Four editions delivered to over 88,000 homes every month downsmail.co.uk
MaidstoneMaidstone SouthSouth EditionEdition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE
Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling April 2016 No. 228
News Photos row nursery Care home to shut THE best efforts of campaigners, including local MPs, have failed to prevent the closure of fury after upgrade the Dorothy Lucy centre. 4 Election decision THE Government education watchdog Ofsted has been accused of dou- KENT’S controversial police and ble standards by a pre-school in Linton dubbed “inadequate.” crime commissioner Ann Barnes will not restand. 5 There was a public outcry by par- where Cherubs was graded as standards.” Cherubs had a policy ents after Cherubs, which meets at good in all four areas. in place and always adhered to it. Linton Village Hall, was down- “The support received from all Steve added: “We still feel that no Friday is market day graded from “outstanding” be- parents whose children attended rules were broken and if we cannot A FARMERS’ market will take cause the manager occasionally Cherubs during this time has been take and privately share photos place every month in took photos to reassure parents nothing short of brilliant and has with parents there should be a total Jubilee Square. 8 their children were happy. helped us get through what has ban on sharing photographs The nursery has now been re- been a very stressful time.” through social media.” classified as “good” but manager Parents leapt to the defence of The nursery has changed its poli- Moving from Mote Cindy Fox is still reeling from four Cherubs and a petition attracted al- cies and no longer takes pictures of MAIDSTONE Mela will be held in months of stress and the fear she most 2,500 signatures. The case was the children. However, Mrs Fox has the town centre for the might lose her business. even raised in the House of Com- complained to the Ombudsman first time, this September.25 Mrs Fox said: “Following the Oc- mons. Mrs Fox’s husband Steve about the original classification. tober inspection, the pre-school said: “We had parents and settings Even if the Ombudsman finds in was under the very real threat of [other establishments] from all over Mrs Fox’s favour, Ofsted is not Photos exhibition closure as it was unable to request the country commenting on the pe- obliged to change or remove the MORE than 50 people attended any government funding for new tition, stating that they had a simi- contentious report from its website. the launch of the Yalding children who wanted to join. lar policy in place and have not Mr Fox said: “We are still waiting Riverside Pop Up Gallery. 28 “The threat has now been lifted been penalised for it, which indi- for the Ombudsman to re-30 following the recent re-inspection cates inconsistencies or double view our case as we still Religious concern A PROPOSAL to rebuild a mosque in the town centre has Carys makes light work of title been criticised. 29 A BARMING teenager lucky to be alive after being born severely premature is targeting the Olympics Worship dates cut after winning a regional weightlifting title. SOME church services have been Carys Harper, 15, who attends St Augustine’s Acad- temporarily axed in a re- emy in Maidstone, won the Lion Heart category at this structuring programme. 30 year’s Celebrate Maidstone awards for overcoming dif- ficulties to achieve great things. Born 12 weeks premature and weighing only 3lb, Comment 34-3546-47 Carys – daughter of Zoe Reed and step-dad Chris – was initially unable to breathe without an incubator. Diag- Crime Reports 35 nosed with dyscalculia, a brain disorder causing diffi- ANIMALS were released during a culty in making arithmetical calculations, she struggled Staplehurst farm break-in. at school but with the help of Jayne Bradshaw, her men- weightlifting and, in just two years she has gone from tor at St Augustine’s Academy, she refused to give up. beginner to competing at a national level. Carys won Her fighting spirit led her to take up kickboxing, re- silver in the British Schools Weightlifting Champi- Obituaries 44 ceiving her junior black belt in March 2013. onship in February 2015 and gold in the 2015 Teacher Michael Blackford introduced her to London & SE Junior Championships, 18 Parish Councils 45-47 HYMNS, prayers, readings and the national anthem could mark the Queen’s birthday in Boughton Hospital woe Monchelsea; free dog-waste bags DRASTIC financial measures might be provided in Chart Sut- have been necessary to keep ton; turkeys and peacocks were afloat the Kims private hospital, stolen in Hunton; flooding con- YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT which lost £15m in its first year. cerns were raised in Loose; mem- 01622 690290 [email protected] Full story – page 20. bers in Yalding were to be gagged 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent to stop them speaking out. KENT’S ONLY FLOATING BAR RESTAURANT on the river at Maidstone Book at www.embankments.co.uk Tel 0800 689 7888 KENT’S ONLY FLOATING BAR & RESTAURANT MAIDSTONE
MENUS Come try our delicious new menus A la carte menu Party 3 course menu from £21 pp All of our menus are available online at www.embankments.co.uk
SURF ‘N’ TURF IS OUR SPECIALTY Fish, shell fish, steaks and vegetarian dishes Pop in for a drink during lunchtime or evening
Fresh food, lovingly prepared by talented chef’s and served by our warm friendly staff
Book at www.embankments.co.uk Tel 0800 689 7888 Parking available in Lockmeadow (free after 6.30pm) (Restaurant permit parking available after 6pm, ask when booking)
2 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Learn more about Brexit Lady rowers show they BUSINESS owners in Maidstone anxious to learn more about what impact a British exit from the EU could have on employment in the can take on the best UK – and their own organisation – are invited to attend one of a series YOUNG women from Maidstone of workshops in the town. Invicta Rowing Club have been The impact of the June 23 refer- showing the country that “Kent endum on UK employment law is Girls Can”. one of the topics being examined The club are supporting the KCC by Kent law firm Furley Page in sporting initiative which is aimed at partnership with Kent Invicta getting more girls into sport. Chamber of Commerce. Three eight-women crews were They will be led by Andrew Mas- among those taking part in the re- ters, partner and head of employ- cent Hammersmith Head race on ment at Furley Page, and Amanda the Thames – a shorter version of the Okill, an associate who specialises Oxford and Cambridge boat race. in employment law. This was the first race on the The Junior Ladies crew with coach James Knight They take place at the Mercure Thames for many of Maidstone’s Maidstone Great Danes Hotel. For crews and a different experience Second in this category were the invited to row in a London RC crew. details, call 01233 503838 or email from the sheltered River Medway. Women’s Junior 16 girls eight, who The Junior 18 boys eight came sec- [email protected]. MIRC press officer Richard Bald- had to race up an age group with a ond to London Oratory School and win said: “This was a great club per- time of 13:34, coming 99th overall. 34th overall with a time of 12:21. formance against tough opposition Both girls’ crews beat Emanuel The Junior Ladies went to London Friends meet and despite quite a bit of lost train- School’s crew, who were racing on with coach James Knight to receive THE Friends of All Saints’, Ul- ing due to high river levels.” their home water. their winning pots for the Hammer- combe will be holding their annual Five boats from Maidstone raced The adult ladies’ eight finished in smith Head. Six of the crew, plus cox general meeting at the church at over the 4.5km course, against 147 13:52 and were placed 109th overall, Cathy Metcalf, were present to re- 7pm on Monday, April 18. All competitors drawn from rowing while the club’s youngest crew of ceive their trophies. members are welcome to attend clubs and schools from across the the day was the J15 coxed quad fin- The crew were also presented with and contribute ideas for the future South East and Thames Valley. ishing 118th overall in 14:00 and two plaques for Fastest Junior Ladies of the group. The Maidstone Women’s Junior 18 third in their category. Crew and also WJ18 8+. crew came in at the fastest time of all The fastest Maidstonian was di- Anyone interested in rowing or For more local news WJ18 crews on the day with an im- rector of rowing, Brian Humphris, coxing at Maidstone should go to www.downsmail.co.uk pressive 13.24mins, coming in 91st who finished eighth in 11:46 and www.maidstoneinvicta.co.uk or overall. winning Masters Eights after being find them on Facebook.
www.castle-cleaning.co.uk
specialists in carpet & Ns Flooring upholstery cleaning
Exceeding expectations, but never your budget! Carpets Laminate Vinyl Rugs Remnants FREE measuring Experts in Cleaning Your Home and estimating Castle Cleaning is a small family run business operating service across Maidstone for 10 years and we are dedicated to delivering the highest cleaning standards possible combined with excellent value for money. We are IICRC registered company, we have to adhere to guidelines set down by IICRC.
Our truck mounted systems can clean… • Carpets • Upholstery • Rugs • Wood Flooring • Patios & Driveways • Decking & Conservatories Call us on: • Ceramic Floor tiles/grout 01622 813355/07710 660731 • Marble & Granite Floors 20A Bow Road • Wateringbury • ME18 5DD Mention the Freephone: 0800 3457219 Downsmail for a www.ns-flooring.co.uk Mobile: 07920 840972 5% Discount
Maidstone South April 2016 3 downsmail.co.uk News School reunion FORMER pupils and staff of Head- corn School are invited to a reunion Closure date set for on Saturday, May 21. Those attending are invited to bring a photograph or memorabilia from their time at the school to add to a memory wall. Dorothy Lucy Centre The get-together – from 1-5pm – is being co-ordinated by Ross Dent- KENT County Council has voted to as providing support to local fami- ten, of Mayflower House (Blue), close the Dorothy Lucy Centre and lies who needed respite facilities. who was at the school in the 1970s. care home. “I am pleased I was able to help The current head and chair of Despite efforts by local council- get Kent County Council to hold governors will give a presentation. lors, campaigners and MP Helen back their decision while they car- Anyone who wishes to attend Whately, the county council’s adult ried out research to identify alterna- can register at www.surveymon- social care cabinet committee voted tive providers for the services. key.co.uk/r/9CPQ58P or by calling to close the care home in Northum- “This was particularly important 01622 891070. Those with class pho- berland Avenue, Shepway, from Au- for day care services at Dorothy tos or video footage that they gust 2016 and to end dementia day Lucy, which now won’t be with- would like to share on the day are care provision from March 2017. drawn until March 2017, rather than asked to send an email to Cllr Brian Clark made a final bid this month as originally planned. [email protected]. for a reprieve at the meeting, with “While I understand the reasons Marian Reader and Anna Ralph. Cllr Brian Clark, Anna Ralph and her KCC put forward for closing the cen- Driver banned Both ladies made a case to keep father-in-law John Hoggin tre, providing high-quality health A 20-YEAR-OLD Marden man was the centre going, based on the excel- care locally is a must. I will continue banned from driving for 20 months lent service provided and the lack of time to make the decision on closure. to monitor the situation and press after admitting drug driving and like-for-like services locally. “KCC should be deferring the de- KCC to ensure good replacement fa- using a vehicle in a dangerous con- Cllr Clark said KCC should defer a cision until credible alternative serv- cilities are in place before the final dition. decision, claiming it had so far failed ices are available for the whole closure of the Dorothy Lucy Centre.” Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court to find any local alternative services package of services offered by KCC says the Dorothy Lucy Cen- heard that Billy Lee Draper, of in the private sector. Dorothy Lucy." tre is no longer fit for purpose, along Stilebridge Lane, also admitted He said: “KCC has had to extend His views were echoed by Mid with Kiln Court in Faversham. driving otherwise than in accor- dementia day care provision at Kent MP Helen Whately who said: Mrs Whately said: “There are op- dance with a licence, driving with- Dorothy Lucy to March next year “I am disappointed the Dorothy portunities for health agencies to use out insurance, and possessing after finding no suitable alternative. Lucy Centre is to close. It is a much- this overall situation to improve pro- cannabis. “Given the clear lack of current al- valued community asset and the vision in Maidstone and across Kent, Draper must pay a £300 fine, £85 ternatives for dementia day care in staff there have done great work car- particularly for dementia care home costs and a £30 victim surcharge. south east Maidstone; this is not the ing for the frail and elderly, as well and nursing care home beds.”
soft furnishings Family firm based in Coxheath, offering all aspects of soft furnishing from curtains and blinds to knitting wool and haberdashery Personal 1-1 service Nearly 40 years of experience Available to every budget Knitting wool and haberdashery
Unit 2, The Oast, Clockhouse Farm, Coxheath, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4PB 01622 744265 www.aquariussoftfurnishings.co.uk Email:[email protected]
4 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Police elections | News I’ve done my time, says Ann KENT’S police and crime commis- sioner Ann Barnes is not standing for re-election. Mrs Barnes, who was elected to the post in 2012, has been a promi- nent figure during her term of office – and not always for the right rea- sons. She has fought to retain the num- ber of police officers on the streets in the face of swingeing budgetary ity for seven years. cuts and has set up a successful sex- Having spent more than 15 years ual assault referral centre and im- in police accountability and gover- Camrass Wills proved the services of victim nance, Mrs Barnes believes she has support in the county. done her “time” and said: “I am Advice you can trust But she received widespread content that I have delivered what I ridicule after appearing in a fly-on- said I would and Kent Police is in a the-wall documentary on Channel 4 very strong and sustainable position Do you want help writing your Will? Do you need help with Probate? about the role of the commissioner for the future.” Do you need Powers of Attorney? Do you want to buy a Funeral Plan? (pictured). She warned candidates vying to Mrs Barnes made a public apol- replace her that they will need to be • We offer help & advice • Home visits • ogy and admitted she had been un- prepared to work around the clock, wise to appear in the programme, in listen to the public and put the peo- • All fees agreed before you proceed • which she struggled to explain what ple of Kent first – not a political her role involved and was filmed party and not Westminster. For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass having difficulty defining an ap- She concluded: “I have been hon- DipPFS Aff.SWW proach to policing priorities called oured to have the chance to meet “the onion”. She also failed to write and work with so many wonderful 01622 720985 her title correctly on a whiteboard individuals and organisations who www.camrasswills.co.uk and was filmed painting her nails in work tirelessly in Kent to make life the office. better for our communities. Their A former teacher, Merseyside- compassion, professionalism and born Mrs Barnes moved to Kent kindness is inspirational. more than 30 years ago and has “We should never forget these un- been a magistrate since 1986. Before sung heroes who only want the best being elected as commissioner, she for us and I am proud to have got to was chair of the Kent Police Author- know and work closely with them.” Timetable of the election NOMINATIONS close for the role lowing day. The electorate will on April 7 – so there is still time have two votes.Any of the candi- for more candidates to put them- dates who get more than 50% of selves forward for election. the vote in the first count will be The poll will coincide with local elected. authority elections on May 5 and Otherwise, all but the top two the count will take place at Dover candidates are eliminated and Spring Offer Voucher Town Hall on May 6. the second preference vote Nadeem Aziz, chief executive comes into play, ultimately de- ½ Price Cut & Finish at Dover District Council, has ciding the candidate with the been appointed the returning of- most votes. With any colour or foils ficer. Mrs Barnes was elected with a Mrs Barnes will relinquish her majority of 53,889 but this year’s reign on May 11 and the new victory is likely to be much less Offer until 9th May 2016 PCC will take command the fol- clear cut. Conviction could bar Fergus Please call for an appointment PROPERTY tycoon Fergus Wilson has launched a controversial high- profile campaign in his bid to be Kent’s next police and crime com- 01622 812665 missioner. However, with a conviction for assault to his name, he might have to Opening hours pull out of the race. Mr Wilson (67), from Boughton Monchelsea, says he has instructed Tuesday – Thursday 9am – 5pm his solicitors to appeal against the conviction, in April 2015, after he was found guilty of hitting estate agent Daniel Wells and fined £1,500. Friday 9am – 5pm Candidates who have put themselves forward so far include: Henry Bolton (Ukip), Tim Garbutt (Ind), David Naghi (Lib Dem), Tristan Os- Saturday 8am – 4pm borne (Lab), Gurvinder Sandher (Independent), Matthew Scott (Con), Fergus Wilson (Ind) and Steve Uncles (English Democrats). 47a Bow Road, Wateringbury, Kent ME18 5DN
Maidstone South April 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk Charity shop Thames crossing route for homeless MAIDSTONE’S newest charity has signed the lease on its first shop. MADM – Making a Difference to gets council backing Maidstone – was set up to help the homeless and disadvantaged in the MAIDSTONE Council has given town and works the thumbs up to a new Thames with other charities crossing joining the M2 near to help those who Gravesend. live on the streets or Highways England has identified sleeping rough. three potential routes for a twin Mid Kent College tunnel between Essex and Kent and The route of the has refurbished the come down in favour of option C, shop, in Church which would link up with the M25 Eastern Southern Link is the option Street, as a commu- or emerge close to Shorne. nity project, and students are lend- preferred by Maidstone Council agrees that ing a hand with interior design. this option would be the best route Maidstone The charity needs a warehouse or for alleviating congestion at Dart- Council for the storage space for furniture and ford while having most benefit for proposed goods that have been donated. the people of Kent. Thames Crossing Charity founder Amanda Sidwell The council’s strategic planning has befriended most of the town’s the least environmental impact. 2025 and Highways England con- and transportation committee homeless, through her work with A new crossing would draw sultation manager Martin Potts heard the proposed crossing would the winter shelter scheme, meals some 13-14% of traffic away from said: “The number of responses have no direct impact on the bor- for the homeless at the Baptist Dartford, improving journey times and people we’ve seen at the events ough of Maidstone but could result Church and Salvation Army and at Dartford by five minutes and has been really encouraging. in economic benefits. CRI Maidstone (the West Kent Re- journeys from Kent to the M25 by “We need to get the best balance The twin tunnel, costing between covery Service for drug and alcohol up to 12 minutes. between improving journeys and £4.3bn and £5.9bn to build, would abusers), and is known by the soup It is estimated north-south cross- getting value for money while have a 70mph design speed along run teams and numerous associ- ing capacity across the river would managing the impact on the local its length. Motorists would be ated organisations/charities. increase by 70% in its opening year. area.” charged to use it. She is also looking for volunteers Maidstone Council believes the The Lower Thames Crossing will Although it is more expensive to to help man the shop, which was preferred route has the potential to be the first new crossing of the build and maintain a twin-bored due to be open by Easter. Email her unlock greater regional economic Thames east of London since the tunnel than a bridge or an im- at [email protected] or benefits than the alternatives. Queen Elizabeth II Bridge opened mersed tunnel, Highways England call 07769 268962. believes this kind of crossing has The new road could be open in near Dartford 25 years ago.
www.collins-windows.com
6 Maidstone South April 2016 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk
01622 535115
Maidstone South April 2016 7 downsmail.co.uk News Vegan festival Market plan for town first for town MAIDSTONE will host its first A MONTHLY farmers’ market is to would have required planning con- ning application will be submitted vegan festival on July 23, with be introduced to Maidstone’s Ju- sent, as did a proposed Christmas for this. stalls, live music, a vegan pop-up bilee Square as part of a drive to in- market. As it can take up to 90 days to get café, children’s activities, talks and crease footfall in the town centre. Previous attempts to hold a farm- street trading consents, the council more. The monthly market – on the ers’ market at Lockmeadow and out- hopes the markets will start in June. With an estimated 175,980 vege- fourth Friday of the month – will be side County Hall have failed but About 80% of the stalls would sell tarians and vegans in Kent, the fes- organised by Maidstone council in officers believe the square would be food, while the remainder would be tival is set to be a major conjunction with the Kent Farmers’ much more successful, as it is cen- given over to crafts. crowd-puller. It follows Kent Market Association and Produced in trally located. There was some disagreement be- Vegan Festival, which was attended Kent – and will coincide with pay Research has shown that between tween members of the town’s her- by more than 1,500 people in Can- day for many town centre workers. 3,000 and 4,000 people per hour pass itage, culture and leisure committee terbury last year. Since the creation of Jubilee Square through Jubilee Square on a Friday, as to whether the square should be The festival will take place at in 2012, there has been no set policy which should prove profitable for hired out by political or religious Maidstone Methodist Church in for its use. stallholders and for the council. groups and the council is to look Union Street from 11am to 4pm. A similar suggestion failed to get Officers believe up to 32 stalls again at what kind of events will be Local businesses with vegan- off the ground last year because it would fit on the square and a plan- permitted to take place. friendly products are invited to apply for stalls by emailing [email protected]. Cornwallis appoints new principal With “flexitarianism” on the rise, and one in eight people looking to FUTURE Schools Trust has an- joined in an acting capacity and is Mrs Linney-Drouet was previ- replace meat, eggs and dairy with nounced the appointment of Is- delighted to appoint her to the ously vice-principal at Highworth plant proteins, the festival aims to abelle Linney-Drouet as principal post. Grammar School, Ashford, where be a welcoming place for both long- of Cornwallis Academy. “In the six she was responsible for raising the term vegans as well as those curi- Mrs Linney-Drouet joined the months Isabelle achievement of pupils to out- ous about this way of life. school in Linton in September last has been at Corn- standing levels. The organisers said: “Relax in the garden with a slice of cake as you year on an interim basis but has wallis, she has Mrs Linney-Drouet said: “I am take in the sounds of some of Kent's now accepted a permanent post. made a number of delighted to accept the permanent important changes finest bands. Learn more about this Sir Nick Williams, chief execu- role of principal at Cornwallis to the running of compassionate way of living and tive of Future Schools Trust, said: Academy. I look forward to con- the school and we look forward to how veganism helps animals, peo- “The governing body agreed it has seeing her lead the academy to- tinuing the relationships with stu- ple and the planet.” Entry is £2 per been extremely impressed by Is- wards even greater success.” dents, parents and staff to ensure person, and free for under 16s, who abelle’s leadership since she we achieve the best outcomes.” must be accompanied by an adult.
