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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling July 2016 No. 231
THOUSANDS turned out News despite the rather damp conditions to support the Cockerel’s reprieve Bearsted and Thurnham HENDRIX the cockerel has been Carnival and Fayre. granted a council reprieve after Stallholders reported complaints were made by brisk trade for most of the neighbours in Lenham. 3 day and the fun continued even when the rain fell in earnest. Nude jogger mystery Brightly-coloured A NAKED jogger has been spot- carnival floats were ted in the King’s Wood, dressed on the ‘Amazing near Broomfield. 4 Books of Roald Dahl’ theme. A spokesman said: “The World record poppy? participants really rose to A SIX foot tall poppy has been the challenge. The grown by ex-Para Richard weather didn’t matter.” Gough in Weavering. 6 Picture special, page 20 Fly-tipping anger PILES of rubbish is being dumped at recycling- Fury over licence bill bins in Hollingbourne. 8 Bearsted primary call MP Helen Whately says Bearsted urgently needs a new pri- for farmers’ market mary school. 11 A ROW has broken out between Maidstone Council (MBC) and Bearsted Castle ticket dodgers parish over the cost of holding its monthly farmers’ market. LEEDS Castle’s finances are being hit by visitors The market has taken place on The advertising the event. But he said the ticketing system dodging entrance fees. 12 Green on the last Sunday of the While the two sides were locked in did not come without other logisti- month since 2010 and is well-sup- dispute, the parish council made the cal issues, such as how to cordon off ported by both stallholders and June market a ‘ticketed event’ which the market so tickets could be issued Red kites returning shoppers. meant shoppers attending were at the entrance. RED kites spotted in the Maid- The market has up to 28 stallhold- asked to pay a nominal 20p ‘admis- Cllr Conner said: “We are keen to stone area sparked hopes ers each month, primarily selling sion fee’ for a ticket, which was then work with MBC and the Kent Farm- of the birds’ return . 24 local produce. refunded against the cost of their ers’ Market Association (KFMA) be- Parish councillors are refusing to first purchase from any of the stalls. fore the next market to achieve a pay Maidstone’s bill for a £900 an- Parish council vice-chairman Dan suitable solution for all involved.” LADS defy weather nual licence to stage the market. Conner said: “Our understanding is An MBC spokesman said: “Under LEEDS Amateur Dramatic Society Unlike many markets, which are that MBC is the only council in Kent schedule 4 of the Local Government attracted good crowds for held on the public highway, to interpret the legislation in the way (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, summer plays. 25 Bearsted’s takes place on the village that they do, which means we get consent is required for trading on green – which is wholly owned by charged to license the market. any street in the borough. This in- the parish council. “The charging of an entrance fee cludes any road, footway or other Obituaries 32 Stallholders pay a monthly pitch means that the market doesn't fall area to which the public have access fee which goes towards the salary of into the same category, meaning the without payment. This can include Comment 34-3532 the market manager and the costs of licence isn't required.” private land.” Crime Reports 35 MPs’ pledge A BICYCLE was stolen in Bearsted. MPs Helen Grant and Helen Parish Councils 46-47 Whately have pledged to accept the COUNTY councillor Gary Cooke result of the EU referendum for the apologised for KCC cutting YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT long-term good of their Kent con- cowslips while in bloom in Leeds. stituencies, the economy [email protected] There has been disturbance from 01622 690290 and the nation. 4 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent off-road bikes in Hollingbourne. Sizzling Summer Holiday Club Action packed Fun days 25th July – 6th September Fully inclusive 7.30am - 6.30pm 01622 737733 www.pennies.co.uk BOOK NOW! Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted Rd, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5LH TIMESAVERS Your Premier Carpet Cleaning CLEANING SERVICES & Pressure Washing Company GET SET FOR SUMMER WITH OUR GREAT OFFERS Carpets, Upholstery & Rugs Driveways & Decking Whole Home Offers Standard Wash 2 Bed home from £95 £2.50 per sq mtr 3 Bed home from £110 Standard Wash 4 Bed home from £125 including resanding block paving Upholstery Offers £4.50 per sq mtr 3 Piece suites from £75 Leather suites from £85 PROTECTIVE COATING AVAILABLE Unit 5 Egremont Road, Madginford, 0800 156 0881 Recommended Trader Maidstone, Kent ME15 8LH www.timesaverscarpetcleaners.co.uk
