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Maidstone East Edition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper downsmail.co.uk Malling Edition FREE Maidstone & Malling’s October 2017 No.No. 1246 newspaper

FREENews Panto ahoy! Kate, 107, dies JulyTHE 2018 cast of Cinderella, which is to be No. 255 KATE Hart, a resident at an old staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- people’s home in Bearsted, stone, took to the River Medway to has died aged 107, her son !3 launch this year's panto. DavidNe whass disclosed. On board The Kentish Lady were Snationalc treasureh Rustieo Leeo (Fairyl park ers ‘are Godmother), former EastEnder Ste- MP’sAl fr eLocalsco w Planorshi pbidping fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza- HELENWOR SWhatelyHIPPER Sasked of th thee su n and beth Bright (Cinderella), Craig governmentthe Lord h etold halt a se thervic e outdoors Anderson (Buttons) and, pictured, borough’sin Kings Hhousingill led b scheme.y the !!45 dStephena Richardsn g and Adame Bor-r to child ren ’ Bishop of Rochester. zone (Ugly Sisters) . They were greeted by pupils from PlansiPhon fore fr Drau dNigelster jailed ASouthRE BoroughSIDEN PrimaryT in S Schoolnod landand fears achild could be injured or worse, unless THEA F AwidowKE iPh ofon GPe s Drca mNigel was Minnet rumbled members of the media. The panto parents picking up their children from school are more considerate. willat walka su ptheerm Grandarket in runs from December 1-31. For tick- CanyonAylesf oforrd .charity. !12!6 etsAs gow etoll www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk.as severe parking prob- lems in her own street, Wyvern Close resident Carol Buffini has also had to deal with damage to JasonChar iDonovanty refurb pdatelan her property – in an incident last THEA GformerARDE NeighboursN centre c hstarari bringsty aims to month, adriver careered straight hisr ashowise £to1 the.5m Hazlitt to c arry o!ut 18 through her back fence into her Theatrerefurb nextishm May.ent work. !8 CCTVgarden. call in a bid No-one was injured on that occa- sion, but Mrs Buffini says the prob- ABBA tribute night lems being caused by parents from WE HAVE details of an ABBA St Katherine’s School are getting tribute night taking worse. place in September. !1 0 to“People are stopdriving up on the fly-tipping CALLSpavement o forn St theKath installationerine’s Road of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on a Tracey opens centre and it is so dangerous,” she said. Carole Buffini’s fence was knocked down by a driver trying to park country“Although roadno-on havee was h beenurt, it made by the local borough councillor. MP Tracey Crouch has opened could have been so different – the weave between the cars to get in new facilities at Larkfield permit spaces out there, but there’s caBurberryr literally w Lane,ent b nearetwee Leedsn two andsets nearby,and out o moref the r thanoad. a year after it unlicensed waste carriers, but be- Leisure Centre. !1 4 no point, as the residents all have Broomfield,of parents an hasd th beeneir ch targetedildren, an byd was“M dumpedy wall h andas be seten ondam fire.aged on lieves the cost to small firms of dis- driveways and it’s never policed wasteone of dumpersthem cou forld e years,asily h butave inbe re-en twTheo o churchccasion cars b parky c hasars alsoturn seening posing of construction waste at a Obituaries !32 anyway.” Obituaries !2 2 centserio months,usly injur theed. problem has be- manyround instancesin my dri ofvew illegalay. It dumping.’s just not transfer station is proving a deter- When approached by Downs come“We more’ve sp acute.oken to the council, but faiButr. it is a problem in many rural rent that is costing councils more. Parish Councils !34-35 Mail to discuss the issues, St Parish Councils ! Construction waste, rubble, hard areas“I ca includingn’t go out o Langley,r come ho Othamme at Cllr Fort made her remarks as 2 4 -2 6 they don’t seem interested and it’s ASH dieback has been discovered in core,an acc windowsident wai andting householdto happen.” fur- andschoo Kingswood.l times becaus Watere I’ll be Laneunab inle Koneath oferi thene’s borough’s School closestdecline trans-d to MonksCrim e Meadow Repo rt ins Detling !2 ;6 nitureWyv iser leftn C illegallylose is a –s oftenmall c strewnul-de- Bearstedto get in o andr out Pilgrimsof my ow Wayn hom havee.” cferom stationsment. at North Farm, Tun- Hollingbourne village fete stall- in the middle of the road. alsoTh beene 7 6 - targetedyear-old recently.has lived in bridgeTonbr Wells,idge & announced Malling B ito willroug beh sac with 1 2 bungalows in it. It is holderDOG co-ordinatorS frightened Jeanoff a Duffy hous ehas bur- Cllr Gill Fort said: “Every month WLastyvern year,Close Maidstonewith her h Boroughusband Cclosedounci forl sp 10ok weeks.esman Robert Styles barely wide enough for two cars to resigned;glar in Lyellowarkfie ldlines; a c arear w neededindscreen wepass are, and havinghas sing toilets,le yello sinksw lines andon Councilfor more clearedthan 2 0 911yea casesrs and ofsa fly-tip-ys the saiShed: “A added:lthoug “Ifh t youhe si gongl alonge yello thew was cracked after an object was for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow construction waste dumped in the ping and this year more than 163 llineine ofac increasingts as a de fines,terren theyt tohave mos tot, both sides, restricting parking problem is getting worse. buseslobb throughed out o Imperialf anothe Park;r veh rub-icle in village, specifically in Burberry have been recorded since April. tbeher enforced.e are still Aso reductionme drivers in p there- throughout the day. “A neighbour approached one of bishWa t binserin g inb u thery; a b sportsicycle w fieldas s t inolen Lane,How whereever, t wehis areis c nowonsta thinkingntly ig- Thethe p approachingarents and wa darkers swor eveningsn at, and pchargeared to or ri offeringsk a pen ital freety ch mayarge have no- from an address in ; fuel Kingswood are to be movedSnodl overand to of installing cameras on private will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. ttheice desiredfor t similarhe co effect.”nvenience of nored and residents say their lives we get litter – including dirty nap- thew apicnics rem areaove dand fr orearm aexit. vehicle in land,are be toin overseeg severe thely im problempacted. area.” piCllres – Fortthro welcomedwn into ou ar jointgard initia-ens,” drAthree-monthlylitterpickontheopping off their child. Aylesford. AMr recents Buff eventini ad inded Burberry: “They Lanepark tiveshe a bydde thed. Environment Agency mile-long“There stretchare app ofro roadxima throughtely 4 0 Crime Reports !35 sawright ao caravanutside ou burnedr house outs an whiled then a and“Th theey h Driverave tal andked a Vehiclebout pu Stan-tting sLeedschools village in the producesborough a annd average all the Comment !3 4 -3 5 torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on s32ch blackool sta sacksrt and of en rubbish.d times coincide. VEHICLES have been driven over ThCllris m Fort,eans t whohe c o alsounc il serves’s enfo asrce a- farmland in Lenham, causing mparishent s ta councillor,ff cannot b e saysat ev e teachingry loca- damge to crops; an attempted tchildrenion, an aboutd the socialre is responsibilitya need to break-in was reported in Detling; a pandrio rtheitis issuee our ofre slitterpon sine. schools will vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted help“Pa takerkin gthe ou issuetside offsch theool sstreets. is an Rd, Weavering; pumpkins were eShemo believestive issu ewith for everyparen thouseholds as well, stolenInsi de from thi s aned it allotmention: in YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT areceivingnd it is an weeklyot unco refusemmon collection for our LenhamTHE im. pact of the Local Plan has staff to encounter verbal abuse and [email protected] service, there is no excuse for litter sparked major debate. The four- tbeinghreat s thrownof viole nc frome, w hi vehiclesch leads u ors Commentpage supp l e m e n t !in46-47side by 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent tdumpedo arrang ein s cthehoo road.l patr ols in pairs or Malling Action Partnership sup- with a police presence.” ports people and events.

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2 Malling July 2018 downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk News News Police probing How Ronald fCCTVound callMalling todeat stoph fly-tipping KENT POLICE have referred CALLS for the installation of thIllegalemsel fly-tippingves to the Independent Of- Across Kent, local authorities are CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tip- fiisce costingfor Po locallice Conduct (IOPC) fol- spending hundreds of thousands of fame a s a soapping ons a countryta roadr have been loauthoritieswing the hun-death of a2 3 -year-old pounds clearing up rubbish. made by the local borough coun- mdredsan in ofEa thou-st Malling. According to one report £323,000 A SNOD LAN D man has r eveal ed cillor. sandsThe ofm pounds,an, named locally as was spent dealing with almost how , as a child, he posed in an Burberry Lane, near Kingswood, 14,000 incidents in 2016-17. This is a Rsaysicha Cllrrd B Gilletts Fort, died after an alterca- iconic advertising campaign for has been targeted by waste tion in Larkspur Close on the sharp increase on the previous 12 dumpers for years, but in recent months when just over 10,000 in- Pear’s soap. evening of Monday, June 2 5 . The pictur e of R on ald Mannings months, the problem has become stances cost £244,000. more acute with waste often strewn A man in his 4 0 s, who was Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia- Waitrose pulls (9 1 ) appeared on p osters up and known to the dead man, was ar- across the middle of the road. tive by the Environment Agency down the coun try – and he has a rested and later released on police souvenir to prove it. Cllr Gill Fort, pictured right, said: and the Driver and Vehicle Stan- “Every month we are having toi- bail as the investigation continues. dards Agency to clamp down on He had no idea that amirror he lets, sinks and construction waste Police were called to adistur- unlicensed waste carriers. But she out of site plan has, featuring him as Bubbles, was dumped in the village, specifically bance at the address shortly before believes the high cost to small firms of such interest until he paid his in Burberry Lane. We are now 7 pm. Mr Betts was tmoreaken to thanhospi- a Headcorn and Chart Sutton. Last of disposing of construction waste WAITROSE has pulled out of plans and Ride. The majority of larger ap- hairdresser avisit. thinking of installing cameras on tal, but died later thayeart eve afterning it. was year, Maidstone Borough Council at a transfer station is costing coun- to build a new store on a commer- plications locally usually raise many “I was just chatting while she cut private land to oversee the problem dumpedA post m andorte torched.m was c Thearrie churchd out cleared 911 cases of fly-tipping and cils dearly. Cllr Fort made her re- cial park at J7 of the M20. objections due to concerns over traf- my hair and she was fascinated,” area.” ocarn T parkhursd hasay, alsoJun seene 2 8 , illegalbut a dump-force more than 163 have been recorded marks as one of the borough’s The retailer indicated in recent fic congestion and air pollution. he said. “The mirror has now been A recent event in Burberry Lane ing. since April this year. The ap- closest transfer stations at North weeks that, in the current economic “However, the Waitrose applica- spokesman said that “the cause of on display there for awhile. saw a caravan burned out while a deaButth itre isma alsoins au problemnder inv ines manytiga- proaching darker evenings will Farm, Tunbridge Wells, announced climate, it was likely to concentrate tion, which would have created 200 car remains on a footpath nearby, it will be closed for 10 weeks. “I don’t remember the picture to Berlin, and at hospitals in the years ago, spent many happy trips tiruralon”. areas, including Langley, prompt a rise in illegal tipping. on improving its existing stores. jobs locally, was extremely popular being taken, I was about six or London area. on the River Rhine, and now he just That is good news for the popular and well supported by councillors The referral to the IOPC, which seven, but I do remember that I “I had the choice of going to Ger- setSTAPLEHURSTtles for family ge vineyardt-togethers Hush, in- has replaced the Independent Po- Heath Estate will be supplying to and successful Allington branch of and especially by local residents, Heath will send its sparkling wine to Canadian consumers is hugely wel- was entered into acompetition at many or the Far East with the cluding his recent 9 1 st birthday licVineyarde Complaints Commis ‘bubbling’sion, was over deal Waitrose, which has 20 years left to who will be disappointed”. Canada after landing a deal with come and they will be flying the run on its lease. In a recent interview with the Ramsgate carnival after it. Army,” he said. “I went for Ger- party at the Working Men’s Club one of the world’s largest alcohol avgramme.oluntary Theone “significantby the for deal”ce in wasre- trading relationship as the UK flag for the high-quality of wine There had been concerns it would trade magazine, Property Week, “I came second to a fellow many and the building we were in near his home. buyers. latannouncedion to their r asespo Primense to t Ministerhe inci- leaves the EU. being produced in Britain.” be shut if the J7 outlet was built. Nigel Keen, Waitrose's property di- dressed up as Hitler. He was all the used to house Hitler youth. “I don’t go as far as I used to,” he dent. rage then, back in 1 9 3 3 .” “We were also close to where addeHushd. “B Heath’sut it’s a Balfourlways n 1503ice to Clas-get Theresa May was in Ottawa for Mrs May said: “It’s great to see Hush Heath owner Richard Bal- Spokesman for developer Gal- rector, confirmed company policy sic Cuvée is the first English It comes amid anumber of social four-Lynn said: “Hush Heath is a Mr Mannings has lived in Snod- talks with Canadian PM Justin that English sparkling wine has lagher, Nick Yandle, said: "We have was to consolidate existing stores Hitler’s deputy Rudolf Hess was in rosparklingund there winefor ac selectedelebration for.” the media postings from the dead family-owned winery…and we are Trudeau on how the UK and been making a name for itself, not had four other retailers contact us rather than invest in new ones. land for 3 1 years, having worked as prison in Spand au. It was afasci- HLiquore has Contriltwo ch Boardildren (LCBO), four g ofran On-d- mCanadaan’s fami canly su furtherggesting strengthenthat sev- just in the UK but further afield too. very excited to see our wines avail- who are keen to progress matters on He said: "We made a very positive atechnician, first with the medical nating time.” chtario’sildren an Vintagesd five grea Classicst-grandch Pro-il- eratheirl cal tiesls w toere buildmad thee to closest,the forc freeste be- “The news today that Hush able in the Canadian market." that site. decision not to build new stores and side of the Army, which took him H e and Peggy, who died three dren, with another one on the way. “Waitrose management has indi- invest in our existing estate. fore anyone attended the scene. cated that it is part of a strategy for “That will start to play at the end the changing face of retail.” of this year and into next year, when Ian Chittenden, Liberal Democrat consumers see the investment we county councillor for Maidstone made and respond accordingly.” north east , said: “This is a great pity. Waitrose, which is part of the John Has your The proposal to build a Waitrose on Lewis partnership, has been ap- Eclipse Park led indirectly to the clo- proached by Downs Mail for a com- sure of the Sittingbourne Road Park ment. doubledouble glazingglazing Charity’s call for clothes steamedsteamed up? ACHARITYinYaldingisurging his own life when his local council people to use their unwanted made him move to accommodation “We have a clothes to help others battling with that would not accept his beloved WeWe can SASAVEAVVE your windowindows!ws! alcohol and drug addiction. dogs. Shane said: “I hope the project passion for The Kenward Trust and South- highlights the importance of suit- SAVESAAVVE money,moneyy,, energyenerrggy & time eastern have set up Clothes Drop able housing for vulnerable individ- creating Cloudy2Clear is a leading local glass rreplacementeplacement companycompany,, points at stations in Bearsted, at uals when they re-integrate back established for over 10 years. By saving your window we can... Maidstone East and West, Charing, into communities.” custom made SASAVEAVVE moneymoney,y,, SASAVEAVVE energy,energyy,, SASAVEAVVE ttime.ime. Lenham, Harrietsham, Snodland, Lynn Hyder, from the trust, said: Barming and West Malling through- “While we receive some statutory jewellery” ReplaceReplace the pane,pane, not the frameframe out September. funding for our residential recovery The good news is you don’tdon’t need to go thrthroughough the expensive The Kenward Trust use the items projects, this only covers a propor- processprocess of replacingreplacing the whole frame. YYoYouou can just rreplaceeplace the to raise £500 per tonne for those tion of the cost of the services we glass. Our quotes on average take no longer than 20 minutes. overcoming addiction. provide. We are thrilled that South- ❙ Large portfolio of designs Shane Irons, who works at Maid- eastern is helping us with this activ- YourYYoour local trustedtrusted expertexpert Hinge,Hinge, locklock & mechanismmechanism repairsrreepairs stone East, came up with the idea. ity and we thank them and the ❙ Expert advice He was a friend of John Chadwick, public who kindly donate for sup- All glazingglazing backedbacked byby our an ex-Kenward resident, who took porting our work.” ❙ Qualified staff Car fire leads to arson charge ❙ Giftware & clocks also available A45-YEAR-OLDMaidstone man Richard Parkin, of Allen Street, Local, frfriendlyiendly WeWe aarerreea a engineer Which? has been charged with arson and who has been charged with arson, GUARANTEEGUARANTEE TrustedTrusted TraderTrader threats to kill following a car fire. making threats to kill and two in- " ! Kent Police were called at 1.30am cidents of criminal damage. Over 30 years experience PriorityPriority frfreephonereeephone on September 3, to reports of an in- On September 4, Parkin was $ # cident in Allen Street. Crews from brought before Maidstone Magis- Kilburn Jewellers, 30 Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone ME14 1JL Kent Fire and Rescue Service had trates’ Court, where he was re- brought the fire under control by manded in custody until his next Telephone 01622 677841 | Email [email protected] 2am. Enquiries led to the arrest of court appearance. Website www.kilburnjewellers.co.uk SAVESAAVVE money - SAVESAAVVE energy - SAVESAAVVE time

