been important.” grandchildren are Maxi, Ari and who are eligible to take up the offer ents too late for any form of treat- spread to his liver. atic Cancer UK, visit www.pan- open the road to traffic. a great deal more care given to peo- John was born in Fulham, south Alby. from01622 their GP 720985 surgery and or get go vac- online:ment. On www.camrasswills.co.uk October 31, 2011, my “We knew the score - survival creaticcancer.org.uk/fundraise. cinated against the virus.” Ex Display Sale Now On 01622 829183 Visit our East Farleigh showroom to view our full range of beautiful bathrooms www.balinea.co.uk E: [email protected] Unit 5 Kilnbridge Works, Off Lower Road, East Farleigh, Maidstone Kent ME15 0HD 12 Maidstone East October 2017 Maidstone East June 2018 17 NewsN| Mewaisds|toMnaeidpsutbosne pubs downsmdaoiwl.cnos.mukail.co.uk WWhyhypupbusbasraerefigfihgthintigngtotosusruvrivvieve IT ISIaTtIrSadaetrtahdaet itshawtoisrtwho£r5t5hm£5to5mMtaoidMstaoindesteoanceheyaecahr,ybeuart,tbhuetptuhbe pinudbuisntdryuhstarsyhhaads ihtsadfaiitrssfhaairreshare of knoofckknsoicnkrseicnenretcyeenatrsy.ears. DrinkinDgrinhkaibnigts hhaabvites chhaavnegecdh,anLgoetds,ofLootthseorfthoitnhgers tihminpgacstimpupbasctaspubs as and, wainthd,itw, itthhe imt, atkhe umpakoef uouprofwoeullr, swueclhl, assucohccauspaoticocnuaplatpioenna-l pen- pubs. Mpaunbys.hMavaenybeheanvleobsteeanlolnogstthaleongsitohnes.”sions.” way, while others are striving to find Pubs have always been at the way, while others are striving to find Pubs have always been at the a niche that makes them stand out heart of the community, and this has a niche that makes them stand out heart of the community, and this has from the crowd. been the case in places such as Ul- from the crowd. been the case in places such as Ul- But there are signs of a resurgence. combe and Stockbury, where vil- But thReerfeitasrecosisgtninsgofhaurnesdurregdesncoef. thcomu-belaagnedrsSctloucbkbbeudrtyo,gewtheerretovkiel-ep their Refits scaonsdtisnagrehbuenindgrecdasrrioefd tohuotuo-n sloamgeers clloucbablsedotpoegne.thTehretoTkreoespletyheHireritage sands apruebbse,inwghcialerritehdeoruetvonlustoiomneinlorecals oGpreonu.pTishheoTprinogslteoysaHveerTithageePlough, pubs, wanhdilecrathftearlesvioslualtsionheinlpirnega.l Groupwishhiocphinisgctlosseadv,ebTuhtehPalsoubgeehn, made and craftTahleesreis arlseomhealnpyinsgu. ccess stowrihesic,h aisnc“loasesedt, obfuctohmasmbueneintymvadluee”. Therbeuatrealmsoancyaustuioccneasrsysttoarleiess., Jaamne“sassetTohfecoSmwamnuiniLtyovoaseluies”a.nother pub but alsSooucttaaurt,iotnhaerysaltarleiesd. Jmamaneasger Tohfe SwwhainchinpLriodoesseiitssaenlfoothnebrepiunbg at the SouttarD, rtahkeessainlaMrieadidsmtoanneagtoerwnofcewnthreic,h hperaidrteosfitloseclaflopneobpelien.g at the DrakesadinmMitsatihdasttothneeintodwusntrcyeinstnreo,t sohmeaer-t of l“oTcahlips epoupbleh. as a strong commu- Chef Steph Hinton and manager James Souttar at Drakes admitstthhiantgthheeiwndouusltdryinisvensottisno.me- “Thisniptyubbohnads,”a lsatnrodnlagdcyoWmemnud-y LeaCthtef Steph Hinton and manager James Souttar at Drakes thing he wBuotuTldheinRvoeysatlinP.aper Mill, in Tnoivtyil,bosnadid,”. “laPnedoplaldeyfeWeletnhdeynLeeedatto keep But ThhaesRhoaydawl PhaaptelircMenislle,einTTruodvyil,Coslaliinds. “Ptheeopluebfeaelilvtehaenndeseodutosekiet.ep Vegan food ‘gives us an edge’ has haddweshcraitbleicseanssaee“Tdrirued”ysCpeollll.ins the pub a“liWveeapnudt soonufsoeoidt., events and aVsk egA VaEGnAN fkiotchoen dis he‘lpgingiDvraekess usevsen oar enightein tdhegchaein’and they describes“aWsea’r“edisrtea”yisnpgella.float,” she sa“idW. e cpuusttoomnefrosodw,heavtenthtseyanwdaanstk. A pAubVEGAinNMkiaticdhsetnonise htoewlpnincgenDtrraeksetsandseovuetn ohraevigehvtairniotuhsekcihtcahinenasn.d they “We’“reThsetaylainstg faivfleoamt,”onsthhes shaaidv.e bcueesntomsehrosuwldhabteththeey wlivainntg. Aropoumb of itnheMaidfsrtoomnethtoewcnrocwedn.tre stand out have vario“SutsekpihtchHeinst.on, the chef at the “The ldasirte.fivTeramdeosnmthesn hhaavveenb’etengotshthoueldcobme mthueniltiyv.inItg’s rthoeoimrs noofttyhoeurs,fwroem the Acrsoownde. of the oldest pubs in t“hSetepFhorHtifinytCoanf, éthweaschloeofkaintgtfhoer a new dire. Twraodrkesomretnhehmavoenne’ty,gaotlonthgewicnotmermujunsityr.uInt’sitt.h”eirs not yours, we As ontoewonf,thDeraokledsesits,pumbasninagtehre JaFmoretsify pCraefméiwseass, wloeowkienrge pfourtainnteowuch with means less money coming in.” The gloomy headlines are there work or the money, a long winter just run it.” town, DSorauktetasr issa, yms,aannagaeltrerJnaamtieves vepnreume isehse,rwaenwdeitr’espguotnien ftrooumchthweitrhe. Nationally, about 18 pubs a week for all to see, but Mrs Simmonds means less money coming in.” The gloomy headlines are there Souttartosamyas,naynofalttheornseateilvseewvehneuree. her and it“’Ws geo’vnee hfraodmptehoeprele. from as far are closing. There are various factors sees a brighter future. Nationally, about 18 pubs a week for all to see, but Mrs Simmonds to many o“Af tlhootseofeloseuwr hreegreu.lar custome“Wrse’avefiehldaadspSecotplalendfraonmd Paasrifsacrome to at play, but both the Campaign for “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it,” are closing. There are various factors sees a brighter future. “A lottreoaftotuhrerepguublaarscuastboimt eorfs a asfiaefeld atsrySctohtelafnododa.n”d Paris come to at playR, beaultAboleth(CthAeMCRaAm)paanigdnthfoerBriti“sIhf yoshuedaodnd’teuds.e“iIt,dyoonu’t’lbl eloliseeviet,”it’s pos- haven,” he said. “There has always James has been in the pub trade Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) sible to keep all of the pubs opterne,at the pub as a bit of a safe try the food.” Real Ale (CAMRA) and the British she added. “I don’t believe it’s pos- haven,”bheensaaind.a“lTtehrenreathivaes vailbweahysere aJnadmefsorh1a3s byeaerns,inantdhewpourkbedtraindceatering Beer anpdoinPtutbheAirsfsinocgieartsioant o(nBeBkPeAy) fascitbolre. tosokmeeephiasltloorifcathl epupbusbasreopneont,viable. that’s what people like. prior to that, so has seen the ups “About a third of the price of a “But I am positive about the bine-en an alternative vibe here and for 13 years, and worked in catering point their fingers at one key factor. some historical pubs are not viable. that’s wh“aWt epeaorpelealhikied.den gem, butptrhioart toanthdadto, wsonsh. as seen the ups “Abopuitntaisthniorwd toafx,thanedptrhiceeavoefrage pu“BbutdIuasmtryp. Nosaitivoenwabidoeu,tatbhiellionn- meals benefits us.” “If I had money to invest, I’m not pays about £130,000 tax a year,” a year are sold, and there are around“We are a hidden gem, but that and downs. pint is now tax, and the average pub dustry. Nationwide, a billion meals benefits uJsa.”mes has been manager at t“hIef I hsaudremitonweoyutlod ibneveisnt,tIh’mis ntroatde,” he pays aBbroiugitd£S1im30m,0o00ndtsa,xchaiefyexaerc,”utivaeyoeafr a5r0e,0s0o0ldb,eadnrdotohmerseianroeuaropuunbds. pub for almost three years, taking said. “But we’re doing ok here, we’re the BBPA told Downs Mail. “We want to encourage people toJames has been manager at the sure it would be in this trade,” he Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of 50,000 bedrooms in our pubs. over when it re-opened after an 18- turning a profit. “As a country, we pay around 40% drink anything – it doesn’t haveptuob for almost three years, taking said. “But we’re doing ok here, we’re the BBPA told Downs Mail. “We want to encourage people to month closure due to flooding. “The financial crash in 2008 has of the amount raised by tax on beer be alcoholic – in a safe environmoenvetr when it re-opened after an 18- turning a profit. “As a country, we pay around 40% drink anything – it doesn’t have to The vegan kitchen opened its changed drinking habits enor- in Europe, yet nationally we only like a pub. Pubs are unique in Britmishonthdcoloosrusrleadteuleastot yfleoaord, ginivgi.ng a new“dTi-hemfinoaunslcyi.al crash in 2008 has of the admrionuknatbroauiste1d2%byotfaxthoenpbroedeructb. e alcochuolltiucr–e.in a safe environment The vegan kitchen opened its changed drinking habits enor- in Europe, yet nationally we only like a pub. Pubs are unique in British mension to the pub and opening it “It’s definitely that rather than “Business rates are also costly. “We’ve lost about 8,000 in the pdaosot rs lautpetlaosat yweiadre,rgcivliienngtealen.ew di- mouslyt.he smoking ban – even the smok- drink about 12% of the product. culture. About 2.8% of the business rates in few years and I believe local authmore-nsion “tTohtehekiptcuhbeannids aopsenpianrgatiet ent“itIyt’s edresfisnaiytetlyhetyhaptrerafetrhethr ethpaunbs now “Bustihniessscoruantetrsyaarree aplasiod cboystplyu.bs, b“uWt e’ivtieelsohstaavbeoautro8,l0e0t0oinpltahye pinaskteepiunpgto atwoidtheer cpliuebn,t”ehlee. added. “Therethaeresmtohkaintgthbearne’–s neovesnmtohkeesinmtohke-m.” About t2h.8e%re’osfatrhoeubnudsi0n.5e%ss roaftethseinoutfpewut.yeathrsemandopIebne.l”ieve local author- “The kitchen is a separate entity ers say they prefer the pubs now this country are paid by pubs, but ities have a role to play in keeping to the pub,” he added. “There are that there’s no smoke in them.” there’s around 0.5% of the output. them oIpent.”’s all about the beer at The Jug It’DsRINaKINlGlhabaits bare odefiunitelty stochk thee quabntityeaned qrualitay otf hTobbyhthanea busJineuss. Hge couldn’t changing – and the rise in microp- real ale that we do. Over the week- find anywhere that sold the range DRINKuIbNsGis thaakbinitgs aadrveadnteafgineitoeflythat(.pictureendd),said: “Most pubs don’t hobbyotfhbaenearsbhuesliinkeesds.. WHe dconu’ltdo-pen as changingM–icarnodputhbesricsoemine minicraollp-shastpoecsk thewqeulaonotkittyoahnadveqbueatlwiteyeonf12na’nt dfinldonagnyaswthraerdeititohnaatl spouldbstdhoe, and I ubs is taankdinsgizaeds v–acnotnavgeertoefdthpautb.lic toirleeatsl,ale1t4hcaatswkseodno.thOevgeor t–hiet’ws leikeke-harvainge othfibnekerosuhre cliuksetdo.mWeresdaopnp’treciate Micrsohpoupbssancodmmeorienaarlelhsohmapeetso theenmd,. waebleoeorkfetsotihvavl evbeerytwdeaeyn. 12 open atshalot.nIgt aalssotrmadeiatniosnwalepcuabnsgo out and sizeTsh–ecfoirnstvoernteedoppeunbeldicintoHi-ernaendin14 c“aIstk’ss goonintgheregaolly– iwt’eslllihkeredaon,dandwhI ethninwke oshuur tcauts9topmme.”rs ap- lets, sh2o0p0s5,ananddmworitehaarelmhoosmt e50todohtatevdingwaebgeeetrafelostiovfalreeavlearlyedfaanys. frompraelcliate Wthaitth. oItuatlfsrouimt meaancshiwnescand juke- them. around the county, Kent is the u“nI-t’sogvoeirntghereaarlelya cwoemllehtoerveisaint dus.”go outbwohxesn, wmeicsrhouptuabts9aprme a.”ll about the The foirffsitcoianlehopmeeneodf tihneHmeircnreopinub.we get a Blouttoift riesanloatlealflaanbsofurot mthealbleer –Waithboeuetr. Iftr’us iat chmaancheitnoetsryalnocdal ones 2005, anTdhwe iMthaalllimngosJtu5g0 bdeoctatmede Woveesrt thgeoaordea wcoimnee tsoevleicstitiouns.”and ljouckaelboaxnesd, tmhiocsreopfruobms afurertahlelraabfoiueltd. aroundMthalelicnogu’snftiyr,sKt ent is the un- But ictiidsenrosthaelllpaboriuntgthine pbueenrte–ras, wtheilebeer.“IWt’es ahacvheanbceertsoftrroymloGcaolacher’s official howmhenofittohpeemneicdroitpsudbo.ors in Agporoidl bwoitntleedslealgeecrtisoanreaanlsdo olnocoaflfero. nes anind tMhoasidesftroonme faunrtdheKreanfitelBdr.ewery, The 2M01a7ll,ianngdJaugyebaercoanmiet isWsetisltl gcoiidnegrs heTlphebrinbgeainutpyunotefrs,thwehsiele pub“sW, ewhahvicehbieseinrsBfirrolimngG,”oSahchirelery’ssays. Mallinsgt’rsonfigrs,twmitihcraopwuibdewrhaenngeitofbaoltetsledthlaoguegrhs,alrieesalisnotohne opfefeorp.le behininMd aids“tBountewaendalsKoenhtavBereawseurpyp, lier so openedfriotsmdaololrosvienrAthpericlo2u0n17tr,yanodn offeTr.he thbeemau. ty of these pubs, which wiseincaBnirlginetg,b”eSehrsirlferyomsayasc.ross the a year oDn uityismstainllagoeringShsitrrloeyngE, vethreotutgh, Sliheisrlienytshaeidp:e“oWplheenbeDhainvdid [Ca“tB-utcwouenatlrsyo, fhraovme aallsmupapnlnier osof differ- with a(wpiicdteurreadn)gesaoidf :a“leMs ofrsotmpuablls dtohnem’t . terall] set up the pub, it was mowre acanengtebtrbeeweerrsiefsr.o”m across the over the country on offer. Shirley said: “When David [Cat- country, from all manner of differ- Duty manager Shirley Everett terall] set up the pub, it was more a ent breweries.” 18 Maidstone East June 2018 downsmail.co.uk Maidstone pubs | News Brewers ‘investing heavily in future’ SHEPHERD Neame brewery has been synonymous with the Kent beer scene for more than 300 years, but they too have had troubled times over the past few years. But the corner has been turned, and they are now look- ing to the future, and investing heavily in their pubs. A prime example of that is The Landlord David Davenport has seen many changes at The Flower Pot Market House, in Earl Street, Maidstone, which reopened at the end of April after a £900,000, three-month refit. We take pride in Pub manager Lou Davies said: “Not being from this area, I was- n’t too familiar with Shepherd Neame before I moved here. Manager Lou Davies our range of ales “But it’s great to be part of such a historic company and to “We also have plenty of YOU cannot take your eye off the on your toes. We are a proper beer see the investment they are put- healthy options too, so we’re all ball. pub and that’s what we pride our- ting into their pubs. excited for the future.” That is the view of the landlord selves on.” “The refit here is great, and Shepherd Neame remains a of one of the town’s most success- As well as the beer, the pub we’ve been able to work with family business at its core, and ful boozers, which stands out for serves food on weekday our area manager to make this chief executive Jonathan Neame its beer. lunchtimes and pizzas on Friday pub as good as can be.” hopes that refits like this one The Flower Pot, on Sandling evenings, and hosts live music, in- The pub was previously will benefit the company going Road, is a three-time Kent Pub of cluding an ever-popular jam night known as Earl’s and had a repu- forward. the Year. Landlords David and on Tuesdays. tation for being one of the “We own a large number of Julie Davenport moved in to the “It was started two years before town’s leading music venues. unique pubs in unique locations pub in May 2006, and have seen a we came here, and it’s still going That has been retained, and a with great character and interest- number of changes in their time. strong,” says David. “It’s the new menu runs alongside it. ing histories,” he said. “Through “There have been challenging longest-running one in Maidstone. “There are so many restaurants good times and bad, we continue times,” David said. “Drinking “We don’t get a lot of passing down this road, there’s little to invest in such outlets, whilst habits have changed and so have trade, we either have locals or peo- point us trying to compete with disposing of pubs that no longer the costs associated with running ple coming for the ale or the music. them,” she added. “Our menu fit our profile. the pub – our margins are tight and “The internet is a double-edged has a lot of tapas-style dishes, “This continuous investment then you have all the red tape, like sword – it helps promote the gigs, with flavours from