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2 Maidstone East July 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Church thieves Noisy Hendrix causes steal £200 in collection cash a neighbourly dispute THIEVES who broke a church win- dow in order to steal a century-old safe walked away with not-so-rich A COCKEREL called Hendrix will In recent days, Hendrix was pickings. live to crow another day despite being kept inside the family home, Apart from the communion sil- landing himself in trouble with which seems to have worked. ver, which they left behind when the council. Maidstone Council has refuted they abandoned the safe, the Owner Katie Rose feared Hen- Hendrix might be destroyed. thieves found themselves with just drix’s days could be numbered After working with the council’s the proceeds from the Sunday serv- when neighbours in Old School officers, MBC has written to Katie ice collection at St Martin of Tours Close, Lenham, complained to saying: “It is not Maidstone Bor- in Detling – a maximum of £200. Maidstone Borough Council about ough Council’s intention to re- Police later found the safe aban- the noise he makes. move, harm or destroy Hendrix. doned in a suitcase in a field off Despite trying a range of meas- We believe that if crowing is re- Coldblow Lane, Thurnham. ures, Katie (31) could not silence stricted to the daytime and does Churchwarden June Eckton said: her pet – so she set up an online pe- not disturb the normal hours of “It was very upsetting to think that tition to Lenham Parish Council, sleep, there is no reason why Hen- people would break into a church which gained more than 250 signa- drix will not be able to continue to building. Our only consolation was tures of support. be a part of your family. " that they would have had to spend Katie said: “He is a much-loved Katie Rose and children with their Katie’s immediate neighbours a lot of time tearing open all the of- family pet – his crowing is not ex- pet cockerel Hendrix have no problem with Hendrix – fertory envelopes. There would not cessive and just natural behaviour. named after the guitar legend - normally have been any cash in the Two neighbours have complained at their home in High Street, even shift worker Gary Tong, who building, but the offertory had been – whereas many of us love to hear Lenham. Katie tried several meth- is often asleep during Hendrix’s put in the safe because the church him announcing the day!” ods of silencing him, including put- waking hours. “If people don’t like treasurer was unwell.” Former police officer Katie’s hus- ting him into a hedgehog box so his the noises of the country, they The church will now be obtaining band Darren bought Hendrix for neck is bent low, restricting his nat- shouldn’t live here,” he said. a new safe which can be bolted to his wife last September, along with ural urge to crow. Lenham resident Margaret the floor and faces a repair bill for four hens. Since then, Katie (31), She said: “He was shut in that all Mitchell wrote on Facebook: “I the leaded window, expected to Darren and their three children night and was really miserable. We have heard your cockerel and I run to several hundred pounds. Joshua (9), Isabelle (6) and Made- never let him out now before 8am, thought ‘how lovely to hear him’. The chalices are now stored away line (4) have spent many happy but even that didn’t stop the com- You keep him and ignore those nar- from the church to avoid any fur- hours with their feathered friends plaints.” row-minded townies.” ther temptation for thieves.
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Maidstone East July 2016 3 News downsmail.co.uk Twitcher spies something odd in the undergrowth A BIRDWATCHER was out on a Sunday evening stroll when he spotted something stirring in the undergrowth – but it was an eyeful he is not likely to forget. He stumbled into a naked jogger on the left. man running naked, as you de- in the middle of the King’s Wood, “The path is narrow and quite scribed. near Broomfield, wearing only a overgrown at this time of year but I “For clarity, there is no law pair of trainers and a startled ex- saw the face of a man running to- against being nude in public in the pression. wards me, then he appeared top- United Kingdom. Simple nudity is The 51-year-old father – who less. I suddenly realised he was not illegal. However, using nudity asked not to be named – said he naked apart from something on his to ‘harass, alarm or distress’ others was a “bit stunned” by the en- feet, maybe trainers. is an offence against the Public counter on June 19 at around “At that moment, he saw me, Order Act of 1986.” 