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MaidstoneMaidstone EEastast EEditiondition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE

December 2016 No. 236

News Barracks to close INVICTA Park Barracks is to close in around ten years’ time ending two centuries of military  history in the county town. 4

New benefice link A NEW rural church benefice linking the North Downs  has been formed. 6

Christingle times Staff and pupils at Leeds and Broomfield Primary School celebrate their Ofsted ‘good’ rating CHECK times and dates of Christ- ingle services this  Christmas. 10 School looks ahead Morrisons relaunch MORRISONS is set to unveil its extension and product  ranges next month. 22

after Ofsted praise Middle of pay league STAFF and pupils at Leeds and Broomfield Primary School are celebrating MAIDSTONE workers earn an average of more than after being rated “good” by education inspectors Ofsted. £29,000 a year – study. 22 The Church of England school Head of the governing body Val a testament to the hard work of was inspected on October 19 and Puncher said: “It has been a long, Emma and Julie as well as the Relief road ‘action’ 20, and the result follows years of hard road, but we have got a good pupils, parents and governors that unsatisfactory Ofsted inspection rating which is really well-deserved we are where we are.” A COUNCIL transport boss wants action on a relief road grades. and is a credit to the staff and chil- There is currently a public con- for Leeds/Langley. 27 Head of School Julie Wellman dren. sultation for a single federated told parents: “This means that in- “When I heard the news I just school governing body to start in Comment 30-31 spectors judged the school to have shouted ‘Oh Great!’ Hopefully, we April 2017. good teaching, learning and assess- can go on from here and get an out- The school’s previous two Ofsted  ment, good leadership and man- standing rating.” reports were unfavourable “require Obituaries 34 agement, good personal Former primary school head improvement” ratings.47 development, behaviour and wel- teacher Mrs Puncher, who lives in County councillor Gary Cooke Parish Councils 46-47 fare, good outcomes and good early Bearsted, joined the governing said: “I have worked with the year’s provision. body in 2013. school for a number of years and I A RESURFACED stretch of White “We would like to thank all staff, She quickly assumed the role of am absolutely over the moon that Horse Lane is creating noise is- parents and pupils for their hard chairman of governors and worked Ofsted has finally realised what we sues in Otham; there have been work and support on our journey to closely with executive head Emma have all recognised for some time – reports of litter on playing fields becoming a good school. Hickling and head of school Julie that Leeds and Broomfield is a good in Leeds; a new councillor, Rachel “Leeds and Broomfield C of E Pri- Wellman when the school merged school to say the very least. Robinson, has been co-opted mary School has had a long history into the federation with Kingswood “I would like to say a big well onto the parish council in Ul- of requiring improvement and we and Ulcombe. done to Julie Wellman and her team combe; the allotment gate in are very proud that the school has Mrs Puncher added: “It’s a really at the school, the staff, parents, gov- Bredhurst has been damaged. now made this significant step.” exciting time for the school and it is ernors and, of course, the pupils.” Crime Reports 47 Lest we forget A VEHICLE in Mallings Drive, THOUSANDS of residents, sol- Bearsted, was broken into; a diers and dignitaries turned out number plate was stolen from a on Remembrance Sunday to pay Toyota 4X4 in Lenham; a lawn- respects to the fallen. The parade mower was stolen from a garage made its way through Maidstone in Detling; tools were taken from to the war memorial where a van parked outside a property the last post was sounded. 12 in Downswood. Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk Expand your business on the web with Webexpand IF you are considering a new website, or “A Website should make you updating your existing website in line with your growing business, Webexpand can help. money, not cost you money” Established in 2004, by David McCord, local business Webexpand has helped hundreds of David genuinely took the time to business owners to achieve a strong on-line web fully understand our business and presence that is vital for creating and developing Webexpand created a fantastic new customers. website for us. 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2 Maidstone East December 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Panto website LEEDS Amateur Dramatic Society Family to turn derelict (LADS) has moved a new website, Facebook page and online booking for its pantomime in February. Next year’s panto is Robin Hood ruins into dream home and the Babes in the Wood by Dave Jeanes. The shows take place in A FAMILY is seeking help in their Leeds village hall on Friday, Febru- search for the history of the ruined ary 3 at 7.30pm and Saturday Febru- old farmhouse they are working to ary 4 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. restore to its former glory. Tickets cost £8, or £5 for child/se- Andy and Audrey Ratcliffe and niors and £25 for a family ticket (two their daughter Elyse are living in a adults and three children). Go to caravan called Jenny while the www.leedskentamdram.org and derelict property on Elmstone Hole www.facebook.com/LADSamdram Road, near Grafty Green, is trans- for links to the booking page, formed into their dream home. www.ticketsource.co.uk/leeds-ama- The family became intrigued with the abandoned house, known as teur-dramatic-society. They are also Elmstone, after glimpsing it by on sale during rehearsals in the vil- chance last September and knew Elmstone, and right, Andy and Au- lage hall from 3-6pm on Sundays. they just had to live there. drey working on the house The story began when Audrey and the derelict remains and a search on- Honey profit Elyse were on their way from school line resulted in our finding it for sale BEEKEEPING students at Invicta to their home in Sandway, near through an agricultural agency.” Grammar School are selling the har- Lenham, taking a different route The family made an offer last De- vest from their hives. The Invicta “because it seemed right”. The buildings are believed to have cember, exchanged contracts in bees produced 40 jars of honey They stumbled across the former been owned by the Weeks family March, and moved into a caravan. weighing about 30lb which have farm and Elyse developed a tale for Andy said: “We hope to be in by who abandoned the site in the mid- been on sale to staff and students. her school story writing project Easter. The house deserved to be 60s, but exactly why is unclear. about why it had been abandoned. loved rather than left to fall apart.” The Ratcliffes are keen to trace the Andy, an architect, said: “The fol- The couple will convert the much- history of Elmstone and have ap- Watch role lowing weekend it was time to show scavenged remains of the 1860s-built pealed for information in the A NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch co- daddy what they had been talking farmhouse into a three-bedroom Boughton Malherbe newsletter.  ordinator is needed for Grafty Green about, so we headed off for a walk. home, which will be joined to an If you can help, contact to join the network which includes “We were looking to move to 18th-century stone bakehouse. There [email protected] or Liverton Hill and Platts Heath. For somewhere in the same area we had is also a derelict oasthouse which Downs Mail and we will pass on details, email Annie Allum at paal- loved for 13 years. One look around will become a separate dwelling. the information. [email protected]. 01622 738772 www.directorshairandbeauty.co.uk 7 Yeoman Court, Ashford Road, Bearsted Late night We have Christmas all wrapped up Thurs with our range of festive gift packs

