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MallingMalling EditionEdition & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE

September 2017 No. 245

News M20 roadworks Pupils’ model train Plans for a two-year smart motorway project unveiled. 4 Village walk of fame A trail of blue plaques has been damaged at station made to mark heritage sites in . 8 INVESTIGATIONS are continuing after a model train, built by students Knifepoint ordeal from Malling, was damaged. Teenagers were robbed by two CCTV images are to be monitored men at a skate park in 12 in an effort to find out how the Larkfield. “ Express” came to be damaged days after the station’s Bomb alert 160th birthday celebrations. Disposal experts carried out a Tina Bissett, head teacher at controlled explosion on a Holmesdale School, said: “How dis-  WWI shell at . 16 appointing it is that the hard work and effort of students has been dis- regarded by a few thoughtless indi- viduals.” The station improvements have been carried out to cater for the growing number of passengers using the new high speed service Holmesdale and includes the re-opening of its head teacher ticket office, an unprecedented move after years of cuts and closures. Tina Bissett The work has been co-ordinated with students at by Community Rail Partner- the unveiling of ship (KCRP) and Southeastern, with the artwork and Obituaries 32 buy-in and community involvement right, the from government through to parish Snodland Parish Councils 34 councils. Express at  Sarah Deakin, community en- Snodland Crime Reports 34 gagement officer for KCRP, said: station, before “This has been a detailed and sensi- PAINT stripper was poured over a tive refurbishment of a listed build- the damage VW Golf in Snodland; a shed was ing, making it a great place to visit, broken into in and even if you are not catching a train.” three people fled when challenged She saw the model, based on the One other theory is that the train turned the station, which dates from by a neighbour; keys to a flat in train from Hogwarts, during a visit may have been damaged by high 1856, into a modern transport inter- were stolen. to Holmesdale School, where the winds. In spite of the damage, Snod- change, with reinstated period fea- Comment  station’s mosaic was created. land’s newly-refurbished station is tures, a disabled toilet and an 42-43 She said: “It was such a beautifully in line to win a top award. extended car park. crafted model, made for Snodland The building has been shortlisted The project was nominated by Carnival. It was never meant to be a for a National Community Rail Kent Community Rail Partnership in permanent exhibition, but if it be- Award for most enhanced station conjunction with Southeastern. came damaged due to vandalism, buildings and surroundings. Winners will be announced at a that is deeply disappointing.” The £1.1 million makeover has gala dinner in Derby next month. Inside this edition: Exam success VOLUNTEERS are needed to STUDENTS from across Malling transform roadside verges and and Maidstone have been celebrat- spare patches of land into wild- ing results in this year’s A level and flower meadows. The four-page YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT GCSE exams. Head teachers re- [email protected] ported record-breaking results after- supplement inside by Malling Ac- 01622 690290 tion Partnership supports people 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent changes made courses  more demanding. 28-29 and events in Malling. Home Alarms supplied and fitted visit www.amiga.co.uk or call 08000 199622 OUR REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF windows : doors : conservatories

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2 Malling September 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Golf club raid POLICE are appealing for infor- Gran gets community mation following a burglary at Golf Club. It took place at West Malling Golf Course, Road, at together for a picnic around 12.40am on Sunday, Au- gust 20. CROWDS turned out in Larkfield A fruit machine was stolen from for a picnic organised by a gran a bar area, along with a cash box. who wanted villagers to show some No arrests have been made, but community spirit. it is believed that two men com- Jackie Hirsch, who has lived in the mitted the offence, with at least area for 40 years, swung into action one of them running off across the after seeing places such as Snodland golf course when the alarm was ac- and Kings Hill organise big events tivated. bringing neighbours together. Anyone with information can She called a successful meeting to call on 01622 604100 set up Larkfield Together, and the quoting 20-0071 or Kent group went on to organise Picnic on Crimestoppers, anonymously, on the Rec on bank holiday Sunday, 0800 555111. August 27. It was a dream come true for Mrs Hirsch, as families arrived at Lark- Rations demo field Recreation Ground with their There was also a dog competition Downs Mail Community Notice A TALK and demonstration on picnics for a sunny afternoon of with three classes, waggiest tail, Board online. Wartime Cookery will be given music, fun and games. most handsome dog and prettiest She wrote: “I’m looking to start a by Julia Davies at the next meet- The festivities were opened by bitch. This was judged by Ian and Larkfield Community Group. Some- ing of the Aylesford and Eccles and Malling deputy Verity from Sandhole Veterinary where that Larkfield residents can WI. mayor Cllr Pam Bates and there was Centre, who also supplied the get together and enjoy social events The group will meet at the a chance to join in dances, try a prizes. and gatherings. Anything from Brassey Centre, Station Road, zumba class and attempt the biggest Jackie said: “Agreat afternoon was Christmas fairs to summer fetes, Aylesford, on Wednesday, Sep- hokey cokey in Larkfield. had and we have shown that Lark- music evenings to barn dances, in tember 27 at 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Stalls, raffle, beer tent, rugby, foot- field knows how to have fun! We'll fact anything that people want to do. The completion will be for any ball and races were all on offer, to- be back to do it again next year.” I’ve seen the once-small village ex- item coloured orange and there gether with a bake-off and children's A member of Larkfield Women’s pand, losing its community feel. I’d will be the usual bring-and-buy fancy dress competitions, both Group, Jackie launched her mission like to get that back, and get neigh- sale. judged by the deputy mayor. with a plea to residents on the bours together again.” Contact Kay on 01622 718353.  EXCELLENCE IN EYE CARE in Maidstone At Eye 2 Eye Opticians, we provide eye examinations to the highest standards. We offer a full range of services including eye health photos, specialist cornea scans, full OCT eye scans, and EYEDREAM Treatment. All at affordable prices and carried out by experienced specialist optometrists.

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Malling September 2017 3 News downsmail.co.uk M20 upgrade to take two years THE designs and dates for work to turn the M20 into a so-called “smart” motorway near Maidstone have been announced - at a cost of more than £90m to the tax-payer and two years of disruption. It will mean two years of road- Highways says CCTV works on the key transport corridor cameras will improve emergency from March, with the first lane clo- service response times and variable, sures already being experienced as mandatory speed limits will im- the preparation work begins. prove the flow of traffic further on Highways England says the move the new road. to increase capacity between junc- A spokesman said the work is tion 3 near West Malling and junc- needed to deal with “significant tion 5, near Aylesford, will create congestion” resulting from large car four live traffic lanes in both direc- and freight volumes to and from tions by removing the current hard and the Port of Dover and shoulder. the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone. However, it concedes there will be He added: “This is of considerable disruption, adding: “It is anticipated local and national economic and po- that narrow lanes traffic manage- litical importance.” ment, temporary concrete safety For lorries travelling to Dover barriers and speed restrictions will there will be specific diversion route be put in place. Junction layouts announcements in the coming may be temporarily altered to allow MP Tom Tugendhat at the M20 months, including information for resurfacing and improvement. about Operation Stack arrange- “There will be temporary closures our local roads becomes severe. The project, which will be carried ments. of the carriageways at night on That’s why I’ve been pushing for out by Carillion Kier, will cost The public can view the plans and some occasions.” Highways England to make it a £92.17 million and has a completion ask questions at three exhibitions in News of the project was wel- “smart” motorway, and I am date of January 2020. Work will also the area: comed by Tonbridge and Malling pleased this is happening.” involve replacing Addington foot-  September 15 – Ryarsh Village MP Tom Tugendhat, who has been Mr Tugendhat said he would be bridge - brought down by a lorry in Hall, Birling Road (3-9pm). pressing for improvements to re- interested to see the plans and August last year; the reconfiguration  September 16 – Trottiscliffe Vil- lieve congestion on the busy route. urged residents to attend local of junction layouts; the creation of lage Hall, Church Lane (10am-5pm). He said: “The M20 is a key road events where Highways England five emergency refuges, with  September 22 and 23 – Commu- connecting the country with Eu- will explain the scheme. He added: phones, and a raised concrete cen- nity Hall, Capel Morris Centre, Hall rope, but it suffers from severe de- “You can turn up, ask questions and tral reservation. Noise barriers will Road, Royal British Legion Village, lays. We see when Operation Stack view the works as they will initially be replaced and new ones added Aylesford (3-9pm and 10am-5pm is in force, the impact of this on all cause disruption.” where necessary. respectively). Pedestrian hit Lions’ charity WITNESSES are being urged to come forward after a man was left car park to go with serious injuries following an accident in Maidstone over the A CHARITY in Maidstone has Bank Holiday. thanked motorists who have The man, in his 90s, is being helped raise thousands of pounds treated at a London hospital after for local causes after being told being hit by a lorry in King Street, their parking arrangement in the near its junction with Church Street town has to cease. on Friday, August 25. Maidstone Lions Club say fans at The accident involving the the football club has supported the pedestrian happened at about 2pm use of the Countygate car park on and involved a white lorry. match days since their new sta- Anyone who saw the collision is dium opened in 2012. asked to call the Serious Collision But Lions Club fundraising chair- Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, Assault pair wanted man Malcolm Luxton, whose mem- quoting the reference number bers have manned the car park AW/DM/191/17, or email POLICE are searching for this pair Drive, it is reported the group who voluntarily for charity for more [email protected]. in connection with an alleged vio- had been in the car, described as than five years, has been told it will lent assault in which a man was left five men and a woman, ran down no longer be at their disposal. with a fractured eye socket and bro- the road and assaulted the victim. He said: “Every penny of the Bar’s upgrade ken teeth. He fell to the floor where the group money that the Lions club have re- MAIDSTONE’S Banks Bar has an- Officers investigating a reported continued to punch and kick him. ceived from football fans has been nounced it will be reopening on assault in Maidstone on August 29 “The suspects left the scene and used for charitable purposes in the Saturday, September 16, as a lux- have released CCTV images of two the victim attended a local hospital Maidstone area. Unfortunately, we ury venue after a refurbishment. people they believe can help with for medical attention to injuries de- have now been denied the use of The Bank Street nightspot has their enquiries. scribed as a fractured eye socket, the ‘old Job Centre’ half of the site been empty since it closed in 2015, A statement said: “At around broken teeth and bruises.” for the foreseeable future by agents but the new team says on Facebook 10.30pm, an 18-year-old man, was Officers would like to speak with acting on behalf of the owners. that it has been working on reno- walking with four friends along anyone who recognises the man or “Maidstone Lions Club would vating it to “a really, really high Loose Road towards the town cen- woman in the CCTV images or like to thank all the football fans standard.” tre when the occupants of a dark who believes they have informa- who have generously given dona- Inside the over-21s venue, there Ford Fiesta shouted at them as it tion. Witnesses can call Kent Police tions for parking over the years.” will be four rooms on two floors drove past. The car was subse- on 01622 604100 quoting reference The Lions organisation, which is with two cocktail bars, two dance- quently seen to drive into Parkway. YY/24703/17. Alternatively, contact celebrating its centenary, raised floors, a draught and craft beer bar “As the victim and his friends ap- Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, £1.6m for communities in the south and a terraced balcony outside. proached the junction with Heather on 0800 555111. east alone last year.

4 Malling September 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Algae warning to pet owners WARNINGS havebeen going up ria has for dogs, and what makes it after concerns about contaminated worse is the speed with which it water in the Malling area. causes harm.” Signs have been posted at Ley- Three dogs died less than an hour bourne Lakes, warning the public after drinking contaminated water at and dog owners in particular, of the lakes in Dartford last summer. dangers associated with the “blue- She welcomed the posting of signs green algae”, or cyanobacteria, that around Lakes and con- appears on calm water at this time of firmed no cases had been referred to year. the surgery so far. Other reports have also included Not all blue-green algae contains the lake at Mote Park in Maidstone. cyanobacteria, but vets advise Experts say recent warm weather against allowing dogs in any body of has prompted the bacterial blooms, water containing algal bloom, in case which proliferate in hot weather, it is the toxic type, which attacks the particularly in late summer and kidneys or the liver. early autumn. If ingested, they can Symptoms include vomiting and cause severe stomach upset, which diarrhoea, leading to death within 30 can be fatal in dogs. minutes to 24 hours. Verity Johnson, practice manager If you suspect your dog may have at Sandhole Vets in Malling Road, been poisoned by cyanobacteria, Snodland, was walking her dog time is of the essence. around Leybourne Lakes on Friday Treatment will depend on how when she spotted the potentially advanced the poisoning symptoms deadly slime on the water, prompt- are. If your pet is severely ill, eu- ing a warning to be published on the thanasia may be the only option. If practice website. treatment is received soon enough, A colleague said: “Unfortunately, intensive treatment may save your not everyone is aware of the life- dog, but recovery may take weeks or threatening consequences this bacte- months and leave liver damage. Buying,Buying, sellingselling Artist guided by map of rocks oorr both?both? SOUTH African artist Jeannette Unite, who collects rocks from mines and geological sites worldwide to make her own paints, is showing some of her work in the Control Tower at Kings Hill. Whitehead Monckton solicitors can help Jeanette (pictured) was guided by the 200-year old geo-map drawn up by the father of British geology William “Strata” Smith. you complete all the legal steps, whether The paint used you’reyou’rree buying or sellingsel a prproperty.operty. to create the bar- code-like painting series We take pride in offffering a no-nonsense approach to was made from what can sometimes be a frustrating process, helping soil collected from rock and ensure your transaction is completed as quickly and minerals at quarries in smoothly as possible. England and Wales, including Recognised by the Law Society Conveyancing Quality chalk from Dover. Accreditation Scheme, a requirement for some The exhibition is open to the mortgage lenders to use the same solicitors. public between 9am and 5.30pm Contact us today on Monday to Friday and will run until September 26. Details of each artist together with an example of their work is listed Canterbury 01227 643250 at www.kings-hill.com/live/kings-hill-art-exhibitions. Maidstone 01622 698000 Pizza plan for former bank TTeTenterdenenterden 01580 765722 A PLAN to convert the former NatWest bank in Snodland High Street www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk into a Domino’s Pizza outlet has been submitted to Tonbridge and Malling Council. WWhiteheadhitehead MoncktonMonckton LimitedLimited (no.(no. 08366029),08366029), registeredregistered inin The bank was closed in January 2015, and sold at auction for £360,000 EnglandEngland & WWales.ales. a year later. It was bought by Niraz Madlani, of Orpington, co-owner RegisteredRegistered officeoffice 7722 KKinging SStreet,treet, MMaidstone,aidstone, KKent,ent, ME14ME14 1BL.1BL. AuthorisedAuthorised andand regulatedregulated byby thethe SolicitorsSolicitors RegulationRegulation AAuthorityuthority underunder of Bar 6 in Middle Row, Maidstone, who already has nine Domino’s no.no. 608279.608279. franchises including one at Kings Hill. Neighbours have raised concerns about parking and a potential in- crease in anti-social behaviour. DM/1

Malling September 2017 5 News downsmail.co.uk Looking for a Santa couple Rescued Lily finds TV AN unusual ‘Sits Vac” that might appeal is being offered for a Santa and Mrs Claus at the Kent Life at- traction near Maidstone. fame and happy home The popular attraction at Sandling has started its Christmas list early by LILY’S moving story has been Left - Lily at broadcast on Channel 5’s Dog advertising for two people to star in her new home its grotto over the festive season. Rescuers programme, recounting with John and Reindeer-flying experience is not her dramatic recovery since being essential, but an authentic “ho-ho- saved from the roadside in Maid- Hazel Catt, ho” and a love of Christmas is desir- stone by a couple from Yalding. who rescued able. Santa Claus will also be As well as rescuing the starving her from the expected to pose for photos, build an lurcher, John and Hazel Catt have roadside. instant rapport with young families now provided her with a loving, and hand out gifts, while staying in life-long home. character and wearing his red suit. John remembers swerving to Below - Lily Kent Life’s general manager Na- avoid the dejected bundle by the weak and talie Cox said: “We are looking for a kerb in Woolley Road, believing it confident gentleman with twinkly to be a pile of rags. emaciated eyes, a kind and jolly nature and a However, on closer inspection, it when she was love of all things Christmassy to became clear that the bundle was, found. bring our grotto experience to life!” in fact, the emaciated lurcher who Aided by a team of elves, Mrs had collapsed in the busy street. “The vet said if she’d been left Claus will also be spreading Christ- He remembers thinking she must there overnight she probably mas cheer by inviting youngsters to have been hit by a car, but it was would have died.” make their very own ginger bread her hunger and wounds on her Four months on, that chance men in the “cosy woodland face, back and tail that had taken meeting has had the happiest of kitchen”. their toll. endings. The roles are fixed-term contracts The retired farm manager (69) Now in her new home in Yald- from November 27 to December 24. and his wife Hazel (67) bundled ing, Lily loves hiding slippers, Applications should be in by No- Lily into a blanket and took her to sleeping and playing with her dog- vember 5. For more information, the RSPCA centre at Leybourne. gie pals. While still timid with contact Hollie Bourne at Kent Life, Mrs Catt said: “She was so weak strangers, she is well on the way to Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, she couldn’t even stand up. We regaining her lost confidence and Kent, ME14 3AU or email scooped her up and she was shak- now has a strong bond with her [email protected]. ing and very cold. owners.