HAMILTON KITCHENS Discover our stunning range of contemporary & traditional designs
❚ Free no obligation consultation & design ❚ All building works undertaken. ❚ Quality ❚ Design ❚ Imagination ❚ Better and at the right price ✓ www.hamiltonkitchens.co.uk ❚ Tel: 01622 844897 Visit our showroom at Warmlake Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sutton Valence, Kent ME17 3LQ
8 Maidstone South April 2016 SEESEE momore.re. DO more.more.
PresentPresent thithiss vvoucheroucher in-stin-storeore ttoo GETGET A COMPLIMENTARYCOMPLIMENTTAARRYY SECONDSECONDP PAIRPAAIR OFOF CCRIZALRIZAL UUVV LLENSESENSES TermsTTeerms andand cconditionsonditions aapplypply
AAlsolso availableavailable withwith
t: 01732 875544 KKingsings HHillill OpOpticiansticians w: kingshillkingshillopticians.co.ukopticians.co.uk 2 LLibertyiberty SquaSquare,re, KKingsings HHill,ill, e: [email protected]@kingshillopticians.co.uk WWestest MallMalling,ing, KKent,ent, MME19E19 4A4AUU
Maidstone South April 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Work aims to cut traffic jams A £1.8M scheme to improve the peak traffic conditions,” says a re- flow of traffic along Willington port to KCC’s cabinet committee Roz Yates, Bill Murray, Claire Ryan and oncologist Dr Russell Burcombe Street is set to get underway later for environment and transport. this year. The committee agreed to the Clinic tribute to cancer patient As the primary route linking vil- widening of the A274 near the A NEW clinic providing acupuncture for people with breast cancer lages south of Maidstone with the junctions with Willington Street has been officially opened at Kent Oncology Centre. A20 and M20, Kent County Coun- and Wallis Avenue and to create a The Susan Murray Ear Acupuncture Clinic has been set up with cil wants to make improvements to left-turn lane into Willington Street support from the Murray family from Headcorn. Susan Murray, a the road, starting with the junctions from Ashford Road. former patient at the Kent Oncology Centre, at Maidstone Hospital, at both ends. The Willington Street Junction died in June 2015, and her husband Bill and children were keen to Both junctions are significant Improvements Scheme forms the do something positive in her memory. “pinch points” on the A20 and first part of the Maidstone Inte- With the help of Macmillan nurse clinician Claire Ryan and acute A274 corridors, with the traffic sig- grated Transport Package, which oncology nurse Roz Yates the clinic was set up, primarily for people nals causing delays at peak times. has been provisionally allocated living with secondary breast cancer. It was opened by Mr Murray Ashford Road has an average £8.9m from the local growth fund and saw its first patients in March. two-way daily flow of between via the South East Local Enterprise The complementary therapy aims to promote relaxation, encour- 13,800 and 21,800 vehicles per Partnership (SELEP), for spend be- age well-being and assist in the management of menopausal symp- hour, to the east and west of the tween now and 2019/20. toms – a common symptom of breast cancer treatment. Willington Street junction. SELEP has now recommended At peak times, it can carry up to the approval of £1.3m local growth 1,850 vehicles an hour. fund to the project in 2016/17 and, Sutton Road has a two-way aver- subject to Government approval, Restaurant offers cash for kit age daily flow of 19,000 and peak the funds will be released to KCC. SPORTS clubs and teams will find out if they have won £1,000 of new kit flows of 1,680 vehicles per hour, This, together with local devel- to celebrate the first anniversary of ASK in Maidstone. Applicants have been according to KCC. oper Section 106 contributions of busy rallying their fans for a public vote to find the winner. A significant number of vehicles £500,000, would enable the scheme Entry forms were available at the restaurant in Earl Street, which wanted use Willington Street to avoid con- to proceed. applications from junior and youth sports clubs and teams (up to U16). The gestion in the town centre. No land needs to be acquired to public will be able to vote for their favourite from a shortlist of three, via the “At present these signalised junc- make the improvements and resi- ASK Italian Facebook page or through a token system at the restaurant. tions at each end of Willington dents will be informed when work Voting will close on Sunday, April 24. Street are heavily congested under is to start, via a mailshot. The winner will be announced at the restaurant on Wednesday, April 27.
DivorceCare Vote Sandher for DON’T LET YOUR PAST INFLUENCE THE FUTURE GOD HAS FOR YOU Kent Police & Crime Commissioner on 5 May 2016 DivorceCare is a course designed to help people heal from the trauma of divorce or separation.
Spaces are limited “ Your Independent local candidate The course focuses on Jesus as the only true healer of our soul. Each session standing up for the people of Kent explores a different aspect of how divorce can effect our lives, built around a video seminar, group discussion, and the opportunity to talk things through with keeping party politics out of policing.” others that can relate to your experiences. Course runs every Tuesday evening 7:30 - 9:30pm starting 26 April to 12 July at the Restoring Hands building, George Street, Maidstone, ME15 6HD. Course fee £35. www.sandherforpcc.org If you or anyone you know is interested in attending the course please register your interest by calling the Jubilee Family Life Centre on 01622 430125 or emil: SandherForPCC [email protected] SandherForPCC www.familylifecentre.org.uk
10 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Lions’ cash for THE 28 DAY SPRING SALE support service
A BEREAVEMENT support serv- ing. Our volunteers provide first- ice in Maidstone, which was fac- line telephone and email support ing closure after KCC pulled the and face-to-face counselling that is Loft plug on its funding, has found a well-known across the county for Combination unit in Grade backer in Maidstone Lions. its contribution to bereavement A was £2039 SALE £1455 The Cruse Centre in Marsham care. The Lions’ group has helped Street, where trained councillors us in the past and we are ex- Nova offer free and confidential support tremely grateful for their support.” Table & 6 chairs SALE £1799 to hundreds of people every year, Peter Hooper, Maidstone Lions was £2265 urposes only was due to run out of money in welfare chairman, said: “I had the image for illustrative p April, after losing £5,000 in fund- privilege of seeing the dedication ing from the county council. of these volunteers when I was But Maidstone Lions has said mayor of Maidstone in 2004-5, so I the service must continue and has had no hesitation in recommend- offered £5,575 to keep it going ing to the Lions that we support while it looks for long-term fund- this worthwhile cause.” ing. Alison said: “This grant will en- Cruse’s Alison Blair said: “We able us to keep going while we were disappointed when we were look to secure permanent funding told that we were to lose our fund- from April 2017.” Cosenza Large Sofa T3 Fabric Neighbourhood was £1725 SALE £1295 watch chair quits THE chairman of Maidstone and District Neighbourhood Watch has resigned. Jim Wilson (right), who has been a member of the association for six years and its chairman for the past two and a half, has resigned as Hypnos Stratus chairman but is remaining a mem- 150cm Divan Set ber of the committee. Members have was £2239 SALE £1519 xtra elected Linda Sinclair, from Barm- Headboard optional e ing, who was the association secre- tary for nine years, as his successor. The association is struggling to at- tract members to the committee, de- spite a plea at the AGM in November. Although one new member came forward, another one resigned after being involved for 22 years. manager, all of whom are prepared Mr Wilson said: “We really need to give up two hours for meetings some younger blood but young once a month. people nowadays are so very busy. Mr Wilson, from Penenden The scheme has been running in SALE NOW ON Heath, said: “Linda brings with her Maidstone since the 1980s, provid- a unique historical knowledge of the ing crime and safety awareness and association. She has many contacts advice throughout the borough. with the co-ordinators and police Plus There are currently 485 coordina- representatives.” 0% Up to 2 years* tors who disseminate information to In a letter to members, he said: “I 14,000 households. thank and acknowledge the support The committee has a secretary you have given me during my and treasurer but needs six people tenure as chairman and sincerely including a database manager, hope that some of you will consider products manager and website becoming committee members.” Singers’ summer concerts www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk THE programme chosen by the Maidstone Singers for their two summer Sandling Road, Maidstone ME14 2RF concerts this year embraces major sacred works by two of Britain’s lead- ing living composers: Bob Chilcott's Requiem and Sir Karl Jenkins’ Sta- 01622 753073 bat Mater. The concerts will take place at All Saints’ Church, Maidstone at 7.30pm UPHOLSTERY | DINING | BEDS | BEDROOM | ACCESSORIES on Sunday, June 19 and St Mary’s Church, West Malling at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 25. Soloists are Stephanie Crooks, Diane Seargeant and *Cash price £2000, deposit £500. 12 monthly payments of £125. Total payable £2000. Subject to status, quotation available on request. Credit provided by an external finance company David Clarke. Tickets: £12 for adults, free for U18s. determined by Clarkes. Subject to acceptance.
Maidstone South April 2016 11 T. 01622 201078 J.L.B M.07854 529434 Property Maintenance [email protected] Quality Roofing at Affordable Prices New Tiled Roofs UPVC Fascias, General Roofing Soffits & Repairs Guttering Moss Removal Felt Flat Roofing Annual Gutter Cleaning Service Gutters & Fascia Cleaned To A High Standard Inside And Out All Repairs Broken Brackets Undertaken..... Leaking Gutter Joints Down Pipes So To Ensure Your Gutters Are Flowing Prices Start From As Little As £20.00 Blockage Free This Winter Call Our Team For A Free & Friendly Quote FREE FITTING ON SELECTED CARPETS 100’s of carpet Weekly FREE payment rolls to clear MEASURING scheme from £10 each SERVICE available
Vinyl's Carpets
Laminates Artificial grass in stock
www.carpetnextday.co.uk MON - SAT 9.00-5.30pm New store Now Open Landlords Developers Maidstone Tonbridge Gillingham Letting Agents Tovil Hill 5 Tannery Road Beechings Way Trade Discounts Maidstone Tonbridge Gillingham (Opposite Call for details ME15 6QS TN9 1RF ME8 6PF McDonalds) Find 01622 677787 01732 362332 01634 366444 us on
12 Maidstone South April 2016 News downsmail.co.uk Store planned RESIDENTS in south Maidstone are to get a new superstore as part Town flying the flag of the 600-home scheme at Langley Park, off Sutton Road. Supermarket giant Aldi hopes to open a 1,254sqm store towards the to celebrate St George end of 2017, creating 40 jobs. The park will also feature a Toby MAIDSTONE will be emblazoned 2.20pm, followed by another Med- Carvery and several smaller retail with red and white bunting when units, ranging in size from 72sqm way folk band, Larkspur at 3.30pm. it flies the flag for St George on to 400sqm. The oldest building in Maidstone, April 23. Aldi’s Maidstone store in Well the Royal Albion in Havock Lane Patriotic performances will be tak- Road opened in 2011. A second ing place throughout the town cen- (off St Faith’s Street), will host The store is due to open off Hermitage tre, to celebrate the patron saint’s Legendary Skynflynt Big Band at Lane in Aylesford later this year. day, with St George and the Dragon 2pm on an outdoor stage. They are A spokesperson for the company playing a prime part in proceedings. said: “Now that planning consent also putting together a special pie Yarn bombers are already busy has been granted at Langley Park, and mash menu. knitting their fiery dragons to install we are working with the developer Re-enactment battles are also on in Jubilee Square. on the construction plans. We look Morris men, clog dancers, tradi- the cards. forward to making it easy for resi- tional music and innovative folk For younger children, there will be dents to shop and save closer to The Honk Project rock will be among the entertain- magic shows at 2.15pm and 3.15pm home.” ment provided in the town, cele- Zoe Sparkle said: “Last year’s event at D'Lishious in Market Buildings, brating everything that is English. was a great success and this year’s and Maidstone Museum is running Charity quiz celebration is shaping up to be even The event is being run by One a children’s craft workshop where A CHARITY quiz night to raise Maidstone, a new Community In- better. What a great excuse to fly the funds for Hi Kent is being held at terest Company that has been cre- flag for England and celebrate its they can make their very own the United Reformed Church in ated by joining the Town Team and finest traditions.” dragon to take home. Face painting Maidstone’s Week Street. Town Centre Management, with the The programme gets underway at will be free for under 12s in Jubilee The quiz will take place on Fri- support of Maidstone Council. noon, with the popular Maidstone Square and Fremlin Walk. day May 13, meeting at 7pm for a Although Saint George’s Day is band Fate the Juggler in Jubilee Street theatre is provided by The- prompt 7.30pm start. Square, followed by the Sally Iron- not an official national holiday, it is atretrain and the Hazlitt Youth The- The cost is £8 per person and in- celebrated by various Christian monger Trio. atre and the eccentric Honk Project’s cludes a ploughman’s supper. churches and is the traditionally ac- Back by popular demand from last Teams will be of up to six people. cepted date of the death of Saint year are the Black Lion Courtiers, a dancing day trippers – mad moped For more information, contact George in 303 AD. five-piece Indie folk band from enthusiasts with music – will be at [email protected]. One Maidstone events organiser Rochester, who perform from Fremlin Walk.
FEED THE BIRDS FOR LESS
Maidstone South April 2016 13 downsmail.co.uk News Cricket club aims for top 999 chief quits A MANAGEMENT structure while running a 1st XI able to reg- aimed to make The Mote the best ularly challenge for the Kent cricket club in Kent was pre- League premier title”. sented to the annual meeting. The Mote, with four Saturday over delays The club now have seven man- teams, as well as Sunday and agement groups: cricket (led by midweek sides, plus an expand- club captain Alex Fordham); ing colts section, are looking for THE head of the South East’s am- the right way. ground (Howard Waters working promotion from division one to bulance service has quit following Under NHS rules, calls desig- with new groundsman Chris the premier division of the Kent revelations that services were in- nated as life-threatening are sup- Dale); finance and strategy (new League after missing out at the tentionally delayed. posed to receive an ambulance treasurer Paul Heynes); develop- final game last season. Chairman Tony Thorne’s resig- response within eight minutes. ment (Dennis Fowle); community Chairman Glen Aukett said the nation comes shortly after the chief The calls affected were in the sec- engagement and membership £4m development plan, to in- executive Paul Sutton went on ond most serious category – Cate- (Laurence Waters); house (John clude a large new pavilion, was “mutually agreed” leave of absence gory A Red 2 – which covers Fuggle); and social and fund rais- on hold while the club negotiated from his post. conditions such as strokes or fits ing (Nick Aldridge). with Maidstone Rugby Club over The South East Coast Ambulance but which are less critical than The aim is to offer “enjoyable playing space. Rugby’s current Service (SECAmb) NHS Founda- where people are non-responsive. cricket for all, providing a thriv- lease expires on May 31. tion Trust was investigated after it One national newspaper has ing membership, with the best Anyone interested in playing admitted delaying sending help for claimed the practice was responsi- playing and pavilion facilities, for the club can call 07725 418305. certain 111 calls during a pilot proj- ble for at least 11 deaths – some- ect, transferring them instead to thing refuted by SECAmb. 999, which earned them a low pri- An independent review has said ority and gave the ambulances an there were fundamental failings in Cash for maternity services extra 10 minutes to respond. the pilot scheme. MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge The training will also allow The health regulator Monitor Katherine Murphy, chief execu- Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has been healthcare staff to have confidence said the trust had not fully consid- tive of the Patient Association, said: awarded £16,000 as part of a drive to support women in their choice ered patient safety. “Any decision that downgrades ur- to make the NHS one of the safest of where to give birth to their baby Mr Sutton said the trust had gent category ambulance calls in places in the world to have a baby. – whether at home, in hospital, or wanted to make sure the most ill order to massage performance tar- The money will be spent on sim- in a birthing centre. patients were responded to gets is deplorable and undermines ulation equipment to train mid- Applications for funding, from a promptly. However, he did ac- the confidence that the public wives, doctors and ambulance pot of more than £2 million, were knowledge that it had not acted in places in NHS leaders.” staff in a range of labour and birth considered by the Department of scenarios to ensure they are confi- Health and representatives from Read our archived editions FREE online at dent and skilled in dealing with the Royal College of Midwives www.downsmail.co.uk all situations they might en- and the Royal College of Obstetri- counter. cians and Gynaecologists. MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF YOUR LAND Have you got a large garden, or small plot of land? We are experts at working with home owners to maximise the full value of their land
The risk-free way to maximise your land You pay nothing in advance! Industry leading experts in residential planning We take care of all the red tape! For a free appraisal Local councils urgently need new housing call 0843 557 4080 Act now before its too late! www.maximisemyland.co.uk
14 Maidstone South April 2016 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk SPRING FUN FOR NURSERY SCHOOL Children from Brishing Barn nursery enjoyed can enjoy some Spring fun as they experienced the joy of stimulating play. ‘Living Eggs’ – watching eggs hatching into baby The Nursery chicks. We had 10 eggs delivered and 9 hatched. prides itself on The children were fascinated by the experience providing excellent and helped care for the home-cooked food newly hatched chicks – and have a healthy giving them a first-hand eating policy. experience of life cycles. Nutritious meals WE CURRENTLY It proved to be a very and healthy snacks HAVE SPACES rewarding activity. This is are prepared onsite now an annual event here by the nursery’s AVAILABLE at the Nursery. We also own cook, using in our Little Owls & had zoo labs here and high quality Tawny Owls Room for the children enjoyed ingredients. children aged 22-36 watching the cycle of a months and are also caterpillar turninng into a Parents and staff registering beautiful butterfly. enjoy warm relationships and communicate well to pre-school places for a Set in a beautiful Grade II listed ensure each child receives September start barn in Boughton Monchelsea, just a the best provision for short distance from Maidstone town them. Brishing Barn is centre, family-run Brishing Barn also the only nursery in Call now for provides a welcoming environment for the area to offer further details little ones. Nurserycam, which Five bright and colourful rooms cater enables parents to log 01622 749800 for children from birth to pre-school age. onto a secure website or email and see their children Attractive, good quality toys and [email protected] resources provide fun ways for children to throughout the day. learn and youngsters are given a wide Call now to arrange choice of age-appropriate activities. The to meet the team and discover nursery also has a garden where children our unique environment.