all over the and ongoing search for ways to a waste certificate that costs us but one bad review can make a lot world. enhance our offer and to provide hundreds of pounds. of difference. We had a poor one on “We only have three main an authentic, high quality expe- “We were the first pub to really Google, so I contacted the person to dishes and they’re all £10 each, rience is one of the reasons why focus on real ale from around the ask why they’d given us a low and we also have a simple but our business has survived for so country, but we’re always chang- score, but they never got back to tasty brunch menu. long.” ing what we do and you have to be me.” Electronics and games ‘could play their part’ HYBRID pubs with more activities adapt are struggling,” he explains. that people come through the doors. Flight Club are both based in the and games could become more “Youngsters these days don’t nec- “Pubs are competing with super- city, but there is no reason why they prominent in the future. essarily want to go out drinking. The markets on drinks,” Mr Bedington won’t spread further. That’s the view of an industry ex- first drink at 18 isn’t quite the rite of said. “But they are also competing Mr Bedington added: “I think we pert, who points to the rise of bars passage it once was – a lot of with Netflix, cinemas and casual din- will see a rise in hybrid pubs, offer- such as Bounce and Flight Club in youngsters are tee-total and some ing. People want to have great food ing more activities. I think we’ll see London. who do drink are happy to pay pre- and great drinks. They want to have electronics and gaming playing a Ed Bedington, editor of The Morn- mium prices. It’s about making sure beers, wines and cocktails they can’t part too. I think these things can be ing Advertiser, the trusted fort- that cocktails look good and can be get at home and a great food offer a bit cyclical, and the next genera- nightly pub trade magazine with a posted on Instagram. that can’t be replicated with a su- tion may be into drinking again. circulation of 30,000, believes the “The days of going out on Friday permarket meal deal. “The Millennials seem to be re- marketplace is different from the and Saturday nights are not what “The smoking ban forced publi- belling against their parents, so per- one that he knew as a younger they used to be. cans to look at other avenues and haps the next generation will drink drinker, but insists that pubs can get “It’s about making sure they can many of them looked at food. It was as their parents may not have done through this. get things when they’re out that an opportunity to offer good food so much.” “The good pubs that are adapting they can’t get at home.” without having other people sitting The Morning Advertiser merged in to the current trends are the ones So it seems that drink prices are next to customers smoking.” Table recent years with The Publican which are thriving. Those who don’t not the biggest obstacle to ensuring tennis bar Bounce and darts venue newspaper. Maidstone East June 2018 19 News downsmail.co.uk Drivers stuck in tip queues EastEnders star to play MOTORISTS giving their homes and gardens in Maidstone a spring clean were left fuming on getting stuck in traffic at Tovil tip. Hazli’s big panto part One driver described the traffic chaos on the approach roads as “the worst I can remember in more SOAP star Richard Blackwood has been named as the star of this year’s than 30 years living in the area”. By midday on April 22, the queue pantomime at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone. was said to be back to the junction with Lower Road and Dean Street. Richard (45), who has an impres- production being staged close by at But with only 18 county council tips sive range of talents as an actor, co- another venue in Maidstone. in Kent and about 1.5m residents in median and rapper, will be A Hazlitt spokesman said: the county, KCC was hard pressed treading the boards in Maidstone “Richard is a bit of a coup for us and to respond with any good news. from December 1 to 31. judging by the reaction so far, it is A spokesman said a ghost island He plays the genie in Aladdin. going down very well. providing a dedicated right turn In 2015, he joined the cast of “He has been around for quite a lane into Burial Ground Road and EastEnders as the mysterious Vin- while, is a talented guy and has done the tip was introduced for queuing cent Hubbard, but recently an- a lot of different things in his career, traffic two years ago, which had nounced he was leaving the soap. so his following is quite wide. helped. However, he agreed, the Hazlitt general manager Martin “We’re very excited and we’ll have volume of traffic at Tovil was “ex- Cleverly said: “The Hazlitt The- other announcements to make as the tremely high”. atre’s 2018 programme is full of summer progresses. He added: “Increased housing bigger and better productions in “We’re hoping that this year’s development in the area has no comparison to years gone by, so it panto can build on the success of doubt contributed to the high vol- couldn't let things slip when it came Cinderella, which was very well re- ume of visitors. We believe the to the celebrity of its in-house pan- ceived.” amount of customers was also due tomime. Meanwhile, the Peter Andre show to the weather and the time of year. “Richard Blackwood will be a has sold out. “Unfortunately, KCC does not re- fantastic member of the cast and Talks are being held in an effort to ceive any funding from planning part of a production that promises EastEnders star Richard Blackwood arrange an additional date for the authorities to enable improvements to entertain, delight and wow the singer in Maidstone after tickets for Last year’s Cinderella production to the infrastructure.” visiting crowds.” his appearance in June sold out. – which starred TV chef and na- KCC is trialling extended open- The Hazlitt faced competition last The Hazlitt says consideration is tional favourite Rustie Lee – was ing hours until September. The tip Christmas from another panto being given to potentially putting on hailed a success, despite another will be open from 8am until 6.30pm being staged in the county town. another show in October. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The rest of the week it will continue to close at 4.30pm. Invicta Grammar Opening times on Sundays and bank holidays are 9am to 4pm. helps Samaritans INVICTA Grammar School has Give up a day chosen Maidstone Samaritans AGE UK Maidstone hopes people as its charity of the year and a will Give a Day in May to raise host of events are already money for its befriending service. planned. Students held a concert ear- Individuals or businesses are in- lier this month, showcasing vited to host a fundraising activity, their many musical talents to in a bid to raise the £20,000 needed raise money and awareness. by the charity to help more lonely, Julie Derrick, headteacher of elderly people in the borough. Invicta Grammar School said: Grab a fundraising pack from “I am so proud of our students Age UK’s office at 7 Mill Street, for taking the initiative to work Maidstone, call 01622 753618, email collaboratively to raise money [email protected] or go Members of the Country Way patchwork and stitchers group for something that they feel to www.ageuk.org.uk/ Maidstone passionate about.” Crafty ladies show off skills Working in local schools and Dogs’ day out colleges, Samaritans are teach- KENT Life stages its annual Family THE Country Way Patchwork and Stitchers’ group “sewed the seed” of in- ing young people how to man- Fun Dog Show on Sunday, June 24. terest in the art among visitors to an open day at their regular meeting age challenges in the future, The event features classes includ- place of Lenham Community Centre. seek support if they need it and ing: the waggiest tail; best six legs; A spokesman described the event, on May 8, as attracting “lots of new realise they are not alone. fancy dress; best child handler, dog faces, with the kettle kept busy and the cake much enjoyed.” Anyone can contact Samari- tans free anytime from any the judge would like to take home Visitors had the opportunity to see craft work being undertaken by phone on 116 123. and Kent Life’s champion dog. members and to view pieces of work, including quilts, bags, cushions and Alternatively they can email There is also a chance to take part decorations. The charity quilt, which is a shared project by members, took [email protected] or go to in the entertaining agility course centre stage, with visitors encouraged to help increase its size. www.samaritans.org/Maid- and browse the doggy-related stalls Several stitch work projects were handed out free of charge to encour- stone to find details of the between classes. Entry is £1 per age visitors to consider the pastime and joining the group. branch where you can talk to a class. Call 01622 763936 or go to Anyone interested in getting involved should call from Pamela Gillard volunteer in person. www.kentlife.org.uk. 01233 879507 or email [email protected]. 20 Maidstone East June 2018 News downsmail.co.uk Drivers stuck in tip queues EastEnders star to play MOTORISTS giving their homes FOR and gardens in Maidstone a spring * clean were left fuming on getting stuck in traffic at Tovil tip. Hazli’s big panto part One driver described the traffic chaos on the approach roads as “the worst I can remember in more SOAP star Richard Blackwood has been named as the star of this year’s than 30 years living in the area”. pantomime at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone. 50%* By midday on April 22, the queue was said to be back to the junction LESS with Lower Road and Dean Street. Richard (45), who has an impres- production being staged close by at Than ripping out and But with only 18 county council tips sive range of talents as an actor, co- another venue in Maidstone. in Kent and about 1.5m residents in median and rapper, will be A Hazlitt spokesman said: replacing your old the county, KCC was hard pressed treading the boards in Maidstone “Richard is a bit of a coup for us and kitchen to respond with any good news. from December 1 to 31. judging by the reaction so far, it is A spokesman said a ghost island He plays the genie in Aladdin. going down very well. Choose providing a dedicated right turn In 2015, he joined the cast of “He has been around for quite a lane into Burial Ground Road and EastEnders as the mysterious Vin- while, is a talented guy and has done from 100’s the tip was introduced for queuing cent Hubbard, but recently an- a lot of different things in his career, nounced he was leaving the soap. so his following is quite wide. of designs traffic two years ago, which had ecomade from helped. However, he agreed, the Hazlitt general manager Martin “We’re very excited and we’ll have 72% recycled & styles volume of traffic at Tovil was “ex- Cleverly said: “The Hazlitt The- other announcements to make as the glass tremely high”. atre’s 2018 programme is full of summer progresses. He added: “Increased housing bigger and better productions in “We’re hoping that this year’s development in the area has no comparison to years gone by, so it panto can build on the success of doubt contributed to the high vol- couldn't let things slip when it came Cinderella, which was very well re- ume of visitors. We believe the to the celebrity of its in-house pan- ceived.” amount of customers was also due tomime. Meanwhile, the Peter Andre show to the weather and the time of year. “Richard Blackwood will be a has sold out. “Unfortunately, KCC does not re- fantastic member of the cast and Talks are being held in an effort to ceive any funding from planning part of a production that promises EastEnders star Richard Blackwood arrange an additional date for the authorities to enable improvements to entertain, delight and wow the singer in Maidstone after tickets for Last year’s Cinderella production to the infrastructure.” visiting crowds.” his appearance in June sold out. – which starred TV chef and na- KCC is trialling extended open- The Hazlitt faced competition last The Hazlitt says consideration is tional favourite Rustie Lee – was ing hours until September. The tip Christmas from another panto being given to potentially putting on hailed a success, despite another will be open from 8am until 6.30pm being staged in the county town. another show in October. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The rest of the week it will continue to close at 4.30pm. Invicta Grammar Opening times on Sundays and bank holidays are 9am to 4pm. helps Samaritans BEFORE INVICTA Grammar School has formerly Give up a day chosen Maidstone Samaritans AGE UK Maidstone hopes people as its charity of the year and a will Give a Day in May to raise host of events are already money for its befriending service. planned. Industry Leading Lifetime Guarantee! Students held a concert ear- Individuals or businesses are in- lier this month, showcasing vited to host a fundraising activity, You keep your familiar working layout, saving their many musical talents to in a bid to raise the £20,000 needed raise money and awareness. on extensive rewiring, replumbing and by the charity to help more lonely, Julie Derrick, headteacher of elderly people in the borough. demolition, while TREND Transformations Also see our Invicta Grammar School said: Grab a fundraising pack from refaces your worktops, tiles and cabinets “I am so proud of our students extensive range Age UK’s office at 7 Mill Street, for taking the initiative to work with gorgeous new surfaces. Maidstone, call 01622 753618, email of replacement collaboratively to raise money [email protected] or go Members of the Country Way patchwork and stitchers group for something that they feel • High performance, low maintenance cabinet doors to www.ageuk.org.uk/ Maidstone d passionate about.” No demolition, less waste, less mess R ne • ur Working in local schools and o Crafty ladies show off skills gb M20 in Installed in as little as 1 day itt colleges, Samaritans are teach- P S Dogs’ day out • e Visit our Maidstone n Junction 7 ing young people how to man- en KENT Life stages its annual Family THE Country Way Patchwork and Stitchers’ group “sewed the seed” of in- Over 1 million installations worldwide d • en terest in the art among visitors to an open day at their regular meeting age challenges in the future, H Fun Dog Show on Sunday, June 24. ea Showroom today... seek support if they need it and We have our own in-house team of th place of Lenham Community Centre. • R The event features classes includ- d realise they are not alone. ȴWWHUVWe don’t use Sub-contractors Bearsted Rd A249 Open 9am - 5pm Mon to Fri. ing: the waggiest tail; best six legs; A spokesman described the event, on May 8, as attracting “lots of new NEWNHAM Anyone can contact Samari- fancy dress; best child handler, dog faces, with the kettle kept busy and the cake much enjoyed.” COURT 9am - 5.30pm Sat. 10.30am - 4.30pm Sun tans free anytime from any SHOPPING the judge would like to take home Visitors had the opportunity