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Maidstone East Edition & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper Maidstone East Edition downsmail.co.uk FREEMaidstone & Malling’s October 2017 No.No. 246 1 newspaper

NewsFREE February 2019 Panto ahoy! Kate,No. 107,262 dies THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be KATE Hart, a resident at an old staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- people’s home in , stone, took to the River Medway to hasN ediedws aged 107, her son 3 launch this year's panto. David has disclosed. AOn boardti Them Kentishe Ladyo fwere change for our GPs national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy Leeds needs women BGodmother),IG changes a formerre takin gEastEnderplace in G Ste-P More specialist professionals are GPs and surgeries are now taking off MP’sLEEDS WLocalomen’ sPlan Institu bidte surgeries across Maidstone – and helping GPs and receptionists are and are proving popular with pa- fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza- HELENlaunch Whatelyed its ce askedntena thery patients may see a GP less often. being trained to invite patients to tients and doctors. beth Bright (Cinderella), Craig governmentwith a mem tob ehaltrsh ithep d rive. 3 AndersonAt a time (Buttons)of fast-incr e and,asin g pictured,popu- give more information so that they Maidstone area is now well-posi- borough’s housing scheme. 4 lStephenation pr e Richardsssure, Ke n andt is Adamseriou s Bor-ly can be directed quickly to help not tioned for a new major care hub (re- szonehort (Uglyof GP Sisters)s (12% ). and practice requiring input from a GP. ducing pressures on hospitals) and a Blues and reds unite nuTheyrses ( 3were0% )greeted, leadin gbyt opupilspract ifromce Early evening, Saturday and Sun- site is being identified. PlansTORY an dfor Lab Drour aNigelt MBC have mSoutherger sBoroughand “sm aPrimaryrter wor kSchooling”. andday morning appointments with See full details on page 24 called on the Lib Dem leaders to THE widow of GP Dr Nigel Minnet members of the media. The panto willdro walkp Hig theh C Grandourt action runs from December 1-31. For tick- 4 Canyonagainst for Co charity.nservat ive KC C. 12 ets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk. Castle goes silent Jason Donovan date LEEDS Castle management has Schools’ plan: It’s up THE former Neighbours star brings responded to local worries by hisin tshowrodu tocin theg s Hazlittilent fi re- Theatre next May. 186 CCTV call in a bid works at its displays. to the borough now Cashpoint ramraid RAMRAIDERS ploughed into the A PLANNING application for two new schools near junction seven of Co-Op at to steal 10 tothe M20 h stopas been put into th fly-tippinge borough council for consideration. its cash machine. CALLSThe schem fore ha thes bee installationn submitted in ofcorp CCTVorates 23 s cameraschools into it tos bu preventsi- fly-tipping on a by builders Bowmer and Kirkland ness. Bearsted borough councillor Obituaries 32 countryLtd for the D roadepartm haveent for beenEduca- madeVal Spr byinge thett sai locald: “The borough‘tweaks’ councillor. tioBurberryn after a c Lane,onsult nearation Leedsexercis ande at nearby,made wi morell certa thaninly N aO yearT cha afternge m ity unlicensed waste carriers, but be- Parish Councils 34-36 Broomfield,the end of 2 has018. beenThe targetedapplicatio byn wasmind dumped.Accessv andiaas seting onlea fire.ccesspoint lieves the cost to small firms of dis- may not go before the council's with insufficient parking will cause ObituariesTHE ongoing issue of fly- tip32ping waste dumpers for years, but in re- The church car park has also seen posing of construction waste at a in Burberry Lane, , was planning committee for several chaos on the Bearsted Road.” Leeds cent months, the problem has be- many instances of illegal dumping. transfer station is proving a deter- being looked into by the bor- comemonth mores. The acute.schools would be built ButDes itpi iste ap problemublic con incer manyns tha ruralt the rent that is costing councils more. Parishough co Councilsuncil, said C llr 34-35Gill Fort; neConstructionxt to a facility waste,where rubble,mental hardly-ill areasapplica includingnts intend Langley,to place Othamthe en- Cllr Fort made her remarks as empty grit bins in Downswood core,crimin windowsals are b andeing householdhoused a fur-nd andtranc Kingswood.e on the o Waterften-gr Laneidlocke ind one of the borough’s closest trans- ASH dieback has been discovered in Monkswere to Meadowbe repor te ind to Detlingthe cle;rk nituretreated ison leftthe illegallyKentMe –d oftenicalC strewnampus BearstedBearsted andRoad Pilgrims, that pa Wayrt of havethe fer stations at North Farm, Tun- Hollingbourneand dealt witvillageh; a s p feteeci a stall-l me- in(KM theC) middlesite, pic oftur theed r road.ight. alsosche beenme re targetedmains u recently.nchanged. Resi- bridge Wells, announced it will be Cllr Gill Fort said: “Every month Last year, Maidstone Borough closed for 10 weeks. holdermoria co-ordinatorl bench w aJeans o rDuffydered has for Minor traffic-related changes have dents had hoped an access road resigned; yellow lines are needed we are having toilets, sinks and Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tip- She“Th added:is is tot “Ifally you un goacce alongptable the in the playing fields in ; been made, such as a controlled wouldcomeofftheKMCsitefortraf- for Buffkyn Way, , to allow construction waste dumped in the ping and this year more than 163 lineterm ofs increasingof the traf fines,fic m theyana havegeme tont broadband issues were re- pedestrian crossing, new footpaths fic and child safety reasons. buses through Imperial Park; rub- village, specifically in Burberry have been recorded since April. bepla enforced.n and acces As.” reduction in the ported by a resident in Lenham and the removal of on-street parking Canon John Corbyn, the vicar of bish bins in the sports field in Lane, where we are now thinking The approaching darker evenings chargeBoxle ory offeringparish itc freeounc mayillor haveCllr Road, . outside Gidds Pond Cottages. Bearsted, said: “The more I see of Kingswood are to be moved over to of installing cameras on private will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. theWe desiredndy Hin similarder said effect.”: “The safety of The 540-pupil primary and special this,theworseitgets.Theideaoftraf- the picnic area and rear exit. land, to oversee the problem area.” Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia- ouAr three-monthlychildren is pa litterramo pickunt on- th theere Crime Reports 36 neAed recentsschoo eventlswillb ine o Burberryperatedb Laneythe tivefic tu byrnin theg ac Environmentross traffic in B Agencyearsted mile-longshouldn’t b stretche a scho ofol roadat any through cost.” Crime Reports 35 sawLeigh aA caravancademie burneds' Trust c outhain whilewhich a andRoad theis ju Driverst a tota andl non Vehicle-starter. Stan- LeedsThu villagernham producesParish Cou annc averageil is offi- A HOUSE was burgled at Rag- torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on 32cia blacklly bac sacksking B ofox rubbish.ley’s position. VEHICLESstone Roa haved in beenBear s drivented; a overfarm CllrReb e Fort,cca D whoarling also, co-f o servesunder o asf t h ae farmlandwas bro ke inn inLenham,to at Thucausingrnham parishLeathe r councillor,head-based saysPR teachingcompany damgewere a r toec ov crops;ery ve h anicl eattempted was stolen; childrenStonyroc aboutk, wh isocialch is r eresponsibilitypresenting the break-ina carav awasn i nreported inw aDetlings burg;l ead andcon ttherac tissueors, aofcc litterused inD oschoolswns M willail’s vehicleand it ewasms vandalisedwere stole nin; cBearstedash was helprecen taket cov etherag eissue of “s coffare mtheon streets.gering”. Rd,sto leWeaveringn from ; pumpkinsa hous e were in SheB believesut she co withnfirm everyed no householdefforts had stolenDown sw fromood d anur ing allotment a burgla ry in; a YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT receivingbeen mad ae weekly since th refusee cons collectionultation in Lenhampower s.aw was stolen from a shed service,Decemb thereer to s isec unore excuseland to cforrea litterte the in Otham. [email protected] beingaccess f thrownrom the K fromMC si vehicleste. or Comment 46-47 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • dumpedFurth einr r theepo rroad.ts pa ges 18, 26 &29 Comment 46-47 Home Alarms supplied and fitted webexpand.co.uk 01622 880840 In the the top top 1% of 1%UK web of designUKvisit companies www.amiga.co.uk or call 08000 199622 webwww.webexpand.co.uk design companies | [email protected] web design google promotion ecommerce NO GIMMICKS! NO MISLEADING OFFERS! TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES!

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2 Maidstone East February 2019 downsmail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk News Panto tickets

WI marking centenary LEEDS Amateur Dramatic Society is staging its annual panto, “Sleeping Beauty in the Fifties” on February 1 and 2.    On Friday night, there is a per- with cal l for members formance at 7.30pm and on Satur- THE Wo m en’s Institut e in Leeds day there are shows at 2pm and looks to this year’s centenary with 7.30pm. For ticket details, go to fresh faces and a membership www.ticketsource.co.uk/sleeping- drive. beautylads or call at Leeds village Louise M enen es-Bautista (42), hall between 2pm and 5pm on Sun- Waitrose pulls the group’s ne w president, hopes days. The panto is directed this year to recruit youn ger people as well by Felicity Poulter, of Sutton Va- Treasurer Jane as members of th e older genera- lence. tion. Numbers have dwindled to Newsome Find LADS on Facebook, @LAD- out of site plan just 13 in recent years, but the av- (left) and Samdram. erage age of members has President WAITROSE has pulled out of plans and Ride. The majority of larger ap- dropped, too. The youngest is 18. Louise to build a new store on a commer- plications locally usually raise many Mother-of-four Mrs Menenes- cial park at J7 of the M20. objections due to concerns over traf- Menenes- Shelter help Bautista said: “It’s our centenary The retailer indicated in recent fic congestion and air pollution. Bautista, of A SHELTER project that has pro- this year and we can use that to get weeks that, in the current economic “However, the Waitrose applica- vided a roof and food for Maid- involved in the community. Leeds WI climate, it was likely to concentrate tion, which would have created 200 stone’s homeless for the last six on improving its existing stores. jobs locally, was extremely popular “We’re a small group but it’s so Mrs Menenes-Bautista lives in “Our fortunes have turned That is good news for the popular and well supported by councillors friendly and we have such a giggle. Leeds with her Colombian-born around recently with some years is appealing for helpers for and successful Allington branch of and especially by local residents, There are lots of lonely people out husband Andres (41) and their younger members. They are keen the rest of the winter. Waitrose, which has 20 years left to who will be disappointed”. there and we need to get to those children Celestina (11), Otis (10), to get involved. A membership of Maidstone Churches Winter run on its lease. In a recent interview with the women to let them know we are a Primrose (2) and Valentino (1). around 30 would be great.” Shelter, which uses Christian es- There had been concerns it would trade magazine, Property Week, forward-thinking organisation. Treasurer Jane Newsome, a Mrs Newsome hopes to delve tablishments around the town to be shut if the J7 outlet was built. Nigel Keen, Waitrose's property di- “It’s hard to know why Leeds member for 32 years, said there are into archives to chart the branch’s give respite to rough sleepers, Spokesman for developer Gal- rector, confirmed company policy struggles a bit and burgeoning groups in places like history for a special booklet. needs volunteers who can spare lagher, Nick Yandle, said: "We have was to consolidate existing stores doesn’t. But it’s a really exciting Tunbridge Wells. To join Leeds WI, call Louise time through the night, between had four other retailers contact us rather than invest in new ones. time, so if you’re interested, give She added: “The towns are flour- Menenes-Bautista on 07948 346785 9pm and 8am. For more informa- who are keen to progress matters on He said: "We made a very positive that site. decision not to build new stores and me a call.” ish ing but the rural villages less so . or Jane Newsome on 01622 862558. tion, call 01622 296450. “Waitrose management has indi- invest in our existing estate. 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 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. Charity’s call for clothes A CHARITY in is urging 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 alcohol and drug addiction. dogs. Shane said: “I hope the project passion for The Kenward Trust and South- highlights the importance of suit- eastern have set up Clothes Drop able housing for vulnerable individ- creating points at stations in Bearsted, at uals when they re-integrate back Maidstone East and West, Charing, into communities.” custom made Lenham, , Snodland, Lynn Hyder, from the trust, said: and West Malling through- “While we receive some statutory jewellery” out September. funding for our residential recovery The Kenward Trust use the items projects, this only covers a propor- to raise £500 per tonne for those tion of the cost of the services we overcoming addiction. provide. We are thrilled that South- S Large portfolio of designs Shane Irons, who works at Maid- eastern is helping us with this activ- stone East, came up with the idea. ity and we thank them and the S Expert advice He was a friend of John Chadwick, public who kindly donate for sup- an ex-Kenward resident, who took porting our work.” S Qualified staff Car fire leads to arson charge S Giftware & clocks also available A45-YEAR-OLD Maidstone man Richard Parkin, of Allen Street, has been charged with arson and who has been charged with arson, 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 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

Maidstone East October 2017 11 Maidstone East February 2019 3 News downsmail.co.uk Call to halt council’s court action LABOUR and Conservative group leaders on Maidstone Borough Council have urged officials and political leadership to put a hold on High Court action against Kent County Council. Labour’s Malcolm McKay and MBC is committed to its policy Tory John Perry are concerned of modal shift. which will try to en- about Liberal Democrat-led MBC’s courage residents to make jour- decision to press on with proceed- neys by bus, bicycle or on foot ings to get a tax-payer funded ju- rather than use a car. dicial review. Cllr Cox admitted last year that They want parties to get around he was “not 100% sure” modal a table to resolve the dispute ami- shift will work. cably and made their feelings plain A well-placed KCC source said: at a meeting of council group lead- “This has nothing to do with the ers on January 3. £200,000 anymore. MBC is trying Cllr McKay told Downs Mail: “It to supersede the authority of KCC is fair to say that John and I wish to as the statutory body responsible see this resolved outside the for building roads. courts.” “We have to go to court to fight Eddie Powell, Maidstone Inde- that and one would expect that pendents’ leader, agreed. Cllrs John Perry and Malcolm McKay want an out-of-court resolution MBC will fail in that quest. But it Paperwork for the next round of seems MBC will not back down taxpayer-funded legal action by costly legal action is for “clarity”. six-lane highway to accommodate until KCC delivers six lanes on the MBC against KCC has been lodged At the heart of the case is the bus routes. KCC has indicated it is A274, and we are not going to do with the High Court in London. MBC house-building programme, unwilling to do this because it that. We never wanted this to go to MBC is seeking a judicial review to which will see 17,600 new homes would “disadvantage” other road the High Court.” examine how KCC spends S106 and a massive increase in traffic. users. We approached MBC for a run- cash released by developers for Another 8,000 units could be in- But the county council wants to ning total of money spent on the road improvements. cluded in the Local Plan review. use £200,000 of the £2.7m in S106 High Court action but the council The borough council’s chief ex- According to the court papers, in monies from three A274 develop- refused to confirm it. ecutive Alison Broom and the Lib dispute is MBC’s demand to con- ments to carry out studies into a KCC has asked the judge to re- Dem leader Martin Cox say the vert the A274 (Sutton Road) into a Leeds-Langley relief road. ject MBC’s claim with costs. Retiring CAB chief ‘hard to replace’ THE chief executive of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Maidstone has announced his retirement. Bonny Malhotra (pictured) will be retiring at the end of June 2019, after leading the branch for more than 20 years. The organisation has since become one of the most successful Citizen Ad- Trucks put Brexit to test vice Bureaux in the country. TRUCKERS were each paid £550 between junctions eight (Leeds Mr Malhotra said: “When to take part in a pre-Brexit dress re- Castle) and nine (Ashford) which is I first arrived at Maidstone hearsal at Manston Airport. due to be in place by the time bureau in June 1998, I little The airfield is to be used as a Brexit happens. expected to find a job, a bu- massive HGV holding area if there The Department for Transport reau and a community that are problems on the M20 after declared itself happy with the trial would still be engaging my March 29, when Britain is due to and said the number of trucker s enthusiasm 21 years later. leave the EU. who took part “exceeded what was “The work has been an Only 89 of the 150 lorries which required”. exciting mixture of opportu- had been invited to take part in Thanet MP Roger Gale claimed nities, setbacks, challenges the logistics experiment actually that the pre-publicity of the event and successes, always demanding the best that I, my staff and vol- showed up on the day of the trial meant that the trial was not test- unteers could give. I am proud to have been a part of a team which in early January. ing reality. has been so wholehearted in helping and speaking up for Maid- It was meant to test timings The test showed a travel time of stone. I will continue to support the vital role of the bureau in our from Manston to the Port of Dover 90 minutes between Thanet and community.” along the A256 and A20. the Port of Dover, which handles Chairman of the Bureau Trustee Board, Rob Bird, said: “Bonny The use of Manston is phase two over 10,000 freight units daily. has been an inspirational and dedicated advocate for those who of Operation Brock, designed to Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom find themselves disadvantaged throughout Maidstone. keep freight flowing to the Chan- Tugendhat continues to fight the “Through his leadership and vision, the bureau has provided an nel ports and to combat Operation M26 being turned into a tempo- excellent service for Maidstone residents which has been recog- Stack, pictured above. rary lorry park in the aftermath of nised at a national level. He will be very hard to replace.” Phase one is the M20 contraflow Brexit.

4 Maidstone East February 2019 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Call to halt council’s court action LABOUR and Conservative group leaders on Maidstone Borough Council have urged officials and political leadership to put a hold on High Court action against Kent County Council. Labour’s Malcolm McKay and MBC is committed to its policy Tory John Perry are concerned of modal shift. which will try to en- about Liberal Democrat-led MBC’s courage residents to make jour- decision to press on with proceed- neys by bus, bicycle or on foot ings to get a tax-payer funded ju- rather than use a car. dicial review. Cllr Cox admitted last year that They want parties to get around he was “not 100% sure” modal a table to resolve the dispute ami- shift will work. cably and made their feelings plain A well-placed KCC source said: at a meeting of council group lead- “This has nothing to do with the ers on January 3. £200,000 anymore. MBC is trying Cllr McKay told Downs Mail: “It to supersede the authority of KCC is fair to say that John and I wish to as the statutory body responsible Car debris in litter pick see this resolved outside the for building roads. courts.” “We have to go to court to fight A TEAM of villagers in Leeds teamed up on January 19 to pick litter from Business Hours Eddie Powell, Maidstone Inde- that and one would expect that the footpaths, verges and hedgerows. The 12 pickers filled 31 sacks – the highest number ever – as well as Mon to Fri - 8:00AM to 5:30PM pendents’ leader, agreed. Cllrs John Perry and Malcolm McKay want an out-of-court resolution MBC will fail in that quest. But it Sat - 8:30AM to 5:00PM Paperwork for the next round of seems MBC will not back down a couple of tyres. Added to the haul was an ever-growing amount of plastic car body parts, blamed on growing traffic numbers. Sun - Closed taxpayer-funded legal action by costly legal action is for “clarity”. six-lane highway to accommodate until KCC delivers six lanes on the A spokesman for the group said: “It is a sad fact that each time we MBC against KCC has been lodged At the heart of the case is the bus routes. KCC has indicated it is A274, and we are not going to do come out, we get even more bits of bumpers, smashed light casings, with the High Court in London. MBC house-building programme, unwilling to do this because it that. We never wanted this to go to hub caps and wing mirror bits. Most of those belong to villagers whose MBC is seeking a judicial review to which will see 17,600 new homes would “disadvantage” other road the High Court.” cars are being hit almost daily.” examine how KCC spends S106 and a massive increase in traffic. users. We approached MBC for a run- cash released by developers for Another 8,000 units could be in- But the county council wants to ning total of money spent on the road improvements. cluded in the Local Plan review. use £200,000 of the £2.7m in S106 High Court action but the council The borough council’s chief ex- According to the court papers, in monies from three A274 develop- refused to confirm it. ecutive Alison Broom and the Lib dispute is MBC’s demand to con- ments to carry out studies into a KCC has asked the judge to re- Dem leader Martin Cox say the vert the A274 (Sutton Road) into a Leeds-Langley relief road. ject MBC’s claim with costs. Mote looks to Retiring CAB chief form recovery The Garden Of England Daycare MAIDSTONE’S top cricket club, New overseas player is success- Rated GOOD by the CQC The Mote, is working on a quick ful left-arm spinner and middle- Compassionate Day recovery after a shock when its order batsman Matt Luksich (22). CCaompare ins Maidsionastteone Da y ‘hard to replace’ top three Saturday league teams He is a premier league player in were relegated last season. KwaZulu, Natal, and a coach. CaMon,re Tinue Maid, Weds t &one Fri THE chief executive of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Maidstone from 9.30 - 3.30pm has announced his retirement. This has already resulted in the Senior club coach will be former Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri Bonny Malhotra (pictured) will be retiring at the end of June selection of three new captains, a player David Joseph who has been from 9.30 - 3.30pm 2019, after leading the branch for more than 20 years. coach, a talented overseas all- working with Kent County Cricket At our Daycare Centre The organisation has rounder, and a player recruitment Club, heading the juniors. He will since become one of the drive. work with the 1st XI on Saturdays St StephensSt Stephens Squa Square,re, , Tovil, Maid stone most successful Citizen Ad- Trucks put Brexit to test The club has a proud Kent but have an overall view of the League record, with several cham- playing side to ensure it reaches Maidstone, ME15 6RE vice Bureaux in the country. TRUCKERS were each paid £550 between junctions eight (Leeds Fun activities and outings, exercise classes, coffee pionships. Recently, the 1st XI full potential. Mr Malhotra said: “When to take part in a pre-Brexit dress re- Castle) and nine (Ashford) which is Fun amctivitiesorning sa, nqdu iozzuestin agnds, exer muccihse m ocrlasses,e. twice fell just short of regaining This kicks off with winter nets at I first arrived at Maidstone hearsal at Manston Airport. due to be in place by the time coffee mornings, quizzes and much more. premier division status, but last Cornwallis Academy on Sunday, Full & half days available. - Mini bus transport bureau in June 1998, I little The airfield is to be used as a Brexit happens. season stalled seriously, with rele- January 27 (10am-noon) and runs expected to find a job, a bu- massive HGV holding area if there The Department for Transport Full & half daysusb avjecatilab to ale.va -il Mabiliini tbusy. transport gation to Division 2. to March 31, when outdoor nets reau and a community that are problems on the M20 after declared itself happy with the trial Two cosurbsjee clut ntcho ava andil arbiliefrety.sh ments ”The target now is an immediate start at the Willow Way ground. would still be engaging my March 29, when Britain is due to and said the number of trucker s promotion back to Division One,” The recruitment drive is backed by Two coursethro homeughou cookedt the da lyun. ch and enthusiasm 21 years later. leave the EU. who took part “exceeded what was said chairman and opening bowler a Maidstone mailing for senior “The work has been an Only 89 of the 150 lorries which required”. Greraetfre sushppmeortnt frso mthro fuullyg hotrauinedt th ec aday.re st aff. Glen Aukett. New first team cap- players for four Saturday teams, exciting mixture of opportu- had been invited to take part in Thanet MP Roger Gale claimed tain is top order batsman James Sunday and mid-week cricket Great support from fully trained care staff. nities, setbacks, challenges the logistics experiment actually that the pre-publicity of the event Marriott, who returns after miss- ([email protected]) and for and successes, always demanding the best that I, my staff and vol- showed up on the day of the trial meant that the trial was not test- Free assessment and trial day available ing last season with a knee injury the successful 150-strong colts sec- unteers could give. I am proud to have been a part of a team which in early January. ing reality. and will look to add to the 5,000 tion ([email protected]). Freein caludingssessm luentc hand and tr rialef rdeshmenay availablts. e has been so wholehearted in helping and speaking up for Maid- It was meant to test timings The test showed a travel time of runs he has scored for the club. “With a successful new stone. I will continue to support the vital role of the bureau in our from Manston to the Port of Dover 90 minutes between Thanet and includingFull daylun c£39h a Halfnd r dayefreshmen £25 ts. Other new captains are all- groundsman Howard Waters, the community.” along the A256 and A20. the Port of Dover, which handles rounder Lewis Bone (2nds) and re- wickets are now rated among the Reasonably priced Homecare services also available Chairman of the Bureau Trustee Board, Rob Bird, said: “Bonny The use of Manston is phase two over 10,000 freight units daily. tired 1st teamer James Hodgson best in the Kent League,” said Mr Call our team on has been an inspirational and dedicated advocate for those who of Operation Brock, designed to Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom (3rds). Leading all-rounder Matt Aukett. “The club is sounder than find themselves disadvantaged throughout Maidstone. keep freight flowing to the Chan- Tugendhat continues to fight the Call01622 our t6eam74733 on White has committed himself it has been for very many years – “Through his leadership and vision, the bureau has provided an nel ports and to combat Operation M26 being turned into a tempo- again to the club and batsman and we must now ensure this is re- ally0son@goed1622 6a7y4ca7re33.co.uk excellent service for Maidstone residents which has been recog- Stack, pictured above. rary lorry park in the aftermath of Chris Back will return after miss- flected with playing success as www.goedaycare.co.uk nised at a national level. He will be very hard to replace.” Phase one is the M20 contraflow Brexit. [email protected] ing last season. well.” www.goedaycare.co.uk