Brishing Lane, Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone ME17 4NF orchard o dental practice MEET Emergency Appointments Free Parking YOUR MP Helen Grant
Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone and the Weald, holds regular surgeries around the constituency. If you would like to arrange an appointment Pay Less to discuss an issue Dental Care of concern to you, Examination please e-mail Helen Introducing £19.70 Late evening & at helen.grant.mp@ Independent Saturday appointments parliament.uk Dentistry To see how we can help call or telephone Our prices are based 020 7219 7107. on NHS charges 01622 741817 helengrant.org www.paylessdental.co.uk Produced by Helen Grant MP, House of Commons, 146 Heath Road, Coxheath, Maidstone, ME17 4PL London SW1A 0AA
Maidstone South April 2016 15 downsmail.co.uk News Former MP’s charity date Teenager Ben leading THE former MP for Maidstone and the Weald Ann Widdecombe is making a return visit to her “patch” to speak at a charity function for way for young talent Heart of Kent Hospice. The novelist and star of Strictly BRITAIN’S next Richard Branson zine’s Superteen Power List. Come Dancing will be recounting is busy building up his empire He has also shot up the Richtopia stories and anecdotes and voicing from an office at Maidstone’s Busi- British Entrepreneurs Top 100, to be some of her outspoken opinions at ness Terrace. placed at number 34, along with ty- the Hop Farm, Paddock Wood on The Virgin mogul has described coons Richard Branson and Lord Saturday, June 11. Ben Towers as “one of the UK’s most Alan Sugar. The former shadow home secre- exciting young entrepreneurs”. He has more than 63,000 followers tary will speak about her childhood in Singapore and reveal what life Ben, who is still only 17, set up his on Twitter and regularly appears on was like at the centre of British poli- first business at the age of 11, de- television. tics – as well as her moment of star- signing websites from home. Ben still lives at home with his par- dom on Strictly. He is now an award-winning en- ents in Gillingham, but is hoping to She will take questions from the trepreneur, with three companies buy a house in Maidstone. audience and sign copies of her lat- and a six-figure turnover. Entrepreneur Ben Towers He is busy campaigning for busi- est book, Strictly Ann. As most of Ben’s early work was ness bank accounts to be made avail- sign agency, Towers Design, em- The Heart of Kent Hospice this carried out online, nobody had any able for youngsters under the age of ploys 15 people and has more than year celebrates 25 years of providing idea of his age and he was offered 18 and trying to influence the pay- 700 customers. care across Maidstone, Tonbridge, his first public speaking engagement ment gateways and merchant ac- Malling and the surrounding areas. – at ExCel in front of 3,000 people – He is also behind the social media counts, which also restrict the ability Chief executive Sarah Pugh said: aged only 15. management company Social Mar- of U18s to be in business. “We are hugely grateful to Ann for Today, he is an ambassador for ley and he is working on a third He said: “I want to be sure that if donating her time to support our Young Start-Up Talent (YST) awards company, NGBT, a social media there are budding young entrepre- work and help us to raise the vital and for the National Entrepreneur- management platform. neurs out there that they aren’t held funds we need to provide care for ship Challenge, a scheme set up to He was tempted to the county back by their age. our patients and their families.” teach and inspire enterprise in town by the attractive office rents “I hope I can provide valuable Tickets, which include a drink, young people in schools. available at the Business Terrace, support, things which I wished I had cost £25, with limited front row He also works alongside the Fed- which is in the Maidstone Gateway, known when I was starting out.” seats at £30. To book go to eration of Small Businesses to inspire King Street. For more about Ben read our www.hokh.org/events or call the young people. In December, Ben was named feaure in Mid Kent Living maga- fundraising team on 01622 790195. Ben’s digital media and web de- number one on The Times Maga- zine at www.downsmail.co.uk. UNLOCK THE VALUE COUNTRY HOUSE IN YOUR LAND DEVELOPMENTS Have you got a commercial site, or large plot of land? We are experts at working with land owners to maximise the full value of their land
The risk-free way to maximise your land You pay nothing in advance! Industry leading experts in strategic planning We take care of all the red tape! For a free appraisal Local councils urgently need development call 0843 557 4080 Act now before its too late! www.maximisemyland.co.uk
16 Maidstone South April 2016 North Street, HAVEN Sutton Valence ME17 3HS Dining Localfarm and Organic shop (Opposite the village Hall) 01622 844789 Out Selling a great selection of local & organic Spring is in the air and the weather is warming up so why not get produce sourced direct from Kent Farms out and about and enjoy some of the great seasonal produce being served at one of your local eateries. We deliver fresh local & organic Weproduce deliver to fresh your local door &with organic our VEGBOXproduce toDELIVERY your door with SCHEME our VEGBOXor ‘Click DELIVERY & Collect’ at SCHEME your convenience SPRING OFFER Buy 3 and get 1 FREE You can expect a warm welcome Haven Farm Shop in Sutton Order 3 consecutive deliveries and get your fourth box free at the Krishna Indian Restaurant Valence offers a great selection of in Headcorn. Housed in a local and organic produce which Order online at: traditional Tudor building, the is sourced direct from Kent harvest4u.co.uk low beams create a cosy Farms. In addition to all the fresh produce on offer there is also a ambience. If you like trying a Open: Mon – Sat 8am to 6pm great selection of local juices, pies, variety of dishes then why not get Sunday 10am to 4pm quiches, ice creams and sorbets SUTTON VALENCE over the Wednesday hump by plus fresh bread and cheese. The opting for the £12.95 buffet menu popular farm shop also offers a BREADCheese MILKEggsCEREALHoneyFRUITPasta – a selection of Indian food that is veg box delivery scheme – order sure to please everyone. Be sure to online for delivery or ‘click and Nuts & RaisinsCHUTNEYSVegetablesPRESERVES book in advance it’s a popular collect’ your produce at a time ‘COOK’ READY MEALS & much more night. that suits you.
Indian Restaurant & Takeaway Break up the week with our Wednesday Buffet Wednesday Buffet £12.95 per person Whether you want a quick dinner or a sociable evening with friends, we offer a wide selection of starter and main course dishes to suit every palate. It's a good opportunity DINNER IS SERVED! for you to try something new Join us for the dinner event of the year which combines whilst still enjoying familiar a sumptuous three course meal and classic comedy action as Basil, Sybil and Manuel do their very best to look after favourites. you in their typical crazy style. a: 41 High Street, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9NL t: 01622 890665 w: www.krishna-restaurant.com
Maidstone South April 2016 17 News | Celebrate Maidstone downsmail.co.uk Town’s stars shine at ceremony REPRESENTATIVES from businesses, schools, charities, public services and arts groups gathered at the Celebrate Maidstone 2016 gala event to recognise the contribution of the town’s brightest stars. Those attending the black tie-af- for our wonderful team of peace- fair at Kent County Showground, makers, who give up their time, vis- Lionheart title near Detling, included Deputy iting people in their homes and Lieutenant of Kent Bill Cockcroft, helping them to talk to each other.” Deputy Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Neil Pattison, chairman of Cele- for Carys Derek Butler, and MP Helen Grant. brate Maidstone, said: “Maidstone Continued from page one They enjoyed performances from is growing and benefits from strong ranked first in the county for her the Hazlitt Youth Theatre, the businesses, a healthy economy, and weight category. Maidstone Nepalese Dance Group, high employment. Her dream is to compete at the and the King Street band. “We also need quality of life re- Olympics and become a successful When asked what she thought sulting from a strong community physical trainer, encouraging other the best thing was about receiving glued together by love, compassion young children to take an interest the lifetime achievement award, and forgiveness. Let us follow the in this otherwise male-dominated winner Annette Hinton, of Maid- example and inspiration of the peo- sport. Annette Hinton stone Mediation, said: “Recognition ple recognised by these awards.” Carys was one of eight community stars given awards at the gala event, which took place at the Kent Show- ground near Detling. Carys thanked Mrs Bradshaw, Mr Blackford and the Reverend Kes Grant for support and nominating her. She also paid Sarah Allsebrook of Frederic Bistro Annabelle Pearsall, Maidstone Museum Donna Carr tribute to her weightlifting coach Matt Vine, who gives up his time to train with Carys three days a week and attend competitions at week- ends all over the country because he believes that she has the poten- tial to fulfil her dreams. Chairman of Celebrate Maid- stone, Neil Pattison said: “Carys is an inspiration to us all, demon- strating that even difficult hurdles can be overcome with determina- tion and a fighting spirit. A worthy winner and a star of Maidstone; we are proud of you, Carys.” Janet Judges Steve Purvis Jill Maynord Celebrating contributions to community Lionheart – Carys Harper (spon- food quality. The restaurant was Mentor – Janet Judges Through Donna’s hard work, sored by Maidstone Churches). also awarded runner-up in the Kent Janet has worked as a volunteer Maidstone Parkrun has become one Customer Experience – Jill May- Independent Trading Awards in for more than 20 years, serving of the largest parkruns in Kent. It nard (sponsored by Manak Solici- 2013. Rated highly on Tripadvisor, Maidstone Police Station. She has has more than 4,000 registered tors). Frederic Bistro is fast becoming a made a difference to the lives of members and a regular turnout of Jill and her husband Jim estab- jewel in Maidstone's dining and hundreds of young people who 200-300 runners. Donna started lished Zeroth Clinical Exercise in restaurant experience. find themselves in police custody. Maidstone Parkrun, which is run by 2003 to provide exercise therapy Visitor Attraction – Maidstone Her patience, commitment and volunteers, just over two years ago. and rehabilitation for people of all Museum warm friendly nature enables her to Donna is present every weekend ages, including support for MS suf- Recently refurbished, the Maid- advise young people in a way that encouraging runners, joggers and ferers, children with behavioural is- stone Museum contains a rich his- makes a difference, and in many walkers of all ages. sues, and those tackling excessive tory of the county town that is free cases reduces their offending. Lifetime Achievement – An- weight, as well as improving fit- to all entrants. Dawn Hudd, head of Innovator – Steve Purvis nette Hinton (sponsored by Kent ness. Jill “listens, helps, supports, economic development at Maid- Steve is part of the charity Parents Event Centre). encourages and treats people like stone Council, said: “From invest- is the Word, which brings together Annette worked hard to establish they were an old friend.” ing in essential maintenance works parents in Park Wood. Steve has Maidstone Mediation in the 1990s, Business – Frederic Bistro (spon- to scheduling an exciting calendar been a key person in helping with training volunteer mediators and sored by Creation Healthcare). of events and exhibitions, our aim the children’s work and to distrib- pioneering what was a relatively The Earl Street restaurant was is to aid the development of Maid- ute food parcels, and regularly goes new concept. Since then the idea of nominated due to its high stan- stone as one of the most significant above and beyond for the charity. mediation and restorative justice dards, relaxing and homely atmos- areas of culture and heritage within Community – Donna Carr has been duplicated across the phere and excellent consistency in Kent.” (sponsored by Golding Homes). country and internationally.
18 Maidstone South April 2016 CELEBRATING 70 YEARS 1946 - 2016
Established 1946 A company you can trust National & International Removals & Secure Storage
Short & long term storage CCTV & Redcare alarm protection 24/7 Fully insured Own storage warehouse Self storage available
We don’t just move houses...We move homes....
Local & long distance, full & part loads International removals and shipping Wrap & pack service available Domestic & commercial moving & storage Fleet of own vehicles All staff are British Association of Removers trained & CRB checked
Take a virtual tour of the warehouse with Google maps at Bray & Sons, Maidstone
“A very big thank you to yourself, your office staff and your removal team for a very helpful and efficient removal service which helped to ease the stress out of the day. We would certainly recommend your company to anyone who is considering a move. B012 B.A.R Mr & Mrs Underdown, Maidstone Trained Staff “Just a note to commend the team who moved me last week. Bray & Son They were all very courteous, careful with the packing and the moving, and A third generation, family continued to be cheeful in spite of the torrential rain.” Mr How, Bearsted run company with 70 years experience of moving homes. Call 01622 670562/663350 Why trust your [email protected] www.brayandson.com possessions to anyone else! Unit 15 Heronden Road, Parkwood, Maidstone
Maidstone South April 2016 19 News downsmail.co.uk Kims’ £15m loss in first year MAIDSTONE’S newest private hospital, the Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery, made a £15m loss in its first year of operation. Delays in signing up to the NHS 2015. sultant surgeons fully transferring fident that the company has suffi- “Choose and Book” service (now Measures implemented to pull across to Kims being lower than ex- cient appropriate funding.” known as eReferral) and the failure Kims back from the brink included pected, with a consequent impact Kims took two years to build and of consultant surgeons to fully the issue of new share capital, on revenue,” it adds. cost more than £100m. It boasts commit to the ground-breaking which raised £7.8m and the con- During the year, more than 1,600 some of the best hi-tech equipment new hospital, off M20 Junction 7 version of £33.7m of loans into eq- private and 1,200 NHS patients and consultants in the country and near Weavering, meant income was uity share capital. were treated at Kims, but only 12% has since carried out a number of lower than anticipated, forcing the Founding directors Steven Bern- of the beds and 20% of the operat- ground-breaking procedures, in- board to restructure and re-finance. stein, Franz Dickmann and his son ing theatre capacity were used. cluding open heart and keyhole Accounts for the hospital, which James Dickmann all resigned while Since registering with the eRefer- heart surgery. opened in April 2014, reveal that al- Peter Goddard was appointed ex- ral service, which went live on Sep- Speaking in October last year, Mr though Kims had a turnover of ecutive chairman, Simon Rust fi- tember 1, there has been a James said: “I have never seen a £8.76m in its first year, it ended the nance director and Simon James significant increase in the number healthcare company make money year with a shortfall of £15.22m. chief executive. of active consultants at the hospital in its first year. It’s a business that Existing lenders put an addi- Their end-of-year report reveals and the first CQC inspection, car- has to be resource-led, as you have tional £2m into the project, while a the original business plan was for ried out in September last year, was to recruit staff before you can take four-year “rent holiday” was the hospital to generate high value, extremely positive. in patients.” granted under the property lease to high complexity patient procedures Chief executive Simon James He believes the hospital can help ease cash flows. but the initial take-up was lower concludes: “The company has had break even in its third year – still Directors realised the hospital than anticipated. a challenging year in performance. sooner than the accepted norm of was facing difficulties in November This was partly due to the hospi- This led to the need for significant five to seven years for a private hos- 2014 and brought in a new man- tal missing the deadline to tender additional funding and highlighted pital. agement team to run the hospital. for NHS work and instead having the need for a more appropriate He said: “It will be hard work, On its advice, the board was to rely on sporadic referrals. sustainable capital structure. but it is achievable. We have had forced to restructure or face run- “Uncertainty of NHS work “With the restructuring in De- great support from the consultants, ning out of funds by December streams led to the number of con- cember 2015, the directors are con- which is really good.” Devil rides Concern raised over local plan THE scale of development in the land, which will not encourage the into town Maidstone Local Plan has been development of brownfield land. By Dennis Fowle condemned by CPRE Kent. It argues the scale of residential Comments THE inspector, appointed by EASTWICK was not ready for The countryside campaigning development in villages and rural the raunchy antics of the charity has said it is concerned settings is disproportionate to their local government secretary Devil and three witches. Was about the proposed 18,560 new size, and is un- Greg Clark, will decide if the Maidstone? Answers will vary homes in the absence of “sound likely to promote local plan is legally compliant, widely. supporting evidence”. sustainable jour- sound and complies with the Maidstone Amateur Oper- It is also concerned that land neys. duty of Maidstone Council to atic Society, with a proud tra- near J8 of the M20 remains allo- Chairman of co-operate with adjoining cated for employment. the CPRE Kent dition of bringing popular planning authorities. musicals and light opera to Responding to the local plan pre- Maidstone Com- submission document, the group mittee Gary All comments will be consid- the town, bravely staged the ered and the most important is- 2000 American show, The also expressed concern that the Thomas (pic- sues raised will be considered Witches of Eastwick, which draft Integrated Transport Plan has tured) said: “This local plan would tells of the impact of the ram- not been agreed with KCC or the cause enormous traffic problems at a local plan hearing, chaired pant Devil arriving in a small Maidstone Joint Transportation and a strain on school, health and by the inspector in Maidstone. town and especially on three Board, while the cost of providing travel facilities. attractive but frustrated much of the necessary supporting “The number of new homes is has now closed. The response will ladies. Their antics and lan- infrastructure is unknown. unrealistic and unsustainable. be discussed by the council in guage left little to the imagi- CPRE Kent is concerned that There will be a loss of greenfield April and the plan revised if neces- nation. most of the proposed housing – land.” sary before being submitted to the It gave a large cast a chance 84% – is allocated on greenfield Public consultation on the plan Secretary of State. to enjoy a very lively show and the dance and choral scenes were colourful high- School’s wartime life recorded Pugin outing lights. The lasting memory, THE former head of Maidstone Girls’ Grammar THE Ulcombe Friendship Club is though, is confident perform- is looking for memories from former pupils for a going on an outing to Ramsgate on ances and voices of the three book she is writing about the school during the Wednesday, May 25 to visit Augus- witches (Lili Westlake, tus Pugin's house, The Grange, and Kathryn Norman and war. his church, St Augustine's. Christina Whitehead) and the Mary Smith (right) has been asked by the Pugin was an architect who de- power of Ben Smyth as a very school to compile the book, using wartime illus- unlikeable Devil. trations painted by former art teacher Miss Keen. signed the Houses of Parliament. The mix of contrived Amer- Mrs Smith said: “If you think you may be able The cost will be £24, which includes ican accents and some strident to help, even if your knowledge of the time seems the coach and entrance fees. If you music did not always make insignificant to you, please get in touch.” are interested in attending, call listening and understanding Email [email protected], marking your subject Molly Poulter on 842988 or Pat easy. for the attention of Mary Smith. Davis on 844855. The society is promising us Sweet Charity on April 3-8, 2017. For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk
20 Maidstone South April 2016 Summer’s coming.... get your garden ready for the new season
Heavy Duty Top Quality Fence Panel 6’x6’ £16.99 EACH +VAT
Bark (Bulk Bags) WE CAN DELIVER Homeleigh Offer BULK BAGS OF: £46.00 +VAT bark • compost • top soil & building aggregates
Natural Paving FROM £13.00 EACH +VAT (per sq.m) DECKING
per mtr Railway Sleepers 99p +VAT Homeleigh Offer (25x100mm) £13.99 EACH +VAT (+5 rate) £15.99 EACH +VAT (Single)
ATING 50 BR YE E A L R E S Screened Top Soil C (Bulk Bags) th Homeleigh Offer 50 Anniversary
66 +VAT 1 £41. 966-2016
www.homeleighgroup.co.uk YOUR LOCAL TIMBER & BUILDERS MERCHANT
Maidstone 01622 791111 Woodford Depot: 01580 892733 Staplehurst: 01580 892037 Ashford: 01233 850075 Hall Road | Maidstone Maidstone Road | Staplehurst Station Road | Staplehurst Ashford Road | High Halden
6
1
-
ME20 7QZ TN12 0RH TN12 0PY TN26 3BP 2 -
WA
Maidstone South April 2016 21 Kingswood Fencing Est 1978 Domestic • Industrial • Security All fencing supplied and erected Spring Gardens Chris Wallace
01622 842857 or 07711 795582 from £9. 99 per square metre www.kingswoodfencing.co.uk The Oaks, Lenham Road, Kingswood, Maidstone, Kent
Introducing to you, our interior and exterior ranges of porcelain exclusively available and ready to provide you with a seamless continuation of flooring from inside to out. Not forgetting our extensive range of natural stone flooring that can also provide you with that inside to outside flooring you desire. The Stone Tile Warehouse thestonetilewarehouse @stonetileware Visit our warehouse/showroom - Unit 10, Integra ME, Bircholt Road, Parkwood, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9GQ 01622 679157 Visit us today www.thestonetilewarehouse.co.uk Stone Flooring Specialists
22 Maidstone South April 2016 Spring Gardens
PLANT & EQUIPMENT HIRE Diggers/Dumpers & Rollers Towers & Ladders Lighting & Heating Breakers & Wackers Mixers & Sanders 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 All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates Get your garden ready for spring All bags are £40 Top Soil • Sand & Ballast Free Delivery Bulk bag waste collection - Call for details www.allloads.co.uk email:[email protected]
Maidstone South April 2016 23 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk Pay a visit to Exotic Palms and Spas showroom
ƚƵďƐĨŽƌƚŚĞƉĂƐƚϭϱLJĞĂƌƐ͕ĂŶĚĂƌĞ ĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐƚŽ ƚŚĞŝƌŶƵŵďĞƌϭĚĞĂůĞƌŝŶƚŚĞh<͘ ƚŚĞĂůŝĨŽƌŶŝĂŶ dŚĞLJǁŽƵůĚůŝŬĞƚŚĞŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJƚŽ ŶĞƌŐLJ ƐŚĂƌĞǁŝƚŚLJŽƵŚŽǁƚŚĞĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŽŵŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ŽĨŽǁŶŝŶŐĂŚŽƚƚƵďĐĂŶŵĂŬĞĂ ǁŚŝĐŚĐĂƌƌŝĞĚ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶĐĞƚŽLJŽƵƌůŝĨĞ͖ůĞĂǀŝŶŐLJŽƵ ŽƵƚĂƐƚƵĚLJ ĨĞĞůŝŶŐƌĞůĂdžĞĚĂŶĚƌĞũƵǀĞŶĂƚĞĚ͘ ŽĨĂůůŚŽƚƚƵď ŚƌŝƐƐĂLJƐ͞tĞŚĂǀĞϭϰ ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞƌƐ ĞĂĐŚĐŽŵďĞƌŵŽĚĞůƐŽŶŽīĞƌ͘ ǁŝƚŚƌĞŐĂƌĚƚŽĞŶĞƌŐLJĞĸĐŝĞŶĐLJ͕ ůĞǀĞŶŚĂǀĞƌĞŇĞdžĨŽŽƚŵĂƐƐĂŐĞĂŶĚ ĞĂĐŚĐŽŵďĞƌĐĂŵĞŽƵƚŝŶĨƌŽŶƚďLJ ĂůůĐŽŵĞǁŝƚŚƵŶĚĞƌǁĂƚĞƌŵŽŽĚ ϱϳй͕ǁŚŝĐŚŵĂŬĞƐŝƚŝŶĞdžƉĞŶƐŝǀĞƚŽ ƌƵŶĂƚĂƌŽƵŶĚϱϰƉƉĞƌĚĂLJ͘ ŶƚƌĞƉƌĞŶĞƵƌŚƌŝƐtŚŝƩŽŶ͕ ůŝŐŚƟŶŐͲĂŶĚŝŶƐŽŵĞĐĂƐĞƐƚŽƉ džŽƟĐWĂůŵƐΘ^ƉĂƐŽīĞƌĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞ DĂŶĂŐŝŶŐŝƌĞĐƚŽƌŽĨ džŽƟĐWĂůŵƐ ůŝŐŚƟŶŐĂŶĚĂďĂĐŬůŝƚǁĂƚĞƌĨĂůů͘dŚĞ ǁĂƚĞƌƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐĂŶĚǁƌŝƚĞƵƉĂĚŝĂƌLJ ĂŶĚ^ƉĂƐďĂƐĞĚŝŶ'ŝůůŝŶŐŚĂŵ, ƚŽƉŽĨƚŚĞƌĂŶŐĞŵŽĚĞůƐĐŽŵĞǁŝƚŚ invites you to visit his showroom ĂŶŝWŽĚĚŽĐŬŝŶŐƐƚĂƟŽŶ͕ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞĨŽƌ ŝŶĞǀĞƌLJĐĂƐĞĨŽƌƚŚƌĞĞŵŽŶƚŚƐĨŽƌ ĞĂĐŚĐůŝĞŶƚ͕ĂƐǁĞůůĂƐƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ ƚŽĮŶĚŽƵƚĂďŽƵƚĞĂĐŚĐŽŵďĞƌ ƚŚĞŝWŚŽŶĞϱĂŶĚϲ͕ǁŝƚŚǁŝƌĞůĞƐƐ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂůĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐĂŶĚƐĞƌǀŝĐŝŶŐ͘ ŚŽƚƚƵďƐǁŚŝĐŚŚĂǀĞďĞĞŶŚĂŶĚͲ ĐŽŶƚƌŽůƐƚŽƐĞůĞĐƚLJŽƵƌŵƵƐŝĐ͘͟ ŵĂĚĞŝŶsĂŶĐŽƵǀĞƌ͕ĂŶĂĚĂƐŝŶĐĞ ĂĐŚŚĂŶĚĐƌĂŌĞĚĞĂĐŽŵďĞƌŚŽƚ ^ŽǁŚLJŶŽƚŐŝǀĞŚƌŝƐĂĐĂůůŶŽǁŽŶ ϭϵϳϴ͘ džŽƟĐWĂůŵƐĂŶĚ^ƉĂƐŚĂǀĞ ƚƵďĐŽŵĞƐǁŝƚŚĂϯϬͲLJĞĂƌůŝĨĞƟŵĞ ŚŝƐŵŽďŝůĞƚŽĂƌƌĂŶŐĞĂǀŝĞǁŝŶŐ͘ ďĞĞŶƐĞůůŝŶŐĞĂĐŚĐŽŵďĞƌŚŽƚ ŐƵĂƌĂŶƚĞĞŽŶƚŚĞĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ͘ dĞů͗ϬϳϴϯϭϴϰϬϲϬϲ͘
24 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News New chair Mela takes to streets for Tories MAIDSTONE and The Weald Conservative Association has to find new energy elected a new chairman to lead its battle to regain overall con- MAIDSTONE’S culturally-di- trol of Maidstone Council. verse Mela is going on the move. He is for- The Mela, which takes place in mer Maid- September each year, will be mov- stone ing from Mote Park to the town borough and centre, with a new format which is Kent County designed to reach out to wider au- councillor diences. Alan Chell, The Mela was introduced in 2002 who held the to build a better understanding be- office for tween local communities and cele- three years brate the diversity of Maidstone’s when Helen residents. Grant was selected as the par- Featuring music, dance and food liamentary candidate. from around the globe, the Sunday GDF Productions performing at the Maidstone Mela last year Retiring chairman Brian afternoon event quickly became a Cllr Gordon Newton, chairman have been engaged through the Moss highlighted in his report successful, well-respected and cul- of Maidstone Council’s heritage, Maidstone Mela Advisory Group Mrs Grant’s general election turally diverse celebration. culture and leisure committee, said and aims to meet those communi- success in doubling her major- But with the town’s changing moving the Mela would re-ener- ties that never have been, or are no ity to about 10,000. population – and the need to make gise the festival. longer, engaged and ask them for Cllr Matt Boughton was the Mela financially self-sustaining He said: “In view of the chang- their input. elected deputy chairman (po- – organisers now plan to take the ing communities and the compet- Cllr Newton said: “Since 2002, litical) and Andrea Thorpe festival to the masses. ing demands on us as a local the town and its population have deputy chairman for member- The first Maidstone Street Mela authority, it is time to consider changed considerably. ship and fundraising. will be a celebration of culturally what the Mela represents and what “This is a good opportunity to diverse arts, with street perform- format it should take. update and re-energise this great ances and interactive arts work- “Research will help to clarify this event, to reach new audiences and Read our archived shops. and investigate how it can be to bring together more people to It will take place at venues funded to make it sustainable.” enjoy music, dance and food from editions FREE online at around the town centre on Satur- The council will be consulting within our multi-cultural commu- www.downsmail.co.uk day, September 10. with the local communities who nity.”