7.45pm. looked absolutely startled and The birdwatcher added: “I am Kent Police say that they have scampered off at speed the way he pretty broad-minded and not eas- not received any reports of a nude came. All I could see was his bare ily shocked, so I just carried on runner dashing through the ancient bottom disappearing into the un- with my walk and went home to woodlands, pictured, once thought dergrowth. tell my wife and daughter of what I to have been a hunting ground for “There was no one else around had just seen. Henry VIII during his visits to and I guess he was a naked jogger He added: “To be honest, he “But a woman on her own or a Leeds Castle. not a ‘dogger’.” looked more startled than me. I family with young children might The witness told Downs Mail: “I The married birdwatcher – who don’t think he was expecting to have been upset to see some bloke was slightly off the main tracks and lives nearby and knows the cop- come across anyone at that time on running through the woods with on a path created by dog walkers piced woodland well – described a Sunday, but I was a bit stunned, no clothes on. I have been back over the years, which runs more or the man as about six feet tall, mid- too.” since and, thankfully, the only less parallel to a field of rape and dle aged, of medium build and A spokesman for Kent Police thing I saw was a fully-clothed rab- looking towards Broomfield church with greying hair. said: “We have had no reports of a bit.” Cream teas at ‘Gentlemen’ set to ride on in Boxley fayre HAIRY bikers could be on their vintage biking gear, are part of an damage to The Green. However, CREAM tea will be on the menu at way back to Bearsted in September international event, which sees with more time to prepare, mem- a summer fayre at the European – but this time with a bit more or- more than 30,000 riders taking part bers hope to be able to come up School of Osteopathy at Boxley ganisation. all over the world, to raise money with a solution. House, Boxley on Saturday, July 16, The Kent contingent of The Dis- for prostate cancer research. The Distinguished Gentleman’s from 11am to 3pm. tinguished Gentlemen’s Ride came This year, the bikers have noti- Ride was founded four years ago in Activities include face painting, to the village last year – but with fied the council they will be in town Sydney, Australia. It was decided a games and a barbecue and there only a few days’ notice, the council on Sunday, September 25, at themed ride would be a great way will be a raffle for prizes including was concerned at the possible im- around 2.30pm to 3.00pm. to combat the often-negative a day out at Leeds Castle, dinner at pact on The Green, particularly if The parish council is keen to sup- stereotype of men on motorcycles, the Kings Arms, Boxley and a mas- the weather was to be wet. port the event but again has con- while connecting niche motorcycle sage at the Fig Tree Spa, Lenham. The riders, many clad in dapper cerns regarding the possibility of communities together. Clean-up costs THE clean-up operation following MPs vow to support EU decision a gipsy incursion at the White Horse Woods country park, at the LOCAL MPs Helen Grant and much to do now that the referen- “That said, the British people top of Detling Hill, cost the county Helen Whately have pledged to ac- dum is over." have voted for change. council £11,000. cept the result of the EU referen- Faversham and Mid Kent MP “My job now is to ensure we, as Retiring county councillor Jenny dum for the good of their Mrs Whately said: "When I think country, make the most of this de- Whittle reported the cost to Thurn- constituents, the local economy and about our national character, I cision and seize the opportunity it ham Parish Council. the nation. think of resourcefulness, pragma- provides to change things for the Both members were in the Re- tism, frankness, scepticism, hu- better. main camp and expressed their mour and an unwillingness to "I’ve already spoken to some of Audi driver ban sadness at Prime Minister David suffer fools gladly. the biggest businesses in Faver- A DRIVER stopped with more than Cameron’s decision to resign. “We have a robust democracy, a sham and mid-Kent about the ref- twice the legal amount of alcohol in Mrs Grant, MP for the Maidstone world-renowned legal system and erendum result. his body has been banned from and the Weald, said: "I am disap- one of the strongest economies in “Given that these businesses pro- driving for three years. pointed with the result but what is the world. Britain is a good place vide so many local jobs, I will do all Ion Vrabic, 30, of Faversham, was done is done. We must now work to be. I can as an MP to deliver that.” sentenced on June 14 by Mid Kent together to preserve the unity of the Downs Mail readers voted over- magistrates after he pleaded guilty United Kingdom and protect our whelmingly in favour of leaving to drink driving on the A20 in economy whilst we navigate a new Downs Mail readers voted: the European Union. Lenham on January 23. course in an uncertain world. More than 75 per cent of the hun- Leave: 75.89% He was stopped in his Audi and "My focus remains squarely dreds who took part in our survey gave a breath test of 81mg of alco- upon serving the people of Maid- Remain: 21.99% wanted out of the EU project. hol in 100ml of breath. The legal stone and the Weald and looking Unsure: 2.13% Just 21 per cent wanted to remain limit is 35. after their best interests. There is and two per cent were unsure.