Maidstone East February 2019 5 News downsmail.co.uk Stunt double talks to WI Castle fireworks falling STUNT woman Lucy Allen in- jected a dose of Hollywood drama to Bearsted and Thurnham silent after complaints WI when she gave a talk on her life at the sharp end of movies. LEEDS Castle has announced it is Fort said: “I’m pleased Leeds Castle She told members how, as a introducing noiseless fireworks, has opted for quiet fireworks. I’m child gymnast and actor, she se- following complaints from neigh- sure residents nearby will greatly cured a job as a circus acrobat be- bours last year. benefit from this decision.” fore moving into films. Chief executive Sir David Steel The parish council’s environ- In the last 25 years, she has fea- (pictured) said the castle’s py- mental committee noted “the igni- tured in James Bond and Harry rotechnical team will stage silent tion of the fireworks had taken Potter films, Avengers: Age of Ul- displays at its events from this year. place in a different position of the tron and Mary Poppins Returns. The move follows complaints castle grounds over the time of the Mel Barr, from the WI, said: from villagers in Hollingbourne, November celebrations. Together “Lucy was a stunt double for who claimed they could feel their with the wind direction, it could many actresses, including Helen houses shaking from the effect of have made the noise of the fire- Mirren, Judi Dench, Helena Bon- the rockets, leaving children and plained directly to Maidstone Bor- works louder in Hollingbourne.” pets distressed. ham-Carter and Julie Waters.” ough Council in November 2018 A spokesman for Leeds Castle BOROUGH councillor Patrik Garten The group meets on the last and was told the noise did not have said: “Following feedback from res- said: “I welcome any engagement Wednesday of the month at the the “sufficient duration or fre- idents due to the increased number by Leeds Castle to alleviate nega- WI Hall, The Street, Bearsted. quency to meet the criteria of a of private events, Leeds Castle has statutory nuisance”. tive impact of its activities upon taken the decision to allow only Hollingbourne Parish Council the local community. Organist call ‘quiet fireworks’ at events, includ- also received complaints from resi- “Noise is an integral part of the fascination of fireworks. However, AN organist is required to help at ing weddings on the estate. dents about castle fireworks, which “This will apply to all new book- occur on a number of occasions the use of low-noise fireworks may some of the services at St be a sensible step to protect the Nicholas’ Church, Leeds. ings taken from January 2019.” throughout the year. The noise was said to have had Cllr John Cobbett, said: “Hope- community, pets, livestock and If you can help or know some- wildlife. I am looking forward to one with the right skills, call Brian an impact on people living as far fully the decision is a success and away as Pilgrims Way. reduces the noise.” seeing whether this measure can Hardy on 01622 842915 or Chris achieve the desired outcome.” Saunders on 01233 663365. A Pilgrims Way resident com- Leeds borough councillor Gill

6 Maidstone East February 2019 News downsmail.co.uk Stunt double talks to WI Castle fireworks falling Felicity Rose : Timeless Affordable Elegance STUNT woman Lucy Allen in- jected a dose of Hollywood drama to Bearsted and Thurnham silent after complaints Felicity Rose Bridal Studio, can only be described as a truly WI when she gave a talk on her unique shopping experience, tucked away on a rural estate in life at the sharp end of movies. LEEDS Castle has announced it is Fort said: “I’m pleased Leeds Castle away from the busy hussle of the high street, a introducing noiseless fireworks, has opted for quiet fireworks. I’m She told members how, as a little gem awaits.... child gymnast and actor, she se- following complaints from neigh- sure residents nearby will greatly cured a job as a circus acrobat be- bours last year. benefit from this decision.” fore moving into films. Chief executive Sir David Steel The parish council’s environ- å/DUJHVHOHFWLRQRIPDGHWRRUGHUGHVLJQHUGUHVVHVIURP In the last 25 years, she has fea- (pictured) said the castle’s py- mental committee noted “the igni- just £500-£1500 rotechnical team will stage silent tion of the fireworks had taken tured in James Bond and Harry åKRXUSULYDWHDSSRLQWPHQWV Potter films, Avengers: Age of Ul- displays at its events from this year. place in a different position of the tron and Mary Poppins Returns. The move follows complaints castle grounds over the time of the å&XVWRPSD\PHQWSODQVIURPGHSRVLW from villagers in Hollingbourne, November celebrations. Together Collections Mel Barr, from the WI, said: å6HOHFWLRQRIEULGHVPDLGV IORZHUJLUOGUHVVHV “Lucy was a stunt double for who claimed they could feel their with the wind direction, it could å:HVWRFNVDPSOHVL]HVLQ Ranging in price many actresses, including Helen houses shaking from the effect of have made the noise of the fire- Mirren, Judi Dench, Helena Bon- the rockets, leaving children and plained directly to Maidstone Bor- works louder in Hollingbourne.” å VHUYLFH JHQXLQHFXVWRPHUUHYLHZV from £350- £1500 pets distressed. ham-Carter and Julie Waters.” ough Council in November 2018 A spokesman for Leeds Castle BOROUGH councillor Patrik Garten The group meets on the last and was told the noise did not have said: “Following feedback from res- said: “I welcome any engagement 0DULD-DFNVRQ2ZQHUVD\VÚ:HZDQWEULGHVWRKDYHDQ Wednesday of the month at the the “sufficient duration or fre- idents due to the increased number by Leeds Castle to alleviate nega- DPD]LQJH[SHULHQFHLQVWRUHZHKDYHUHDOO\SXWRXUKHDUWV WI Hall, The Street, Bearsted. quency to meet the criteria of a of private events, Leeds Castle has statutory nuisance”. tive impact of its activities upon LQWRVWRFNLQJZKDWZHEHOLHYHDUHRQWUHQGGUHVVHV:HZDQW taken the decision to allow only Hollingbourne Parish Council the local community. brides to come in and feel relaxed, not rushed and help them Organist call ‘quiet fireworks’ at events, includ- also received complaints from resi- “Noise is an integral part of the fascination of fireworks. However, select a dress that really does suit them and really importantly, AN organist is required to help at ing weddings on the estate. dents about castle fireworks, which the use of low-noise fireworks may their budget” some of the services at St “This will apply to all new book- occur on a number of occasions ings taken from January 2019.” throughout the year. be a sensible step to protect the Nicholas’ Church, Leeds. community, pets, livestock and If you can help or know some- The noise was said to have had Cllr John Cobbett, said: “Hope- Fox Pitt Farm, Shingle Barn Lane, West Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 0PN an impact on people living as far fully the decision is a success and wildlife. I am looking forward to one with the right skills, call Brian seeing whether this measure can Hardy on 01622 842915 or Chris away as Pilgrims Way. reduces the noise.” To book an appointment, please call6 A Pilgrims Way resident com- Leeds borough councillor Gill achieve the desired outcome.” Saunders on 01233 663365. www.felicityrose.co.uk | [email protected]

Maidstone East February 2019 7 News downsmail.co.uk Reclaiming the spirit of legacy A NEW distillery is launching this summer in the heart of Maidstone to “reclaim the legacy” of local gin and spirits. The Maidstone Distillery Ltd is set to include a visitor centre, tour opportunities, a shop of spirits Online appeal and merchandise and, in time, a bar where customers can make for fire family their own spirits. AN ONLINE fundraising target of It will be run by dad-of three £10,000 has been set to help the Darren Graves, along with his family of a woman who died in a wife, Sam and master distiller, house fire. Gerard Evans. Judith Tucker (69) was killed Mr Graves (42,) of Roseacre when a blaze broke out in her Lane in Bearsted, grew up in the maisonette in Quarry Square, county town before leaving to Maidstone, in December 2018. join the army. Despite efforts by neighbours The former Maidstone Gram- to rescue disabled Mrs Tucker, mar School student, who is pic- who was widowed, they were tured here, said: “I grew up in beaten back by flames and Maidstone and left for the army smoke. in my late teens. I returned back Now her sons, Matt and Lewis, in my late twenties and began to who are believed to be in their run a family construction busi- 40s, are said to be “devastated” ness. I have done that for the last by their mother’s death. 10 years. They have lost many of their “I have never lived more than ple, and I enjoyed the business and intends to keep the staff treasured keepsakes which were five miles from the Maidstone side of it more than anything.” numbers low to begin with, but destroyed in the fire. area in my life.” The new distillery will serve has ambitions to install a bar and Friends of the sons have Sam (34), originally from Aus- bottles of locally produced gin, build a bigger team. launched a gofundme page to tralia, has also spent most of her rum, vodka and whiskey using a He has yet to announce where cover funeral and other ex- life in Kent. 400 litre spirit still. the business is to be sited until penses. Since studying art at university, Mr Graves said: “Maidstone the paperwork had been fi- Police are not treating the inci- she will be designing the bottle had a very popular distillery for nalised. Mr Graves had hired a dent a week before Christmas as labels and developing the brand- over 150 years, and we really local artist who specialises in en- suspicious. ing of the company. want to help give Maidstone its graving on copper. An inquest into Mrs Tucker’s Mr Graves, who was an in- identity back. She will create a piece monu- death has yet to be held. fantry officer, added: “Me and “The more we researched the mental arts featuring the names We understand that more Sam always found ourselves day- more fired up and motivated we of local people who have sup- than £2,000 has been raised by dreaming about having our own felt to reclaim this legacy for ported the distillery since its the campaign with more than 70 distillery and recently began to Maidstone, and add a new distill- opening.This will be known as people having contributed. take it a lot more seriously. ery rooted right in the heart of the The Founding Members Club Visit gofundme.com/alison- “I knew that I loved the idea of community.” To sign up to the project, go to couchman. working closely with local peo- Mr Graves remains realistic www.themaidstonedistillery.com Men, 30s, held Three MPs back PM Strap on bells overparkdrugs LOCAL MPs were divided as Par- dum) vote was to leave and we in dance lesson TWO men have been arrested in liament inflicted one of the biggest must leave the EU.” She added that FARM park visitors will be connection with the supply of defeats on government in British Mrs May’s deal “does so in a way given the rare opportunity to Class A drugs after a suspicious political history. that is good for the economy”, de- strap on some bells and strut car was searched by officers on In a crucial Brexit vote on Janaury scribingitasa“manageddeparture”. their stuff with traditional Eng- patrol in Maidstone. 15, MPs rejected the prime minis- She said that, as a Kent MP, she lish Morris Dancers. At around midnight on Decem- ter’s negotiated deal with the EU by was mindful of the “importance of Heritage Farm Park ber 17 police searched a Mazda 432 votes to 202. the connection between the Port of in Sandling has lined up the ex- which was parked close to an en- Chatham and Aylesford MP Dover and Calais” and that any out- perience as part of a suite of cel- trance to Mote Park where suspi- Tracey Crouch was at the forefront come must “make sure we don’t ebrations to mark May Day. cious bags, believed to contain of an army of Tory rebels who re- have queues.” She added: “This deal The popular attraction is also cocaine, as well as quantities of fused to back Theresa May. puts our minds at rest on that.” planning a parade and crowning cash and mobile phones were She condemned the PM’s deal for Mr Tugendhat said: “The prime ceremony for its 2019 Royal seized. not securing “a Brexit outcome that minister’sdealisn’tgreat–it’sacom- Court – the new May King, The driver and a passenger, people locally voted for”. promise that leaves no one happy Queen, Prince and Princesses. aged 30 and 33, from Maidstone, Mid Kent MP Helen Whately and disappoints many. It buys time Organisers are promising a tug were arrested on suspicion of backed the PM , as did Maidstone but does little more.” of war and a host of fairground supplying drugs. They have both & the Weald member Helen Grant He was worried about the M20 rides. subsequently been released pend- and Tonbridge & Malling’s Tom and M26 becoming a “lorry park if For more information, visit ing further investigation. Tugendhat. She said: “The (referen- we don’t have a deal.” www.kentlife.org.uk

8 Maidstone East February 2019 mail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk downsNews downsmail.co.ukBusiness Focus Reclaiming the spirit of legacy Almost 20% of Brits fear a A NEW distillery is launching this summer in the heart of Maidstone to “reclaim the legacy” of local gin and spirits. The Maidstone Distillery Ltd is trip to the Optician set to include a visitor centre, tour opportunities, a shop of spirits Online appeal Time for a new year check up? and merchandise and, in time, a Don’t let nerves stop you. bar where customers can make for fire family their own spirits. AN ONLINE fundraising target of Voted the UK’s best Optometrist, It will be run by dad-of three £10,000 has been set to help the Alisdair Buchanan has been Darren Graves, along with his family of a woman who died in a testing eyes for nearly 20years wife, Sam and master distiller, house fire. Gerard Evans. Judith Tucker (69) was killed and has looked after many Mr Graves (42,) of Roseacre when a blaze broke out in her nervous clients. He tells us how Lane in Bearsted, grew up in the maisonette in Quarry Square, he can help the 20% of us who county town before leaving to Maidstone, in December 2018. join the army. Despite efforts by neighbours dread going to the opticians. The former Maidstone Gram- to rescue disabled Mrs Tucker, mar School student, who is pic- who was widowed, they were tured here, said: “I grew up in beaten back by flames and

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10 Maidstone East February 2019 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News £31k record for Give ‘em up Poppy Appeal Cashpoint dragged out Drug addicts caught on KENT Police are appealing for people to hand in unwanted or THE Royal British Legion branch illegally held guns during a area of Bearsted, Hollingbourne, Thurnham and Leeds collected a two week firearm and ammu- in Co-Op store ramraid CCTV stealing groceries nition amnesty. record amount during the 2018 Poppy Appeal. The surrender begins at 9am RAMRAIDERS ploughed TWO Maidstone women desper- their meetings.” on January 21 2019 and ends at The RBL managed to collect a through a Co-Op store in a village ate to kick their heroin habits Chairman of the bench, Nigel huge £31,000. 5pm on Friday 1 February 2019. near Maidstone in the early hours stole groceries worth £50 from a Cox said to Simpson that she is in a More than 300 guns were Spokesman Derek Davison to steal its cash machine. shop in Maidstone, a court heard. slightly different situation to said: “This is a tremendous result handed in to Kent Police dur- It is understood a Mitsubishi Rachel Hobbs (31) and Keri Hobbs, as she was not on a com- ing last year’s firearms surren- – certainly the best ever. Our year Shogun slammed into the front of Simpson (37), of Postley Road, ap- munity order at the time of the was brought to an end with a … der including a Second World the shop in Lenham, and pulled peared at Maidstone Magistrates crime. He said: “The offence is not total for our branch area exceed- War era pistol. Maidstone po- out the cash machine. Court after CCTV found them the biggest in the world, but I hope ing £31,000.” lice station is taking part in the It was dragged along Faversham working together in a bid to steal you get out ontotheothersideofthis Mr Davison thanked all of the gun amnesty. Road and over the A20 towards £50 worth of groceries from the muddle with drugs. Please continue people who gave up their time to Doddington, where it was dumped Spar store in . with your appointments.” collect for the Legion. Prosecuting, Julie Farvarce said Probation officer Matthew Morish after the cash was removed. an investigation into the incident.” Co-Op said: “We would urge any- Winter fun The exact figure would be pub- last June the women, pictured leav- confirmed the women, who are both The area was sealed off by police District Commander, Chief In- one with information relating to THERE are “February Fun & lished shortly, he said. ing court, had been seen on camera jobless, had made progress in deal- in both directions on January 9. spector Ray Quiller said: “This this incident to come forward and Frolics” at Kent Life next selecting various items off the store ing with their drug habits. The ATM was placed inside the crime has caused considerable dis- speak to the police. month. shelves and saw Simpson putting Mr Cox then said to Hobbs: “You Concert date convenience store, rather than a ruption to this local business. “We are doing our best to reopen From February 16-24, the them in a bag held by Hobbs. are in a much more dangerous posi- MAIDSTONE Symphony Orches- traditional hole in the wall. “We are appealing for witnesses the store as soon as it is safe to do popular Maidstone charity at- The pair then headed for the exit tion and you could go to prison. But tra will perform Shostakovich’s Police said: “We received a call at who may have seen anyone acting so and would like to apologise for traction will host a variety of with no attempts to pay. When ar- said: “What a desperate set of cir- we are not going to send you to fifth symphony on Saturday, Feb- 2.08am on Wednesday, January 9, suspiciously in the area, saw the any inconvenience caused. We activities, trails in the grounds rested and interviewed, both cumstances. These two women are prison and the reason is that you ruary 2. 2019 that a vehicle, believed to be a vehicle travelling into the village or would like to thank the commu- and shows inside its Big Top. women made “no comment” to vulnerable through their history have been making progress with The concert takes place at Mote Mitsubishi Shogun, had been used leaving pulling the cash machine.” nity for their understanding.” All are included in the ticket the footage but decided to admit and in their financial circum- your treatment.” Hall in Maidstone. The concert to steal an ATM from the premises The robbery came weeks after a Anyone who has information, price of £6.95 for adults and the offences when they got to stances. Hobbs was given an 18-month will start at 7.30pm, with a pre- cash machine was gouged from the CCTV or dashcam footage is asked £5.95 for concessions and chil- on Faversham Road. court. The court heard Hobbs was “The only saving grace in this sit- community order and a £285 fine concert talk at 6.40pm, which is Sainsbury’s Local store in Head- to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 dren. For more details, call “The Shogun was later found on in danger of going to prison as she uation is that they have both made along with 80 hours of unpaid work. free of charge. corn. It is thought that the machine quoting reference 9-0074. Alterna- fire in Flint Lane and detectives was in breach of two suspended incredible progress in the misuse Simpson was given an 18-month Kent Life on 01622 763936 or Call 0333 666 3366 for tickets or may have been empty at the time. tively, call Crimestoppers in Kent from the Kent and Essex Serious sentences. Defending, Manjit Tessi of heroin and have attended all community order and a £335 fine. log onto www.kentlife.org.uk. pay at the door. Crime Directorate have launched A spokesman for the Southern anonymously on 0800 555111.