Thinking of a new bedroom? Then think of us We have a large portfolio of extremely delighted customers thanking us for our excellent work We are a family run business and we don’t do hard pressure selling, just friendly expert advice and design and a value for money price.
www.bedroomflair.co.uk 01622 729855 169 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8NA
Maidstone South April 2016 25 News | Elections Key players stand down at election THE political parties have been setting out their stalls ahead of the Maidstone Council elections. Up for grabs on Thursday, May 5 servative group has selected Mike He said: “Success in opposing ad- and been vice-chair of the Cobtree will be one post for each of the 19 Revell, a retired optometrist from ditional housing in both Tovil and Manor Estate Charity Committee. wards contested this time around – Essex, now living in Bearsted, to Boughton Lane has been especially Labour Group leader Cllr Mal- a third of the seats on the council. contest the seat. pleasing.” colm McKay, who made his first Several long-standing councillors Cllr Ian Chittenden, a borough Conservative Cllr Daphne foray into politics in 2012 as ward are not running for re-election. councillor in South ward for the Parvin has served North Downs for councillor for Shepway South, has Among them is Bearsted’s Cllr past 10 years, is stepping down for 32 years, during which time she decided four years is enough. The Richard Ash, elected in 1992. The health reasons, although he plans was mayor and represented the former electrical wholesale man- retired schoolteacher is a former to continue as county councillor for council on the Brenchley Charity, ager (62) said: “There are things I mayor and has been a member of the North East Division. the Cutbush and Corrall Charities, now want to do. But I have enjoyed the Maidstone/Beauvais Twinning He said the biggest challenge had the Mid Kent Downs Steering my time as a councillor. While pol- Association and the Mid Kent been problems relating to housing Group and the Upper Medway In- itics will always be a mix of frus- Downs Steering Group, as well as development applications in the ternal Drainage Board. tration and rewards, I do feel I have the Quality Bus Partnership and south of Maidstone and the inher- Lib Dem Cllr Jenni Paterson has represented the ward well and voluntary group Involve.The Con- ent increase in traffic congestion. served on the council for 21 years done my best.” LIST OF BOROUGH COUNCIL CANDIDATES THE Downs Mail went to press before (Green); Mark McGiffon (Ukip); Steve Stephen Paine (Con)*. Hastie (Lib Dem); Jeff Tree (Con). nominations closed, so this list of candi- Munford (Ind)*; Cheryl Taylor Maggio Headcorn: Sarah Barwick (Lab); Georgia Park Wood: John Barned (Ukip); Belinda dates may be incomplete. To see the full (Con); Jan Webb (Lib Dem). Dallas (Lib Dem); Derek Eagle (Green); Bassett (Green); Matthew Burton (Con); list of candidates, go to Maidstone Bor- Boxley: Wendy Hinder (Con)*; Hannah Nick Goddard (Ukip); Shellina Prender- Andrew Cockersole (Lib Dem); Daniel ough Council’s website at www.maid- Patton (Green); Mike Thompson (Lib gast (Con). Moriarty (Ind)*; Marsha Todd (Lab). stone.gov.uk Dem); Jacqui Wardle (Ukip); Lauren Heath: Alan Chell (Con); Marlyn Randall Shepway North: Chris Garland (Con)*; Allington: Diana Lewins (Lib Dem); Wright (Lab). (Lab); Bryan Vizzard (Lib Dem)*; Geoff Dinesh Khadka (Lib Dem); Geoff Harvey Barry Ginley (Con); Marianna Poliszczuk Bridge: Alan Bartlett (Con); Donna Wilkinson (Green). (Labour); Steve Muggeridge (Green); (Lab); Guy Tanner (Green). Greenan (Green); Georgia Harvey (Lib High Street: Denise Joy (Lib Dem)*; Joe Michael Wardle (Ukip). Barming: Patrick Coates (Lab); Fay Dem); Bruce Heald (Lab). Mamo (Con); Dan Wilkinson (Lab); Shepway South: Milden Choongo (Lib Gooch (Ind)*; Lizzie Hare (Lib Dem); Ben Coxheath & Hunton: Ken Baker (Lab); Gareth Phillips (Green). Dem); Robert Hinder (Con); Stuart Jef- Knowles (Green); Robert Pettit (Ukip); Emily Fermor (Lib Dem); Ron Leagas Marden & Yalding: Rachel Hill (Lib fery (Green); Theresa Lyons (Lab); Eddie Sam Lain Rose (Con). (Con); Mike Summergill (Green). Dem); Tim Licence (Lab); Steve Powell (Ukip). Bearsted: Jim Grogan (Lab); Ciaran East: Richard Coates (Lab); Martin Cox McLoughlin (Con)*; Jim Shalice (Green). South: Steve Cheeseman (Green); Paul Oliver (Green); Michael Revell (Con); (Lib Dem)*; Ben Darlington (Green); North Downs: Patrick Garten (Con); Bar- Cooper (Con); Wendy Hollands (Lab); Geoff Samme (Lib Dem). Steve Shepherd (East). bara Neill (Green); John Watson (Lib Paul Wilby (Lib Dem). Boughton Monchelsea and Chart Sut- Fant: Keith Adkinson (Lab); Rosaline Dem); Daniel Williams (Ukip). ton: Jean Harvey (Lab); Caroline Jessel Janko (Lib Dem); Ian McDonald (Green); North: Maureen Cleator (Lab); Michelle *denotes sitting councillor Public Notice
Licensing Act 2003 Notice of application for a Premises Licence
Notice is hereby given that Ramblin’ Man Fair c/o Spirit of Rock Limited has applied to Maidstone Borough Council on 6/4/16 for the grant of a premises licence to use the premises at Mote Park, Maidstone in respect of the hours/ the provision of regulated entertainment/ the provision of late night refreshment/ for the sale by retail of alcohol. Namely on 22/7/2016 between 12:00 – 01:00 in Glamping for the provision of regulated entertainment, late night refreshment and sale by retail of alcohol. 23/07/2016 between 11:00 – 23:00 in the Main Arena for provision of regulated entertainment and retail of alcohol. 22:00 – 01:00 in Glamping for the provision of regulated entertainment, late night refreshment and sale by retail of alcohol. 24/07/2016 between 11:00 – 22:30 in the Main Arena for provision of regulated entertainment and retail of alcohol. 22:00 – 01:00 in Glamping for the provision of regulated entertainment, late night refreshment and sale by retail of alcohol. Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing of his/her representation by 5/5/16 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Maidstone Borough Council Licensing Office, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6JQ. The Register of Record of Application can be viewed by members of the public during office hours at Maidstone Borough Council Licensing Office, or accessed online by visiting http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing/ Representation shall be made in writing. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application for a premises licence. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5,000.
26 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Local elections | News
Conservatives planning, Labour promoting Annabelle Blackmore – leader routing Paul Harper – new leader cycling and map- both for “The Maidstone Labour Party ap- “A Conservative-led council will ping carbon proaches the May elections in good continue to protect and enhance needed for neutral heart. Our membership has tripled services across the borough. the infra- travel and since August. We are targeting to “A Conservative-led council un- structure to leisure. All win up to four additional seats on derstands it is your money which support these will the council in May, giving us six, to must be used wisely. With the re- this aim. provide hold the balance of power.” duction in the money we receive “A Con- practical al- Paul said the council’s top prior- from central Government, the Con- servative- ternatives ity, after the local plan, was to focus servatives are keen to seek com- led council to the car. on the housing crisis and the ability mercial opportunities to generate wants to drive further improve- “We support schemes to im- of people to afford a home in their income to maintain our important ments in the frequency of the high- prove your neighbourhood’s envi- communities. frontline services. We want a speed train service in Maidstone ronment, and are looking to see “Linked to this we need more and attract businesses to the town. how we can increase street trees county town of which we can be quality well-paid jobs in the bor- “The Conservatives will con- and protect open spaces including proud and we want to create fur- ough,” he said. “Labour opposes tinue to protect our parks through parks, allotments and playing ther jobs by supporting projects over-development of the urban careful management of these assets fields. such as the Enterprise Zone at areas. We believe in improving to ensure their long-term future is “Maidstone has a strong cultural Junction 7. public transport – more frequent appropriately funded. We will seek sector, we will work with our arts “The Conservatives want signif- buses on main roads and local opportunities to improve our recy- community to use the arts to help icant improvement in broadband neighbourhoods, new rail stations cling rates and further reduce the regenerate the borough. Arts are a speeds, especially in the rural for Tovil/Fant, Allington etc will waste sent to landfill through proven way to regenerate local areas. We will work with Kent improve rail access. changes to service delivery. communities.” County Council to assist in the “Finally, we are the main party
Lib Dems in suffi- Independents companies Fran Wilson – leader cient num- Fay Gooch, spokesman for the and the bers. We multina- “Running down our borough is Independents cannot tol- tionals. We easy. We can always find fault so it “Independent councillors have no erate fur- recognise is good to reflect on what we have, party line to follow and no party ther delays that more such as our wonderful countryside politics. Our common sense and to our local needs to be and a county town where over practical approach to decision- plan as we done to en- 50% of retailers are independent. making means we are free to chal- must re- hance “Lib Dems believe we must do a lenge, ask the difficult questions gain con- Maid- better job of encouraging everyone and seek the right answers. trol over stone’s to take a pride in where they live, “We recognise how vital it is where and prosperity but it is also our responsibility to that Maidstone has a local plan in when those homes will be built and to attract inward investment. ensure that, even with financial place as soon as possible if it is to and where economic development “We are well placed to face the constraints, the borough council fend off external pressures for yet will be encouraged. decisions that need to be made, continues to deliver the frontline more housing. Meanwhile we “Finally Maidstone must lift up such as how to continue provid- services that matter so much to continue to fight hard to mitigate its head as the county town to in- ing value-for-money services for residents. its impact on our wards. clude improved bus and railway our residents in the face of ever- “For example, it is the council’s “We support independent re- stations, plus a first-class town decreasing government funding, job to maintain a clean and tidy tailers and small businesses and centre toilet as these are things by and how to offset the cost of ac- borough, but there must be zero the vital contribution they make which we are judged. commodating the ever-rising tolerance of those who persist in to the success of the town centre “Huge challenges lie ahead but numbers of homeless people. De- despoiling our streets and coun- and to the borough-wide econ- Lib Dems will continue to work volution of services could bring tryside. omy; we particularly acknowl- hard to make improvements hap- opportunities for services to be “We must provide decent homes edge the value and draw of large pen.” provided even more effectively.”
Ukip of building Greens austerity. Dave Sergeant – leader in our rural Stuart Jeffery – co chair Greens will areas and fight “We have fielded the largest num- “We have a strong team of candi- its effect on against the ber of candidates ever in Maid- dates representing Ukip in this our infra- closures of stone this year, reflecting the year's local elections, who are ex- structure, much continued increase in the level of perienced in business, local poli- which in- needed support we have seen over the tics and community issues. cludes ed- public past few years. Our message is “With the state of the two main ucation, services one of social and environmental parties both nationally and locally health and such as the justice. I would not be surprised at us transport. Dorothy “We want house building in gaining a number of key seats. Ukip en- Lucy Cen- Maidstone to be aimed at younger “Locally the Conservatives are courages tourism but more visi- tre and we are the only party op- people and others in need of split down the middle while the tors should mean more toilet posing the privatisation of the homes rather than unaffordable Lib Dems are constantly changing facilities. Ukip will be campaign- NHS. We want to see employ- sprawling executive homes across ing for more toilets throughout ment Maidstone move from its their minds about our housing fields and around villages. We the borough. focus on retail, broadening the needs. These two things alone want real action on air pollution “During the campaign Ukip range of jobs and focusing on cre- should cause voters to think about which kills 130 people each year candidates, while positively pro- ative arts, music and media. We electing Ukip candidates. in Maidstone: investment in walk- moting our policies, will not at- really do care about our commu- “Ukip participates in cross- ing, cycling and buses to reduce tack our opponents personally. nity, Maidstone can become a party talks, is represented on a the amount of traffic on our roads. We do reserve the right to chal- great place to live and work but number of committees and we “We want to see communities lenge any opposition party's poli- only the Greens have the ideas voted against the recent council built and thrive, not see them de- cies that we deem to be wrong for and political will to make this tax rise. Key issues include our in- stroyed by ideologically driven ability to sustain the large amount Maidstone.” happen.”
Maidstone South April 2016 27 News downsmail.co.uk Waging war on road damage RESIDENTS are being urged to report road problems – especially pot- holes – to the highways authority via Kent County Council’s website. Linton parish councillor Ron Lea- holes and other faults on line at money.” gas, who is hoping to win the vacant www.kent.gov.uk/highways, where KCC promises to put right most Maidstone Council seat in Coxheath details can be uploaded and loca- problems within 28 days, but the and Hunton at the May 5 elections, tions pinpointed on an interactive website also allows you to check the found one of residents’ chief com- map. progress of a complaint. plaints was the state of the roads. The site also lets residents report The site also lets you view all Mr Leagas was particularly wor- broken signs, overgrown trees, street planned roadworks in a particular ried about a deep hole on West Street light faults and traffic signal faults. location on an interactive map and near the Village Hall in Hunton (pic- A spokesman for KCC said: “Pro- explains the process for claiming tured), which could easily cause a viding this information has helped compensation for damage to your burst tyre. speed up the rate of repairs. vehicle. He reported it to KCC and found “We work hard to maintain our There is also a free mobile phone it had already been reported several roads to help prevent problems and app called Fix My Street, which al- times and was scheduled for repair potholes in the future and typically lows you to take a photo of the prob- in the next few weeks. spend around £15-20million each lem which is then sent directly to Mr Leagas said: “The KCC web- year on resurfacing our roads. KCC (or whichever local authority is site is an excellent and simple way of “We schedule in planned work responsible for highways in that par- reporting problems on the roads, es- each year, usually during warmer ticular area). pecially potholes.” months and select the right method In the event of an emergency, res- Residents are asked to report pot- at the right time to get best value for idents should call 03000 41 81 81. Two-car crash A WOMAN was flown to hospital in Gallery born out of flood disaster London by air ambulance after a two-car crash which closed the road MORE than 50 people packed into London, Venice, Southwold – and in Nettlestead. postmaster Tim Chapman’s home Yalding. Firefighters had to cut the woman for the launch of the Yalding The award-winning photographer free following the accident in Maid- Riverside Pop Up Gallery. lives in East Peckham and has his stone Road. Visitors browsed a stunning studio in Nettlestead. As well as The road had to be closed between collection of photographs and working in graphic design and its junctions with Hampstead Lane paintings by this month’s artists in printing, he tries to create one night and Bow Hill. residence – David Jenner (pictured) and day scene each year. Emergency crews stabilised the and Cheryl Johnson – while Cheryl Johnson, from Kingswood, vehicles before using a hydraulic enjoying canapes made by Valerie has been passionate about horses ram, cutters and spreaders to create Lovett. from the age of 10 and now creates space for paramedics to get to the Tim and his wife June added a equine-themed oil and mixed woman who sustained serious in- third storey to their riverside home media paintings, both traditional juries in the accident. following the floods of 2013, which and abstract. Firefighters helped free her from devastated many properties in Both David and Cheryl’s work is the wreckage and assisted the air Yalding. on display until April 27, during the ambulance crew at the scene before They now live on the two upper gallery’s opening hours from 2-5pm being flown to London. floors of the property on the banks their work. on Monday, Thursday and of the Beult, leaving the ground Visitors at the launch were Saturday. Family support floor virtually empty. captivated by David Jenner’s Next month’s exhibitors are Ann Both June and her daughter Mel limited edition night and day Telfer, founder of the Yalding Art FAMILIES with children under five are talented artists and members of pictures, captured painstakingly Group, who has previously exhibited are invited to join activities at Head- the Yalding Art Group and rather over 10or11 hours. David took up at the Royal Academy, the Mall corn Children’s Centre. than see the space go to waste, to 1,000 photographs for each work Galleries and the Royal Watercolour The centre, which works with they decided to open it as a popup and put them together over 100 Society, and photographers Conrad health visitors to support families, is gallery, for local artists to showcase hours, to create moody views of Feaver and Valerie Lovett. at the village hall in Church Lane, Headcorn and is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm and on Thursdays from 1.30- 4.30pm. For more information call NHS director to fight suspension 01622 892189 or email headcornchil- A FORMER magistrate sacked over trate in Maidstone and Sevenoaks and what the Church has believed [email protected]. comments he made on same-sex for more than 15, until being for 2,000 years, and maintain a role adoption has now been suspended sacked by Lord Chancellor Michael in public life in today's Britain. Road accident from his role with the local NHS Gove last month. "My seat on the NHS Trust came THREE people were trapped in their trust. The Judicial Conduct Investiga- as a result of my long service in vehicles following a two-car crash in Richard Page (69), from Head- tions Office removed Mr Page from mental health and total commit- Warmlake Road, Chart Sutton. corn, was struck off the bench after office after finding his views preju- ment to the NHS – none of that has Firefighters using hydraulic rescue saying it was better for a man and dicial, but the father of three plans changed." equipment worked closely with woman to adopt a child, rather to take the case to an employment KMPT chairman Andrew Ling paramedics from South East Coast than a same-sex couple. tribunal. wrote to the NHS Trust Develop- Ambulance Service's Hazardous The devout Christian has now Mr Page, who lives in Grigg ment Authority (TDA) requesting Area Response Team, to create space been suspended as a non-executive Lane, has said it is impossible to be the suspension, claiming Mr Page's so the casualties could be treated. director of the Kent and Medway a Christian and maintain a role in comments and continuance as a Spinal longboards were used to re- NHS and Social Care Partnership public life nowadays. trust member would have a major move and transport the casualties to Trust (KMPT). He said: "It would appear no impact on staff and patients, partic- a waiting ambulance for further care. Mr Page worked in mental health longer possible to be a Christian, to ularly lesbian, gay, bisexual and for 20 years and served as a magis- state what the Bible actually says transgendered staff.