Maidstone East October 2017 11 Maidstone Weald October 2017 11 Malling July 2018 3 News downsmail.co.uk Head ’s concern at pu pil stress THE head teacher at The Malling School has spoken publicly of his deep concerns at pressure being exerted on students and the apparent rise in suicides among young people. Carl Roberts, who leaves the pupils and it’s so sad to see them 1 0 7 % in teenage suicides in Lon- we’re doing them no favours in the school in October to take up anew beaten before they even enter the don, according to study by the long run. role in Dubai, has questioned why room. It’s obvious some of them Brent Centre for Young People, has “When we see suicides among non-selective school pupils must have quite simply given up. highlighted the issue. young people so regularly, that is take the same GCSEs as counter- “There is a massive amount of Young suicides are often linked clearly of great concern, too. We parts in grammars. pressure on social mediaand peo- to social deprivation. need to do more about mental Mr Roberts (pictured), who has ple say that you can’t police it, but Mr Roberts added: “I do worry health issues among young people. been at TMS that is where the parents come in. about the amount of support we “It frustrates me in the media for a decade, They can insist their children turn give the kids because they become when they say that schools should also worries off the computer or take the phone reliant on it. And we are pulling be responsible for doing something about the off them.” back from that abit now. Our guid- about it.” role social A former TMS pupil recently ance manager spends so much ! Carl Ro berts in terv iew, p age 16 media plays took his own life, and the rise of time liaising with families but in children’s lives, cuts to welfare sup- port and so- Student praised for inspirational work c i e t y ’ s reliance on A STUDENT at The Malling School the education system. has created a 3 D seasonal decora- The head, who has championed tion for a multicultural nursery, the career-based International Bac- writes Callum Clarke. calaureate, said: “There is far too Year 1 0 student Henry Cox made much stress on our young people. the piece for a puzzle-solving module. It really worries me about the dam- Called The Changing Seasons, it was age that we are doing to them.” designed to help improve learning, The Department for Education problem-solving and observation skills. said it trusts “schools not to put Henry said: “It took two months to undue pressure on young people create this piece but it was worth it. I when administering exams”. was only going to do summer but I But speaking at the end of the was encouraged to do all of the sea- GCSE season, Mr Roberts asked: sons as a challenge that I reluctantly Britain; autumn by the USA and win- has generated very positive com- “Why are we insisting that all accepted.” ter by Sweden. ments from visitors. We are all so pupils, from grammar schools Each section of the picture features Head of the school’s Tydeman Cen- proud of Henry’s achievement and through to special needs pupils, a different country: spring is repre- tre Steve Duthie said: “Henry’s artwork hope it inspires others for years to have to sit the same GCSEs? sented by Japan; summer by Great is proudly displayed in my office and come.” “I act as a scribe to some of the Football teams ba!le for titles MORE than 1 0 0 teams took part in a popular football tournament, now in its seventh year. Youngsters aged from U6 to U1 5 played in the event at Snodland Town FC’s Potyns Sports Ground. In the U6 final, CFI Allstars beat Vinters FC 4 -0 , while Welling were 1 - 0 winners over Medway in the U7 event. Sevenoaks beat MPE 3 -0 to Talents shine at school’s first showcase win the U8 crown, while Maidstone’s SNODLAND students put their Shepherd joined the Malling Road students, parents and teachers who 1 -0 win over New Ash Green saw performing talents under the spot- school last September and hopes have all experienced someone in them clinch the U1 0 title. light in a first-time production in the acting bug has established a their lives with cancer. Welling Youth beat Real 6 0 2 -0 in aid of Stand Up To Cancer. firm fan-base at the school. “The students worked so incred- the U1 0 showpiece, while penalties Year 7 -1 1 pupils at The Holmes- She said: “As my first showcase ibly hard both before and during were needed to separate the teams in dale School presented a performing since I joined the school, I wanted the performance and I am ex- the U1 1 event, with Crayford Arrows arts showcase under the tutelage of to showcase their incredible talents. tremely proud of them. Red winning 4 -2 over County Park Abbie Shepherd on Thursday, June I hope it will become a regular “The standard of music, acting after a 0 -0 draw. 2 1 . It included sketches and per- event, with a whole school produc- and dance was beyond what I In the U1 2 content, West Kent over- formances of dance and music that tion also in its first stages of plan- could have imagined. The show- came Kings Hill Colts 2 -0 , Ebbsfleet were enjoyed by family, friends, ning.” case will further build students’ life saw off Grays Athletic 4 -3 in the U1 3 staff and classmates, and raised Miss Shepherd added: “Stand Up skills, confidence and public speak- final and Essex-based Grays were £6 5 8 . To Cancer is a charity very close to ing, whether that be on the stage or runners up in the U1 5 event, going Performing arts teacher Miss my heart, and I know that there are not.” down 1 -0 to Lordswood.

4 Malling July 2018 downsmail.co.uk News Town Talk Local news for Snodland and Halling Mohammed in Peridise with cafe YOU can now get a taste of years,” he said. “Peridise” at Brookland Lake car “Robert Beswarick at Hicks of park after the cafe there was re- knew I was looking for some- FULL opened. where to work for myself and he Bakhtiyar Mohammed – known put me on to the cafe. If you pro- Parkfoot surprises by his second name – has re- vide good food and give a good opened the premises as Peridise service people will use you.” Peri Peri. The cafe, which was originally He moved to England in 2000 built for those using Leybourne and lived in Ritch Road, Snod- Lakes, is open from Monday to land, before moving to Maidstone Friday between 11.30am and 2pm a yearW ago.orshipandp weekendsing from 11.30amthe until Mohammed, who has worked at 10.30pm. Rezalis in Snodland, A&D Fish- There is seating outside the cafe eries in Ditton and Big Ben’s in and a free delivery service. Maidstone, is relishing the chance tos branchu outn on hisa own.nd tPicturedhe right, MohammedLor servesd a takeaway to Tim Parrett of Birling T“IH hadE su enoughn shone workingfor wo forrshi peo-ppers many gathered to worship from ple,wh Io hadcame beentogeth doinger for itth foreir f 17irst Road,acros Snodlands the cluster of churches.” u nited service at St Gabriel’s The Rev David Green, vicar of St “mak e-shift” chu rch inKings Hill. Mary’s and Offham, described it as a Conversion work Sunday morning services were wondChairwomanerful occasion, with people Bridget WORK was due to start on the cancelled at St Mary’s, West Malling; from all of the five churches, includ- China Chaps building in Holbor- hands over STARA reins ough Road, Snodland, as Town St Michael’s, Offham; St Lawrence, ing St Mary’s worship group and St Local@ Mereworth, and St Dunstan’s, West LawreBRIDGETnce’s childr Corken’s ch hasoir. resigned after four years as chair- Talk went to press. woman of Snodland Town Active Retirement Association. The company has moved its HQ Peckham in favour of the outdoor The fiSheve chu isrch picturedes have wo receivingrked to- a thank you gift from Alan to the High Street and the work will gathering at the Discovery School – getheChampion,r for anumb STARAer of ye vicears as chairman.a be to convertParkfoot the ground floor retail the temporary home to Kings Hill’s cluster, Chrisalthoug Bosmanh Kings H hasill re replacedmains Bridget as chairman, while unit into three smaller units, a St Gabriel’s church. withoBrianut ade Alvisdicated hasbuil becomeding, whi secretary,ch succeeding Edith Fen- change of use of the first floor to The Bishop of Rochester, James meanton,s it d theoes n secretaryot constitu forte a then ec last- eight years. two one-bedroom flats and the Langstaff, led aservice to inaugurate clesiastiAlancal pa continuesrish. as the association’sOpen vice chairman, 24 hours, John conversion365 days of existing a year and new roof the use of the church’s name in 2 0 1 3 , RevFilmerMontg asom treasurerery continu andes t Yvonneo Wilson as membership space into two bedsits. The ware- and was back to help lead worship. worksecretary.with estate manager Liberty to 265 London Road, Westhouse Malling, to the rear ME19 of the 5AE building will Rev Mark Montgomery, from St find apermanent home for the con- www.parkfoot.netbecome 01732 a two-bedroom840000 dwelling. Gabriel’s, said: “It was apleasure to gregation of more than 1 0 0 . welcome Bishop James back; so A spokesman for the Diocese of much has changed since his last Rochester said: “The hope is that a vSnodlandisit. It was also wonderful to see so cFencinghurch can be provided soon.” CLARKES FUNERAL * Local family run business over 20 SERVICE years (R.G. KINSBURY M.M.S.Dip) * All Types of fencing & gates at WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT FAMILY very competitive BUSINESS OFFERING A 24 HOUR, prices PERSONAL, CARING SERVICE. Speakers who attended the arthriti*s inFREEformatio nestimates,evening in Snodland fast efficient & friendly service ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE AT Arthritis he*l pAll fencingat centre OUR OFFICE OR IN THE COMFORT OF MORE than 1 0 0 people attended an suppliedSpecialist phy sandiotherapists Natalie YOUR OWN HOME arthritis information evening at Stacey and Sally Jessep, explained Snodland Community Centre on erectedthe treatmen ts they offer, including June 1 3 . * Nohydro tjobherap ytoo, to al lebigviate porain. •PRE-PAID FUNERAL PLANS AVAILABLE Organised by the Snodland Med- tooShe ilsmalla Bish spoke about her exer- ical Practice Patient Participation cise classes, called Extend, at Rectory • PRIVATE CHAPEL OF REST Group (PPG), it attracted twice as Close Sheltered Housing scheme in many people as tCallwo earlier sLeeessions, SFornodlan da. Th ey include 2 0 minutes •MEMORIALS SUPPLIED with patients and families joined by of active exercise whilst seated, thoFreese who wa nNoted to Obligationknow more which is use fQuoteul for older people and • ALL AREAS COVERED about the condition. those with disabilities. 01634-300484Dr David Colin-Jones, head o forthe 07810-634380PPG chairman John Stockham told Snodland practice, introduced con- Downs Mail: “We knew arthritis 139sulta nTownsendt rheumatologi sRoad,t, Dr Mike Snodland,Bat- would be Kenta popu lME6ar top ic5RN, but we ley, who gave an informative talk on never expected such large numbers. the 2 0 [email protected] types of arthritis. This was “It proves that these i nformation followed by a question and answer evenings are attractive to a wide au- session with Dr Becky Prince. dience and we will be running more.” 31 High Street, Snodland Tel: 01634 240458

Malling July 2018 5 News downsmail.co.uk CNewsharity walk downsmail.co.uk A CHARITY walk is being held in Phone frau d ster jailed East Malling on July 2 2 . AnotherMalling District Lions Club has incursion organised the walk to raise funds for prostate cancer charities. It starts at the research centre and after Kent scam a!empt oatffers a th Larkfieldree-mile route or one of park seven. For details call 0 1 7 3 2 8 4 1 0 7 8 , AN iPhone frau d ster cau ght with turned minutes later and asked for eTRAVELLERSmail mallinglion haveswalk moved@gmail back.com ellersd ozen simplys of fa movingk e han ond se tots takeat h upis a refund, claiming the person he oontor visi at w popularww.ma parkllingli inon Larkfields.club. temporaryhome ad d re residencess has be elsewhereenjailed fo inr was buying it for wanted the phone for the second time in six months. thetwo area.years and five months. in adifferent colour. The families - in five caravans - He said: “They just seem to be The racket being committed by The cashier alerted a security Hpulledelp oni tos Gighillnee Greended in doing the rounds. These incidents Lunsford Lane on Sunday October haveMirza affectedKamran West(3 7 ) Malling,caught u forcingp with guard when she noticed the serial A,,Y releasingOUTH cl dogsub is l onooki theng f popularor more thehim closureafter an ofin thecide villagent in A hall,ylesfo andrd. number was different, but they vpublicolunte openers. space and setting up Leybourne,The crim andinal nowfro theym areLon backdon were unable to prevent Kamran washingThe cen linestre i withinn Ditto hours.n is als Ito isu un-sed insca Larkfield.mmed bus Theines policeses out toldof th resi-ou- leaving the store and driving away. bderstoody Ditton Minors FC and as an in- dentssands thatof p thisoun wasds b ay civilpur trespasschasing However, the registration number ttheernet fami-café for silver surfers, but whengenuin theye iPh reportedones fro itm andthem thatbe theyfore of his silver HondaCivic was noted hlieselp is n in-eeded to reinvigorate its couldn’tclaiming dore anythingfunds in andexch obviouslyange for and passed onto the police. volved role as a youth centre. Email dit- theauth councilentic-lo officesoking f wereakes. closed be- In April, an address in East Ham, have been cause it was the weekend. These [email protected] or go An investigation by detectives London, was searched where offi- aofferinglong for achat. travellers know and play the sys- tree felling tem.”searched his home and discovered Ka‘Spooktacular’mran is arrested at Heathrow ce atrs als theo found farmfive counterfeit services to 5 3Thecou council’snterfeit i legalPhon teames, 4 8 servedgenui anne MAKE the most of the October half-termApp holidayle Wat atch Kentes, th Lifee fa Heritageke handsets Cresidentsatapu lt a!ack evictionones and notice2 3 6 e butmpt ity tookiPhon ae weekboxe tos. arFarmticle Park’sfor us Halloweene in fraud Spooktacular, and pos- inan Maidstone.d numerous receipts and in- AinM theA area.N was treated in hospital for a enforce.It was Cllrlater Thornewellestablished heldthat talks3 3 of sessBraveing cr kidsimin areal p invitedropert toy. the vintagev villageoices r toel knockated t ono t doorshe pu andrchase of heParishad injury after areported catapult withthe 4 Laddingford8 genuine iP Engineeringhones had inbe anen discoverThe cou whort he –ar ord whathow o –n isW lurkingednes behind- iPho themnes. from October 21-31. council effortreport toed increaselost or s securitytolen, an furtherd that o onne The award-winning attraction at Sandling,Kam nearran Maidstone,was ar hasrest aed few at ichairmanncident in East Malling. day, September 2 7 last year, Kam- Kent Police were called to thebus publiciness i land,n par nearticul thear h M20.ad attrib- raothern bou tricksght a upn i itsPh sleeveone fr toom turnAr itsgos usualHe exhibitsathrow intoAirp frighteningort after returning David Thornewell says more has to Valdemar Kalinin (pictured), of Columbine Road on Thursday, June uted a loss of £4 3 ,4 1 0 to the of- infarmhousesSainsbury’ ands on horrifyingthe Quarr homes.y Road Youngstersfrom atr canip t tryo P pumpkinakistan. carving, be done to stop the travelling com- the National Gypsy-Traveller-Roma dressing up and the Ugly Bug Ball. fences committed against them by Detective Inspector Annie Clay- 2munity1 , wher runninge aman w circlesas alle aroundged to ha theve Council said recently that local IndOnust Octoberrial Esta 25,te, thereAyle willsfor bed. moreThe spooky goings-on with Kent Life bpoliceeen as andsaul localted. T councils.he injury is not be- councilsKamran. must provide designated caAftershier Dark,was suspicious of him and ton said: “I hope this serves as a lieHeved saysto b thee se jobriou ofs. moving on trav- travellerKamran siteswas orsen “toleratedtenced at M zone”aid- tookThisa eventphoto includesgraph o af spine-chillingthe serial tourwar suitablening to foroth under-eightser would-be fromfraud- ellersCall forKe an secondt Police timeon 0 will1 6 2 2 run6 0 4 into1 0 0 whichstone C gypsyrown C convoysourt on Fr caniday move, July nu5-6pmmber and,prin forted olderon th visitors,e box b fromefor 7-8pm.e sters that no matter how smart you othousandsr Crimesto ofpp poundsers on 0 8 The0 0 5 last5 5 1 inci-1 1 . onto.6 , afte Her ple said:ading “Itgu comesilty to downfraud b toy comIfp youletin wouldg the t likeran tosac knowtion. more aboutma anyy th ofin thek yo above,u are, callthe 01622law will al- dent, in early summer, costing the racialfalse re prejudicepresentati againston, poss thisessin com-g an 763936.Kamran left the store, but re- ways catch up with you.” parish council £1,200, with the trav- munity.” WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C? 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Malling July 2018 7 News downsmail.co.uk Spadework for a£1 .5 m dream GARDEN Centre charity Spadework has set the wheels in motion to raise £1 .5 million to carry out its “masterplan” to refurbish the facilities. It has been granted planning per- “It’s afantastic charity and the mission for the works without the trainees get so much out of it. They need to even go to Tonbridge and- are really able to engage with the Malling Borough Council’s plan- tasks at hand and enjoy being ning committee, but now the hard moved around the site and doing a work starts as it looks to raise the variety of things. funds. “We have atrainee council and The plans for the site in Offham they give us great suggestions on include building alarger café on the how to improve things – it really is site, and then using the current one atwo-way street.” as amess room for the trainees who Mrs Murray became heavily in- come to the facility. The trainees at volved in the charity during an un- the site all have learning or physi- expected second term as mayor of cal disabilities, but facilities for TMBC, and has been atrustee ever them are hard to come by. since. New chairman Sue Murray said: Trainees with visiting dignitaries at the annual meeting She was speaking at the charity’s “At the moment, we have no annual meeting on June 2 0 , which shower room, no medical room and “We have to find £1 .5 m to make “Aside from the masterplan, my had anew format with more in- no quiet rooms. We are cramped for our dreams areality. There are in- main aim as chairman is to main- vited guests. She said: “It was ter- office space and the shop we have teresting challenges ahead, but it’s tain an even keel,” she said. “Fund- rific. I had no ideahow it would is too small. all to play for – and it’s exciting ing is always aproblem at asmall pan out from the agenda, but it was “We have the planning permis- stuff.” charity, and in alot of cases you wonderful. It was agreat experi- sion and now we have to get our Mrs Murray has replaced George find that people are more than ence for everyone who came. heads around finding funding so Harvey as the chairman at the char- happy to donate to aspecific proj- “We had four mayors or their that we can bring Spadework up to ity, and her big focus is on main- ect, but the day-to-day running deputies visit us and everyone en- 2 1 st century standards. taining the flow. costs can be harder to fund. joyed it.” Chairman makes way for some ‘fresh ideas’ TRIBUTES were paid at Spade- work’s AGM to chairman of trustees George Harvey, who re- tired after 3 1 years with the char- ity. Mr Harvey, 8 2 , was presented with a card and an engraved Quaich – aScottish whisky bowl – at the end of the meeting. Garden co-ordinator Adrian Rivers with some of the crops After being made redundant from his role as amining execu- ‘Trainees get so much joy’ tivein theCity, Mr Harvey looked for something closer to home, and AT THE heart of Spadework is where the literal spade work is done. that took him to Spadework, There is just over an acre of the land dedicated to the vegetable garden, which was then based in Hilden- where 4 8 trainees each week spend their time digging, sowing, nurturing and borough. picking more than 2 0 0 varieties of fruit and vegetables. He started as avolunteer and The challenge for that patch is to bring in more than £1 0 ,0 0 0 a year, and then becameagarden team leader that is overseen by vegetable garden co-ordinator Adrian Rivers. as amember of staff, before be- After growing tired of the commute into London, where he worked in su- coming general manager. George Harvey and Sue Murray permarkets, he downsized, moved to Sheppey, and turned his amateur gar- Mr Harvey was responsible for dening into his full-time job. finding the site at Offham which and I am very proud to have been “It is hugely rewarding,” he says. “Working with the trainees is fantastic – the charity now calls home, and here this long.” seeing them sow the seeds and the joy they have as their plants grow. negotiating thepurpose, beforere- He is replaced as chairman in “We work all year round on different crops. There is much excitement in tiring. He has been chairman of the interim by former mayor of pumpkin season, and they all get so much out of it.” the trustees for the past 1 4 years. Tonbridge and Malling Borough There are raised beds at different heights to help those with physical dis- He said: “The time is right now Council Sue Murray, who said: abilities, and sensory elements for the partially-sighted, with plants such as to retire and make way for “We will miss George so much. grapefruit mint housed in one of the polytunnels. Produce is either used in the younger people with fresh ideas. “He has awealth of knowledge facility’s on-site café, sold in the shop or is sold to local restaurants. “I will still be around though, and knows all of the trainees so “We’re also very environmentally conscious,” he adds. “We re-use plastic this has been amassivepart of my well. bottles, we’re growing strawberries in a greenhouse wall, and we make our lifeand it has been absolutely fan- “He will still be coming back to own compost and use old bags to grow things in. tastic to be here. see us because it would be such a “It is challenging, some of the soil is hard to grow in and I’d say carrots “I havelearned morefrom being wrench to lose him completely, are our biggest challenge because of some of the rocks in the ground.” here than I have in any other job, and I will value his input.”