Maidstone East February 2019 11 News downsmail.co.uk Clampdown calls after drug kit find THE grim discovery of drug tak- any kind of problem within ing kits in a children’s play area Downswood. has prompted calls for an imme- “However, we do take these diate clampdown on antisocial things most seriously and will in- behaviour, writes Jade Schopman. crease litter picking here and we Two used crack pipes and sy- have also already been in contact ringes, believed to have been used with our PCSO who will be increas- for injecting heroin, were found ing police patrols in the area with under the slide in Foxden Drive immediate effect.” park in Downswood. In a statement, a spokesman for It’s frothy, family fun Kent Police pledged to step up Kent Police said: “Kent Police re- monitoring of the area after the ceived a report that drug parapher- FAMILIES are being urged to sign ily can take part. Those taking part find on January 2. nalia had been found in Foxden up for some frothy, family fun this can choose to do the 2.5 km Neil Homewood wrote on Face- Drive, Downswood, at 5.19pm on summer in Mote Park in aid of a course once or twice. Participants book: “Second crack pipe I’ve Wednesday, January 2. children’s charity. can run, walk, or toddle and this found under the slide at Foxden “The informant reported he had The event is the Demelza Hos- year Demelza hopes to raise even Drive park, Downswood. I also disposed of the items. However, pice Care for Children Bubble Rush more from the annual event. found used needles in the woods the local officer is aware of the con- on June 23 at 10am. Bubble Rush There is no official fundraising there. Look about before you let cerns raised and will monitor the sees participants, both young and target, but all participants are your kids play.” area.” the young at heart, make their asked to try to raise a minimum of Social media users referred to Any resident of Downswood way through walls of bubbles and £15. the play area as a “centre for drug who has concerns is encouraged to foam, going through different Early bird ticket prices are users.” contact the Parish council or to the coloured zones and having lots of £12.50 for adults and £8 for chil- Chairman of Downswood clerk directly by email to fun along the way. dren (aged under 16). For more de- parish council, Martin Weeks said: [email protected] or Martin The route is pushchair and tails visit: www.demelza.org.uk or “Please be assured that there is ab- Weeks at [email protected] wheelchair friendly, with no mini- contact Demelza Kent on 01795 solutely no evidence that this is mum age limit, so the whole fam- 845 200. Growing day by day

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12 Maidstone East February 2019 downsmail.co.uk News Charity total Ticketing suspended TICKET sales for a concert by the Mixed Blessings choir have raised more than £1,800 for child protec- tion charity the NSPCC. A further £1,500 was donated by W H and A in a car park mystery Hawkins Charitable Trust. The event, hosted by Rev John BOROUGH traffic wardens have many years and, whenever neces- Corbyn of Holy Cross, featured suspended enforcement activity sary, issuing parking tickets.” songs and readings. in a Bearsted car park following A land registry search revealed Ann Baldock, NSPCC Mid and fears they have been ticketing the site had been under the owner- North Kent chairman said the motorists on private land. ship of a company called GPG No 1 money “will really make a differ- The council is carrying out an ur- Ltd, which is part of a property com- ence to the lives of children who gent investigation into who owns pany that works with GP practices. still need the help of the charity”. the site next to the Yeoman pub and However, title to the land is subject Bearsted Medical Practice after its to a pending application with the officers slapped fines on vehicles Land Registry, so the owner’s iden- Messy church because they thought the land be- tity is not clear. A MESSY church session will be longed to them. Many on Bearsted Parish Council held at the Thurnham Infant A council spokesman said: “The believe the car park is, in fact, Maid- School from 11am to 1pm on Feb- ownership of Yeoman Lane Car stone’s. The longer-serving council- ruary 2. Organisers will be happy thority held title to the land, while Park continues to be investigated. lors recall the authority taking to take donations of cakes and bis- parking services colleagues were Maidstone Borough Council ceased possession as part of a land swap cuits for the service. Contact adamant the site was theirs. enforcement measures at the site as with health chiefs when the practice [email protected]. soon as ownership of the land was Both Cllr Spooner and fellow was being built on MBC property. in question.” councillor Val Springett say they But that transaction might not have The confusion came to light when have since been told by MBC offi- been logged officially with the Land School heroes borough councillor Denis Spooner, cers that the car park is definitely Registry. PUPILS have been giving Bred- pictured, tried to track down those not owned by Maidstone. Cllr Spooner said: “Our main con- hurst Primary School a makeover responsible for felling six trees at the “This has come as a revelation to cern is that the car park continues to by converting a gazebo into a bat car park, but struggled to identify many of us,” Cllr Spooner told be freely available for short term, cave, a classroom into a castle and the owner through MBC. Bearsted Parish Council. “Not least less than three hours, parking to the their reading area into a WWII air The council’s property team was to MBC parking services which has public – especially those using raid shelter in a topic linked with tight lipped over whether the au- been policing the car park for Bearsted Medical Practice.” heroes and heroines.

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Maidstone East February 2019 13 downsmail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk downsBusinessmail.co.uk Focus Focus downsBusinessmail.co.uk Focus downsmail.co.uk News Fun dog show A FUN dog show is being held in Relationship on the Rocks in June, Accidents reinforce need The title of this article processes. If emotions are running high, taking • The person that leaves is often a co-owner of with 18 different categories to be CCTV call to stop fly-tipping judged on the day. may conjure an image a step back can regain the ability to think more the family home. The absent person is still These include Best Trick, Dog CALLS for the installationof cold, troubled of Illegal waters fly-tippingclearly. Taking time to reflect and acting bound by their Acrossresponsibilities Kent, local to authoritiesmortgage are Most Like its Handler, Best Biscuit for action on relief road CCTV cameras to preventwith fly-tip- potentialis dangers costing localrationally can avoid lots of anguish. Many lenders and shouldspending ensure hundreds that the of home thousands and of Catcher and a hurdles race. ping on a country road have been authorities hun- pounds clearing up rubbish. above and below the people regret actions/words spoken in the heat contents remainAccording protected toby one insurance. report £323,000 The It will be held at Boughton made by the local borough coun- dreds of thou- TWO serious accidents on the cillor. surface. If this is a leaving party continueswas spent to have dealing rights with to enter, almost Monchelsea Recreation Ground on sands of pounds,of the moment but the damage done remains. A274 Sutton Road in as many days Burberry Lane, near Kingswood,prospect facing you ideally on giving14,000 reasonable incidents notice. in 2016-17. This is a Saturday June 30, with proceeds to have led to fresh calls for an up- says Cllr Gill• Fort Think carefully about the consequences of has been targetedthen by wastelook to get sharp increase on the previous 12 Medical Detection Dogs. date on progress for the Leeds-Lan- dumpers for years, but in recent acting irresponsibly, especially when it relates to • Analyse yourmonths financial when resources just overto work 10,000 out in- For more information call Jill gley relief road. sensible support from how they can meet everyone’s needs. Drawing months,Dawn the Harrison problem has become your children or to money. Children are very stances cost £244,000. Skinner on 01622 744098 or 07840 A schoolboy was hit on Tuesday, moreHead acute of Family with team waste oftenthe outset strewn to help you up a priority list ofCllr what Fort you welcomed and your estranged a joint initia- 290486. vulnerable when parents separate, they need to March 13, and two days later, a man across the middle of themanage road. the turmoil. partner/spousetive need by is the important. Environment Enquiring Agency was airlifted to hospital after a colli- Cllr Gill Fort, pictured right, said: know both parents love them and will continue and the Driver and Vehicle Stan- Below are some pointers to consider what help is available in the form of benefits will sion between a car and a lorry. Leeds-Langley “Every month we are having toi- to be there. Financial pressures can lead to dards Agency to clamp down on May Day fair Campaigners said they did not relief road and lets,• It may sinks not and be construction too late to repair waste the damage. also assist in continuingunlicensed to waste meet carriers. the family’s But she ’S May Fair will again dumped in the village, specifically relationship problems. Running two households believes the high cost to small firms wish to make capital out of the inci- WILLact cam- Lots of organisations offer support and guidance budget. take place on the May Day bank in Burberry Lane. We are now will onlymore compound than any a financialHeadcorn pressures. and . Last of disposing of construction waste dents but did claim it illustrates a paigner Jenny on practical issues people face when threatened • Taking early advice can help you steer a safer holiday. need for a bypass to relieve growing thinking of installing cameras on year after it was year, Maidstone Borough Council at a transfer station is costing coun- Sutton privatewith separation. land to oversee Relate the Counselling problem dumpedcan help and• When torched. one Theperson church leaves thecleared family 911 home, cases they of fly-tipping and cils dearly. Cllr Fort made her re- Organised by Headcorn School volumes of traffic. Major house- course through the dilemmas that separation area.” car park has also seen illegal dump- more than 163 have been recorded marks as one of the borough’s PTFA, the event will be on Days When we talk about the relief road, “We really do fear a serious inci- identify if a relationship can be repaired or guide rarely take all their belongings with them at brings. Try to preserve some respect for the building schemes in the area are A recent event in Burberry Lane ing. since April this year. The ap- closest transfer stations at North Green between 12pm and 4pm. likely to make matters worse. we always seem to be talking about dent, and this one – with the young them to come to terms with the loss of their once. Sensible arrangements need to be agreed other person no matter how difficult the The PTFA are producing a free saw a caravan burned out while a But it is also a problem in many proaching darker evenings will Farm, Tunbridge Wells, announced The boy – aged 12 or 13 and wear- the congestion rather than the safety child – goes to show the risks. The union. If reconciliation is not possible, a to allow them to return for their remaining items. situation. Talk to one of the specialist family programme for the day and any- car remains on a footpath nearby, rural areas, including Langley, prompt a rise in illegal tipping. it will be closed for 10 weeks. ing school uniform – suffered a sus- aspect, and these sorts of incidents relief road can’t come soon specialist family lawyer is the next point of call. Joint items within the home should be preserved team at Whitehead Monckton who have a one who would like to advertise is pected broken leg after being hit by will be less likely to happen.” enough.” asked to call Maz on 07970 535790 •STAPLEHURST Explore the alternative vineyard dispute Hush resolution until an agreement can be reached on a fair wealth of experienceHeath in Estate these willmatters. be supplying to a car at the junction of Sutton Road Jenny Sutton, a campaigner for A new non-political pro-relief Heath will send its sparkling wine to Canadian consumers is hugely wel- or email advertising@headcorn- opportunities like mediation or collaborativeVineyarddistribution. ‘bubbling’ over deal and Willington Street. WILLact and a resident of Willing- group headed by former Langley Canada after landing a deal with come and they will be flying the schoolptfa.org.uk. Kent county councillor Paul ton Street, admits that there are con- parish councillor Wendy Young one of the world’s largest alcohol gramme. The “significant deal” was trading relationship as the UK flag for the high-quality of wine If you would be interested in Cooper said: “This is a busy road cerns about the danger to has been formed to represent all buyers.Canterbury 01227 643266announcedMaidstone as Prime Minister 01622leaves 698051 the EU. being produced in Britain.” having a stall, with pitches avail- and there is always going to be a pedestrians. those who live along the B2163, in Hush Heath’s Balfour 1503 Clas- Theresa May was in Ottawa for Mrs May said: “It’s great to see Hush Heath owner Richard Bal- able from £20, contact Lizell risk of incidents like this. A lot of the “When my daughter and two the same way that WILLact repre- sic Cuvée is the firstTenterden English talks 01580 with Canadian 767540 PM Justin that English sparkling wine has four-Lynn said: “Hush Heath is a Williams on 01622 892428 or email sparkling wine selected for the Trudeau on how the UK and been making a name for itself, not family-owned winery…and we are traffic that goes down the road grandchildren try to cross the road sents Willington Street. It is called www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk s t a l l h o l d e r s @ h e a d c o r n - doesn’t need to be there, and if there to get to my house, one of us has to Leeds-Langley Relief Road Action Liquor Contril Board (LCBO) of On- Canada can further strengthen just in the UK but further afield too. very excited to see our wines avail- schoolptfa.org.uk. tario’s Vintages Classics Pro- their ties to build the closest, freest “The news today that Hush able in the Canadian market." was a relief road, it wouldn’t be. try and stop the traffic,” she said. Group. WhiteheadWhitehead Monckton Monckton Ltd Ltd (no.08366029) (no.08366029) registered registered in in England England & Wales.& Wales. Registered Registered office oce 72 72 King King Street, Street, Maidstone Maidstone, Kent Kent, ME14 Me141BL. 1BL. Authorised Authorised and and regulated regulated by by the the Solicitors Solicitors Regulation Regulation Authority Authority under under no. no. 608279 608279

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A personal service at a time of loss Michael Lawrence, difficult decisions about how best to remember celebrates life. and his son Robert a loved one and to meet their personal wishes. "Our approach is simple. We sit with you in our along with Kim and With so many years’ experience, Family office or your home, taking you slowly and Angela, are the Funeral Service has learned how to respond to methodically through the various decisions that team behind a the specific and different needs of every you will face and the options available to you. family-owned individual facing one of the toughest times in Sometimes, it’s just good to sit funeral service that their life. This personalised approach includes and talk, and to learn about has been helping the option of home visits and access to a the services and venues families across the friendly voice at the end of the phone around available from someone with Maidstone area for the clock, as well as personal support to clients experience and compassion 40 years. through the bereavement process. before making a decision.” With offices in Bearsted and Barming, Family Michael Lawrence said: "The loss of a loved Funeral Service is a third generation business, one is never easy to cope with, and the added experienced in caring for your needs with stress of making arrangements for the service commitment and understanding. can often bring further emotional upset. With At such a stressful time, they know it’s our experience of making funeral arrangements important to sit and talk to you about every we have learned how to help families have and detail and to assist you in making the often be part of a unique and meaningful service that

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Maidstone East February 2019 15 News | Cycling downsmail.co.uk Paths ‘unsafe’ - says report Cyclists urged to join UK SUSTAINABLE transport charity Sustrans branded pedes- trian and cycle provision in Maidstone “substandard” and, in beer routes campaign some places, “unsafe”. A CYCLE campaign group is cling unless getting on a bike is a It also found that much of the looking to swell its ranks as the pleasant, practical and safe alter- cycle network was nothing more borough wrestles with increasing native. It’s a leap of faith. than road signs and lacked “sig- traffic gridlock. “It can be achieved. Nijmegen in nificant provision”. Off-road The registered charity is already Holland is a prime example and, cycle routes fell down at “pivotal in consultation on multiple fronts closer to home, the London Bor- points such as junctions and with highways bodies and town ough of Waltham Forest has had crossings”. planners, but Maidstone Cycle considerable success.” Its findings were featured in a Campaign Forum (MCCF) needs At present, just four of the 40-page assessment co-funded by more riders to get involved as in- forum’s members are involved in the borough and county councils. creased housing and school devel- consultations as varied as the A249 It claimed there was a lack of opment pile pressure on a creaking Bearsted Road Improvement continuous and dedicated cy- transport network. Scheme, the secondary school pro- cling network routes, coupled Membership secretary Russell posals at New Cut, Mote Park cycle with a shortage of “easy and safe Chidwick said that current traffic route improvements, the Queens pedestrian access to key destina- issues had created a climate where Avenue traffic regulation order, tions”. input from cyclists was crucial. A20 Harrietsham Highway Im- In the 2018 assessment, the “Too often, we see new housing MCCF’s aspirations for easing provement Scheme, and the Maid- charity conceded Maidstone has or development schemes and feel burgeoning traffic levels are stone bridges gyratory. the potential to be a “great place” there’s been a missed opportunity aligned with the borough coun- Mr Chidwick added: “We’re to walk and cycle, identifying for creating a proper integrated cil’s. Modal shift – when people keen to hear from anyone who Mote Park and the river frontage transport system. ditch cars to find alternative means wants to improve cycling infra- as positive environments for cy- “We’re not talking solely about of transport – could work, it says. structure in the borough, to enable cling. However, Sustrans said: “If cyclists – routes can be created to But talk alone will not encourage it to be a safe, enjoyable and more people are to walk and benefit all road users including change… action will. healthy travel choice.” cycle, the network needs to be pedestrians and those with mobil- Mr Chidwick said: “People For more information, email improved.” ity issues.” won’t leave their cars and start cy- info@maidstonecycling

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16 Maidstone East February 2019 News | Cycling downsmail.co.uk Paths ‘unsafe’ WEIGH WILD COUNTY COBBLER - says report Cyclists urged to join N’ BIRD UK SUSTAINABLE transport charity Sustrans branded pedes- FEEDS trian and cycle provision in SAVE Just moved? Need spare keys? How to find us:- Maidstone “substandard” and, in beer routes campaign We are here to help!! We are in The Mall- Chequers some places, “unsafe”. A CYCLE campaign group is cling unless getting on a bike is a Centre- five shops in from the It also found that much of the REMEMBER DISCOUNTS on multiple key main entrance on the right hand looking to swell its ranks as the pleasant, practical and safe alter- orders COMPETITIVELY priced. side, next door to Virgin Media. cycle network was nothing more borough wrestles with increasing native. It’s a leap of faith. GRADE A QUALITY, than road signs and lacked “sig- traffic gridlock. “It can be achieved. Nijmegen in YOU CAN'T BUY CHEAPER! Get your Valentines Gifts personalised by £15 £15 • nificant provision”. Off-road The registered charity is already Holland is a prime example and, our engraving specialists - jewellery, pens & KEYS* cycle routes fell down at “pivotal in consultation on multiple fronts closer to home, the London Bor- PETS WORLD Zippo's etc. Yale type £5 points such as junctions and with highways bodies and town ough of Waltham Forest has had 2 for £7.50 Watch repairs, batteries & straps replaced crossings”. planners, but Maidstone Cycle considerable success.” Cranbrook Road (A229) • 3 for £10!!! Its findings were featured in a Bird Nuts Sun Campaign Forum (MCCF) needs At present, just four of the Staplehurst Kent TN12 0EU • We specialise in men’s We also cut 40-page assessment co-funded by more riders to get involved as in- forum’s members are involved in Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.00pm Spits Flower Hearts leather soles stitched on. Mortice, the borough and county councils. creased housing and school devel- consultations as varied as the A249 Sun 10am-12pm Chubb It claimed there was a lack of opment pile pressure on a creaking Bearsted Road Improvement www.petsworldkent.co.uk • We can replace ZIPS on Security & continuous and dedicated cy- transport network. Scheme, the secondary school pro- 20Kg Sack 20Kg Sack premises within 24 hours. most car keys cling network routes, coupled Membership secretary Russell posals at New Cut, Mote Park cycle NEW SPECIALISED key cutting – i.e. with a shortage of “easy and safe Chidwick said that current traffic route improvements, the Queens • *from the same key pedestrian access to key destina- issues had created a climate where Avenue traffic regulation order, tubular multi-lock security tions”. input from cyclists was crucial. A20 Harrietsham Highway Im- • MOST car keys cut In the 2018 assessment, the “Too often, we see new housing MCCF’s aspirations for easing provement Scheme, and the Maid- Prompt £18 £10 £15 £20 charity conceded Maidstone has or development schemes and feel burgeoning traffic levels are stone bridges gyratory. • Engraving Service – we can also While U Wait the potential to be a “great place” there’s been a missed opportunity aligned with the borough coun- Mr Chidwick added: “We’re supply trophies & tankards service to walk and cycle, identifying for creating a proper integrated cil’s. Modal shift – when people keen to hear from anyone who Mote Park and the river frontage transport system. ditch cars to find alternative means wants to improve cycling infra- • Zippo Lighters available Insect & as positive environments for cy- “We’re not talking solely about of transport – could work, it says. structure in the borough, to enable Multi Seed Song Bird Berry Suet cling. However, Sustrans said: “If cyclists – routes can be created to But talk alone will not encourage it to be a safe, enjoyable and Mix Best Mix No www.facebook.com/Maidstoneshoerepairs more people are to walk and benefit all road users including change… action will. healthy travel choice.” Pellets All Round Mess pedestrians and those with mobil- Mr Chidwick said: “People For more information, email Suet Seed Fat Balls County Cobbler 370The Mall, DukesWalk, cycle, the network needs to be 2 Boxes of improved.” ity issues.” won’t leave their cars and start cy- info@maidstonecycling 12.75Kg Sack 20Kg Sack 20Kg Sack 150 = 300 Chequers Centre • 01622 297600 The UK’s

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He stands on the banks of the , at the bottom of his garden and shakes his head with disbelief as the memories of that night resurface. “Then there was this almighty crashing. I’d been watching Drag- ons Den and dozing a bit. I was- n’t sure what was going on. “I’m not so great on my legs these days, but I got up and reached the front door in time to see a man dressed all in black, leaping over my five-bar gate and running away.” John’s driveway was covered John Hollands, above, and the damaged car, right with shattered glass. Both his car and wife Christine’s had their nerable. We thought the police has been brilliant.” man, Eddie Powell, feels the au- windows staved in. The damage would come to help us. They did- The motive, for what seems on thorities have failed the Hollands. was so extensive, it took repairers n’t. The next day we called again. the surface to have been a random “I appreciate the police have a lot three days to get the parts, and They said they would be here. attack, is unclear, but John feels to deal with,” he said. “On paper, eight hours to fix. They didn’t come. his Hollingbourne home is too re- this seems like a minor crime The couple, both 78, were mys- “A couple of days later, my son mote for the incident to be chance compared to some. tified ... and afraid. Barclay, a London cabbie, saw a or opportunist. I’ve lived here “But the human impact on “We called the police,” said police car in a lay-by up the road since ’83,” he said. I’ve never had these people, who are isolated, John, a retired long-distance lorry and he asked them what was a ruck with anyone. Yet whoever afraid and reliant on their cars, driver. “They said they’d be here going on. The policeman said he’d did this didn’t take anything, just has been immense.” that evening. We waited up all get someone round, and a local did a load of damage.” Kent Police were approached night. We felt totally isolated. Vul- officer arrived that afternoon. She His local parish council chair- for a comment. Sex offender is in order breach Plan for ‘innovation’ complex A SEX offender breached the MAIDSTONE Borough Council terms of his sexual offences order has applied to itself for planning by not telling police he had a pass- permission to build a £9.5m of- port, a court heard. fice and business support com- Caner Cingoz (52) appeared at plex on the Kent Medical Maidstone Magistrates Court after Campus. failing to comply with the notifica- The authority’s application – tion requirements under the Sexual for an innovation centre off junc- Offences Act 2003. The breach oc- tion 7 of the M20 – would provide curred in Maidstone. offices, conference facilities, Prosecuting, Julie Farvarce told break-out space and meeting said Cingoz had been cautioned in rooms for up to 270 people. 2001 and 2017 and had been regis- The move, which would see fur- will attract start-ups to the cam- ical Campus site to make way for tered on the sex offenders’ list since ther building on land which al- pus.” two schools is attracting mount- 1999. On August 26 last year police ready hosts a hospital and And independent Maidstone ing opposition. went to Cingoz’ home and discov- mental health facilities, has councillor for Shepway, Eddie Land set aside for a primary ered he had had a Cyprus passport prompted calls for assurances Powell, added: “I am ever hopeful school and a special needs school since July. On October 5, 2018, Cin- that any development remains and confident that an innovation at Pope's Field, off Bearsted goz was interviewed by police linked to health services and life centre will be a success. What Road, is meant to become a where he admitted the matter. sciences. Maidstone does not need is more haven for wildlife under the terms In court, Cingoz said he went to Bearsted borough councillor, empty offices.” of an earlier planning approval. Cyprus without telling police and Val Springett, said: “I have argued It has been reported that those Now an amendment to that had obtained the passport there. from the very beginning that if behind the proposals believe the application has been submitted Mr Cox said: “These matters can they want to have an innovation new business hub will generate to MBC, seeking to move the re- often lead to a prison sentence and centre, the businesses it attracts £120m for the local economy. serve north of Pope's Wood. you don’t want that do you?” must be connected to the science The council is expected to rule Boxley Parish Council argues it Cingoz, of Otford Rd, Sevenoaks, or medical fields. on its planning application in is important the reserve stays defending himself, said he had a job “I was given a verbal reassur- April, with construction starting in where it is to maintain a green in a fish and chip shop and had been ance that this would be the case the autumn, if approved. corridor from the M20 to Mote working there since the new year. by two MBC officers in mid-Octo- Meanwhile, the issue of moving Park. He admitted the breach and was ber last year. I very much hope it a nature reserve on the Kent Med- Boxley Parish Council, page 22 fined £205.