to see craft work being undertaken by Don’t just take our word for it... VILLAGE members and to view pieces of work, including quilts, bags, cushions and phone on 116 123. Notcutts Garden Centre, Newnham and Kent Life’s champion dog. A249 decorations. The charity quilt, which is a shared project by members, took Alternatively they can email There is also a chance to take part Trend’s Design Consultant really B Court Shopping Village, Bearsted Road, [email protected] or go to d ear R s centre stage, with visitors encouraged to help increase its size. “ MAIDSTONE te in the entertaining agility course opened my eyes to the possibilities. t d R Kent ME14 5LH www.samaritans.org/Maid- u d and browse the doggy-related stalls Several stitch work projects were handed out free of charge to encour- C Fantastic result. I would recommend w age visitors to consider the pastime and joining the group. stone to find details of the e between classes. Entry is £1 per N branch where you can talk to a Trend Transformations to anyone. class. Call 01622 763936 or go to Anyone interested in getting involved should call from Pamela Gillard volunteer in person. Juliet, Epsom ” Call 01622 469 541 visit trend-maidstone.co.uk www.kentlife.org.uk. 01233 879507 or email [email protected]. *50% is based on typical competitors’ quotes, where kitchens are demolished and replaced with new cabinets, rewiring, replumbing and retiling. Maidstone East June 2018 21 News | Sponsored page downsmail.co.uk Offenders work with council to tidy village BEARSTED has teamed up with a said: “KSS CRC’s service users are rehabilitation service to give of- making restoration to the commu- fenders the opportunity to carry nity under the Community Pay- out useful work in the parish as back scheme. part of their sentences. “Additional CP workers are The parish council has entered available at weekends and there is Market blow into a partnership with Kent, Sur- no charge to Bearsted Parish Coun- MAIDSTONE Borough Council has rey & Sussex Community Rehabil- cil. The workers will return every highlighted that additional licences itation Company (KSS CRC) on a week until all works are com- are required for traders to sell at number of environmental im- A recently-tidied grass bank pleted.” Market on the Green, a long and provement projects. A council spokesman added: “It costly process. The KSS CRC’s Community Pay- court can order an offender to do. is a very worthwhile scheme to be In order for Bearsted Parish Coun- back (CP) team began the work in In Bearsted, the projects include involved in as it allows users to cil to run the May market, it will early May. clearing weeds behind Smarts Cot- give something back to society and have to cordon off the area around A community order can be im- tages and Mallings Drive as well as the parish benefits at no extra cost the stalls and charge visitors a nom- posed for offences that are serious, clearing rocks and blocks at the top to the taxpayer.” inal entry fee (10p for adults) to but not so serious as to warrant a of Bell Lane. Do you know of a project that make this legal. All proceeds will be custodial sentence. It means the These are just the first of many could benefit from Community donated to Kent Wildlife Trust, punishment can be carried out in areas that will benefit from general Payback? Contact deputy@bearst- which has a stall regularly at the the community, instead of in tidying. edparishcouncil.gov.uk. For more market. prison. Councillor Geoff Bennett, who information on KSS CRC and Bearsted Parish Council will work A community order is made up of has been instrumental in getting Community Payback please visit with MBC and a new market man- one or more requirements that the this partnership up and running, http://ksscrc.co.uk/ ager in a bid to keep the event free for residents. Council mission Parish meeting NEWLY-elected chairman Michael THE annual parish meeting takes Bollom has put together the mis- place at Madginford Hall from sion statement and action plan for 7.30pm on May 30. 2018/19 with full agreement from Newly-elected chairman Michael the council. Bollom will report on the year and Bearsted Parish Council’s Mis- finish the evening with the Mynn sion Statement reads: “The parish Awards for community work. council is committed to maintain- Members of the public are wel- ing Bearsted parish and to improve come to attend and refreshments the quality of life for parishioners.” will be served afterwards. A list of key objectives appears under the Mission Statement on the council’s website. Dementia plan The action plan will lead the BEARSTED Parish Council is keen council in areas of development to make the parish “dementia- and commitments for 2018/19. This friendly” and will invite local busi- document can also be found on the nesses and residents to attend parish website. information sessions. These will take place at Madgin- ford Hall at 2.30pm on June 13 and Meet the PCSO King George V Memorial Hall at THE village’s new PCSO officer 2.30pm on June 25. To register, email Zoe Turner introduced herself to [email protected]. the parish council’s May meeting. uk, call the parish office or go to She hopes to run one-to-one sur- www.dementiafriends.org.uk. geries with residents in the library. Dates for these will follow. Bloom sponsors THE sponsor of the Bearsted in Return is filed Bloom competition is Notcutts gar- THE parish council submitted its den centre, not Barretts as incorrectly annual return on May 16. Results stated in the last edition of Downs from the external auditor PKF Lit- Mail. Barretts of Maidstone are spon- tlejohn will be published in the soring the Playscheme. coming weeks. This page is sponsored and edited by: Council Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted Telephone: 01622 630165 E-Mail: [email protected] Bearsted Parish Council Chair: Michael Bollom www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk Clerk Sarah Lewis 22 Maidstone East June 2018 News | Sponsored page downsmail.co.uk Offenders work with council to tidy village BEARSTED has teamed up with a said: “KSS CRC’s service users are rehabilitation service to give of- making restoration to the commu- fenders the opportunity to carry nity under the Community Pay- out useful work in the parish as back scheme. part of their sentences. “Additional CP workers are The parish council has entered available at weekends and there is Market blow into a partnership with Kent, Sur- no charge to Bearsted Parish Coun- MAIDSTONE Borough Council has rey & Sussex Community Rehabil- cil. The workers will return every highlighted that additional licences itation Company (KSS CRC) on a week until all works are com- are required for traders to sell at number of environmental im- A recently-tidied grass bank pleted.” Market on the Green, a long and provement projects. A council spokesman added: “It costly process. The KSS CRC’s Community Pay- court can order an offender to do. is a very worthwhile scheme to be In order for Bearsted Parish Coun- back (CP) team began the work in In Bearsted, the projects include involved in as it allows users to cil to run the May market, it will early May. clearing weeds behind Smarts Cot- give something back to society and New bar and brasserie is have to cordon off the area around A community order can be im- tages and Mallings Drive as well as the parish benefits at no extra cost the stalls and charge visitors a nom- posed for offences that are serious, clearing rocks and blocks at the top to the taxpayer.” inal entry fee (10p for adults) to but not so serious as to warrant a of Bell Lane. Do you know of a project that make this legal. All proceeds will be custodial sentence. It means the These are just the first of many could benefit from Community heart and soul of the Great Danes donated to Kent Wildlife Trust, punishment can be carried out in areas that will benefit from general Payback? Contact deputy@bearst- which has a stall regularly at the the community, instead of in tidying. edparishcouncil.gov.uk. For more market. prison. Councillor Geoff Bennett, who information on KSS CRC and The scenic Kent countryside retreat, the Mercure Hotel Dominic Di Cara said: “We are delighted Bearsted Parish Council will work A community order is made up of has been instrumental in getting Community Payback please visit with MBC and a new market man- one or more requirements that the this partnership up and running, http://ksscrc.co.uk/ Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, has undergone with the recent refurbishment and feel that the ager in a bid to keep the event free an exciting refurbishment of the Bar & Brasserie, locally inspired design really captures the heart for residents. Council mission revealing a locally inspired new look. The and soul of the hotel and local community. I am contemporary new design pays homage to Kent’s delighted to welcome back residents and guests Parish meeting NEWLY-elected chairman Michael THE annual parish meeting takes Bollom has put together the mis- rich cultural and historical heritage as well as to the new and improved Great Danes Bar & place at Madginford Hall from sion statement and action plan for honouring famous guests of the past including Brasserie for a truly special dining experience.” 7.30pm on May 30. 2018/19 with full agreement from The Beatles. Newly-elected chairman Michael the council. Bollom will report on the year and Bearsted Parish Council’s Mis- The Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, finish the evening with the Mynn sion Statement reads: “The parish In particular, some of the locally inspired design situated at the edge of the village of Awards for community work. council is committed to maintain- features include new panels showcasing local Hollingbourne and stands on land surrounded by Members of the public are wel- ing Bearsted parish and to improve come to attend and refreshments the quality of life for parishioners.” vineyards and distilleries as well as vintage black and the Leeds castle estate, offers 126 modern will be served afterwards. A list of key objectives appears white photographs of Kent’s agricultural history. bedrooms, 14 meeting and event rooms for 2 to under the Mission Statement on 600 guests. Other facilities include tennis, a the council’s website. Dementia plan The action plan will lead the Commenting on the refurbishment, General health club, gym and swimming pool in one of BEARSTED Parish Council is keen council in areas of development Manager of the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes the finest spa hotels Kent has to offer. to make the parish “dementia- and commitments for 2018/19. This friendly” and will invite local busi- document can also be found on the nesses and residents to attend parish website. CALL TO BOOK A TABLE. VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR information sessions. Forthcoming events FORTHCOMING EVENTS These will take place at Madgin- Meet the PCSO ford Hall at 2.30pm on June 13 and www.mercuremaidstone.co.uk King George V Memorial Hall at THE village’s new PCSO officer Saturday 9th June Sunday 29th July 2.30pm on June 25. To register, email Zoe Turner introduced herself to Only fools & 3 Courses ‘Sense and Sensibility’ Tel; 0844 8159045 the parish council’s May meeting. [email protected]. comedy dining Open-Air theatre production Hollingbourne, Nr Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RE She hopes to run one-to-one sur- uk, call the parish office or go to Tickets £38.95 per person Tickets £16.00 per person [email protected] www.dementiafriends.org.uk. geries with residents in the library. Dates for these will follow. Bloom sponsors Return is filed THE sponsor of the Bearsted in £10 off your food bill Sunday Lunch 2 Dine for £29 Bloom competition is Notcutts gar- THE parish council submitted its den centre, not Barretts as incorrectly annual return on May 16. Results This voucher entitles you to £10 off your food bill This voucher entitles you to 2 courses from our from the external auditor PKF Lit- stated in the last edition of Downs when two main courses are purchased in our newly Sunday Lunch set menu in our newly refurbished tlejohn will be published in the Mail. Barretts of Maidstone are spon- refurbished Great Danes Brasserie Great Danes Brasserie soring the Playscheme. coming weeks. Council Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted Terms and Conditions Terms and Conditions This page is sponsored and edited by: Not available for Sunday Lunch. One voucher per table. Not to be used in the bar. Table must be booked in advance. Includes a 2 course meal (main course and either a Telephone: 01622 630165 Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or packages. Subject to availability. starter or dessert). Maximum of one voucher per reservation. Voucher to be given to Management reserve the right to remove this offer at any time. your waiter on arrival. No photocopies accepted. Cash value 0.00001p. E-Mail: [email protected] Valid until 30th June 2018 Voucher valid until 30th June 2018 Bearsted Parish Council Chair: Michael Bollom www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk Clerk Sarah Lewis Maidstone East June 2018 23 Saturday 30th June Bearsted & Thurnham Carnival & Fayre 2018 BEARSTED and Thurnham to attend will be the carnival tables, among many others! Scouts BBQ and from the Carnival and Fayre celebrates 40 procession, which leaves Harrietsham School is also Guides Tea and Cake tent. years on the seasonal calendar. Madginford Community Hall at loaning its maypole so that Mick’s “hot Licks” will be Returning to The Green on 12.15pm; a grand draw; fancy Thurnham Infant School pupils providing the musical Saturday, June 30, from 1pm, it dress competition; and – for the can perform the traditional May entertainment, with classic 50s takes the last 40 years of first time – the Great Bearsted dance at 2.45pm. and 60s hits. celebration as its theme. and Thurnham Bake Off, which Maidstone Rock Choir will be All that you need do, is turn The village event has become a invites entries for the best performing from 1.45pm to out and enjoy the day. well-loved feature of communi- Victoria sandwich and cupcakes. 