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6 Malling September 2017 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk

Malling September 2017 7 News downsmail.co.uk Blue plaque trail for village FAMOUS people and events in the history of Wateringbury are being remembered with a blue plaque scheme. Seven commemorative discs have The project was due to be un- to the West Malling Blue Plaque been placed on properties by the vil- veiled on Saturday, September 9, by project team whose lead we have lage’s history enthusiasts to “pro- the Mayor of Tonbridge and unashamedly copied.” vide windows into the stories of Malling, Cllr Roger Dalton, at the Those commemorated include ac- people who have Wateringbury South Gate of Wateringbury Place. tress Ellen Terry, who celebrated her connections and whose lives have This was the home of Mathias Prime 80th birthday at the Red House in helped shape our world”. Lucas, who was born in 1761 and 1927 as a guest of Lady Mabel The idea was inspired by a project went on to become Lord Mayor of Egerton. She received hundreds of in West Malling where buildings London. telegrams, with congratulations linked to notable people including Villagers and guests were invited from the King and Queen. The Beatles and novelist George Or- on the blue plaque trail – a walk of Lady Lena Campbell Logan well, are marked with a plaque sim- about one mile – and to see an exhi- (1820-1904) lived and wrote her ilar to the English Heritage scheme bition in the church about the peo- book on the Koh-I-Noor Diamond in London. ple commemorated and the places at The Thatched House, Mill Lane, Like the West Malling scheme, the they lived. John Jude (1807-1871), founder of Wateringbury plaques carry a QR A Wateringbury History Society the Kent Brewery, lived at Cross code, enabling people to connect spokesman said: “Thanks go to the House, Tonbridge Road, and Ralph with a smartphone and a QR reader property owners involved for their Fremlin, who started Fremlins app to access more information on co-operation and to the parish coun- Brewery in Maidstone, lived at The Actress Ellen Terry the internet. cil for their support. Thanks also go Wardens in Bow Road. Organ recital Dogs are highlight of vets’ festival to help church THERE was another great turnout at the annual festival at Sandhole MEMBERS of St Peter’s and St Veterinary Centre at Malling Road, Paul’s Church, Aylesford, will have Snodland, and there was fun for all the chance to show off the church’s the family - whether on four or two recently refurbished organ at a legs! recital by international concert Practice director Verity Johnson artiste Gedymin Grubba, from said: "Our team loves welcoming Gdansk in Poland. pets and their people to Sandhole. Parishioners organised a long- The RSPCA and Large Breed Dog running fundraising campaign for Rescue were in attendance, the £50,000 needed to restore the alongside all the usual fun, food 1865 Forster and Andrews organ to and games. Tesco ran a free fruit- its former glory, and the work was tasting stall and the photo completed last year. competition received some The recital will be at 7.30pm on amazing entries, Friday, September 22. Tickets are "The highlight of the day was £10, including refreshments, from our dog show, with categories the church office on 01622 719366, including waggiest tail, best rescue or Michael (01622 719589), or at the and best friends. It was a great door. day, thanks to the support of our Profits will support Aylesford church maintenance. wonderful clients and friends and we're already thinking about Ping Pong Parry, the 10-year-old Jack Russell who won the Best Rescue Date for talk starting to plan next year's event." Dogs category, with Keeley Gregory and Lance Parry A TALK titled “My £3 Husband” will given by Prudence Anderton to Aylesford Active Retirement As- Robber pulled necklace from victim sociation (AylesARA) on Thursday, A MAN who conned his way into a saying she said she had no money pleaded not guilty. September 28. pensioner’s house and then ripped a for any gardening work. The jury found Smith guilty, with The group will meet in the Com- gold necklace from her neck has On hearing this he pulled a neck- the charge upgraded to robbery, and munity Centre, Aylesford, at 2pm. been jailed for nine years. lace from her neck and ran out of the he was sentenced to nine years in There will be refreshments and in- Frank Smith (42), of Chigwell, house, leaving the note pad on the prison. formation on trips, events and called at the victim’s address in kitchen worktop. Investigating officer Detective short breaks available to members. Snodland on Wednesday, August 3, Investigators examined the note Constable Lisa Stevens said: “The Call Wayne Sprigmore on 01622 saying her back garden needed some pad and found fingerprints from victim was vulnerable because of her 710734. work. Smith’s left and right thumbs. age and Smith took advantage of this The victim shut her front door and When interviewed by officers, he fact to gain access to her house and WI’s meeting met Smith at the rear door, where denied being at the address or hav- use violence to steal the necklace. THE next Kings Hill WI meeting she explained she already had some- ing been in Kent for several years. “Smith’s prison sentence will offer will be at Kings Hill Community body who looked after her garden. He was unable to provide a plausi- some protection to the residents of Centre at 7.30pm on September 27. Smith told her he was coming into ble excuse for his fingerprints being Kent and he should consider the ef- This month’s speaker is from her house and, uninvited, walked at the scene of the burglary. fect his actions have on the victims of Waitrose and will give a talk and through to the kitchen asking for a Smith was subsequently charged his crimes. demonstration of cheese and wine. pen and paper which she provided. with burglary with violence and ap- “I would like to commend the vic- Contact Tina Patterson on 01732 He then went into the victim’s peared before Maidstone Court on tim’s bravery in assisting us 844721. bedroom. She asked him to leave, Wednesday, August 30, where he throughout the investigation.”

8 Malling September 2017 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk Tailor makes a 6” Mistake

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Malling September 2017 9 News downsmail.co.uk Flats opposed on site of pub Church opens doors to PLANS to build a block of flats and four houses on the site of a former pub have drawn opposition from neighbours at . visitors with ‘hard hats’ Path Property Group wants de- ALL Saints’ Church, Snodland, velop the land once occupied by the which is closed while urgent work Upper Bell in an Area of Outstand- is carried out on repairing the ing Natural Beauty (AONB) over- building, held an open day and looking the North Downs. welcomed visitors for “hard hat” More than 40 objections have been tours. posted on Tonbridge and Malling Architect Paul Sharrock and site Council’s website. although a num- manager, Emma Carr, took parties ber of people said the designs were up the outside of the church and innovative and well thought-out and the chancel arch. Mr Sharrock ex- the development was needed to up- plained the work that had already grade the area. In the past, the been completed and what else derelict site had been taken over by needed to be done before the squatters and become an eyesore. church opens, hopefully by De- Most objectors felt the 10 flats and cember. four-bedroom homes with 30 park- All Saints’, described as an im- ing spaces were not in keeping with portant historical building and a other properties in the village and Architect Paul Sharrock (left) shows visitors the work at All Saints’ Church local treasure, was placed on the raised concerns about parking. English Heritage “at risk” register work to this ancient and beautiful building by the wider community. The AONB unit objected to the ap- in 2014. building. Volunteer welcomers are re- plication, saying the scale, density, The total cost of the repairs is in "I am very appreciative of the quired, there will be three circular design and use of metal roofing the region of £500,000, but the Her- time they have given showing walks incorporating the church in would fail to ensure the local char- itage Lottery Fund (HLF) has given members of the community conjunction with the Kent Wildlife acter was conserved, and would re- a grant of £222,600 for the urgent around. They came to see the team Trust, a education sult in a development of greater bulk work. at close quarters to hear and see programme entitled the “Journey than the old pub. Officers were also The Rector of Snodland, the Rev what is happening." of Life” and concerts, talks and concerned about the loss of a pro- Hugh Broadbent, said: "I would As in all HLF projects, the small art exhibitions. tected chestnut tree. like to thank Paul and Emma for scheme has two main parts. The The Rector would be delighted to The Upper Bell stood on a now- giving the time for our open day. first is to repair or restore the build- hear from musicians, speakers or closed slip route to Blue Bell Hill. It How fortunate we are to have such ing and an activity plan is also re- local artists who might be inter- shut in 2003 and was demolished. an expert team carrying out the quired to enhance the use of the ested in contributing. All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates • Top Soil • Turf Buy 5 Bags • Sand & Ballast of Topsoil Free Delivery GET All Bags £40 1 FREE Bulk Bag Waste Collection www.allloads.co.uk email:[email protected]

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Malling September 2017 11 News downsmail.co.uk MP tackles traveller issue MALLING MP Tom Tugendhat has written a strongly-worded letter to the department for communities to express frustration over traveller incursions on local land. His constituents have been telling people can go to for a week, or 10 him of their “despair” and that days at the most, before they move their lives are being “increasingly on. blighted” by illegal invasions. “It comes down to racial preju- Mr Tugendhat originally wrote to dice against this community. We Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth at the have been dealing with hate crime Department for Communities and and now it’s at least being dealt Local Government on July 13. with by the police and the CPS.” He has voiced concerns that local He claimed that Kent Council councils – not Kent Police – are Council has been looking for a suit- being forced to use appropriate leg- able traveller site for the past 15 islation to move travellers on. years. He used an example of the incur- He added: “It shows they’re not sion on council land at Leybourne Travellers set up camp at West Malling village hall in August looking very hard.” in late April, when police decided A spokesman for Mr Tugendhat to pass enforcement over to the Facebook: “Illegal encampments “That is why I wrote to Lord said there was “no movement” on local authority, which only caused have been a recurring problem in Bourne at the Department of Com- the specific cases in Leybourne and delays. many of our beautiful towns and munities and Local Government, to West Malling, which Mr Tugendhat Although Lord Bourne re- villages. ask him what the government’s asked for answers on as Downs sponded on August 4, the MP was “Lots of people have been getting plan is to solve this pressing issue.” Mail went to press. unhappy at the general nature of in contact with me to tell me that Valdemar Kalinin, of the Na- He added: “We hope to get a bit the reply and has since contacted it’s having a serious impact on their tional Gypsy-Traveller-Roma, of movement on the issue now that the secretary of state for answers to lives. The current process makes it Council said it was down to local parliament is sitting once more. the specific incursions in Ley- incredibly difficult for these en- councils to provide designated “What we would quite like from bourne and West Malling. campments to be removed and traveller sites or “tolerated” zones them is to address the particular One traveller group says local au- drag out what should be a short which convoys can move onto. problems in Leybourne and West thorities should invest in more des- process. Mr Kalinin added: “What we Malling and why the legislation is ignated sites for gypsy convoys to “Something has to be done so have tried to do in Kent for the past failing. avoid the continual stand-offs. that people are not continually dis- 20-odd years is to at least get a tol- “We’d like them to look at spe- On August 25, the MP posted on turbed. erated piece of land where these cific cases.” Practice offers dementia help FOLLOWING the successful Dia- betes Awareness Evening earlier this year, Snodland Medical Practice Pa- tient Participation Group (PPG) is hosting a dementia evening at Snod- land Community Centre on Septem- ber 28 . The event starts at 6.30pm and will be led by Dr Rebecca Prince, from the practice, and Dr Ananth Puranik, a consultant psychiatrist at Bay Tree House, Maidstone Hospital. John Stockham said he hoped there would be a representative Store staff’s £5k charity boost from Snodland Dementia Cafe and other support services. BAKE sales, a bring-and-buy table Staff and customers joined in the Quarry Wood store, said "Our “This informal session is open to and even a Cliff Richard-themed fundraising fun, which resulted in a thanks go out to our customers and dementia sufferers, their carers, rela- fancy dress singalong were among cheque for £5,178.55 being we're really proud of everything tives and anyone who would like to the events at Sainsbury’s Larkfield handed over to Macmillan Cancer we've achieved." understand more about dementia store, which raised more than Support. The money will help fund the and the support available,” he £5,000 for charity. Steve Surridge, manager of the charity’s work in Kent. added. “The overall objective of the PPG is to work with the practice to im- prove service to patients, improve Knifeman’s robbery terror at skate park communication between patients A GROUP of teenagers were held manding their money. The other dark matching tracksuit with the and the practice and to encourage at knifepoint during a robbery at smashed a bottle he was holding. hood up. The other is described as patients to take more responsibility a Larkfield skate park. The teenagers ran from the wearing a light tracksuit with the for their health and that of their fam- Police are investigating a report scene without being harmed. It is hood up. ilies.” that at about 10.15pm on Thurs- reported a mobile phone left by Anyone who saw incident, or The group meets at the surgery, day, August 31, the teens were sit- one of them was stolen, but later who may have information that canvasses the views of patients and ting in a shelter at the skate park recovered. can help, is asked to contact Kent recommends courses of action. in New Hythe Lane when two One of the suspects is described Police on 01622 604100 quoting Anybody interested in becoming a men approached them. as white, aged between 18 and 20 reference YY/024961/17. Alterna- member of the group can contact the One of the men pulled out a years, 5ft 10in tall and of propor- tively call Kent Crimestoppers, surgery for more details or email knife and threatened them, de- tionate build. He was wearing a anonymously, on 0800 555 111. [email protected].