18 Maidstone East February 2019 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Remote car a�ack is mystery Bungalow appeal rejected “I THOUGHT it was rabbits,” said John Holland, hands thrust deep into his pockets in the bit- A LONG-running feud between villagers over a bungalow conversion has taken a massive step ter January sunshine. “They trip the security lights sometimes.” closer to being resolved once and for all.

He stands on the banks of the For years, Daniel Stratulat’s River Len, at the bottom of his neighbours complained that he garden and shakes his head with has breached planning rules by disbelief as the memories of that building a much larger structure night resurface. on his land than he had consent “Then there was this almighty for. crashing. I’d been watching Drag- An extra storey, a new roof, an ons Den and dozing a bit. I was- imitation oast and even a bell and n’t sure what was going on. clock tower were created at Bram- “I’m not so great on my legs ley, Otham Street, Otham. these days, but I got up and Villagers not only complained reached the front door in time to about the blatant flouting of the see a man dressed all in black, rulebook, but about constant noise leaping over my five-bar gate and and “inappropriate” signs outside running away.” his property. John’s driveway was covered John Hollands, above, and the damaged car, right Mr Stratulat’s appeal against an One of the signs displayed at the with shattered glass. Both his car enforcement notice by Maidstone site, and right, the house and wife Christine’s had their nerable. We thought the police has been brilliant.” man, Eddie Powell, feels the au- Borough Council was rejected by a windows staved in. The damage would come to help us. They did- The motive, for what seems on thorities have failed the Hollands. Government planning inspector ing area, detracted from the open “He’s not a bad lad, really. It’s a quires removal of the buildings was so extensive, it took repairers n’t. The next day we called again. the surface to have been a random “I appreciate the police have a lot on January 16. nature of the land and its tower shame it came to this.” and therefore its purpose is to three days to get the parts, and They said they would be here. attack, is unclear, but John feels to deal with,” he said. “On paper, Now he faces having to take his was an “alien feature”. Borough councillor Gordon remedy the breach and no lesser eight hours to fix. They didn’t come. his Hollingbourne home is too re- this seems like a minor crime dream dwelling down brick by She added: “Its oast house de- Newton said: “He was told and steps could achieve that purpose.” The couple, both 78, were mys- “A couple of days later, my son mote for the incident to be chance compared to some. brick or see bulldozers rolling onto sign is a poor imitation of a true told and told not to carry on con- But Mr Stratulat struck a defiant tified ... and afraid. Barclay, a London cabbie, saw a or opportunist. I’ve lived here “But the human impact on his property to do it for him. oast building and it appears alien structing buildings there and he note, declaring: “I will have a look “We called the police,” said police car in a lay-by up the road since ’83,” he said. I’ve never had these people, who are isolated, Inspector Sandra Prail was in this historic setting.” ignored it all. at the inspector’s report and I will John, a retired long-distance lorry and he asked them what was a ruck with anyone. Yet whoever afraid and reliant on their cars, clearly unimpressed with the main An Otham villager, who asked “He upset a lot of people in decide what to do next. “ driver. “They said they’d be here going on. The policeman said he’d did this didn’t take anything, just has been immense.” building and the imitation oast not to be named, said: “At first, it Otham by carrying out work with- Asked what he might do, he that evening. We waited up all get someone round, and a local did a load of damage.” Kent Police were approached which have been constructed in was quite civil, but it seems Daniel out the correct planning permis- replied: “The High Court, maybe.” night. We felt totally isolated. Vul- officer arrived that afternoon. She His local parish council chair- for a comment. the middle of Otham’s conserva- took it more and more personally sion. It has been dragging on for Ordinarily, the Secretary of State tion area. when all we wanted was for him years and this is the outcome.” for Communities and Local Gov- Sex offender is She declared the main dwelling to stick to the rules like everyone The inspector’s report con- ernment is the top official for plan- Plan for ‘innovation’ complex was “at odds” with the surround- else. cludes: “In this case, the notice re- ning decisions. in order breach Can you help Orchid care A SEX offender breached the MAIDSTONE Borough Council Drunk yelled abuse terms of his sexual offences order has applied to itself for planning MAIDSTONE Horticultural Soci- by not telling police he had a pass- permission to build a £9.5m of- sight charity? ety is hosting a talk on February 7 port, a court heard. fice and business support com- A MAIDSTONE-based charity is on the topic of “Beginner Orchids” plex on the Kent Medical at arresting officers by Christine Bartlett. Caner Cingoz (52) appeared at hunting for more people to join its Campus. It takes place at the Baptist Maidstone Magistrates Court after army of volunteers. A DRUNK woman delivered a received two racial public matter The authority’s application – Church in Knightrider Street at failing to comply with the notifica- Kent Association for the Blind hail of foul-mouthed abuse at po- orders and in 2017, a conditional for an innovation centre off junc- tion requirements under the Sexual (KAB) says it needs specialists lice sent to arrest her during a do- discharge for being drunk and 7.30pm. Christine will advise on tion 7 of the M20 – would provide Offences Act 2003. The breach oc- and supporters to underpin serv- mestic incident. disorderly. French has an on/off caring for orchids and getting them offices, conference facilities, curred in Maidstone. ices for over 11,500 sight-im- Anita French (52), of Capell relationship with a man where to flower. Call 01622 761423. Entry break-out space and meeting Prosecuting, Julie Farvarce told paired people across the county. Close, , was escorted out “one party is a greater drinker is free (£2 for non-members). rooms for up to 270 people. said Cingoz had been cautioned in It has more than 800 volunteers. of a premises than the other”, said Tobias Bur- 2001 and 2017 and had been regis- The move, which would see fur- will attract start-ups to the cam- ical Campus site to make way for A spokesman for KAB, which cel- on Waverly roughs, defending. tered on the sex offenders’ list since ther building on land which al- Felting date pus.” two schools is attracting mount- ebrates its centenary next year, Close just after Mr Burroughs told magistrates 1999. On August 26 last year police ready hosts a hospital and NATURE lovers can turn their pas- And independent Maidstone ing opposition. said: “More and more people are 6pm on De- in Maidstone: “She was shocked went to Cingoz’ home and discov- mental health facilities, has sion into art at the Kent Wildlife councillor for Shepway, Eddie Land set aside for a primary diagnosed as visually impaired, cember 14. at the level of language used at ered he had had a Cyprus passport prompted calls for assurances Trust on February 9. Powell, added: “I am ever hopeful school and a special needs school we’re all living longer, and the She was the police officers. She accepts since July. On October 5, 2018, Cin- that any development remains Lynsey Hyland will take partici- and confident that an innovation at Pope's Field, off Bearsted heard scream- that she should not have used it.” goz was interviewed by police linked to health services and life more we do as a charity, the more pants through the process of nee- centre will be a success. What Road, is meant to become a ing at police: As French’s mobile phone where he admitted the matter. sciences. volunteers we need.” dle-felting a toadstool. Tickets are Maidstone does not need is more haven for wildlife under the terms “You are full of started ringing in the dock just as In court, Cingoz said he went to Bearsted borough councillor, The charity runs more than 50 £35. Call 01622 662012 or go to empty offices.” of an earlier planning approval. b******t” and “you are talking out Mr Burroughs was pleading her Cyprus without telling police and Val Springett, said: “I have argued leisure, social and sports clubs, www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk. It has been reported that those Now an amendment to that of your ********”, before turning case, Chairman of the bench had obtained the passport there. from the very beginning that if three rehabilitation centres and a behind the proposals believe the application has been submitted the tirade of filth onto one officer, Nigel Cox mouthed to the defen- Mr Cox said: “These matters can they want to have an innovation range of support services from its new business hub will generate to MBC, seeking to move the re- shouting “you four-eyed ****”. dant “Switch it off”. often lead to a prison sentence and centre, the businesses it attracts College Road HQ. It also needs Art on show £120m for the local economy. serve north of Pope's Wood. Prosecuting, Julie Farvarce said Chairman of the bench Nigel you don’t want that do you?” must be connected to the science fundraisers, event organisers, be- WORK by the exhibitors on the The council is expected to rule Boxley Parish Council argues it the officer later remarked that Cox fined French £195 and said: Cingoz, of Otford Rd, Sevenoaks, or medical fields. frienders and drivers. Maidstone Young Artist Awards’ on its planning application in is important the reserve stays French’s behaviour was unaccept- “Police are just doing a job and defending himself, said he had a job “I was given a verbal reassur- The association is also looking shortlist will be on show at the April, with construction starting in where it is to maintain a green able, adding: “I don’t come to don’t deserve to be on the end of in a fish and chip shop and had been ance that this would be the case for volunteers to help with its town’s museum between February the autumn, if approved. corridor from the M20 to Mote work to listen to such language.” all that. Your history over the last working there since the new year. by two MBC officers in mid-Octo- talking news, audio and tran- 9 and April 21. Visitors can vote Meanwhile, the issue of moving Park. Maidstone Magistrates Court two and a half years is simply not He admitted the breach and was ber last year. I very much hope it scription services. For details, for their favourite work in the free a nature reserve on the Kent Med- Boxley Parish Council, page 22 heard that French has previously good.” fined £205. visit www.kab.org.uk exhibition. Call 01622 602838.

Maidstone East February 2019 19 The tradition of taking tea and that little something in AFTERNOON between! Finely cut finger sandwiches, a selection of delicious cakes, fluffy scones and sweet treats served with a selection of tea. Or why not upgrade to a lovely glass of Prosecco, TEA AT TUDOR Champagne or a refreshing Pink Gin Spritz. Perfect for that PARK special occasion, or just because. Afternoon Tea from £18.50 per person

Take a break from your busy lifestyle Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club and make time for friends or family Ashford Road and enjoy Afternoon Tea at Tudor Bearsted, ME14 4NQ Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club. 01622 734334

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20 Maidstone East February 2019 Hook and Hatchet Inn Tel: 01622 880272

Come along with friends and family and enjoy one of our forthcoming events.

e 6 Nations Rugby Whilst watching enjoy one of our '6 Nations Burgers'. From Friday 1st February - Saturday 16th March. Valentines Day Treat the one you love to a romantic meal for Valentines . Enjoy a romantic 3 course meal with live music on the night. Thursday 14th February - advance booking advisable.

Quiz Night Live Music Saturday 16th February - Saturday 23rd February Music quiz from 8.30pm Live music with "Smiler" Come along to one of our regular events Quiz Night / Bingo - alternate on Monday Evenings, Saddle up Saturday - every second Saturday of month Classic car Sunday - every third Sunday, Fish Friday - every Friday through the month. See our website for details and follow us on Facebook Church Road, , Maidstone ME17 1QT www.hookandhatchetpub.co.uk

Contemporary Bar & Brasserie is the heart and soul of The Great Danes

Valentine Offer Treat the one you love to a romantic 3 course meal with a glass of prosecco. Enjoy the atmosphere in the contemporary new Brasserie, set on three levels overlooking the beatifully lansdscaped grounds. Fantastic new winter menu with favourites such as the Chef’s signature £30 per person Pulled lamb stew, beef & Doombar ale pie and proper British beer dinner bookings from battered haddock. We also offer a tremendous Sunday lunch and a 14th February - mouth-watering selection of desserts. A wide variety of beers, wines and delicious cocktails are available to accompany your meal. 16th February

Please complete the following details: To book a table or for more information SUNDAY LUNCH Name: ...... Call: 01622 528565. 2 DINE FOR £25 Email:...... Tick to recieve future information about Email: [email protected] 2 COURSES FROM THE events at the hotel. www.mercuremaidstone.co.uk CARVERY OR SET MENU Terms & conditions: Meal must be booked in advance, included two courses. One voucher per reservation. No Photocopies accepted. Hollingbourne, Nr Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1RE Valid until 28th February 2019 Voucher must be given to waiter on arrival. No cash value.

Maidstone East February 2019 21 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Boxley Parish Mail CHAIRMAN: Bob Hinder CLERK: Pauline Bowdery ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, , ME5 9RU Tel: 01634 861237 email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website Parking bans are proposed Schools plan sparks THE developer of the STEM school being built at New Cut Road has indicated it will pay for Road Traf- fic Orders for roads and closes ‘massive concerns’ within 400m of the school. It proposed a two-hour parking ban between 11am and 1pm, Mon- RESIDENTS in the day to Friday, which would stop and area feel that students and staff parking. they are “under siege” due to the Cllr Wendy Hinder said: “The proposed development at the parish council recognises that not site adjacent to the Kent Medical everyone may want restricted Campus. parking and so it was decided that, Boxley Parish Council is also if it was offered, the parish council being stretched to the limit coping would seek the views of resident.” with three large planning appli- The parish council organised a cations and also arranging a pub- questionnaire and the results will lic consultation on proposed be collated in a report to be sent to restricted parking due to the the developer and KCC which is STEM school. the authority responsible for put- Chairman Bob Hinder said: ting RTOs in place. “The proposal for two new A graphic of the primary school and below, STEM land is cleared There is concern that restrictions schools at Weavering with an en- cers, raising concerns about traf- will cause issues for visitors or con- trance on Bearsted Road is caus- fic and highway safety. tractor’s vehicles unless some form ing massive concerns for Borough councillors from Box- of parking permit can be arranged everyone. ley and Bearsted wards met with for residents. “Whilst the proposed site is KCC leader Paul Carter. within Boxley Parish, these con- Boxley Parish Council has used cerns are shared by neighbouring its email alert system and website Stay in touch parishes, borough and county to keeps its residents informed. TO KEEP residents informed councillors.” Its environment committee was about what is happening in their Prior to even receiving the plan- due to meet on January 24 to dis- area the parish council uses its ning application, Boxley Parish cuss to decide its response to the website, Facebook and a commu- Council and Bearsted Parish proposed schools planned for nity email alert system that has Council met with highways offi- Pope’s Field. proved popular with residents. The parish office sends out noti- fications of large planning applica- tions, spikes in crime in the local Call for action on J3 traffic area, road closures etc. To obtain more information or to BOXLEY Parish Council has again ties have been ignored.” a scheme to improve the area. sign up residents are advised to raised the issue of the traffic con- The M2 J3 is joined to the M20 J6 The parish council has again contact the parish office on en- gestion problems at the M2 J3. by the A229 and any incidents on written to MP Helen Whately ask- [email protected]. Highways England and KCC the M2 or M20 result in an influx of ing for help, as a recent KCC report recognise the roundabouts serving large amounts of traffic, especially showed that: “In 2026, there is an the junction are having to operate HGVs, trying to divert to the alter- anticipated increase in HGV flows Diversion off beyond their design capacity, but native route. during both peak hours, particu- THE parish council has been told authorities have failed to come up Cllr Hinder added: “On a nor- larly at Bluebell Hill, where there is that New Cut Road will no longer with solutions to the problems. mal day, the junctions and round- a 76.6% increase during the AM be signed as a diversion for traffic Chairman Bob Hinder said: “The abouts clog up extremely easily, peak and 116% increase during the during night closures of the M20. parish council has been banging on and this spreads out to the sur- PM peak”. Borough Councillor and parish about the need to sort this junction rounding area. Add to this extra The issue has also been raised at council chairman Bob Hinder said: and the surrounding highway traffic, and it can get gridlocked.” the Maidstone Joint Transport “This is good news for residents on roads out for many years, even be- The parish council initially pro- Board and representatives of the Grove Green.” fore the Lower Thames Crossing duced a report detailing the high- Highways Agency have promised Traffic, especially lorries well was tabled. way problems and dire safety that the parish council will be kept past midnight, have been disturb- “It is a disgrace that the needs of record of the junction andA229, but informed of any developments ing residents’ sleep. the local residents and communi- failed to get the authorities to agree concerning improvements.

22 Maidstone East February 2019 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Boxley Parish Mail Nursing agency CHAIRMAN: Bob Hinder CLERK: Pauline Bowdery ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks ‘kind and caring’ Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, Walderslade, ME5 9RU AN AGENCY providing nurses fice know if a call was running late. Tel: 01634 861237 email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk to those needing help at home in As a result, there had been just one Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website the Maidstone area has been rated missed call since the start of 2018. good. The report noted that staff were Since moving to Turkey Mill, recruited safely, underwent an in- Parking bans Nurse Plus and Carer Plus have duction programme, and training Vandals attack roadsign turned around a rating of ‘requir- to support people to eat healthily. A NEW road sign has been vandalised in Bearsted after just a week. ing improvement’ to achieve glow- The report added: “People told Residents discovered on January 16 that the sign at Crosskeys had are proposed Schools plan sparks ing grades across the board from us the staff were kind and caring. been damaged with bright yellow spray paint. THE developer of the STEM school the Care Quality Commission. “Relatives also spoke highly of Jody Butler wrote on Facebook: “Our new road sign has been up less being built at New Cut Road has Views were taken from eight staff and the service their loved-one than a week and it has already been vandalised... Some kids just don’t indicated it will pay for Road Traf- users and seven relatives, while an received, with such comments as: respect anything these days!” fic Orders for roads and closes expert called a further 10 people. ‘In all the years with Nurse Plus, we Suzanne Gardiner said: “Bearsted never used to be like this, what on ‘massive concerns’ All feedback and that of a care have never had a bad member of within 400m of the school. earth possesses these people?” It proposed a two-hour parking manager from the local authority staff; they are wonderful’.” ban between 11am and 1pm, Mon- RESIDENTS in the Grove Green was positive about quality of care. At the previous inspection in day to Friday, which would stop and Weavering area feel that Previous concerns about missed 2016, it had been suggested that ac- students and staff parking. they are “under siege” due to the and late care calls had been ad- tion be taken to record the time Busy time for bird society Cllr Wendy Hinder said: “The proposed development at the dressed. An inspector said: “Staff people received their medication. THEY might have been sitting in Dungeness Bird Observatory, parish council recognises that not site adjacent to the Kent Medical arrived on time and they received At this inspection, officers found Grove Green Community Hall, gave a detailed insight into her everyone may want restricted Campus. the full length of their call.” a handheld recording device had but members of the Maidstone time on the peninsula and the parking and so it was decided that, Boxley Parish Council is also The CQC found there were been adopted, which also moni- branch of the Royal Society for the flora and fauna there. if it was offered, the parish council being stretched to the limit coping enough staff to meet needs, an on- tored pain relief given. Protection of Birds were trans- Members also had a field trip would seek the views of resident.” with three large planning appli- going recruitment programme, When asked, users and family ported to the salt marsh and shin- on January 19 to Bedgebury Pine- The parish council organised a cations and also arranging a pub- and cover for staff shortfalls. described the Ashford Road gle shores of Dungeness on tum, on the hunt for woodland questionnaire and the results will lic consultation on proposed An electronic system to plan calls agency as responsive and would January 17. birds like the hawfinch, crossbill be collated in a report to be sent to restricted parking due to the and monitor care, which let the of- recommend it to others. Gill Hollamby, chairman of the and siskin. the developer and KCC which is STEM school. the authority responsible for put- Chairman Bob Hinder said: ting RTOs in place. “The proposal for two new A graphic of the primary school and below, STEM land is cleared There is concern that restrictions schools at Weavering with an en- cers, raising concerns about traf- will cause issues for visitors or con- trance on Bearsted Road is caus- fic and highway safety. tractor’s vehicles unless some form ing massive concerns for Borough councillors from Box- of parking permit can be arranged everyone. ley and Bearsted wards met with for residents. “Whilst the proposed site is KCC leader Paul Carter. within Boxley Parish, these con- Boxley Parish Council has used cerns are shared by neighbouring its email alert system and website Stay in touch parishes, borough and county to keeps its residents informed. TO KEEP residents informed councillors.” Its environment committee was about what is happening in their Prior to even receiving the plan- due to meet on January 24 to dis- area the parish council uses its ning application, Boxley Parish cuss to decide its response to the website, Facebook and a commu- Council and Bearsted Parish proposed schools planned for nity email alert system that has Council met with highways offi- Pope’s Field. proved popular with residents. The parish office sends out noti- fications of large planning applica- tions, spikes in crime in the local Call for action on J3 traffic area, road closures etc. To obtain more information or to BOXLEY Parish Council has again ties have been ignored.” a scheme to improve the area. sign up residents are advised to raised the issue of the traffic con- The M2 J3 is joined to the M20 J6 The parish council has again contact the parish office on en- gestion problems at the M2 J3. by the A229 and any incidents on written to MP Helen Whately ask- [email protected]. Highways England and KCC the M2 or M20 result in an influx of ing for help, as a recent KCC report recognise the roundabouts serving large amounts of traffic, especially showed that: “In 2026, there is an the junction are having to operate HGVs, trying to divert to the alter- anticipated increase in HGV flows Diversion off beyond their design capacity, but native route. during both peak hours, particu- THE parish council has been told authorities have failed to come up Cllr Hinder added: “On a nor- larly at Bluebell Hill, where there is that New Cut Road will no longer with solutions to the problems. mal day, the junctions and round- a 76.6% increase during the AM be signed as a diversion for traffic Chairman Bob Hinder said: “The abouts clog up extremely easily, peak and 116% increase during the during night closures of the M20. parish council has been banging on and this spreads out to the sur- PM peak”. Borough Councillor and parish about the need to sort this junction rounding area. Add to this extra The issue has also been raised at council chairman Bob Hinder said: and the surrounding highway traffic, and it can get gridlocked.” the Maidstone Joint Transport “This is good news for residents on roads out for many years, even be- The parish council initially pro- Board and representatives of the Grove Green.” fore the Lower Thames Crossing duced a report detailing the high- Highways Agency have promised Traffic, especially lorries well was tabled. way problems and dire safety that the parish council will be kept past midnight, have been disturb- “It is a disgrace that the needs of record of the junction andA229, but informed of any developments ing residents’ sleep. the local residents and communi- failed to get the authorities to agree concerning improvements.