2pm; the Holy Cross Puppets CCTV & ALARM ty life, raising thousands of The event, as always, fosters from 2.30pm-2.45pm and the PROCESSION ROUTE SPECIALISTS pounds for good causes. community spirit, with those Downs Mail is again sponsor- This year’s main beneficiary will judging this year’s new bake ing the carnival princess award. The parade leaves Madginford be Girlguiding Bearsted, which event coming from the On the Green there will be Community Hall at 12.15pm and has supported the Fayre since it Cavendish Café, Annabelle Jane over 100 stalls, arena events travels via Egremont Road, Contact us now for your became an annual event after its Cake School and the Tudor and competitions, the popular Madginford Road, Royston FREE consulation: initial entry on the events’ Park Marriot Hotel. Others Family Fun Zone, offering lots Road, Rosemary Road, Ashford 0800 281 249 calendar in 1977 to celebrate the lending their support include to do for children of all ages, Road, The Landway, Hog Hill Queen’s Silver Jubilee. the parish council; cricket club; and the Activity area, with and The Street, arriving at the [email protected] Green at 1.15pm. Please keep the www.brooksecurity.com The guiding movement will be Philip Hill, for his procession of games from the Tennis club, using the funds to refurbish its cars; The Scouts for the use of Korfball and many more. procession route clear during the headquarters on Church Landway. their marquee and The Food and Drinks will be parade. Road closures will be in Providing all the usual reasons Memorial Hall for the loan of available, including the famous place for the procession. IN BEARSTED Annabelle Jane Cake School, have created an amazing selection of cake baking and decorating courses. For everyone from complete beginners to professional diploma level. Visit our website for online tutorials on baking the perfect 'Cupcakes and sponge cakes' We have a fully stocked shop with a large range of baking supplies. See our website for a map and directions 01622 739542 The Old Forge, www.cake-school.uk Bearsted ME14 4DT 24 Maidstone East June 2018 our 1st Anniver ing sary rat in eb J el un C e Saturday 30th June Bearsted & Thurnham Carnival & Fayre 2018 BEARSTED and Thurnham to attend will be the carnival tables, among many others! Scouts BBQ and from the Carnival and Fayre celebrates 40 procession, which leaves Harrietsham School is also Guides Tea and Cake tent. years on the seasonal calendar. Madginford Community Hall at loaning its maypole so that Mick’s “hot Licks” will be Returning to The Green on 12.15pm; a grand draw; fancy Thurnham Infant School pupils providing the musical Saturday, June 30, from 1pm, it dress competition; and – for the can perform the traditional May entertainment, with classic 50s takes the last 40 years of first time – the Great Bearsted dance at 2.45pm. and 60s hits. celebration as its theme. and Thurnham Bake Off, which Maidstone Rock Choir will be All that you need do, is turn The village event has become a invites entries for the best performing from 1.45pm to out and enjoy the day. well-loved feature of communi- Victoria sandwich and cupcakes. 2pm; the Holy Cross Puppets We cater for the many: ty life, raising thousands of The event, as always, fosters from 2.30pm-2.45pm and the PROCESSION ROUTE pounds for good causes. community spirit, with those Downs Mail is again sponsor- � Afternoon Teas � Light Lunches � Jacket Potatoes This year’s main beneficiary will judging this year’s new bake ing the carnival princess award. The parade leaves Madginford � All Day Breakfast � Homemade Soup � Delicious Cakes be Girlguiding Bearsted, which event coming from the On the Green there will be Community Hall at 12.15pm and � Children’s Parties � Private Functions � Disabled Access travels via Egremont Road, has supported the Fayre since it Cavendish Café, Annabelle Jane over 100 stalls, arena events Dietary requirements catered for became an annual event after its Cake School and the Tudor and competitions, the popular Madginford Road, Royston initial entry on the events’ Park Marriot Hotel. Others Family Fun Zone, offering lots Road, Rosemary Road, Ashford Find us at;- calendar in 1977 to celebrate the lending their support include to do for children of all ages, Road, The Landway, Hog Hill 8 Cavendish Way, Bearsted, Maidstone Kent ME15 8PW Queen’s Silver Jubilee. the parish council; cricket club; and the Activity area, with and The Street, arriving at the The guiding movement will be Philip Hill, for his procession of games from the Tennis club, Green at 1.15pm. Please keep the using the funds to refurbish its cars; The Scouts for the use of Korfball and many more. procession route clear during the Call us today: 01622 737 114 headquarters on Church Landway. their marquee and The Food and Drinks will be parade. Road closures will be in Providing all the usual reasons Memorial Hall for the loan of available, including the famous place for the procession. Cavendish Tea Rooms Cavendish_tea_rooms the bell inn Ware Street, bearsted, ME14 4PA Bearsted New Summer Menu To view online www.bearstedbell.co.uk/food Enjoy the summer outdoors in Bearsted’s premiere Pub garden, bring your own folding chair and get comfortable for an afternoon of music and entertainment. Summer Events Sunday 17th June – Father’s day Festival Sunday 1st July – Festicool music Festival 15th July – Starks family big day out 29th July – here comes the girls We promise to give you a great day out for the family, always real Ales, Cider, Prosecco, great food, maybe face painting as well… All Free to Enter !!!!! More events scheduled • Sunny beer garden with covered seating area. • Outside dining area serving stone baked pizzas and Westlers Hotdogs. • Full menu served daily in our restaurant. 01622 427917 www.bearstedbell.co.uk Maidstone East June 2018 25 News downsmail.co.uk Dogs sniff out illicit trading Army’s absence is ‘no A STASH of more than £18,000 worth of illicit cigarettes has been seized from a convenience store in Maidstone. reason’ to halt parade Trading Standards officers used sniffer dogs to find cigarettes and ONE of the town’s former mayors, hand-rolling tobacco hidden be- Mike Fitzgerald, has spoken of hind a false wall, concealed under his “dismay” at the cancellation of the shop counter and in the chiller this year’s civic parade. cabinet. The formal installation of the The outgoing The raid, carried out at the store new holder of the mayoral chain mayor of in Upper Stone Street on March 29, and chairman of the borough coun- Maidstone, was part of a larger operation, in- cil, Cllr David Naghi, has been can- Malcolm cluding premises in Sittingbourne celled. Maidstone Borough Council Greer, and Tunbridge Wells, and sup- claims the cancellation has been pictured at a ported by Kent Police. due to the Army, which forms a town hall A total of 22,220 illicit cigarettes large part of the event, being de- were seized from the store in Maid- ployed overseas on the date in May. function stone, along with 405 pouches of il- The parade – which some claim why disappoint the crowds of peo- to celebrate what Maidstone has to licit hand-rolling tobacco. dates back to 1548 – draws hun- ple who turn out because the 36th offer.” Illicit tobacco includes items that dreds of people into the county regiment is unavailable? This has This year’s outgoing mayor is have been smuggled, without duty town each year. been the case in the past, but it is Malcolm Greer, to whom Cllr paid; counterfeit tobacco, made to In a letter to Downs Mail, Mr not a reason to cancel. Naghi has been deputy. Tradition appear like legitimate goods; and Fitzgerald wrote: “I wish to ex- “Maidstone has squandered a in Maidstone dictates that the “illicit whites”, which are manu- press my dismay at how a decision golden opportunity to bring the deputy steps up to take the chain. factured legitimately in one coun- to cancel the civic parade appears community together at a time of The coming year’s deputy will be try, but smuggled and sold in to have happened without council- austerity, tough retail trading con- the respected Conservative, Cllr another without duties being paid. lors being aware, we elect our ditions and charities struggling to Marion Ring. Clive Phillips, of KCC Trading members to run the council. find core funding – an opportunity When Downs Mail broke the Standards, said: “This is a fantastic “The civic parade has been heav- to involve and value all our diverse story, Cllr Ring wondered why the result for Maidstone as the sale of ily promoted over the last few cultures, youth groups, schools absence of the Army should make illicit tobacco undermines local le- years and moved to a Saturday to and local organisations, together any difference to the staging of the gitimate businesses.” attract even greater numbers, so expressing solidarity and support civic parade. DISCOUNT FINALISTS IN KENT INDEPENDENT RESTAURANT AWARD on all takeaway food AND FINALISTS IN HOUSE OF COMMONS TIFFIN CUP We cater for party bookings with seating up to 100 people. We have up to 80 free car parking spaces available at Air conditioned and spacious. the rear of the restaurant. Open 7 Days A Week Special Banqueting 12 noon to 2:30pm & 6pm - Midnight Nights (inc. Bank Holidays) Book Now On Every Thursday 01622 763360 or 01622 763700 Special Starter, Main Meal, Side Dishes, Rice & Naan 14, London Road, Maidstone, ME15 8QL (except King Prawn dishes) www.mughaldynasty.com £12.95 per person Now Taking Bookings for Mother's Day 26 Maidstone East June 2018 News downsmail.co.uk Pupils come face to face with life in the country YOUNG students from schools across Maidstone found out about Drug factory farming and where their food CCTV images have been re- comes from at the Living Land leased of three men that police event at Detling. believe can help them with their Pupils from Archbishop Courte- investigations into a Maidstone nay Primary School; St Helen’s cannabis factory. Montessori School, East Farleigh; Over 140 cannabis plants and West Borough Primary School and equipment were seized at an ad- Madginford Primary School were dress in Bank Street on Decem- among 2,824 children from 48 ber 28. Since then, investigations schools to support this year’s event. have been ongoing to establish Children were able to learn about who was running the factory. local produce by making apple juice Now CCTV images of three and butter and try milking a cow. men have been released. If you They also met lambs, goats, chicks have any information, call Kent Police on 01622 604100, reference and horses. Displays of vintage and Children from St Helen’s Montessori School at the Living Land exhibition modern tractors showed how much YY/76/18, or Kent Crimestoppers farming has changed over the years. asked if they could go again the next year. A spokesman said: “Most of anonymously on 0800 555 111. Teachers from West Borough day!” the activities are interactive, with a School in Maidstone described the The Living Land event is held an- wealth of organisations on hand to event as “well-organised, with every nually at the Kent Showground and share their knowledge with the chil- child returning to class having learnt is free to all schools in Kent. dren and can easily be linked to the something new”. It aims to educate schoolchildren school curriculum. The head at St Helen’s Montessori in years three and four about farm- “The educational experience is in- School, Jeannelle Dening-Smither- ing, agriculture, the countryside and valuable and taking pupils away man, said “The children all thor- healthy eating. from the normal classroom environ- oughly enjoyed the experience and Living Land is now in its 15th ment enhances the ability to learn.” CHECK OUT OUR GREAT PRICES Family Business Fully Refurbished Convenient Location DUVET CLEANING IRONING OFFER £5 OFF • Dry Cleaning Available ONLY £10 2 SYNTHETIC DUVETS • Service Washes Available FOR 20 ITEMS (On mention or production of (Any size, washed and dried) • Repairs and Alterations this advertisement. Until end of June. Excludes bed linen) Are you a local nursery, hairdressers, restaurant or small business? We now offer a commercial washing / laundry service. Call for further details. ROSEACRE LAUNDERETTE 140c Ashford Rd, Bearsted ME14 4NA (Behind Marino’s Fish Bar) 01622 296869 Maidstone East June 2018 27 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Boxley Parish Mail CHAIRMAN: Bob Hinder CLERK: Pauline Bowdery ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, Walderslade, ME5 9RU Tel: 01634 861237 email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website Another busy year in the parish Another year has flown by, and in my last annual report I couldn’t imagine it getting any busier for the parish, but it promptly did, and shows no signs of abating in the near future. The Planning and the Environ- The parish council was unsuc- worked extremely hard to ensure with grants, ranging from hundreds ment Committee, chaired by cessful, due to safety issues, in get- that the project is a success, with no to thousands of pounds. Wendy Hinder, has again under- ting an improved pedestrian increase in the precept. It will use The committee plays a vital role taken sterling work to represent the crossing at Grovewood Drive £90,000 of council reserves and for in ensuring that the parish council parish council, local communities North, but has paid for pedestrian the first time ever, the parish coun- works in an open and accountable and residents. crossing signs to be erected by KCC. cil has applied for a Public Works way and that by the use of policies The parish council made strong The Estates Committee, ably Loan of £90,000 which will be re- and procedures, residents can, by representations concerning the pro- chaired by Vic Davies, has also been paid from the hall hire fees. This accessing the website and attending posed school at New Cut Road and extremely busy on the planned im- time next year I hope to be report- meetings, see this for themselves. will continue to do so at the public provements for Beechen Hall, look- ing the successful completion of the It is this professional approach inquiry. The important issue for all ing after Dove Hill Allotments, the work. which has enabled the parish coun- the residents is the traffic and park- burial ground and Weavering Dia- This year, after 20 years of service, cil to manage its reserves and is now ing that will be generated, and the mond Jubilee Orchard. one of our caretakers Maggie left able to release money without in- parish council will ensure that the This coming year it will take on and it is right to acknowledge her creasing the precept, which is still need for Road Traffic Orders to stop responsibility for Franklin Drive long service and the hard work of one of the lowest in Maidstone. commuter and school parking is Open Space and it would be remiss the Beechen Hall staff who keep it Without the diligence and hard made totally clear. of me not to acknowledge the work in excellent condition and who are work of councillors this parish The parish council objected to two of Borough Councillor Wendy Hin- also representatives of the parish council would not be able to oper- additional houses on the edge of der and the large donation received council when they meet hirers of the ate. Not all battles are won but resi- Boxley village and this has also from Gallaghers, which has paid for hall. dents appear to appreciate the fact gone to appeal. I must acknowledge additional play equipment. Our third committee, Finance & that not only are their concerns and and thank all parish councillors Beechen Hall Extension Work- General Purposes, under the views taken on board but where who undertake additional work by ing Group, Vic Davies, Lynn watchful eye of its chairman Ivor possible the parish council tries to attending public appeals or helping Clarke, Ivor Davies, Paul Dengate, Davies, has ensured that the parish get action to alleviate any issues. residents