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Maidstone East December 2016 3 News downsmail.co.uk Drugs found in home raid Barracks closure ends ADRUG dealer has been sentenced to prison after 15 wraps of heroin were seized from his home in Maid- stone. town’s military links James Bird (36) MAIDSTONE’s Invicta Park Bar- was arrested in racks is to close, ending more than September 2015 two centuries of military history in after Kent Police the county town. searched his The base, off Royal Engineers home in Lesley Road, will close in 2027, it was an- Place. nounced in parliament. Maidstone- Heroin was Army barracks have been in the based found on Bird and county town since 1797, with the Gurkha drugs were also hidden in a number present base home to the Royal En- soldiers on of locations inside the property, in- gineers 36 Engineer Regiment. cluding a freezer where officers also a a tour of It includes two Gurkha squadrons, duty in found amphetamine. A box was also resulting in a Nepalese community Kabul discovered containing a powder of more than 1,000 in the town. which could be used as a cutting There are currently no plans for the “Yet while the size and structure of fect the wider population and econ- agent. Messages on a mobile phone relocation of the soldiers. the military has changed to meet dif- omy of Maidstone generally. belonging to Bird provided evidence The 41-hectare site, currently army ferent threats, our estate has failed to The borough council listed the site, of deals. However, during police in- accommodation and military build- adapt.” off Royal Engineers Road, in its draft terview he denied any involvement ings, has been the regiment’s head- The decision is expected to be Local Plan for potential develop- in the supply of heroin. quarters since 1959. widely criticised, amid fears about ment of up to 1,300 homes, saying it At Maidstone Crown Court, Bird The decision was announced in the stress and uncertainty for mili- expected the army to leave by 2031. denied possessing heroin with intent the House of Commons by Defence tary families and the effect on Maid- But two years ago, the MoD de- to supply, but he was convicted by a Secretary and Sevenoaks MP Sir stone’s economy. nied any such plans, saying it was jury following a trial. He had previ- Michael Fallon, in his Better Defence Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone categorised as “retained”. ously pleaded guilty to a separate Statement. and the Weald, said it was a worry- However, it later suggested to charge of possessing amphetamine He told MPs that 56 Ministry of ing announcement for the 800 sol- Maidstone Council that the base and was sentenced to two-and-a- Defence sites would close by 2040, diers, their families and dependents, could be deemed surplus to require- half-years in prison. saying: “Our estate is vital but it’s many from the highly respected ments in the long term, leaving it Detective Constable Michelle Mar- also vast, making up almost 2% of Nepalese community. free for housebuilding or alternative shall said: “Please remember to re- the UK’s land mass. She is also concerned it could af- uses. port any suspicious behaviour.” Stones’ match Teenagers get harsh lesson in road safety for tragic fan HUNDREDS of young drivers from Mik Sayer of Kent TEACHERS are to take on a team of Maidstone have witnessed the Police; Denise Collett celebrity players at Maidstone’s Gal- devastating effects of dangerous of SECAmb; Spencer lagher Stadium memory of school- driving from an award-winning Aston; Marion boy Charlie Girling. theatre production illustrating the The idea for the charity game was impact of an accident. Cornick and Alan put forward by 12-year-old Charlie’s The Licence to Kill production Faulkner, Kent Fire classmates at Maplesden Noakes combines film with live and Rescue; and School, where he was well known performances from 999 staff, Carol Collen, of KCC for his love of sport. accident victim Spencer Aston and Road Safety Head Richard Owen said this Marion Cornick, whose daughter week that details were being fi- died in a car crash. It was shown to the busy roads and continue to try have to deal with it or how it impacts nalised for the game on Friday, De- future drivers, aged 16 to 24, at to reduce the number of collisions.” their lives too. It was hard to watch, I cember 2. Mote Park. A pupil from Oakwood Park just wanted to leave. But it was It will be played at the Gallagher Insp Samantha Pearson, of Kent Grammar School in Maidstone, who important to keep watching and Stadium, where Charlie was a regu- Policed, said: “Passing your driving attended the production, said: “The experience the harsh reality.’ lar supporter of Maidstone United test is very exciting but the stories are brutal and make you More than 6,000 students have so FC. consequences of a collision can end realise it could happen to you or far seen the show, with other He said: “We have managed to get that elation very quickly. We want to your family. I didn’t think about the performances during November in agreement from the stadium to prepare new and young drivers for emergency services personnel who Margate and Gravesend. allow a number of Maidstone United players to play against the staff and we have also attracted in- terest from other well-known play- Bill’s Round golf raises £500 for RNLI ers.” A GOLF match in memory of a their chosen charity. The winners of the “two nearest Maplesden Noakes students also Harrietsham fund-raiser has made Mr Butler organised many fund- the pin holes” were Mick Stanley hope to present a shield for sporting another £500 for charity – this time raising events, including the popu- and Paul Keenor and the best lady achievement and create a garden at for the Royal National Lifeboat In- lar Bluebell Walk and started an was Katrina Howard – ladies cap- their Buckland Road school in mem- stitution. appetite for Safari suppers in Har- tain at Chart Hills Golf Club. The ory of Charlie, who died while on a Bill’s “Bonfire” Round attracted rietsham. best team was Alan Fineman, John trip with the 1st Aylesford Scout its largest turnout in seven years, Taking the honours on Novem- Goad, Alan Joynson and David group in Finland. with 30 men and two women tee- ber 4 was David Nickson, from Nickson. Charlie’s family – mum Helene, ing off at Cobtree Manor Park Golf Ashford Golf Club, who chose the Details of next year’s event have dad Les, brother Jack and sister Course at Sandling. RNLI to benefit from the £530 still to be confirmed, but men and Abby – from Ash Close in Aylesford, It was the 39th event since Bill’s raised – boosted by fines picked up women golfers of all standards are have welcomed the school’s activi- Round was launched in 1998 – in by some players for losing the team invited to take part. Email ties to remember Charlie, who died memory of Bill Butler – in which ball, wearing shorts, and teeing off [email protected] or call suddenly on July 24. the winner is allowed to nominate badly on the first hole. 07860-821306 for more information.