Maidstone East February 2019 23 downsmail.co.uk Health | News GPs get help with referral Help means you may GPS ARE benefitting from local education meetings on improving referral practice to consultants for see less of your doctor patients reporting what they be- lieve may be cancer symptoms. Maidstone and Tunbridge IT is a time of great changes for Wells Hospitals’ Trust is working most doctors’ surgeries in and to resolve serious problems on around Maidstone – and one sig- missed national targets for con- nificant result is patients can look sultants seeing referred patients forward to faster help from their within 14 days and starting treat- practices, though not always pro- ment within 62 days. vided face to face by a GP. The trust and CCG, facing a Various steps are in the pipeline shortage of specialists at a time to reduce pressures on GPs, in- when demand is growing, are try- cluding the engagement of spe- ing to ensure GPs make urgent re- cialist health professionals, and ferrals in good time, but have the widening skills and responsibili- ties of existing practice teams, in- knowledge to avoid unnecessary cluding nurses and receptionists. referrals. The shortage of GPs across Kent Downs Mail, emphasising the fol- available and can make home vis- has now risen to above 12% (30% lowing extra support increasingly its and more timely assessments. Cancer delays for practice nurses). With the available in surgeries: Clinical pharmacists are be- CANCER performance at Maid- number of over 55-year-old GPs Practice nurses and reception- coming increasingly important in stone and Tunbridge Wells Hos- in Kent now fourth highest in the ists are being ‘upskilled’. Patients surgeries in making medication pitals’ Trust continues to cause country – and many retiring be- ringing for an appointment may decisions. Some have prescribing concerns. fore they are 60 – the situation is be asked for more detail by rights. Patients are reporting sat- In October, the percentage for worsening. In some cases, prac- trained receptionists so that they isfaction and attention to detail. 62-day treatment after diagnosis tices are merging, as has been can be directed to the most suit- Telephone advice – patients was 62.1% against the 85% na- seen in the Maidstone area. able professional. About 20 per and GPs communicate by tele- cent of patients need non-medical phone, with surgery appoint- tional target. In one case (with NHS England and the GP-led help, and may be best helped by ments arranged as necessary. other health problems) the level NHS West Kent Clinical Commis- counsel or voluntary services. DECEMBER editions of of harm was categorised as se- sioning Group (CCG), which Many others can be helped by an Downs Mail included proposals of vere. plans and pays for the vast major- advanced clinical nurse practi- an emerging CCG strategy for GP Shortage of specialist staff is a ity of healthcare, are supporting measures to ensure quality of care tioner – nurses with an additional surgery sites across Maidstone, key issue. NHS England an- for patients is maintained, even level of training. Dr Jones empha- Malling and Weald, largely to meet nounced an investigation into the improved. sises that patients will always see demand (24,000 population in- trust for December, to include Dr Tony Jones, senior partner at a GP if a diagnosis is required and crease over the next five years) due cancer services. the Vine Medical Practice, Ton- can always request a GP. to additional housing and conver- bridge Road, Maidstone, and a Physiotherapists are now more sion of offices/commercial prem- Care hub plan member of the CCG Governing readily available to surgeries. ises to residential use, especially in MAIDSTONE is still seen as a top Body, outlined key changes to the Paramedics are also likely to be the town centre. priority for one of the proposed new care hubs in west Kent. The next phase of the work is Practices working in clusters Out of hours identifying potential sites. There FOR the last two years, 55 GP surgeries in west Kent have been organ- could also be smaller care hubs in ised into seven clusters and co-operate in increasing ways. appointments the Aylesford area and the Weald. Four clusters are in Maidstone-wide area – Maidstone Central (eight THE GP clusters are co-operating The hubs will all have a core practices), Maidstone Wide (nine), Weald (11) and Malling (five). to ensure greater availability of range of services, including well- Within each cluster practice, representatives – GPs, nurses, managers appointments for patients with being and prevention, a wide – meet to plan learning-time afternoons and discuss areas of joint work- GPs up to 8pm on Mondays to range of community health serv- ing. They can air views, consider co-operation¸ broaden knowledge and Fridays and also on Saturday and ices and more integrated and spe- build relationships, helping them ‘to work smarter’ in their own prac- Sunday mornings. cialist services to support people tices as well as together within the cluster. These additional appointments with complex needs. Practices in a cluster also aim to help each other when emergencies may not necessarily be with a pa- A key objective will be to re- arise, particularly on staffing issues. Clusters work collaboratively with tient’s regular doctor and could duce pressure on hospitals. the budget-holding GP-led NHS West Kent CCG. be at another surgery in the clus- ter. This new system started on October 1, 2018, and is already in Diabetes aid Multi-disciplinary teams help regular use by patients. MORE than 500 of 2,300 patients EVERY cluster has access to an independent multi-disciplinary team GPs are finding the extra hours in West Kent with type 1 diabetes serving just that cluster. A practice can liaise with the team to seek ad- help to spread the surgery work- are expected to meet NHS criteria vice/assistance for specific patients. load more evenly. to benefit from the FreeStyle Libre The team includes specialists in frailty, complex care, social care, If a patient is seen outside of the device for monitoring glucose mental health, end-of-life care, additional GPs and community nurses. usual practice the key informa- levels as an alternative to routine A significant aim is to stabilise long-term conditions and prevent un- tion on a patient’s records is ac- finger pricking. necessary hospital admissions. cessible online. This is available The NHS West Kent CCG ex- The team can give advice to a surgery on helping specific patients under the “Vision Anywhere” on- pects annual costs to increase by and may visit or meet with patients to give direct help or advice, per- line system which can be accessed about £53,000. haps with occupational therapy, physiotherapy or consultant input. with patient consent.

24 Maidstone East February 2019 downsmail.co.uk Health | News downsmail.co.uk News GPs get help with referral Help means you may Police aacked GPS ARE benefitting from local education meetings on improving referral practice to consultants for see less of your doctor whilst on duty patients reporting what they be- lieve may be cancer symptoms. SIX people have been charged were spat at whilst dealing with a Maidstone and Tunbridge IT is a time of great changes for over separate assaults against po- prisoner who was in custody at Wells Hospitals’ Trust is working most doctors’ surgeries in and lice officers across west Kent. Maidstone police station. to resolve serious problems on around Maidstone – and one sig- The suspects were arrested in Matthew Gilbert (22), from Can- missed national targets for con- nificant result is patients can look areas including Maidstone, West terbury, was remanded in custody sultants seeing referred patients forward to faster help from their Malling and Sevenoaks under the charged with three counts of as- within 14 days and starting treat- practices, though not always pro- Assaults on Emergency Workers sault of an emergency worker. ment within 62 days. vided face to face by a GP. Act 2018. He was also charged with pos- The trust and CCG, facing a Various steps are in the pipeline The law came into force in No- sessing a knife in a public place shortage of specialists at a time to reduce pressures on GPs, in- vember last year and created a new and an offence of violent behav- when demand is growing, are try- cluding the engagement of spe- offence of assault against 999 serv- iour at a police station. He ap- ing to ensure GPs make urgent re- cialist health professionals, and ice workers, including police, para- peared before Medway Trucker ‘using laptop’ widening skills and responsibili- ferrals in good time, but have the medics, nurses and other blue light Magistrates’ Court on January 15. TWO drivers were fined after being the same offence. ties of existing practice teams, in- knowledge to avoid unnecessary workers. It also provides tougher Maidstone Chief Inspector Ray caught viewing their laptops while Both drivers were issued with a cluding nurses and receptionists. referrals. sentencing powers for judges. Quiller said: “Every day, police are driving HGVs. £200 graduated fixed penalty no- The shortage of GPs across Kent Downs Mail, emphasising the fol- available and can make home vis- At about 6am on Sunday, Janu- required to attend unpredictable, At approximately 1.15pm on tice and six penalty points. has now risen to above 12% (30% lowing extra support increasingly its and more timely assessments. ary 13, officers were called to a challenging and sometimes volatile January 8, officers from Kent Po- Kent Police tweeted: “A HGV for practice nurses). With the available in surgeries: Clinical pharmacists are be- fight in Maidstone. When they Cancer delays situations. However, like any other lice’s Roads Policing Unit stopped driver who was not paying atten- number of over 55-year-old GPs Practice nurses and reception- coming increasingly important in tried to intervene, one was said to CANCER performance at Maid- job, officers should not be subjected an HGV driver who was believed to tion and was unable to see clearly in Kent now fourth highest in the ists are being ‘upskilled’. Patients surgeries in making medication have been hit in the face. stone and Tunbridge Wells Hos- to assaults whilst they are carrying be using a laptop computer whilst ahead was fined and had points country – and many retiring be- ringing for an appointment may decisions. Some have prescribing Thomas Parnell (21), of Grove pitals’ Trust continues to cause out their duties. driving coastbound on the M2, be- put on his licence after Kent Police fore they are 60 – the situation is be asked for more detail by rights. Patients are reporting sat- Lane, Hunton, was arrested and concerns. “It is unacceptable, and those tween junctions 4 and 5, Gilling- Roads Policing Unit saw him using worsening. In some cases, prac- trained receptionists so that they isfaction and attention to detail. charged with assaulting an emer- In October, the percentage for who we suspect are responsible for ham and Sittingbourne. a laptop while driving. tices are merging, as has been can be directed to the most suit- Telephone advice – patients gency worker. He was bailed to ap- 62-day treatment after diagnosis abusing and assaulting police offi- Shortly after, at approximately “Straight after dealing with him, seen in the Maidstone area. able professional. About 20 per and GPs communicate by tele- pear before Maidstone Magistrates’ was 62.1% against the 85% na- cers can expect to be charged with 1.50pm, another HGV driver was another lorry driver was caught NHS England and the GP-led cent of patients need non-medical phone, with surgery appoint- Court on February 15. tional target. In one case (with an offence that can carry serious stopped in the same location for doing the same thing…” help, and may be best helped by ments arranged as necessary. On the same day, three officers other health problems) the level NHS West Kent Clinical Commis- penalties.” counsel or voluntary services. DECEMBER editions of of harm was categorised as se- sioning Group (CCG), which Many others can be helped by an Downs Mail included proposals of vere. plans and pays for the vast major- advanced clinical nurse practi- an emerging CCG strategy for GP Shortage of specialist staff is a ity of healthcare, are supporting measures to ensure quality of care tioner – nurses with an additional surgery sites across Maidstone, key issue. NHS England an- for patients is maintained, even level of training. Dr Jones empha- Malling and Weald, largely to meet nounced an investigation into the improved. sises that patients will always see demand (24,000 population in- trust for December, to include Dr Tony Jones, senior partner at a GP if a diagnosis is required and crease over the next five years) due cancer services. the Vine Medical Practice, Ton- can always request a GP. to additional housing and conver- bridge Road, Maidstone, and a Physiotherapists are now more sion of offices/commercial prem- Care hub plan member of the CCG Governing readily available to surgeries. ises to residential use, especially in MAIDSTONE is still seen as a top Body, outlined key changes to the Paramedics are also likely to be the town centre. priority for one of the proposed new care hubs in west Kent. The next phase of the work is Practices working in clusters Out of hours identifying potential sites. There FOR the last two years, 55 GP surgeries in west Kent have been organ- could also be smaller care hubs in ised into seven clusters and co-operate in increasing ways. appointments the Aylesford area and the Weald. Four clusters are in Maidstone-wide area – Maidstone Central (eight THE GP clusters are co-operating The hubs will all have a core practices), Maidstone Wide (nine), Weald (11) and Malling (five). to ensure greater availability of range of services, including well- Within each cluster practice, representatives – GPs, nurses, managers appointments for patients with being and prevention, a wide – meet to plan learning-time afternoons and discuss areas of joint work- GPs up to 8pm on Mondays to range of community health serv- ing. They can air views, consider co-operation¸ broaden knowledge and Fridays and also on Saturday and ices and more integrated and spe- build relationships, helping them ‘to work smarter’ in their own prac- Sunday mornings. cialist services to support people tices as well as together within the cluster. These additional appointments with complex needs. Practices in a cluster also aim to help each other when emergencies may not necessarily be with a pa- A key objective will be to re- arise, particularly on staffing issues. Clusters work collaboratively with tient’s regular doctor and could duce pressure on hospitals. the budget-holding GP-led NHS West Kent CCG. be at another surgery in the clus- ter. This new system started on October 1, 2018, and is already in Diabetes aid Multi-disciplinary teams help regular use by patients. MORE than 500 of 2,300 patients EVERY cluster has access to an independent multi-disciplinary team GPs are finding the extra hours in West Kent with type 1 diabetes serving just that cluster. A practice can liaise with the team to seek ad- help to spread the surgery work- are expected to meet NHS criteria vice/assistance for specific patients. load more evenly. to benefit from the FreeStyle Libre The team includes specialists in frailty, complex care, social care, If a patient is seen outside of the device for monitoring glucose mental health, end-of-life care, additional GPs and community nurses. usual practice the key informa- levels as an alternative to routine A significant aim is to stabilise long-term conditions and prevent un- tion on a patient’s records is ac- finger pricking. necessary hospital admissions. cessible online. This is available The NHS West Kent CCG ex- The team can give advice to a surgery on helping specific patients under the “Vision Anywhere” on- pects annual costs to increase by and may visit or meet with patients to give direct help or advice, per- line system which can be accessed about £53,000. haps with occupational therapy, physiotherapy or consultant input. with patient consent.

Maidstone East February 2019 25 downsmail.co.uk Sponsored parish council| News

This page is written and editeddited by: Office: Madginforddginford Hall, Bearsted, ME14 8LH 01622 622 630165 Emails: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] BearstedBeearsted Parish Council [email protected] [email protected] Chair: Michael chael Bollom www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.ukwwww.bearstedparishcounncil.gov.uk Clerk: Sarah ah Lewis Community service ideas Market returning to BEARSTED Parish Council has en- joyed the assistance of members of the Community Payback Scheme run by Cllr Geoff Bennett on Sun- the Green in March days for the last 12 months. They have done a great job in the WE ARE relaunching the Market tact Emma at the council office or Bearsted Parish Council will village, tidying up certain areas in- on the Green on the first Sunday email our admin address. have a stall which will be run by cluding footpaths and the Eliza- in every month, starting in We had a variety of 12 stalls different councillors each month beth Harvey Field. March. confirmed at the time of going to so that we can update residents This project will continue for the Banner information will be dis- press, so please come along and on any topics or projects that are foreseeable future and we would played a week before each market support them (weather permit- in hand, as well as answer any be pleased to receive any sugges- day. ing). A small donation will be re- questions, so please show your tions and recommendations from Emma Hull, our admin assis- quested at the two entrances, with support. residents for areas that need atten- tant, has taken on the role of mar- all proceeds being donated to a It is hoped that we shall also tion. ket organiser with support from different charity each month. The run a Christmas market again this Please contact the parish office, Cllr Jo Tribley, so if you are inter- first charity is Kent Wildlife Trust, year if the markets are supported email the admin address at the top ested in having a stall please con- who will also have a stall. by residents. of our page or come along and in- form us at our stall at the March 3 market. Working together on schools Newsleer is BEARSTED Parish Council wishes to advise that it is working with Boxley Parish Council with regards to residents’ concerns and objections over the proposed school planning applications, nowonits way which were raised at the recent full council meeting. A NEWSLETTER is to be distrib- uted to all residents soon, which will include a form to fill in with suggestions and recommendations to assist the parish council over the next two years. The form, which is simple to fill out, can be returned to the office, via the contact page on the parish website or comments can be Send in your emailed to survey@bearstedparish- council.gov.uk. The newsletter will contain in- nominations formation on the council’s achieve- BEARSTED Parish Council is ments over the last couple of years once again seeking nominations and how we see things moving for- for Bearsted residents whose ward with the continued support Craig Keeling (left) and Steve Thomas, right, with Cllr Michael Bollom community efforts deserve a spe- of our residents. cial award as recognition. Your councillors are all volun- This year will also see the addi- teers and very much need the sup- tion of a youth award. port of their community. Free fitness sessions Nominations must be received BEARSTED Parish Council, along with Keeling Fitness and Maidstone Boot by March 1. Without your nomi- Camp have arranged fitness sessions for residents who would prefer a be- nations the Mynn Awards would Photos please ginner/taster session at a slower pace/lower impact to join in and get fit. not be possible. PLEASE keep your photos com- These limited 30-minute sessions are free to residents. Craig Keeling, You can nominate online here: ing for our website home page, who operates on the Green, will take these sessions each Saturday at https://goo.gl/forms/4ceu6q0CPJC and at this time of the year there 10.45am, and Steve Thomas and Tracey Rice, who operate at the Eliz- ZPtO73 for the Mynn award and are many beautiful scenes to be abeth Harvey Field, will take the class on a Friday at the same time. https://goo.gl/forms/PlpQhDSnbfr- captured. Craig can be called on 07879 696104 and Steve or Tracey can be con- sohSu2 for the youth award. Any winter scenes will be wel- tacted on 07963 701263 for further information and date schedules You can also email our admin comed. Photos must be taken in throughout the year. No pre-booking is required, just come along and address above, nominate by post the village and sent, with the lo- enjoy the opportunity to meet other residents and start a new healthy or give us a call at the council of- cation, to our admin email ad- workout once a week at your own pace. fice and we can fill in the nomina- dress above. tion form for you.

26 Maidstone East February 2019 downsmail.co.uk Sponsored parish council| News Sell your This page is written and editeddited by: Office: Madginforddginford Hall, Bearsted, ME14 8LH 01622 622 630165 unwanted items [email protected] [email protected] Emails: You are invited to join us for: BearstedBeearsted Parish Council [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] LAST NIGHT AT Chair: Michael chael Bollom www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.ukwwww.bearstedparishcounncil.gov.uk Clerk: Sarah ah Lewis THE PROMS on Saturday 9th March 2019 Community at 7.30pm at e Salvation Army service ideas Market returning to 74-80 Union Street, Maidstone (ME14 1ED). BEARSTED Parish Council has en- joyed the assistance of members of the Community Payback Scheme e evening will feature: run by Cllr Geoff Bennett on Sun- the Green in March Medway Singers (Conductor: Neil Jones) days for the last 12 months. They have done a great job in the WE ARE relaunching the Market tact Emma at the council office or Bearsted Parish Council will village, tidying up certain areas in- on the Green on the first Sunday email our admin address. have a stall which will be run by Eva Stout (Vocal Soloist) cluding footpaths and the Eliza- in every month, starting in We had a variety of 12 stalls different councillors each month beth Harvey Field. March. confirmed at the time of going to so that we can update residents Neil Atkinson (French horn) This project will continue for the Banner information will be dis- press, so please come along and on any topics or projects that are online foreseeable future and we would played a week before each market support them (weather permit- in hand, as well as answer any Maidstone Salvation Army band be pleased to receive any sugges- day. ing). A small donation will be re- questions, so please show your tions and recommendations from Emma Hull, our admin assis- quested at the two entrances, with support. Free Ad (Bandmaster: Stuart Atkinson) residents for areas that need atten- tant, has taken on the role of mar- all proceeds being donated to a It is hoped that we shall also Image, full description, contact details, easy to upload tion. ket organiser with support from different charity each month. The run a Christmas market again this Please contact the parish office, Cllr Jo Tribley, so if you are inter- first charity is Kent Wildlife Trust, year if the markets are supported www.downsmail.co.uk email the admin address at the top ested in having a stall please con- who will also have a stall. by residents. of our page or come along and in- Connecting with form us at our stall at the March 3 local people market. Working together on schools Newsleer is BEARSTED Parish Council wishes to advise that it is working with Boxley Parish Council with regards to residents’ concerns and objections over the proposed school planning applications, Time on your hands? nowonits way which were raised at the recent full council meeting. A NEWSLETTER is to be distrib- uted to all residents soon, which will include a form to fill in with Don’t know what to do? suggestions and recommendations to assist the parish council over the next two years. The form, which is simple to fill Why not join the Maidstone Hospital out, can be returned to the office, via the contact page on the parish League of Friends website or comments can be Send in your emailed to survey@bearstedparish- council.gov.uk. The newsletter will contain in- nominations WE URGENTLY NEED VOLUNTEERS formation on the council’s achieve- BEARSTED Parish Council is ments over the last couple of years once again seeking nominations TO HELP IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: and how we see things moving for- for Bearsted residents whose ward with the continued support Craig Keeling (left) and Steve Thomas, right, with Cllr Michael Bollom community efforts deserve a spe- • To staff the hospital shop which is stocked with a wide variety of sandwiches, of our residents. cial award as recognition. crisps, drinks, toiletries, greetings cards, sweets, chocolate, etc. Your councillors are all volun- This year will also see the addi- teers and very much need the sup- tion of a youth award. • To take trolleys (containing sweets, drinks, toiletries, etc.) round the wards. port of their community. Free fitness sessions Nominations must be received BEARSTED Parish Council, along with Keeling Fitness and Maidstone Boot by March 1. Without your nomi- • Staff our busy tea bar • Sell books in the book room Camp have arranged fitness sessions for residents who would prefer a be- nations the Mynn Awards would Photos please ginner/taster session at a slower pace/lower impact to join in and get fit. not be possible. PLEASE keep your photos com- The League of Friends is a registered charity and all monies raised ensures that These limited 30-minute sessions are free to residents. Craig Keeling, You can nominate online here: ing for our website home page, who operates on the Green, will take these sessions each Saturday at https://goo.gl/forms/4ceu6q0CPJC it can respond to requests for equipment and improvements in the hospital. and at this time of the year there 10.45am, and Steve Thomas and Tracey Rice, who operate at the Eliz- ZPtO73 for the Mynn award and are many beautiful scenes to be abeth Harvey Field, will take the class on a Friday at the same time. https://goo.gl/forms/PlpQhDSnbfr- captured. Craig can be called on 07879 696104 and Steve or Tracey can be con- sohSu2 for the youth award. If you can spare a few hours a week and would like to join a friendly team doing Any winter scenes will be wel- tacted on 07963 701263 for further information and date schedules You can also email our admin something rewarding for the community please contact: comed. Photos must be taken in throughout the year. No pre-booking is required, just come along and address above, nominate by post the village and sent, with the lo- enjoy the opportunity to meet other residents and start a new healthy or give us a call at the council of- Jacqui on 01622 224781 cation, to our admin email ad- workout once a week at your own pace. fice and we can fill in the nomina- dress above. tion form for you.