4 Maidstone East July 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Call 01622 755641 Village vicar is Maidstone 78 King Street, ME14 1BH made a canon www.maidstonedenturestudio.co.uk THE vicar of Bearsted and Thurn- Eat, Smile and Talk with Confidence... ham, the Rev John Corbyn, has been admitted as an Honorary Canon in the Canterbury Cathe- • EXPRESS 1 Hour Denture Repair dral Foundation. The vicar was one of two clergy • New Bespoke Dentures to be honoured during a service of Choral Evensong at Canterbury • FREE Initial Consultation Cathedral, conducted by the The Very Rev Dr Robert Willis (left) Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev Trevor and the Bishop of Dover, the Rt Revd Willmott, and the Dean, the Very Trevor Willmott (right) with Canons Rev Dr Robert Willis. the Rev Sarah Chapman and the Rev Some 50 parishioners travelled to John Corbyn. Picture: Rob Berry Canterbury for the service, along with members of Canon Corbyn’s and Thurnham for almost 15 years. family, who came to Kent from He was born in Bracknell, Berk- across the UK. shire – although the bishop made a Second The cathedral choir sang a special number of references to his “north- Open Sunday anthem by Mendelssohn for the oc- ern grit” – harking back to his years 9.00am - every casion. in parishes in Bolton, Lancaster and 1.00pm month The office of Honorary Canon Blackburn. FORTHCOMING MARKET was introduced under the 1840 Canon Corbyn now gets to wear Sunday 10th July & 14th August Cathedrals Act and is given to a cassock with red buttons and red those who have played a significant piping. Best quality local produce variety of stalls including: part in the life of the diocese and The second recipient was the Rev • Fruit • Vegetables • Fish & Meat • Game • Eggs for long service to the church. Sarah Chapman, diocesan healing • Local crafts • Garden plants & trees Canon Corbyn, who studied the- and wellness adviser and chaplain • Conserves & pickles • French delicatessen • Jewellery ology at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, has to The Living Well, based at Non- • Gifts & cards • Art • Ceramics and much much more been priest-in-charge of Bearsted ington, near Dover. Showground homes plan Enquiries Tel: 01622 679709 TWO developments on 155 acres of A spokesman for the developers arable land off the A249 near the said: “Quinn Estates wishes to en- Kent Showground at Detling Hill gage fully with the public and local “When our new fence looks this good, are to be considered. groups throughout the planning of Quinn Estates is proposing two the Binbury Park development. is maintenance free and guaranteed schemes at Binbury Park, Bimbury “We are in the process of organ- Lane, which take in the former RAF ising consultation events.” for 25 years, it’s a no-brainer” airfield, shut in 1958, and the Thurnham parish Cllr Peter Detling Aerodrome Estate. Waite said that the parish council The first plan is for 1,750 homes, had been calling for the site to be 1.2 million sq ft of commercial used “for some time” but would units, a new primary school and a not commit to approving either pub. The second suggests 350 until greater detail is put forward. houses and two million sq ft of There have been initial talks be- business accommodation. tween Stockbury Parish Council No planning application has and Maidstone Council’s chief been submitted. planner, Rob Jarman. Both plans include a hotel, park- One sticking point is that the land and-ride and shops. Also included is in an area of outstanding natural are improvements to the key com- beauty (AONB) and a full environ- muter route with a new round- mental impact statement would be about on the A249 and an necessary. upgraded entrance to the show- Thurnham parish news – see ground. page 26. Our customers tell us they’re glad they chose Colourfence, and were delighted with our Tribute to ‘one of Army’s finest’ range of colours. They love that our fences are RESIDENTS in Bearsted will be re- After marrying Emma in Canter- tested to withstand merciless weather – even membering another young officer bury in 1909, they moved to wind gusts of up to 130mph. They enjoy how it 25yr who lost his life fighting for king and Bearsted where they shared White is maintenance free, and they love the peace of GUARANTEE country on July 13, 1916. Lodge, in Ware Street, with Emma’s mind provided by its 25-year guarantee*. For Second Lieutenant and acting sisters. a lifetime of trouble-free garden enjoyment, Captain David Cathcart was killed at A wreath will be laid as part of the make yours a Colourfence garden. the Somme, aged 33, leaving a wife village’s “We will remember them, Emma and two young children. one by one” tribute at the Bearsted Lieut Cathcart trained at the Can- parade of shops, opposite White For a free no-obligation quote, please contact us now. terbury Riding Establishment and Lodge, on Wednesday, July 13, at was one of the Army’s finest horse- noon. 01622 233322 men, regularly taking part in the Mil- A member of the Cathcart family www.colourfencemidkent.co.uk itary Tournament in London. will read a short tribute. *Terms & Conditions apply please ask for details