28 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Powerboat win for Ben Mosque plan POWERBOAT racer Ben Jelf (pictured) has received the RYA Eastern Re- gional Youth Champion Award at London’s Alexandra Palace. The 15-year-old Swadelands School pupil, from Ulcombe, was nomi- nated for the award following another successful season that saw him raises concerns claim his 10th and 11th consecutive British titles in 2015 in the powerboat and sprint GP RYA GT30 championships, NEIGHBOURS have expressed ries of extensions”, but says a plan to leaving him unbeaten in the category. concerns over a plan to level Maid- turn it into a three-storey building Ben’s nomination also recognised the sup- stone’s mosque and rebuild it as a represents “total overdevelopment”. port he offered his team-mates during the three-storey building. He also comments on the parking season. A planning application submitted problems caused on days of wor- Ben, who is sponsored by Peters & May to Maidstone Council proposes ship, adding: “There is not enough Racing, is a third-generation powerboat transforming the Mote Road prem- parking in Melville, Kingsley, and driver and has been competing for five ises into a centre for worship, in- Hastings Road already.” years. He also acts as a member of the pit cluding a prayer room, classrooms, John Peden moved to Melville crew for his dad Colin. kitchen, offices, library and washing Road less than two months ago and Colin said: “For Ben to have been nomi- facilities for the Islamic community, says he is already aware of parking nated for the RYA Regional Youth Champi- with three shops, for lease, to pay for and congestion issues. In a letter to onship awards is a great honour, but for the building. However, there would the council, he says: “It is already him to have won it for the second year run- be just two parking spaces, with the difficult enough to navigate the ning against the calibre of youngsters that applicant suggesting up to 200 wor- roads around this area and find a the awards attract is a phenomenal shippers would attend services. parking space. The extra traffic that achievement and I couldn’t be prouder.” Maidstone Council, which will de- this redevelopment would poten- On winning the award, Ben said: “To have been nominated for the award termine the application, has received tially bring in would make an al- is an honour in itself but to have actually been chosen to win it from such almost 20 letters from neighbours, ready bad situation much worse.” a high standard of people is fantastic.” concerned about the size of the de- He says the building would over- velopment and parking problems. look properties and “lead to a level Others have expressed concern of discomfort” for neighbours, and about the scale of the building, questions the need for shops within Sponsorship to restore organ which would overshadow neigh- the development, which is 400m HEADCORN’S Sponsor a Pipe appeal to raise money to restore bouring properties. from the town centre and across the the organ at the village church has raised more than £6,000. Neighbour Andy Woodward is road from Sainsbury’s. The organ has 668 pipes, more than 500 of which have been spon- concerned the development could Hayley Collins, from Kingsley sored. With Gift Aid, the project raised over £6,200. damage the foundations of his prop- Road, says residents who pay £25 for Church warden Anne-Marie Trustram said the work would take erty in Mote Road. parking permits already find they four weeks. Once it was completed there would be a village sing- He describes the current single- can’t park and more shops would along to celebrate the work. storey mosque as a “ramshackle se- add to the issue of illegal parking.
Maidstone South April 2016 29 downsmail.co.uk News Services cut at rural churches Partnership to promote SOME church services in the Sut- tons have been temporarily axed as part of a restructuring of the Head- corn and Suttons benefice. pride in county town Two years ago, the benefice had the services of not just a vicar, but A NEW town centre partnership is powering forward to make the county also a curate and help from the or- dained chaplain at Sutton Valence town the pride of Kent. School. One Maidstone – a collaboration Diocesan cuts and changes of between the former Town Centre personnel mean there is no longer Management and the Town Team, a curate in the benefice, nor an or- backed by Maidstone Council – is a dained chaplain at the school, and community interest company (CIC) the vicar Rev Fiona Haskett, who formed with the aim of promoting was appointed in February last Maidstone’s status as the county year, has had to manage the four town. churches on her own. The not-for-profit organisation is She said: “Although we are very politically independent and aims to fortunate in receiving help from re- act as a catalyst to communication tired clergy and in particular between members and local au- Board members and supporters of One Maidstone at the launch Canon David Trustram, we are thority decision-makers. now having to face the fact that our Unveiling the new logo and the These will focus on events, public Cllr Fay Gooch, deputy leader of current service structure is no mission statement for One Maid- realm improvements (regeneration Maidstone Council, said: “It is so longer sustainable.” stone, at Strawberry Moons night- and street scene), marketing and important we have a long-term vi- Each church within the benefice club in Gabriel’s Hill, One volunteers, which would include sion for the town centre to make it used to have one service each Sun- Maidstone chairman Andy Davey training stewards to support town stand out as the county town. We day, but, in common with many said: “We aim to bring together centre activities. have a strong cultural side, a huge other parishes, cuts have had to be businesses, the community and the The new branding and logo for retail element and some fantastic made. voluntary sectors ensuring the One Maidstone was created by small businesses – a wonderful For a trial period, there is to be no town continues to be worthy of Maidstone-based graphic design mix.” 6pm service at East Sutton on the being the county town of Kent.” company Geomedia and the pro- The CIC has pledged to organise second Sunday of the month and Four key working groups will motional video compiled by Gareth at least four major events each year no 6pm service at Chart Sutton on deliver key projects to benefit the Powell of PlayMountain.co.uk, also – the first of which is the St the third Sunday. town centre and the business crime based in the town’s Royal Star Ar- George’s Day celebration on April Rev Haskett said: “We apologise reduction partnership MaidSafe. cade. 23 (see page 20 for more details). to all those who are affected. We hope those people who would nor- mally attend these services will Musical picnic take the opportunity to worship at Award nomination call ORGANISERS are tuning up for the one of the other benefice services.” DO you know anyone who deserves revealed and presented with a tro- annual Marden big musical picnic. The changes will be reviewed by an award for their work in the com- phy and other goodies. the vicar and the parochial church The picnic in the park – on munity? Stewart Pope, CEO at Perrys, Southons Field in Maidstone Road councils in due course. Chartered accountants Perrys are which has been operating in Kent – will raise money for the Friends of seeking nominations for exceptional since 1983, said: “We would like to Marden’s Heritage. The event from individuals in Kent who will be ho- encourage everyone to take part and 2-8pm on Saturday, June 4 will fea- Charity sale noured at an awards ceremony in nominate an individual they feel is November. exceptional. Whatever the reason ture old favourite acts, plus a few GRAB a bargain at Maidstone new ones. Mencap’s plant, book and cake Perhaps you know somebody we want to hear about them.” There will be stalls, games and sale on Saturday, May 21. who has done something incredible To make a nomination email ex- races, refreshments, a barbecue, a The event starts at 2.30pm at or shown strength in the face of ad- [email protected] Cobtree Hall, School Lane (off versity - or maybe they are excep- with a description of the individual bouncy castle and plenty of singing. Willington Street), Maidstone. tional because they have tirelessly and why they are exceptional and There will also be a family picnic For details contact Rita on worked to help others? include your contact details. on the field to celebrate the Queen’s 07790 643218. Shortlisted individuals will be put The deadline for nominations is 90th birthday on St George’s Day, to a public vote. The winner will be Monday, April 25, 2016. Saturday, April 23. Ofsted happy after nursery changes policy Continued from page one was happy that the nursery had Mrs Fox said it was impossible to strongly believe that the grading is- tightened up procedures. tell if the “inadequate” listing had sued in October was incorrect and Inspector Jo Caswell said: “Good impacted on her business but said: that we have still not been fully in- improvements have been made “We have had requests for places formed of what rule/law has been since the last inspection. Staff fully with parents stating that, whilst they broken. We are also aware that other understand their responsibilities in were aware of what the pre-school schools and nurseries take photo- protecting children. All legal require- had gone through, they were keen graphs and send them via e-mail and ments are met. The weaknesses for their children to attend Cherubs, we fail to see the difference.” identified at the last inspection have as they felt that if we were prepared Ofsted has stopped outsourcing been tackled effectively. to challenge Ofsted and the system pre-school inspection contracts fol- “Children are very happy. They de- for what we believed to be right then lowing the incident. The October in- velop a good range of skills which they were sure the level of childcare spection was carried out by the Tribal help them to be ready for starting their children would receive would be Group education support service but school. Parents are very happy. They delivered with the same effort and the most recent inspection was by a describe the staff as 'amazing', 'bril- commitment – and that meant Cherubs’ Steve Fox with the senior Ofsted inspector, who said she liant' and 'fantastic'.” Cherubs was the place for them.” contentious original report
30 Maidstone South April 2016 CollectionPrompt Hours: Mon – Fri: Fast 8am -5pm Delivery D.TD.T Sat: 8am -12pm SKIPSKIP HIREHIRE GARDEN & Over 20 Years Experience AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY Stihl Chainsaws, Brushcutters, Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 Hedgetrimmers, Strimmers & 12 Yard Bins Covering Maidstone Viking Lawn Mowers and & The Weald Ride-On Mowers by Stihl EA Registered Mountfield Lawnmowers Fast & Prompt Service and Garden Machinery Commercial Stiga Multiclip and Ride-On Mowers & Domestic Redwall Farm, Redwall Lane, Linton, Maidstone, ME17 4AX Telephone: 01622 749819 Fax 01622 749829 01233 623721 Also at Lydden Road, Swingfield, Dover, Kent CT15 7HF South Belringham Yard, South Lane, Sutton Valance, Kent ME17 3BD Sweet Sweeps Stove, Fireplace and Chimney Specialists
01622 753618
Our services cover supply and installation of multi fuel stoves, chimney sweeping service, rebuilds of chimney stacks and restorations for all stoves, log burners, fireplaces, chimneys, hearths - and more! We’re available every day on: 07936 420364 - 07854 971234
Maidstone South April 2016 31 downsmail.co.uk News Popular surgery told to improve YALDING doctors’ surgery has been deemed in need of improvement – despite it performing above the local and national average. An inspector from the independ- medical records were not locked up ent health regulator, the Care Qual- at night – and our habit of pinning ity Commission, declared the back fire doors when a room is in Patients back Benover Road surgery (pictured) use – ‘without having an appropri- inadequate in two key areas – ate protocol on fire door manage- GP service safety and leadership. ment’. THE National GP Patient Survey re- Professor Steve Field, who in- “Since all the doors in the build- sults published in July 2015 spected the practice on behalf of the ings are fire doors, the reasons be- showed the Yalding practice was CQC in January, found the surgery hind this are obvious – people performing above the local and to be effective, caring and respon- sometimes like to see each other national averages. sive. But he found issues in the dis- and communicate!” seen better patient feedback.” Of patients surveyed, 87% pensary, where there were He added: “We now have an ap- Professor Field accepted the prac- found it easy to get through to the instances of medicines not being propriate protocol and have or- tice had good facilities and was surgery by phone, compared to a managed, recorded and dispensed dered locking shutters to encase the well-equipped to treat patients and CCG average of 76% and a na- in line with current guidance and old medical records, which we sel- meet their needs. Those patients in- tional average of 73. It was found legislation. terviewed said they were treated dom use but are duty-bound to that 95% were able to get an ap- He also found that records con- with compassion, dignity and re- store for the NHS.” pointment to see or speak to taining confidential patient infor- spect and that they were involved He added: “The second category someone the last time they tried mation were not held securely so in their care and decisions about in which we were deemed inade- (CCG average 89%, national aver- – that only authorised staff could their treatment. quate on was leadership this was age 85%) and 93% of respon- gain access to them and was also The inspector applauded the mainly because our staff folders dents to the GP patient survey concerned that the practice had not practice for working closely with were kept in two separate places, described the overall experience of carried out a risk assessment or other organisations and the local rather than all being kept in the their GP surgery as fairly good or tests for legionella. community in planning how serv- same filing cabinet. Needless to very good, compared with the na- The surgery has condemned the ices were provided to help ensure say, this fault has been rectified.” tional average of 85%. report as a “stressful nonsense” that they met people’s needs. If the surgery can prove it has Nine out of 10 patients said they and senior partner Dr Anthony Fin- Dr Fincham said: “The two cate- made the necessary changes within would recommend their GP sur- cham said: “We scored good on all gories in which we were deemed the next six months, all categories gery (CCG average 81%, national aspects of patient care. In fact, the inadequate were safety – relating will be upgraded to good, without average 78%). inspectors said they had seldom mainly to the fact that old paper the need for a follow-up inspection. Winemakers Volunteers plea to boost profile of river scoop awards VOLUNTEERS are needed to help The environment agency has of- TWO wine producers from the re- turn the Maidstone stretch of the fered to clean up the section of the gion raised a glass to their own suc- Medway into a tourism draw. river between Teston and Allington cess at the Taste of Kent Awards. The Maidstone River Park was one Lock and the group is now looking Hush Heath at Staplehurst – pro- of a lasting legacy of projects, for community support to carry out ducer of the country’s most exclu- funded partly by the National Lot- a five-day clean-up along the banks sive pink fizz – took the Kent tery to celebrate the Millennium and between Lockmeadow and What- Countryside Award after judges comprises a 10km walk along the man Park. praised the business for its “incred- river, from Teston Country Park to The River Park Project has already ible attention to detail and real care Allington. been allocated £1m in funding from for the landscape” at the awards Raising the profile of the river Maidstone Council to create a cycle night at the Detling Showground. Medway in Maidstone and the Chairman Ian Tucker said: “Our path the length of the river, linking Also taking the honours was Nick range of activities centred around it aim is to make the river an attraction Barming and Allington, which will in- Hall, whose Herbert Hall Brut 2013 was a key part of the council’s desti- in its own right and an important clude a cycle hub at Lockmeadow. Traditional Method sparkling wine nation management plan (DMP). part of the visitor experience in The Medway Valley Countryside was runner-up in the Kent Wine of Now, a group of individuals had- Maidstone.” Partnership, which is dedicated to the Year category. taken up the reins and set up a trust, Volunteers from the trust will work environmental conservation in Maid- The handmade sparkling wine, but they need more practical help. closely with the Environment stone and Malling, will also play a which is on sale at retailers includ- The Maidstone River Park Trust is Agency, Kent County Council, Maid- part in the project. ing Harrods, Harvey Nichols and a volunteer community group, but stone Council and others to main- Anyone who would like to get in- Fortnum and Mason, is produced in the trustees hope to establish a com- tain and promote “the borough’s volved can contact the group via the Marden from estate-grown organic munity interest company to support greatest natural asset”, according to website or email info@maidstoner- chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot its activities longer-term. Mr Tucker. iverpark.co.uk. meunier grapes. The judge noted: “This is very well balanced, with fresh bright Open weekend at sports club Tombola appeal notes and a touch of cobnut and FRIENDS of Headcorn church are honey. It is better than a lot of cham- HEADCORN Cricket and Tennis Saturday. They are also hoping to appealing for prizes for their pagnes I have tasted.” club is holding an open weekend to have friendly games on Sundays. tombola stall for church funds. Nick Hall said: “I was surprised attract new members to play or just Tennis is played all year round that we were the only sparkling enjoy the facilities. on three floodlit hard courts, which Bottles of wine, beer and spirits wine among the three finalists. As Visitors can go along to the club can be used at any time. There are are welcome as are sweets and winemakers we were all pleased to from 10am to 4pm on May 15 and club nights on Tuesdays and Fri- chocolates. Donations can be receive some local recognition.” 16 to try out the facilities and enjoy days, when the bar is available. taken to Sweet William Florist in The other finalist was Ortega, refreshments. Equipment and For details call Mike Donnelly on Oak Lane or left in the basket at from Biddenden Vineyards and the coaching will be provided. 07778 304129, Christine Brunger on the back of the church. winner was Bacchus, produced by The cricket season starts in May 01622 890560 and Richard and For more information email Chapel Down Vineyard, Tenterden. and the club runs two teams on a Katherin Daking on 01622 850652. [email protected].
32 Maidstone South April 2016 Welcome Emma to Court Hair and Beauty Brand New Straight 20% OFF Stairlifts NEW CLIENTS £1395 Reconditioned Cuts from £10, Colours from £20, Stairlifts Gellux nails from £18 OPEN Tues-Sat Both include next day installation £895 Tovil Green Court, Tovil Green Lane, Late nights Wed Tel No: 01622 756128 Mobile: 07905 182363 Maidstone ME15 6NE & Thurs www.stairliftstoday.co.uk 01622 681114 [email protected] 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF 07725032299 www.courthairandbeauty.co.uk Call us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey.