Maidstone East February 2019 27 downsmail.co.uk Advertisement Feature

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28 Maidstone East February 2019 dNewsownsmail.co.uk Sponsored parishdownscounmail.co.ukcil |News XT Factorhurnh dateam X FACTOR star Louisa Johnson hasP beenar lined-upish N to headlineews the PrincessWorry ove Royalr new s meetschools Big Day Out to be held in Maid- stone in July. THURNHAM Parish Council scheme in its present form. Thurn- “absolutely ridiculous”. The singer, best known for the hit (TPC) has joined the chorus of ob- ham is also concerned about the pro- Cllrs Horne and de Wiggondene Best Behaviour, will take the stage charityjections to two new schools shopposed relocation of Pope’s workersField as a met with KCC leader Paul Carter to at Mote Park on July 1. planned near junction seven of designated nature reserve . outlinetheseriousconcernsheldinthe She announced the gig on Twit- THEthe M PRINCESS20 at the Ke Royalnt Med receivedical Cam a- Cllr John Horne said the footpaths area which he had “heard loud and ter, saying: “Big news! I’ll be head- warmpus (K welcomeMC). from charity vol- areunsuitableforchildrenandparents clear”. lining the @BigDayOutUK Festival unteersThe De whenpartm sheent f visitedor Educ theation Savehas to use. The 540 pupil primary and special in Maidstone this July! Can’t wait The Children shop in Maidstone. identified Pope’s Field on the busy Headded:“It’sabsolutelyludicrous needs schoolswillberunbytheLeigh to see you all there.” A crowd of onlookers waited out- Also on the bill are Diversity, sideand o theften storegrid inloc Unionked Be Streetarsted toRo seead to think that you can have any kind of Academies’Trustchain.Therearecon- who won Britain’s Got Talent, and Princessas its o Anne.nly p Sherefer wasred greetedsite. T byhe access at that section of the Bearsted cerns the number of drop off points girl band Atomic Kitten, who have dignitariesBearsted Ro includingad entranc thee re Mayormains ofin Road.” will be insufficient forthe hundreds of KerryMeetin Katonags norm inally theirheld line-up.on the third Maidstonethe scheme, Cllrdespi Derekte a hug Butler,e outpo theur- Pope’sFieldisnotofficiallysetaside cars wishing to get onto the site twice Monday of each month at the Marriott TuLouisador Park (19)Hote wonl. Pub thelic w Xel Factorcome. in charity’sing of loc retailal con managercern about Cherylchild for development at KMC but, accord- a day. TPC members resolved to sup- Adams and voluntary shop leader, 2015,CHA afterIRM singingAN: D withanie mentorl Skinn Ritaer safety and traffic volumes. Thurn- ingtoboroughcouncillorNickdeWig- portBoxley’sobjectionsonthegrounds Ora in the final. Karenham m Elphick,embers beforeagreed goingto pu insideblicly gondene, the land “has been sold at a ofaccess,childsafetyandtheremoval CLERK: Sherrie Babington toba meetckcoll shopeague workers.satBoxley-the parish price DfE doesn’twanttoturndown”. of the nature reserve. But they could 01634 867173 inThewhi Princess,ch the ap whoplicat hasion beenfalls - presi-who CllrMichaelStarkechoedtheoverall support schools in that area if access Assault case dent of the charity since the 1970s, A MAIDSTONE woman has been spokeare al ofso herfie appreciationrcely oppose ofd theto con-the sentiment, describing the scheme as andtraffic issues could be resolved. Tchargedree withs woundingchop afterpe and al- tribution the shop makes to the The Princess Royal is greeted by Cheryl Adams, the mayor and Karen Elphick leged stabbing in Shepway. THE cutting back of poplars on work of the charity at home and Nicola Goslitski (40), of Sutton Caring Lane proposal Next meeting the A20 near Caring Lane has abroad. loved animals. raised £40,000 for the charity last Road, was arrested after police were AShePL alsoANN presentedING app certificateslication fo tor to or close by. Borough councillor THURNHAM Parish Council caused concern among members. Among the dozens of onlookers year. called to a report of an assault in Dennisfive larg Foad,e deta Brendached h Harrisomes w andith whoNick watchedde Wigg theond Princessene, wh departo says nMoreext me donationsets on Feb andruar customersy 18 at the Cllr Mick Wise said he was told Westmorland Road on Sunday, Sylviadetach Thomased doubl ine g honourarages o offf theirCar- washe w 88-year-oldill call th Bettye app Warrenlication whoin, areMa alwaysrriott T welcomeudor Pa atrk theHo tinytel, shopAsh- by KCC highways personnel that April 30. Officers were told that two longing L serviceane h toas thebee charity.n opposed by hadsaid waited: “It is forcon nearlytrary t ano a hourll the tola seend whichford R iso packedad, Thu withrnha goodsm, at ranging7.30pm. it was to avoid ongoing mainte- women had made their way to hos- paSeven-year-oldrish council m Daisy,ember thes. daugh- herpro andtecti wason p givenolicie as chairof th ande cou an cupcil. fromMem clothing,bers of th children’se public ar items,e wel- nance and to remove rotten trees. ter of shop volunteer Lora Maxwell, pital with arm injuries. They are be- The proposal, on farm land to ofIt teais n outsideot an al theloca shop.ted site.” kitchencome to wareatte andnd. a collector’s cor- Tlievedhose top haveollar knownded sh theou suspect.ld grow presented the Princess Anne with a The charity shop opened in Union ner. There is also a “wanted board” the rear of residential houses, has Mr Pettit, a Caring Lane resi- Future agenda items may inl- baGoslitskick. Cllr M hasich beenael S chargedtark wor withried posy and a card she had made. The Street in 1980 when the building for people who are looking for cude the continuing issues of traf- ttwohe a countsbsence ofof woundingtrees may h withave a in-n cardcause hadd co anc pictureerns to r ofesi ade horsents Al be-an wasdent boughtof 34 yea forrs, t £12,000.old parish Thirty-coun- something in particular and the vol- etentffec andt in t onehe e ofve possessingnt of heavy as knifenow causePettit, DaisySteve hadPick researchederill and Ri oncha therd sevencillors years: “Th later,is plan itsni successng appl contin-ication unteersfic and willpark keeping anin W eyeare outStr foreet ainnd a publicdrifting place.. internetJacques andwho foundse pro thatper theties Princesslie next ues,is en withtirely theuns volunteersuitable.” having them.which remain unresolved.

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16 Maidstone June 2017 Maidstone East February 2019 29 News| Firefighters downsmail.co.uk Teacher by day, hero by night LEANNE Beeston is a college lecturer… who drives a 12-tonne fire truck in her spare time. When she’s not in the class- “I go to the gym and run to room, she’s in the thick of fires, keep my fitness levels up for the cutting casualties from road crash job, but I’m not a fanatic. Wearing wreckage or generally getting breathing apparatus and lugging stuck into a range of other rescue hose in all the kit is hard work, operations. but you don’t have to be super- As one of the county’s on-call woman for this role.” firefighters, the 28-year-old not Leanne’s fellow on-call fire en- only holds down a dramatic sec- gine driver, SJ Broad (38), was ond job, but also trains to keep equally determined to pursue a life her life-saving skills at the top of in a haze of flickering blue lights. their game. She joined KFRS six years ago. “I love it,” said Leanne, who She said: “I was a size 20 when first donned her fire kit five years I realised I wanted to be a fire- ago. “I was always that kid who fighter. I spent two years getting stood up in class and said I my weight down before applying. wanted to be a firefighter. “I was also a single parent, but “When I tell people what I do, Firefighters SJ Broad and Leanne Beeston it wasn’t an issue for the fire serv- they’re always surprised, but my leagues, on-call firefighters do not a firefighter, she secured a job ice – I did on-call at nights with a dad, Martin, was a firefighter, so attend shifts at a fire station, but with Larkfield Fire Station before baby sitter on stand-by while my it’s always been part of my life.” are called out to emergencies via starting her full-time teaching and son Kai was growing up, and I Tovil-based Kent Fire and Res- pager. This form of 999 service is management career with Hadlow worked in a doctor’s surgery dur- cue Service (KFRS) says on-call used to protect the communities College. ing the day. officers are a vital part of a mod- of Larkfield, Headcorn, Lenham “On-call firefighting is a great “It’s a hugely rewarding job, ern 999 response, providing and Marden, where KFRS is cur- job that fits around other commit- and my advice to anyone who’s safety cover for 90% of the UK rently running a recruitment ments and family,” she said. “I considering it as a career is: don’t population. drive. spend my days teaching and think about it … do it. You won’t Unlike their full-time col- Leanne was so keen to become nights on-call for the station. regret it.” Special skills How an on-call for fire drivers system works IN ADDITION to driving fire ON-CALL firefighters are paid to trucks, Leanne Beeston is also pro- be available for 999 “shouts” dur- ficient at the wheel of Larkfield’s ing pre-arranged periods. 25-tonne bulk water carrier. Unlike full-time officers, they With a capacity of 14,500 litres, it are not on work shifts, and can carries the same amount of water continue with their everyday lives as eight fire engines. as long as they remain within five minutes of their designated sta- Operating these trucks under tion. The fire service will then blue lights is a major specialism, contact them by pager if an emer- with drivers having to master fast gency arises. and safe driving that does not Most have other jobs and pro- spook other motorists. vide cover outside their regular Leanne says: “Heavy traffic is working hours. The fire service often a problem and, while drivers ‘We train hard for this’ normally requires a commitment are always willing to help, some- SJ BROAD says she still feels a things but you never appreciate of at least 50 hours a week, with times there’s just nowhere for pang of excitement when the fire the sheer scale of them. We also most contracts averaging at about them to pull over. alarm sounds. deal with a lot of traffic collisions. 60 hours. “We never tailgate and we “We train hard for every emer- House fires account for a very switch our sirens off in traffic, al- gency scenario we’re likely to en- small proportion of our workload.” Is it for you? though we keep the blue lights on. counter,” she said. “So I wouldn’t Although successful on-call ap- KENT Fire and Rescue Service We don’t want to stress motorists say you get nervous on a ‘shout’. plicants are given extensive train- “There’s an element of excite- ing, would-be firefighters are put has four basic requirements that into doing something dangerous. all prospective on-call officers “Our biggest difficulty is ment. You get to do the things through a series of tests to ensure you’ve trained hard for – you get they have the physical ability and must meet. parked cars. There have been Applicants should be at least 18 streets we just couldn’t get down to go out and make a difference. aptitude for the role. Help people. “You can work on your fitness, years old, have a good level of fit- – instead we’ve had to stop 40 me- “You’re part of a team of profes- but there are certain things you ness, work or live within five min- tres away and run in hoses. sionals and we’ve all got each have to be naturally comfortable utes’ travelling time of an on-call “We know parking can be a other’s backs. with,” said SJ. “You can’t have a fire station, and be available when problem, but we’d ask every mo- “Outdoor fires make the biggest fear of heights or enclosed spaces the local station needs cover. torist to check there’s space for a impression on you – a field or barn because these are environments For more information, visit the fire engine to get past before they fire. You see pictures of these you might have to work in.” jobs page at www.kent.fire- leave their cars at the roadside.” uk.org

30 Maidstone East February 2019 News| Firefighters downsmail.co.uk Teacher by day, hero by night LEANNE Beeston is a college lecturer… who drives a 12-tonne fire truck in her spare time. When she’s not in the class- “I go to the gym and run to room, she’s in the thick of fires, keep my fitness levels up for the cutting casualties from road crash job, but I’m not a fanatic. Wearing wreckage or generally getting breathing apparatus and lugging stuck into a range of other rescue hose in all the kit is hard work, operations. but you don’t have to be super- As one of the county’s on-call woman for this role.” firefighters, the 28-year-old not Leanne’s fellow on-call fire en- only holds down a dramatic sec- gine driver, SJ Broad (38), was ond job, but also trains to keep equally determined to pursue a life her life-saving skills at the top of in a haze of flickering blue lights. their game. She joined KFRS six years ago. “I love it,” said Leanne, who She said: “I was a size 20 when first donned her fire kit five years I realised I wanted to be a fire- ago. “I was always that kid who fighter. I spent two years getting stood up in class and said I my weight down before applying. wanted to be a firefighter. “I was also a single parent, but “When I tell people what I do, Firefighters SJ Broad and Leanne Beeston it wasn’t an issue for the fire serv- they’re always surprised, but my leagues, on-call firefighters do not a firefighter, she secured a job ice – I did on-call at nights with a dad, Martin, was a firefighter, so attend shifts at a fire station, but with Larkfield Fire Station before baby sitter on stand-by while my it’s always been part of my life.” are called out to emergencies via starting her full-time teaching and son Kai was growing up, and I Tovil-based Kent Fire and Res- pager. This form of 999 service is management career with Hadlow worked in a doctor’s surgery dur- cue Service (KFRS) says on-call used to protect the communities College. ing the day. officers are a vital part of a mod- of Larkfield, Headcorn, Lenham “On-call firefighting is a great “It’s a hugely rewarding job, ern 999 response, providing and Marden, where KFRS is cur- job that fits around other commit- and my advice to anyone who’s safety cover for 90% of the UK rently running a recruitment ments and family,” she said. “I considering it as a career is: don’t population. drive. spend my days teaching and think about it … do it. You won’t Unlike their full-time col- Leanne was so keen to become nights on-call for the station. regret it.” Special skills How an on-call for fire drivers system works IN ADDITION to driving fire ON-CALL firefighters are paid to trucks, Leanne Beeston is also pro- be available for 999 “shouts” dur- ficient at the wheel of Larkfield’s ing pre-arranged periods. 25-tonne bulk water carrier. Unlike full-time officers, they With a capacity of 14,500 litres, it are not on work shifts, and can carries the same amount of water continue with their everyday lives as eight fire engines. as long as they remain within five minutes of their designated sta- Operating these trucks under tion. The fire service will then blue lights is a major specialism, contact them by pager if an emer- with drivers having to master fast gency arises. and safe driving that does not Most have other jobs and pro- spook other motorists. vide cover outside their regular OUT NOW Leanne says: “Heavy traffic is working hours. The fire service often a problem and, while drivers ‘We train hard for this’ normally requires a commitment are always willing to help, some- SJ BROAD says she still feels a things but you never appreciate of at least 50 hours a week, with times there’s just nowhere for pang of excitement when the fire the sheer scale of them. We also most contracts averaging at about Pick up your free copy of the them to pull over. alarm sounds. deal with a lot of traffic collisions. 60 hours. “We never tailgate and we “We train hard for every emer- House fires account for a very Winter edition of Mid Kent switch our sirens off in traffic, al- gency scenario we’re likely to en- small proportion of our workload.” Is it for you? though we keep the blue lights on. counter,” she said. “So I wouldn’t Although successful on-call ap- Living magazine. KENT Fire and Rescue Service We don’t want to stress motorists say you get nervous on a ‘shout’. plicants are given extensive train- has four basic requirements that into doing something dangerous. “There’s an element of excite- ing, would-be firefighters are put all prospective on-call officers “Our biggest difficulty is ment. You get to do the things through a series of tests to ensure you’ve trained hard for – you get they have the physical ability and must meet. Available at major supermarkets, parked cars. There have been Applicants should be at least 18 streets we just couldn’t get down to go out and make a difference. aptitude for the role. Help people. “You can work on your fitness, years old, have a good level of fit- – instead we’ve had to stop 40 me- selected newsagents and local “You’re part of a team of profes- but there are certain things you ness, work or live within five min- tres away and run in hoses. sionals and we’ve all got each have to be naturally comfortable utes’ travelling time of an on-call points of interest. “We know parking can be a other’s backs. with,” said SJ. “You can’t have a fire station, and be available when problem, but we’d ask every mo- “Outdoor fires make the biggest fear of heights or enclosed spaces the local station needs cover. torist to check there’s space for a impression on you – a field or barn because these are environments For more information, visit the fire engine to get past before they fire. You see pictures of these you might have to work in.” jobs page at www.kent.fire- leave their cars at the roadside.” uk.org

Maidstone East February 2019 31 downsmail.co.uk

O b i t u a r e s Ann Smallbone grandmother also lost her son, Tony, who make a page for the died aged 48, and she out-lived her step- West Kent WI ANN Smallbone (77) lived locally all her daughter by Rowland Wallond. Memorial Book in life and spent 53 years in Barming. “She was active and very cheery. For a remembrance of Born Ann Gooch and raised on the number of years she ran Age Concern in Pat.” Foster Clark Estate, she a�ended Haywards Heath. She embodied the spirit Friend Audrey Maidstone College of Art and worked as a of ge�ing on with life and remained very Browne said: “She dressmaker in London. She met and fit for her age.” was a very good married John, her Cherry leaves grandchildren Gail and friend and always husband of 55 years, Ben, five great-grandchildren and one niece. willing to help and they raised people out.” children Andrew and Her husband Michael, a former Julia. Ann became Rosemary Curtis chairman of the parish council, died some involved in a range ROSEMARY Curtis (75) was born in years ago. Mrs Ingarfield is survived by of local activities three sons. including the Pembury in 1943. She lived much of her Brownies, for whom childhood in Kent and Wales, and moved she served many to Maidstone in 1966 Gerry Paine years as Brown Owl. with husband Brian. As the children got older, Ann worked They were happily GERRY Paine was manager of Barclays in Ryders shop in Barming. Julia said: “My married for 53 years Bank, Middle Row, Maidstone, from the mother helped with the Over 60s Club for and had daughters early 1970s to 1983. over 25 years. The WRVS presented her Melanie and He also served as treasurer of Kent with a badge marking her long service. Caroline, and four County Agricultural Society and, after his “We’ll remember her as kind and very grandchildren. business retirement, as society director of loving, with the ability to do things that Caroline said: finance. He was a long-standing member were inadvertently funny. Lots of people “Working with of Maidstone Rotary Club and served a have spoken of her kindness.” children gave my year as president. Ann leaves her husband, children and mother great pleasure. After a short spell Gerry leaves his daughters and his wife grandson Alex. teaching, she began a 25 year career at St Jean, with whom he lived in Bearsted Luke’s Playgroup in Foley Street. Many of before moving to Harrietsham. Later,. they the people she met there became her moved to Liskeard, Cornwall, where he Cherry Wallond closest friends.” died in his 90s. Rosemary was diagnosed three years THE funeral has taken place in Haywards ago with dementia, but continued to enjoy Heath, Sussex of a former Maidstone holidays and days out with Brian. She Micky Taylor resident “Cherry” Wallond (102). Born passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, MICHAEL Frederick “Micky” Taylor (77) Vera Alice Cherry, at Cornford House Nursing Home in one of eight children, ran a local business and was known from Pembury, with her husband by her side. years of local sport including a spell as a in Romford, Essex, Brian describes Rosemary as “always she adopted her Maidstone United player. kind, caring and considerate”. Micky lived in maiden name as a As well as her husband, she is survived Christian name after Addington for about by her daughters and grandchildren 60 years, having marrying Arthur James, Julie�e, Ellie and Charlo�e. Meredith. Cherry arrived as a teenager worked for Plessy in after moving around Essex until her son Pat Ingarfield during the war. Anthony was born. He was born in The family lived in Maidstone from 1950 FRIENDS have paid tribute to Leeds Lancashire, and the and Cherry worked as personnel manager villager Pat Ingarfield who has died aged family later moved to at Reeds paper mill. 76, after a long illness. Essex. She was widowed and later married Her funeral was held at St Nicholas Micky’s sporting Rowland Wallond, who died in 1979. Church in the village, where she was a talents emerged at school and, whilst in She moved to the Haywards Heath area keen gardener and former WI chairman. Essex, he played with future World Cup of Sussex to be closer to son Tony. A WI notice in the parish magazine heroes Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst. Granddaughter Gail Wickens said: “My read: “We are making arrangements to After moving to Addington he worked for his father’s painting and decorating business before se�ing up Taylor Artexing. Micky was father to Simon, Nicholas, Julian and Robyn. Camrass Wills Wife Jane said: “Most people will Advice you can trust remember him from his days as a footballer for Maidstone United, Do you need help with probate? Tonbridge Angels, London Tavern and Maidstone Rangers. He was also an all- Do you want to buy a funeral plan? round cricketer who played at The Mote and went on to found his own team, The • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed Hobos. DipPFS MSWW “People will remember Micky as an out- going, charismatic man who loved to chat 01622 720985 and could get on with most people.” www.camrasswills.co.uk Micky leaves his wife, children and four grandchildren.