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Malling September 2017 13 News downsmail.co.uk NHS awards HAVE you received outstanding Laura’s Ball set to raise care from a nurse or medical team in Maidstone? Well, now’s your chance to reward their work. The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Staff Star Awards £25k for cancer charity give patients a chance to nominate anyone who works for the Trust, be TICKET sales have been brisk for ment for breast cancer, I wanted to that an individual or a team, such as Breast Cancer Kent’s biggest an- put something back. At Breast Can- ward staff. nual fund-raiser at Leeds Castle. cer Kent, we all volunteer our time Make your nomination by Mon- The black tie ball, which is hoped and so every penny we raise goes to day, October 2, at www.surveymon- will raise £25,000 this year, was first help and support breast cancer pa- key.co.uk/r/StaffStars2017. held in 2014. tients. Hard copies of the form are avail- It was the idea of Larkfield’s Laura “In the last few years technology able at Maidstone Hospital’s main Clarke (pictured), a cardiac physiol- in this area has come on leaps and reception. ogist at Maidstone Hospital. bounds – more than the NHS can Winners will be announced at an Throughout her brave battle with keep up with – but our fundraising event for trust staff on Friday, No- breast cancer she raised money for means that we help more patients vember 24. the charity, organised the event and access the latest treatment and ad- provided advice and support to fel- vice.” low patients at Maidstone and Tun- Tickets for the charity ball cost Road warning bridge Wells hospitals. £600 for a table of eight, with indi- MOTORISTS face more delays in Today, Laura’s Ball attracts 200 vidual tickets at £85 per head. Call Maidstone as roadworks have guests – twice as many as when it Helen Teare on 07736 649524 or started on the busy Hermitage Lane. began – and two years ago it moved email [email protected]. While Kent County Council plans from its original venue of Oakwood The charity, which celebrated its for a dedicated left hand filter lane House to Leeds Castle. taking up the reins from Laura, it has 20th anniversary last year, was es- for Aylesford Retail Park that will This year’s event in the Fairfax been wonderful to witness the suc- tablished by breast cancer consult- ease south-bound traffic, disruption Hall on Saturday, October 7, will in- cess and growing support for the ants Sue and Peter Jones, an is inevitable during the works. clude a three-course meal, entertain- ball and our work.” accomplished husband and wife The extra lane will provide two ment and live music – a lasting In recent months, the charity has team based at Maidstone Hospital unhindered “straight ahead” lanes fun-filled tribute to Laura, whose bought 3D imaging equipment for until 2013 and who retired from pri- to the A20 junction, with a Keep “sparkle and giggle never faltered” Maidstone Hospital, provided safety vate practice in 2016. Clear area. and who died on October 21, 2014, additions to radiotherapy equip-  Over 6,000 patients are referred The work began overnight on at the age of 31. ment at every treatment centre in each year to Maidstone and Tun- Wednesday, August 23, and is ex- Helen Teare, who also joined the Kent and helps fund research into bridge Wells Trust breast care pected to take until Christmas to charity after finishing treatment for cancer at the University of Kent. units. Of these, 600 are treated an- complete. breast cancer in 2013, said: “Since Helen said: “After receiving treat- nually for breast cancer. For all your bathroom needs www.tdlonline.co.uk Please quote DM30 to receive a 30% discount on new quotes and orders placed. Not to be used in conjunction with other offers. Valid until end September 2017.

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Malling September 2017 15 News downsmail.co.uk Shell detonated in quarry blast

THE Ministry of Defence's explo- a full scale bomb alert and evacua- sive disposal team have carried tion when a device was discovered out a controlled explosion of a de- at Kings Hill Primary School. vice, understood to be from World Police and MoD ordnance ex- War II. perts from Folkestone were scram- The device was found at bled to the scene at Crispin Way lunchtime on August 31 by a while children were sent home. worker at the Blaise Farm Quarry Parents were contacted by phone at Ashton Way, Kings Hill, West and email to collect their children. Appeal after mystery death Malling. The device was kept in a room POLICE have launched an investigation after the death of a man in Police were called and the area until a bomb disposal team arrived Station Road, Aylesford. was sealed off. to dispose of it and it was then it Derek Gane (69) was found injured at 10.38am on Monday, August The shell, which was confirmed was identified as a harmless train- 14, by a member of the public next to the footbridge that crosses the to be a 50kg German Luftwaffe air- ing relic from the wartime RAF M20 from Teapot Lane to Aylesford Railway Station. dropped bomb, was detonated at base. He was taken to a local hospital by South East Coast Ambulance about 11am on September 1. The youngster had stumbled on Service with life-threatening injuries and was subsequently transferred The quarry is run by the Gal- the foot-long device in woodland from Maidstone to Kings College Hospital, London, where he died on lagher group and a spokesman said near to the school. Thursday, August 17. that if a bomb is to be discovered, There have been numerous simi- Officers investigating the circumstances surrounding his death have then a quarry is the safest place. lar discoveries in Kent, especially at released a photograph of Mr Gane and a CCTV image in the hope that On the day of the controlled ex- Hawkinge, near Folkestone, where someone will recall seeing him that morning. The image shows him plosion, a police statement said: house building on the former Bat- prior to being found injured, wearing a grey T-shirt, blue jeans and “There are no safety concerns for tle of Britain airfield exposed many brown boots. the local vicinity; however it is pos- segments of pipe bombs. A police spokesman said: “Officers would like to hear from anyone sible that the explosion may be The devices were laid in long who saw Mr Gane on the morning of Monday, August 14, walking heard for a considerable distance strips and ready to be activated along Teapot Lane, over the M20 footbridge or in Station Road where and police would like to remind should the Germans invade on the he was found injured.” residents there is no cause for Kent coast. The bombs would have Anyone with information that might help is asked to call the appeal alarm.” made the landing and take-off strip line on 01622 604100 quoting reference 14-0577. Three years ago, a pupil sparked useless to Hitler’s aircraft.

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Malling September 2017 17 News downsmail.co.uk Drug dealer had Actress leads stage school ACTRESS Jeylan Jacob has been appointed the new principal of a stage school in Maidstone. The 29-year-old says she intends using her creative expertise to Ecstasy at festival inspire a new generation of performers at Stagecoach Performing Arts Maidstone East. A DEALER who targeted a Maid- earn a quick bit of money and it sort Jeylan (pictured) stone music festival to peddle Ec- of went wrong. I went to the pub trained for six years in stasy tablets has been sentenced to and they went to search my bag, so I performing arts, more than two years in prison. made a quick run.” attending The Brit School, Joe Phillips (pictured) was ar- A strip search later revealed more Doreen Bird and Arts rested after attending The Social Fes- drugs in a bag strapped to his thigh. Educational School, where tival at the Kent Phillips confessed that he had hid- she gained her masters County Show- den them there to ensure he was able degree in acting. ground, Detling, to get in to the festival. After graduating, she on September 10, Appearing at Maidstone Crown has worked mostly in last year. Court, Phillips, formerly of Birnam theatre, both Police had been Square, Maidstone, admitted pos- contemporary and alerted to reports sessing MDMA (ecstasy) with intent classical. of suspicious be- to supply. He was sentenced to two As well as acting, she haviour at about years and four months in prison and has always been 8pm, after the 25- an application was made by Kent passionate about year-old had left the event and then Police to seize back any criminal teaching and has spent tried to enter a pub in Maidstone gains. the last four years sharing High Street. Detective Constable Mark New- her knowledge and skills The court heard Phillips ran from man said: “Phillips attended a music as a teacher at Stagecoach. the pub after security staff went to festival with the sole intention of Jeylan is a mum and wife and describes Stagecoach as the perfect fit check a bag he was carrying, which selling drugs to anyone willing to for her and her family. contained drugs. Officers attended pay the right price, with little or no She said: “I am extremely excited about becoming principal and and found him in a car park in Med- thought given to the potential risk or cannot wait to get to know all the children and parents. I’m buzzing way Street. threat of harm to those he targeted. with creative ideas to build a strong syllabus that I hope will be fun, The bag was found in a nearby “Ecstasy is a dangerous and un- educational, stimulating and rewarding for the talented children of bin. Inside were quantities of ecstasy predictable Class A drug and the Stagecoach Maidstone East.” tablets and MDMA powder. courts have rightly passed a custo- Stagecoach offers performing arts training to children aged four to 18 As Phillips was being taken into dial sentence. As he serves his time on Saturday at The Holmesdale School in Malling Road, Snodland. custody he told officers: “I don’t behind bars, hopefully, Phillips will Classes run from September 16 to December 19. know why I did it. I was just there to ask himself if it was really worth it.”

18 Malling September 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Drug charges Crash victim Suzanne FOUR people, including a couple from Maidstone, have been ar- rested in connection with drugs of- fences in the town. Officers seized what is thought to was a ‘beacon of hope’ be heroin and arrested a 19-year- old from Catford in Brunswick THE family of a woman who died that he had done anything wrong. Street on suspicion of supplying in a road crash in Mereworth have He was wearing a red hooded controlled drugs. paid tribute to the person they de- top with USA on the back and offi- A 17-year-old boy from scribed as a “beacon of hope and cers believe he may have witnessed Lewisham was also arrested on strength to all”. the collision. suspicion of possessing drugs with Suzanne Maclachlan (pictured) A man who had been driving the intent to supply and a 30-year-old died on Sunday, August 20, after Transit van also suffered injuries. man and a 24-year-old woman, her red Peugeot 206 was involved He was arrested on suspicion of from Maidstone, on suspicion of in a collision with a Ford Transit driving while unfit and on leaving permitting an address to be used van in Malling Road. hospital, was interviewed under for the supply of drugs. Suzanne, who was 67 and from caution and released from custody All four have been released the Maidstone area, suffered seri- pending further investigation. pending further enquiries. ous injuries and was airlifted to a Officers would like to speak to hospital in London, but died anyone who witnessed the collision shortly after arrival. or who saw the van as it travelled Spared prison Her family said in a statement: from Hop Farm roundabout in A MOTORIST who failed to stop “Sue loved people and people Paddock Wood, along the A228, after an accident in West Malling loved her. Battling stage four lung Seven Mile Lane and the A26, to the has been given a suspended jail cancer for over three years, she was scene of the incident. sentence and a driving ban. a beacon of hope and strength to Specifically, officers would like to Timothy Colin Bridge, 30, of all. speak to the occupants of a black , pleaded guilty to driv- “Sue was a spiritualist and a “She will remain loved and mini, black Citroen, white Ford Fi- ing his VW Amarok dangerously trained healer, who took great missed by all.” esta and a vehicle towing a green and failing to stop in St Leonard’s pleasure in easing other people’s Kent Police’s Serious Collision horse trailer, who may be able to Street on December 12. pain. She loved zumba and had Investigation Unit has appealed for assist them with their enquiries. He as sentenced to 84 days in participated in many ‘zumbathons’ information about the incident. Anyone with any information is prison, suspended for 12 months, to raise money for a number of They were keen to speak to a asked to call the Serious Crash In- and banned from driving for 18 charities; she had recently raised young man with short dark hair vestigation Unit appeal line on months. over £1,000 for the Samantha Dick- who was seen near the scene of the 01622 798538 quoting reference He must also pay £85 costs and a son Brain Tumour Trust. collision. There was no suggestion number MW/181/17. £115 victim surcharge.

Malling September 2017 19 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Mortality rate THE mortality rate in Maidstone GP cluster plan warning and Tunbridge Wells hospitals is causing concerns, and care plan- A WARNING has been given that (6) plus Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells ciencies. ning and capacity issues are being patients of local GP practices which and Sevenoaks. The CCG will also prioritise and investigated. do not join the new GP cluster sys- The CCG plans to support prac- consider investment in new prem- However, the GP-led NHS West tem may not receive the same range tices to ‘co-operate, collaborate and ises where there is a need. Kent CCG heard there had been a of services as those who do. combine’ to integrate out-of- The CCG says nothing has been month-by-month improvement in It comes from Dr Bob Bowes, long- hospital care and deliver services at defined yet on seven-day 8am-8pm the summer. The introduction of standing chairman of the budget- scale. Practice mergers could also be working for practices and there is seven-day working had improved holding GP-led NHS West Kent supported. The aim is that practices plenty of scope for collaboration in the situation for weekend deaths. Clinical Commissioning Group will maintain their identities and re- delivering extended hours. The A new mortality review system (CCG). lationships with their patients. focus is on consistency for patients introduces “a duty of candour to So far 75% of about 60 practices in Clusters, with more GPs available, and the key area is Saturday morn- relatives”. Investigation into deaths Maidstone and West Kent are in- will offer extended hours (including ing access. Seven-day service is seen is now mandated for the hospital volved in cluster discussions. The some weekend work), wider serv- as a ‘natural direction of travel’ but trust. plan is for seven clusters covering ices, teams of nurses and allied the best way to deliver for local peo- central Maidstone (7 practices), East health professionals, co-ordinated ple and professionals has still to be Care home GPs Maidstone (11), Weald (15), Malling care and back office and estate effi- decided. ALL GP practices in Maidstone and West Kent will be eligible to deliver Prescriptions under review Birth concerns wider services for residents in care GPS are unlikely to prescribe about 20% of GP time. These ail- homes and the CCG has approved WEST Kent CCG says it has iden- medicines which can be bought ments include diarrhoea, constipa- tified an increase in the number of enhanced payments to cover costs. from pharmacies, supermarkets tion, athlete’s foot, fever, cold sores, The services will include: a geri- serious incidents reported by Maid- and other retailers. Savings will be teething, nappy rash, mouth ulcers, stone and Tunbridge Wells hospi- atric assessment on admission; a redirected to other NHS serv- haemorrhoids, oral and vaginal weekly GP “home round”; and en- tals’ maternity department. ices.The GP-led budget-holding thrush, head lice, insect bites and The department is now being in- hanced reviews after hospital at- West Kent CCG has approved the stings, conjunctivitis, contact der- tendance or admission. vestigated in depth. principle of creating a restricted list matitis, sore throat, , indigestion In June, the hospital trust re- of over-the-counter medicines that and heartburn, ear wax, warts and ported an increase in Caesarean CCG now good should not be routinely prescribed. verrucaes, soft tissue injury, sca- section births and 3rd/4th degree The cost of these medicines is esti- bies, ring worm, mild acne, minor THE annual NHS assessment per- tear rates. mated at more than £2m per year. burns and scalds. In a survey 85% formance now rates the GP-led The CCG says “further assurance Patients will also be encouraged to of people receiving such free pre- NHS West Kent Clinical Commis- is required in a number of areas, in- self care for minor ailments and scriptions said they would buy sioning Group as good. Previously cluding safety and information common conditions and seek ad- them from a pharmacy if their GP it was assessed as “needs improv- vice from pharmacists, saving asked them to. governance”. The Care Quality ing”. Commission is also investigating.