8 Malling July 2018 downsmail.co.uk Business Focus Diabetic? Tis new test could save your sight Buchanan Optometrists in Snodland has taken a huge step eye disease, investing in one scanners in the UK which helps to diagnose those with diabetic eye disease sooner than ever, leading to earlier treatment and complications. • Prevent sight loss from diabetes with Buchanan Optometrists new eye scanner. • The only Spectralis OCT-A Scanner in Kent and one of Alisdair Buchanan unveils the new SPECTRALIS® OCT A only two in the UK. Buchanan Optometrists does not revolutionise care for all diabetic • With early detection and require a dye injection and is treatment, the chances of sight it is a joy to be able to detect loss is reduced for 9 out of 10 scanner is hailed as a revolution changes early and prevent patients. in diabetic eye care, spotting sight loss where just a year ago changes as small as a 1/1000th the same patients would have millimetre, detecting retinopathy suffered damaged vision or eye is the only transparent organ far earlier than before, you feel unnecessary and invasive tests in the body, meaning we can see no discomfort, and it takes just and treatments.’ blood vessels without having to seconds. Now all people with open the body up. Until now we diabetes can access the very history of or are concerned have used retinal photographs best detection and monitoring about your eyes book in for or 3D eye scans to detect retinal techniques without the need for changes, but in many cases, unpleasant side effects. the damage is already done • Over 4 million people in the by the time it is spotted. Our UK have diabetes. Book your appointment Call now on - • 1 million people have it but changes far sooner by scanning don’t know. 01732 617557 retinal vessels.’ • 40% of type 1 diabetes & 20% of type 2 diabetes will cases of diabetic retinopathy develop sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. angiography (a similar diagnostic technique) in the hospital, Mr Buchanan describes the which involves injecting a unveiling of a new scanner Buchanan House, dye but carries serious risks of anaphylactic shock. Thankfully practice as one of the highlights 56 Malling Road, Snodland, of his career. Kent, ME6 5NB

Malling July 2018 9 News downsmail.co.uk 999 assau lts A WOMAN has been charged with assaulting two paramedics and Stone u nveiled to mark two police officers. MalishaDavies has also been charged with criminal damage, fol- lowing an incident in Station Road, the restorationof lak e Aylesford, on Saturday, June 9 . Kent Police were called by South YEARS of hard work has been East Coast Ambulance Service to a recognised with the u nveiling of a disturbance at about 1 0 .3 0 pm. stone and plaqu e to mark the Davies, of Borough Green, was restorationof a lak e area. arrested on suspicion of assault The project at Clare Lake in East and later charged with two counts Malling has cost £3 3 ,0 0 0 and has of assault, criminal damage and as- been made possible by sterling saulting two police officers – asep- work from several volunteers. arate offence from the assaults on The lake is in the grounds of The the paramedics. Malling School, but it is shared by The 2 8 -year-old was bailed and the public and pupils. The school was due to appear at Maidstone has supported the volunteers who Magistrates Court. began the restoration project five years ago, and head teacher Carl Roberts expressed his thanks at the Head teacher Carl Roberts, Cllr Trudy Dean and Dr Louisa Robinson-Boyer Abba night with volunteers at the unveiling ceremony SNODLAND Community Centre unveiling. will host an ABBA tribute night in “This is alovely environment,” Funding has been received from project that has been in my mind September in aid of the Snodland he said. “For the past few years, the Groundwork, the Environment ever since I was first elected, and Community Centre Association. Clare Lane Restoration Steering Agency, Kent County Council’s I’m very pleased that this restora- Abalicious will taking to the Group has worked hard to provide Councillors Community Fund, tion has been carried out. It is ahis- stage on Saturday September 1 5 . something for us all to enjoy. East Malling and Larkfield Parish toric and beautiful site.” Doors will open at 7 .3 0 pm, with “I would particularly like to Council, East Malling Conserva- The stone was unveiled by Dr the show starting at 8 pm. There thank the Medway Valley Coun- tion Group, Tesco Bags of Help and LouisaRobinson-Boyer, an East will be abar, refreshments and a tryside Partnership, who have local donors. Malling resident who works at East raffle. brought in huge money we never Haffenden Skip Hire has also as- Malling Research. She told the as- Tickets are at £8 from Home & could have for the project, and Cllr sisted, along with Gallaghers, sembled dignitaries of her fond Hobby in Malling Road or from Trudy Dean, who has been the which donated the stone. memories of the pond as she grew Dilys on 0 1 6 3 4 2 4 0 7 8 3 . driving force behind this project.” Cllr Dean said: “This has been a up in the village.

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10 Malling July 2018 downsmail.co.uk Business Focus Euromobility – at your service…

Euromobility supply servicing support for a wide • Nursing beds range of mobility equipment and due to an • Wet room & bathroom adaptions / increased demand, the service division at conversions Euromobility has grown rapidly over recent years. • free on-site survey Euromobility’s Service Team offers a • Free estimates comprehensive and robust equipment • VAT exemption for qualifying customers. maintenance program for both private customers and equipment in care homes and the healthcare Why use Euromobility for your Servicing industry. The team can service and repair leading and back up needs? brands of Mobility and Healthcare equipment, • Reliable and professional team of engineers. providing confidence to ensure equipment is safe and fit for purpose. • Local coverage • Diverse product knowledge. As a successful company, Euromobility works • Carries a range of spares to enable swift repair within industry guidelines and are accredited • Established manufacturer relationships for with ISO 9001 quality standards. With a swift delivery of parts dedicated service department, the team of fully • Dedicated service support team. qualified and CRB checked engineers offer six • All servicing is carried out to industry months, or annual equipment inspections on a standards. wide range of Mobility equipment. The service • Service maintenance as ad hoc or service fleet covers Kent and undertakes work on or off contract basis Euromobility, Mid Kent Shopping site, using manufacturer's parts if required. Centre, Castle Road, Allington Remember! KENT ME16 0PU • Rise & recline chairs • Mobility scooters When you purchase your equipment from • Powerchairs Euromobility, you will receive a preferential 01622 755744 • Wheelchairs rate for your repairs and servicing. The Red Bull ECCLES UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE IN EYE CARE For a warm welcome & good company in Maidstone At Eye 2 Eye Opticians, we provide eye examinations to the highest standards. We ofer a full range of services including Locally sourced Live music, eye health photos, specialist cornea scans, full OCT eye scans, home cooked food, Beer garden & Much more and specialist dry eye clinics. All at afordable prices and Sunday dinners carried out by experienced specialist optometrists.

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Malling July 2018 11 News downsmail.co.uk Ebbsfleetback atnew facility Two jailed for assault K SPORTS at Cobdown has secured adeal that will see National League side Ebbsfleet United return to the facility for training. over a sandwich tray Fleet trained at the site in 2 0 1 3 , but since then it has undergone a A SNODLAND couple have been jailed for three years after an attack huge revamp and now hosts flood- which left awoman with “appalling injuries” – over atray of sandwiches. lit 4 G pitches, improved grass pitches, a renovated clubhouse, a Greg and MariaToole, of Amisse first-class gym and changing blocks. Drive, Snodland, punched, kicked Ebbsfleet, divisional rivals of and stamped on their 6 0 -year-old Maidstone United, reached the victim after adispute at an engage- play-offs in their first season back in ment party last year. the top-flight of non-league football, The injuries suffered by the vic- and they are now looking to kick on tim in the assault on February 1 8 , for the 2 0 1 8 /1 9 campaign. 2 0 1 7 included a fractured breast- Alan Dennington, CEO of K bone. Sports said, “We are delighted to The incident happened in Hol- welcome Ebbsfleet back to Cob- borough Road when the Tooles down, now known as K Sports. We and the victim became involved in are proud to offer the management an altercation as the woman was and squad atraining base. attempting to leave the party with “It’s testament to the investment a group of friends – and a plastic and hard work that has taken place tray of sandwiches. that we can attract clubs from the It was the tray, rather than the sandwiches, which sparked Greg National League and support ambi- Greg and Maria Toole were both jailed for the assault at a party tious teams like Ebbsfleet United.” (3 3 ) and Maria(3 2 ) Toole into fury. The woman got in a taxi but num, neck and spine. the victim was in fear for her life. Maria Toole rushed towards the The Tooles were arrested two “She was left suffering some ap- Berry thefts vehicle and dragged her to the days later and charged with inflict- palling injuries, some of which will THREE men have been arrested in ground, punching her several ing grievous bodily harm. They undoubtedly affect her for the rest connection with the large-scale theft times and pulling her hair. Her pleaded not guilty at Maidstone of her life. of strawberries from farms in Kent. husband then kicked her and Crown Court, but were convicted “There can never be any justifi- Strawberries worth thousands of stamped on her chest while she lay by a jury and on Wednesday, July cation for this level of violence, es- pounds have been stolen from loca- on the ground. 4 . Both were sentenced to three pecially over something which tions including farms in East Peck- A relative managed to get the years in prison. started out as a trivial disagree- ham and Wateringbury. woman back into the taxi and she DC Shelley Rainer said: “This ment and Maria and Greg Toole was a truly brutal attack, which are now quite rightly facing the Kent Police’s Rural Task Force has was taken to hospital, where she was treated for fractures to her ster- was so savage and sustained that consequences of their actions.” been investigating allegations that the fruit is then sold on at boot fairs. On June 1 3 , officers stopped ave- Lockdown at hicle off Lavenders Road, West New role for staffie Jaydee Malling. Three men aged 4 0 , 5 4 and 7 0 were arrested on suspicion of KEEN to make herself useful while schoolafter theft and 3 8 fruit trays were seized waiting for a home, Jaydee (pictured) at aproperty linked to the men. has been working with troubled bomb threat Anyone with information is youngsters at the RSPCA centre, near POLICE are investigating after a asked to call 0 1 6 2 2 6 0 4 1 0 0 , quoting West Malling. school went into lockdown follow- reference YY/0 2 0 3 1 5 /1 8 , or The staffie is one of the first to be ing abomb threat. Crimestoppers anonymously on involved in the RSPCA’s new Paws 4 A call was made to Aylesford 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1 . Change scheme, which introduces young people with difficult upbring- School just after 2 pm on Tuesday, ings to the responsibility of being a July 3 , and the school went into Railtrespass dog owner. lockdown. It is the latest in anum- A TRAIN driver has been praised The charity now intends rolling the at Leybourne, said: “Jaydee can be ber of threats made to schools for halting his train to help a "dis- scheme out nationally. excitable in some situations, but the across the county. tressed" person at East Malling. Nine-year-old Jaydee found herself difference we’ve seen in her since A Kent Police spokesman said: Southeastern said trains were de- at the RSPCA’s Leybourne Animal she started working with young “Kent Police received areport that layed between Otford and Maid- Centre two months ago after her people has been amazing, and I aschool in Teapot Lane, Aylesford, stone East due to a“tresspasser”. owner fell ill and was unable to look think she has had a big impact on had received a phone call making British Transport Police praised after her. The move to the centre in them, too.” threats. Officers carried out athor- the driver, and Tweeted: “Delayed Castle Way, Leybourne, was unset- She added: “Jaydee has been an ough search and nothing suspicious heading to Canterbury this morn- tling, but staff say she now enjoys so- incredible asset for this scheme, was found. ing? It could have been alot worse if cialising with dogs and people. which not only helps the dogs, but “The phone call is being treated it wasn’t for the quick actions of a Leybourne manager Becca also young people who have had dif- as ahoax and is being investigated. @Se_Railway driver who noticed a Williams said: “Jaydee is such a sweet ficulties in their lives.” Anyone with information is asked distressed male at East Malling and dog. She has really flourished since If you can give Jaydee a home, go to phone Kent Police on 0 1 6 2 2 to www.rspca.org.uk/local/leybourne- applied his emergency brake, coming into our care and is loving 6 0 4 1 0 0 , quoting reference 0 3 -0 6 6 9 .” animal-centre/findapet/details/ jumped out of his cab and gave him learning agility and heelwork to The school’s head teacher, Tanya music with our staff. ” JAYDEE/1 7 6 8 1 9 /rehome, call 0 3 0 0 support until police arrived.” Kelvie, praised staff, pupils and the RSPCA behaviour specialist 1 2 3 0 7 5 1 or contact them by email A spokesman said the man was police in a statement sent to par- Jacque Kaye, who runs the scheme at [email protected]. taken to aplace of safety. ents.