Freephone 0800 6942024 HOMEFRESH Throughout the South East CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING OFFER Carpets (Average) Normal rate Special rate Single Room (12’ x 12’) £42 £21 Through Room (12’ x 18’) £56 £28 Hall, Stairs & Landing £56 £28 Upholstery 3 piece suite £84 £42 Leather 3 piece suite £146 £73 50% Curtains Discount Full length £74 £37 Half Length £42 £21 No hidden extras - All prices inclusive of VAT SAVESAAVVVEE £££s ONON SKIPSKIP HIRE ACROSS KENT 01233 840624 [email protected] 4, 6, 8 & 12yd Skips DomesDomestictic & CommerCommercialcial The largest ● Blocked drain clearance Reliable Service independently ● CCTV drain & sewer surveys PermitsPermits ArrangedArranged owned liquid ● Drain & sewer cleaning CompeCompetitivetitive RatesRates waste ● Cesspool & septic tank services Fully rrecycledecycled aatt our oownwn ffacilitiesacilities management ● Tankering including ADR (hazchem) company in ● Pollution & flooding solutions the UK ● 01622 804427 Waste disposal & recycling countrystylerecycling.co.ukcountrystylerecycling.co.uk www.mtscleansing.co.uk MAIDSTONE TREE SERVICES LTJ SURFACING Professional Tree Services Family run Business for over 27 years
Specialists in: • Tarmac • Block Paving • Concrete • Bonded Tar and Gravel • Resin Bounded • Brickwork • All other Groundwork undertaken private and commercial • Driveways • Patios • Footways • Alterations and Repairs • Carparks and Roads • Pressure Washing We offer Machine and Hand Lay Tarmac Teams Tel: 01622 296412 For a Free Site Survey and Advice please call [email protected] 07799 351299 or 01622 436933 www.maidstonetreeservices.co.uk Or visit us at www.ltjsurfacing.co.uk
Maidstone South April 2016 33 downsmail.co.uk Comment Local elections so hard to read AT this stage, with a month to go, it is Tory Paul Cooper will be looking to over- spin of the coin time again for forecasters of Mail turn that. who will really control Maidstone Council Marks The reverse applies in Coxheath & after the elections on Thursday May 5. Hunton, where prominent Tory Cllr John As usual it is a close battle, with the Con- DENNIS FOWLE President Wilson is retiring. The Tories believe they servatives probably needing a net gain of [email protected] have a strong replacement in Ron Leagas, one seat to ensure their desired overall con- but the Lib Dems hold the other two seats trol. With this would probably come the sig- in this ward and they will be looking for a nificant position of leader of the council, Current council make-up gain to ensure the hat-trick through youth- which was lost last May when Lib Dem Cllr ful local candidate Emily Fermor. Fran Wilson had a majority of one vote at Conservative 25 Both the national and local political scenes the annual council meeting when she was LibDem 20 make forecasting so difficult this year. also backed by the majority of Independ- Independent 6 The Tories did well last year on the back ents, Ukip and Labour councillors. UKIP 2 of a successful general election campaign The Conservatives hold 25 of the 55 seats. Labour 2 while the Lib Dems floundered. Has that Two Independents usually vote with them. tide turned at all? Labour defend Shepway They feel they are well-placed to win con- Labour-held Shepway South and Inde- South locally, but will divisions nationally trol but they campaign hard to achieve a pendent-held Park Wood. over the party leadership affect local sup- comfortable majority. There are many un- The Lib Dems have dominated High port? certain ingredients – but one certainty is the Street for many years but it is a ward where Will passions over the EU referendum im- local Lib Dems will still be punching well population migrates more than most, and it pact locally? above their weight to strengthen their posi- became marginal last year when Cllr Fran In Maidstone borough the Conservatives tion. Wilson ended with a 119 majority over the reckoned they suffered because they had to There are several key battlegrounds in the Conservatives. The Tories are targeting it in lead the essential but controversial local relevant 19 wards and the power battle will May and believe their hard work can now plan which required very heavy residential probably be decided by the results in these bring success for Joe Mamo against former development. This year council leader Cllr nine: Bridge, Coxheath & Hunton, Fant, Mayor, Lib Dem Cllr Denise Joy. Wilson has had to front the local plan and Heath, High Street, North, Park Wood, The Tories also believe they can succeed take flak from many unhappy residents. It Shepway South and South. again in North ward, where they pulled off is a poisoned chalice she has drunk from A political change in any of the other 10 a surprise victory last year after long Lib bravely. I did not have courage to forecast the final wards (Allington, Barming, Bearsted, Dem dominance. It was only a 25-vote win outcome last year. This year it is even more Boughton Monchelsea & Chart Sutton, Box- – but with long-standing Lib Dem Cllr Jenni difficult… ley, East, Headcorn, Marden & Yalding, Paterson now standing down, there will be North Downs and Shepway North) would an intriguing battle between Michelle Hastie be a significant surprise. (Lib Dem) and Jeff Tree (Conservative). The EU vote The Conservatives will need to hold in the South ward has often fluctuated and the LAST month’s Mail Marks when I rea- three marginal key seats of Bridge, Cox- Tories see their chance with the retirement soned why I will vote for Brexit brought a heath & Hunton and Fant – no easy task – of stalwart Lib Dem Cllr Ian Chittenden record number of emails and other contacts. and look for gains mainly in Lib Dem-held (Paul Wilby is the new candidate). There Thank you. I will touch on them next Heath, High Street, North and South or in were only about 100 votes in it last year and month.
Mote Park is fine as it is park and do not want this interrupted by worded to get the answers they wanted – not Segways, noisy model boats etc. There are to get honest answers and opinions. Dear Sir – Having lived in Maidstone all my already too many cars in the park and one Mote Park is not a London park and I for life, I have seen Mote Park change, but I’m has to be very careful when taking small one, whilst I do appreciate the path round afraid a lot of the recent changes have not children or dogs over there. the lake, would suggest hands off everything been for the beer. Less environmental damage might also else. Leave us to enjoy it just as it is. Many of us appreciate the peace and give the nature of the park a chance to Jean Howland, by email tranquillity of the park and the nature which recover. There has been talk about provision makes its home there and would like it to for nature but most of us long-term residents remain that way, without the need for even have sadly seen it all decline over the years. Retake control of borders more building and commercialisation. If we don’t all help protect it, it will Dear Sir – After 70 years living here I am Yes, perhaps it does need a new cafe, but disappear altogether. appalled at how Maidstone has been forced only because the present one was built with This is one of the few places in Maidstone to change over the past five years or so and I such a definite lack of forethought and where we can make a difference and we too will be voting to exit the EU (Mail planning and one of the biggest problems ought to limit the damage. Marks, March). has always been the lack of stock control. I I do love Mote Park and care passionately Maidstone has become so overcrowded have been in the cafe at least three times only about its future. I resent all these commercial and immigration is radically changing the to be told I couldn't have a cup of tea as they ventures. I met a number of mothers at culture of our town. It will get worse until had no milk. On another occasion during the Gillingham Strand last year and they were Britain gains full control of its borders. school holidays the only ice creams they had moaning about the fact that they couldn’t We are having huge residential were the very expensive ones. A lot of the come to Mote Park during the summer as developments imposed on us very much mothers weren’t too impressed with this and they had several small children and didn't against our will; road journeys now take so none of this is hard to sort, but unfortunately want to spend the entire day being pestered much longer; our GPs and hospitals are that is the way it always seems to be. by their children to be allowed in the fair! totally overstretched and delays for patients In this modern stressful world, a lot of I did complete the survey when asked at are unacceptable; and too many parents people love to escape to the peace of the the park, but let’s face it, the questions were have deep concerns about finding desired Contact our team ... Stephen Eighteen Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233
34 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk places in schools. the money we save can be used to make Cut Road, Ashford Road, Willington Street Brexit may bring early uncertainties but I Britain great again. and Suon Road as a heavy goods route Comment will live with these to expel the hand the EU Australia and America don’t let in instead of constructing a Leeds Langley casts over our country. criminals, so why should we? We won’t bypass from the Suon road directly to Robin Brand - by email have so many people using our NHS that M20 Junction 8. This already creates major we pay into and they don’t, so thank you delays from M20 Junction 7 along this Vote for Brexit for your article. residential route to the industrial Parkwood area and the agricultural Dear Sir – I feel guilty my generation is John Maplesden, by email businesses serving south, south east and creating through EU membership a east of Maidstone. This will only get worse diminished Britain I will be ashamed to because of the vast amount of housing leave to my children and grandchildren. Jobs an illusion already under construction and planned (Mail Marks, March). Dear Sir – When yet another supermarket for the future in these areas. I am patriotic and have loved living in proposal comes up, I have to give a wry S Russell, Matfield Crescent, Maidstone Maidstone, Kent and England. I cannot bear smile as the bid always includes “hundreds to see what now happens through of new jobs” (Downs Mail, February). overcrowding and the financial crises I With the proliferation of supermarkets Solar panels are lesser evil consider are closely linked to our EU and Tesco even closing some down, it’s membership, especially on welfare obvious that one person’s supermarket job, Dear Sir – I am uerly disgusted by the payments. is another person’s redundancy. decision of Maidstone Council's planning I love Europe too, and believe we can We can only buy so much. There isn’t an commiee in their rejection of the plan for work well with our friendly neighbours inexhaustible supply of money, unless a 72-hectare solar farm near Staplehurst. without all the serious downsides of EU you’re in government of course. Once again the Nimbys win. membership. We have to give this a chance Why not merge the park and ride in with The excuse that "rain cascading from the and vote for Brexit. the store, to supply all the local shops? It’s panels will alter the drainage on the site" is Mary Jameson, by email. something that more understanding complete hogwash. The rain from each councils seem to manage quite easily! square metre panel would finish up exactly Hope article sways votes Phil Granger, Alma Road, West Malling where it finishes up today. The use of the term “cascading” is Dear Sir – I was so pleased to read Dennis sickeningly emotive. There would be no Fowle’s article regarding the EU, and that Lower Thames crossing extra rain, which currently cascades you plan to vote to leave. nowhere. The field of panels could be well It is good that people who have not made Dear Sir – I note that KCC prefers the hidden by a hedge and no-one would be their minds up will read your view and it Lower Thames Crossing Option C coupled any the wiser as they drive past. could help them make their choice. I’m like with widening the A249 as a beer long- The alternative is that central you; I really want to leave the EU but I am term option than using the A229. I agree government constructs nuclear power sad when I see so many lies from people on with this suggestion but only if KCC stations. If a solar farm malfunctions, the the news, saying we need to vote to stay in. rectifies a long-standing deficiency in Kent panels could be removed in a couple of It’s the only chance we will get to vote strategic highway routing. weeks. If a nuclear power station out, and it would be fantastic if we do get KCC has been well aware for some time malfunctions Kent could be uninhabitable out. I’m so disappointed that David that the A249/M20 interchange is already at for decades (as Fukushima, Japan; Three Cameron is trying to keep us in the EU; he peak capacity at certain times of the day Mile Island, USA and Chernobyl, Russia. is on the wrong side. because traffic which needs to bypass If there is a time when Nimbys should be I’m sure the Queen, if she could say, Maidstone to the East also uses this ignored, then this is it. would want out. We can close our borders, junction, in addition to the main traffic I have nothing whatsoever to do with we will save so much money, we can route of A249/M20. this proposal, my first knowledge of it was choose who we let in we can stop KCC has, by default, utilised the reading about it in the Downs Mail. importing other countries’ criminals, and residential route of Bearsted Road, New D J Massey, Mill Lane, Coxheath
FARM animals were released during a reports Crime break-in at a farm in Clapper Lane, Staplehurst. Items, including a set of Neighbourhood Watch electric clippers, two harnesses and halters, and a goat and a chicken were reported Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police stolen and a horse was injured. The baeries were stolen from nine golf buggies at The Ridge Golf Club in Suon A garden shed was broken into in Lower Staplehurst. Valence. Road, East Farleigh, but nothing appeared A door was damaged in an aempt to A petrol leaf blower, two Stihl hedge to have been stolen. enter a house in Claygate Road, Collier trimmers, a Stihl chainsaw and a Stihl A security padlock and chain were cut to Street. No access was gained. strimmer were taken from a garden shed in gain entry to a secure area outside a block A failed aempt was made to break into a Chapel Place, East Farleigh. of flats in John Day Close, Coxheath. property in North Street, Suon Valence, Property was stolen from a vehicle in A small silver Ifor Williams trailer was causing damage to a door. Chart Hill Road, Chart Suon. taken from a farm shed in Bowley Lane, Fencing was damaged at a property in A would-be thief ran off after being Boughton Malherbe. Cayser Drive, Kingswood. disturbed by the owner of a Daihatsu that A Volvo C70 was keyed in Oak Lane, Offenders caused damage to the door of a had been broken into on the drive of a Headcorn. home in The Parade, Staplehurst. Two 5ft entrance gates were stolen from A Stihl chainsaw and a Husqvarna home in Redwall Lane, Linton. the drive of a property in Collier Street. chainsaw, along with hand tools, were Garden tools were taken from a shed in A metal postbox was stolen from outside stolen from a Ford Ranger pick-up in Lees Huntington Road, Coxheath. a property in Southernden Road, Boughton Road, Yalding. Damage was caused to the hedge at a Malherbe. property in East Street, Hunton. An electricity distribution box in Tools were taken from a garden shed in Sherenden Lane, Marden, was damaged Dean Street, East Farleigh. and parts of it stolen. PROTECT A vehicle was keyed in Linden Road, A house was burgled in Maidstone Road, Coxheath. Yalding, and items taken. YOUR HOME Tools and fishing equipment were stolen Copper earthing cable was stolen from an ALARMS FROM +VAT from a van on the drive of a property in electricity pole in Benover Road, Yalding. £495 Claygate Road, Yalding. Tools were taken from a van parked on ALARMS & SECURITY LTD A vehicle was stolen from a business park the drive of a home in Stanley Close, in Gravelly Boom Road, Kingswood. 01622 880751
Maidstone South April 2016 35 Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk
Fence me in & alot more All types of Fencing & Gates Installed & Repairs All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Hedge Cutting etc. Call Colin on 07521 377306 or 01622 853978
Appliance Repairs Builders your ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE To place in our MD Building & Services REPAIR SERVICE please PAUL BEST Specialists in with fully qualified engineer advertisement pages • Extensions • Refurbishments All makes of washing machines, Brickwork • Plastering (All aspects) fridges, freezers, vacuum cleaners, classified dedicated • Electrics • Modernisations our on t/dryers, dishwashers, elec ovens. call Extensions • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations team All work guaranteed General Builder • Driveways, Patios & Repointing Free estimates and call out classified 630330 • Fencing & Blockpaving 25 years Experience 01622 673113 01622 FULLY INSURED Anytime: 07831 557677 01622 891960 Tel: Mark 07841 409061 e: [email protected] Bathroom Installers 07748 630747 www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk
Building Plans
BATHING A PROBLEM? Specialists in walk in baths, showers and wet rooms. • Free Survey & Quote FREE Georgia basin & • Easy Access toilet with every Shower/Bathroom walk-in shower/ • Door Widening bath order* • Stairlifts Carpenters • Care Home Adaptations • Full Installation Reliable, Local Carpenter • Open by appointment FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL GERRY *Ordered by 01622 631149 / 07929 522990 30th April 2016 Email: [email protected] DO YOU QUALIFY FOR OUR DISCOUNT? Bedrooms - Wardrobes Wooden flooring custom made & fitted Discounts for OAPs, Co-op members, ex-service personnel, Kitchens custom made & fitted Door framing & hanging Internal alteration SSAFA & British Legion members Discount for Medway WRENS Security Lock fitting service Fences & Gates Unit 11, Newnham Shopping Village Windows including sash Repairs & Velux Staircase Renovation & repair Bearsted, Maidstone Kent Architraves & Skirting Property Renovation Showroom: 01622 738204 Office: 01622 611880 All aspects of www.ahminstallations.co.uk Wood Works FULL CARPENTRY CARPENTRY SERVICE FROM Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and fitted, Loft DECKING TO DOORS, Conversions, Doors hung, The complete Bathroom KITCHENS & FLOORS. Locks fitted, Skirting, ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL. small alterations, Maintenance Company Plastering and Tiling MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD All work guaranteed. NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES IN AND AROUND THE HOME FREE ESTIMATES CALL Cliff on Family business established 21 years Supply • Install • Repair 07940 854927 01622 743648 01622 729092 Mob: 07711 291921 Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone Call Gary 07738 902116 • 01622 736266 We accept payment by ALL WORK GUARANTEED
36 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified
Chimney Maintenance Cleaning Services Electricians cont. "WE CLEAN OVENS!" H & G Chimney Services Using van mounted cleaning tanks, Chimney sweeping service your oven hob and extractor is Long established cleaned to showroom shine without ICS registered • All types of flu smell, mess or fuss. 1000's of All pots-cowls supplied & fitted delighted local customers. Complete re-builds Oven cleaning from just £49 Re-pointing Guttering, roof & valley repairs Please call James on 01622 739439 07860 318166 01622 616168 [email protected] www.ovenwizards.com Fencing Computer Services TOM HOPE offers the following services: Most types of fencing undertaken Fields rolled, harrowed and fertilised (ATV spread if wet) Flail mowing (untidy field to a lawn) Having (whole or part job) bale wrapping, baling, round, quadrant and conventional. Horse manure loaded and taken away. 13 tonne 360 with experience operator, full range of bucket’s concrete breaker Circular saw for overgrown hedges – other services available (anything considered). REQUIRED: Fields for haying and grazing. FOR SALE: Drives Oak offcut’s ideal woodburner (large loads). Half tonne apple bin’s – used once. All type and shapes of forage. Clean brick and block hardcore, also plannings. LTJ SURFACING Family run Business for over 27 years Large quantity of farmyard manure any size load, collected or delivered. Specialists in: • Tarmac • Block Paving • Concrete • Bonded Tar and Gravel • Resin Bounded All above subject to availability. • Brickwork • Driveways • Patios • Footways • Alterations and Repairs • Carparks and Roads • Pressure Washing • All other Groundwork undertaken private and commercial We offer Machine and Hand Lay Tarmac Teams Telephone/Fax: 01233 756673 Mobile: 07890 818783 For a Free Site Survey and Advice please call 07799 351299 or 01622 436933 Or visit us at www.ltjsurfacing.co.uk Fence me in & alot more I.WALLOND FENCING All types of Fencing & Gates ALL TYPES – REPAIR/RENEW BUTLER DRIVEWAYS Installed & Repairs Est. 25 YEARS All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, Block Paving Patterned Concrete FREE ESTIMATES Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. Tarmac Driveways Shingle Drives Patios 01580 890649 07931 368710 01622 850491 Mobile: 07885 253623 Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Hedge Cutting etc. www.IWallondfencingcontractors.co.uk Warren House Headcorn Road Sandway Maidstone Call Colin on 07521 377306 or 01622 853978 Heritage Driveways David Matthews Block Paving and Driveways Fencing • Free estimates & friendly advice Tarmac, Concrete all groundworks • All types of fencing at competitive prices • Fencing supplied and erected 07947 565008 • You talk directly to David at all stages for your fencing Family run • Go on, give him a call on INVICTA business www.wrightsfencing.co.uk Phone: 01622 755342 LANDSCAPES DRIVEWAYS Mobile: 07749 202140 Tree work Block paving No1 Locally Since 1996 Turfing Tarmac Garden Services Fencing Shingle drives Raised Beds Patios INVICTA Decking Concrete GREEN LAWNS FOR A FREE QUOTE AND ADVICE PLEASE CALL: 01622 890352 OR 07340 100780 Artificial Grass Specialists Electricians We Supply and install ELECTRICIAN Artificial Grass Electric Rewired Please call for a free site The new 17th Edition wiring regs are applied ATLANTIC ELECTRICAL survey – 07493 140330 We are Part P Certificated For all your electrical needs For all your Electrical needs Fuseboards, Re-wires, Certificates TONY YOULES From extra sockets to house rewiring NICEIC Part P registered GARDENING SERVICES Replace old light fittings with new fittings Free Estimates, Friendly Service Do you long for a beautiful and well maintained garden? Call Alf for your free quote Fully insured, 25yrs Experience Don’t have the time or know-how? I DO! Ring 07831 247843 or 01622 738680 • Fully qualified, at C&G & NVQ levels I & II - FULLY INSURED Call Steve 01622 747257 All grass, shrub & general maintenance - also planting and landscaping. www.electricrewired.co.uk. Mobile 07985 474176 Organics a Special Interest [email protected] Uplands, Halstow Cl, Maidstone ME15 9XA Call Tony on Maidstone 01622 891328
Maidstone South April 2016 37 Classified downsmail.co.uk
Garden Services cont. Garden Services cont. MAIDSTONE TREE SERVICES Professional Tree Services
Tel: 0800 567 7175 [email protected] www.maidstonetreeservices.co.uk
FAIRVIEW FARM ARBOUR Complete Garden TREE MAINTENANCE & GARDEN SERVICES TREE SURGERY for a helping hand with:- ‘Trust your local experts’ Maintenance TREE SURGERY: All Aspects of Tree Work CROWN REDUCTION, FELLING, • Grass cutting, from field to a garden Felling • Pruning •Hedge cutting • Weed control PRUNING, HEDGE & SHRUB - Fully Insured Free Quotes TRIMMING, CLEARANCE Hedge Cutting • Japenese Knotweed treatment SEASONED LOGS SUPPLIED, Stump Grinding Tel 01622 206431 • Fencing • Rubbish removal MOWING (lawns) Fully Insured and Qualified Mob 07932 752875 • Hedge & tree reduction • Turfing FULLY INSURED (City & Guilds Free No Obligation Written Quotation www.boatmanlandscapes.com • CRB Checked For a friendly & NPTC qualified) professional service & advice 01622 759119 07771 970570 Please call:- 01622 743428 www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk Mob:- 07817 517 733 Handyman Services Painting & Decorating Forestry First Ltd continued ad ad ad ad ad PRACTICAL PHIL Tree Surgeons & Landscapers in Kent THE HANDY MAN TANTONS All arboricultural tree works Sheds constructed & repaired LEE Hughes Tree Surgeons undertaken. Fully insured. Door hanging • Flat Pack Furniture PAINTING & DECORATING Maidstone Medway Surrounding Areas www.forestryfirst.co.uk Interior & Exterior Decorating SERVICES TREE FELLING CHIPPING Many small jobs undertaken CONIFER TOPPING 01622 616133 Please phone with your requirements Interior & Exterior Work Undertaken CLIMBING/DISMANTLING 01622 755898 Mobile OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE SITE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS 07834 601428 City & Guild Qualified HEDGE TRIMMING LOGS Tel: 01622 759040 POLLARDING FREE ADVICE STUMP GRINDING SPECIALISTS HANDYMAN Clean & Tidy Friendly Service Guaranteed Weald Garden Care No job too big or too small. Public Liability Insured/ Mowing, Weeding, Hedge Painting & decorating, Approved Contractor trimming. Fence and Shed all roofing works & repairs, • Quality Decorating at a 01622 630312 painting and repairs. chimney’s, guttering & gutter fair & competitive price www.tantonstreesurgeons.co.uk Patios and drives cleaned. cleaning, pressure cleaning, • Dulux approved over ad ad ad adand ad ad ad find us on www.yell.com ad ad ad ad ad ad ad Written quotes. fencing & brickwork & driveways 30 years experience ad ad ad ad ad • Fully insured Phone Neil 07554 267087 0800 4748750 Tel: 01622 737225 07753 328366 Free from landlines Mobile: 07816 149502 www.sr-interiors.com email: [email protected] JBJBLandscaping EPIC Locksmith LandscapingLandscaping LANDSCAPES C. TAYLOR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING & Drives, Paths, Patios, Fencing, No job too big or small DECORATING SPECIALISTS Maidstone & Kent Turfing, Shed Bases, Decking • Fencing • Treework PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENTS All aspects of treework & • Turfing • Decking 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk Painting garden clearance • Levelling Ground Paperhanging 24 hour service locks opened Partitioning Fully Insured • Jet Washing Service new locks fitted security checks Carpentry Coving For a free estimate • Water Features emergency work undertaken Wood & Laminate or advice • Astroturf • Patios Floors please call Jim • Clearance • Driveways FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE • FULLY INSURED Painting & Decorating CALL CHRIS ON 07970 980611 Tel: 01622 828036 For a free site survey call: Mob: 07763 905464 01622 527106 07788 532926 Rathbone Decorating Services
z Fencing z Treework Painting & Decorating No job too small L.W.LANDSCAPING z Turfing z Decking Interior & Exterior with special rates for pensioners Fully Insured & Reliable z Levelling Ground Works Undertaken z Jet Washing Service • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services Tel: 01622 260149 z Astroturf z Patios • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman Mob:07772 231419 z Clearance z Driveways Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796
38 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified
Painting & Decorating continued Roofing Services
MALCOLM ROBERTS Over 25 years’ experience of maintaining people’s homes. A friendly, reliable service. A.P.S Ltd Painting & decorating, Wall Papering, Tiling and all aspects of DIY. COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE Roofing & Chimney Services CALL MALCOLM - FOR A FREE QUOTATION • New roofs & repairs ON 01634 308067 Mob: 07788 142576 • Full Roof Installation • Tiling & Slate Roofing • Slating/Tiling/Lead work • Chimney rebuild/repairs • uPVC Fascias & Soffits • Pointing Plastering Plumbing & Heating • Chimney Repointing or Removal • Guttering Services • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance Free estimates & all works guaranteed R K Plastering Chris Bourne Plumbing Services www.apolloroofing.co.uk 0800 0232665/01622 729600 All Aspects of Plastering making water work 07808 414965 Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh Internal / External Heating [email protected] Plastering Over Artex Wall & Floor or 01622 853601 Coving Plumbing Tiling for a free, no obligation quote Free Estimates Complete 25yrs experience Clean & Reliable Bathrooms Call Rob on: 07984 609133 Security Systems www.rkplastering.co.uk 01622 747272 / 07885 950959 Larkrise, Green Lane, Boughton Monchelsea.