20 Malling September 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Wood attack witness plea Leeds Castle calls for KENT Police are appealing for wit- nesses to a violent attack in the cen- tre of Maidstone. Officers received a report of a help from volunteers man in his 30s being hit by another LEEDS Castle has started to recruit and to contribute to this wonderful man carrying a piece of wood in volunteers to supplement the work heritage estate.” Knightrider Street at around 8pm of their full-time staff. A volunteering role can also en- on Wednesday, August 30. The treasure house has decided to hance a job-seeker’s chances of land- The alleged attacker is said to adopt a path taken by the National ing full-time employment, he said. have got out of an MG3 in Trust some years ago to take on un- Sir David adds: “While they (vol- Knightrider Court. A woman, who paid staff willing to lend their ex- unteers) may not be paid they re- was in the car is believed to have pertise free. ceive many of the additional benefits shouted something across the street So far, 24 volunteers have come of a full-time member of staff and, during the alleged assault. Police forward to help out at one of the for some, this is a superb way to de- understand both left the scene in south east’s most popular tourist at- velop their specialist expertise, espe- the car. tractions. cially if they are searching for a new The victim, who received treat- Boss of the tourist attraction – form of employment or skillset.” ment for cuts and bruises on his which boasts 600,000 visitors a year – A spokesman for the National face, is understood to have declined Sir David Steel revealed the new Trust said: “We have been operating hospital treatment. strategy in his monthly column in a volunteering scheme for quite A 31-year-old man and a 45-year- the Leeds & Broomfield parish tors continues to grow, we have some time, and we are always look- old woman, from the Maidstone newsletter. asked for volunteers to assist our ing for people to join us. area, are currently being held in po- full-time members of staff, to pro- lice custody on suspicion of assault. He writes: “As we get busier, we “We have 62,000 volunteers across have decided to follow a course vide a little headroom. the country with the National Trust. It is understood they are known to “As such, we will be able to ad- the victim. adopted many years ago by the Na- We are always looking for more, in- dress bigger projects as well as the Anyone with information is tional Trust and offer opportunities cluding at places in Kent like the more routine maintenance. I could asked to contact Kent Police on for volunteers to join our team. White Cliffs of Dover.” not have been more delighted with 01622 604100, quoting reference “I will be honest – as a charity we Conservation charity the Royal So- YY/024855/17, or Kent Crimestop- do not make a lot of money, and the response. We now have 24 vol- ciety for the Protection of Birds pers, anonymously, on 0800 555 what money we do make we re- unteers, working in nearly every (RSPB) has 12,000 volunteers who 111. invest fully in maintaining and de- area across the estate. contribute almost a million hours veloping the estate. “They are wonderful additions to each year to the cause. Like Leeds “Our annual salary costs are sig- the Leeds Castle team and they are Castle, the RSPB aims to harness the West Malling nificant and, as our number of visi- hugely proud to be part of the team skills its volunteers bring. open gardens OPEN gardens in West Malling at- tracted crowds to the town and raised more than £3,000 for charity.. Gardens at Town Hill Cottage, Went House, New Barns Cottages and New Barns Oast were open to the public as part of the National Gardens’ Scheme. Peter Cosier, from Town Hill Cot- tage, thanked everyone for their support in raising £3,186.60 for the charities supported by the NGS. He said: “There is clearly a great interest in the environmental aspect of West Malling and it was splendid Soccer stars turn out to raise cash for charity to see the street so full of people en- joying the place.” FOOTBALL legends rolled back the Rushden) took on local semi-pros The game and a raffle raised years when Maidstone United’s assembled by and featuring former almost £1,000. The former Gallagher Stadium hosted a charity Dover Athletic centre-back Dave professionals sealed an 8-5 win Londoner in game on Sunday, August 20. Scott, from Bearsted. when they scored with the final kick Nearly £1,000 was raised for the They included Maidstone United of the game. store arrest Limbcare charity which supports favourites such as manager Jay Dave Scott decided to raise A 29-year-old man from Crofton amputees and the limb impaired. Saunders, as well as Gillingham money for the charity after his Park, London, has been arrested on A team of ex-professionals legend and pundit Andy nephew had part of a leg suspicion of theft in Kings Hill, near managed by and including Stuart Hessenthaler and ex-Bolton and amputated following a road West Malling. Bell (formerly of Fulham and AFC Gills star Nicky Southall. accident. The suspect, who had caused a disturbance at a supermarket on Man charged with sex assault Thursday 17 August 2017, report- Caravan fire edly made off from the scene on a A MAN has been charged follow- on Monday, August 14, and of a stolen pushbike. ing an alleged sex assault on a 16- woman in Gillingham 10 days FIREFIGHTERS were called to Local officers from the Tonbridge year-old girl in Maidstone. earlier on Friday, August 4. a caravan fire on Emmet Hill and Malling Community Safety Forty-five-year-old Gurname Sandhu, from Linden Road in Lane, Laddingford, Maidstone. Unit were able to track him down Singh Sandhu was arrested in Gillingham, appeared before A high-pressure hose was with the assistance of several mem- Gillingham on Monday, August Maidstone Magistrates’ Court, needed to put out the blaze in a bers of the public who helpfully 21. when he was remanded in cus- small derelict caravan, which pointed out his direction of travel. He has been charged with the tody to appear at Maidstone had spread to rubbish at the The suspect remains in police cus- sexual assault of the teenager in Crown Court on a date to be con- side of road. tody as we went to press. the rooftop car park of The Mall firmed.

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See the Kent’s Most Awardede vica Opticianr and is new Actio pple th age in live in n Par ent b rage in live i n Partne ment b e East M pe tnershi y Mallin East n pe rsh y Mallin alling  ople, b p, whic g working on special projects Mallin  ople, b ip, which g . 5 th usinesses h supp . g. usi e 1 orts 5 sup 1 p a the 11 parishnesses and ports Book Now 01732 617557 arishes nd even Book Now 01732 617557 es in even in the M ts in the M ts in alling a alling a rea. rea. www.optometrists.co.uk www.optometrists.co.uk experienced, all-round journalist You will be working on the best to be Deputy Editor. publications serving the local community FREE FREE Autumn 2015 Autumn 2015 and enjoy a working environment that The role entails all aspects of newspaper provides you with the freedom and flexibility work so a sound knowledge of news to use your initiative while working within in gathering, news editing, subbing and pkin umpk Ashley e pum Ashley a supportive team. n the p On th O y Jacksonkey t Jacksonhocke il at t’s hoc trail a t’s r tra Ken star Ken persta proofing is needed to fit into a busy office. super The role will involve: Emmetts su Emmetts Garden The successful candidate will help to Garden • Handling inbound and making manage a small, dedicated team and outbound calls deputise for the editor. • Obtaining and growing new business The deputy editor will also drive content to r • Working to achieve revenue targets. e for time fo A tim our expanding daily news website. The role A is g this ring th sharin sha The ideal candidate will have previous CHRISTMAS demands input into our popular magazine CHRISTMAS s alks Walk s • W dens • arden Mid Kent Living. Gar & G es & es WIN s Hom experience in a similar role and will: WINas om tma e • m • H ris e tr rist e atre Ch ll th Thea Ch ll th The A & a t • A a ut • key gs s ou key & gs ys o tur min Day tur min Da rim • Have worked to personal sales targets trim This is a full time position based at our t • Have a confident and outgoing personality offices in Bearsted. Some evening and weekend working will be required. • Be self-motivated and able to show initiative • Have excellent communication skills Salary £28,000 pa This is a part time position upto 32 hours per 32days annual leave week. Friendly, flexible, family owned business. Basic salary + uncapped commission + If you would like a new challenge or are keen bonus + 32 days annual leave (pro-rata) to make a step up, we’d love to hear from you. Email applications, including your Email your application, including CV to the sales manager, Bill Brett. your CV to Simon Finlay, Editor: [email protected] simon.fi[email protected]

22 Malling September 2017 Septemeber/October 2017 Serving local people, businesses & events in Addington, Birling, East Malling, Kings Hill, Larkfield, Leybourne, Mereworth, Offham, Ryarsh, Trottiscliffe, West Malling DRAGONS’ DEN

COUNTY Councillor Trudy Dean is once again handing up to £2,000 to each of up to five local groups for projects for local people. This year the annual Dragons’ Den event will take place on the afternoon of November 18, courtesy of at East Malling. Groups from Larkfield, East Malling and West Malling can apply to bid for the money. Applicants have to give a three minute presentation to the audience on why they want the money and what they will spend it on, and at the end, everyone in the audience uses electronic voting pads to nominate their favourite projects. The top five projects will receive funding from Cllr Dean’s KCC member’s grant. If you are interested in bidding for this money contact [email protected] for an application form. Kingfisher Pre-school Playgroup were among last years winners Have your say on Help us to grow bus proposals wildflower

KENT County Council received travel to Maidstone Hospital, verges about £100,000 from the having to pick up other A PLAN to increase wildflower developers of Ryarsh Brickworks connecting bus services, all of areas on roadside verges and to improve public transport links which involve a trip into corners of land in and around West between Ryarsh and West Maidstone town centre and out Malling is being considered. Malling. again. Parish Councillors Richard Byatt and Trudy The council proposes to use it County Councillor Trudy Dean Dean met with KCC and Kent Wildlife Trust on improvememts to the 58 bus said: "The 58 bus provides the representatives to discuss how these areas can service. However, there are only direct route to Maidstone be managed to increase wildflower numbers. concerns that the Hospital for a whole string of The major change is to ensure mowing only takes “improvements” look set to villages between place after flowers have seeded. deprive large numbers of Heath and Aylesford. It also KCC will cut the grass but volunteers are needed to Malling people of their only provides the only bus which rake the longer grass to the back of the verge to allow the direct bus route to Maidstone runs through the old centre of flower seeds to germinate. Parish Councillor Richard Selkirk Hospital and local shops. East Malling via Clare Lane, and is coordinating a team of gardeners who hopefully will help with Mill Street. KCC says it wants to use the this process. money to increase the “I'm told there are no notices Parish council chairman Trudy Dean said: " KCC already has frequency of the existing on the bus itself, so it's possible some protected wildflower verges but they are few and far number 58 bus timetable, but it not many people are aware of between and none in this area. The ox-eye daisies on the A228 is proposed that it runs only to the potential loss of this service.” are widely admired. We hope that volunteers will enable us to New Road, when it would travel If you will be affected please significantly increase these beautiful areas we all enjoy, and raking back into West Malling. This email Dan Bruce at the long grass is good for reptiles as well.” would leave passengers all along [email protected] with If you are interested in taking part in this project please contact its current route, who want to your views. parish clerk Claire Christmas on [email protected]. A Malling Action Partnership publication Outstanding music in historic venues

21st – 30th September 2017

Classical Kicks! At The Farmhouse with Lizzie Ball, Morgan Szymanski and Gabriella Swallow Reger – Forgotten Master. Complete cello suites of Max Reger performed by international soloist, Richard Harwood Bach Pilgrimage – concerts held along the Pilgrims’ Way in Birling and Trottiscliffe and Malling Abbey, West Malling Hall of Fame Favourites – Chamber Domaine perform works by Vaughan Williams, Elgar and Alexander Goehr, side by side with young Musicians from across Kent and their teachers, in St Mary’s Church, West Malling Go Compose! A chance for budding composers from across Kent to compose a piece mentored by leading composer, Simon Speare and members of Chamber Domaine, in St Benedict’s Centre, West Malling Little Red Riding Hood - St Mary’s Church, West Malling, and Discovery School, Kings Hill.. Chamber Domaine and local school pupils perform new works resulting from workshops Bachology – The James Pearson Trio perform jazz in St Mary’s Church, West Malling L’Ascension – Organist Kevin Bowyer performs at Quartet for the End of Time – Atmospheric performance in All Saints’, Tudeley Gypsy Fire! Lizzie Ball and special guests romp through the music of eastern Europe, Slovenia and the Balkans, at The Poacher and Partridge, Tudeley. 1914-1918 Chamber Domaine perform works written during World War I. Pilsdon Barn, West Malling, and The Control Tower, Kings Hill Rhapsody in Blue in St Mary’s Church, West Malling. The Callum Au Big Band and pianist James Pearson in an evening of music by George Gershwin.

For full details visit www.musicatmalling.com Bookings: 03453 191043 What’s On Malling & district clubs, societies & activities IT IS never too late to make a fresh start by taking up new in the area in 2017. So if you would like your group activities or making new friends. The many clubs and organisations or event to be included, please send her all the information, in the Malling Action Partnership area cater for including your contact details. a wide range of interests and offer a warm welcome to Please let her know as far in advance as possible so that it may newcomers, so why not give them a try? Details of regular be possible to avoid clashes and maximise the attendances at each meetings are listed on this page. event. Mary Rayner collates our community diary with details of Details should be emailed to [email protected] various groups and is also compiling a list of special events or call 07772 318330. West Malling Orchard Group & Kent Orchards for Everyone Project APPLE FEST Saturday 23rd September 2-5pm at Macey’s Meadow Orchard, Norman Road, West Malling

Enjoy a taste of our Kentish community orchard at Maceys Meadow, and help celebrate our apple crop. Bring a picnic. Discover how to make apple juice, help press the apples, sample cakes including apple cakes, and see the unveiling of the winner of the Maceys Meadow new logo competition. Walk around the rest of the meadow which is being restored to Kentish traditional apple and cherry orchard, and wildflower meadows, including our bug hotel! Passing minstrels welcome!