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Malling July 2018 13 News downsmail.co.uk Work starts on outdoor gym Sports minister opens CONTRACTORS will start work erecting an outdoor gym for use by the public in Leybourne on July 1 5 . new exercise facilities The parish council, which has or- ganised the community facility on SPORTS Minister Tracey Crouch the green in Castle Way, says the was back on home turf to open fa- work will take 1 0 days to two cilities at Larkfield LeisureCentre. weeks to complete. The centre has added three new An official opening ceremony, group exercise studios, one of which hopefully involving MP Tom Tu- is Kent’s first immersive spin studio. gendhat and Kent County Council- The revamp has cost £1 million, lor Sarah Hohler, is being funded by tmactive, which runs on a arranged. not-for-profit basis. As well as the The ideawas born out of the UK new spaces, the gym also benefits Olympics in 2 0 1 2 and the drive to from new equipment, including a get more people to exercise. The state-of-the-art Outrace rig for high project is being funded by Sport intensity training. England and Taylor Wimpey, with The MP for Chatham and Ayles- around £2 ,0 0 0 from council funds. ford, who is aregular user of the Martin Guyton, Cllr Maria Heslop, centre manager Kirstin Brimsted, Sports centre’s pool, was delighted to see Minister Tracey Crouch and Alan Nicholl, chairman of the Tonbridge and such afine facility so close to home. Malling Leisure Trust Board of Trustees. Homes group’s “It is absolutely amazing,” she said. “Having the best equipment cinema-scale screen, nightclub-style from TMBC five years ago,” tmac- new chairman can only encourage people to come sound system and LED lighting to tive chief executive Martin Guyton here. take riders through different digital said. CHRIS Cheeseman has been ap- “Sport is so important to physical worlds. “Our customers told us they pointed chairman of Golding and mental wellbeing, and as we Tonbridge and Malling Council wanted more exercise classes as well Homes. start to prescribe exercise, facilities also provided £2 0 0 ,0 0 0 for replace- as abigger and better gym, and He takes up the post with the like this are agreat asset. ment gym equipment to give the that’s what we have delivered. Kent-based housing association this “The gym is not viewed as ahor- borough afacility that stands out. “We thank our customers for their month after more than 3 0 years in rible place to go any more and tmac- “This is the largest investment we patience during the works and hope housing, moving from his current tive has afirst-rate facility here.” have made into one of our centres that they, and new customers, enjoy job as head of new business at Clar- The immersive spin studio has a since we took over management these fantastic new facilities.” ion Housing Group. He said: “I’m looking forward to working with the board to help shape the future direction of the or- Muntjac seen in Maidstone ganisation.” Mr Cheeseman worked previ- THE small, secretive muntjac deer is ously with specialist housing being reported in areas across the provider ikon Consultancy Ltd, and Maidstone borough. spent 1 7 years at Moat Housing The animal once associated with Group. He also worked previously Indiaand Chinahave been spotted for the Housing Corporation. in Mote Park, Leeds and Langley. He will work alongside Roger The deer’s distinct screaming and Ford who retires as chairman in De- barking, which is sometimes mis- cember. taken for foxes, are now being heard at night in some areas of Maidstone. Julie’s new role Local naturalist Theo McCausland reported sightings in Mote Park and JULIE Wickens is Maidstone Lions anecdotal evidence from across the new fund-raising chairman. borough and the wider Weald, She steps into the role as Malcolm where he works as atree surgeon. Luxton, aformer president of the He said: “The muntjac is active all group, takes awell-earned rest after day long but it will move into the many years as alead member of the open at night under the cover of group. He will, however, continue tive habitats. It was only amatter of heard reliable reports of amuntjac darkness. as an active member of the Lions. time before they got to Kent.” being seen in the grounds of St “That is when people hear the In July, Bryan Vizzard takes over The muntjac were imported from Nicholas’ Church by an allotment screaming, which some think is a as president. Chinato Bedfordshire’s Woburn holder. Downs Mail has anecdotal fox, but it is, in fact, muntjac when Abbey early in the last century but evidence of the tiny deer –which are alarmed. Unusual clicking sounds soon broke out from the estate and rarely bigger than aLabrador – Church tours are also evidence of the muntjac. have spread slowly and gradually being seen or heard near Sutton Va- THE Friends of All Saints’ Church “They have been very successful across into small pockets in the lence, Boughton Monchelseaand in Snodland held an open day on escapees since they were first south east. Ulcombe. June 1 6 . brought here ahundred years ago Deliberate releases elsewhere in There are an estimated 4 0 ,0 0 0 in Dr Andrew Ashbee, chairman of because of their ability to adapt to Northamptonshire and Warwick- Britain, increasing 1 0 % cent yearly, the town's Historical Society, gave the relatively mild climates of cen- shire caused aferal population to according to one report. They are at- interesting tours of the graveyard, tral and southern Britain. grow throughout central England tracted to ahabitat of coppiced trees Elizabeth Mallinson conducted “They also breed all year round and Wales, as well as parts of the and plenty of woodland cover. tours of the ancient church and the and have no rut, which makes them south east, according to the British ! Have you seen or heard a munt- cream teas also proved to be very more likely to be successful in wild Deer Society. jac? Contact us at 0 1 6 2 2 7 3 4 7 3 5 or popular. environments unfamiliar to their na- Leeds resident MonicaWratten [email protected]

14 Malling July 2018 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Work starts on Ru ral homes outdoor gym Sports minister opens plan‘back ed ’ Theatre refu rbishment CONTRACTORS will start work THE ideaof a“megagreenfield de- erecting an outdoor gym for use by velopment” to accommodate the the public in Leybourne on July 1 5 . government’s addition of 7 ,7 0 0 read y for panto season new exercise facilities homes to Maidstone’s Local Plan The parish council, which has or- ganised the community facility on SPORTS Minister Tracey Crouch was gaining ground, according to THE Hazlitt Theatre inMaid stone Lee. A Hazlitt spokesman said: the green in Castle Way, says the was back on home turf to open fa- Maidstone borough councillor is to u nd ergo extensive refu rbish- “Richard is abit of acoup for us and work will take 1 0 days to two cilities at Larkfield LeisureCentre. Nick de Wiggondene. ment this su mmer. judging by the reaction so far, he is weeks to complete. The centre has added three new He told members of Thurnham The 3 5 0 -seat Earl Street venue – going down very well. An official opening ceremony, group exercise studios, one of which Parish Council that the concept of which stages the town’s annual “He is a talented guy who has hopefully involving MP Tom Tu- is Kent’s first immersive spin studio. building new housing on one site, pantomime – needs work com- been around for along time in lots gendhat and Kent County Council- The revamp has cost £1 million, with capacity to meet future need, pleted on its facade and its roof. of different fields, so his appeal is lor Sarah Hohler, is being funded by tmactive, which runs on a was finding support. The work, likely to last for three very broad.” arranged. not-for-profit basis. As well as the He feels the borough would months, is to be funded by the the- Downs Mail understands that the The ideawas born out of the UK new spaces, the gym also benefits want to challenge the govern- atre’s landlords and Maidstone names for the supporting cast are ment’s additional housing alloca- Olympics in 2 0 1 2 and the drive to from new equipment, including a Borough Council. due to be made public shortly. tion and endeavour to “get away get more people to exercise. The state-of-the-art Outrace rig for high The work was scheduled to start The theatre was named after the with the lowest number of additional project is being funded by Sport intensity training. last autumn, but it was delayed for famous essayist William Hazlitt, houses possible”. England and Taylor Wimpey, with The MP for Chatham and Ayles- several months while advanced ne- who was born in the county town in On the Leeds-Langley relief road, ford, who is aregular user of the gotiations took place between the 1 7 7 8 . around £2 ,0 0 0 from council funds. Martin Guyton, Cllr Maria Heslop, centre manager Kirstin Brimsted, Sports he also felt this was now “likely to centre’s pool, was delighted to see Minister Tracey Crouch and Alan Nicholl, chairman of the Tonbridge and various parties. It opened in the 1 9 5 0 s, but alot of such afine facility so close to home. happen”, but could open up the area Malling Leisure Trust Board of Trustees. to development. A Hazlitt spokesman said: “The the building dates back much fur- Homes group’s “It is absolutely amazing,” she Hazlitt Theatre, run by Parkwood ther and some of it has listed status. cinema-scale screen, nightclub-style from TMBC five years ago,” tmac- The Liberal Democrat-led adminis- ished well before the Hazlitt’s said. “Having the best equipment Creative, is about to embark on a The venue is home to the Hazlitt can only encourage people to come sound system and LED lighting to tive chief executive Martin Guyton tration is under serious pressure to panto run of Aladdin starts on De- new chairman three-month period of extensive Youth Theatre (HYT), which has here. take riders through different digital said. come up with ideas to deal with the cember 1 . CHRIS Cheeseman has been ap- external refurbishment. The project performed astring of hit shows in- “Sport is so important to physical worlds. “Our customers told us they effect on traffic volumes created by Starring the comedian and former pointed chairman of Golding funded by landlords Mountcharm cluding plays, musicals, new writ- and mental wellbeing, and as we Tonbridge and Malling Council wanted more exercise classes as well 1 7 ,6 0 0 new homes already in the Local EastEnders star Richard Blackwood Homes. start to prescribe exercise, facilities also provided £2 0 0 ,0 0 0 for replace- as abigger and better gym, and Plan. Group and Maidstone Borough (pictured), who will play the Genie, ing, partnership projects, touring He takes up the post with the like this are agreat asset. ment gym equipment to give the that’s what we have delivered. MBC claims “modal shift” - en- Council will see aesthetic improve- the show runs until December 3 1 . shows and awhole lot more. Kent-based housing association this “The gym is not viewed as ahor- borough afacility that stands out. “We thank our customers for their couragement to use buses, cycle or ments to the facade of the venue as Last year, the Hazlitt had a suc- HYT provides opportunities for month after more than 3 0 years in rible place to go any more and tmac- “This is the largest investment we patience during the works and hope walk - will be enough to cope with the well as much-needed repairs to the cessful run over the festive period young people aged between six and housing, moving from his current tive has afirst-rate facility here.” have made into one of our centres that they, and new customers, enjoy explosion in vehicle numbers , even roof.” with Cinderella, which starred TV 1 8 to put on productions, and to see job as head of new business at Clar- The immersive spin studio has a since we took over management these fantastic new facilities.” before more houses are imposed. The work is expected to be fin- chef and national treasure, Rustie professional plays. ion Housing Group. He said: “I’m looking forward to working with the board to help shape the future direction of the or- Muntjac seen in Maidstone “When our new fence looks this good, is maintenance ganisation.” Mr Cheeseman worked previ- THE small, secretive muntjac deer is ously with specialist housing being reported in areas across the free and guaranteed for 25 years, it’s a no brainer” provider ikon Consultancy Ltd, and Maidstone borough. spent 1 7 years at Moat Housing The animal once associated with Group. He also worked previously Indiaand Chinahave been spotted for the Housing Corporation. in Mote Park, Leeds and Langley. He will work alongside Roger The deer’s distinct screaming and Ford who retires as chairman in De- barking, which is sometimes mis- cember. taken for foxes, are now being heard at night in some areas of Maidstone. Julie’s new role Local naturalist Theo McCausland reported sightings in Mote Park and JULIE Wickens is Maidstone Lions anecdotal evidence from across the new fund-raising chairman. borough and the wider Weald, She steps into the role as Malcolm where he works as atree surgeon. Luxton, aformer president of the He said: “The muntjac is active all group, takes awell-earned rest after day long but it will move into the many years as alead member of the open at night under the cover of group. He will, however, continue tive habitats. It was only amatter of heard reliable reports of amuntjac darkness. as an active member of the Lions. time before they got to Kent.” being seen in the grounds of St “That is when people hear the In July, Bryan Vizzard takes over The muntjac were imported from Nicholas’ Church by an allotment Our customers tell us they’re glad they chose Colourfence, and were delighted with screaming, which some think is a Chinato Bedfordshire’s Woburn holder. Downs Mail has anecdotal as president. our range of colours. They love that our fences are tested to withstand merciless fox, but it is, in fact, muntjac when Abbey early in the last century but evidence of the tiny deer –which are yr alarmed. Unusual clicking sounds soon broke out from the estate and rarely bigger than aLabrador – 25 weather – even wind gusts of up to 130mph. They enjoy how it is maintenance free, GUARANTEE Church tours are also evidence of the muntjac. have spread slowly and gradually being seen or heard near Sutton Va- and they love the peace of mind provided by its 25-year guarantee*. For a lifetime of THE Friends of All Saints’ Church “They have been very successful across into small pockets in the lence, Boughton Monchelseaand in Snodland held an open day on escapees since they were first south east. Ulcombe. trouble-free garden enjoyment, make yours a Colourfence garden. June 1 6 . brought here ahundred years ago Deliberate releases elsewhere in There are an estimated 4 0 ,0 0 0 in Dr Andrew Ashbee, chairman of because of their ability to adapt to Northamptonshire and Warwick- Britain, increasing 1 0 % cent yearly, the town's Historical Society, gave the relatively mild climates of cen- shire caused aferal population to according to one report. They are at- For a free no-obligation quotation, please contact us now. interesting tours of the graveyard, tral and southern Britain. grow throughout central England tracted to ahabitat of coppiced trees Elizabeth Mallinson conducted “They also breed all year round and Wales, as well as parts of the and plenty of woodland cover. www.colourfencemidkent.co.uk tours of the ancient church and the and have no rut, which makes them south east, according to the British ! Have you seen or heard a munt- 01622 233 322 Deer Society. jac? Contact us at 0 1 6 2 2 7 3 4 7 3 5 or cream teas also proved to be very more likely to be successful in wild *Terms & Conditions apply please ask for details popular. environments unfamiliar to their na- Leeds resident MonicaWratten [email protected]

Malling July 2018 15 News| Schools downsmail.co.uk New challen ge for head who rescu ed ‘last resort’ school AFTER asuccessful decade in charge of The Malling School, Carl Roberts is moving on. Simon Finlaylooks at his career so far and examines what drives him on... IF HE wants it, he goes and gets it. properly or is failing to meet expec- Carl Roberts recalls the time when tations or has not flourished, then I he realised he possessed an inner see it as apersonal failure.” drive when he was listening to Test One of the first things he resolved Match Special from the West Indies to do was to tear down the “Berlin while sitting his finals at Bath Uni- Wall” built in the early 1 9 8 0 s to pro- versity. tect children’s “safety”. It was 1 9 9 4 , and the twenty-some- Carl says: “The real reason was thing Carl decided he fancied the children kept scarpering, but the watching England play in Jamaica’s wall made it look like aprison. We famous SabinaPark in Kingston. knocked it down – it was rather With adegree and teaching quali- symbolic.” fication out of the way, he set about He and Alison now have two finding ajob there. daughters, aged eight and 1 0 . After aflurry of telegrams be- Carl grew up in aworking class tween the UK and the Caribbean, home in Tewkesbury, Gloucester- the young teacher was met at the air- shire, the son of an unemployed port by apriest and spent three manufacturing worker. years at two schools, expectantly “It was the Thatcher era, alot of waiting for the 1 9 9 8 MCC touring people were unemployed in manu- party to arrive. facturing. So my teenage years were When it finally did, he pitched up tough, but I had the total support of at SabinaPark to find the “worst my mum and dad, and still do. It Test wicket ever” had made the was important.” match unplayable. He took five A levels, studied Carl, who is 4 6 this year, decided physics at Bath and then took his to come home – viaabackpacking teaching qualification before the tour of friendless and unfriendly West Indian adventure. regimes in central America–and re- It is all afar cry from his next des- ally concentrate on his career. The entrance had its own metal- Carl and his wife Alison to move to tination – afee-paying school in tax- He said: “I suppose I’ve always detecting “knife arch”. A gang cul- Otford, near Sevenoaks. free Dubai, run by the GEMS group. been ambitious and driven; always ture coupled with ethnic and social “We didn’t want her to grow up in But he quickly clarifies: “All known what I wanted and done concerns became part of working that environment – I wouldn’t want schools there are fee-paying and what I had to do to get there. If I life, he says. Children would expect any of my children to grow up in there is no social support because it want something I tend to go and get to be mugged on the way home Croydon now.” is atax-free society. This school is at it.” from school by groups of youths. In 2 0 0 8 , when he landed his first the lower end of the fee-paying He determined to “do the London Nevertheless, he quickly rose headship at The Malling School in scale. There are 5 ,0 0 0 pupils, almost thing” and joined atough compre- through the ranks to become deputy East Malling, it was in a“difficult all are Pakistani and all the teachers hensive school in Croydon, south head. However, the birth of his first place”. One senses understatement are Indian or from the Indian sub- London, in 1 9 9 9 . daughter 1 0 years ago prompted here. continent. It’s ahuge challenge for He said: “The teaching, the learn- me and will call upon me to develop ing, the leadership and the behav- another aspect of my skill set. I will iour needed improvement. It was have to understand another culture one of the least popular schools in and I want my children to have a Kent –nobody wanted to come here global education.” and it was the place pupils came to He cites his proudest achieve- when there was nowhere else. ments in his time at The Malling “Don’t get me wrong, the teachers School as being aleader in the ca- were great, they just needed some reer-based International Baccalaure- help. Improving aschool is not ate (IB) and becoming the most rocket science. Tell the children how popularly requested school in Ton- to behave and show the teachers bridge and Malling. how to teach. Success has been aresult of ambi- “The teachers were all working tion, drive and 8 0 -hour weeks. Graft, very hard – some of them are still craft and an eye for detail seem to be Improving a school is not here –but they hadn’t been properly the recipe. rocket science. Tell the led and the children were the same.” “The reason I come into school children how to behave and Although he relies on staff heav- and do what I have done for the past show the teachers how to teach. ily and canvasses views, he makes 1 0 years is to see those young people Carl Roberts the decisions. “It can’t be ademoc- leave here fulfilled, educated and T“he Malling School racy. I will listen to your views but I rounded - going out there and being will make the decisions here, be- successful. I want to see everyone cause that’s what I am paid to do. achieve their potential. But you can’t ” “If someone is not doing their job do it without great teaching.” 16 Malling July 2018 downsmail.co.uk Schools|News o Holmesd ale set to THE BESPOKE BEDROOM COMPANY become acad emy A TROUBLED Snod land Sch ool academy, and the regional schools is to be sponsored by Swale Acad - commissioner has chosen SAT as emies Tru st ah ead of its switch to the trust to sponsor Holmesdale. anacad emy. In a joint statement, Keith Ab- Holmesdale School, which fell bott, Kent County Council’s Direc- into special measures earlier this tor for Education Planning and year, will be looked after by the Access, and Jon Whitcombe, prin- trust, which already has a number cipal and CEO ofSwale Academies ofschools across Kent and Sussex. Trust, said: “Following an Ofsted The school was rated as good by inspection earlier this year, which inspectors as recently as four years placed The Holmesdale School, ago, but is now in special measures Snodland, into Special Measures, a following a report which criticised directive academy order was is- it in each of the five main cate- sued by the Regional Schools Com- gories in which Ofsted rates missioner (RSC), requiring the schools. school to convert to an academy. Urgent improvements were re- quired in leadership and manage- “The RSC has now announced ment, quality ofteaching, learning that the Swale Academies Trust and assessment, personal develop- has been appointed as the sponsor, ment, behaviour and welfare, out- and that the school will join this comes for pupils and 16-19 study multi-academy trust on conver- programmes. sion. There were considerable con- “Kent County Council continues cerns surrounding safeguarding, to work closely with SAT on a STUDIES BEDROOMS LOUNGES LIBRARIES attendance reporting and follow- number of projects across the ing up on pupil absence. county and is already in discussion T: 01732 848333 All schools judged inadequate with the trust and the school fur- 51 Showroom, High Street, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6NA are ordered to convert into an ther to this development.”