Maidstone East July 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk Driver banned A DRIVER who disputed drink driving when he was stopped in Memorial poppies are Maidstone over Christmas has been fined more than £600 and banned from the road. Alex Munene denied drink driving after being stopped in reaching for the skies his Ford Fiesta on Boxley Hill on Boxing Day. THESE poppies – grown by former packet in a border. Born in Wales, he that would have prompted this kind The 42-year-old was sentenced by Para Richard Gough in his Maid- spent his National Service in Malaya of growth. magistrates after a guilty verdict. stone garden – are the likely holder in the Signals regiment “Poppies don’t like being over- The court heard he had given a of a new world record. He served alongside the 63rd damp and most likely were looking breath test of 73mg of alcohol in The 6ft seed-grown specimens Gurkha Brigade, before joining the for light and just kept going up and 100ml of breath. He as banned fo 44 reached for the sky after being Parachute Regiment with the Terri- up until they found it.” months. thrown aside by the old soldier, fol- torial Army. lowing a failed attempt to match the A bit of a giant himself, at 6ft 1in, Horse fraudster Tower of London’s memorial dis- Mr Gough said: “I guess all flowers play two years ago. look for the sun, like bluebells in the A HORSE dealer from Sandling has The Downs Mail reader contacted woods. been found guilty of a huge fraud us this week after the “beanstalk” “After I dumped them at the back which involved selling ill or danger- plants in his Clarence Court garden of the border, they must have landed ous horses to innocent buyers. kept on growing. around the roots of a clematis that Charlotte Johnson, 28, of Tollgate A call to the Guinness Book of got very big and were forced to grow Way, was found guilty of conspiracy Records confirmed that, while an on- so tall.” to commit fraud after animals were line story from a seed company Richard and his wife Rona, who is sold from local farms. Johnson ap- boasts a 7ft specimen, no official the gardener of the house, say the peared at Maidstone with Aniela Ju- record exists. plants have flowered ever since. recka, 28, Tonbridge, and David Officials at the Guinness Book of Richard added: “The only thing Smith, 66, of Finglesham, Deal, who Records have now invited Mr Gough they are not enjoying is the heavy were also found guilty of conspiracy to apply for the title. downpours.” to commit fraud. The 84-year-old said: “That sounds A plant expert at Rumwood Nurs- a bit of a giggle. I will definitely put eries at Langley, near Maidstone, Mud rescue bid them forward.” said six-foot poppies were undoubt- A WOMAN had to be rescued from He bought the seeds at Tesco in edly tall for the species, Mote Park after becoming stuck in Grove Green in 2014 and planted He added: “As these are growing mud. Fire and rescue officers was up them in memory of his comrades. at the feet of a clematis, the lack of to her knees when she was found on However, when these did not take light and the dry conditions will Richard Gough with his poppies June 22 at 5pm. She was not hurt. after, he abandoned the rest of the have provided the kind of conditions
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Maidstone East July 2016 7 News downsmail.co.uk Armed forces remembered Green space is there A MOVING act of remembrance formed the focal point of the first Armed Forces Day event in Sutton Valence. Organised by the Sutton Valence for enjoyment of all and District Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), the event was DISGRUNTLED dog owners held in the village hall and grounds have been trying to trash attempts due to wet weather. to make one of Bearsted’s pretti- The RBL was supported by the est public places safe for all. Combined Cadet Force (CCF) from The Bearsted Woodland Trust, Sutton Valence School. which manages the 26 acres of Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Sir public open space, relies on dona- Hugh Robertson welcomed guests tions and the work of volunteers to and was supported by the vice- keep it an attractive place for chair of Kent County Council, Cllr everyone to enjoy. Keith Brazier, and Deputy Mayor Two years ago, the trust decided of Maidstone Malcolm Greer. to make two separate sections of Branch chairman Mike FitzGer- the space – one where dogs must ald was presented with a cheque be kept on a lead and the other for £500 from the school by Head of where they can roam free. Corps Edward Simmonds, in The decision followed com- recognition of the work done by the plaints about the open space be- The signs put up by Bearsted Woodland Trust which have been vandalised Royal British Legion. coming dominated by dogs and to flout the rules and have van- costly new fencing and gates to loose dogs being a nuisance to vis- dalised signs put up around the segregate Church Meadow and Charity ride sucess itors. It was also an attempt to