IRELAND PLUMBING All domestic plumbing & •Plastering •Painting & Decorating heating work undertaken •Laminate Flooring•Home Improvements boiler installations, FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE servicing and landlord 07804 927680 certificates 07912 892341 512663 [email protected] D K PLASTERING tINTRUDER ALARMS All plastering work carried out NO CALL OUT CHARGE CCTV SYSTEMS • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • & FREE QUOTES t ACCESSACCESS CONTROL FREE Quotes PLUMBING For all your t Email: [email protected] plumbing needs New Taps • Toilet & Cistern Repairs Call David 01622 727534 Bath & Shower Installation Mobile: 07974 891795 Leaks & Fault Finding • General Repairs Call Gary 07738 902116 / 01622 736266
Plumbusters Security.ImprovedSecurity.Improved PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS We are a well established family run company with over 25years experience based in maidstone covering Kent, we can help you with your bathroom or Double Glazing Repairs kitchen design and install, we specialise in central heating repairs and upgrades & Locksmith Services including boiler replacements. • Locks repaired or replaced Please call for a FREE quote • Letterboxes Access Tel: 01622 672743 Mobile 07703 442025 • Hinges & window handles Denied Gas safe No 521635 www.plumbusters.co.uk • Broken glass & misted units • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Patio doors, runners & rollers Gavin Francis • Doors that are difficult to close and lock Central Heating Installations ex British Gas • New Boilers • Noisy Boilers and repairs 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 • Burst pipes & leaks • Bathroom & shower installations Your local plumber • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, We accept payment by 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected]
Maidstone South April 2016 39 Classified downsmail.co.uk
Skip Hire continued Skip Hire continued Prompt D.T Collection Fast BMP SKIP HIRE Delivery SKIP HIRE
Over 20 Years Experience Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 Prices from £110+VAT & 12 Yard Bins Covering Maidstone 01622 & The Weald 2/3/4 & 6 YARD EA Registered 843511 Fast & Prompt Service South Belringham Yard, South Lane, Commercial • SAME DAY SERVICE E.A. REG & Domestic Sutton Valance, Kent ME17 3BD • FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE • WE RECYCLE YOUR WASTE Friendly • Effecient • Reliable • Competitive 01622 858887 07870 680 979 PINBINS Commercial and domestic GRAB HIRE 1-14 day hire Council approved Same day delivery Tipped at our site 2-4 yard mini skips 70% waste recycled Removal of 6-20 yard skips Crushed concrete •Clean Soil Roll-on, roll-offs Top soil •Tarmac Grab hire also available •Hardcore & Brickwork NEW SITE •Muckaway NOW OPEN Detling Aerodrome We deliver / Collect jumbo bags Maidstone Freephone We collect General Waste 0800 028 49 00 01634 724420 Screened soil delivered
Trailor Hire, Sales & Repairs Upholstery BEARSTED Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair UPHOLSTERERS Kent Trailers • 3 piece suites, sofas & chairs Indespension Agent re-upholstered & repaired Livestock, Plant, Recovery, • 3 piece suites individually made to order Van, General Purpose Trailers in stock • 100’s of fabrics to choose from New & Used • DIY supplies • Collection & delivery Detling • Antique restoration 01622 730063 07860 318166 (01622) 863069 [email protected] Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone Waste Collection D. BODY LTD Waste Collection Cesspool Emptying Septic Tanks Drain Clearing Sludge Removal Treatment Plants Gulleys & Forecourts High Pressure Jetting Domestic & Commercial ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS 01622 631688 24Hr - 7 Days A Week Prompt & Friendly Service D.BODY www.dbody.co.uk The Paddock, Detiling Hill, Maidstone, Kent
40 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified
Water Services Health & Beauty
PILATES Foot Care at Langley & Staplehurst CHIROPODIST Benefits:•Alignment•Strength Mrs Linda Abnett •Flexibility•Endurance•Stress HPC Registered. relief Mondays at 1.30pm Langley • HOME VISITS • & Thursdays 1.30pm Staplehurst 01622 891333 6 weeks course £42 Mobile 07787 838645 ALL MAKES OF WATER SOFTENERS Look after your body and it will allow you to enjoy your life more! SERVICED • SALES & SERVICE Call Gina on 07864 914056 Follow or email: [email protected] us on • FILTERS & REVERSE OSMOSIS
•FREE SURVEY PROMPT INSTALLATIONS Foot Health Professional - Katherine Morton MCFHP MAFHP Registered member of The British Association of Foot Health Professional ALL OTHER MAKES SERVICED Visiting Practice - Nail cutting and filing, corn and callus removal, fungal nail infections, verrucas and ingrowing toe nails Mobile: 07960 072999 Home: 01732 875447 BLOCK SALT [email protected] www.kmortonfhp.com SOFTENER
Nail Expressions 01474 812005 Mobile Nail Technician BARNSIDE, WROTHAM ROAD, MEOPHAM Full Set of Acrylic Nail Extensions £35.00 www.softwaterservices.co.uk £5OFF Mini Manicure with this advertisement [email protected] Gel Polish £20.00 1st appointment Many Other Treatments Available only For an appointment Web Service Window Cleaning Call Faye 07711 485749 EXPAND YOUR MB WINDOW CLEANING www.Facebook.com/NailExpressionsMaidstone • Domestic & Commercial BUSINESS • Window Cleaning • Google Marketing / Search • Conservatory Roof Cleaning Engine Promotion • Web Site Design • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting Dance • Email • Web Site Maintenance • Professional & Reliable Service • Power washing available for block 01732 842454 paving & patios Online 01622 863502 Lenham NEW 07950 211 507 www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk Ballet School EMPLOYMENT [email protected] R.A.D. Ballet I.S.T.D. Tap & Modern SECTION Window Services 3 years to senior level within our website’s Adult Tap & Street Dance community notice board Summer Term Jobs, apprenticeships, graduate Miranda starts 11 April programmes, work experience 01622 850329 plus help and support to find DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS more than a ballet school work and develop your career. www.lenhamballetschool.co.uk www.downsmail.co.uk Recruitment Front of house staff required at THE COCK INN, Boughton Monchelsea
Min age 18, no maximum age. Evenings and weekend with some flexibility. Full and part time shifts. Pay above minimum wage.
Contact Jo on: 01622 743166 or drop in a CV!
Maidstone South April 2016 41 On the Road
Farleigh Forge Garage SAPPHIRE CARS 01622 663000 MoTs Maidstones Local Taxi Service Servicing and general www.sapphire-cars.com repairs to all makes Tyres and tracking For All Your Local Journeys Free local collection and delivery by arrangement z Airports z 6 Seater Vehicles 07814 681 098 Air Conditioning z Ferryports z 8 Seater Mini Buses www.kkautomotive.co.uk Established since 1985 z Stations z VIP Chauffeured DRIVERS z Mercedes Tel: 01622 726473 Available 24-7 URGENTLY Lower Road, East Farleigh z All Drivers are z No Extra Charge REQUIRED CRB checked After Midnight Luxurious, Executive Business Travel
Sapphire Cars provides a 24-hour V.I.P. & Executive GET YOUR CAR luxury chauffeured car service for corporate clients. We guarantee discretion, READY FOR WINTER reliability and professionalism providing an CAR BATTERIES FROM £36.99 inc VAT impeccable standard of service to companies and private individuals throughout Maidstone and Kent. Experience first-class travel, allow us to greet you Antifreeze De-Icer Bulbs Wipers at a location of your choosing and whisk you away in style, comfort and total safety. All our taxi drivers have been vetted and , licensed by Maidstone Borough Council and have Headcorn, TN27 9SH 01622 passed a council test of their knowledge of the local and surrounding area. All our taxi drivers are also issued with a unique ID number, so that we know who is driving our taxis at all times. www.psautoparts.co.uk 891777
AUTOSPRAY SOLUTIONS MOBILE BODY REPAIRS For the ultimate paint finish! • BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB • VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING • FULLY GUARANTEED TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED MOBILE BODY REPAIRS FREE SCUFFS, SCRATCHES, DENTS etc ESTIMATES SAVINGS UP TO 50% COMPARED TO BODYSHOPS Fully guaranteed to main dealer standard Fully insured 15 years experience Before Before Insurance work welcome Call now for your free quotation on 01622 727263 / 07773 340049 or email After After [email protected]
Proud • 6 day operation Follow us on sponsors of • Around 1/4 of body shop price Bearsted • Reliable, professional and flexible Cricket Club Winner of Call: 07771 621 769 tradesperson of [email protected] www.touchupsltd.co.uk the year 2013
42 Maidstone South April 2016 On the Road
All MOT’s ACE £40.00 M.O.T. and TilyardAuto’s Clutch Centre MoT Testing Vehicle Maintenance, Free re-test and minor adjustments Service & M.O.T. Service and repairs carried out to all Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 makes and models M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 Local recovery service now available Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY • Broken belt damaged repaired SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS • All makes, petrol & diesel 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG Tel: 01622 663662 Unit 5, Bridge Industrial Estate, Tel: 01732 870368 Wharf Road, Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR HH && CC MotorsMotors Ltd.Ltd.
Independent BMW & Mercedes Specialists Servicing & Repairs while you wait, close to town centre Dealer Level Diagnostics MOTs by appointment Free Courtesy Car by Appointment Air Conditioning Specialists Why pay main dealer prices? Convertible Hood Specialists Affordable, advanced technology servicing Over 70 years’ of combined experience and accredited training with local main dealers 01622 752364 We service all makes & models www.handcmotors.co.uk 19-25 Rawdon Road, Maidstone, ME15 6PT Approved by Trading Standards
Maidstone South April 2016 43 downsmail.co.uk Mike stands down from rail post A NOSTALGIC look back over 13 There were a number of presenta- years of success in building the Kent tions during the meeting, looking for- Community Rail Partnership was the ward to new developments and art focal point of the group’s annual installations at local stations on stakeholder meeting. SwaleRail and the Medway Valley The meeting, held at Maidstone Line and the audience was transfixed Town Hall and opened by the Mayor by the inspiring presentation about of Maidstone, Cllr Daniel Moriarty, the MoonQuarter station redevelop- was the last for retiring founder and ment in Heerlen, Holland, by charis- chairman Mike FitzGerald. matic Dutch artist, Michel Huisman. Mr FitzGerald, a former councillor The partnership plans to send Mr and mayor, who lives in Chart Sutton, FitzGerald and his wife Maureen on a said he was delighted to be leaving at short break to Heerlen to show their From left, Sarah Deakin and Guy Schofield of Kent Community Rail a time when the partnership was on a gratitude for his 13-year service. high, having just won first place in a Partnership, Matt Fraser of Southeastern and Mike FitzGerald The partnership recently won first national competition and secured a are the strength and depth of our or- port improvements to local rail links place in the Abellio challenge, a na- three-year contract to remain in part- ganisation.” and facilities. tionwide competition, with its inno- nership with Sustrans. Mr FitzGerald , who was presented It is already looking to expand its vative proposal for Smarter Travel for He told the packed council cham- with an album of old photographs activities in the region, having se- transition year school children. ber: “The Department for Transport and a poetic tribute, said: “It was an cured the three year contract with The Kent Community Rail Partner- and all political parties support the unbelievable send-off. I was quite stakeholders to continue its hosting ship includes Sustrans, KCC, Maid- concept of community rail and I overwhelmed by the warmth of the partnership with Sustrans, the charity stone Council, Tonbridge and Malling would like to express my special reception I got.” which is enabling people to travel by Council, Southeastern Railway, thanks for the huge commitment of Kent CRP brings together a range of foot, bike or public transport for more parish and town councils and Nu- the line members and volunteers who local community groups to help sup- of their everyday journeys. Venture Coaches. Read our archived editions FREE online at www.downsmail.co.uk Sir Peter Maxwell Davies Elly, who lived at The Green, West Frank leaves his wife, daughter and one Farleigh, was born in Southampton, where grandson. SIR Peter Maxwell Davies CH CBE (81) she went to art school, before taking up a Obituaries was a patron of Kent Music. He took an job as a window dresser at Peter Jones in active interest in music created throughout London. Ruth Bollen the county and engaged both with teachers She made celebration cakes for all THE funeral of village stalwart Ruth Bollen of music and musicians. occasions and rarely did a Christmas fair, was held at St Peter and St Paul Church, The Lancashire-born composer and summer fete or fund-raising event in the Yalding, of village stalwart. conductor was a village pass without an “Elly” contribution Ruth (71) came to Yalding with husband major figure in the to the raffle. Andrew in 1971, where they raised their UK classical music She was a member of the Farleighs WI two children Mark and Emma. community; noted for and taught her friends many different Ruth sang in the choir and became the a personal journey types of art and craft. She was also a helper first female server, along with her that took him from at the Evergreens, where her tea and cakes husband. The couple were regulars at being the composer were legendary. church events. of difficult and Elly (67) was never happier than when She loved children, especially challenging works to busy in her garden, where she used all grandchildren Lucy, James and Spencer, become the Master of kinds of oddments and artefacts to artistic and worked at the old Weald Playgroup, the Queen’s Music. effect. now Twyford Pre-School. More recently Despite living in the Orkney Isles from She leaves a husband Paul, daughter she helped run the church’s Lile Fishes 1971, Sir Peter was a noted advocate of Gemma, son Toby and five grandchildren. group for pre-school children and Helping local music, and remained passionate Hands. about music education. He had been a She was a member of the Mothers’ Union patron of Kent Music since 2006. Frank Woolle for more than 30 years as well as an active The association’s chief executive Peter RESIDENTS have lost a popular and member of Yalding WI, which she once Bolton described Sir Peter as “a great highly-regarded Police Community represented at a Buckingham Palace supporter of music education for all” and Support Officer. Garden Party. noted “we will cherish his patronage and Frank Woolle (64) lived in the Medway She fought a brave bale against cancer his musical legacy”. area but was known, especially in Teston for more than a year and continued to take Sir Peter first came to prominence when and Barming, for his work in law part in village life, even administering forming the group New Music Manchester enforcement and building community Communion from her wheelchair at with composers Harrison Birtwistle, support. Originally from the north of Christmas. Alexander Goehr, Elgar Howarth and John England, Frank worked in the legal Ogdon. He was awarded a number of community and later trained as a PCSO. honorary doctorates and was a keen Barming ward Councillor Fay Gooch, The Stone Shop environmentalist. who knew him well from his local work, Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, One of his best known compositions – said: “Frank’s funeral was packed out and lettered and installed anywhere. Farewell to Stromness – celebrates the many local people went. There was a Inscriptions added to existing memorials environment around his Orkney home. massive turnout from his police colleagues Renovations and memorial and a lot of personal touches. cleaning Elly Bernhardt “He was held in very high regard, and perfectly combined the community The Stone Shop GARDEN enthusiast Eleanor “Elly” qualities of engaging with people with the Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. Bernhardt chose a humanist funeral, ability to be firm and uphold the law. He 01622 726633 surrounded by family, friends and flowers. will be very much missed.”