4 Maidstone East December 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Call to monitor Professional Cleaning Company Experts in Cleaning Your Home ‘poor parking’ Our truck mounted systems can clean… RESIDENTS in Grove Green have Grovewood Drive South. We have Carpets... Driveways... Upholstery... Patios... been asked to monitor parking already helped to provide a crossing Stone and Conservatory Decking & near their homes amid concerns outside St John’s School in Proven- Windows... over increasing problems on roads der Way.” Ceramic Floors.. Roofs.. Garden Furniture in the area. She appealed to parents to park Happy with our work? Boxley Parish Council has asked Add us to your status families to send in photographs of considerately when 07920 840972 on Facebook bad parking during the next three dropping children months as it considers whether to off and collecting apply for double yellow lines at the them from the junctions and restrictions elsewhere school. She added: to prevent commuters parking in “Some vehicles park so close to- certain areas. gether and the children walk be- Concerns have been raised over tween the vehicles.” an increase in problems in Grove- A resident whose child attends St wood Drive South and Provender John’s School in Provender Way has Way where the situation had be- launched a petition to Kent County come more dangerous for children Council, asking for a safer crossing crossing the road to St John’s Pri- on Grovewood Drive North be- mary School. tween Provender Way and Shep- Families complained that parking herds Gate Drive. issues had become worse since Children regularly use the exist- Maidstone council’s park and ride ing crossing point on their way to service from Eclipse Park closed ear- school and other residents use it to lier this year. They also blamed new visit Tesco, the post office and med- parking restrictions at Mote Park ical centre at Grove Green. The site and parking by students at nearby has bollards in the centre of the secondary schools. road, but families say the road is Borough ward Cllr Wendy Hin- very busy and the space between der (pictured), who is also a parish the markers is narrow and incon- councillor, said: “I think the loss of venient for pushchairs and wheel- the park and ride service could be chair users. The petition is causing some of the problems in supported by the parish council. Charity call for reading helpers IF YOU love reading and live in the Maidstone area you could help youngsters looking for inspiration when it comes to picking up a book. The appeal for reading helpers has been launched by literacy charity Beanstalk as figures reveal a staggering one in six children leave primary school in Kent unable to read competently. Beanstalk wants to hear from £100 worth of anyone with a passion for reading, M&S vouchers able to spare 30 minutes twice a with this advert at week to bridge the gap in learning point of sale. for some primary school pupils. Expires 31st The charity says with 30 children per class, volunteers have a major role Dec 16 to play in helping youngsters struggling with reading by providing the individual attention they need to develop a love for books. Schools can apply to Beanstalk for assistance from reading helpers, who Difficulty Bathing receive training and support from the charity. For details call 01622 662026 or visit www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk. we can help Wet rooms • Walk in showers (low level & level access) • Walk in baths • Product & installtion guarantee • Waterproof wall panelling Driver almost four times limit • Slip resitant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets A DRUNK caught at the wheel of Magistrates sentenced Cichon to • Local family business • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms his car nearly four times the drink 90 days in prison, suspended for 18 *Discounts for over 60’s SSFA and Ex Service personnel* drive limit has been spared prison. months, banned him from driving Mariusz Cichon (40), was sen- for 30 months and ordered him to we design • we supply • we fit • we care tenced at Mid Kent Magistrates’ carry out 200 hours of unpaid work Court where he had pleaded guilty in the next 12 months. He must also Tel: 01622 738204 & office 01622 611880 to drink driving. pay £85 costs and a £115 victim sur- On September 8 this year, Cichon, charge. [email protected] of Buckland Place, Maidstone, drove Disqualification can be reduced www.ahminstallations.co.uk a Vauxhall Insignia in Fairmeadow, by 228 days if, by July 2018, he satis- Showroom Open 7 Days, Unit 11, Maidstone, and gave a breath test of factorily completes a course ap- Newnham Court Shopping Village, 130mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. proved by the Secretary of State, the The legal limit is 35mg. cost of which will not exceed £250. Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5LH Vouchers sent out 30 days after installation of bathroom installation.