ap- trust, indicating which parts are create an off-leads avenue from the A GROUP of Maidstone cyclists pease both parents whose children designated for what. church car park down to the lake. have raised more than £4,000 for a could be frightened by bounding “Since the publication of the However, the vinyl signs have bone cancer charity in a 100-mile animals and dog owners whose 2014 survey results, we have con- been smashed and ripped charity ride. pets are less than sociable. sulted dog walkers but have not throughout the ‘red’ on lead area. On Saturday, June 4, Lee God- Trust chairman and treasurer received any proposals that would Maidstone Council has decided dard, Darren Heathfield, Simon Richard Ashness said: “A large ma- resolve this issue, other than a not to put in place a Public Space Rhodes, Danny Bastone, Shane jority of our members want to be dogs on leads zone. Protection Order, which would Collier, Paul Carpenter, Lewis able to visit our beautiful green “However, our request that dogs have permitted enforcement action Young and Alex Ogilvy, all from space, confident that they will not be kept on a lead on 40 per cent of to be taken, but the Trust is ex- Maidstone, took on the South have a bad experience with dogs. Trust land has been widely ig- ploring the scope for the BWT to Downs bike ride challenge. “Although only a few owners nored,” said Mr Ashness. be considered as a special case. They completed the Winchester allow their dogs to misbehave, the Dogs are allowed off their lead In the meantime, the Trust hopes to Eastbourne route in 15 hours and only way to ensure this is to ask all on more than half the land – in- people will see sense and conform. 30 minutes and had Mick Jones and owners to keep their dogs on a cluding the wide open space of “The volunteers who manage James Day on hand as their support lead on a part of our land.” Moore Meadow. the Trust in the interest of the team. Mr Ashness said it was unfortu- But owners are asked to re- whole community hope they will So far they have raised more than nate that the selfish minority was strain their pets near the chil- be joined by the rest of the com- £4,000 for Bone Cancer Research spoiling matters for the majority. dren’s play area and in the munity in condemning this anar- Trust and CLIC Sargent, in mem- A survey of BWT members western end of chy and make it clear to the ory of Tom Clarke who died from showed 3-1 to be in favour of the the trust, closest to Church Land- offenders that their behaviour is cancer, age 29. dogs on leads policy. But a deter- way. unacceptable. The team is deter- Their fundraising page is: uk.vir- mined few dog walkers continue The trust recently installed mined to find a solution.” ginmoneygiving.com/ team/Clarkey Dan’s gift of life Call for action MORE than £9,000 was raised for Bearsted-based organ donor char- on flytipping ity the Daniel Wiltshire Foundation at a glittering ball held at The Great Pupils tak- FLYTIPPERS have dumped piles of Danes Mercure Hotel, Maidstone. ing part in rubbish next to recycling bins at The Shakespearian-themed Mid- the life- Station Lane, Hollingbourne. summer Night's Ball attracted more saving The parish council said it had re- than 120 guests, and featured workshop ceived reports about the mess, in- celebrity “butler to the stars” Ren- at Invicta- cluding wood and builders’ rubble, along with more waste left at field, and an auction including a di- Grammar Ringlestone, and had asked Maid- amond necklace and personalised School jewellery, Premiership football and stone Council to take action. O2 concert tickets, and a London Invicta’s life-saving transition lessons The recycling area is on Network theatre stay. MAIDSTONE schoolchildren enjoyed the opportunity to learn life saving Rail land next to the Wealden The event was the major first aid skills as part of a transition programme into secondary school. Homes development. The site has fundraiser of the year for the Daniel been the focus of a long-running Around 30 Year 5 students (aged nine to 10 years old) from nearby pri- dispute between Maidstone Coun- Wiltshire Foundation, the charity mary schools attended the workshop at Invicta Grammar School. T set up in memory of the 39-year-old cil and the parish council over who Kent actor who died in 2014 of a The school’s transition programme is designed to give local children a is responsible for clearing it up. brain haemorrhage. chance to get to know the school environment, enabling them to feel at However, the parish council said In line with his wishes, four of home more quickly when they potentially join Invicta Grammar at 11 years it is clearly marked as being the re- Daniel's organs were donated fol- old. sponsibility of Maidstone Council. lowing his death, including one to a The workshop provided by St John Ambulance involved a one hour taster Residents were reminded to report patient who had been waiting six session on first aid. street cleaning problems to the bor- years for a transplant. ough council on its website.
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