Local clubs and societies have their regular meetings as follows

East Malling Singers rehearse on Wednesday East Malling Institute behind the King and Junior ParkRun The Manor Park, West evenings, 8pm to 10pm, at St James the Great Queen pub on the third Monday of every Malling, Junior ParkRun starts at 9am with a Church, East Malling. month, 7.45pm to 9.45pm. series of 2k runs for children aged four to14, Kings Hill Rotary meets every Monday at LeyARA meets on the second Thursday of the every Sunday. 7.30pm at the Spitfire pub. month at 2pm at the Leybourne Village Hall. Adult 5k runs Leybourne Lakes Country Chip Productions Drama Group meets Fridays Speaker, raffle and refreshments. Park, Larkfield. Adult 5k runs are held every at 7.30pm at West Malling village hall. Crafty Chin-waggers. Craft and chat Saturday, starting at 9am. Malling Photographic Society meets every meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The runs are free of charge. Register your details at: www.parkrun.org.uk/register Tuesday at West Malling village hall at 8pm. 19:30 to 23:00 in the Village Hall, Butchers Lane, Mereworth. Count 2 13 Bridge Club plays The Heath Players meet at the East Malling at Offham village hall every Wednesday at Institute, Mill Street, at 8pm on Fridays. Craft and chat group Drop-in. Wednesdays, 10am to noon, East Malling Centre. 7.15pm. Details Angela 01732 874928. Malling Rotary meets Tuesdays at 6.30pm at Malling Art Society meets every Thursday at Malling District Lions Club meet every Spadework, Teston Road, Offham. Offham village hall, 8pm to 10pm. third Monday in Spadework Farmers’ Market is on the second Malling District U3A Monthly meetings are the month in Wealden Hall, Larkfield at Saturday of the month from 10am to 1pm at held at Ryarsh village hall, starting at 2pm, on 8pm. www.malling lionsclub.moonfruit.com Spadework, Teston Road. For more details, see the fourth Tuesday of the month throughout www.spadework.net. the year. Malling Community Choir meets every Baby and toddler group meets every PARISH WALK Tuesday at West Malling Baptist Church, Wednesday at St James the Great, East Malling. 7.15pm to 8.45pm. £2 per adult, children free. A PARISH walk will be led on Sunday, Lots of fun for all children and babies. Starts at October 8 by David Thornewell, Wateringbury Flower Club meets every 1.30pm. third Wednesday of the month (with the chairman of East Malling and Larkfield Mereworth church children’s choir meets Parish Council. exception of June) at The Institute Hall, East every Wednesday. The children’s choir Malling, doors open at 7.00pm for start at is a free after- school group which rehearses at The circular walk will start from The 7.45pm. 6.30pm. Parents welcome. Conductor: George Holding Centre Surgery in Malling Stamp Club meets on the second Stephen Thomas, 01732 321114. Y1 and up – Chaucer Way, Larkfield at 2.15pm. It will Tuesday of every month at the Clout Institute, no need to pre-book. be a flat walk taking in part of the country West Malling High Street, at 7.30pm. Addington Bridge Club meets every Tuesday park and a small area of Birling parish, East Malling Women’s Institute meets at the from 7pm in the sports pavilion, Park Road. returning around 4.45pm. All welcome. Where I live... Plans amended on Aylesford Newsprint site West Malling Parish MEMBERS of East Malling and path retained and improved. One Larkfield Parish Council have met of the bridges under the railway Council representatives of the agents for would be used as a pedestrian MACEY'S MEADOW The annual Applefest event will be the former Aylesford Newsprint link. Housing would be confined on Saturday, September 23, from 2-5 pm. A wonderful site to be updated on the latest to the Mill Hall end of the site. community day, where the orchard apples are harvested position concerning the proposed The plans show as before an and pressed for all to enjoy their fresh juice, there will also redevelopment of the site. They access out to Station Road from be a cake stall and musical entertainment. The Macey’s are also going to meet other the housing site but this would not Meadow Committee alongside the Parish Council, held a affected parish councils. be for HGVs from the commercial competition asking members of the public to design their Work has started on demolishing site and would be designed new logo and the winner will be unveiled during the the buildings and a record of accordingly. afternoon. Volunteer working party weekends are to those on site is being made so it A site is shown to make use of continue on the following dates:- Sept 23; October 7 and can be deposited at Kent Archives. existing boreholes to serve the 21; November 4 and 18; December 2, 16 and 30, and The applicants have lodged general water supply to the whole run between 10am and noon. Tools will be provided. All various reports with Tonbridge and wider area by SE Water. meet at the container near the mixed woodland. Follow Malling Council in answer to The site for community facilities their progress on Facebook and Twitter. questions and issues raised and a such as a GP surgery/medical COMMUNITIES TOGETHER FUND Each year, Kent revised statement in support of centre and a small shop are Police receives money by seizing and auctioning property their application. These include retained and a proposed bus from offenders, often vehicles which have been used to more documents concerning service would serve the site commit crimes such as drug dealing in local communities. highway impacts as required by including a link to New Hythe The Communities Together Fund has been created to the Highway Agency and KCC. Station. reinvest that money into local communities the offenders Two more documents are due and The old mill pond next to the potentially harmed. A sum of £15,000 has been set aside then TMBC will re-consult motorway would be retained as a to be awarded to projects which bring communities including with affected parish feature, including the Ditton together. The maximum grant available per project is councils. stream running through the site, £750. Bids must meet certain criteria to be successful. For The revised documents show linked to a series of green spaces full information the online link is:- www.kent- two possible layouts with one and footpaths. There would be a pcc.gov.uk/what-we-do/commissioning/ showing a site for a new school if green area separating the houses funds/communities-together-fund/ required by KCC. The proposals from the employment area which WEST MALLING VILLAGE HALL The committee is pleased for the strip of land between the continues to be the biggest part of to report that work on the roof is now complete and that it railway and the river have been the site and which would create was successful in receiving £4,000 from the Tesco Bags for amended to show a Riverside Park more jobs than the former Help Scheme towards the cost. with play areas with the riverside Newsprint site. ALLOTMENTS There are a number of vacant plots at the Ryarsh Lane allotments. If you are interested in growing your own produce and are resident within West Malling Council prepares for next parish you can secure a plot with a refundable deposit of £25. Current yearly rent is £12.50 (to be increased to £15 stage of Local Plan from November 2017). Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council published the first draft of its Please contact the parish clerk on 01732 870872 for Local Plan in autumn 2016. The council received around 1,000 further information. responses from the public, and published its reply to the points raised in July. Councillors have been told they will be briefed on the council's final draft during this September and October, with publication of the document for consultation during autumn. The council expects to agree its final document, which will go to a government inspector for approval, in February 2018. So far there has been no indication of what TMBC thinks about the support for extending the Green Belt, and the many objections to the development of land in East Malling and Ditton, in the area of land LOCAL CONTACTS bounded by the A20, the Maidstone- railway line, Kiln Trudy Dean, Malling Action Partnership chairman Barn Lane and Hermitage Lane, where several thousand houses are E: [email protected] T: 01732 843 119 proposed. Citizens Advice Bureau – Meanwhile several developers have submitted planning applications for large scale building on Hermitage Lane, in Aylesford Quarry, and T: 01732 440488 London Road, West Malling. This gives the local authority a problem. Supported by Tonbridge & Malling Borough The council could refuse these applications until its Local Plan is Council main switchboard – agreed. But if it does so, the applicants can appeal and a government T: 01732 844522 inspector would then decide whether or not planning permission Pothole reporting – T: 08458 247800 should be given. Concerns have been raised that an inspector may not, as TMBC would do, include conditions to ensure such things as adequate road access, public transport, and local amenities are Travel Enquiries Trains – T: 08457 484950 provided by the developers. Cllr Trudy Dean said; “These kinds of Nu-Venture Buses – Arriva Buses – binding agreements are critical to the Malling area where the main T: 01622 882288 T: 0871 200 22 33 spine road of the A20 is already over capacity, and traffic congestion and pollution are major public issues.” LEARNING FOR LIFE Help with making a 11+ first class choice 2SHQ NOW that the results are in, but about enjoying hobbies and youngsters and their families are creative and interesting pastimes. facing crucial decisions about These could help to widen your (YHQWV which steps to take towards the knowledge and even gain new next stage of their studies and qualifications. 2016 future career. To help you make your choices, But it’s important to realise that you will be able to find lots of there is more to learning than useful information in the lessons and school time - learning forthcoming weeks in our ParentsParents and their daughtersdaughterg s areare is for life. Learning for Life series of warmlywarmlly invitedinvitedd11 to our 11+ OOpen Events. It is not just about education, features. Open EveningEEvening 7KXUVGD\2FWREHUSP±SP7KXUUVVGD\ 2FWREHU  SP ± SP

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St Simon Stock Catholic School Oakwood Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0JP W - www.ssscs.co.uk E - [email protected] T - 01622 754551

Open Evening: Open Mornings: Sixth Form Open Evening: Tuesday 3rd October 17:00-20:00 Wednesday 4th & 18th October Thursday 2nd November 17:00-20:00 Principal’s Address at 18:00 and 19:30 Commencing at 09:00 Principal’s Address at 18:00

Malling September 2017 23 LEARNING FOR LIFE National Service for career-minded teenagers

FANCY giving your CV a Bear She said: “I found the course a Grylls’ boost? Well, signing up to huge boost to my self-confidence THE NCS programme was designed and piloted in 2009 by social the National Citizen Service could and a great way to meet people of integration charity The Challenge, which remains the largest provider be just the thing. my own age; the community of the programme. It was formally announced in 2010 by then Prime It provides a unique project was a real opportunity to Minister David Cameron as part of the Big Society initiative and was opportunity for 16 and 17 year bring something of yourself to the launched officially in 2011. olds to have fun building their party.” When the scheme was launched critics expected it to be an unpopular work and social skills with fellow and unsuccessful non-military version of national service. teenagers through activities such Subsequently, however, it achieved cross-party support at as abseiling, water rafting, Westminster. kayaking and community After the 2015 election, the programme was continued under the projects. The National Citizen Service Conservative government. In October 2016, Mr Cameron, who had has been running since 2011 and resigned as Prime Minister, became chairman of the NCS Trust's is backed by the Government, patrons' board. In the 2016 Queen's Speech, it was announced that the which means it costs participants scheme would be made permanent through a National Citizen Service just £50 or less to take part, with Bill. bursaries available on a case-by- case basis and extra support for and social development, A spokesman for the scheme young people with additional including leadership, teamwork said: “Not only do participants needs. The NCS takes place outside and communication skills. have the chance to give something Jessica Roberts attended the term-time, with teens able to sign Teens spend a week at an back to their community, but the NCS in Sittingbourne and used up for the part-residential outward bound facility, and a NCS also helps with job, college her musical talents to stage a gig experience either in the spring, second week living away from and university applications. NCS for pioneering stem cell treatment summer or autumn. home, typically at local university is now recognised by UCAS and in America for a neighbour with Each programme includes halls of residence, learning how to so taking part is a sought after cystic fibrosis. experiences that focus on personal be self-sufficient. addition to any CV.”

To find out more information about NCS or to sign up to NCS visit NCSyes.co.uk or call 08001978010. Like it on facebook.com/ncs, follow it on Twitter @ncs or subscribe to NCSYes channel on YouTube.

24 Malling September 2017 Choosing a ? LOOKING FOR outstanding features?

YEAR 6 OPEN EVENING Thursday 28th September 2017 6pm – 9pm Open Evening Thursday 5th October 6.00pm – 9.00pm SCHOOL TOURS Mon 2nd, Tues 3rd, Mon 16th & Tues 17th October 2017 Open Mornings Tours at 9.30am & 11.45am on each of these mornings 9th – 11th and 16th – 18th October

Tours at 9.45am and 11.45am To arrange a school tour, please contact us: each of these mornings 01634 240416 www.holmesdale.kent.sch.uk [email protected] To arrange a school tour please call 01732 529122 or email [email protected] Malling Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5HS Please come and visit us, we look forward to meeting you Big enough for choice; small enough to care The Malling School, Beech Road, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6DH

Sutton Valence School svs.org.uk

Open Mornings Senior School Prep School Saturday 7th October 2017 Saturday 11th November 2017 Friday 6th October 2017 Book online now

Malling September 2017 25 LEARNING FOR LIFE

Jane Holland-Roe, from Kent County Council’s Community Learning & Skills programme, bangs the drums for apprenticeships….

APPRENTICESHIP programmes Apprentices usually start by CASE STUDY have evolved since the early days taking on simple tasks and Hayley Forsdyke, who works in a of craft-based training and are no progress to more complex tasks as business administration for the NHS Clinical longer vocational training time goes on. Commissioning Group (CCG) in Ashford started programmes just for boys and At the end of the programme, her apprenticeship in January. young men. the apprentice receives a Hayley’s reasons for applying for the Many occupations now offer a certificate of completion and can apprenticeship with CCG were that she had always variety of modern apprenticeship achieve full time employment. been interested in working for the NHS, but it programmes and they are a great In general, modern meant she could learn about the organisation, way to enter in to a number of apprenticeships can take between whilst building skills and knowledge in her own well-paid occupations. one and four years to complete, role. They no longer confine depending on the level of the She said: “Apprenticeships are definitely worth themselves to the traditional programme, the apprentice's it, it’s a great way to learn and work at the same time.” areas of manufacturing and ability and the industry sector. construction but also in health For example, an Intermediate CASE STUDY care, transportation, ICT, Law, level 2 apprenticeship usually James was eager to find an engineering media and business takes around 12 to 18 months and apprenticeship as he was aware of the learning administration, as well as an advanced level 3 opportunities that it brings, more so than a full- numerous others. apprenticeship around 24 months. time job. He was originally interested in finding a In contrast to historical appren- On completion, you can mechanics apprenticeship, but his keen interest in ticeships, modern programmes continue to train for an advanced, the military attracted him to the role he saw are open to both men and women higher, or degree level advertised at the Maidstone army supplies shop and the variety of occupations has apprenticeship, or a related Lower Stone Street, Semma4. something to suit everyone. vocational qualification. The James had helped out there as part of a course a Modern apprenticeship variety of apprenticeships year earlier so was already familiar with the programmes provide both on-the- available in Kent alone is organisation and staff. job training and classroom testament to the success of the In a short time, say his employers, he had become confident and instruction, allowing apprentices current programme with many his product knowledge “immense”. to earn wages while learning a apprentices being given full time He hopes to stay on once his apprenticeship has finished. professional trade or occupational employment after completing the He added: “My friend was recently thinking about applying for an skill. training. Apprenticeship and I told him to go for it.”