Maidstone East December 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk ‘Store is safe’ TALKS have still to confirm the fu- New benefice to serve ture of Hollingbourne’s general store, Christopher’s. Owner Christopher Rudgard said details of a take-over are still being discussed, but confirmed the a growing population store in Eyhorne Street is safe, at least until April. A PACKED service welcomed the Mr Rudgard, who announced his formation of a new rural benefice intention to retire after running the in the area, linking churches shop for 12 years, said: “The shop along the North Downs. will stay in business at least until More than 100 people attended the first quarter.” the service celebrating the forma- tion of the new North Downs Benefice at All Saints' Church in Two-year ban Hollingbourne. A 47-YEAR-OLD woman has It unites the parishes of Holling- been banned from driving for two bourne, Bearsted, Boxley, Broom- years after failing a breath test. field, Detling, Grove Green, Marissha Khan, of Boxley Road, Hucking, Kingswood, Langley, Maidstone, admitted drink driving Leeds, Otham, and Thurnham at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court. under Team Rector Canon John She drove a Vauxhall Vectra in Corbyn in Bearsted. Willington Street and gave a breath The new Team Vicar is Rev Steve test of 107mg of alcohol in 100ml of Hughes, who will minister to The Venerable Stephen Taylor with new Team Vicar Rev Steve Hughes, Bishop breath. The legal limit is 35mg. Broomfield, Kingswood, Langley, of Dover The Right Rev Trevor Willmott and Team Rector Canon John Corbyn As well as the ban, Khan must pay Leeds, and Otham. The parishes £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge. along the Pilgrim's Way including who will live in Grove Green, to Leeds and Hollingbourne Benefice Hollingbourne and Boxley will be work within the new housing de- in April last year. Meet 1966 star served by another Team Vicar, yet velopments across the area. Choirs from the new team led to be appointed, but who will live The service was led by the Right the singing, conducted by Andrew GOALKEEPING legend Gordon at Hollingbourne vicarage. Until Rev Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Snowdon, who lives in Holling- Banks appears at the Mercure then, Rev Hughes will act as chair- Dover, and the Venerable Stephen bourne and sings in the Holy Cross Maidstone Great Danes at 7.30pm man of All Saints’ Parochial Taylor, the Archdeacon of Maid- Choir. on November 24 to mark the 50th Church Council. stone. Among those attending was  Interviews for Hollingbourne’s anniversary of the 1966 World Cup As part of the new benefice, a Rev Nigel Fry, who retired as new priest are expected to take victory. Call 0844 8159045 for de- Missioner will also be appointed, Priest in Charge of the former place on November 22. tails.