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

32 Maidstone East February 2019 Call for the

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P volunteer PCSO had been appointed to the way or to determine the best plan of a r i s h work with the current PCSO on traffic action for Downswood. It was agreed to Police report There had been no new issues. The Rural Police speeding unit investigate costs for fighting the crimes in Bredhurst but there had been a suggested members be trained to use a proposal. C second a�empted break-in at a garage. speed gun – the cost of £600 would be Handrail request The clerk was to ask o u n c i l s Residents were urged to be vigilant and put in next year’s expenditure. KCC to reconsider this request for the ensure that their properties are well Overnight parking Cllr Bowie said a steps at Willow Rise/Spot Lane and secured. resident had pointed out problems with would chase up the repair of the street Homes plan Members a�ended public lorries parking on the A249 overnight. Mr column at the bo�om of the steps. consultations regarding developments at Leach, who lives on the A249, said lorries Fly-tipping There had been a report of Gibraltar Farm (450+ homes) and East parked outside his property and left fly-tipping in Grampian Way. The Hill (950+ homes), both in the Capstone li�er, debris and human waste on the resident confirmed that they were Valley. Medway Council had asked for verges and ran their engines all night. He waiting for it to be removed by MBC. more information from the applicant. It asked the parish council for their support Bollard It had been reported that a was agreed that the parish council would on closing the lay-by. After discussion it bollard had been knocked down in support the opposition to the was agreed that the clerk would write to Mallards Way. This was later found to developments in Capstone Valley and KCC asking for the lay-by to be closed. have been reinstated by Cllr Newton. would consider offering resources such Maintenance Tony Taylor reported on Grit bins These were to be checked and as staff hours and admin costs if the work he had done around the parish empty ones reported to the clerk. A necessary. and said some items were still covered store for a ton of grit was to be Playing field The statutory declaration outstanding. These were the drains arranged by Cllrs Weeks and Greenhead. had been made. Savills had confirmed outside the village hall, along the KCC would be advised of its location. that the parish council was not Pilgrims Way and in Princes Way and responsible for maintaining the fence Queensway. Wires were still exposed at between the field and Fir Tree Grove and the A249 junction. The outstanding items Hollingbourne a clause had been added to the lease to had been reported to KCC. this effect. It also states that the parish Playground The clerk would look into Old School Playing Field The centenary S106 documents for the proposed homes council had no liability regarding access bench had been ordered and would be via gates from some gardens in Fir Tree on Eyhorne Street between Godfrey delivered to Cllr Clayton before House and Claygate, to find out when Grove. The lease was signed. Garden installation in the field. Cllr Clayton waste had been left on the field and it money could be released to help would liaise with a local carpenter about refurbish the playground and the Lance was agreed to write to residents backing the refurbishment of the other two on to the field asking that this should Memorial Field. benches in the field. The clerk was asked Police report Three crimes had been stop. The MBC grant of £10,000 had been to liaise with MBC about the monthly received and the zip wire had been reported: an a�empted theft from a inspection of the play equipment. vehicle; a shed break-in; and a garage ordered. Cllr Merrick had replaced the Neighbourhood plan Cllr Howells shackles and quotes had been obtained break-in. The investigation into arson on briefed the meeting on the process and Hollingbourne Hill was complete, with for waste removal. It was agreed to use purpose of a Neighbourhood Plan. The MBC to remove the waste to ensure that no suspect identified. Police were timescale was approximately two years investigating violence and sexual the work met all regulations. Quotes had and the cost could be in the region of been obtained for removing the old posts offences in the Upper Street area, and £30,000. Grants of up to £11,500 were near the recreation area. and Cllr Merrick would obtain a further available. He suggested the council could quote by the next meeting. In memoriam It was agreed to make undertake a light plan and focus on payments of £25 to Hollingbourne Allotments The new policy had been village issues such as traffic, air quality sent out and rents requested. The person Meadows Trust Project 100 and All and preservation of the environment. He Saints’ Church, in memory of Cllr Alan interested in the vacant plot was in the said the parish plan was a starting point. process of ge�ing public liability Benne�. It was also agreed that the new Cllr Evernden questioned the need for a tree being planted on Tanyard Green insurance. The tenant who had erected a plan and whether the benefit would fence had agreed to remove it. would be placed in remembrance of Cllr warrant the cost. It was agreed that more Benne�. The clerk would look into a Buildout Cllr Carr had sprayed the information was needed about the buildout outside Camellia so that it was name plaque. process and cost before a decision could Debrillator A competitive quote had more visible to drivers. be made. Footpath An email had been received been received for the defibrillator and Public comments Residents spoke on the storage cabinet and it was agreed to go from the Public Rights of Way officer rental of office space in the community regarding footpath KH38, which cuts ahead with the purchase. The shop; the parish council contribution to defibrillator would be installed at the diagonally across the crop field next to the Detling News; the community shop the village wall. The landowner had been school, in a place where it would be and increased traffic. The chairman accessible to all villagers. reminded that crops growing over the thanked them for their comments and path must be sprayed out to allow access. Woodcut Farm The clerk had circulated said they would be considered and he the details of the S106 document for land Donation request A request for a would respond if necessary. donation had been received from at Woodcut Farm. The contribution of Citizens Advice, which the parish council trees worth £10,000 was seen as did not wish to contribute to. inadequate, as the development had been Downswood refused by Hollingbourne and Thurnham Covered shelter PCSO Turner said she Parish Councils, as well as by many Detling had no objections to plans for a shelter in residents. Mallards Way, near the basketball hoop. House names Developers Fernham Highways Cllr Howells said there were The style of the shelter would be open to Homes were looking for names for the two issues to consider – the volume of view, with seating protected from the new houses in Eyhorne Street. Further traffic cu�ing through the village and the elements. Designs and prices would be information was placed on the parish speed of the traffic. A public meeting was circulated. website. due to be held in January. A solution was Otham Church The action plan for Li€er Cllr Garten advised the clerk of the likely to be costly and the parish council development next to the church was contact at MBC who might be able to would have to work with KCC. A discussed and options were to fight it all Continued on page 36

34 Maidstone East February 2019

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P Continued from page34 even be�er than before. A commi�ee fourth camera had been installed to a r i s h assist in the removal of li�er from private needed to be formed, with members from ensure complete coverage of the car park. land backing onto The Meadows Trust various organisations in the village. The signage was due to be installed and Le�ers of tender for the fete bar would be the CCTV system registered.

C open spaces, as it could be a public sent to the village pubs. Hedges A resident said hedges needed to o u n c i l s health/nuisance issue. The clerk would follow this up. be cut back on Forge Lane to Burgess Pond works Cllr Marshall was Hall Drive as they were encroaching on investigating whether the work due to Leeds the pavement. take place at the Millennium Green Fly-tipping Cllr Fort said MBC was Potholes A resident said several potholes needed to be registered with the investigating the fly-tipping in Burberry had appeared around the entrance to the Environment Agency. Treatments were Lane. KCC was cu�ing back and church and the road surface on the planned to remove the rhizome plants considering charging residents to deposit incline from the church to the village hall which were destroying the clay lining of certain items at their tips, which would was in very poor condition. Both weould the pond. increase fly-tipping. be reported to Kent Highways. Tree planting Cllr Marshall had HGVs A resident asked about Unsuitable Sports field MBC had agreed to match organised the planting of a new for HGVs signs for Old Forge Lane. Cllr fund £10,000 for the cost for replacement ornamental tree on the green to replace China said KCC had forwarded details of slide and swings. The plan was to have the dead one that had been removed. The signs, which were £200 each. It was the new equipment laid on a soft play tree would be of a type that would not agreed to purchase these and Cllr China area, which would be fenced in. Cllr grow excessively large. would progress this. Gove� suggested having signs regarding Castle fireworks The clerk had received a Maintenance Leaves had been cleared dog mess in the field. The clerk said this le�er from Leeds Castle CEO David Steel from Penfold Hill and Foley Hill. Cllr would be covered by bylaws and this advising that the castle would be using a Gove� said the pavilion looked very would be investigated. new noiseless type of firework in 2019. It good and thanked the football club for was reported that the fireworks used in their work. November 2018 shook at least one of the Pavilion Cllr China said there had been a Ulcombe houses in the village and distressed pets, problem with the toilet cistern and this Police report One crime was reported in and several residents reported it to MBC. was being repaired. A resident had the month before the meeting. Meadows Trust Following the confirmed that she would be hiring the Defibrillator A quote was still awaited resignation of the secretary, the charity pavilion for an art class each Friday. from the school for the installation of the needed to find a new registered address Payment had been received for this. Cllr defibrillator cabinet. Cllr Kenward was to and telephone number. Cllr Ardley asked Martin suggested the council considered contact the school for an update. whether the Cardwell Pavilion could the provision of a defibrillator at the Broadband An email was received from a help out in this ma�er. It was agreed that pavilion. This would be placed on the resident regarding issues with their the address could be used for the charity next agenda. Three PIR lights had been broadband in the Lenham Road. A date and a separate postbox could be placed installed on the front of the pavilion. for a meeting with the resident and on the outside of the building. However Streetlighting Cllr China had instructed service providers was still awaited. the sharing of the phone line would be Streetlights to repair five lights. Play area The monthly inspection by difficult. Tennis courts The chairman suggested Maidstone Borough Council was Speedwatch The police were unable to changing the system of hiring a key to received. Action had been taken to loan Speedwatch equipment to the parish allow residents to pay £5 and keep the resolve all the issues identified in the council to form its own group. KCC key for a year. This was agreed and Cllr report. Highways had sent information on how China said he would implement the Highways There was a pothole by White to set up a Hollingbourne group. The system. Rails, Ulcombe Road. clerk would contact neighbouring New play area Draft plans for the new Rubbish There was a build-up of rubbish parishes to see if equipment could be play area were circulated to members in Water Lane. borrowed from them. and amendments were agreed. Cllr Access There had been access problems Fete sub-commiee Various suggestions China would seek quotations for the play in Water Lane when sewage lorries had were made to make the 2019 event, area fenced and unfenced. blocked the road by the caravan site provisionally set for Saturday, June 8, CCTV This had been installed and a when emptying cesspits.

C r i m e A HOUSE was broken into in Ragstone Road, Bearsted. A farm was broken into in Friningham, Neighbourhood Watch Thurnham. The office was searched and Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police r

e p o r t s a recovery vehicle was stolen. A person or persons broke into and A caravan was broken into in Dunn in Ashford Road, Broomfield and stole cash from a fruit machine in Lock Street Road, Boxley. Items were stolen s Kingswood. Lane, Boxley. and damage was caused to the property A group of youths have taken fire A shed was broken into in the garden itself. extinguishers from a farm and set them of a home in Queens Way, Detling. Two A house was broken into in Pilgrims off in Grange Lane, Boxley. padlocks on the shed had been smashed Close, Harrietsham. Cash and a Fuel was stolen from an HGV parked off and some items were stolen. computer were stolen. in the road in Valley, There was an attempt to break into a A van forced its way under the height Stockbury. house in Harvesters Way, Boxley. restriction barrier at a car park damaging A shed was broken into and a power A house was broken into in it in Forstal Road, Boxley. saw was stolen in Gore Court Road, Rhodewood Close, Downswood. A house was broken into and jewellery Otham. Jewellery, computers and cash were was stolen in Yeomans Way, A Renault van parked in the road was stolen. Harrietsham. broken into in Robins Avenue, Lenham. A mountain bike was stolen in A house was broken into and cash was Nothing appears to have been taken. Wingrove Drive, Boxley. stolen in Croft Gardens, Lenham. A white/red Apollo BMX bicycle was A shed was broken into at a home in Two vehicles, a Jeep and a Mitsubishi taken from the back garden of a house in Lenham Heath Road, Lenham. Delica, parked in a field were damaged Coltsfoot Drive, Boxley.

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Businesseson the Downs & Services Mail DECKING TO DOORS, Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and fridges, Allfreezers, work guaranteedvacuum cleaners, directory SERVICE FROM All aspects of CARPENTRY t/dryers, dishwashers, elec ovens. on the Downs Mail fitted, Loft Conversions, Doors hung,  Free estimates and call out KITCHENSDECKING &TO FLOORS. DOORS, Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and  All work guaranteed directory Locksfitted, fitted, Loft Skirting, Conversions, small alterations,Doors hung, 01622 673113 downsmail.co.uk ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL. Plastering and Tiling  Free estimates and call out KITCHENS & FLOORS. Locks fitted, Skirting, small alterations, Anytime: 07831 557677 downsmail.co.uk All work guaranteed. 01622 673113 MAKINGALL JOBS THE BESTBIG &OF SMALL. WOOD Plastering and Tiling Anytime: 07831 557677 IN AND AROUND THE HOME FREEAll workESTIMATES guaranteed. MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD Family business established 21 years BathroomBathrooms Installers IN AND AROUND THE HOME FREE ESTIMATES Bathrooms CALL Cliff on 01622Family business 743648 established 21 years 07940 854927 Mob:01622 07711 743648 291921 CALL Cliff on 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone The complete Bathroom BUILDING07940 854927& SERVICES www.mdbuildingseMob: 07711rvices 291921.co.uk TheMaintenance complete CompanyBathroom 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone Looking to extend or improve your home, we can help. Maintenance Company From drive extentions, plasterChimneying to lighting, MaintenanceMD Building NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES Services can supply all aspectsChimney of building works Maintenance you require. NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES Electrics, Extensions, Kitchen & Bathroom FHittin &g, Plas G t erChimneying, Services Supply • Install • Repair Plumbing, Decking Systems, Fencing, Patios & Paving, Brickwork SupplyFloor & • Wall Install Tiling • Repair • Full Plumbing Services Chimney sweeping service • LongH established& G Chimney • ICS registered Services Contact MaAllrk ftypesor a F ofree flu No • AllOblig pots-cowlsation Q uosuppliedte on: & 07841 fitted 409061 Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services CompleteChimney re-builds sweeping • Re-pointing service • Long • Guttering, established roof • & ICS valley registered repairs Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 739439All types 07860 of flu 318166 • All pots-cowls [email protected] supplied & fitted Complete re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs Call Gary01622 07738 736266 902116 01622 739439 07860 318166 [email protected] ALL01622 WORK GUARANTEED 736266 ALL WORK GUARANTEED Builders Clean Sweep Builders BrushClean & vacuum Sweep MD Building & Services PAUL BEST Specialists in WoodBrush burners& vacuum and flues MD• Extensions Building • Refurbishments & Services PBrickworkAUL BEST • PlasteringSpecialists (All aspects) in suppliedWood burners and fitted and flues • Electrics • Modernisations O • Extensions • Refurbishments BrickworkExtensions • Kitchen• Plastering & Bathroom (All Installationsaspects) Allsupplied work insuredand Buildingfitted Plans O General Builder • Driveways,• Electrics Patios • Modernisations & Repointing O Extensions • Kitchen• Fencing & Bathroom & Blockpaving Installations O 25 years Experience AllAll work work certified insured to cover insurance O • Driveways,FULLY Patios INSURED & Repointing FullGeneral planning Builder & Building• FencingRegulation & Blockpaving O Tel: Mark 07841 409061 PestAll work control certified available to cover insurance 0162225 years 891960 Experience FULLY INSURED Drawing Servicee: [email protected] CameraPest control inspections available available 0774801622 630747891960 Tel:www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk Mark 07841 409061 Kitchen & Bathroom e:Fitting [email protected] Service WeddingsCamera inspections attended available 07748 630747 www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk Carpentry Buildingfrom Hanging Plans Doors to MemberWeddings of attended the ICS Garden Decking Building Plans HETASMember approved of the ICS ContactHETAS approved Kevin Bovis [email protected] 01622Contact 844385 Kevin Bovis www.turnerbuildingserives.com 0788501622 651578844385 [email protected] 651578 [email protected] East February 2019 37 38 Maidstone Weald October 2017

38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 Classified downsmail.co.uk

Carpenters Cleaning Services

Computing Services

• V2rus/ 2w r D t cti & R v 2 • PC/ pt p R p 2rs, Upgr d s & I st 22 ti • W2r 2 ss & Br d d Issu s & C figur ti (min 1 hour) • N tw rk2 g • … d uc r Over 30 Years IT Contact Mark on... Experience T 2 01622 859969 07867 905522 Chimney Maintenance 222222 [email protected] @ Driveway Services MAIDSTONE CHIMNEY SWEEP • Full Brush & Vacuum • All types of fires & stoves swept • Certificates issued • Bird guards & cowls fitted No dust or mess

Call for a Quotation 01622 629035

L W Landway Surfacing Ltd. S ‘’ RESIN’’ BOUND & BONDED DRIVEWAYS, & PATIOS. Tarmac, Shingle & Block Paving Council Approved Vehicle Crossovers. Mobile: 07795 471196 / 07799 867524 Office: 01622 734817 Email: [email protected] Website: www.landwaysurfacing.co.uk 100 The Landway Bearsted Maidstone ME14 4LB

Electricians

38 Maidstone East February 2019 downsmail.co.uk Classified

Electricians continued Fencing continued B.G Electrical Contractors est. 1997 Domestic-Commercial-Industrial Any Electrical work undertaken To See Our Full Range visit bgelectrical-maidstone.co.uk All Work Guaranteed, Free Advice & Quotations NICEIC Part P registered Based in Bearsted 01622 737750 07768 957 456

Garden Services

Tree Surgery and Hedge Trimming Call Free From a Landline: 0800 587 4418 Fencing Services Call From a Moblie: 07736 781596

Harris Services Local Family Business TREES LANDSCAPING • Lopping, Topping • Stump Grinding • Fencing, Slabbing • Paving, Tarmac • Crowns Trimming • Shaping, Hedging • Stone Work, Turfing • Power washing • Pruning, Felling • Rubbish clearance • Shingle, Brick Work Free Estimates | Fully Insured | 0800 955 3171 | 07707 519671 Call us for free estimates and advice PatiosDav Drivesid DecksWr iPergolasght SleeperComp awallsny FencingDirec tGatesor 01622 842337

wrightsfencing.co.uk Paynes lane, Loose. Established since 1996

Maidstone East February 2019 39 Classified downsmail.co.uk

Gardening Services continued Painting & Decoarting

Handyman services

House Clearance

FULL HOUSE CLEARANCE

Full House Clearance Shed, Garage, Loft Clearance Probate Service Single Items Purchased Please Call On 01622 826123 Logs

Seasoned Hardwood Logs Logman Energy Pest Control [email protected] www.logmanenergy.co.uk For all makes of Wood burning Stoves Mob 0773468 0671 and Open Fires

40 Maidstone East February 2019 Sales Services& MAIDSTONE AUTOCENTRE LTD Kents Leading Mazda MX-5 Stockists OVER 40 2 & 4 SEATER CONVERTIBLES IN STOCK View our full range of stock online www.maidstoneautocentre.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Classified Maidstone Autocentre Ltd • 20 Bow Road • Wateringbury • Maidstone • Kent • ME18 5DD Tel: 01622 812234 Plastering Property maintenance Roofing Services Freephone 0800 6942024 Home Improvements and SuppPlumbinglies Ltd & Tiling HOMEFRESH Throughout the South East Kitchens / Bedrooms/Bathroom Bathrooms / Installation Carpets (Average) Normal rate Special rate CARPET & Karndean Floori&ng (su refurbishment,pply / supply • Full Roof Installation Single Room (12’ x 12’) £42 £21 and install / install only) • Tiling & Slate Roofing Through Room (12’ x 18’) £56 £28 • UPVC Fascias & Soffits UPHOLSTERY see www.installationgallery.co.ukDAVID to see COX Hall, Stairs & Landing £56 £28 • Chimney Re pointing or Removal a gallery of our previous installations. CLEANING Upholstery Mobile: 07701024078• Roofing Repairs & Maintenance 3 piece suite £84 £42 Very competitivelyHome: priced against01622 730960www.apolloroofing.co.uk OFFER 50% Leather 3 piece suite £146 £73 all Suppliers Discount Mobile No: 07855E: [email protected] 466438 07808 414965 No hidden extras - All Curtains prices inclusive of VAT Full length £74 £37 Tel No: 0800 1804590 or 01622 853601 Half Length £42 £21 Based in Maidstone# FREE ESTIMATESCall for a# free no obligation quote Plumbing & Heating EPIC NO JOB TOO Fence me in & alot more LANDSCAPES BIG OR SMALL All types of Fencing & Gates Installed & Repairs • Fencing • Treework • Turfing • Decking• Levelling Ground All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, • Patios • Jet Washing Service • Astroturf • Water Features Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Hedge Cutting etc. • Clearance • Driveways

For a free site survey call: Call Colin on 07521 377306 01622 527106 07788 532926 or 01622 853978 Skip Hire

P 01233 840624 D.T Collectionrompt [email protected] Fast Delivery SKIP HIRE G Blocked drain clearance G CCTV drain & sewer surveys The largest Over 20 Years Experience G Drain & sewer cleaning G Cesspool & septic tank services T Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 independently owned & 12 Yard Bins G Prices from £110+VAT liquid waste Tankering including ADR (hazchem) T Covering Maidstone management G Pollution & flooding solutions 01622 843511 & The Weald company in the UK G Waste disposal & recycling T EA Registered 01233 623721 T Fast & Prompt Service Sunnybridge Farm, Watery Lane, T Commercial www.mtscleansing.co.uk West Well, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JJ & Domestic

All plumbing & heating work undertaken. Boiler installation & Servicing, vented/unvented cylinder installation Garage Door01233Free 66 Quotation0 099 ....For much more call Gino on Specialistswww.gboxSiteken Surveyt.com 01622 766385 or 07521 061867 GDS • Kent based business and specialize in the • At GDS we offer a range of designs, colours and Fully insured / No call out Charge Installation, supply and repair of garage doors accessories to personalise your garage door. [email protected] SKIP HIRE across the South East ofC England.ommercial &• NotD omeonly do westi supplyc and install garage doors, City & Guilds Quali ed Gas Safe Registered • Years of experience in the garageRe doorcycling industry Sewerv canic alsoe repairs any door from any and we are proud to have received many glowing manufacturer to a top standard. customer recommendations for us. 6pm 24 01634 786129onwards 07540 224938 hour www.garagedoorspecialistskent.co.uk [email protected]

Dr. Tiles I BB oPlasteringok Online Order your skip via secure Tiling & Building Maintenance Skip Hire 24hFreer Noon lObligationine book f acQuoteility Roll On/Offs FREE •Plastering •Friendly, reliable, 4Reliable Yard Sk ipService, £19 No2 inc Job V aTot Small, FullyRoad Insured Permits Arranged NO OBLIGATION •Painting & Decorating clean & tidy worker. 6 Yard Skip £228 inc Vat Waste Recycling Facility QUOTE •Laminate Flooring •City & Guilds 8Call Yard IanSkip on: £264 inc Vat 07804 •Home Improvements qualified 12 Yard Skip £360 inc Vat •Tiling •Fully insured Mob 07752175135 Tel:01622 843530 927680 Many more services available. See website for details Call Danny on 07450 876363 or email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Maidstone East February 2019 41

64 Mid Kent Living Classified downsmail.co.uk

TV, Aerials & Satellites Water Services PAUL MILL Television Ltd 01622 751000 Est. 1981 • See the latest Panasonic LED, Latest 4K, Smart & 3D Screens • Freeview play • Catch Up & On Demand BBC iPlayer, ITV Player & 4oD • Your local Sky expert, SKY HD, multiroom & “hidden” dish installation • Freeview & Freesat, Expert aerial, dish installation service TV wall mounting service. Please phone us for free friendly advice today Bower Place Maidstone ME16 8BG www.paulmilltelevision.co.uk ClassifiedWe pride ourselves on being a local business offering outstanding service downsmail.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-noon UpholsteryUpholstery and Furnishings Water Services continued BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS • 3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired 01233 840624 • 3 piece suites individually made to order • 100’s of fabrics to choose from • DIY supplies • Collection & delivery• Antique restoration [email protected] (01622) 863069 [email protected] Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone The largest G Blocked drain clearance Waste Services independently G CCTV drain & sewer surveys CLASSIC STYLES AVAILABLE: ROLLER owned liquid G Drain & sewer cleaning VERTICALS ALI VENETIAN waste G Cesspool & septic tank services ROMAN WOODEN VENETIAN BLINDS management G Tankering including ADR (hazchem) Simple. Easy. Classic company in G Pollution & flooding solutions FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE, FREE QUOTES, the UK G Waste disposal & recycling HIGH QUALITY, WIDE RANGE, EXCELLENT VALUE, Web Design ALL WINDOW BLINDS FULLY GUARANTEED www.mtscleansing.co.uk www.ClassicsBlindsAshford.co.uk 01622 730572 Web Design Waste Services