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Malling July 2018 17 News | Team sports downsmail.co.uk Team sport facing biggest match FOOTBALL leagues folding, cricket teams pulling out of leagues...it has been ableak summer for the traditional team sports in the area. Increasing commitments at home leave school, they may go to univer- and work are impacting on people’s sity and rugby can definitely be cast time and it has left anumber of clubs aside at what is aturbulent time in fighting to survive. their lives,” says Aylesford Bulls di- We first reported in May that the rector of rugby Neil Wiltshire. Maidstone & District Football The next generation of club stal- League, the oldest local league in the warts is slow in coming forward. country, was in danger of folding Those in their 2 0 s and 3 0 s are find- due to alack of teams. ing with work and family commit- And so it came to pass, the league ments, it is much harder to dedicate deciding it was unable to continue. part of the weekend to playing sport But they are not the only ones. – no matter how much they may Cricket clubs are also finding it want to. tough, with Detling, Hollingbourne Peter Erlam, captain of Teston CC, and Teston all pulling out of their hits the nail on the head when he Players from Teston Cricket Club leagues in 2 0 1 8 , instead focusing on says: “I think Sunday trading laws friendly games and, in one case, con- have changed that so much – Sun- templating if the club has afuture as day is ashopping day now whereas Youth ‘key to future’ at Teston awhole. it used to be aday for sport.” Ian Gutteridge is chairman, secre- The need to have pay-TV sub- TESTON Cricket Club has been hit Peter insists that the club is in no tary, fixture secretary and “every- scriptions to watch top-level sport so hard that it has pulled out of danger of folding – “cricket is in our thing else” at Hollingbourne and may also be having an impact, but is their league fixtures - but with a bur- blood” – but the landscape has admits it was atough decision to look it just that the way people want to ex- geoning youth system, it insists it is changed. “The club had the same at folding the club. ercise has changed? just a temporary hiatus. tea lady, Ilma Cooper, for 5 0 years,” But he adds: “To be honest, every For while participation in football, The club decided at the start of he added. “But now it’s all down to team sport is on its knees. cricket and other team sports is the season not to fulfil their fixtures the players themselves to provide “It’s always been astruggle, you down – just 3 .2 million said in the in Kent Village Cricket League Divi- the refreshments. Teston is a small sion Four. Captain Peter Erlam said: village, there’s not many young get players who phone up on aFri- most recent Sport England survey “We have struggled for the past two families and there’s no school, so for day night and say they’ve forgotten that they played team sports more or three years to get two teams out several years we’ve not had anyone some event or other, which is usually than twice in amonth – the figures every weekend,” he said. “And that who lives in the village actually play- alie, but they have no appreciation of for running show an increase to 7 m, meant we were fielding under- ing for the club. Weekend life is so the fact they are letting 1 0 other and 1 3 m say they take part in other strength teams in our league fix- different from how it was 2 0 years blokes down as well.” “fitness activities”, i.e. going to the tures most weeks. This season, we ago.” Downs Mail has spoken to clubs gym. just felt we had reached the end of But where the club does stand out from anumber of sports, and has Sport England chief executive the road in terms of resources of is its strong youth section. found that while youth sport contin- Jennie Price said: “While the over- getting players, so we reluctantly “Our opening bowlers on a Satur- ues to thrive, it is that transition into all activity levels of the nation are took the decision to withdraw from day are 1 3 and 1 4 ,” the skipper adult sport that is the trickiest. stable, what people are choosing to the league.” added. “It’s tough, they get ajob, they do is moving with the times.” FA searching for a fixas football flounders PARK football has, in many ways, the participation is declining,” he TV, cinematrips etc which can be outside of the box to try and tempt been an institution of English life. said. “There’s the cost of running a done when people want, for as players back to the full-size game. The images of Hackney Marshes team, peo- long as “Generally, if you play five-a- where in its heyday there were 1 2 0 ple have t h e y side you will continue playing pitches in use at the same time – less time, w an t other formats,” he adds. “People more than 2 ,5 0 0 players – are f am i l y a n d who play whatever format love etched in the memory. c o m m i t - w h e r e the game and play at every op- But now, the amateur game is m e n t s , t h e y portunity. getting smaller and smaller. work pat- want.” “The key to sustaining and The folding of the Maidstone ters, the Partic- eventually growing 1 1 v1 1 adult and District League ahead of its fear of in- i p at i o n male football in Kent is offering 1 2 5 th anniversary season was a jury that has been flexible alternatives built around blow to the game, although in the could lead i n the participants and not based on 2 0 1 7 /1 8 season it had contained to aloss of s t e ad y structures that we have been fol- just eight teams in asolitary divi- i n c o m e decline lowing for the last 3 0 seasons. sion. and, logis- for the “Offering opportunities such as The Kent FA are trying anumber t i c al l y , past ten turn up and play sessions, flexi of initiatives to keep the 1 1 -a-side you can y e ar s , football leagues with shorter game going outside of the pyra- only play 1 1 -a-side football on Sat- with Kent losing 6 % of its adult games, mid-week football and vet- mid system, but Senior Football urday afternoons or Sunday morn- 1 1 -a-side teams each year – al- erans football will engage with a Development Officer and lead on ings. though that is better than the na- greater audience while being un- 1 1 -a-side adult male football Lee “The challenge is the increasing tional picture of a1 0 % fall. pinned by the more recognised Suter admits there are anumber of number of other sporting activities Lee insists that five-a-side is not format of 1 1 v1 1 adult male foot- issues to face. such as going to the gym, cycling having too much of an impact, but ball on aSaturday afternoon or “There’s not just one reason why and running as well as sport on admits the FA are having to think Sunday morning.”

18 Malling July 2018 News | Team sports downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Team sports | News Team sport facing biggest match Heartbreaking call FOOTBALL leagues folding, cricket teams pulling out of leagues...it has been ableak summer for to halt club’s days the traditional team sports in the area. THE chairman of Hollingbourne “We can afford to keep up the Increasing commitments at home leave school, they may go to univer- Cricket Club admits it “breaks ground up for therest of this sea- and work are impacting on people’s sity and rugby can definitely be cast my heart”to realisetheclub is on son, but after that who knows time and it has left anumber of clubs aside at what is aturbulent time in its last legs – but knows it is the what will happen to it? fighting to survive. their lives,” says Aylesford Bulls di- right decision. “It breaks my heart. The club We first reported in May that the rector of rugby Neil Wiltshire. The club has pulled out of its has been my life for the past 2 5 Maidstone & District Football The next generation of club stal- Rugby club gets league fixtures for this season, years. I met my wife through League, the oldest local league in the warts is slow in coming forward. leaving just asmattering of one- playing for Hollingbourne. country, was in danger of folding Those in their 2 0 s and 3 0 s are find- off games for therest of theyear, due to alack of teams. ing with work and family commit- along with someU1 7 games. There are too many clubs, And so it came to pass, the league ments, it is much harder to dedicate Ian Gutteridge feels that there there are just not enough deciding it was unable to continue. part of the weekend to playing sport family involved aresimply not enough players to cricketers for all the clubs But they are not the only ones. – no matter how much they may go around. Ian Gutteridge, Cricket clubs are also finding it want to. THE FAMILY nature of rugby ones are in the forwards and then the “I’ve been saying for three Hollingbourne tough, with Detling, Hollingbourne Peter Erlam, captain of Teston CC, makes it easier for clubs to retain youngsters can run round them as years that there are too many C“ricket Club and Teston all pulling out of their hits the nail on the head when he Players from Teston Cricket Club players in their later years –but the backs.” clubs, there are just not enough leagues in 2 0 1 8 , instead focusing on says: “I think Sunday trading laws real issues come when youngsters The Bulls have had as many as five cricketers for all theclubs. “I’ve got a lot of emotion in- friendly games and, in one case, con- have changed that so much – Sun- moveup to play at adult level. senior teams, but now they are operat- “We’ve been left with 1 2 play- vested in theclub and that’s what templating if the club has afuture as day is ashopping day now whereas Youth ‘key to future’ at Teston Stepping up from playing against ing with three, including their first XV, ers for various reasons and on makes it such ahard decisi”on – if awhole. it used to be aday for sport.” peers to the next level, against sen- who were crowned London Three any given weekend you can as- it had been a business, I would Ian Gutteridge is chairman, secre- The need to have pay-TV sub- TESTON Cricket Club has been hit Peter insists that the club is in no ior and experienced players can be a South East champions in the 2 0 1 7 /1 8 sume that more than a third of havemadethis call ayear ago.” tary, fixture secretary and “every- scriptions to watch top-level sport so hard that it has pulled out of danger of folding – “cricket is in our real challenge. season. your players won’t be available, Ian admits that the nature of thing else” at Hollingbourne and may also be having an impact, but is their league fixtures - but with a bur- blood” – but the landscape has But Aylesford Bulls’ director of “We decided we should just concen- so we’ve decided to pull out of cricket makes it hard for people admits it was atough decision to look it just that the way people want to ex- geoning youth system, it insists it is changed. “The club had the same rugby, Neil Wiltshire, says there are trate on getting three teams out each theleague.” to commit, and that some of the at folding the club. ercise has changed? just a temporary hiatus. tea lady, Ilma Cooper, for 5 0 years,” other challenges for that age group. week,” Neil added. “But we are see- Hollingbournewas in theKent fun has gone out of it due to the But he adds: “To be honest, every For while participation in football, The club decided at the start of he added. “But now it’s all down to “Generally, there is aproblem with ing alot of clubs dropping out of local Cricket Village League, which is over-competitiveness of some team sport is on its knees. cricket and other team sports is the season not to fulfil their fixtures the players themselves to provide people leaving,” he said. “It’s always leagues. Our local rugby develop- played on Saturdays by teams other clubs. “It’s always been astruggle, you down – just 3 .2 million said in the in Kent Village Cricket League Divi- the refreshments. Teston is a small difficult at the 1 7 /1 8 age, but the ment officer is putting alot of effort mainly in the Maidstone and He also believes that the prob- sion Four. Captain Peter Erlam said: village, there’s not many young get players who phone up on aFri- most recent Sport England survey Rugby Football Union is trying to into helping keep clubs afloat.” Tonbridgeregions. lems stem from school cricket. “We have struggled for the past two families and there’s no school, so for day night and say they’ve forgotten that they played team sports more combat that with anumber of initia- And there is afamily feel to clubs Several of theplayers havenow “It is hard work, cricket is so or three years to get two teams out several years we’ve not had anyone some event or other, which is usually than twice in amonth – the figures tives. likeAylesford. linked up with nearby Bearsted, time-consuming, it’s a long- every weekend,” he said. “And that who lives in the village actually play- alie, but they have no appreciation of for running show an increase to 7 m, “But it’s tough, they get ajob, they “Rugbycanonlytakeupafewhours and that link up does, Ian hopes, drawn-out event,”hesaid. People meant we were fielding under- ing for the club. Weekend life is so the fact they are letting 1 0 other and 1 3 m say they take part in other leave school, they may go to univer- – teams could meet at 1 .3 0 pm and mean there is still a chance that havefamilies and commitments. strength teams in our league fix- different from how it was 2 0 years blokes down as well.” “fitness activities”, i.e. going to the sity and rugby can be cast aside at a home at 5 pm,” Neil says. “Family cricket can be played at Holling- “For me, the problem is in sec- tures most weeks. This season, we ago.” Downs Mail has spoken to clubs gym. turbulent time in their lives. members can come and socialise. Our bourne’s Pilgrims Way ground. ondary schools. The ECB shouts just felt we had reached the end of But where the club does stand out from anumber of sports, and has Sport England chief executive “There is of course ahuge difference youth section starts with U6s, but then “Bearsted are now considering about Chance to Shine and the the road in terms of resources of is its strong youth section. found that while youth sport contin- Jennie Price said: “While the over- between boys’ rugby and mens’ we have two teams at every age group putting another team out,” he great stuff they do in primary getting players, so we reluctantly “Our opening bowlers on a Satur- ues to thrive, it is that transition into all activity levels of the nation are rugby in terms of power and strength, from U7 to U1 7 .” The club has three added. “But obviously they only schools, but once you get to sec- took the decision to withdraw from day are 1 3 and 1 4 ,” the skipper but that’s where our third team is girls teams and is hoping to bring have one pitch, so hopefully if ondary school, unless it’s agram- adult sport that is the trickiest. stable, what people are choosing to the league.” added. “It’s tough, they get ajob, they do is moving with the times.” good, because that level of rugby is back a women’s team to get in to they end up needing a ground, mar school or aprivateschool, the usually made up of youngsters like what is the “biggest growing sport they can useours. kids fall out of thegame.” them and older players – the older in the country”. FA searching for a fixas football flounders Parkrun thriving as runners take to the Lakes PARK football has, in many ways, the participation is declining,” he TV, cinematrips etc which can be outside of the box to try and tempt been an institution of English life. said. “There’s the cost of running a done when people want, for as players back to the full-size game. WHILE team sports are having their Both start at 9 am every Saturday, The images of Hackney Marshes team, peo- long as “Generally, if you play five-a- issues, the desire for health and fit- and are open to all. where in its heyday there were 1 2 0 ple have t h e y side you will continue playing ness has led to a sharp rise in run- “There has been a real push in the pitches in use at the same time – less time, w an t other formats,” he adds. “People ning and walking. past 1 2 to 1 8 months to make it more than 2 ,5 0 0 players – are f am i l y a n d who play whatever format love Some may have swapped their tra- more inclusive,” Malling parkrun co- ditional commute for going on foot, event director Darran Potter says. etched in the memory. c o m m i t - w h e r e the game and play at every op- while many others have taken ad- “Whereas we used to have tail run- But now, the amateur game is m e n t s , t h e y portunity. vantage of programmes like the NHS ners and new runner’s briefings, it’s getting smaller and smaller. work pat- want.” “The key to sustaining and Couch to 5 k scheme in order to take now tail walker and first-timers. The folding of the Maidstone ters, the Partic- eventually growing 1 1 v1 1 adult up running. “There is a big emphasis on walk- and District League ahead of its fear of in- i p at i o n male football in Kent is offering And when they have completed ing and jogging and making sure 1 2 5 th anniversary season was a jury that has been flexible alternatives built around that – or, in fact, even during the pro- that everyone feels able to do it – blow to the game, although in the could lead i n the participants and not based on gramme – there is a free 5 k event there’s been a real concerted effort 2 0 1 7 /1 8 season it had contained to aloss of s t e ad y structures that we have been fol- every Saturday morning. from HQ. record attendance is 2 ,5 2 6 at a run shapes and sizes,” Darran adds. “One just eight teams in asolitary divi- i n c o m e decline lowing for the last 3 0 seasons. Parkrun was founded in 2 0 0 4 in “Parkrun is very low commitment, in South Africa in January this year, of our regular runners is in his late sion. and, logis- for the “Offering opportunities such as Teddington, south-west London, and you can just wake up on a Saturday while Bushy Park, home of the original 7 0 s and we’ve also had a few octo- The Kent FA are trying anumber t i c al l y , past ten turn up and play sessions, flexi has now spread to 1 9 countries and decide you want to take part, run in 2 0 0 4 , regularly reaches four fig- genarians visit us from other courses. of initiatives to keep the 1 1 -a-side you can y e ar s , football leagues with shorter across the world. In the UK, between and if you miss a week, it’s not the ures, and holds the UK record with “I think when you see people of game going outside of the pyra- only play 1 1 -a-side football on Sat- with Kent losing 6 % of its adult games, mid-week football and vet- 1 3 0 ,0 0 0 and 1 4 0 ,0 0 0 people are end of the world.” 1 ,7 0 5 taking part on the tenth an- that age still in good shape it can in- mid system, but Senior Football urday afternoons or Sunday morn- 1 1 -a-side teams each year – al- erans football will engage with a taking part every week. Locally, there The first Malling parkrun was in niversary parkrun. There are even spire you. There are 1 2 ,0 0 0 volun- Development Officer and lead on ings. though that is better than the na- greater audience while being un- are two. The Maidstone parkrun October 2 0 1 5 , and since then 4 ,8 0 3 some events held in the grounds of teers in the UK who make parkrun 1 1 -a-side adult male football Lee “The challenge is the increasing tional picture of a1 0 % fall. pinned by the more recognised starts and finishes close to Kent Life, different people – at the time of prisons, illustrating that parkrun really possible every week, and 1 0 ,0 0 0 new Suter admits there are anumber of number of other sporting activities Lee insists that five-a-side is not format of 1 1 v1 1 adult male foot- while the Malling parkrun is at Ley- going to press – have run, jogged or is for everyone. runners are registering every week, issues to face. such as going to the gym, cycling having too much of an impact, but ball on aSaturday afternoon or bourne Lakes. walked the course. The all-time “You get people of all ages, all so it really is a big thing.” “There’s not just one reason why and running as well as sport on admits the FA are having to think Sunday morning.”