to make their views Kaz Macklin, Pat Sullivan, Pauline council works prudently and that it Bob Hinder known at the right time. Bowdery and Melanie Fooks, have also supports local organisations Chairman Boxley Parish Council New woods Your privacy THIS year Walderslade community Thanks to all our volunteers THE arrival of the General Data might finally get a properly-fi- BOXLEY Parish is large and has many The parish council also welcomes Protection Regulations has put the nanced community woodland, but halls, beautiful areas and habitats a new group, Friends of Weavering parish council in a bit of a spin. there is also the threat of more de- which all need maintenance. Heath and Woodlands, to this list. It has resulted in an enormous in- velopment just beyond the parish For many years volunteers have Individuals often contribute to the crease of work and a complete re- boundary, so your parish council given up time, money and effort to wellness of our parish and communi- view of all the systems. The majority will remain vigilant. keep these facilities and areas open ties by litter picking, reporting pot- of the work has fallen on staff, with We will also keep pushing for im- and safe for visitors. This is not with- holes, litter and flytipping and these councillors offering help and views. out problems, especially in the North are important contributions. provements to the M2 junction 3 After years of building up com- Ward with off-road bikers, and, of Special thanks go to our clerk and A229 highway infrastructure. It munity alert e-mail lists, there had course, with the financial situation Pauline, who arms herself with sacks has involved the four MPs and and the cut in services. and a litter-picker to keep Walder- been a worry that residents might hopes to keep pressure on High- The pool of volunteers also seems slade Woods Road free of litter. choose not to opt in, but I am de- ways England and KCC. to be getting smaller, so I am ap- Numerous other groups including lighted to say that most residents see pealing for more volunteers. the Scouts, Brownies, PTAs, commu- the value of this system. Hello, goodbye The parish council financially sup- nity groups etc add to the rich tap- The new laws build on what we WITH elections and changes in per- ports many of these organisations as estry that is a community and it already do to give your personal in- sonal circumstances there is always it recognises that without all the vol- gives me much pleasure to be able formation the respect it deserves. some turnover and in January we unteered hours, our parish and com- to thank everyone for their hard welcomed Ann Brindle as a parish munities would be a poorer place. work. Office thanks councillor. Thanks go to: We have a very dedicated coun- MY thanks and that of the council- We say goodbye to Maureen Vinters Valley Nature Reserve cillor in our midst who, in all winds lors go to the office staff Pauline Walderslade Woodlands Group Waller and Pat Brooks, who each and weather has delivered monthly Bowdery, Melanie Fooks and Angie Friends of Boxley Warren a copy of the Downs Mail to many served for over 25 years. They will Candy, who ensure that we all meet Sandling Village Social Hall residents in Walderslade. My sin- be missed. Borough Cllr Derek But- on the same day, have the relevant Weavering Street Hall cere thanks go to Ivor Davies for ler decided not to stand in the elec- Grove Green Hall carrying out this task. paperwork to read and that resi- tion. His service is acknowledged. dents’ questions are answered. 28 Maidstone East June 2018 PLANT & EQUIPMENT HIRE Homes & Diggers/Dumpers & Rollers Towers & Ladders Lighting & Heating Breakers & Wackers Mixers & Sanders Gardens Powered Access & Cherry Pickers All other building tools & equipment HYDRAULIC including garden & HOSES landscaping equipment 01580 891234 FLO Lodge Road, Staplehurst GAS www.acornhire.com Mon - Fri 7.30am - 5.00pm & Sat 7.30 - 1.00pm Find your Downs Mail 80,475 KM 11,024* favourite For a biggertradesperson catch in Maidstone online and Malling Kent Messenger - Weekly paidBusiness for circulation Directory Downs Mail - Monthly free distribution www.downsmail.co.uk *Source ABC January to December 2017. Average copies per issue. 01622 630330 J.L.B Annual Gutter Property Maintenance Cleaning Service [email protected] Prices Start From As Little As £20 BEFORE AFTER Gutters & Fascia Cleaned To A High Standard Inside & Out All Repairs T Broken Brackets Undertaken..... 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Richard Foster joined SECAmb It had been hoped that Mr Foster In 2017, 76.4% of West Kent CCG Upholstery and Furnishings Web Design in April last year, but has left his would provide much-needed sta- patients were seen within that time- Home & Garden Refurbishment role after being advised he will bility to the Trust, but that has un- line, falling from 78% in 2016. need to undergo major surgery in fortunately proven not to be the In total, 1,226 cancer patients in BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS EXPANDBuilders of Pizza YOUR ovens, decking BUSINESS and Patio's. the near future. case. west Kent were referred to hospital • 3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired A statement said: “This, com- He said: “I am tendering my res- urgently, but 280 were not seen John• Childs 3 piece & Associates suites individually Ltd focus on building made excellence to order for all of • GoogleDesign Marketing service / Search available. Engine Promotion bined with the ongoing demands ignation with deep regret. It has within 62 days. • 100’s of fabrics to choose from • DIY supplies of his other commitments, means been a difficult decision but I feel it our clients by delivering the highest quality project at a reasonable • Collection & delivery • Antique restoration • Web Site Design • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting that he feels he is unable to devote is the right decision for myself and Bright future cost in the shortest amount of time. the time that is necessary to the for the Trust at this time.” • Email • Web Site Maintenance THE life expectancy at birth in Trust during its continuing period Deputy chairman Graham Col- Since(01622) 1975, we have established 863069 a strong bond of trust with our Maidstone is above the county av- of improvement.” bert will take on the role until the clients and the communities in which we build. The projects that we erage. [email protected] Mr Foster, a former chief execu- Council of Governors have fol- undertake range from simple, single storey extensions to new homes. Children born in the county town Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone tive of the Crown Prosecution lowed due process and decided on can expect to live to an average of 01622 812868 Service, replaced Sir Peter Dixon. future arrangements. 82.85 years, with the county aver- Sir Peter had been the interim SECAmb Chief Executive Daren age sitting at 81.7. WWW.WasteJOHNC ServicesHILDS.COM chairman of the Trust for 12 Mochrie said: “On behalf of the It can vary by ward too, with months, replacing Tony Thorne Trust, I would like to thank Detling and Thurnham having a who resigned after a controversial Richard for his contribution during rate of 89.5 – the highest in West D. BODY LTD pilot scheme which ended up de- the past 12 months and wish him Kent – compared to the lowest of 01622 880840 laying ambulances for up to 20,000 well, both for his forthcoming sur- Waste Collection Richard Foster 76.5 in Bridge Ward. patients. gery and for the future.” Cesspool Emptying Window Services GF foods cut Septic Tanks Drain Clearing GPs in Maidstone and the rest of New role for Baby app is in line for award Sludge Removal MB WINDOW CLEANING West Kent are being recommended • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning not to prescribe gluten-free prod- Treatment Plants • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service chief exec ucts in the future. Gulleys & Forecourts THE long-serving chief execu- 0162207930 863502 147282 07950 211 507 It is part of the drive to reduce the High Pressure Jetting tive of Maidstone and Tunbridge money the NHS spends on “unnec- www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected] Wells NHS Trust has moved on essary” prescriptions, with these Domestic & Commercial to one of the top positions in the products being available in stores. www.collins-windows.com county. ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS Glenn Douglas (pictured), 01622 631688 24Hr - 7 Days A Week GREAT SAVINGS ON WINDOWS, who succeeded Service delay Prompt & Friendly Service the controversial MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells AAA D.BODY www.dbody.co.uk The Paddock, Detiling Hill, Maidstone, Kent DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES Rose Gibb at the NHS Trust has set up a team to in- Trust, has now vestigate improvements in its serv- been appointed ice to patients needing to cancel or Water Services accountable offi- change a hospital appointment. cer for the eight Patients have been complaining GP-led budget- of long delays, which can lead to holding Clinical Commissioning seemingly missed appointments in Julia (right) with Jinny Robinson-Bright and her daughter Betsy-Rose Groups in the county. hospital departments. 01233 840624 This includes West Kent, Ash- MAIDSTONE midwives and mums are making the most of an app that [email protected] ford, Canterbury and Coastal, addresses the modern-day issue of sedentary children. Dartford, Gravesham and Swan- It’s the work of health visitor Julia Haynes, whose idea is through to On the streets ley, Swale and Medway. the finals of this year’s RCNi Nurse Awards. MAIDSTONE has the highest level of He maintains his role as the Her Born to Move NHS app has advice, tips and games to support chil- homelessness in West Kent. chief executive of the Kent and dren’s mental and physical development, in her response to serious con- A study has shown that there are The largest independently owned Medway Sustainability and cerns that a growing number of Kent children were not developmentally 2.4 homeless people for every 1,000. Transformation Partnership, ready by school age. This compares to Tonbridge & liquid waste management which considers the future of As well as securing funding to launch the app, Julia’s work also Malling and Sevenoaks, who have the NHS and social services. prompted workshops across 12 Kent districts, training over 3,000 mem- lowest in the area, with 0.5 per 1,000. company in the UK Ian Ayres, the former account- bers of staff, as well as parents, about the importance of getting babies able officer for West Kent, is now and toddlers moving. managing director of Medway, Her work has already garnered impressive results, with a county-wide Jabs campaign G North and West Kent CCGs, audit showing a vast improvement in babies crawling in their first year – A DRIVE is on to increase the up- Blocked drain clearance while Dr Bob Bowes has been re- up from 30% to 94% since the implementation of Born to Move. take of child immunisations across appointed chairman of West Kent. The uptake in Maidstone and The awards, which recognise nurses who go above and beyond and G Kent CCG for a third term of transform nursing practice for the better, will be presented on July 4 at surrounding areas is low, so letters CCTV drain & sewer surveys three years. the Park Plaza in London. are being sent to parents in a bid to increase it. G Drain & sewer cleaning 30 Maidstone East June 2018 Maidstone East June 2018 31 G Cesspool & septic tank services Health & Beauty G Tankering including ADR (hazchem) FOOTCARE MOBILE G Pollution & flooding solutions HAIRDRESSER Fully qualified and 30 years Experience G HCPC registered Waste disposal & recycling 07961 746749 Podiatrist/Chiropodist providing home visits for clients Follow us on www.mtscleansing.co.uk 0800 246 5363 42 Maidstone Weald October 2017 Call for the Classified downsmail.co.uk Upholstery and Furnishings Home & GardenWeb Design Refurbishment BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS EXPANDBuilders of Pizza YOUR ovens, decking BUSINESS and Patio's. • 3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired John• Childs 3 piece & Associates suites individually Ltd focus on building made excellence to order for all of • GoogleDesign Marketing service / Search available. 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BODY LTD 01622 880840 Waste Collection Cesspool Emptying Window Services Septic Tanks Drain Clearing Sludge Removal MB WINDOW CLEANING • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning Treatment Plants • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service Gulleys & Forecourts 0162207930 863502 147282 07950 211 507 High Pressure Jetting www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected] Domestic & Commercial ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS www.collins-windows.com 01622 631688 24Hr - 7 Days A Week GREAT SAVINGS ON WINDOWS, Prompt & Friendly Service AAA D.BODY www.dbody.co.uk The Paddock, Detiling Hill, Maidstone, Kent DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES Water Services 01233 840624 [email protected] The largest independently owned liquid waste management company in the UK G Blocked drain clearance G CCTV drain & sewer surveys G Drain & sewer cleaning Maidstone East JuneJune 20182018 3131 G Cesspool & septic tank services Health & Beauty G Tankering including ADR (hazchem) FOOTCARE MOBILE G Pollution & flooding solutions HAIRDRESSER Fully qualified and 30 years Experience G HCPC registered Waste disposal & recycling 07961 746749 Podiatrist/Chiropodist providing home visits for clients Follow us on www.mtscleansing.co.uk 0800 246 5363 42 Maidstone Weald October 2017 downsmail.co.uk O b i t u a r e s Donald Bish As was customary in 1956, she had to Head of MGS Mark Tomkins praised give up work after marrying John Ranger. Thom as a “natural leader … who in his DONALD Bish (91), who lived in Allington Dizzy worked with time gave tremendous service and for about 25 years, was a cleric who served John on a family leadership to the school.” Teston, Wateringbury and West Farleigh smallholding and after Thom’s other volunteering and from 1979 to 1991. buying land on community work included helping out at a He finished his Lunsford Lane in homeless shelter and at the Hazli� Theatre. working life as Larkfield the couple Thom’s parents, Sue and Adie, have chaplain at the Heart moved in to a home shared many stories chronicling Thom’s of Kent Hospice. they helped to build amazing intelligence and dedication to Donald was born themselves, raising others – including a sponsored silence he and raised in South children Belinda, carried out for Demelza House Hospice Wales and spent 25 Melanie and Jamie. when he was just nine. years in the RAF as a John said: “Dizzy and I were married for Thom’s best friend, Beckie Willmo�, who fighter pilot, flying 62 years. She was devoted to her family and was planning to travel with him, said on Mosquito and