Learn Spanish and gain skills for life! Courses focussed on conversation and culture for adults, teens and kids. Start Sept 2017 Bexley, Kings Hill, Sandling, Maidstone, Detling 01622 735292 www.spangles.cc

Learning opportunities Check out our website’s community and business notice boards for education, training, tuition, networking, volunteering, and work opportunities. www.downsmail.co.uk Online

26 Malling September 2017 Malling September 2017 27 News | A level results downsmail.co.uk

A level students at Maplesden Noakes School celebrate their success There were smiles all around as results came out at Results joy for A level students THE long nervous wait is over, the brown envelopes have been opened, and schools throughout Maidstone and Malling have been celebrating the exam successes of their A level students. Invicta head- teacher Julie Derrick was “extremely proud and excited about the won- derful futures for our students, given the outstanding examination results that they have achieved this year”. She added: “More Invicta students than ever will head off to the best universities, continuing the exciting journey that they started with us seven years ago.” Students achieved the best results in the school’s history with 75% of grades being A*, A or B. Of 148 stu- dents, 213 A* and A grades were achieved. The school was delighted History students from St Simon Stock Catholic School celebrate their A level results that a significant number of students had secured medicine, veterinary lustrated the dedication and com- cured their first choice university read biochemistry at Sussex. science and Cambridge places. mitment of students, staff and par- places. Oakwood Park Grammar School These included Verity Adams, Cara ents. Head teacher Carl Roberts was de- celebrated “a fantastic set of results” Birchall, Jessica Gladwell and Lina Students leading the celebrations lighted with the pupils’ 100% exam with just under a third of the year Wragg, who will all be studying included Elise Usoh, who achieved pass rate. “This is something that achieving A*/A grades. Singled out medicine; Elina Body and Georgia an A*, B and two Cs, while Georgina previous sixth form students have for special praise were head boy Robb, who will be reading veteri- Harper secured two distinction*s never achieved through the study of Benjamin Gowers who gained three nary science, and Claire Tipton who and one distinction, and Harry Rofe A levels,” he said. A*s and an A (EPQ) and will be will be studying law at Cambridge. achieved B grades in English, sociol- St Simon Stock Catholic School reading modern languages at Ox- At Maplesden Noakes, head- ogy and film studies. recorded a pass rate of 97% overall, ford; William Sumner and Callum teacher Richard Owen was “ab- Sutton Valence School was de- an increase on last year. Ben MacGregor who each gained three solutely delighted” with the school’s lighted that 14.2% of this year’s Williams, director of sixth form, said: As and an A* (EPQ). record-breaking A level results. He grades were A*s, up from 13.2% last “In most instances, these results Head teacher Kevin Moody said: said: “This is the first year of the year. Overall, the pass rate was 97% were achieved in new, more de- “The fact that nearly 60% of our stu- more demanding A level courses and many students had also taken manding courses which increased dents achieved grades from A* to B and yet our students have per- the extended project qualification the pressures on the students during is testimony to the extensive support formed better than ever before.” (EPQ), with 90% achieving A* - A their two years of study.” we give our sixth formers as they Across the cohort, 78% achieved grades. Among top achievers were Aaron move from year 12 to 13. We are A*-C grades, 51% gained A*-B and A quarter of the cohort achieved Clarke, Holly Dowd, Alex Delvalle, proud of their achievements. 31% were awarded A*-A. Top two or more A* - A grades, with no- Tom Grogan, James Kemp, Nathan Sports College achievers included head boy James table successes including Jess Grind- Tuckwell, Bethany Darcey, Jonathan celebrated a record year of A level Petrie (two A*s, one A), Rebecca Tuf- lay (four A*s, an A* EPQ and a place Hart, Ella Hibbs-Newman, Arthur results. Interim headteacher Tanya fin (three As, one B) and Megan at St Hilda’s College, Oxford to read King, Lewis Playfoot and Chloe Kelvie said she was particularly Lloyd (A*, two As and a B). maths and philosophy); Sam Gray Noyelle, who all scored two As and proud of the school’s significant Overall, sixth form students at Fu- (two A*s, one A, an A* EPQ and a a B, or better. number of A* and A grades in Eng- ture Schools Trust’s Cornwallis place at St Andrew’s to read Eng- At Maidstone Girls’ Grammar lish, science, business , sport, health Academy achieved a 94% pass rate, lish); Emma Simpson (two A*s and School, 26% of all grades were A/A* and social care, performing arts and an increase on last year. Of the 108 an A and going to Durham to study and 59% A*-B. Head teacher Debo- sport. students who sat exams at the Hub- marketing). rah Stanley said: “We are delighted Of the students who sat their final bards Lane, Linton, school and its Students at The Malling School, with the achievements of all our stu- exams this summer, nearly 50% will sister site, New Line Learning, in East Malling, no longer study A lev- dents and wish them the very best.” be going to university. Others will be Boughton Lane, Loose, 53% gained els, but celebrated success in the High fliers included Hannah Wal- taking up workplaces or undertak- A*-C grades. school’s first set of International Bac- lace (three A*s, one A, and will be ing professional training while one Sixth form directors Joseph Sutton calaureate Careers Programme studying engineering at Cambridge) student has chosen to work and and Janine Climie said the results il- (IBCP) results. A record number se- and Alexandra Hadaway, who will travel on a gap year in Japan.

28 Malling September 2017 downsmail.co.uk GCSE results | News Wait is over for GCSE pupils YEAR 11 students are in high spirits, with the long wait for their GCSE results now over. At Sutton Valence School, pupils achieved their “best ever GCSE re- sults”, according to staff. It comes at a time when compari- son with previous years has been made harder by the introduction of a numerical rating for English and maths, with nine the highest grade and four and above a pass. However, the school says it expe- rienced a 70% increase in the top A* grades, with 45% of all results at A*- A and 77% at A*-B proving the best in five years. A spokesman said the high results reflected the current success enjoyed at the school, which was recently placed in the top 2% in the country GCSE students from Maplesden Noakes celebrate their results and right, for value. Twenty per cent of pupils Emily Kiely from New Line Learning with her certificate achieved four or more A* grades, with high achievers including Ellen Crombie (11 A*s); Alex Webb (nine A*s); Olivia Smith and Tiggy Teare (seven A*s each). Music continues to be one of the school’s strengths, with 75% of pupils achieving a top A* grade. Overall, the results were good across all subjects and in many, in- cluding biology, chemistry, English and physics, more than 60% of stu- dents were awarded A*/A, setting new records across the school. Head Bruce Grindlay said: “This year’s GCSE pupils should be ex- tremely proud of what they have Invicta head Julie Derrick (front centre) with successful GCSE students, and achieved. Their dedication, and that left, Akilah Evans of Holmesdale Technology College of the teaching staff has paid off, and their GCSE results bode well for their future as they take the next High-achievers included Ella Clay (grade 9 English language and lighted with the Loose school’s re- step in their education.” Standen, from Headcorn, (eight literature); Subin Gurung (grade 8 in sults, which saw 51% of the 112 stu- At , 63% A/A*s and a B); Robert Hammond maths and five As); Elle Divine dents achieve a grade 4-9 (A*-C) in of grades were at A*/A, with a mas- (10 A/A*s and a B); and his twin (grade 9 English literature and As in English, with 48% gaining similar sive 700+ A*/A grades handed to the David, from Staplehurst, (six As and history and business studies); grades in maths. He said: “Our stu- girls. More than half of the reformed five Bs); Charlie Haffenden, from Amelia Cates (one A*, five As, grade dents can be justly proud of their re- GCSE grades were at 7, 8 or 9; a su- Linton, (three A*/A and six Bs); Bon- 7 maths and grades 5 and 6); sults which highlight the hard work perb achievement, despite the high nie Lamb, from Bearsted, (six A*/A, Charley Banfield (one A*, three As, and determination that they have volatility this year. three Bs and a C); Kieran Horrocks, grade 8, 7 and 5, and three Bs); expressed throughout the year.” Head Julie Derrick said: “We are from Tovil, (seven A*/A and four Adam Bond achieved an A*, three Top achievers included Emily exceptionally proud of the dedica- Bs); Mason Humphris-Day, from As, a grade 8, 7 and 6 and three Bs). Kiely (grade 7 in English language tion and commitment of students Loose, (four A*/A, five Bs and a C) Mr Owen said: “Thank you to all and literature, grade 6 in maths, and staff, at a time of huge changes Robert and David, from Staple- our students, staff and parents for three Bs and two distinctions*, a in education.” hurst, were thrilled with their re- their hard work and support.” distinction, and an AS in creative The percentage of students who sults and plan to stay on to the sixth At writing; Bronte Mitchell (a 5 in Eng- earned eight A/A*s also increased to form at Cornwallis. for Girls, 38% of all students lish language and an 8 in English lit- 45%. Head Isabelle Linney-Drouet said: achieved eight or more A/A* (in- erature, a 7 in maths, two A*, two High achievers included Maddie “Parents and staff can be rightly cluding grades 7 to 9). As, and a distinction*, and Joe Brant (eight A*s and 26 out of 27 proud.” Special mention goes to Victoria Thompson (a 4 in English language, possible points for English and Maplesden Noakes’ head W, who achieved three grade 9s and 5 in English literature, 5 in Maths maths); Meesa Rai (seven A*s and 26 Richard Owen was “extremely 9A*s; Lydia W, who received three and an A in catering). points); Rebecca Lawrence (eight proud” of the school’s “outstanding grade 9s, 8A*s and an A; Abbie G, At Holmesdale Technology Col- A*s and 25 points); Charley Cawe results”. who received nine A*s, two 9s and lege, Snodland, staff and students (seven A*s and 25 points); twins He said: “We achieved the gold one 8. were delighted with huge improve- Caitlin and Bryony Boeshart- standard of last year, even though Head Deborah Stanley said: “I’d ments in the school’s GCSE results. Thomas (16 A and A*s together with the English and maths exams are like to congratulate all the students English and Maths were both sig- 7s and 8s in English and maths). more rigorous. So, congratulations on this excellent set of results, espe- nificantly improved resulting in Results from Cornwallis Acad- to all our students.” cially in English and mathematics. nearly a fifth of students achieving emy reported an increase in the Sixty-three per cent of students “These results reflect the huge the A*-C grades than in previous number of subjects in which stu- achieved a grade 4 (the equivalent of amount of work completed by our years. dents obtained A*-C grades. a C) or above in English (75%) and students, together with the support Headteacher Tina Bissett said: A 90% pass rate or more was maths (68%) and those earning five and encouragement of the teaching “Most importantly this set of results achieved in triple science, sport and or more A*-C was higher than be- and support staff.” gives many more Holmesdale stu- the performing arts and 100% in fore at 62%. New Line Learning Academy dents the opportunity to study their Mandarin and DT food technology. High achievers included Cameron head teacher Paul Murphy was de- course of choice next year.”

Malling September 2017 29 News | Education downsmail.co.uk Schools’ head teacher crisis KENT’S education bosses have refused to disclose the names of 45 schools starting the new academic year without a head teacher in place. Kent County Council claims “ro- bust interim leadership arrange- £59,000 vacancy ments” are in place at each site and THERE are currently eight vacan- that there are “no schools with no cies for head teachers on the web- head teacher”. site kent-teach.com But education experts remain Among the unfilled posts is a concerned that performance pres- teacher for Hunton CEP Primary sure, league tables, intense outside School which commands a salary scrutiny and a shortage of deputy of up to £59,000 pa. heads willing to step up have caused the problem. Former head teacher and author- small schools are entering into ex- ity on Kent education, Peter Read, ecutive head teacher arrangements has already sent a Freedom of In- to secure their finances, rather than formation (FoI) request to KCC, incur the costs of recruiting and ap- claiming that the public has a right pointing their own head teacher. to know which schools have no “This is typically a strategic deci- permanent head in place. sion by the governing body, in KCC claimed it was not “appro- tions. Deputy heads look at what is resort to the costly option of using some cases as a move towards a priate or helpful” to name them. happening to their head teachers headhunting recruitment agencies, permanent arrangement or as an The issue emerged in a report to and are deciding it’s not worth it. which can take up to 25% of the interim action until a head teacher a KCC committee on September 7 “The age profile of head teachers successful applicant’s salary as is recruited. about the state of education in is getting higher and they are retir- commission. “We do all that we can to ensure Kent. ing faster than they’re coming KCC said there are “robust in- that arrangements are appropriate The county council now main- through to replace them. terim leadership arrangements” in to provide the leadership needed tains only a handful of schools in “It’s a worrying situation. A place at the schools without a per- for each school.” Kent – many are linked to academy school needs stability and that sta- manent head and can have an act- Asked for the names of the trusts. bility comes from the head.” ing head, head of school or schools where there is no head, the Mr Read, who runs Kent Inde- The number of headship vacan- executive head teacher arrange- KCC spokesman said: “….we do pendent Education Advice, said: cies went up by 17 to 56 in 2016-17, ment. not think it appropriate or helpful “There is a number of factors why compared to the previous year. A KCC spokesman said: “Head to name the schools which have there is a shortage of heads. There are presently 90 unfilled teacher recruitment is very chal- such arrangements in place.” “Firstly, is the job worth having? teacher roles in the county. lenging and is a national issue. Chairman of KCC’s education The pressure on heads is intense, KCC is now turning its attention “The combination of accountabil- committee Gary Cooke said: “It’s there are league tables, staff short- to Australia and New Zealand for ity and financial pressures is hav- 45 too many head teachers not in ages and scrutiny from all direc- filling teacher vacancies and may ing an impact. For example, many place for the new academic term.” Transport fears put school plan on hold A PROPOSED secondary school to Cllr Powell said: “It could be up be built off New Cut Road in Maid- to a year before the issue comes stone has been put on hold. back to us at the planning commit- The planned development of the tee, because a lot more needs to be Maidstone School of Science and done by the council’s planning offi- Technology (MSST) – which would cers.” be part of the Valley Invicta Acade- Forecasts show a need for more mies’ Trust (VIAT) – was expected secondary places to meet demand to be well under way by 2018. in the future and Kent County This now seems increasingly un- Council hopes this might be ad- likely, with one councillor predict- dressed in part by the opening of An artist’s impression of the new MSST school off New Cut Road ing delays of about a year while MSST. Maidstone Borough Council’s plan- Cllr Powell added: “There needs “Given the nature of the school new plantings. He agreed the mat- ning team answers a host of trans- to be a road structure in place that and how wide the catchment will ter needed to be deferred for a “re- port and environmental questions. can cope with a school that will be be, there was no indication how the think”. UKIP Cllr Eddie Powell (below) able to take 1,200 students. extra traffic will be dealt with. MBC officers recommended ap- criticised a re- “We need to know how the bus There is much to be done.” proval, stating: “The proposed port presented services will work. How will they Liberal Democrat member Tony school is considered to be accept- to the planning operate during the long holidays? Harwood (below) expressed con- able, having regard to the relevant committee last “If kids are being expected to cerns for trees matters including design and lay- month as “very, cycle to school, what provisions are which would out of the school, relevant stan- very weak” and there for them? need to be felled dards, access to play space and borne out of “I don’t think there was any dis- to make way for open space, impact on amenity of “pure panic” at pute that there is going to be a need the school and neighbouring properties and high- the need to cre- for more school places, given the its access. The way matters.” ate school places scale of house-building that the proposal does MSST will focus on so-called to satisfy demand created by borough council has embarked mitigate against STEM subjects – science , technol- MBC’s house-building programme. upon. the loss with ogy, engineering and maths.