Malling July 2018 19 News downsmail.co.uk Wheels turn on car parts thief A MAN who stolesteering wheels Working with an apart the dashboard in order to men crouched next to aBMW, and from at least 7 0 high-value cars accomplice, the 2 7 - steal on-board computer systems. they ran off in separate directions. across the county has been jailed year-old (pictured) Entry to the vehicles, usually Lukosevicius was caught with a for four years. used expanding BMWs, Audis or Mercedes, was steering wheel hidden in his coat, Ernestas Lukosevicius was ar- foam and sticky made by smashing the window. but the other man escaped. rested in Larkfield in March fol- tape to muffle car Lukosevicius was caught red- Expanding foam and tools were lowing the two-month crime spree alarms and cover handed on March 1 2 when suspi- also seized, while his fingerprints in which he targeted vehicles in up any lights cious activity was reported in were also discovered on tape left on Maidstone, Aylesford, Sevenoaks, which might flash, before removing Carroll Gardens, Larkfield. At two vehicles targeted in Bearsted. Sittingbourne and Canterbury. the steering wheel and pulling around 4 am officers located two Lukosevicius, of no fixed ad- dress, pleaded guilty to acharge of conspiracy to steal and on June 1 5 was given afour-year prison term. Detective Constable Tony Threatening stalker behind bars Hatcher said: “Lukosevicius com- A MAN who stalked awoman cluded making threats to her in When he learned his behaviour mitted ahuge number of offences and evaded arrest – even calling a person and through texts, emails had been reported to police, in just afew months. Operating late police officer to tell him they and online messages. Brooker left his home, sold his car at night, he targeted cars parked di- wouldn’t find him – has been Despite the victim making it and took steps to conceal his loca- rectly outside homes while owners jailed for more than two years. clear shedid not want him to con- tion, even phoning apoliceofficer were sleeping. Lukosevicius’ main Charlie Brooker (pictured) tact her, Brooker continued the boasting he wouldn’t be found. role was to carry tools to and from pleaded guilty to putting aperson abuse over several months and All the while he continued to crime scenes and pass them to an in fear of violence through stalk- made threats to throw acid in her send threatening messages to the accomplice, who in turn would take ing, and was sentenced to two face, cut her with aknife and victim, until officers tracked him apart the dashboard to remove years and four months in prison at stamp on her head. Healso threat- down to ahousein Sidcup and ar- equipment. Maidstone Crown ened to harm her partner and rested him on March 1 2 . “These crimes have left victims Court on June 1 1 . damage her property. Investigating officer PC and their insurance companies with The 3 0 -year-old He sent the victim photographs Thomas Moss said Brooker had- repair bills totalling more than conducted acam- at her homeaddress in Maidstone shown himself to beathreatening £5 0 0 ,0 0 0 . paign of abuse and attended her workplace sev- and dangerous criminal, and he DC Hatcher added that the police against awoman eral times trying to contact her; on commended the bravery of the have aDNA profile of afurther of- he knew in Maid- oneoccasion hewent to her house victim and witnesses who assisted fender also believed to be involved stone, which in- holding acraft knife. the police investigation. in these crimes. VINER & SONS LTD STATION CABS Keith Viner FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS

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20 Malling July 2018 downsmail.co.uk Health | News Changes facing our health care MANY significant health and social care services in more financially efficient(KentNHS organisations over- Maidstone and across of Kentare facing major changes. spentby more than £100m lastyear). Most are linked to the Government’s transformation One of the main drivers is to reduce the immense and plan which is now being progressed across Kent and expensive pressures on hospitals and to treatand care for Medway, supported mainly by Kentand Medway’s eight patients in or closer to their own homes. GP-led, budget-holding ClinicalCommissioning Groups, care organisations, Kent County Counciland localau- Details of the transformation changes are beginning to thorities. emerge locally in reports from the NHS WestKentClini- Key aims are to improve effectiveness of health and care calCommissioning Group. services for the population and staff, and to make them Downs Mailhas been looking atsome key proposals… Staffing crisis KENT and Medway areahas a GP surgeries shake-up shortage of NHS and social care staff. Nationally, one in 1 2 NHS posts is vacant and social care vacancy turnover is 2 6 %. Kent and Medway as population increases areais worse, with 2 ,5 0 0 vacancies in secondary (mostly hospital) care, MAIDSTONE is likely to see new 4 5 % of which are in nursing. It also or improved GP surgeries as West has the greatest percentage of GPs Kent Clinical Commissioning County-wide nearing retirement (2 9 %). Group (CCG) reviews its estates The workforce strategy includes: plan to meetthe needs of a rapidly commissioner rising population. ! Recruiting 1 3 0 international GPs, TALKS are underway to set up a The CCG is working with Maid- the first arriving this autumn. joint executive leadership and stone Council to refresh mapping of ! Two Kent universities establishing management team for the four housing developments over the next amedical school in Canterbury. GP-led budget-holding Clinical five years and this will inform more ! Developing aKCC information Commissioning Groups (West discussions with practices. and support hub for social care Kent, Medway, Dartford,Grave- The CCG estimates the population workers. sham and Swanley, and Swale) ! in its areawill rise from 4 7 6 ,4 9 7 in A “Kent – Take aDifferent View” serving the western part of the recruitment campaign highlighting 2 0 1 5 to 5 6 2 ,0 4 0 up to 2 0 3 5 , an 1 8 % county. advantages of living and working in increase. The biggest growth is ex- This is part of the transforma- Kent and Medway. pected in Maidstone (8 6 3 extraa tion that could lead to asingle year). strategic commissioner for the The West Kent areais served by Care hub plan seven clusters of GP practices serv- whole of Kent and Medway and WEST Kent could benefit from new MAIDSTONE WIDE further integration of health and ing Maidstone Central, Maidstone ! local care and wellbeing hubs, pro- Greensands Health Centre in social care commissioning. Wide, Malling, Weald, Tonbridge, Stockett Lane and Orchard Medical viding services outside hospitals. Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. The four groups will retain They would help frail patients es- Centre, Coxheath, submitted a their sovereignty and accounta- The CCG is discussing require- premises development plan using pecially, and will be designed to ments with borough and district bility, possibly enhanced. Pri- support multi-disciplinary staff S1 0 6 funding. Stage 1 application councils and ensuring section 1 0 6 mary care commissioning will teams working together. Staff, pa- has been approved with no financial house developer contributions are remain the responsibility of each tients, the public and stakeholders consequence to the CCG at this group. available where possible for infra- stage. The practice can nowprogress attended public events in June and The groups fear that failure to structure improvement. an application for Stage 2 approval July to give views on potential serv- make this change could result in The number of proposals from GP for submission within 1 2 months. ices and the locations. an unstainable local healthcare practices wishing to improve or re- ! Len Valley Practice has discussed system, which is unable to ensure place premises is expected to exceed available S1 0 6 funding and will con- high-quality accessible services or Forum set up financial support available. sider using it to expand capacity. deliver improved outcomes and AN elected members’ forum is The CCG has produced an ! Headcorn Surgery has submitted reduced inequalities. being established in West Kent so overview of each cluster: plans to use S1 0 6 funds to improve that borough, district and KCC MAIDSTONE CENTRAL security for patients and staff. councillors can contribute with NHS ! The College practice is finalising MALLING and care staff to problem solving. Best practice plans for expanding its premises, ! West Malling Group Practice is as- KENT could benefit from aEu- Aims include integrating services, supported by S1 0 6 contributions. sessing requirements to meet popu- tackling causes of ill health and ropean research programme in- ! Blackthorn Medical Centre plans lation growth. Development at volving UK (represented by maximising the wellbeing of resi- to reconfigure and upgrade prem- Kings Hill over the next five years is dents. KCC, Kent Community Health ises for extracapacity. This is sup- expected to lead to about 1 ,5 0 0 new Foundation Trust and Medway ported by S1 0 6 contributions. patient registrations, increasing Community Healthcare), France, Listis closed ! Bower Mount Medical Practice is pressure on the Kings Hill practice. Belgium and the Netherlands on THEAlbion practice, Maidstone, crit- using S1 0 6 funding to improve ac- ! Phoenix Medical Practice in international best practice. The icised by the Care Quality Commis- cess to the building. Burham, has submitted adevelop- aim is to find solutions to chal- sion, has been authorised by NHS ! Aylesford Medical Practice is re- ment plan for asite in Peters Village. lenges associated with an ageing West Kent CCG to close its list to new configuring its premises to provide WEALD population and budget and ! patients for ayear. Surrounding prac- additional capacity, supported by Marden Medical Centre is dis- workforce challenges. tices are being supportive. S1 0 6 funding. cussing the use of S1 0 6 funding.

Malling July 2018 21 Malling Mail July/August 2018 Serving local people, businesses & events in Addington, Birling, East Malling, Kings Hill, Larkfeld, Leybourne, Mereworth, Offham, Ryarsh, Trottiscliffe, West Malling Sheep removed from Macey‘s Meadow for safety A HANDFUL of inconsiderate dog owners are being blamed for the decision to remove sheep from a parish-owned feld. The sheep were taken out of Macey’s Meadow in West Malling due to increasing cases of sheep worrying, culminating in a ewe having to be put down earlier this year.Alan West, who owns the sheep, decided enough was enough, and took away the 18 animals who were in the meadow. He said: “We’d kept sheep there for there for nearly 20 years, and we’d always had the odd incident. We had to stitch the occasional wound and we once had to carry out an abortion. “But they have increased over the past year, with one inci- dent where a couple of sheep were chased over a fence. Then there was the time that a ewe broke a leg and had to be put down. It is really sad that we had to do this. ”Signs had been put up advising dog owners to keep their pets on leads in the feld with the sheep, but, Mr West says, these were ignored. “Most dog owners are very considerate,” he added. “But you always get some who will let their dogs run loose.“On a couple Mr West’s decision. of occasions, I spoke to dog owners whose pets were off their She said: “We are very upset that they are no longer pres- leads and they told me their dog was just having fun. It may be ent, as people enjoyed seeing them, particularly after lambing fun for the dog, but it certainly isn’t for the sheep. in spring.“We will now also have to do more mowing to keep ”Parish council chairman Trudy Dean admitted it was disap- the grass down and this will involve more cost and time to pointing to have the sheep removed from the feld, but backed our volunteers.”

Building giants thanked for boulders Macey’s Meadow working party dates this summer WEST Malling Parish Council has thanked a local developer for providing two large stones which will prevent traveller incursions THE volunteer working party dates for the rest of the summer are on the playing feld. July 28 and August 11 and 25 at Macey’s Meadow between 10am The Gallagher organisation supplied two large ragstones to and noon. Tools will be provided. All meet at the container by the restrict access to the open area. railway line near the mixed woodland. A spokesman said: “We’re grateful to Gallagher for providing A pressing date for Applefest 2018 two large ragstone boulders to restrict access Applefest Day has become a popular annual event in Macey’s to the playing feld Meadow for all the family. The planned day this year will be on entrance at the village Saturday, September 22, between 2pm and 5pm. Apples will be hall and prevent caravans harvested and pressed and the juice can be enjoyed with ‘goodies’ passing this point.” from the cake stall.

A Malling Action Partnership publication What’s On Malling & district clubs, societies & activities IT IS never too late to make a fresh start by taking up new 2018. So if you would like your group or event to be included, activities or making new friends. The many clubs and organisations please send her all the information, including your contact details. in the Malling Action Partnership area cater for a wide range of in- Please let her know as far in advance as possible so that it may terests and offer a warm welcome to newcomers, so why not give be possible to avoid clashes and maximise the attendances at them a try? Details of regular meetings are listed on this page. each event. Mary Rayner collates our community diary with details of various Details should be emailed to [email protected] or groups and is also compiling a list of special events in the area in call 07772 318330.

The Kent Police Band will be playing from 2-4pm. Free entry and free tea and coffee available. Bring your own picnic and seating. Donations can be made on the day to RBLI.

Saturday September 8 Annual Charity Coffee Morning and craft market in aid of Breast Cancer, Kent. Featuring delicious cakes, quilt raffe, prize raffe, handmade pottery, cards plants and lots more. 10.00 - 12.30 . The Woodhouse, Park Road, Addington. Just turn up or call 01732 847158.

Saturday September 1 Until August 12 how to build a safe fre and how to make Kings Hill Rotary Club – Charity Cider, Beer and Music Festival. 1- 9pm at The Spitfre, Big Butterfy Count at Leybourne Lakes your own waterproof shelters using the Kings in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice and Country Park. Take part in Butterfy woodland materials around you. 1pm – Rotary charities. Free entry. Conservation’s national Big Butterfy Count 2.30pm Suitable to ages 8-16. £10 or £5 at the country parks. Collect a form from with a leisure pass. main notice boards near the fag poles, at September 8-9 the park, then walk round on your own Friday August 10 Heritage open days. The Twitch Heritage ticking the butterfies you see. No booking Taster riding experience for all, at Leybourne Centre, Douce’s Manor, St. Leonard’s Street, required. This is a free event. Just turn up Grange Riding Centre for the disabled, Birling will next be open from Noon to 4pm (last at anytime. Road, West Malling. Meet and greet a pony admission 3.30pm) Douce’s Manor is a and a 30 minute ride. No need to book, just private residence, the house and grounds Saturday July 21 turn up 9.30am – 11.30am. £10 per rider. are not open to the public. Parking on St. Leonard’s Street. Park Life Music Festival at Kings Hill sports Minimum age 3 (max 12 stone). park from 1pm. A whole host of music, hog roast, BBQ, Pimms and Prosecco bars. Saturday August 11 Friday – Sunday September 28-30 Tickets in advance available from the sports Offham Farmers market at Spadework, from Harvest Flower Festival at All Saints Birling. park or online from www.skiddle.com 10:00am to 1:00pm. The theme for this Friday 6-8pm, Saturday 2.30-5pm, Sunday month - Young Gardeners 11am-4pm with the Harvest Festival Sunday July 22 Sunday Service at 11am followed by Harvest Lunch at 12 noon. If you are able to offer Malling district Lions prostate cancer charity Saturday August 11 a foral display to celebrate a Harvest walk. Starts at East Malling research centre, Walking the dog. A group of from BART meet Theme, please contact Linda 01732842249. option to walk 3 or 7 miles. Registration up once a month for a gentle walk with and 9am until 11am. For more details ring without their dogs 8:30-9:30 am. Meet at St. 01732 841078. Margaret, Addington. Everyone Welcome - even non-dog owners!!! Sunday July 22 West Malling Farmers Market, from 9:30 to Sunday August 26 1:30, in the High Street, West Malling. West Malling Farmers Market, from 9:30 to Some of the stallholders due to be at the 1:30, in the High Street, West Malling. market in July include: The Proper Tea Company, Simply True, V J Game, Villagers Monday August 27 Sausages, The Doggy Bakery, and many more. Bat Walk And Talk at Leybourne Lakes Country Park. Join their expert during Thursdays, August 2, 9, 16 and 23 International Bat Week to discover what Cream teas at Wateringbury church 2-4pm. lives in the country park at night, with the Do go along and enjoy home-made cake chance to see Noctule bats and Pipistrelle and scones in the tranquillity of the ancient bats. Just bring a torch! Booking essential due village church and churchyard. to limited places. Book at www.eventbrite. co.uk Meet by the fag pole, near the main Thursday August 9 car park. This is a free event, 8pm to 10pm. Bushcraft at Leybourne Lakes Country Park. If you love being outdoors then why not Saturday September 8 spend the afternoon learning the basics of Summer concert at the Garden of Honour, bushcraft. The session will include learning Royal British Legion Village, Aylesford. Saying goodbye to Carole Speedwatch dates schedule

ON JUNE 23, A NEW set of dates have been scheduled for Speedwatch. They councillors past are July 22 (in the morning) and August 5 (also morning). If you and present, clerks think you can help out as a volunteer, please contact the clerk at and partners of West Malling Parish Council on 01732 870872 or via our website. West Malling Parish Council joined together for brunch at The Swan Inn Allotment plots up for grabs West Malling to celebrate the THERE are a few plots available at the Ryarsh Lane allotments. retirement of Carole If you are a resident within the West Malling parish, you can d’Silva as clerk after secure a plot with a refundable deposit of £50. Yearly rent is 23 years’ service. £15. Please contact the Parish Clerk on 01732 870872 for Carole was also further information. presented with a Community Award from Kent Association of Local Councils and the High Sheriff of Kent, recognising her outstanding service to the community of West Malling. Carole, who is a resident of Larkfield, said: “I am very surprised and proud to receive this award. I do miss West Malling and all the friends I have made here, but after 23 years, I think it was the right time to retire, and we do manage to share afternoon tea at regular intervals in our favourite local cafes.” Local clubs and societies have their regular meetings as follows

East Malling Singers rehearse on start at 7.45pm. Wednesday at St James the Great, East Wednesday evenings, 8pm to 10pm, at Malling. Lots of fun for all children and St James the Great Church, East Malling. Malling Stamp Club meets on the second babies. Starts at 1.30pm. Tuesday of every month at the Clout Institute, Kings Hill Rotary meets every Monday at West Malling High Street, at 7.30pm. Mereworth church children’s choir meets 7.30pm at the Spitfre pub. every Wednesday. The children’s choir is East Malling Women’s Institute meets at a free after- school group which rehearses Chip Productions Drama Group the East Malling Institute behind the King at 6.30pm. Parents welcome. Conductor: meets Fridays at 7.30pm at West Malling and Queen pub on the third Monday of Stephen Thomas, 01732 321114. Y1 and village hall. every month, 7.45pm to 9.45pm. up – no need to pre-book.