Javelin was loved by everyone she met. She did Facebook including: “No one will ever aircraft. He later local work like fruit-picking and raised the compare to this human who is holding me worked as a consultant in industry, with family, whilst I worked locally including a safe within his arms and kissing me spells working for a subsidiary of Rolls spell at Aylesford Paper Mill. because he loves me so much.” In another Royce in Derby and for Hall Thermotank “Dizzy had ba�led rheumatic fever post she added: “Rest easy, you amazing International (now Hall Engineering) in earlier in her life, but she went on to work boy.” Dartford. locally by se�ing up a nursery school in It was whilst living in Longfield and Larkfield village hall and then working for working in industry that he decided to take Kent social services as a social work Paul Bradshaw holy orders. Before moving locally, Donald assistant. FRIENDS have paid tribute to teenager served as a curate in the Medway towns. “She worked at the children’s disabled Donald was married to Truda for 64 years Paul Bradshaw (18) after his tragic death. centre on the east of Mote Park and later in The youngster from East Malling died and was father to Frances and Andrew. our lives, Dizzy and I were founder Frances said: “My father’s RAF career took after falling from the Lunsford Lane bridge members of Larkfield Active Retirement onto the M20 on April 7. him to Canada for two years and the Association (LARA). The association read Persian Gulf for a year as well as all over the Amongst the tributes paid online is one out a tribute to her, after she died. from close friend Charlie Duffield. She UK. “We travelled around the world twice “He will be remembered as a friendly and posted the last selfie the pair took, the day after retirement and spent three weeks in before his death, on her Facebook page. caring man who was capable of conveying a Mongolia, where our youngest got married deep concern for people. In his younger She added: “You always knew how to to a Mongolian lady.” put a smile on our faces, you had a heart of days, my father was a talented sportsman. Dizzy leaves her husband, children and He was a gymnast but went on to play gold…You meant the world to me. grandchildren George, Owen, Wilf, Nichole “There are so many memories, that I will rugby and tennis to a good standard and and Helen. became a rugby referee. treasure forever. So thank you. I am finding “He never lost his love of sport and this so hard, don't ever forget that I love ya! enjoyed many different sports on television, Thom Walker This doesn't feel right, it was only yesterday especially rugby, tennis and athletics.” I was with you, but I promise you that you Donald lost his wife in 2014. He leaves his THE sudden death of Downswood’s Thom won't ever leave my heart…You had a children and grandsons William and Walker (19) has left family and friends whole life ahead of you.” Christopher. devastated and prompted an outpouring of tributes. The teenager died after being found Alan Gulsen Evelyn “Dizzy” Ranger unresponsive in his bedroom. The former MAIDSTONE’S Alan Gulsen (20) died student of Maidstone Grammar School had EVELYN Florence “Dizzy” Ranger (89) after falling into the River Medway on earned promotion to section leader as an April 13. Rescuers who managed to pull lived her whole life locally, spending her army cadet at MGS and was aiming for an final 29 years in West Malling. him out were unable to revive him. career in the Army before a peanut allergy Alan was well known to local skinheads, Born Evelyn Waters in a home near the forced him to abandon the ambition. walls of Maidstone Prison, she a�ended and friends have spoken of his plans to Thom worked locally as an IT form a punk and ska band – playing the Maidstone Grammar School for Girls and development technician for Caseware began work for Phoenix Insurance group. music he loved and had followed for a International and was planning to travel to number of years. Dizzy was also a well-known member of Nepal to teach English to orphans. the San Fairy Ann Cycling Club. Along with tributes from friends, Alan’s death has prompted calls for be�er lighting and safety measures in the area where he died. 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Speeding Cllr Cooke had not received a reported: the theft of a Ford Ka from Parish precept A member of the public response to his request about speed C Ashford Drive; the theft of a trials bike from asked about the increase in the parish indicating devices. It was agreed that o u n c i l s Gravelly Bo�om Road; a Mazda car was precept. Cllr Bowie responded with details speeding was not a problem in the parish, so scratched and roof mouldings stolen in about the finances of the parish council and it was resolved not to progress the ma�er. Charlesford Avenue. the projects that it wishes to undertake for CCTV A quotation for the CCTV had been Annual meetings It was agreed that the the benefit of Detling. She stated that the received from Brook Security, but as the format of the meetings on May 21 would council was in the process of drafting an representative from Prime Security did not stay the same and that they would include explanation for the increase which would be turn up for the meeting, it was agreed that light refreshments. Clubs and societies available to members of the public. the clerk would request a quote from would be asked to forward reports which Play equipment Cllr Zammit explained the Crossfire and Cllr Fincham would arrange would be printed into a booklet. The clerk work she had undertaken on the new play for an alternative quote. was to start advertising the meetings. equipment for the Old School Playing Field. Path worries Public Right of Way KM80/86, Parish clerk The clerk had confirmed that She had received two quotations and was in leading down to the site of special scientific she would be retiring this year. Councillors the process of obtaining a third. Once a interest (SSSI), was extremely muddy. It was approved the policy and procedure for contractor had been selected, work would agreed to hire a big chipper costing £125 to recruitment, the advertising wording and take between four and six weeks. A public allow Downswood Diggers to shred any costs; and proposed questions for consultation was to be held to seek the branches and lay the chippings on the path. interview candidates. The purchase of a views of residents. Salt bins A delivery of salt was agreed as parish council mobile phone was also Environment MBC officer Dr Maxwell sent part of KCC’s winter service but it never approved. a report and explanation on air quality materialised. Cllr Cooke had told KCC that Traffic management The requested dropped monitoring. Some of the drains had been the topping up of the bins was not good kerbs at Holly Trees Close junction with cleared by KCC, but a number were still enough. It was agreed that a request would Cayser Drive had been approved by KCC blocked. The clerk was asked to report these. need to be submi�ed to Kent Highways in Highways. Tri-Parish Cllr Clayton had a�ended the October or November to ensure all bins Data protection It was agreed to employ Tri-Parish Group meeting with members were filled in readiness for next winter. Satswana as Data Protection officer for from Thurnham and Stockbury parish Olympicnic Following the risk assessment, GDPR at a cost of £150 per annum. The clerk councils and sought approval from the it was agreed that a date would be added for was to participate in a training session council for a fact-finding project to establish the Olympicnic. Information would be organised by Satswana. whether the parishes could finance their displayed on a whiteboard asking that any WWI event The clerk had provisionally own police cover or sheriff, at an estimated objections to photographs being taken of booked the village hall as requested on cost of £5,000 a year per parish council. It children must be drawn to the a�ention of November 11. The clerk was asked to was agreed that he could establish further the organisers by the parents or guardians contact residents to ascertain who would facts and consult with the police and the responsible. a�end and/or help organise such an event. other two councils to establish their views. WWI centenary Concerns were expressed Grass verge It was concluded that the land Bins The clerk had reported the bins at that there was insufficient room to site a between The Waldens and Cayser Drive was Scragged Oak View Point to MBC and beacon and information about the event had privately owned, so the maintenance could requested that they are emptied regularly. not been forthcoming. It was resolved not to not be carried out by the parish council. Village maintenance Tony Taylor said the proceed with the event. Coffee caravan Three dates had been set for Pilgrims Way sign was still lying in the Fete Cllr Weeks was to prepare the parish the ACRK project – August 21; September verge and Highways Division signs were council information board for display, Cllr 18; and October 16, from 10.30am to still in the village. The clerk was to report Greenhead was to provide a cardboard cut- 12.30pm. The Nisa shop owner had agreed both of these issues, as well as a large out for photos and consideration was to be use of the shop forecourt for this purpose. pothole near the bus shelter. Mr Taylor also given to erecting two gazebos on the Village sign Following concern from the asked if the council had liaised with the evening of the fete. The council would also village hall commi�ee the handyman had church regarding having a flagpole erected, be able to include information leaflets in the laid down the sign for safety reasons. It was and Cllr Clayton agreed to action this. freebie bags, which would have to be agreed to ask him to dismantle the sign Village hall Cllr Bowie had a�ended the provided to the Downswood Community from the post and deliver it to Cllr Darling village hall management commi�ee Association (DCA) secretary seven days who had agreed to store it. meeting, and suggested that two members before the fete. It was resolved that all parish Sports field Roseacre Rovers’ request to use of the council meet with the commi�ee to council takings on the day would be the field for the 2018/19 season had been discuss parking at the hall. Cllrs Bowie and donated to the DCA. withdrawn. They had offered to leave the Clayton would arrange this. goal posts for community use. The council accepted this offer and would not ask for the Harrietsham return of the line-marking machine. The Downswood Rogue traders Community Warden Martin clerk would ask for the return of the keys. Crime latest PCSO Turner reported that she Sherwood reported roofing rogue traders in Sue Clark News was received of the death was patrolling in a car, but on foot the area, as well as an increase in shed of former councillor Sue Clark. The clerk whenever possible. Two counts of criminal break-ins, although none had been reported was asked to forward a donation of £25 to damage were reported on the e-watch.co in the village. The warden was to meet with her chosen charity. site. the dog warden to discuss fouling issues. Clerk wanted Gail Gosden, the clerk of the Mallards Park The fence next to the road in Cllr Powell said that rural crime was up by council,is to retire in October. The council is Mallards Park was broken in several places.. 30% in some areas but the warden said therefore looking for a replacement. For a Cllrs Cheesman and Newton and the clerk Harrietsham and Lenham had lower rates of full job description, contact were to meet with MBC to discuss the dog crime compared to other areas. It was also broomfi[email protected]. mess in the park and the alleged a�ack on a noted that a rural task force was being set swan by a dog. up with some PCSOs to tackle rural issues. Noticeboards Cllr Greenhead was to send a Environmental issues Cllr Dean reported Detling link to the noticeboards for consideration that the chalk and aerators in the lake Church Lane Edward Rubie from the and comment. Research and a design were seemed to be working well. Cllr Sams had Parochial Church Council gave an update also required for the display board, and it received complaints about bikers and 4x4 on the progress of improvements in Church was wondered if the archive department at vehicles on the Pilgrims Way that had Lane. He circulated photographs of the Springfield would be able to assist. Cllrs caused ru�ed areas. Cllr Sams had asked the work undertaken with the help of a grant Greenhead and Weeks were to brief Cllr PROW officer to a�end a site visit. 34 Maidstone East June 2018 downsmail.co.uk Highways Cllr Sams said potholes were Ringlestone Inn Due to issues with the Improvement Scheme and Harrietsham’s P constantly being reported, although Kent change of licensee, the Ringlestone Inn was A20 consultation will both be presented to a r i s h Highways said not all of them met the to be auctioned in June. Insurers had the Joint Transportation Board in July after criteria for repair. Complaints had been stipulated that it must be boarded up in the the April meeting was cancelled. It is hoped received from residents at Pilgrims Retreat meantime to prevent squa�ers or damage. works on the A20 will start in August. C regarding the state of the road and they had Concrete circle A resident asked whether Traffic measures A resident asked about o u n c i l s requested that passing places be put in the concrete circle by the Indian restaurant traffic calming plans. Councillors outlined place. Residents at the Garden of England could be removed as it was being filled up the now adopted speed detection scheme, said the bus stop is not big enough for the with rubbish and dog mess. Three extra road signage and markings at the Ham bus, resulting in it having to stick out on to councillors had already emptied it and were Lane and High Street junction, as well as the A20. This was to be discussed with one planning to break it up. corres-pondence with KCC about of the team members who oversaw the A20 Li�er-picking Li�er pickers were praised by improvements to the Faversham Road/A20 improvements scheme. a resident for their work in the village, with junction. School parking Cllr Griffiths said there had councillors agreeing that the A20 looked Co-option John Bri� formally joined the been several near misses due to the issues of lovely. Cllr Powell said the council also council as a member of the south ward. parking around Harrietsham Primary appreciated Audrey’s hard work on that Street lighting Cllr Scrivens was to meet School. It was noted that the bus had been stretch of road. with the street lighting company for advice delayed for 25 minutes due to inappropriate Welcome book It was confirmed that new on repair or renewal of lamps at Sandway parking by parents. Cllr Sams said a meeting residents to the village do receive a welcome and Pla�s Heath. Following the quote, an had been held with the governors, MBC and book. A resident asked if fingerpost signs overview of future maintenance was to be Kent