There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email [email protected]
44 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk
Solman’s quotes for repairs to the village Boom Road. One case of anti-social
Boughton Monchelsea Councils Parish gateways (£460) and the sign at Gandys behaviour was reported, in Cayser Drive. Crime report There were eight crimes Lane (£485). The clerk said the planters in Chairman Following the resignation of the reported in January and February: three of front of the gateways had been found to be chairman Cllr Terry Baker, Cllr Mike criminal damage; one aempted criminal in good condition. Mr Solman’s quote was Darling was elected to the role. damage; a theft; a burglary and two to renovate both the gateways and fill the Pre-school The pre-school wished the burglaries from outbuildings. In the same planters with soil. The clerk would plant up parish council to continue with its period last year there were 15 crimes. the planters if the parish council paid for contributions towards the rent of the village Warden’s report Liz Lova said checks had the plants. A budget of £100 was agreed. hall and had supplied a business plan. It been made on elderly and vulnerable Cllr Peter Herrin said he had the original requested the remainder of the contribution people in the parish. There had been a rise Bolescrew Hill sign that had fallen off the to go towards the rent. The parish council in flytipping and lier. Liz had been doing ragstone wall. The clerk would get in touch was happy with the business plan. The some lier-picking as part of the Clean for with Mr Solman for a quote for chairman would make contact regarding the Queen clean-up. The parish council had reinstallation. The new doors were being the financial projection. engaged a contractor to carry out some made by Peter Skinner and Mr Solman had Kerbstones The handyman would be asked lier-picking in Roman Way. quoted £250 for painting. This was agreed. to repair kerbstones at Broomfield village New member Richard Martin was co-opted Homes scheme The parish council had met green. on to the council by a unanimous vote. with the developer about the plan for 41 Gravelly Boom Road Concern had been Queen’s birthday Rev Phil Goodey had homes on land at the junction of Church raised about the amount of rubbish here contacted the council about the possibility Street and Heath Road. More agreement and although in Langley parish, it was of a joint parish council and church event to had been obtained on design, screening and affecting Broomfield and Kingswood celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. Rev the requirement for no street lighting. residents. Langley had been notified. The Goodey suggested a meet-up on the Trees An application had been made to handyman would be asked to contact the recreation ground or green on Sunday, June grub out trees on the Church Street nut new land agents and arrange clearance. 12 with hymns, prayers, readings and the pla. Maidstone Council was opposing this. Annual meetings The annual parish national anthem. It was felt the recreation Reservoir Cllr Herrin said the best time for meeting and the annual parish council ground would be most appropriate. Cllr remedial work at the Parkwood Farm meeting will be on Monday, May 16. Sara Evans agreed to liaise with Rev reservoir would be after the summer. He Goodey and Junction’s Mark Price about had contacted seven contractors but there the event. Cllrs Jill Skinner and Richard had only been interest from one. Cllr Chart Suon Martin agreed to assist. Herrin would continue negotiations with Public session Anna Wight provided Orchard A resident was concerned that the this contractor. members with details of plans for nine new orchard at Campfield Farm was being Pond Cllr Herrin said the pond next to the houses on Warmlake Road. She was fenced off to prevent public access. Cllr woodyard had been extended by KCC. advised that previous applications for new Munford said the land was within the Annual parish meeting The date was housing had been turned down due to the parish of Loose, but was owned by agreed for May 17, 7.30pm. A budget of lack of doctor’s surgery/school in the Boughton Monchelsea Amenity Trust. The £250 was agreed for catering. The focus of village. trust had the land on a condition of it being the meetings should be the parish Signs Members noted that KCC Cllr Eric leased out for agricultural purposes on a organisations, all of whom would be Hotson had agreed to support the 200-year lease. The resident said people had invited to aend and speak. It was Slow/Danger signs on Chart Hill Road and been walking their dogs on this land for a suggested that information on proposed that this was currently being progressed by number of years and wanted to continue to housing should be made available at the Michael Heath of Kent Highway Services. do so. Cllr Munford said there had been meeting for residents to view. Dog mess Regarding dog mess on the problems with dogs’ mess which had Church Street play area An insurance Memorial playing field, providing free contaminated apples leading to large report and maintenance work was required. waste bags would be investigated. amounts of fruit being rejected by Recent Zurich and Maidstone Council play Football pitch Members discussed the lack supermarkets. Notices had been put up in area reports had identified a number of of matches played by TriSports and Three the past asking dog owners to clean up repair and maintenance issues. It was Suons due to inclement weather and after their pets, but the problem had agreed to accept a quote for Maidstone agreed not to ask for further payments remained. It was noted that the public right Council for £534 for the necessary work. from the clubs in respect of their second of way through the corner of the orchard Road surface Cllr Angela Whybrow was half-instalment of pitch hire fees. was being maintained. concerned about the poor quality of the Rubbish An increasing amount of rubbish Caravans A resident asked whether the road surface on Heath Road, from Linton was being dumped. There had been a good caravans on land at the back of the farm crossroads to the primary school. The clerk turnout, including Cubs, Scouts and were being legally occupied. It was noted would contact KCC about this. Beavers, at the lierpick and an autumn that this land was in the parish of Loose Fete Preparations for this year’s fete on July one was suggested. and the resident was advised to contact Shop Work was progressing slowly. It had Maidstone Council if desired. 2 were well under way. Classic cars would be featuring, with many other aractions. been decided to get a professional Furfield Park The quote received from shopfier to fit out the inside. The Steve Waring for landscape maintenance Honour boards Cllr Bill Brown researched parish council records dating back to 1894. commiee was aiming for the installation of work to the open space was accepted. the new shop by the May bank holiday. Defibrillator The clerk had chased up the He was now in a position to place an order for the honour boards for the village hall. Defibrillator Carol Filby, leaseholder of Community Heartbeat Trust regarding a Lilypie Café, had agreed to the parish quote for the public access defibrillator in Play area signs The play area signs were awaiting installation. The clerk would council siting the new defibrillator on the Church Street. wall of Lilypie as requested. Budget The draft budget for 2016/17 would arrange a quote from the handyman. be brought to the next parish council meeting for agreement by members. East Farleigh Mobile libraries As well as the Green and Broomfield and Kingswood the Cock Inn, the library stopped at the Oaklands The clerk reported on the Theft PCSO Mahew Judges reported one village hall car park. The clerk said this was borough planning commiee meeting at crime – the theft of a garden ornament from not a proper stopping point but merely a which the Oaklands application was heard Dean Street. lunch stop for the driver. It was agreed that and advice received from Kent Association Signal boxes There was a meeting about the clerk should respond to the KCC of Local Councils. Councillors agreed that the signal boxes on the Medway Valley consultation requesting a stop at the village the clerk writes to Maidstone Council. Cllr Line. The council considered whether it hall to be maintained. It was also noted that Hoy proposed that Broomfield and was prepared to lease the box at East alternatives to the mobile library were Kingswood was willing to fund a judicial Farleigh and make use of it, but felt it could already in existence, including the home review should it be necessary. not take it on. The council would contact library and the Touch a New World Policing Four crimes had been reported – Barming Parish Council, but any group in scheme, which helped people get online criminal damage in Cayser Drive; the village interested in taking it on as a using volunteers. burglaries in Gravelly Boom Road and community venture should email Maintenance It was agreed to accept Darryl The Walk and theft of a vehicle in Gravelly the clerk on 46
Maidstone South April 2016 45 downsmail.co.uk
Continued from page 45 West Street and East Street had been surrounding areas, with some found. There aihCouncils Parish [email protected]. relocated to the green a few metres further had been reports of mud and stones being Bridge working party The council had along. The parish council would like the thrown at property and several youths and received an email from Anthony Mather at 20mph advisory limit outside the school to their parents had been spoken to. KCC outlining the issues around the idea of be made permanent. Co-opted Jane Cowin was co-opted to the using traffic lights to control traffic at the Village fete The fete will be on June 18. vacancy on the parish council. Bridge/level crossing. Though not highly Helpers were needed for car parking. Local needs housing The applicant had positive, he did not rule out the idea. The Precept Members agreed the budget for appealed against Maidstone Council for council agreed to ask MP Helen Grant to 2016/17 with the precept set at £25,000, non-determination on the Maidstone Road set up a meeting with Kent Highway which created a tax of £80.13 per property. development and the clerk was asked to Services, Network Rail and the parish view the documents as to whether council. correspondence had been received from the Play area The council accepted a quote Langley Planning Inspectorate. from Barge Landscapes for £3,049 to do Community warden Dawn Riach-Brown Marden in Bloom Cllr Boswell explained remedial work on Vicarage Lane play area. had contacted Golding Homes about the the aim of Marden in Bloom and the Annual parish meeting This is set for April lack of lighting in the alley at Skinners Way. possible areas of improvement and 26 at 7.30pm in The Old School Hall, Lower Some Langley residents were aending the placement of planters. Fundraising events Road. Refreshments will be on offer. youth club at Suon Valence and would be were planned and several businesses had Elections There is a parish council election competing soon in a football tournament. been approached for sponsorship. on May 5. Bins The weekly bin emptying had now Councillors agreed that the parish Speed watch The rota was set until July started. The clerk said there had been a few caretakers would undertake the watering of and the first session took place on March 1. issues with regards to the bin emptying at up to six additional planters twice a week. Resigned A leer of resignation was the village hall but these had been rectified. This would be reviewed annually. The received from Cllr Lyn Topley. Changing Football club A donation of £5,000 to plants in the village troughs had not work paerns made it impossible for her to Langley Football Club was approved for flourished and would therefore be aend meetings regularly. their changing room extension at the removed. It was agreed to plant up again in village hall. It was agreed that £750 would the spring. be paid immediately to help cover the Marden station Items still not rectified East Suon invoice for the footings and the balance included faded car park markings and Play area The surface was very thin and would be given when the remaining blocked drains. had holes. The parish council accepted finance was in place to finish the structure. quotes from Outdoors Living for £405.90 Village walk The clerk and Cllr Young had plus Vat for painting the swing and £351.50 identified some areas along the Leeds road Nelestead plus Vat for cleaning the play area. which would be suitable for additional Police report PCSO Nicola Morris reported Police report There had been no crimes, but planting of bulbs and cherry trees. Early there had been a burglary (non-dwelling) in a possible poaching incident was reported. discussions with Kent Highway Services Maidstone Road when a lawnmower and Highways Workhouse Lane was due to be seemed positive. tools were stolen and an arson in Station closed from March 21 for up to six weeks. Road. There had also been a robbery in Planning Parish councillors recommended Maidstone Road where three males entered refusal of an application for false chimney Loose a property and jewellery was stolen. stacks at Great Oak Farm, Friday Street, but Flooding Members of the public raised a Chaerbox Cllr Jackie Benne stated that not that it should go before the borough number of maers regarding the flooding Chaerbox takes place every third Tuesday planning commiee. It was felt that the in Well Street. These included: recurring of the month at the Hop Pole public house. stacks were not in keeping with a issues with silt flooding a resident’s pond Village hall CCTV repairs had been done. traditional barn conversion in the area. and killing fish; issues regarding Well Street Field The council accepted the quote from School KCC was proposing to expand had been raised in October without any All Seasons grounds maintenance Headcorn Primary School from 210 to 420 response from Kent Highway Services; contractors regarding the King George V places. problems with blocked gullies, for example field. Councillors wanted a monthly update at the boundary of Palm Coage. Borough from the contractors on how many cuts had ward Cllr Sue Grigg said the site was being taken place. Hunton closely monitored and the developer was Highways The clerk would contact UK Policing Two crimes had been reported – complying with everything requested. The Power Networks regarding the tree in theft of two turkeys and two peacocks, and chairman agreed that the developer was not Maidstone Road and would chase progress theft of tools, both in Lughorse Lane. Cllr at fault but the blame lay with Maidstone on hedge-cuing bordering the Old School Wyles reported that gravel was taken from Council which was shortsighted and scared House property. the village hall car park. The number plate of refusing a planning application that Stone A quote had been received for £225 of the vehicle used in the theft was could end up going to appeal. for repair of the stone sign outside the King provided to the PCSO who also helped to Annual meeting The annual parish George V field. The clerk would contact the review the footage from the village hall meeting will be on Wednesday, May 4 at trustee of the field to see if a grant was CCTV cameras. 6.30pm for a 7pm start. available. Playing field The chairman of the King Restructuring The parish council currently Planning An application had been received George V playing field management holds 69 meetings in a year, which the regarding The Three Sons in Hampstead commiee, Danny Peacock, reported on the chairman felt was too demanding on Lane, Nelestead for residential use for a last meeting. The drain in the car park as councillors’ and clerks’ time, considering gypsy family including two amenity blocks working well. Should any holes appear in that there were five vacancies. There was a and two chalet homes, fencing and hard- the car park surface, there was spare financial drain on time taken to set up and standing. Members objected to the material to resurface it. There was £3,442 run meetings. All councillors should application because the site is in the remaining in funds. A new gate and consider ways of restructuring and report Metropolitan Green Belt, a flood plain zone fencing had been fied. The commiee was back at their next relevant commiee and the access to the property is to consider replacing the old pedestrian meetings. inadequate. gate. Precept An increase of 5% for the 2016/17 Pavilion Remaining work to do on the new precept was agreed. This would mean a rise cricket pavilion was new signs, changing- of £2.89 a year on a band D property. Staplehurst room fiings and installation of decking. Co-opted Patrick Riordan was co-opted to Ditch The ditch in West Street was now in fill a vacancy on the parish council. good condition and Bill Axell would be Marden Renewal The parish council’s membership rodding the culvert soon. Landowners need Police report There had been five crimes of Action with Communities in Rural Kent to take ownership for the ditches which since the last meeting – theft, theft of a was renewed for 2016/17 at a cost of £50. border their properties to ensure they motor vehicle, burglary other than Jubilee Field drainage Councillors agreed remain clear. dwelling, burglary in dwelling and criminal in principle to support the Jubilee Field Highways The bus stop at the junction of damage. Quad bikes had been stolen from management commiee’s funding
46 Maidstone South April 2016 downsmail.co.uk requirements up to £2,000 and requested great turnout of about 230 people.
Ulcombe Councils Parish that further quotes be obtained, including Councillors thanked Cllr Martin and his from the installer of the original drainage, Community warden Dawn Riach-Brown wife, Candy and son, Ollie for making the and that grant funding be investigated. A noted that many flytipping incidents were day such a success. It was lovely for 70 representative of the commiee reported quickly reported by members of the public children to see a birth. that the football pitches were at times for removal. She hoped to aend a Donations were agreed of £600 to West unusable due to some areas failing to drain, fundraising event near Ulcombe Church on Farleigh Evergreens and £400 to All Saints’ with up to four months use being lost. This April 17 and was liaising with the Church. The Sports Club had requested a meant Staplehurst teams had to play more organisers regarding road signs on the donation of £510.39 for the defibrillator case away games and pitch hire fees were being Lenham Road to help make the event safer which was approved as a one-off grant. The lost. for pedestrians. WI had submied a request as it was about Caretaker The caretaker was currently Dogs The “No Dogs” signs for the to update and improve the hall including working two mornings a week. He would recreation play area/car park had been new windows, toilets and kitchen. It was be aending to a repair of the memorial received. A borough-wide audit of all dog felt that no further money could be bench by Crown Coages in High Street. waste bins was being carried out and any awarded this year, but if money was still Parish surgery Residents had discussed not widely used would be removed. The required next year (2016/17), a further concerns about the crossroads, the clerk would request that the one by the request should be made. development at Hen and Duckhurst Farm, village hall be removed. advertising boards on roadsides, Headcorn Village party No response had been Road speed limit, dog fouling, lier at The received from residents to form a working Yalding group. It was felt that, as time was running Parade, the gas leak roadworks and Church clock The parochial church council Neighbourhood Watch activity. short, a picnic on the recreation ground could be arranged for June 11. had obtained permission to fell the tree that Speed Watch The new speed indicating was obscuring the view of the clock. An device was being bought and the old one Medals It was resolved to order 130 commemorative medals for school pupils to invoice had been submied for payment of would be offered for sale. the annual maintenance of the clock. Carnival Councillors agreed to book a stall mark the Queen’s 90th birthday. File storage Three four-drawer files would Poo fairy banners Banners encouraging at Staplehurst Carnival and Fete for £10. people to pick up their dog’s mess would Clean-up Following the successful village be purchased up to the value of £350. Highways A layby appeared to be be moved, one to outside the tea rooms. clean-up day, the council agreed to buy Yuletide market The market had more or additional equipment – 10 bag openers for emerging in the Ulcombe Road near the junction of Boy Court Lane. less broken even. The working party review a total of £80 and 10 lier pickers for £11.99 had suggested several areas requiring each. The youth club would be given £50 in improvement, including the traffic thanks for the use of its building on the West Farleigh congestion while stallholders were seing day. up. It was agreed to apply for the road Oliver Road A meeting was to be held with Public discussion The 30mph sign was closure to move from 4pm to 3pm. The Taylor Wimpey to discuss progress towards repeatedly being removed in Charlton working party would appoint someone to handover of the open space. Lane. This had been reported to Kent manage traffic and stallholders would be Highway Services again, urging it report asked to arrive after 3pm and have all cars the issue to Kent Police. The chairman was removed by 4pm. Suon Valence very disappointed as everyone had fought Flood wardens A test of messaging via text Community warden Dawn Riach-Brown so hard to get the speed limit lowered. was carried out during the recent heavy reported that anti-social behaviour had Concern was raised about dog fouling, rains as there was vandalism of the reduced since the youth club had started. especially as a resident had seen a fellow telephone cable and some flood wardens Cleaner The caretaker and cleaner of the parishioner not clearing up after their dog. were without phone or internet. Those with pavilion and toilet had resigned. The clerk The community warden said he could help Callflow internet remained online even had acquired the services of the village hall to tackle this issue. A resident raised though the phones were out. Cllr Michael cleaner, who was self-employed. concerns about lier in the village. The Stewart thanked the chairman for the email Parish clinic It was agreed that the clinic clerk would report these to Maidstone news bulletins which really helped people would be reduced to the first and third Council and find out when the village was during the wet weather. Thursday of the month from 11am to 1pm due its lier pick. Press and media policy Councillors agreed and that a councillor must be present. Police maers There had been one crime – that the press and media policy should be Neighbourhood plan The clerk had the theft of a vehicle on Lower Road. adopted. Cllr Andy Sanders wished for it to completed the end of grant return - Highways Potholes in Ewell Lane from be minuted that he did not agree with the £1,745.91 was to be repaid. Charlton Lane had not been rectified. The policy in relation to councillors not being Car park The hockey club had requested clerk would contact Kent Highway allowed to speak to the press. the use of the car park next season and Services. A large boulder was sticking out Scout scarves The Scout group was were prepared to give a donation. The from the verge in Ewell Lane about 300m considering buying new scarves/neckers parish council agreed to a three-month trial. from the green. This was extremely bearing the Yalding logo and had asked if Pavilion The boiler had to be repaired at a dangerous and a vehicle was witnessed there was a possibility of a donation cost of £295.20. hiing the boulder and being forced into towards them. The chairman suggested that Kent Men of Trees The parish council the middle of the road by the impact. the Scouts be asked to complete a grant decided not to enter the competition. Play area Councillors had spent some time application form for £500. Church path It had been reported that a dismantling the roundabout to see whether Precept The 2016/17 precept was set at nearby landowner was going to cut back the bearing issue could easily be resolved. £57,648, meaning an increase from £58.32 to the trees over the path. The clerk had to It was likely that the repair would be about £60 for a band D property. apply to Maidstone Council for permission £2,300 while the potential cost of a new one Queen’s birthday Ideas were requested for to crown lift. with easier to maintain parts would be the celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday Bowhalls The parish council approved an from £3,000 to £6,000. The clerk was asked on April 21. allotment holder’s offer to cut back the to obtain information on play areas where Tree The WI has asked to plant a tree in willow trees on the allotment and use the the roundabout had been installed about Yalding village to commemorate its 100- material. two years ago so that councillors could go year anniversary. It was suggested that an Lighting Haven Power had not billed for and view before commiing any more oak tree be planted on The Lees. the street lighting for nearly two years money to the replacement. Lyngs Close A resident had raised despite being chased. It was now asking Marquee The parish council marquee concerns about double parking at the top more than £5,000. It was agreed to offer a would be professionally cleaned for £50. end of Lyngs Close, especially on the payment of £4,000 or go to the Stepping down Borough Cllr John Wilson, corner. It was feared a fire engine would ombudsman. who is stepping down at the election in not be able to get through. The clerk would Noticeboard A noticeboard on the A274 at May, was thanked for the support he has write to Golding Homes. the north end of the parish had been given the parish council over the years. Glass The bin lorries were leaving broken damaged. The clerk would write to the Lambing day Cllr Martin thanked all who glass in the village. The clerk would talk to landowner insisting that this be reinstated. came to the lambing day which aracted a Maidstone Council.
Maidstone South April 2016 47 OUR REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF windows : doors : conservatories
Sorry no buy one get one free. No 70% off list price Just the keenest prices around www.southernglassmaidstone.co.uk
NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm 1a Brunswick Street East Maidstone ME15 7UX 01622 686732
WE DO NOT employ pushy salesmen on commission. WE DO employ our own fitters. WE DO insure all our guarantees for peace of mind. WE DO give prices over the phone.
Downs Mail is published by Mail Publications Ltd (President — Dennis Fowle, Chairman — Claire Procter, Editor — Stephen Eighteen, Sales Manager — Bill Brett) 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT 01622 630330 www.downsmail.co.uk email: [email protected] Printed by Newbury News.