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Carmel ‘Carmo’ Micallef one of our friends as a ‘gentle bear’. He was Paul, Tracey, Jacqui and Vanessa. He trained Obituaries a big man who knew a lot and liked to think as a heating engineer and worked CARMEL “Carmo” Micallef (70) of Boxley about subjects that really stretched his mind. successfully as a club DJ in London, Road, , lived in the local area for He would have loved to have done a amassing a massive collection of vinyl most of his life after moving to West Malling degree in astrophysics and read lots on the records. from Malta. subject as well as avidly watching television Daughter Tracey said: “My father felt very His father Francis ("Cikku") and mother programmes on all the latest discoveries. He much at home in this quiet village where Lonza were posted to also played chess and taught this to his people without knowing you, would stop RAF West Malling. The grandchildren. and say hello. It really maered to him to be family then moved to “He loved all kinds of music with a real part of the community and he will be very Malling Road, passion for some artists like Led Zeppelin much missed.” Snodland, where and Kate Bush; he had seen some of his Roger leaves his wife, daughters and Carmo grew up until musical heroes live.” grandchildren – son Paul pre-deceased him. he married and moved Geoff leaves his wife, children and to Strood before grandchildren Cane, Ellis, Joshua, Keaton, seling in Walderslade. Zech and Lillie-Ann. Dave Marten Daughter Maria said; “My father was a DAVID “Dave” Marten (76) lived locally all loving husband, loving father of four Jack Bowen his life, including 25 years in Eccles and the children and loving grandad to five final seven years of his life in the grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by WWII veteran Jack Bowen (92) was born Siingbourne Road area of Maidstone. all who knew him.” John Bowen in St Mary’s Pla and lived for Dave worked in local paper mills Carmo spent his working life in the print over 40 years in Wrotham. including a spell at Reeds’ mill. He met his business, working for the Kent Messenger He was known throughout the local area first wife Jill through his work, and the for a number of years with his brothers Joe as a keen sportsman who had played couple were married for 25 years until her and John, then moving to various other football and cricket in his younger days, and death in 1999. Dave later married June, but print firms. When he retired, he enjoyed continued playing golf until arthritis was widowed again seven years ago. spending time with his children and his stopped him a couple of years ago. His sister Helen said: “Dave had to retire grandchildren, going for long country walks, Jack’s war service took place in the Navy early for health reasons. He had been a good ferreting and aending classic car shows and took him to active theatres of war in the village cricketer early in his life and also with his beloved MG. Far East. He met his wife of 71 years – enjoyed playing darts in the Walnut Tree Maria said: “Dad was always happy, full Margaret “Peggy” – when his ship, HMS pub when he lived in Eccles. He followed of life and stories of his life’s adventures, Sussex was docked in Newcastle upon Tyne horse racing as well. everyone who met him loved him.” over Christmas in 1942. “Later in his life, he had friends in town Carmo leaves wife Maureen, children As a noted war veteran, Jack was asked to and enjoyed meeting them, especially in the Mark, Maria, Carl and Marcelle and five aend the opening of the new Pla Muggleton Inn. He was a quiet man who grandchildren. Memorial Hall in September last year – an had strong opinions on things.” occasion for which he wore both his own Dave leaves two step-daughters, Linda war medals and those of his father from and Susan. Geoff Vanns WWI. Jack leaves his wife, four daughters and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. GEOFF Vanns (69) of Hurricane Road, West Another daughter died last year. Jim Murray Malling, was known locally from years of running GKW Wrought Iron Ltd. specialists JIM Murray (86) seled in Maidstone in in ironwork and restoration. Roger Irwin-Smith 1967, having been born and brought up in Born in Meopham and brought up in Yorkshire. Wrotham, Geoff ROGER Irwin-Smith (72) of Harrietsham He had a long and successful career in worked as a plater and lived locally from 1974, having moved with agriculture until his retirement in 1996. He welder for and in a his family from London. qualified as a football referee in the early scrap metal business in He ran his business – Kent Environmental 1970s, officiating at local and county level Canning Town before Engineering – from the station building in and he set up and managed a boys’ football establishing his own the village. Roger club at Penenden Heath. firm with his son and founded the North He turned his sporting success to the brother-in-law. Downs Motor Cycle game of bowls, winning many local GKW – which takes Club and the tournaments and club competitions. His its name from the first Cheapskates Golf proudest moment came in 1982 with the names of all three Society. He was also a winning of his county badge and being able partners – has remained a family firm for parish councillor and to represent Kent. over 30 years. president of his local His support of Maidstone Bowls Club led Geoff was married to Hilary for 46 years working men’s club. to him being awarded the role of captain, and father to Karle, Hannah and Nina. Roger was married followed by chairman and eventually Hilary said: “Geoff has been described by to Anne and father to president and for over two decades he looked after the green to ensure that Maidstone had one of the best playing surfaces in the county. When he was no longer able to take an Camrass Wills active role within the club through ill-health, the members honoured his service by Advice you can trust naming the clubhouse after him, thus ensuring that his name will forever be Do you want help writing your Will? Do you need help with probate? associated with Maidstone Bowls Club. Do you need powers of attorney? Do you want to buy a funeral plan? After his retirement, Jim volunteered for many years with Age UK, acting as an escort • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed for the elderly on their minibus trips to local day centres and outings. For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS MSWW He was a devoted husband to Margaret for 61 years, until she died in 2014. 01622 720985 Jim will be deeply missed by his children www.camrasswills.co.uk Jim, Ann and Ian, five grandchildren and one great grandson.

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

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Beech trees A resident raised concerns improved allotment. There had been

aihCouncils Parish Birling about the height of the beech trees on the several changes of tenants. All allotments OBE Cllr Grimme congratulated Cllr border of the recreation ground and were now taken and there were two Westwood on behalf of the council on her Butchers Lane and the hedge on the border people on the waiting list. Cllr Regan receipt of an OBE announced in the of the recreation area. These were blocking arranged to meet with Kent Stone to Queen’s Birthday Honours List. the light across Butchers Lane and into her discuss fencing requirements. There was Hawthorn bush It was agreed that the garden. Cllr Jon Regan would look at the concern from tenants about a plan to take work needed to be carried out by a tree trees and, if necessary, the parish council surgeon. Cllr Steward offered to obtain would consider cuing them back in the plot deposits. It was agreed to give six quotes from local businesses with a view autumn. The resident also referred to trees months’ notice of rent increases. to having the work carried out before the on private land and was advised to write Play area It was reported that the play area Heritage Day. to the landowner to ask that these be cut was in need of cleaning. The clerk would Street light replacement The clerk had back. ask Kentish Stone to undertake this. Some met with Richard Emme from KCC to Police report A shed on the allotments had rubbish which might have been from the look at all the street lights. A survey been burgled and a tractor had been allotments had been left near the gate. The needed to be carried out and a quote stolen. clerk would ask Kentish Stone to remove detailing options would be sent. The light Defibrillator The defibrillator at The this. at Parsons Corner was not working and Pavilion was showing low baery status PCC liaison It was reported that the needed to be replaced. A quote had been and a new baery pack was required. This mowing of the churchyard was poor. The requested from TMBC. As it was likely to was likely to cost over £100 as both baery be cheaper to replace it as part of the LED pack and pads must be changed at the church roof repairs had been completed replacement project, it was decided to wait same time. with £30,000 raised from charities. The until the KCC quote had been received. War Memorial The War Memorials Trust roof of the shed used to store equipment Drug debris Youths had been spoed by had now responded to advise that they for the cream teas had been blown off, but the stream in the field behind the church recommend using water and a natural would have to be replaced by PCC where drug debris had been found. More bristle brush with no chemicals except PH members as it had not been properly youths had been in Birling Park being neutral detergent. They also recommended installed in the first place. Members of the noisy and leaving lier. She had reported steam cleaning. The clerk had contacted it to the Landscape PCSO and next time parish council offered to help. Kentish Stone who were prepared to do a Beech Road Leers had been sent to would report to 101. test area with the help of Dennis Styles, to landowners and the hedges had now been see if the first option would be suitable. Mr cut back. Vegetation around road signs Styles had also suggested a pent roof over Mereworth the memorial to protect it from the tree, had also been cut back and roundels on Council vacancy As no election had been but this idea was not supported. road signs had been refreshed. The called, the parish council could co-opt a Allotments There was some discussion on damaged nameplate would be replaced by new member. Anyone interested in the idea of having an allotment of the year Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council standing was asked to contact the clerk. competition or a prize for the most in the next tranche of orders. rm reports Crime A GARDEN shed in Sandy Lane, Offham, was broken into and a ride-on mower, Apache mower and other items were stolen. Neighbourhood Watch Windows of the house were smashed but it appears that it was not entered. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Paint stripper was poured over a VW Golf taken. In Norman Road, West parked in Lambe Close, Snodland. A VW Golf parked in a car park at Booth Malling, someone smashed a glass A Citroen Berlingo van parked on a Close, Snodland, was interfered with but panel in the door of a house. driveway in Hallsfield Road, Aylesford, not damaged. The intruders were disturbed A Peugeot van was broken into in was broken into. Nothing appeared to have by the owner and drove off in a Ford Fiesta. Chapman Way, East Malling. A Stihl hedge been stolen. Recently delivered milk was stolen from trimmer, leaf blowers, Stihl chainsaw and a A shed in Downderry Way, Ditton,was the front of three houses in Comp Lane, strimmer were stolen. broken into and a lawnmower and saw Offham. A Nissan Navara parked on a driveway in were stolen. Fence panels and a security light were Keats Road, Larkfield, had its back window In Trinity Court, Aylesford, keys to the stolen from a garden in London Road, West smashed. front door of a flat were stolen while the Malling. A wing mirror of a BMW parked in resident was in the garden. A Ford Thunderbird parked in a Holborough Road, Snodland, was ripped A house was broken into in Sandy Lane, restaurant car park in the High Street, off. Offham, but nothing appeared to have been Aylesford, was keyed. A house in Frog Lane, West Malling,was taken. In Roughetts Road, Ryarsh, a John Deere broken into and a purse, driving licence and Two youths were seen pulling down bits tractor parked in the road was stolen but bank cards were stolen. of fencing and trees in Malling Road, has been recovered. A house was broken into in Bridgewater Snodland, and setting fire to them. They The side gate was broken open at a house Place, Leybourne. ran off when they noticed they had been in Mill Street, East Malling, but no entry In Alma Road, Eccles, there was an seen. was gained to the property. It is believed the attempt to break into a parked car. No In Poynder Drive, Holborough, a parked offenders may have been disturbed. damage was done. vehicle was damaged and paintwork A Ford Focus parked in High Street, An unlocked blue BMX bicycle was stolen chipped by stones being thrown at it. This Snodland, was broken into and CDs were from a garden in Whimbrel Green, was a repeat crime. stolen. Larkfield. Someone tried to break into a flat in Elm A lead sheet was pulled off the roof of a Someone put glue on a door lock at a Crescent, East Malling, through the front house in Worcester Avenue, Kings Hill, but house in Booth Close, Snodland. door. The intruder was disturbed by the not stolen. resident before they gained access. A garden chair was stolen from a garden In Lysander Road, Mereworth, a shed in Sherwood Avenue, Larkfield. was broken into. Two men and a woman A Ford Ka parked in Willowside, CCTV & ALARM were seen in the shed and fled when Snodland, was damaged, denting the SPECIALISTS challenged by a neighbour. driver’s door. A Chevrolet Aveo in Catts Alley, A Peugeot Partner parked in Jenner Way, FREE consulation: Snodland, was damaged around the rear Eccles, had a window broken and tools 0800 281 249 panel and lights. stolen. A window was smashed in a Peugeot van Two gold watches were stolen when a [email protected] parked in a car park in Belgrave Street, house in Pilgrims Way, Trottiscliffe,was www.brooksecurity.com Eccles. Nothing appeared to have been broken into.

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38 Malling September 2017 Public Notice Recruitment cont.

.uk mail.co downs Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council onth ery m ing’s Come and join our friendly sales es ev & Mall 0 hom stone 88,00 Maid er o over ewspap ered t No. 1 n ns deliv ur editio Fo FREE g Edition o. 231 Town & Country Planning Acts – Notice of Application MallinMalling Edition 16 N team and share in our success. July 20 Malling outh | stone S News Maid es call ast | bus to get ne E etter action idsto B urging Ma TS are ces from n | PAREN us servi e Tow chool b ston better s est 3 Maid ill and W Kings H en- alling. ty Show M nt Coun and The Following applications have been submitted to the Council THE Ke eather aved fine w ow- xes s oyed t the sh e bo with j rowds a Phon ome up mper c . have c bu Detling AGERS eir  We are currently recruiting a unds in 0 VILL ining th 4 gro ,00 eta than 80 ys of r More 0 up on wa boxes. ver 3,00 f phone isitors,o d one o red v attende ts. st year, est even mas la ’s bigg s hrist county llholder rly C orth the ors,sta n ea Merew mpetit e from A stors in Co es cam D chori f fes-  and are being advertised for the reason(s) given in each case usiness t had CHIL a CD o 5 and b ry bu rding e count ce. re reco ober. cross th l presen a in Oct a big loca e songs e usual ere Jo tiv th those w Among rst, and ger taplehu nd an an, of S lesford, grou hey Sh n, of Ay Play ts say t Shelto residen Ken d, who GS Hill a picture Kent KIN about 6 both the Mid misled rea. sented aid: “It were play a repre p. Ken s ed new ia Grou plann Fuchs nderful en a wo gym Field Sales/ has be ainst ag how.” es,see tion ourne s pictur Peti in Leyb TM/17/02224/FL  More or gym do 6 AN out ssed as 12 page 1 n dismi has bee ey. of mon a waste sh h for ca das ks set Joe’s ton loo b in Dit last pu fe as THE ase of li Bridging the gap to new le 28 ith a for a ck. nza w fice blo bona - an of 32 ing fora ,bring Key Account Executive head weeks ies are in tuar RECEIVED: dland n with Obi  9th August 2017 VALIDATED: 9th August 2017 4 o e sin Sn et to op 3 businesswner prosperityay s bridge e o edw The ent hom erM siness. ose omm S and Riv wn bu ons I ch C DER ss the t my o in reas an 43 RA acro a star the ma r’s. It’s T idge n. rd to one of barbe a. ports br e tow forwa - was open a ing are e Re road to th oking ts flow and to d com Crim new rity are lo fic star Snodl d up an s going r were ospe people en traf ing an house coppe rd. w pr usi- om wh expand f new once ad and ylesfo g ne f local b ade bo idge. Alex e lots o a, and OOF le use in A in iction o say tr the br resser here ar the are lot of R m a ho e pred s who across haird ic- T ound hink a len fro at is th ncillor e ing hem is tosh (p all ar dge, I t ide sto Th nd cou 8 on th ong t ackin o up the bri that s eople a e A22 Am M ft) wh finish er from y ness p ing th d new ed le they ome ov be ver te link n an tur s salon e will c it will the rou he tow k will ned hi peopl ecause l really s of t te ban ope in the river b It wil to sell advertising across our utskirt pposi and nder’s of the them. APPLICANT: Dr A. M. Crosse o a r o e ess lex h fo ” s on th busin A Hig enient e map. - home ease in n’s conv d on th Would an incr tow seven odlan ving to mean ridge, et put Sn tly mo is also rices. oad b Stre o be- r recen e, Alex ouse p llion r ber, ths ag Afte e, Kati open- h 19 mi Septem mon ntic- ith wif bridge The £ pen in ren- of the a am w to the ion: ue to o oper T cause of h orward work  is edit ich is d devel , a influx oking f s daily 8 ide th for wh uilt by Village ipated lo rten hi Ins oposals been b Peters e to sho g pr Ton- has key to y on th uters. r- ing buildin n up as as the munit d comm g a ba mute. NEW g draw rks port, ew com ers an anagin com re bein ncil wo ome n ham. shopp was m nted to it alling a ng Cou e ,000 h Would g the id: “I t I wa ulp M d Malli . See th 1 near y feelin He sa dge bu p f- dge an al Plan st bank alread link, Tonbri ce to olice o bri ing Loc alling publications and online products. ea odland rail r’s in oli litan P s emerg nt by M n d e o t it e With S h-spee ness b P etrop at Eas on pplem ports a hig , busi MER M vicar page su hich sup efit of ear ago A FOR new gbury. four- ship, w s in c/o Building Design Studio Mr Leslie Hutchinson 26 Kings Hill ben ed a y the aterin Partner d event art is W d ion an hich st ficer on and marrie Act nesses area. w g, Test ho is le, busi alling Mallin iams, w is new peop s in the M k Will rt in h parishe ev Nic will sta the 11 R sons, ve in ith two and li 5 w ctober ing. T t in O st Mall XPER m pos e in Ea TY E co.co vicarag OPER artin t the AL PR ne@m e • Ken R LOC aidsto aidston YOU m Lane • M 0 udding Avenue King Hill West Malling ME194AE 029 23 P You will be working on the best publications 2 69 0162 Kent’s Most Awarded Optician o.uk etrists.c Book Now.op 01732tom 617557 serving the local community and enjoy a www PROPOSAL: Application for extension, alteration and Autum n 2 working environment that provides you with 015 FR conversion of existing bungalow to form x2 two to three bedroom EE the freedom and flexibility to use your initiative On the pumpkin trail at two storey semi-detached dwelling houses and the erection of x1 while working within a supportive team. Emme G tts arden new two bedroom bungalow associated access, parking & turning. The role will involve: Ashle Jac y Kent’s khockeyson LOCATION: 281 London Road West Malling Kent ME195AE • Handling inbound and making outbound calls superstar • Developing business from existing clients • Obtaining and growing new business LOCAL GOVERNMENT AYLESFORD VILLAGE • Working to achieve revenue targets. (MISCELLANEOUS The ideal candidate will have previous WIN PROVISIONS) COMMUNITY CENTRE A time for A Christmas experience in a similar role and will: turkey & all the sharing this trimmings CHRIS ACT 1982 LICENSING OF Days ou TM t • AS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Theatre • H omes & Gard • Have worked to personal sales targets ens • SEX ESTABLISHMENT Walks Notice is hereby given that an Application is 7.30 PM ON • Have a confident and outgoing personality being made to Tonbridge & Malling Borough TUESDAY 10TH OCTOBER. • Be self-motivated and able to show initiative Council by Tracey Jane Whitmore, for The • Have excellent communication skills renewal of a Licence for a Sex Shop at the All welcome to attend. premises known as Vibez UK Ltd, situated at This is a part-time position of 24 to 32 hours per Unit 3, 2M Trade park, Beddow Way, Aylesford, Refreshments available. week to be worked over 3/4 days (there will be Kent ME20 7BT. some flexibility in the hours/days to be worked Any comments/objections to the application should be made in writing to The Chief Solicitor for the right candidate). Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Gibson You will require the use of your own car Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, West Follow Malling, Kent ME19 4LZ, by no later than us on and have a full driving licence. 8th October 2017. Basic salary + uncapped commission + bonus. OTE (based on 32 hour week) £18000 pa Mileage allowance + 32 days annual leave (pro-rata) Friendly, flexible, family owned business. Email applications, including your CV to the sales manager, Bill Brett. Recruitment [email protected] On the Road Distributors wanted to deliver the Downs Mail in Headcorn, Staplehurst, Coxheath Farleigh Forge Garage MoTs Flexible working hours, small and large rounds available, Servicing and general To place your good rates of pay. For more information or an informal chat repairs to all makes call Richard on 0757 076 8834 Tyres and tracking advertisement in our or email: [email protected] Free local collection and classified pages please delivery by arrangement Applicants will need access to their own vehicle and android phone, and must be reliable call our dedicated Air Conditioning classified team on Established since 1985 Tel: 01622 726473 01622 630330 Lower Road, East Farleigh More Downs Mail vacancies on page 22 Deputy Editor, Media Sales Executive... SILVERBACK RECOVERY Car recovery and transportation Light commercial Cars for scrap removed Competitive rates CALL ROGER ON: Connecting with local people 01622 813733 07740 123495