Highways, which Cllr Sams suggested could be added around the village so that discussed. should be revisited. The community warden people knew where to go for different Neighbourhood Plan Cllr Cocke� reported added that Operation Cactus was due to organisations. Cllr Dean said this would be that the grant for the traffic survey had been take place in May, where various schools difficult as some are run from people’s secured and the tender process was due to were to be visited, and suggested that police homes. It was also felt this would be very begin. The issue of future education be asked to add Harrietsham to the list. expensive and groups would have to fund provision was being discussed with KCC, Memberships The council agreed to renew this themselves. Cllr Moore said many while meetings with landowners and agents its memberships to the Kent Association of villages were trying to reduce the amount of had enabled firm proposals for options and Local Councils and Action with street furniture. It was noted that many of methods of moving to a new recreation Communities in Rural Kent, at costs of £887 the groups have Facebook pages and ground. A valuation of the William Pi� Field and £50 respectively. websites that residents can visit. was to be organised, and a small sub- GDPR The clerk was to circulate new Empty properties The council said they commi�ee was to be formed including policies and privacy notices which would could not get involved with the old school officials from Lenham Wanderers FC. It was need to be agreed ahead of the regulations site, described by a resident as an eyesore. noted that post 2031 there is a possibility of coming in in May. She had also found Cllr Sams added that at a full MBC meeting more development that had to be kept in another company – Local Council Public she had raised the issue of empty properties mind and could not be ignored. Advisory Service – to take on the data in the village to see if they could be Picnic site Cllr Osborne recommended that protection officer’s role. the north hedge at the Cherry Downs picnic compulsorily purchased – some had been Village hall The village hall chairman had site is cut in autumn, and a new padlock and empty for 10 years. The Housing asked who would represent the council on chain were to be placed on the gate at the Commi�ee, however, stated that none of the Village Hall Trust. Cllr Moore had site as extra security. them could come under the order because offered to continue, but there were no other Maidstone Road Cllr Greenwood was to most of them have probate or other issues. volunteers for the remaining two places that organise a site meeting to confirm tree works could be filled, so it was agreed that Cllr next to the car park at Maidstone Road and Moore would remain the sole representative. reported that the Royton Avenue works Big Lunch Cllr Sams had visited new Lenham should be completed in May. The designated residents in Saxon Place who said they Toilet hope A request was received to re- parking spaces for members of the United would like to get involved, so it was open the toilets for the market. The council Reformed Church in the Maidstone Road car suggested that a street party-style Big Lunch confirmed that providing repairs were park were no longer in place. be held on the site. The Scouts wished to be complete, the building would be in use. Nursery school Cllr Osborne had met with involved too. Leaflets would be delivered to Dog fouling Issues were raised by a resident the nursery school to discuss the possibility the whole village, with the Big Lunch about dog-fouling. The council was to of providing a nursery on the top site at commi�ee still involved and a hope that organise notices from MBC Community Ham Lane allotments. Cllrs Greenwood, new people would get involved and might Protection in identified problematic areas. Ratcliffe, Bri� and Osborne were to form a want to join other village organisations. Transport Board The Pla�s Heath Road sub-commi�ee to pursue this project. A VEHICLE parked on a driveway in C r i m e Hill Brow, Bearsted, had its front window smashed. Neighbourhood Watch Some antique items were stolen from a Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police break-in at a house in Lenham Heath r e p o r t s Road, Lenham. in Willow Rise, Downswood, was found from St Welcumes Way, Harrietsham. The rear number plate was stolen from an with one of its windows smashed. A vehicle parked at a residential property Audi Q5 parked in Birling Avenue, A barn at a farm in Lenham Heath Road, in Headcorn Road, Lenham, was broken Bearsted. Lenham, was broken into. into. A shed at a house in Lambert Drive, The rear quarter light window on a car A red Honda TRX500 quad bike was Otham, was broken into. parked in Copsewood Way, Bearsted, was stolen from a garden in Lenham Heath A bench in Fauchons Lane, Bearsted, was smashed but no entry was made to the Road, Lenham. damaged in an a�empt to steal it. vehicle. Electricity cables were stolen from a sub- A green Polaris quad bike was stolen The number plates were stolen from a station in Cross Drive, Kingswood. when a barn at a farm in The Street, Vauxhall Corsa parked in Grovewood Drive A road roller was damaged and there was Bredhurst, was broken into. South, Weavering. an a�empted theft of a mini digger in A lawn bowls bag containing four bowls and A Ford Mondeo parked in a residents’ car Hospital Road, Hollingbourne. shoes was stolen from a Peugeot Expert park in Badger Road, Boxley, had its rear A 5kVA diesel generator was stolen from parked in Mallings Drive, Bearsted. number plate stolen. a building site in Maidstone Road, A car parked in an allocated parking bay A motorbike was taken without consent Lenham. 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See website for details 40 Maidstone EastJune June2018 2018 downsmail.co.uk Classified Skip Hire continued TV, Aerials & Satellites Classified downsmail.co.uk UpholsteryUpholstery and Furnishings Water Services continued BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS • 3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired 01233 840624 • 3 piece suites individually made to order • 100’s of fabrics to choose from • DIY supplies • Collection & delivery• Antique restoration [email protected] (01622) 863069 [email protected] Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone The largest G Blocked drain clearance independently G CCTV drain & sewer surveys Waste ServicesTYLES VAILABLE CLASSIC S A : ROLLER owned liquid G Drain & sewer cleaning VERTICALS ALI VENETIAN waste G Cesspool & septic tank services ROMAN WOODEN VENETIAN BLINDS management G Tankering including ADR (hazchem) Simple. Easy. 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Would you like some extra money? VOLUNTEER AT LEEDS CASTLE Do you have time on your hands? If so, we are looking for: Would you like to spend some time volunteering at ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’? Host Teachers We recognise that there are many local people who have time on their hands who would like to volunteer at Leeds Castle. We have developed a Volunteer Programme which could enable you to get involved. We need friendly, articulate and motivated host teachers with an interest in working with one or two European students to help them improve their English. Comfortable accommodation We are looking for Volunteers who would like to support our Culpeper Garden Team who are responsible and a warm welcome. Training, resources and support o ered. for maintaining our beautiful cottage garden and Mediterranean garden. Web Design Homestay Families Perhaps you’d like to contribute a day or half day each week? Warm, welcoming families who will share their life and local activities We appreciate your time is precious so we will work with you to make sure you to get the most out of with their guest/s. your experience with us. You don’t need previous experience or green fingers, but you just need lots of Short term contracts with 24/7 availability. enthusiasm, energy and good humour! Attractive Fee Structures From £290 - £500 per week Must be free for some weeks during July/August. Please email [email protected] giving some details about yourself and why downsmail.co.uk Email: [email protected] News you would like to volunteer at Leeds Castle. Granville Garage 01622 761571 Waste Service Continued Granville Road, Maidstone www.granvillegarage.com MOT Testing - OnWindow Services thePet Road Services OnGeneral the Vehicle Road Repairs Downs Mail April 2018 - Gardening.indd 1 09/04/2018 13:16:10 Oakwood Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0JP YOU CAN On the Road MORE PEOPLE PASS WITH Clerk to Governors SILVERBACK RECOVERY Interested in the education of the next generation? Looking to work part-time, PASS A-C L ASS Car recovery and transportation largely in the evening? Able to support and guide a committee of 14 governors?Ltd Light commercial GotWith good keyboardmore andthan note-taking 30 years' skills? We’d experience like to hear from inyou. the motor industry, Barming Motor Co is an Cars for scrap removed Salary for negotiation depending on experience. independently run used car specialists based Competitive rates Email [email protected]“At your for an application service”pack. Full details are available on our web siteCherryon www.ssscs.co.uk Hartnup Tree Business ClosingStreet, Estate, date Plough 31stMaidstone. MayWents 2018, Road, 9.00am. CALL ROGERWindow ON: Services Chart Sutton, Maidstone, ME17 3RY 01622 813733 07740 123495 All servicingCover Managerwork undertaken,(part-time) July 2018 diagnostics, Health We are lookingbarmingmotorcompany.co.ukmechanical for an organized, enthusiastic and bodywork Cover Manager repairs, to manage the day to day short MOTterm cover preparation for sta absence. and The successfulwinter applicant checks. would liaise [email protected] supply agencies and book sta as required. An early start of 7.00am is chaallcarsrt sutton We have been servicing, repairing, and restoring BMWs for & Beauty essential. Chart Corner, Chart Sutton, Maidstone ME17 3SB ACE overTel: 30 01622 years, our 728712 staff have orover 07864 50 years combined393785 25experience, hours per week, andterm timeall have only. Salary:more Kent than Range 25 years6 (£19,609 of -working £21,509) M.O.T. and Clutch Centre with BMWs behind them. General Motorcycle Plus Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T. An applicationCar’s & Commercialform can be obtained vehicles from the Personnel Manager, Mrs. Theisen Car Servicing Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 on 01622 689422 or e-mail [email protected] or visit the School website at South East's £95 Health & Beauty www.ssscs.co.ukOver 25 vehicles. Closing date in forstock applications: 9.00am, 6th June 2018, interviews MOT’s £25 and Repairs Leading Car, M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 will take place shortly after. Wide range of vehicles Bike, & HGV • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted Servicing & MOT’s Driving School £180 STEPHEN• Broken GR AbeltY damagedLeisure repaired St Simon Stock Catholic School, Oakwood Park, Maidstone, Call in or telephone (Car offers only. Terms & conditions apply) BSc Hons HCPC Registered Competitive Rate • All makes, petrol & diesel ME16 0JP Bearsted Chiropody & FinanceWe available specialise in Classic BMWs of ALL ages Podiatry Practice Tel: 01622 754 551 Fax: 01622 689 428 Email: Telephone 0845 459 5004 111 Madginford736 London Road Bearsted Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG [email protected] Website: www.ssscs.co.uk 01622 844579 Tel: 01732 870368 BMW & BMW Mini Specialist or visit the website www.allcarschartsutton.co.uk Email: [email protected] 01622 630 393 www.k9coiffures.co.uk We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and vulnerable Home visits and evening and www.k9coiffures.co.uk adults. Appointed candidates will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check Web: www.a-class.co.uk weekend appointments available Call Beth on 07305 984827 Chart Corner, Chart Sutton, Maidstone ME17 3SB 42 Maidstone EastJune June2018 2018 Maidstone East June 2018 43 Autospray SOLUTIONS Recruitment At Mid Kent College People are at the heart of everything we do That's why we're looking to add to our team of expert teaching sta , who will help us develop and deliver programmes to prepare our students to thrive in their careers. If you're an experienced Lecturer, Assessor or Industry Specialist, providing you hold at least a Level 3 quali cation in your chosen profession and share our passion for learning, then we'd like to talk to you about our full and part time opportunities in :- Electrial Installation Come and meet the team for an informal Engineering CAD / CAM conversation at one of our recruitment Mechanical Engineering evenings to discover why you should join us on our exciting journey to excellence Health & Social Care Plumbing MEDWAY CAMPUS - Wednesday 22 November Electronic Engineering 2017 from 17.00 to 20.00 01622 919122 Media MAIDSTONE CAMPUS - Wednesday 6 Childcare December 2017 from 17.00 to 20.00 Maidstone October 2017 45 Maidstone December 2017 43 downsmail.co.uk Classified VOLUNTEER AT LEEDS CASTLE Do you have time on your hands? Would you like to spend some time volunteering at ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’? We recognise that there are many local people who have time on their hands who would like to volunteer at Leeds Castle. We have developed a Volunteer Programme which could enable you to get involved. We are looking for Volunteers who would like to support our Culpeper Garden Team who are responsible for maintaining our beautiful cottage garden and Mediterranean garden. Perhaps you’d like to contribute a day or half day each week? We appreciate your time is precious so we will work with you to make sure you to get the most out of your experience with us. You don’t need previous experience or green fingers, but you just need lots of enthusiasm, energy and good humour! Please email [email protected] giving some details about yourself and why you would like to volunteer at Leeds Castle. Downs Mail April 2018 - Gardening.indd 1 09/04/2018 13:16:10 YOU CAN On the Road MORE PEOPLE PASS WITH PASS A-C L ASS chaallcarsrt sutton Chart Corner, Chart Sutton, Maidstone ME17 3SB Motorcycle Plus General Car Servicing South East's £95 MOT’s £25 and Repairs Leading Car, Bike, & HGV Driving School £180 Call in or telephone (Car offers only. Terms & conditions apply) 01622 844579 Telephone 0845 459 5004 or visit the website www.allcarschartsutton.co.uk Email: [email protected] Chart Corner, Chart Sutton, Maidstone ME17 3SB Web: www.a-class.co.uk MaidstoneMaidstone East June 2018 43 MOBILE BODY REPAIRS On the Road • BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB • VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING On the Road • FULLY GUARANTEEDA TOutospray MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED SILVERBACK RECOVERY SOLUTIONS FREE Car recovery and transportation ESTIMATES Light commercial