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Maidstone East December 2016 7 News downsmail.co.uk Parishes against airfield homes AN ambitious plan to develop 100 hectares at Detling, including its Residents fear war-time airfield, is creating a battle of its own. traffic issues While some say Quinn Estates’ ABOUT 70 people turned out to a proposal for a “garden village” second public consultation at would tidy the site, and a new Detling village hall to question roundabout would improve access Quinn Estates on their proposals. to the showground, neighbours The plans have been reduced in and parish councils argue that the size by 20% since the last consul- A249 is already at over capacity tation, and include a walkway be- and can take no more traffic. tween the proposed estate to the Stockbury and Detling parish White Horse Woods Country Park. councils oppose the plan, but Bimbury Lane resident Anne Thurnham will decide when the Ballard (72) was at the meeting. If application is in. the plan is approved, her home for Quinn Estates says the plan will the last 52 years will back onto be submitted to Maidstone Bor- houses and an industrial estate ough Council this month and states Lane and the A249. and look out on to a sports centre. its proposed traffic light-controlled Cllr Woods said: “The site is Jobs promise She said: “I look out onto fields gyratory for Sittingbourne-bound within a designated Area of Out- in both directions and if this goes traffic, with a filter lane for Maid- standing Natural Beauty, and with- MARK Quinn, managing director ahead I will spend the last of my stone, has satisfied highways offi- out a substantial upgrade along the of Quinn Estates, said: “What we days overlooking a building site.” cers and proved itself in practice in length of the A249 from J7 to the are proposing will unlock the po- She claims the “garden village” Ascot. M2, and the re-modelling of both tential of this site, will split the community, with But Stockbury vice chairman Phil junctions, the road cannot cope creating over 2,000 neighbours neither belonging to Wood said: “The details of Quinn’s with the additional traffic.” jobs. the new development or the vil- plans are almost irrelevant as they He shares the concerns of those “It will also pro- lages of Stockbury and Detling. would be bound to change over the living in Bimbury Lane and fears vide homes and a She says it will bury the historic 10 to 15 years it would take to country lanes in the area would be- solution to the airfield under concrete, and create build.” come rat runs for drivers trying to problems that have an even greater death trap of the As well as more than 1,000 dodge queues at Junction 5. plagued the A249. A249. homes, the development includes Cllr Woods added: “We have “We welcome the opportunity She added: “With another 2,500 650,000sqft of commercial space, a been assured by MBC that it re- to discuss our projects with resi- cars, as well as the lorries, it will hotel, community centre, shop, a mains politically opposed to the de- dents as their comments and be chaos on the roads and the area two-form entry primary school and velopment and officers have stated ideas that make our develop- will be lit up like Kings Hill all playing fields on the former point- that they have no need for addi- ments better.” through the night.” to-point field alongside Bimbury tional land for housing.” Guns given up in amnesty Bus strike ballot over MORE than 100 guns have been handed in to Kent Police during a two week firearms amnesty. mystery shopper plan A total of 104 guns, both replica and live, were surrendered by weapon holders across the county alongside 24 separate surrenders of live ARRIVA bus drivers across the bor- stone, said feelings were running ammunition. The firearms handed in included 29 pistols, 28 shotguns, ough are threatening to go on strike. high and a vote for strike action was nine revolvers and six rifles . A ballot for industrial action, “strongly predicted at this stage”. The surrender which closes on November 25, now He blamed changes in manage- of these involves 1,050 of the company’s ment for a breakdown in communi- unwanted items drivers from nine depots across the cation, but said a lengthy initial means that they south, including 130 at Maidstone. meeting with new MD Simon Loh can be safely Bus drivers’ union Unite fears a had left members feeling more hope- disposed of, new ‘mystery shopper’ scheme pro- ful. ruling out the posed by Arriva Southern Counties “Mr Loh did seem more willing to chance of them to improve customer service will be listen and remain open to ideas. falling into the used to fire experienced drivers. However, many of the old managers wrong hands. A spokesman for the union said: who brought this in remain, and it The amnesty “Drivers who have never been will be for Mr Loh to persuade ended on Friday, trained in customer service and have them.” November 11. been kept in the dark by bosses over He said: “If Arriva Southern Detective Chief Superintendent Rob Fordham said: “We are very the standard to which they will be Counties’ bosses are serious about pleased with the response this amnesty has received and I would like to secretly assessed, fear the scheme driving up standards then they extend my thanks to all those who handed in their firearms and will be used to fire them rather than should bring in similar training to ammunition. improve the service for passengers.” that which has been introduced on “Although this two-week surrender has now finished, we are happy to Unite is calling on bus company London’s buses and lift the shroud accept unwanted items from weapon-holders at all times. bosses to come clean about what se- of secrecy from the ‘mystery shop- “If there are firearms holders out there who have an item they wish to cret inspectors – due to sit in on per’ scheme.” surrender I advise them to contact 101 for advice, or to arrange routes “imminently” – will be look- If union members vote to strike, collection from an officer from Kent Police. ing for, provide more training and Arriva bosses will need to be given “The same goes for people in possession of replica firearms. There is tackle the culture revealed in a re- seven days’ notice of the industrial never a good reason to be in possession of a replica firearm in public. cent survey that showed a quarter of action, which would need to be They can cause the same amount of fear and alarm on our streets as bus workers at Arriva Southern taken within 28 days of the ballot. functioning firearms and can place holders in a significant amount of Counties have been bullied. Mr Weeks said any action was danger.” Unite regional officer Dave Weeks, likely to take the form of a series of who represents members in Maid- one-day strikes.