Malling Photographic Society meets every LeyARA meets on the second Thursday of Addington Bridge Club meets every Tuesday Tuesday at West Malling village hall at 8pm. the month at 2pm at the Leybourne Village from 7pm in the sports pavilion, Park Road. Hall. Speaker, raffe and refreshments. The Heath Players meet at the East Malling Junior ParkRun The Manor Park, West Institute, Mill Street, at 8pm on Fridays. Crafty Chin-waggers. Craft and chat Malling, Junior ParkRun starts at 9am with meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. a series of 2k runs for children aged four to Malling Rotary meets Tuesdays at 6.30pm 19:30 to 23:00 in the Village Hall, Butchers 14, every Sunday. at Spadework, Teston Road, Offham. Lane, Mereworth. Adult 5k runs Leybourne Lakes Country Spadework Farmers’ Market is on the Craft and chat group Drop-in. Park, Larkfeld. Adult 5k runs are held every second Saturday of the month from 10am Wednesdays, 10am to noon, East Saturday, starting at 9am. The runs are free to 1pm at Spadework, Teston Road. For Malling Centre. of charge. Register your details at: www. more details, see www.spadework.net. parkrun.org.uk/register Malling Art Society meets every Thursday Malling Community Choir meets every at Offham village hall, 8pm to 10pm. Count 2 13 Bridge Club plays at Offham Tuesday at West Malling Baptist Church, village hall every Wednesday at 7.15pm. 7.15pm to 9.15pm. £2 per adult, children free. Malling District U3A Monthly meetings Details Angela 01732 874928. are held at Ryarsh village hall, starting at Wateringbury Flower Club meets every 2pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month Malling District Lions Club meet every third Wednesday of the month (with the throughout the year. third Monday in the month in Wealden exception of June) at The Institute Hall, Hall, Larkfeld at 8pm. www.malling East Malling, doors open at 7.00pm for Baby and toddler group meets every lionsclub.moonfruit.com East Malling and Larkfeld Parish Council Local Plan Proposals The parish council impact of the site could be reduced by a well as the public toilets continues to be spending a lot of time on landscape buffer; including Hoath Wood Buses restored to Lunsford Lane Residents the draft Local Plan as it going through in the site; and siting the schools on the of the northern part of Lunsford lane were the Borough Council meetings. Their northern boundary. upset when the Arriva bus 71 between timetable is to have the draft accepted The Research Station site would be for Maidstone and Snodland ceased running by Cabinet on September 3 and then full 205 dwellings with an access onto New along their section of the lane. The parish council on September 12 followed by the Road but no details of it has yet been provid- council did a survey to which many fnal round of public consultation of six ed. Details are being sought of the highway responded and submitted the results to weeks in the autumn. impacts on the A20/New Road junction and the bus company asking for the service to In our parish, the main proposals are on East Malling village with its narrow roads. be restored. to extend Kings Hill northwards into And the stream which runs through the site It is pleasing the new timetable that Broadwater Farm as far as Pikey Lane and on its way to Bradbourne Lake. came into force on the 8th July does just New Barns hamlet in West Malling and to In Larkfeld, KCC has asked for a site that. Service No 71 will now serve the lane allocate a strip of land within the Research for nine houses next to Larkfeld Library again while the buses that go to Leybourne Station running north-south along New in Martin Square, as sought by the parish Park at the bottom of New Hythe Lane are Road , East Malling. councils and may residents. renumbered 71A. Perhaps we can have Kings Hill would be for 900 dwellings The plan also proposes an extension of the Bluewater bus back next please? plus a primary and secondary school. the Green Belt eastwards to Wateringbury A20 Problems Parish councillors have There would be a new road running Road/Winterfeld Lane as sought by the attended a further meeting with KCC to through the countryside out to the West parish councils and may residents. This look at how traffc fows along the A20 Malling by-pass (A228) to the station with woud mean not developing Forty Acres. can be eased. Further draft plans were a new junction arrangement. It is felt this The paths that run across from Larkfeld produced and parish cllrs were relieved new road would intrude on the country- and Leybourne to West Malling station any idea of a roundabout at the A20/ side and impact on the public footpath would be protected as would be the rest New Hythe Lane junction has been network and quiet lanes designation. of Broadwater Farm. The parish council dropped. The most congested junctions As to the principle, it is against past welcomes and supports this extension and are at Coldharbour roundabout where promises Kings Hill would be kept within urges its borough councilors to support it. a revised rounabout scheme is being the old airfeld boundary but the parish As far as Martin Square is concerned, developed and at Quarry Wood where thinks the site is likely to be approved the parish council seeks more details. It is also a roundabout is being considered given the government’s targets for new worried about the row of trees and how too. Public consultation on the schemes house building. It is looking at ways the the relates to the future of the library as was promised.

West Malling Parish Council Safety Advice to Parents Losing a child in a in the borough council’s Local Plan. West held at The Malling School, starting at 7pm crowd is every parent’s nightmare. Malling Parish Council organised the meet- and will involve over 150 performers. The Increase your chances of being reunited ing and Chairman Trudy Dean said: “We programme will combine some light hearted fast by doing these three simple things: were delighted with the attendance which Songs that Won the War, for audience and 1, Write your mobile phone number on is double the number we have had at the choir, with more serious pieces, including your child’s arm with a long lasting pen. Some previous Local Plan meetings. the Army Wives’ Wherever You Are, and people cover it with a transparent ‘living skin’ “We had to print extra questionnaires concluding with Land of Hope and Glory. type product so it can’t be washed off easily. and had almost 300 returned within a Ticket profts go to Royal British Legion Pop- 2. Take a photo of your child on your week which is great. It gives the Parish py Appeal. To reserve your tickets contact mobile phone before you leave so you Council a really good steer on what local Trudy Dean on [email protected] can provide an up to date picture showing people want us to say on their behalf in Almost There! A total of £8,762 is needed what they look like and what they are responding to the Plan.” to repair the War Memorial in West Malling wearing on that day. www.surveymonkey.com/r/YBB663N High Street, and the total so far raised is 3. Teach your children what their full “Coming Home” Commemoration Concert £4,811. The names of the fallen servicemen name and address is. Eynsford Concert Band and West Malling will be re-engraved, hopefully in time for Local Plan Public Meeting Over 150 Community Choir are joining together on Remembrance Day service on November people packed West Malling Primary November 10 2018 in a concert commem- 11 2018. Please get in touch with Rev School on Sunday, July 1, to hear details orating the end of the First World War on David Green, or search “Crowdfunding to of proposals for local house building sites November 11 1918. The concert will be repair West Malling War Memorial”.

LOCAL CONTACTS Pothole reporting – T: 08458 247800 Trudy Dean, Malling Action Partnership chairman Supported by E: [email protected] T: 01732 843 119 Travel Enquiries Citizens Advice Bureau – T: 01732 440488 Nu-Venture Buses – T: 01622 882288 Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council Trains – T: 08457 484950 main switchboard – T: 01732 844522 Arriva Buses – T: 0871 200 22 33 downsmail.co.uk

O David Hart Shahnawaz Ak ram Ellis Overy b i t DAVID Hart (7 1 ), of Vinters Park, died earlier SHAHNAWAZ “Shany”Akram (4 9 ) lived CHEF Ellis Overy (2 1 ) was killed in a u in Sheals Crescent, Maidstone. motorcycling accident just days before he

a this year. He leaves Eileen, to whom he was

r married for over 5 0 years, his two sons, Rus- He worked as apharmacist who offered was due to take part in acharity ride. i e sell and Neville, daugh- free advice to worshippers at his mosque. Ellis grew up in Mat- s ter-in-law Emmajane Shany ran clinics for people who fieldandworkedinTun- and two grandchildren, struggled with the English language and bridge Wells before Isabelle and Finley. asked only for voluntary donations. At the working at the Who’d a David was raised in pharmacy he ran in East Ham he offered Thought It pub in Grafty south east London be- multi-faith services. Green. fore he and Eileen His public-spirited work brought him to Ellis was due to take moved to Maidstone, the a"ention of anumber of notable people, part in amemorial mo- living on Vinters Park and amongst those a"ending aservice to torcycle ride on Wednes- for over 4 7 years. honour his life at Maidstone Mosque was day,June1 3 .Manyofhis David was well Bradford MP Imran Hussain. friends completed the known in the property sector in Maidstone, Shany leaves his wife, Nosheen, daughter rideandsaidonsocialmediathattheyhaddone working in estate agencies and lettings. For Aizaand son Noshin. this in his honour. the last 1 5 years he worked as an usher at the CurtisAllcornpostedonFacebook:“Lastnight Crown Court in Maidstone, gaining praise we gathered to remember you and pay our re- from the judges, staff and the public. Sylvia Slend er spect. It showed just how many people you were loved by and how many of them would Russell said; “My father loved music, and SYLVIA Slender (7 9 ) lived in anumber of do anything for you. Fly high brother, ride in was an avid fan of Tony Bennett, seeing him locations in the Maidstone area, including paradise and rest in peace x” perform many times. He loved his garden Barming and Bearsted. Nine years ago, she Ellis’s friend, Harvey Reade, shared details and took great pride in its appearance. Mum moved to Queenborough, Sheppey, where of afundraising page aimed at raising £5 ,0 0 0 and Dad loved days out and their many she died. for his funeral. He said: “I've known you Greek island holidays. Born in Maidstone, she grew up in since pre-school. You were the brother I never “He enjoyed socialising and was well Mangravet as Sylvia had and I will always love you and remember known to staff at the Hilton Hotel and the Raymen; one of seven you for the amazing kind man you were.” Living Well Health Club. children in her family. “He will be remembered as a sociable, She married John in warm, and genuine man who loved to help December 1 9 5 7 and others. His mischievous sense of humour will they had five children. Richard Perk s be sorely missed.” Her daughter-in-law RICHARD Perks (8 5 ), of Lenham, was a Jane said: “Sylviawas local builder with areputation that meant very active, more so in he never had to advertise for work. Malcolm Bak er later life when she Born in Maidstone, Richard moved to THE death has been announced of Malcolm became acarer after Pla"s Heath as athree- Baker (7 5 ), anoted architect who designed John died in 2 0 0 1 . She visited people in year-old, and the Fairview and Riverside homes on St their own homes and later worked in care remained there until Peter’s Street. homes. he and Brenda, to He lived most recently in Bearsted, but “She finally stopped working in 2 0 0 9 , whom he was married spent almost 3 0 years in Aylesford. when she was 7 0 . for 6 0 years, moved to Originally from Yorkshire, Malcolm “When she left school, she did kitchen Lenham. gained his professional qualifications at the work and still did farm work while she was After leaving University of Sheffield. raising her children. She will be Maidstone Technical He moved with his young family to Doha remembered as acaring, giving person who School, Richard in Qatar for three years, where he worked liked simple things. trained as acarpenter on the redesign of the city’s skyline. “She loved gardening and visiting the and joiner before working as abuilder. His search for work then took the family county show and going on visits by bus. She Richard was father to Tracy and Andrew. to the south of England, where he joined was active until the end of her life although Brendasaid: “Richard was aquiet and Fairview Homes. she broke her hip in 2 0 1 5 and this limited thorough person who developed astrong Malcolm was married to Barbaraand fa- what she could do.” reputation for his work. He played football ther to Michael and Elizabeth. His family Sylvialeaves her four surviving children for Ulcombe and cricket for Boughton praised his artistic skill and his love and care. (one son pre-deceased her) and 1 0 Malherbe. He opened the ba"ing for the He also leaves four grandchildren. grandchildren, one of whom was born two village team for anumber of years. We had a days after she died wonderful weekend away with the family to celebrate 6 0 years of marriage.” He leaves his wife, children and grandsons Oliver, Camrass Wills Henry, Tom and Harry. 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Malling July 2018 23 downsmail.co.uk

P clerk said the KCC provision was driving the wrong way and there was a

a Addington cumbersome and difficult to use. It was discussion as to whether aroundabout r

i Quarry County Cllr Sarah Hohler said KCC

s agreed to wait and see the Tro!iscliffe PC could solve the problem. However, it was h was analysing the responses on the website before making adecision. uncertain whether there was enough room

C consultation to aproposal for aquarry in Fly-tipping Members were pleased to note and there was concern that children would o Ryarsh. that there had been no instances of fly- be walking up the road with no pavement. u Officers Cllr Macdonald-Gay was elected n tipping in the village that month. The clerk The headteacher confirmed that the school

c chairman and Cllr Garre! was elected as had picked up li!er along Park Road and St dealt with parking issues with parents on a i

l vice-chairman. s Vincents and members agreed that li!er weekly basis. Smartmotorway Members discussed their seemed to be less of aproblem on SchoolinvolvementThe headteacher said concerns about the monitoring of air quality pavements and roads in the village. the school was keen to get involved with the before and after the proposed new stretch of Highways TMBC had confirmed that the community and welcomed suggestions. The Smart motorway. Borough Cllr Ann Kemp li!er bin on the A2 0 was emptied according children had already taken part in li!er- offered to find out who the clerk should to the schedule. A large pothole near the picks. Other ideas involved adopting The contact about these issues. Highways junction with Tro!iscliffe Road had been Pound and ge!ing more involved with May England had arranged Meet the Contractor filled. Large white stones were still ju!ing Day. The head also stressed the need for the events. Members asked the clerk to express out from aproperty in St Vincent’s Lane. school to raise funds, and afirework event their disappointment that li!le notification The clerk would report this again. was suggested by the governors. The parish was given of these events. Dog bin There had been arequest for adog council agreed that this was agood idea. BMW Members expressed concern about waste bin by the St Vincent’s gate at GDPR It was confirmed that Satswana helicopters landing at BMW. Cllr Kemp Clearway. The clerk was trying to establish a would be appointed as dataprotection offered to discuss with enforcement the fact suitable location for abin in this areaand officer. It was agreed to adopt privacy that the staff car park was being used to the costs involved. policies and consent forms. display cars for sale, which meant that staff Village hallA resident had offered to carry Parish projects Cllr Williams raised the were parking at Bonheure and in out PAT testing free this year. The hall had question of restoring the Quintain Stone and neighbouring roads. An ASB officer had met also benefi!ed from help from the the wording, which was disappearing. She with Kent Police, legal services and community sentence programme, which would look into options to clean the environmental health at TMBC to discuss involved some block paving being laid inscription or replace it. the impact on neighbouring properties and outside the village hall. The meeting heard Parish land Cllr Williams said the acer was had advised that no action could be taken the hall was likely to lose the business and on order but would cost more than the £2 5 regarding the helicopters. Enforcement revenue from the Caravan Club. The provided by the Kent Men of Trees. She had would be meeting the owner of BMW to commi!ee was looking at raising funds to cut back abuddleiaovergrowing the discuss noise pollution issues. The clerk was buy round tables to be used by people footpath into the woods from Pepingstraw. asked to arrange asite meeting with hiring the venue, for electrical and lighting Cllr Marchant had planted the hedge by the enforcement to discuss light and noise improvements and for some carpet for the playing field and had been watering it. A pollutions, particularly with regard to the new store area. new platform had been ordered from helicopters. KCC was to install afence Addington Green Regarding arequest for Playdale as the existing one was broken. Cllr outside Bonheure to stop BMW staff additional signage, the clerk had contacted Williams had spoken to the resident about parking on the verges. the Highways Steward to find out who the tidying the hedge by the village green. Crime reportCllr Macdonald-Gay reported signs belonged to and whether they could Ducklings Two lots of ducklings have been that avehicle had been taken from aprivate be moved or improved upon. reported in the pond. Unfortunately one of car park in Churchfield. the mother ducks had been run over. Defibrillators Both devices had been Village calendar These were now available checked. More posters had been placed on Kings Hill for purchase and had been favourable and then removed from the BT box. The received at May Day. clerk was to place asign on the box asking Elections It was resolved that Cllr Hurring be appointed as chairman and that Cllr Village hallThere was discussion about the public not to put posters on the box. The ownership of the village hall. The clerk had clerk had asked the electrician to confirm Cassidy be appointed as vice-chairman. Cllr Pe!y was thanked for his work as chairman been collating documents for first that he was checking the defibrillators and registration and suggested that legal advice cleaning the BT boxes as instructed. over the previous two years. Smartmotorway Cllr Balfour said he was should be sought about the application M20 footbridge Hedleys was waiting for before submi!ing it. The commi!ee was revised documentation from the solicitors concerned about the Highways England proposal for asmart motorway and the preparing anew constitution as the old one acting for Highways England. There was was outdated. concern about whether Highways England impact that this would have on the local knew they were covering the legal costs areawhilst works were being carried out. incurred by the parish council. The clerk Defibrillators The cabinet at the Sports Park Ryarsh would ask Hedleys to submit an invoice to had been installed and the cabinet for the Highways England for the costs so far. community centre was on order. Elections Cllr McKinlay was elected as Welcome pack The clerk had circulated a Community survey This had been chairman and Cllr Emson was elected as revised copy of the village information circulated to local businesses. It was noted vice-chairman. Cllr McKinlay thanked Cllr sheets for new residents. Members were that it had not been filled in correctly with Storey for all of his hard work. asked to send their comments to the clerk. regard to ranking the issues in order. WestMalling sandpitCllr McKinlay had There was adiscussion about whether a!ended ameeting with members of the councillors’ numbers should be given out. RPG, KCC and chairman of the commi!ee GDPR The clerk was working through the O"am looking into the quarry proposals. It was new regulations. It was agreed to appoint Elections Following the death of the vice- found that Roughe!s Road was too narrow Satswanaas dataprotection officer at acost chairman, Barry Oliver, it was agreed to to park, which was useful when thinking of £1 5 0 per annum. The clerk would prepare postpone the consideration of anew about the size of lorries which would be aprivacy statement and consent form that councillor until the next meeting. Cllr using the road. It was noted that from the would be sent to everyone that the parish Frankling was elected chairman and Cllr site you could see straight into the school council holds information on. It was noted Williams was elected as vice-chairman. and the village, and that the wind was that the parish council had ayear to ensure Schooltraffic PCSO McMillan had visited blowing in that direction, where any sand that it complied with GDPR requirements. for three mornings to watch school traffic. would be taken. There was only afootpath Website A number of parish councils On two of these occasions adriver between the houses and the site. including Tro!iscliffe were looking to move contravened the no entry at North Meadow Primary schoolKCC had said that Birling away from KCC-maintained websites and and was given averbal warning. Cllr Road was not suitable for apedestrian were developing their own websites. The Frankling reported anear miss from acar Co n tin u edo n p age 26

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Malling July 2018 25 downsmail.co.uk