T. SKILTON RUBBISH CLEARERS EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS We Load, Household, Garage, We accept payment by Garden and Sheds e.t.c • Google Marketing / Search Engine Promotion All Areas Call Tom on Window Services Leisure 07714 729229 anytime • Web Site Design • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting E.A Registered Waste Carrier • Email • Web SiteQualified Maintenan andc experiencede

D. BODY LTD Waste Collection language teacher  Cesspool Emptying Offers private tuition in the  Septic Tanks Maidstone area in French, English  Drain Clearing01233 840624  Sludge Removal and English as a foreign/second  [email protected] Plants language. Very reasonable rates  Gulleys & Forecourts  High Pressure Jetting by negotiation. Domestic & Commercial ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS 01622 880840Contact Eileen on 07801 286349 01622 631688 24Hr - 7 Days A Week Prompt & Friendly Service Window Services D.BODY www.dbody.co.uk The Paddock, Detiling Hill, Maidstone, Kent

Health & Beautywww.collins-windows.com Water Services GREAT SAVINGS ON WINDOWS, The largest independently owned liquid Sarah Willsey MCFHP MAFHP waste management company in the UK DOORSFoot AND Health CONSERVATORIES Professional 07500 041535 | [email protected] | www.yourhealthyfeet.co.uk www.mtscleansing.co.uk Mobile Foot Health Professional service in the comfort of your own home TREATMENTS PRICES • Blocked drain clearance • CCTV drain & sewer surveys Corns & Calluses – Hard Skin – Cracked Heels £38 first appointment • Drain & sewer cleaning • Cesspool & septic tank services Toe Nail Cutting and care - Ingrown Toe Nails £35 follow up • Tankering including ADR (hazchem) • Pollution & flooding solutions Thickened Fungal Nails- Verrucas £33 over 65 first appointment ALL MAKES • WasteOF disposalWATER & recyclingt SOFTENERS Diabetic and High Risk Foot Care and Advice £30 over 65 follow up SERVICED • SALES & SERVICE 42 Maidstone East February 2019 • FILTERS & REVERSE OSMOSIS •FREE SURVEY PROMPT INSTALLATIONS ALL OTHER MAKES SERVICED

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42 Maidstone East September 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Granville Garage 01622 761571 Waste Service Continued Granville Road, Maidstone www.granvillegarage.com MOT Testing - On the Road OnGeneral the Vehicle Road Repairs

SILVERBACK RECOVERY Car recovery and transportation Ltd Light commercial With more than 30 years' experience in the Cars for scrap removed motor industry, Barming Motor Co is an Competitive rates independently“At your run used service”car specialists based Cherryon Hartnup Tree Business Street, Estate, Plough Maidstone. Wents Road, CALL ROGERWindow ON: Services Chart Sutton, Maidstone, ME17 3RY 01622 813733 07740 123495 All servicing work undertaken, diagnostics, barmingmotorcompany.co.ukmechanical and bodywork repairs, MOT preparation and winter checks. [email protected] have been servicing, repairing, and restoring BMWs for over 30 years, our staff have over 50 years combined downsmail.co.uk ACE Tel: 01622 728712 or 07864 393785Classified experience, and all have more than 25 years of working ClassifiedM.O.T. and Clutch Centre with BMWs behind them. downsmail.co.uk Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T. Car’s & Commercial vehicles Painting & Decorating Plumbing & Heating HealthOpen Mon – Fri & 8:00& - Beauty5:30 Beauty Sat 9:00 – 12:00 Over 25 vehicles in stock M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 OnWide range ofthe vehicles Road • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted ChrisServicing Bourne & Plumbing MOT’s Services • QualitySTEPHEN Decorating• Broken at aGR AbeltY damagedLeisure repaired making water work BSc Hons HCPC Registered LOCAL NEWS HeatingCompetitive Rate WANTED fair & competitive price Bearsted Chiropody• All makes, & petrolUPDATED & diesel DAILY Wall & Floor To advertise here • Dulux approved over PlumbingFinanceWe available specialiseTiling in Classic BMWsCars, of ALLV agesans, Podiatry Practice EVENTS - SERVICES & and reach over 88,000 30111 years Madginford experience736 London Road Bearsted Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG Complete 25yrs experience Trucks,4x4s. • Fully insured Tel: 01732INFORMATION 870368 - ITEMS FOR SALE BMWBathrooms & BMW MiniAny Specialisthomes age every / Any month Tel:01622 01622 737225 630 393 www.downsmail.co.uk 01622 747272 / conditionCall our dedicated Home visits and evening and Your community website Mobile:weekend 07816 appointments 149502 available 07885 950959 £ Cashclassified Waiting team £ on www.sr-interiors.com Larkrise, Green Lane, 01622 630330 email: [email protected] Boughton Monchelsea. call 07542420700 or 07747025301 Elise Mobile Styling MALCOLM ROBERTS Over 25 years’ experienceOriginally of maintaining trained and worked people’s at Vidal homes. Sassoon in MOTORCYCLES WANTED A friendly,Knightsbridge, reliable service.London over 15 years. GavinSpares/Repairs Francis Painting & decorating, Wall Papering, Tiling and all aspects of DIY. Started working for myself preferring to do CentralNon runners Heating Installations ex British Gas AutosprayFOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL MALCOLMSOLUTIONSclients on - a one to one basis. Specialising in • NewMOT failuBoilersres etc ON 01634 308067precisionMob: haircutting 07788 & styling, 142576 make-overs and • NoisyAll bik esBoilers conside andred repairs fashion colour in the comfort of your own home. • BurstWill c ollectpipes and & leakspay cash • BathroomJohn - 07901 & shower 767 installations 925 - 01303 627021Your local plumber Call for a free, no obligation consultation 07860 174959 Rathbone Decorating Services • FULLYWe also INSURED offer motorcycle collection and delivery service Prices from £40 Lisa 07530203451 • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 NATIONWIDE MOTORCYCLE DELIVERYForge SE Lane,RVI CEastE Farleigh, Painting & Decorating No job too small & AT COMPETITIVE RATES www.bowmanmotorcycles199173.co.uk Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH Interior & Exterior with special rates NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected] RecruitmentWorks Undertaken for pensioners • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services NO CALL OUT CHARGE • Domestic and CommercialAt • QualifiedMid Kent CollegeTradesman RecruitmentPeople are at the heart & FREE QUOTES Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 of everything we do For all your plumbing needs Pest Control That's why we're looking to add to our team of expert teaching sta , General Repairs • New Taps whoUK will helpDIRECT us develop and deliver MAILING programmes to prepare LTD our PLUMBING students to thrive in their careers. • Toilet & Cistern Repairs IfDOOR-to-DOOR you're an experienced Lecturer, DISTRIBUTORS Assessor or Industry WANTEDSpecialist, providing you hold at least a Level 3 qualication in your chosen Bath & Shower Installation professionTo deliver and theshare Downs our passion Mail for learning,in the following then we'd like areas… to talk to you about our full and part time opportunities in :- • Leaks & Fault Finding Headcorn / Staplehurst / Boughton Monchelsea Electrial Installation Come and meet the team for an informal Vinters Park / Grove Green Call Gary 07738 902116 OEngineeringn CAD / CAMthe conversation R at one ofo our recruitmentad Mechanical Engineering evenings to discover why you should join Snodlandus on / our Kings exciting Hill journey to excellence Health & Social Care 01622 736266 PlumbingPenenden Heath MEDWAY/ Park WoodCAMPUS /- WednesdayTovil / Allington 22 November Electronic Engineering 2017 from 17.00 to 20.00 01622 919122 Media Each round isMAIDSTONE approx. CAMPUS 1000 addresses, - Wednesday 6 Property Clearance Childcareso you must haveDecember a good 2017 from level 17.00 of tofitness. 20.00 www.sabrekent.co.uk Good rates of pay. Maidstone October 2017 45 Maidstone December 2017 43 House & Property Clearance Furniture Clearance & Disposal Must have an Android phone as Commercial Property Clearance all rounds are Plastering Services Building Waste Disposal monitored with a Garden Waste Disposal DGPS K trackerPLASTERING app. I B Plastering Rubbish Clearance & Junk Removals Landline: 01622 910043 All plastering work carried out Free No Obligation Quote Mobile:07931889543 • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • Reliable Service, No Job To Small, For further Fully Insured [email protected] FREE Quotes information Call Ian on: www.clarity-property-clearance.co.uk Email: [email protected] Mobplease 07752175135 contact Call David 01622 728494 Tel:01622 843530 Mobile: 07974 891795 Email: [email protected] on Roofing Services

COMPLETE Ian Terry 07570 768834 ROOFING A.P.S Ltd SERVICE Roofing & Chimney Services • New roofs & repairs Plastering Services •Full Roof Installation •Tiling & Slate RoofingMaidstone East February 2019 43 •uPVC Fascias & Soffits • Slating/Tiling/Lead work 31 Roseacre Lane, Bearsted ME14 4JE •Chimney Repointing or Removal • Chimney rebuild/repairs •Roofing Repairs & Maintenance • Pointing www.apolloroofing.co.uk • Guttering Services 07855 529283 Free estimates & all works guaranteed 07808 414965 0800 0232665/01622 729600 Get properly plastered or 01622 853601 Vicarage Lane, Est 1980 for a free, no obligation quote [email protected]

40 Maidstone Weald October 2017 On the Road

• MOT • Servicing • Repairs • Cambelts • Clutches • Springs and Shocks • Diagnostics • Air Conditioning Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking

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Tel: 01622 663662 Unit 5, Bridge Industrial Estate, Wharf Road, Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR

Express Auto Centre www.maidstonemot.co.uk Maidstone MOT & Vehicle Servicing

Providing many Services for your vehicle at a ordable prices. Here are some of the main services that we have to o er:

MOT & FREE RETEST EXHAUSTS FITTING & REPAIRS VEHICLE REPAIR & SERVICING BRAKES & SUSPENSION TYRE FITTING & REPAIRS ALIGNMENT & TRACKING CAMBELT REPAIRS & FITTING AIR CON SERVICE & REPAIRS

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44 Maidstone East February 2019 Motoring I

On the Road Ltd BM Travel (Kent) MOBILE BODY REPAIRS BM TravelPrivate Hire (Kent) • BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB BM Travel (Kent) • VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING Private Hire • FULLY GUARANTEED TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED Private Hire FREE “At your service” ESTIMATES Airports - London - Seaports - Cherry Tree Business Estate, Plough Wents Road, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, ME17 3RY AirportsDays - London Out - Events - Seaports - AirportsDays - London Out - Events - Seaports - All servicing work undertaken, diagnostics, Ditton based, our locally established mechanical and bodywork repairs, Days Out - Events MOT preparation and summer checks. driversDitton are based, friendly, our helpful locally and established courteous. driversCompetitiveDitton are based, friendly, rates our helpful locally(airports and established from courteous. £40) driversCompetitive are friendly,24 rates hour helpful (airports service. and from courteous. £40) Before Before Competitive24 rates hour (airports service. from £40) 24 hour service.

After After We have been servicing, repairing, and restoring For enquiries contact BMWs for over 30 years, our staff have over 50 For enquiries contact Proud • 6 day operation years combined experience, and all have more sponsors of • Around 1/4 of body shop price For enquiriesBob Matthews contact on: Bearsted than 25 years of working with BMWs behind them. Cricket Club • Reliable, professional and flexible 07904Bob Matthews 492819 on: or We specialise in Classic BMWs of ALL ages Bob Matthews on: Call: 07771 621 769 [email protected] 492819 or [email protected] www.touchupsltd.co.uk BMW & BMW Mini Specialist [email protected] 492819 or [email protected] People Pass First Time With A Class Driving School

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Mid Kent Living 67 downsmail.co.uk C o m e n Wishes for Maidstone in 2019 Brexit Parliament quickly approves sporting boosts and I wish these big t the real Brexit which Maidstone (58%), clubs well. Kent and the nation voted for and ends MailMarks I hope Maidstone Council is doing the damaging delays so that we can all DENNIS FOWLE President same. Driven by Government, the concentrate on challenging tasks ahead. [email protected] council now has two major sporting The Prime Minister’s appalling reports before it and is being pressed to surrender of a withdrawal agreement – become really involved, including described by the President of the USA as are seriously overloaded and patients serious financial support. “good for the EU” – is li�le more than suffer in many ways. U�er madness. Are these reports now gathering Brexit in name only. How can any MP Trains Urgency is given at last to council dust? If so, watch for support it now? improving our Victorian train services Government interventions. I would like to see an acceptable and stations. We have been promised so agreement with the EU but I join the often a new Maidstone East Station and Young and old drivers growing number prepared for the UK to a faster, more frequent service. So many  RE CENT news blaming slow a�empt to cash in on WTO terms. There promises – how many will come true? elderly drivers for causing impatience is much both the UK and EU will find Broadband speed The whole of and road accidents became significant to mutually beneficial to agree without the Maidstone gets a fast Broadband speed. me after two appalling incidents over the Prime Minister’s proposed formal There are many places where it is very New Year period. withdrawal. slow. The Third World often gets be�er. First, I was tailgated exiting the M20 I voted to leave and after the last two Yet again, we just get promises. roundabout towards Detling and then years, my opinion has hardened. I think Our big store How proud we were again on the town centre bridge we are best out of that increasingly- when House of Fraser chose Fremlin roundabout from London Road troubled, expensive and undemocratic Walk for a major store. Now we hope it approaching St Peter Street. At busy organisation whose big ambitions do not survives the bli� hi�ing the high times both roundabouts demand much match ours – and see advantages far streets. a�ention and considerate driving. outweighing problems after we resolve Sport support The town rallies round to On both I was overtaken at speed by our teething difficulties. support be�er our major sports clubs. fast young drivers who immediately I think the majority of voters see this as They are having a very tough time. created great danger for others and a time for national pride (what problems Can the Stones hold their treasured place if they are thwarted) – but I am sad in the National League? Their progress themselves. I still do not know how both many are in despair. Only time will tell. in the last few years has been avoided a crash. Overcrowded Maidstone Government phenomenal but after a difficult last I am not trying to generalise in favour and Maidstone Council agree residential season they now face a major ba�le to of all old drivers at the expense of all development in and around urban avoid a very damaging relegation. young drivers. I know as I get older I am Maidstone must be severely restricted. The Mote Cricket Club has a more cautious and slower, especially at The quality of our lives is being very magnificent history, but last summer all night. There comes a sad time when severely harmed by overcrowding. three top league teams were relegated. It older drivers know they must retire, but Most obvious is the impact on our is working very hard to turn this round. most will not give up this very roads – not just the town centre but now Maidstone Rugby Club, which also significant independence without due all over the place. It seems almost plays at The Mote, has also faced recent cause. impossible to make meaningful changes relegations and is finding life very tough There is need for wide respect on the in Maidstone’s historic road structures. again this season. roads for all ages and too often this is not Gridlock has arrived – and the natives Maidstone Hockey Club looked as shown by young, over-confident and are becoming very restless. And KCC as though the men’s top team could be selfish drivers. the highways authority amazingly rarely joining the big boys, but these hopes Insurance companies know – this is murmurs any objections. have now faded with relegation. why premiums for young drivers are Schools are being rushed up in this Thankfully the ladies seem to be on the usually so much higher. These emergency with li�le respect for local up again this season. companies, like bookmakers, choose concerns. GPs and other health services Maidstone could do with some real their winners.

Who cares about buses? lengthy journey times ge�ing longer and Flyover? Underpass? Try as I might, I can't the cost of parking ge�ing ever higher. think of any other alternatives. PARK and Ride and traffic congestion in Well, what can be done to ease the But I have got an idea! Why don’t we Maidstone are hot topics judging by the situation? Someone, somehow has to find make the situation worse and see if that le�ers page and Dennis Fowle’s Mail a way of deterring motorists from taking solves the problem? Let's run down the Marks piece in the January issue. their cars in or through Maidstone without costly Park and Ride by changing the As a retired passenger transport restricting their right to do so, as they are charging structure and upse�ing the professional with over 45 years in the industry, I feel I am sufficiently qualified an influential majority of the electorate passengers and then we can do away with to comment as follows: and we don’t want to upset them, do we? it, having given ourselves an excellent The future of Maidstone’s Park and Ride What we need is a method of ge�ing the reason to so do. Then we can take credit hangs in the balance. Who cares? Buses are people who work, shop or do business in for saving money and it will free up land for school kids, the elderly and the poor; the town centre into the town centre for development. why should car owners give a damn? without their cars. That way the shops will Cynicism, or does it accurately reflect What we care about is: when is flourish, reduce congestion and make the situation? Who knows? something going to be done to ease Maidstone a�ractive again. Fact 1: If the number of cars entering Maidstone’s growing traffic congestion So how can it be done? Monorail? Cable Maidstone continues to rise; congestion, and the cost of parking in the town centre? cars? Chair lifts? Trams? Underground? delay and parking will get worse. Any motorist will tell you traffic in Helicopters? Teleportation? Levitation? Fact 2: If public transport doesn’t Maidstone is becoming impossible, with Parachutes? People-carrying drones? provide an answer, what will?

46 Maidstone East February 2019 downsmail.co.uk

Fact 3: Without public transport Barty Farm development. requested. I was delighted to hear this and C shouldering some of the burden and Making the parking free again and just again indicated that MBC was willing to o m e n helping to reduce congestion, the town charging a bus fare would be another contribute towards the cost. This was centre businesses will wither and die encouragement to passengers. rejected by Cllr Carter. Both our MPs and because of the difficulty in accessing them. For the Allington end of the service, the Cllr John Perry, MBC Conservative Group

Who cares, there’s always online shopping buses that serve the London Road going to leader, were at this meeting. t or out-of-town shopping centres! Larkfield/Snodland/West Malling/Kings MBC’s persistent a�empts, under my Fact 4: Without town centre businesses Hill could call at that site. I believe the leadership, to obtain the evidence to where will people have to work? Who service pa�ern is advertised as every 8-10 include the road in the Local Plan, plus its cares, at least the congestion will get be�er minutes. willingness to make a financial as it will all be through traffic and then It has been shown worldwide that contribution, gives the lie to those who they can build a bypass, can't they? passengers will use public transport if the seem to prefer a�empts at political point- My advice? Take photographs of service is regular and reliable. scoring against the Lib Dem-led council to Maidstone now, so you can show your I know the response will be that it will the well-documented truth. grandkids what it used to be like! be costly, but surely it is worth a one-year It is surely valid to question why the Terry East, Boxley, experiment rather than si�ing back and leader of KCC, who has for months been hoping people will walk or cycle into bewailing the crisis in funding for upper Park and Ride changes town. This just will not happen as no one tier authorities, chooses to refuse the offer WITH regard to the future of the Park and but the most ardent cyclist would want to of financial support in relation to the Ride service in Maidstone it saddens me risk riding on any of the four main Leeds/ Langley bypass. The answer, as someone who worked in the transport approach roads into Maidstone. apparently, was that KCC already had the industry for 39 years how li�le initiative is Michael Jefferies, Weavering funds set aside from “unilateral” S106 shown by both MBC and Arriva to secure agreements from planning consents along the future of this valuable facility. the Su�on Road. If it is losing money, why does it have to Facts behind legal action However, the only S106 agreements stay as an exclusive service? With the new THE article online and also in the East relating to those consents were in relation services now running to Bearsted and edition of the Downs Mail regarding the to junction improvements, not a six-lane Madginford/Downswood, there is a legal action being taken by MBC against highway as has been implied, and had simple solution to combine these with the KCC was so farcical it could almost be moreover formed part of the evidence Park and Ride and also to provide a be�er regarded as entertaining if the subject presented to the Government Inspector commuter service into town. ma�er it related to was not so serious. when he was evaluating the Maidstone The current No 4 service runs past the There are two related issues: how progress Borough Local Plan. Park and Ride site so could pick up and can be expedited on any Leeds/Langley The dispute between the two authorities drop off passengers as required. bypass and how S106 monies can be spent. has nothing to do with Cllr Gary Cooke’s The No 11 service runs along the Many Downs Mail readers will recall claim of “MBC trying to supersede the Ashford Road and could divert via the how, as the then Lib Dem Leader of authority of KCC as the statutory body Park and Ride site to do the same. If the Maidstone Borough Council, l a�ended a responsible for building roads” but council and Arriva wanted to be really public meeting called by Conservative everything to do with obtaining clarity bold and the No11 frequency increased to county councillors in relation to the around whether KCC has the authority to half-hourly, you could have a service every Leeds/Langley Road. I tried to explain that over-ride legal documents in respect of 15 minutes between the Park and Ride site despite repeated requests and confirming planning consents, and re-allocate Section and the town. This could tempt people out that MBC was prepared to substantially 106 monies. This has implications for all of their cars and onto public transport. contribute towards the cost of the work, boroughs and district planning authorities A further thought for the No11 is, why KCC had not produced the evidence operating in the two tier system where the turn it round at Roundwell? Let it run which would have enabled MBC to County Council is the Highway authority. through to the Ashford Road and return to include the road in the Local Plan. My It is my earnest wish that this ma�er can Maidstone through Bearsted thus explanation was met with derision by Paul be resolved without going to court and I providing a service to all of Bearsted. Carter, the leader of KCC. understand that both the Lib Dem leader Doing this would also give access to How strange then, that a few months Cllr Cox and the Chief Executive of MBC visitors to the nursing homes at the end of later, but too late for inclusion in the Local are doing all they can to draw this to a Roundwell and be useful to the buyers of Plan, KCC said it was going to undertake satisfactory conclusion. the 100 or so new homes proposed for the the investigative work MBC had Fran Wilson, Leader MBC, 2015-2018

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