Cars for scrap removed Competitive rates CALL ROGER ON: Autospray SOLUTIONS 01622 813733 07740 123495 We specialise in: We can work at: Scuffs Before Your homeBefore Scratches Your offi ce ACE Dents Our workshop Machine polishing M.O.T. and Clutch Centre Insurance work Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T. LeaseAfter returns After Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 And more M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 Proud • 6 day operation • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted sponsors of • Around 1/4 of body shop price Bearsted • Broken belt damaged repaired • Reliable, professional and flexible Cricket Club • All makes, petrol & diesel Call: 07771 621 769 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG [email protected] www.touchupsltd.co.uk Tel: 01732 870368 MAIDSTONE AUTOCENTRE LTD KENT’S LEADING CONVERTIBLE STOCKIST OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MON-SAT 8.30-17.00 SUN 10.00-15.00 SALES • FINANCE • SERVICE www.maidstoneautocentre.co.uk TOP PRICES PAID FOR LOW MILEAGE CARS Ring now for the best offer 07774 612199 20 Bow Road • Wateringbury • Maidstone • Kent • ME18 5DD Tel: 01622 812234 • Mobile 07774 612199 443844 MaidstoneMallingMaidstone October JuneEast 20182017June 2018 On the Road On the Road To advertise please call Becky or Teresa on 01622 630330 MaidstoneMaidstone East JuneJune 20182018 4545 downsmail.co.uk C o m e n Our town centre in five years WHAT is ahead for Maidstone town remaining local retailers. t centre over the next five years? Be I also think bigger businesses will prepared for significant changes. MailMarks continue to favour out-of-centre stores On-line shopping and banking are with massive car parks where we can revolutionising business for so many DENNIS FOWLE President drive more easily and park for free. retail giants and their exodus from our [email protected] Supermarkets have led the way and big high streets is set to escalate. players like Next and M&S have the same Closures: Latest to announce mass thoughts for Maidstone. closures are Royal Bank of Scotland/ of cars, parking and traffic chaos. Faced Maidstone Council and others have NatWest Bank – and RBS, High Street, with increasing serious traffic congestion, been worried about the future viability of Maidstone is listed among the 162 Maidstone Borough Council is trying to our town centre. But this world is branches to shut doors in England and force us into a ‘modal shift’ away from changing fast and could it all turn out for Wales in late summer (August 8 for our cars towards their council tax-costly the be�er? Will we enjoy more a new mix Maidstone). The NatWest branch in the park-and-ride system, walking and of shops in the middle of town and motor High Street survives this cull. cycling. I think this is a forlorn hope. happily to retail giants on the outskirts? House of Fraser has hit troubled times There is a massive hike in town centre Will the desired modal shift work out and it seems certain several big stores parking charges and some council car in a very different way? Will we just drive will go. I have always been worried that parks are closing – and a significant our cars in different directions, taking the local store, the star of the Fremlin change in payment systems at our very some of the pressure off the approach Walk galaxy, has been too quiet for its limited park-and-ride sites, which is roads to the town centre? Given the own good and worry it will not survive a upse�ing bus pass holders – mainly choice between Maidstone Council’s major cull. pensioners and the disabled (see Mail current policy and a more comfortable What of Marks & Spencer? It has Marks, May edition). driving experience, I think I know the exciting plans for a major new store at Office conversions: Another significant winner. our Eclipse Park, rumoured to come close factor is conversion of office space to I do become increasingly worried about to matching Bluewater branch in its residential apartments/flats. Maidstone the banking sector. We have seen so offers. M&S has said it will keep one of had so many empty offices and many branches outside the centre of its two Week Street shops open – but for developers are taking advantage of a Maidstone close in recent years, causing how long if the new branch dominates its government policy to exempt from great concern and inconvenience to so local trade? planning requirements their conversion many. Now the RBS/NatWest decision Maplin store is closing and Linens to residential use. will mean the loss of another town bank. Direct has now moved on. In Maidstone, about 300 homes have Will others follow suit? I fear so. Many retail businesses are well-suited been created, with many more set to Could there be a single bank surviving to confident on-line shopping and by follow. The latest reports suggest there is in Maidstone in five years’ time? I think offering tighter prices and next-day home now a shortage of office space in the public opinion, good sense of the bankers delivery they question the need for an town centre! Some retailers fear this will and government pressure will ensure expensive High Street presence. lead to a further loss of trade from office there is – but do not bank on it! Increasingly, they face tough trading workers – but others welcome the conditions and for the second straight increase in town centre population. Castle – at last quarter they have experienced weakening Maidstone Council is decrying the heavy FEW in Maidstone have viewed one demand with 1% falls nationally. The big loss of income from developer of its most historical treasures – Allington hike in business rates and growing staff contributions towards local services not Castle. But now there is an opportunity costs (wages and pension contributions) now payable for these conversions under thanks to co-operation between resident add alarmingly to rising compliance, government rules. owner Sir Robert Worcester and the marketing and other budgets. What now? As retail giants move out, Medway cruiser Kentish Lady. But there are many businesses not best what will move in? I think it could be Pre-booked excursions for about 60 suited to on-line shopping and food and encouraging news for small businesses depart from Maidstone Bridge for the 20- health/beauty outlets, smaller niche and a return closer to the type of minute journey and a 100-minute guided shops, some fashion shops and the Maidstone shopping scene of 80 to 100 tour of the moated castle, the delightful discounters are among those still seeing years ago. Landlords will not be able to gardens and the two lakes. encouraging results. demand the huge rents paid by the The large, restored 13th-century castle I have just made a thorough walk of the departing giants and make them more has a remarkable history, with many town centre shopping streets and am affordable to niche businesses – and royal visitors is worth researching before impressed by the small number of empty business rates may have to follow suit. a visit. premises and an overall encouraging We could also see a further growth in The tour of the castle itself includes the buzz, at least on the shop fronts. Only town centre residential accommodation stately courtyards and fascinating Great The Mall seems to have significant as shops and stores are converted, which Hall. I would have liked to see one or two vacancies. will be well supported across the board more rooms – but this is a treasured Our cars: The other big factors are use by national politics and, perhaps, by private home. More to life than potholes with their yellow jackets filling potholes at Maidstone Borough Council has the role themselves. I am sure Wickes would to lead us into new trading possibilities? GOOD to read Downs Mail continues to welcome the trade if we all provided a If there is an access problem at Headcorn prosper (many congratulations) but the temporary fix in our own li�le patch. rail station then the locals need to start lead article in your Weald edition on If Brexit denotes that watershed in raising funds locally to fix it. potholes. Really? a�itude that bureaucracy has had its day Our national and personal debt remains I would like to react to this and some then we are doing an excellent job in at record levels and we keep looking to a other recent topics. bucking the trend locally. It starts in less third party to bail out a very small We have dozens of borough councillors – than 12 months, so where are our global minority. What about starting a volunteer instead of the constant whingeing the intentions to venture across the world service to assist those that need help to use borough councillors should be pictured seeking new business opportunities? Who Headcorn station. Have we lost our ability 46 Maidstone East June 2018 downsmail.co.uk to think around a problem other than And increased housing numbers have school, probably from less than a mile C chucking huge sums at it? been known about for years. away, when a walk could well be be�er for o m e n As for voting at 16, let’s be positive. Give So why (and how) can it be, that the their health? 16-year-olds the vote and put government proposed surgery on Clockhouse Farm is I appreciate those living in rural areas and politics on the school curriculum – it inadequate? have li�le alternative than to use their cars, might improve our nation. If the younger It would be hard to look a gift horse in but I would ask all motorists for whom generation vote Green, for example (as I the mouth, and Firmins should be thanked there is a reasonable public transport or t did at 18), then it doesn't affect the status for the generous offer. walking alternative, to think about the foul quo. A green Prince of Wales hasn't affected However, as Brian Mortimer concedes: air those living on urban, traffic clogged the nation either. Global warming is "Of course, it would be be�er for a more roads have to breath so that they can sit in certainly here; the dumping of plastics and central site”, though quite why he their cars, probably by themselves. waste in our hedgerows, as well as our seas, continues “time is not on our side” is Unless ring roads can be afforded, I can is not affected by the colour of politics. mystifying. see no other solution than measures to What are you afraid of, a wrong decision? Perhaps, when Sainsbury's withdrew restrict the use of private cars but, at the The rest of the electorate has made plenty from taking over the used car site opposite same time, substantially improve public of wrong decisions at every age! the (existing) pharmacy, the protagonists transport to make it a viable alternative. Richard Maryan, Coxheath should have seized the opportunity to Unless there is be�er central government purchase it? thinking (applicable to all parties), the Surgery views conflicting Ron Leagas, Linton South East will sink, Kent first, into the THE Downs Mail article about a Coxheath English Channel under the sheer weight of surgery to be built in Linton, has grabbed Solutions to congestion people living here. my a�ention in a way that few page threes THERE was much comment in May’s David Hacke, Maidstone ever have! Downs Mail about traffic, park-and-ride It’s on a site that Firmins have frequently and house building. Relief road is ‘modal shift’ tried to convert from agricultural to Maidstone, like many towns in the South I AM amused and intrigued by the recent residential use, but have always met with East, has inadequate infrastructure and conversion by the Liberal Democrats at MBC refusal on landscape, convergence, other facilities to cope with the housing Maidstone Borough Council to the notion and other planning grounds. explosions on the outskirts of the town. Not of the Leeds-Langley relief road. You Next came an a�empt to turn it into a only do we suffer appalling road would think that they had been the ones park-and-ride site, which was similarly congestion in peak hours, including school who were campaigning for it! There is an defeated while the Local Plan was in run times, but GP facilities are being argument that a by-pass around the county preparation. stretched to breaking point, there are not town’s centre is a form of the ‘modal shift’ The idea of having a surgery there is enough school places and resources such as to which the Lib Dems are so wedded. But initially seductive. Personally, living in water are under pressure. if a relief road is such a good plan, why Linton, I would certainly find it more The problem is one of too many people, wasn’t it in the Local Plan? Just a thought. convenient than my current one in Yalding. as it is in other towns where successive J Robbie, via email But the many residents of Coxheath would government policy has been to impose new either have to drive (ecologically unsound) housing in already overcrowded towns. or get one of the occasional buses because, Given that we cannot indulge in a Profit before pupils? on average, it is one mile from them. demolition programme, we need to be�er WHY, oh why, are they building a mental Significantly further than that planned and manage the resources we have against a hospital on Bearsted Road when what is so approved in the Local Plan at Clockhouse background of restricted funds available. desperately needed in this area is another Farm. Various correspondents are bemoaning primary and secondary school? Was it due I am mystified as to why the Clockhouse the increased parking charges in the town, to the fact that there was more profit to be Farm plan is now “not of sufficient size or but surely this is a correct move by the made from a private hospital? layout to provide the facilities identified as council to try to discourage the use of The authorities seem to have their being required and, without a solution, private car use. In London, parking spaces priorities completely confused. Next thing offers no way to deal with the additional are actually being reduced for this reason. we hear will probably be that planning patients coming into the locality”. It will not have escaped the notice of permission has been given for even more The Local Plan has only just been road users and town residents, that during houses to be built locally, further pu�ing an completed. Brian Mortimer, though he the school holidays, there are few traffic already overloaded infrastructure at chose to abstain from voting on it, was fully problems. Most schools in the town are breaking point. Oops, that's already involved in the Local Plan. Coxheath was primary schools which serve children in happening at Lilk Meadow! surely involved in the process. the local area. So why drive them to Howard Spice, via email The five editions of the Downs Mail are delivered to 90% of households in the Maidstone and Malling area, reaching over 190, 000 readers every month. Maidstone North Maidstone South Maidstone East Maidstone Weald Malling Current and archived editions are also free to read online at www.downsmail.co.uk Contact our teams…. Editorial Sales Accounts Dept. 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