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Malling September 2017 41 downsmail.co.uk Comment Welcome to the health revolution

I WELCOME major plans to injury claims arising. revolutionise local health care. I see them MailMarks I note a new report says they also as essential, honest and caring – and I increase dangerous emissions from wish local NHS and social care well as DENNIS FOWLE President vehicles. they press on with this very big task. [email protected] They damage vehicles and my car Most of us are close to our own GPs, springs need more aention than ever – and they are at the forefront of changes. an expensive business. With an increasing and ageing They are costly to install and will be population, they now face growing provides a more joined-up service for costly to remove. challenges, and budget-holding NHS patients involving health and social care I support sensible traffic calming West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group in hospital, the community and our own measures. Speed humps are not one of (led by doctors) is looking for answers homes. them. without impacting on valued It is also reassuring to learn from the relationships with patients. local NHS that its current sustainability Keep Ramblin’ and transformation plan does not include In the greater Maidstone and Malling WITH the success of three days in area, our GP practices have been grouped serious changes to services in Maidstone Mote Park this year Ramblin’ Man seems in four clusters and they are encouraged Hospital and that our treasured and busy set now to become a permanent fixture. to work together in many ways. A&E has a secure future. It has become very popular with Ultimately, this should lead to practices But the government is looking for followers of rock music and as they visit opening for longer hours on more days. efficiencies as it tackles the huge NHS from many parts they spend well to Most practices will continue to operate budget. improve the local economy. from their established premises, but I see I watch with interest as these promised Noise was always going to be the big a time when many will group in a larger improvements are reconciled with the issue but organisers and Maidstone building with more specialised staff local budget. council have listened and neighbours offering a much wider range of services. This also helps GPs manage their working Getting the hump appear much happier this year. It seems hours without overloading themselves. AS a motorist I hate speed humps and otherwise to be a popular, trouble-free There will also be care hubs serving now that most distinguishing warning event. Play on ... populations larger than the GP clusters, marks on the road have worn away providing services not requiring a locally I abhor them. They have become A day to cherish’ hospital seing. difficult to identify in daylight – and just I HAVE lived an hour’s drive from it More community (rather than acute) about impossible at night. for years – and only just enjoyed a family hospitals are planned. Maidstone misses Several times, I have been the driver visit (with grandchildren aged 12, 10 and out altogether currently, so there should accused by passengers as they are jolted 8) to the Rare Breeds Centre, Highland be good news here. around the car. Yet I am driving Farm, Woodchurch, near Tenterden. Your NHS 111 phone calls will be more carefully, considerately and well within What a wonderful day for us all – I’m effective too, offering expert advice and the speed limit. not sure if all the delightful animals or appointments with GPs and urgent They have now become dangerous to staff were more friendly. We were treatment centres. drivers and passengers. Unless KCC enthralled by the buerflies and birds of An important aim is to ensure the NHS maintains them properly I see personal prey displays. It was a day to cherish.

‘Bias’ a personal maer Strong view on BBC pro-EU, anti-British, pro the climate change lobby, pro-gay rights or anti-church. I AM writing in response to Mail Marks in I WAS disturbed to read your president’s Too many items, no maer how the August 2017 edition of the Downs Mail. criticism of the BBC in your August edition. unrelated, are given a negative Brexit It relates to the article entitled “BBC Surprisingly, the remarks were not reference or spin. doesn’t deserve licence fee”. because of the elitism, nepotism or the fact Foreign news will get precedence over I was surprised to see such a strongly- that it is run by, and for the benefit, of domestic stories. Some bulletins are 80% worded article against the BBC and clear public schoolboys – all recent criticisms of about maers overseas. right-wing political bias. Just as Mr Fowle the BBC. No, Mr Fowle was irate because I will not say if any of the above reflects does not expect to see (perceived) political the BBC was too far to the left of his own my opinions or not, but I do expect the bias on the BBC, I do not expect to see political views. He wants to remove its BBC’s flagship news programmes to report political bias in the local free paper. funding and presumably shut it down or in a neutral, fair and balanced way. I thought the purpose of the Downs Mail greatly curtail its output. And if you think the BBC is bad, Channel was to inform local people of local issues, It leaves me wondering where Mr Fowle 4’s news coverage doesn’t make any not provide political opinion. I know that sits on the political spectrum. aempt to conceal its bias and left-wing the BBC has strict guidelines on providing Jim Grogan, The Landway, Bearsted agenda. But this is not a public service, political balance and if reporting facts is licence fee-funded operation like the BBC perceived to be political bias then it is a Beeb’s content puzzling and appeals to the trendies who enjoy C4’s personal maer for Mr Fowle, not one for I AM not often driven to write to anyone alternative – and often very fine – output. the Downs Mail. these days, let alone a newspaper, but I do I remember when I was much younger I think Mr Fowle, as president of the have to strongly agree with sentiments hearing Norman Tebbit banging on about Downs Mail, should remember that a expressed by your columnist in the last the BBC’s left-wing bent and thinking he significant proportion of the readership did issue of Downs Mail about the BBC. was a bit unhinged. Now, I think he was not vote Conservative and did not vote to If it is not plainly obvious to those who right. leave the EU. Many of us, including myself, control its charter that the BBC’s news National newspapers can be as partisan are deeply concerned by Brexit and the output is no longer fulfilling the brief, then as they like. The Telegraph is a good government’s handling of it. it ought to be up to the relevant newspaper and so is the Guardian – and I, for one, am glad we have a media government department to intervene. you know what you’re geing. which will question and hold the The national news coverage is not so Local newspapers should be neutral government to account, particularly in much skewed to being pro-Labour as how politically – and Downs Mail does give these difficult times. I see the BBC as a vital it treats the subject maer it reports. everyone a fair shout – but their columnists service and certainly trust it to provide It will get prominence on the BBC if the can say whatever they like. Keep it up, Mr well-informed and balanced news. item is anti-Trump, anti-May, anti-Farage, Fowle. Kinsa Thirkell, via email anti-Brexit, anti-Tory, pro-SNP, anti-DUP, E Andrews, via email

42 Malling September 2017 downsmail.co.uk

expanding alarmingly. Facts, not opinion please Forced marriage fears Comment I wrote twice to KCC Highways to point I HAVE only just read the August edition FOR most children, the summer holidays out such shortcomings, without the courtesy of Downs Mail, and I wanted to thank you mean fun and time with their family. of a reply. for mentioning the blatant bias of the BBC But for some young people, the long break I then contacted Cllr Paul Carter, who did (Mail Marks). is when they are most at risk of being taken respond, and assured me that not only do Since before Brexit, they appeared to be abroad and forced into a marriage. the works have a two-year guarantee but, in allowing their journalists and reporters to In 2016/17, Childline provided 205 addition, KCC personnel were inspecting provide their own opinion rather than the counselling sessions to girls as young as 13 the works. facts, and this then seemed to stretch into about forced marriage–a12percent I walk through Grove Green every day what I considered to be almost brain increase from 2015/16. The same year, there and have to say I have never seen anyone washing. were 6,099 visits to the Childline forced reviewing or monitoring these works. As far as Brexit is concerned, they are not marriage page. To be even-handed they could, of course, able to report a full bulletin, however Children told counsellors they were have undertaken this work at night. positive it may be, without a negative to frightened of being taken out of the country I hope the outcome from viewing the KCC finish. Between the BBC and Mark Carney for marriage and reported emotional abuse monitoring logs can be shared with your (Bank of England) they have demoralised by their parents, because they believe readers. the country entirely and appear desperate resisting the marriage would bring shame Graeme Wyles, Grove Green to talk us into a downward spiral, when and dishonour on their family. they should perhaps be lifting us up. But In some instances, children may have been most of all, they should stick to reporting told that they are going on holiday and do Slaughterhouse reforms the facts. not realise that they are heading to their I no longer have any faith in their wedding day with a complete stranger. THE Green Party has been calling for reporting and have also turned to ITV in Once they are abroad they may find mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses for the hope of finding an unbiased report. themselves isolated and find it difficult to decades and the UK's membership of the EU I thought I was the only one who had raise the alarm and halt the marriage. has never prevented the introduction of the noticed it! It's always good to read No child should be forced into marriage measure – France introduced it earlier this something that fits with our own view, and we must be clear that, regardless of year. especially when it's so RIGHT, so I wanted cultural expectations, this is a crime and an So while the Government's announcement to thank you for puing my concerns so abuse of human rights. is welcome, the pitching of the policy as a clearly and succinctly into words. The secretive nature of forced marriage “post-Brexit reform” is cynical and Kim West, Bearsted combined with feelings of loyalty to family opportunistic nonsense. and community can mean it is difficult to As for the policy itself, the devil is in the Balance usually achieved grasp the true scale of the problem. detail and we've yet to see any. To help prevent the cruellest treatment of YOUR regular columnist Dennis Fowle To help us break the cycle the NSPCC is urging anyone – including potential victims UK farm animals the Government needs, as makes a now-familiar charge of bias in the a minimum, to ensure cameras are placed in news reporting of the BBC. – to speak up, so that we can step in and stop a child being bound into something that any area of a slaughterhouse where animals Yet the former chief political are handled, held and killed. correspondent and current Radio 4 Today they would never ask for. Adults can call the NSPCC helpline, 0808 The footage must also be held for a programme presenter, Nick Robinson, was reasonable length of time and made once chairman of the Young Conservatives. 800 5000. Children can call Childline on 0800 1111 so they can be given support and available for independent viewing and Similarly, when he was presenter of monitoring. Newsnight, Jeremy Paxman admied that measures can be taken to stop them from being forced into marriage. At the same time, urgent steps are needed he considered himself to be a One Nation to improve and monitor on farm animal Conservative while his successor Evan Colin Peak, NSPCC, regional head of service, London and South East welfare standards too. Davis wrote neo-liberal papers advocating At the very least, the Government must the privatisation of the NHS when he was urgently ensure existing EU safeguards are at Oxford University. Cable work shoddy strengthened and maintained. Aren’t these strange appointments for a The House of Lords EU commiee supposedly Marxist-inclined broadcaster? THE August edition of the Downs Mail warned only last month that leaving the In their detailed and exhaustive analyses contained a report in the Thurnham Parish European Union and rushing to sign Britain of BBC news bulletins, the Glasgow News section in relation to work instructed up to post-Brexit “free trade at all cost” deals University Media Research Group showed by Virgin Media. will pose the biggest threat to farm animal that, if anything, there is a pro- The report is timely, as it exactly echoes welfare in the UK. Establishment bias in BBC output. our experience in Grove Green – disruption; Ultimately, it's also worth remembering Perhaps the truth lies somewhere surface finish to the trench deteriorating; that no amount of legislation or regulation between these two viewpoints and that the surface finish not being level with adjoining can ever make the slaughter business truly BBC usually aims at, and mostly achieves, pavement. Additionally, heavy equipment cruelty-free. some sort of impartiality. used by the contractors broke the road Keith Taylor, Green Party MEP for the K Banks, Maidstone surface in one street, with the hole created South East

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Malling September 2017 43 MORE PEOPLE, MORE ACTIVE, MORE OFTEN

SWIMTAG Lane Counters now on poolside!

Our new SWIMTAG lane counters are a great way for swimmers to further improve their SWIMTAG experience. The robust screens let you see how many lengths or how far you’ve swum in real time and keep to a set pace. Easily seen through misty goggles, simply raise your band in front of the lane counter to see your stats.

Not yet signed up to SWIMTAG? Free to all Gym & Spa Members, Non Members can take advantage of trials throughout the year.

Speak to Reception for details.

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