P Continu edfrom page 24 just ama"er of perception, but residents and Ne"lestead that they would no longer a crossing and there was not enough evidence visitors were noticing the noise which was maintain their lights, and Ne"lestead had r

i louder, could be heard from further away changed to Streetlights. It was agreed to

s to demonstrate the need for one. Cllr Storey

h said aview had been expressed that parked and for longer. accept the quote of £1 ,5 0 0 per year. SSE

C cars slowed down traffic, making it safer. It would be told that the account with them o was felt that red tarmac should be reinstated would be closed with immediate effect. u

n as an indication of where to cross. It was Wateringbury Crossroads An update from KCC regarding

c also suggested that the school could the proposed changes to the crossroads said

i Elections Two candidates put themselves l s consider alollipop person. Cllr McKinlay forward for chairman. After avote, Cllr the proposal would now go to the design would meet with the head to find out how Wells was elected chairman, ahead of Cllr stage and if agreed, and following apublic the parish council could support the school. Tripp. Cllr Simons was elected vice- consultation, work could start in autumn. GDPR It was agreed to appoint Satswanaas chairman. Allotments One rent was outstanding. A dataprotection officer. It was agreed that Resignation The chairman referred to the communal shed which had been left by a councillors should have separate parish resignation of Stephen Tickner and agreed previous holder for use by others was in council emails and the parish council would with his reasons, saying he did not agree need of some repairs and the cost would be consider buying adomain name that could with the way he had been treated. Cllr Tripp £3 7 . The council was asked for a be used for email and would be encrypted. said he felt the comments were apersonal contribution to the cost, but felt that those Bus service The no 5 8 bus, by Nu Venture, a"ack, and said the role of the chairman was who used the shed should contribute. was now the main bus for the village. A new to advise councillors. However, advice Jointflood group Teston PC had asked for a timetable would be introduced and details given to Mr Tickner was not taken so he felt meeting about the level crossing gates. would be on the parish website. he had to stop communications relating to Ne"lestead PC had no issue with automatic Parked lorry A lorry had been parked on insurance. Following adiscussion, it was gates being installed and felt there was no the bridge on Roughe"s Road with proposed and agreed that ale"er of apology need for them to be involved in discussions. advertising details and phone numbers. Cllr should be sent to Mr Tickner, asking him to Pavilion plans Councillors had adraft Storey had contacted the company which consider re-joining the council. proposal drawn up for changes to the said the lorry had broken down and was Potholes Cllr Balfour had been told by a pavilion. Architectural engineer Mark waiting to be towed away. Cllr Storey had member of the public that there were alarge Golding was present and put forward his reported it to the police and the clerk would number of potholes in Danns Lane and ideas to improve the pavilion. Members mention it to the PCSO. another in Allington Gardens. Cllr Balfour agreed the proposals in principle and Redrow fence The company had installed a asked the clerk to email him the details. suggested Mr Golding come back with fence on Old School Lane preventing Friends of Wateringbury It was agreed that further details. residents in Ryarsh Park from accessing the an annual limit of £7 5 be made available for Allington Gardens A resident referred to lane. However there were still no signs work and repairs to parish council-owned vehicles parking across his drive, making it banning vehicles and Redrow was due to property. impossible for him to get his car out, and leave the site. Planning Members discussed the lease with produced pictures he had taken. Highways The work to the road outside the the Wateringbury Sports and Recreational Car park Dennis Stones referred to an email Paddocks was due to be carried out, along Association that covered insurance, he had received from Nicholas Heslop about with work to Woodgate Road to raise the particularly the pavilion. It was agreed that the future of the car park. The parish council kerbs. Vegetation outside Geoffreys was ale"er be sent to WSRA asking for details had been told TMBC planned to make all its becoming ahealth and safety issue. The for the cover. car parks pay and display, but Mr Heslop clerk was asked to report this to Highways. Play area It had been reported that achild said this was not the case. Any changes to The Ryarsh sign on Birling Road was had fallen off apiece of play equipment on the car park were not apriority for the covered with vegetation. A ragstone wall on to the grass and not the wet pour surface. borough council, which would only take it the junction of Stangate Road and Snodland Abacus reported that the wet pour surface further if the council wished it to. Road was leaning and ragstone was falling conformed to safety standards. Councillors Parishioners’ questions Syd Thompse" into the road. felt that an emergency inspection was not asked if the council had considered Smartmotorway Cllr McKinlay a"ended a necessary and agreed to wait for the annual employing another village warden. It was meeting with the contractor and said Ryarsh inspection in July. stated that there were no plans to do so, but was not even shown on the maps on the Streetlighting Due to the lack of service the situation would be monitored. walls. Highways England had designed two and breach of contract by SSE, the clerk had Overgrown vegetation was reported at the refuges opposite each other and under the approached four contractors to quote for a bo"om of Red Hill and from Hillside down bridge at Ryarsh, although that bridge street lighting maintenance contract. Only Bow Road. Mr Thompse" thanked the wasn’t on the map either. A noise expert at one quote had been received, from council and the clerk for their work in the the event argued that increased noise was Streetlights. Cllr Fielding said SSE had told village.

C IT IS believed that dogs in ahouse in r

i Swallow Road, Larkfield, scared off m whoever broke in to the property, damaging Watch

e Neighbourhood the back door. Nothing was stolen.

r Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1 or local police e A silver 0 4 -plate Peugeot 2 0 6 was stolen p from Brook Street, Snodland. o stolen from the front garden of aproperty in in Mereworth Road, Mereworth.

r An object thrown out of acar window O#am Road, . A black Boss bicycle was stolen from the t WestMalling

s cracked the windscreen of another in Fuel was removed from avehicle in grounds of aschool in Roberts Road, s Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury. Pratling Street, Aylesford. Snodland. A clock and household scales were stolen Cash was stolen when aPorsche Cayenne Dog faeces were thrown at the front door in abreak-in at ahouse in Bentley Close, parked on adriveway in Tro"iscliffe Road, of ahouse in Willowside, Snodland. Aylesford. In aseparate incident earlier in Addington, was broken into. Small items including ahandbag were the month, aclock in aglass dome case with A wedding ring set with diamonds, a stolen from aKiaSportage on adriveway in aflat metal base was taken from ahouse in Nokiaphone and disco equipment were School Lane, Tro!iscliffe. the same road. stolen during abreak-in at ahouse in The handbag and its contents were Youths were seen damaging fencing at a Glenton Avenue, Kings Hill. recovered nearby. house in Garner Drive, EastMalling. A green 5 1 -plate Kawasaki motorbike was A wall at ahouse in Aylesford High Street Diesel was stolen from two lorries on an stolen from adriveway in Li"le Oxley, was damaged when ahanging basket was industrial estate in Danns Lane, Leybourne. ripped from it. Wateringbury. Horses were released into afield when A PlayStation4 was stolen from ahouse in A large terraco"apot with plants in it was someone broke the padlock off afield gate The Lakes, Larkfield.

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m Maidstone needs a real Brexit e n !MAIDSTONE and Malling with key as she seeks success in the biggest t Kent voted massively (about 6 0 %) for challenges facing any prime minister Brexit two years ago and Parliament MailMarks since Winston Churchill. reacted democratically and DENNIS FOWLE President She has to play many cards close to her overwhelmingly to the 5 2 % UK majority chest and increasingly this causes public to formalise our departure from the EU [email protected] confusion and distrust. in 2 0 1 9 . Is she pursuing aBaldrick-style So if you are aBrexiteer –or We see so many of our vital services “cunning plan”to try to ensure her own alternatively among the substantial and transport infrastructure further red lines are secure? number who say democracy must be overwhelmed by arapidly-increasing She faces a!acks from both leading seen to be done –how confident are you population, and more of our countryside Brexiteers and Remainers. now that the government and the built over due to the broad national Questions grow: Has she made Houses of Parliament will achieve political dictate for huge housing mistakes in negotiation strategies? Is she satisfactorily what was voted for? growth. weak in negotiations and promising Are you confident, too, about what you The impacts on our lives are massively damaging concessions? Is she really a voted for after all that detailed damaging. Remainer wearing aBrexit coat? campaigning? No one expected an easy ride to set our Is the vital “no deal”card still in her Remoaners try to cast doubts, but chosen pathway for anew Britain. The pack? Will she set afinal deadline the UK Brexiteers continue to stand staunchly proposed two-year transitional period controls? Why is she not selling the behind total UK sovereignty, control of beyond 2 0 1 9 to try to put everything in exciting UK future Brexiteers see? Is she our own borders and immigration, place has been broadly accepted, if not le!ing the civil service (especially the jurisdiction only in UK courts, freedom welcomed. Treasury) tail wag the political dog? to trade worldwide on our own terms. Prime Minister TheresaMay All the answers are now not far away. They do not want to pay many billions encouraged by making the right noises: The consequences are massive –for the ayear to an expensive club that our “Brexit means Brexit”, and “no deal is future of the UK; the career of the Prime population did not vote to join beyond a be!er than abad deal”. She also Minister and her role in history; the common market –and whose unelected announced her own red lines for future of MPs who do not follow a commissioners now try to engineer us in negotiations to ensure true independence constituency Brexit vote; the future (if to submission, no ma!er what the from the EU. any) of the House of Lords. potential damage to us and other Opinion polls suggest that she has Who knows what rebellions and member states, many of whom are now increasing public sympathy as she political upheavals will be around if the rising in rebellion against EU strategies. combats undemocratic opposition from huge Brexit vote is flouted by politicians? Immigration and sovereignty so many, notably national politicians. What massive times we now live increasingly concern my local Brexiteer What patience and wisdom she needs through. friends and contacts. to hold this all together. Astute timing is Maidstone expects…

KCC beh ind link road d elay again procrastinated, with councillors patients and their families. The Heart of choosing to sit on their hands instead of Kent is the smaller hospice and operates COUNCILLOR Gary Cooke looking to the future. The latest KCC in aless prosperous areathan the Hospice demonstrates why politicians are Report (1 7 /0 0 1 3 8 ) into the Southern Relief in the Weald, which can raise funds in the generally held in low esteem by the Road does not say that the £2 0 0 ,0 0 0 is wealthier areas in and around Tonbridge public. controlled by MBC. On the contrary, at 6 .1 Wells. Despite his enthusiasm and active it infers that KCC has control of it. The It is sad to see competition between involvement in moving the southern relief May edition of Downs Mail notes that these two admirable institutions. There road forward, he has to resort to political only asmall part of the £2 0 0 ,0 0 0 is to might be scope for the two hospices to point scoring. He blames the Liberal come from MBC. support each other clinically and Democrat-controlled Maidstone Borough Perhaps Gary Cooke and the other financially in the future. Council (MBC) for the delay in releasing Maidstone Tory Kent county councillors However, while this is not the case, I funds for the £2 0 0 ,0 0 0 funding for who gave themselves a1 5 % “pay”rise feel that the competition is unfair. The exploratory works. immediately after being elected, despite new shop will be ablow to fundraising He is muddying the water and diverting not telling voters before the elections they for the Heart of Kent Hospice at adifficult a!ention away from Kent County Council, would do that, could find abit of moral time. who are the real culprits in the delay to integrity, forgo the increase and put it into I hope the Hospice in the Weald will providing the southern relief road. the relief road exploratory fund instead. rethink this unhappy decision. I shall I support no particular political party, Stev e Ru ssell, Matfield Crescent, continue to support the Heart of Kent but take an interest in ma!ers that Maidstone Hospice shop in West Malling High politicians have control over. Street. Sadly, the last 4 0 to 5 0 years have shown MinStacpoole, by email me that politicians are amajor part of the Hospice sh op ‘competition’ problem. The Wrens Cross and Lower Stone I WAS shocked to see that the Hospice in Sink h ole call for action Street areaof south Maidstone suffered the Weald has opened acharity shop in blight for many years because KCC was West Malling. I AM aware that the Barming areahas a considering major road improvements to The Heart of Kent Hospice serves the history of sinkholes, but the three alleviate the towns traffic problems. residents of West Malling and the wider sinkholes across the last few months (and Eventually, KCC decided to do nothing to Maidstone area. They aready run an two close to new house-building sites) the south, but the areastill suffers ongoing excellent charity shop in West Malling means serious investigation needs to be blight because of their procrastination. High Street. made involving those with local A Leeds/Langley bypass was being I know from experience that both knowledge, Kent County Council (KCC) proposed by many in the 1 9 8 0 s, but KCC hospices provide wonderful care for and geological experts.

34 Malling July 2018 downsmail.co.uk

It must be acknowledged that the most aged 1 0 or under, and the youngest victim Longevity Centre-UK has shown how C

important people in this issue at present was just three years old. music can alleviate symptoms for people o are the families who have had there lives It is truly horrifying to imagine that living with dementia, yet less than 5 % of m turned upside down and had to move out children are being coerced and the 1 6 ,0 0 0 care homes in the UK provide m

of their homes in Tonbridge Road. manipulated to live-stream their own music as part of treatment. e Urgent action is being undertaken to sexual abuse. We want to change this and are looking n prevent injury or accident occurring, and I Too many children are abused on social to appoint an ambassador to mobilise a t understand the authorities are working as media platforms, and it is time for the tech task force to help create more access to hard as they can to get residents back. My industry to take responsibility and do music for people with dementia. thoughts go out to them and all of those more to tackle abuse at its source. Research suggests that there is a staff at KCC, borough council, the utility Culture Secretary Ma" Hancock is in the “memory bump” for music: people with companies and emergency services and process of drawing up an Internet Safety dementia retain the clearest memories for blue light staff who reacted swiftly. Once Strategy, but it is expected to bring in a the music they enjoyed and heard between this has been se"led, we must move on to social media safety code which is the ages of 1 0 and 3 0 . avoid the delays and inconvenience to voluntary in nature and doesn’t include We’ll be looking to help introduce residents. plans to prevent grooming. musical initiatives which unlock these ! a temporary stop notice to house As a result, the NSPCC’s #WildWestWeb memories like digital playlists in a building on Hermitage Lane sites affected, campaign is urging Mr Hancock to bring person’s home, running community choirs while surveys are revived and updated in a mandatory safety code to regulate inclusive of people with dementia and appropriately by planning authorities; social networks to keep children safe bringing trained musicians into care ! a collective “sinkhole task force” led by online. se"ings. by experts but including KCC and Your readers can join us by sending an We’ve got some way to go to improve involving local ward councillors and email or tweet to the Secretary of State for the quality of life and wellbeing of people parish council and KCC representatives; Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, asking living with dementia, but thank you to ! KCC to fast track the much-awaited him to bring in a new law to keep children those who have helped us champion the consultation promised this summer on safe online. use of music therapy, it’s hugely Fountain Road /Tonbridge Road junction More details on the campaign can be appreciated. improvements to provide some joined-up found on the NSPCC website. Pau l Hardcastle, mu sician and produ cer, thinking and prevent another major road In the meantime, parents can play a part on behalf of the Utley Fou ndation closure in this polluted and congested in keeping their children safe by talking to area. Let’s hope that with hard work, some them about being Share Aware. good comes from this sad situation Information about the the social networks, James Willis, v ia email apps and games children and young Winter sh elter th ank s people use can also be found via the ON behalf of our board of trustees and charity’s Net Aware tool. staff at Maidstone Churches Winter Help k eep k id s safe online Emma Motherwell, NSPCC local Shelter, we wish to extend a huge thank MODERN technology means video is one campaigns manager, London and Sou th you for your commitment to the 2 0 1 7 /1 8 of the most popular methods of East Winter Shelter. communication for young people to stay Thank you, also, to everyone who in touch with friends and family. a"ended our annual celebrations at the Popular video sites and apps such as Mu sic u nlock s th e mind Maidstone Baptist Church. Snapchat, Musical.ly and Periscope allow I’D like to say a big thank you to everyone Some of you may have already seen a them to broadcast real-time, live video to who helped to raise the profile of copy of our project report, which shows an audience over the internet – known as dementia during Dementia Action Week what we have achieved together, and live-streaming. (May 2 1 -2 7 ). which also acknowledges and gives thanks But sadly, as new statistics released by Anything which raises awareness of for the role played by all our supporters, the Internet Watch Foundation(IWF) dementia must be applauded. It’s one of volunteers and churches. revealed on Tuesday (1 5 May), there are the biggest medical challenges that we For those of you who would like a copy risks. face, and it can be very isolating. We of the report, please let us know and we Over a three-month period, research know that people with dementia often live will be happy to send you one. Please feel revealed 2 ,0 8 2 images and videos of live- in a silent world, yet music can bring a free to circulate it to your friends, family, streamed child sexual abuse were person back to life. colleagues etc. and help spread the word identified. Of those images, 9 8 % were of Work that we’ve done at the Utley about Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter. children aged 1 3 and under, 2 8 % were Foundation with the International Ophelia Orr, administrator

The five editions of the Downs Mail are delivered to 90% of households in the Maidstone and Malling area, reaching over 190, 000 readers every month. Maidstone North Maidstone South Maidstone East Maidstone Weald Malling Current and archived editions are also free to read online at www.downsmail.co.uk Contact our teams…. Editorial Sales Accounts Dept. Editor: Simon Finlay Sales Manager: Bill Brett [email protected] Simon.fi[email protected] [email protected] 01622 630330 ext 229 01622 734735 01622 630330 ext. 221 Mail Publications Ltd Assistant Editor: Jon Phipps Forge House Advertising Sales Enquiry [email protected] : Bearsted Green Business Park 01622 630330 ext. 232 01622 630330 option 1 Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT

Malling July 2018 35 Downs Mail is published by Mail Publications Ltd (President — Dennis Fowle, Chairman — Claire Procter, Editor — Simon Finlay, Sales Manager — Bill Brett) 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT 01622 630330 www.downsmail.co.uk email: [email protected] Printed by Mortons.