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Maidstone East December 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Designer’s products into three top Conran stores BEARSTED-based designer ria, Singapore, New Zealand, Swe- Daniel Savage has described him- den and the US. self as “beyond thrilled” after se- Lund London’s small team of curing orders from one of the self-titled “designers and creative Christingle country’s trendiest chain of stores. characters” are based at the Oasts, Mr Savage’s company produces off Bearsted Green. a new homeware brand which has Last year, Mr Savage decided to service times been selected to go on sale at three launch his own range of products, CHRISTINGLE services have be- of Sir Terence Conran’s flagship after working in the homeware in- come a highlight of the festive sea- stores. dustry for 13 years, because he felt son and are held at churches and Just six months after launching, the high street “wasn’t giving peo- schools throughout Maidstone in Daniel’s neon-edged Flash Tidy ple the kind of diversity and cus- aid of the Children’s Society. stationery trays are on sale at The tomisation he craved as a The tradition was introduced to Conran Shop in Paris, Chelsea and consumer”. Britain more than 40 years ago Marylebone. He then set about putting his from Moravia. During the service, Daniel (34) said: “I’m beyond many ideas into products, from children are given an orange, deco- thrilled. If you’d have asked me be- storage items to stylish and elegant rated with a candle and sweets, and fore this who I regarded as the watches. donations are made to the charity. most important British designers, Designer Daniel Savage Sir Terence Conran is world- Christingle services include: Sir Terence Conran would have renowned for his homeware de-  Sunday, December 4, 3pm and been top of the list. products are making waves in the signs, first having come to notice 4.45pm, Holy Cross Church, “And now I’ve seen my brand homewares industry because they during the 1951 Festival of Britain. Bearsted. sitting right alongside his! It’s our bring fresh finishes and clever up- He founded the first Habitat  Saturday, December 24, 4pm, most exciting milestone yet.” dates to everyday products. store in London and rapidly ex- All Saints’ Church, Mill Street, Daniel’s business, Lund London, Their designs have proved pop- panded his retail empire to include Maidstone. encompasses the Lund London ular with retailers across the world other iconic brands such as Bhs.  Saturday, December 24, collection and BySavvy brand. and are already on sale in stores in He has also ventured into inte- 4.30pm, All Saints’ Church, Daniel and his team believe their 21 countries including Japan, Nige- rior design and architecture. Hollingbourne.  Saturday, December 24, 3pm, St Read the latest editons of the Downs Mail FREE online at www.downsmail.co.uk Nicholas’ Church, Leeds. Mickey’s Café Diner

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10 Maidstone East December 2016 Tailor makes a 6” Mistake

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Maidstone East December 2016 11 News | Remembrance Sunday downsmail.co.uk

Dignitaries, including MP Helen Grant, wait for their turn to place wreaths at the war memorial in Maidstone Remembering our fallen heroes

THOUSANDS of Maidstone resi- There was a poignant moment dents turned out in November when double-amputee Gurkha sunshine to remember the fallen Vinod Budhathoki (31), stepped of past and present conflicts. forward to lay his tribute. The streets were lined with peo- Wearing prosthetic limbs, the ple, some waving union flags, as married father of two (pictured the parade made its way across the right) needed the steadying shoul- bridge to the war memorial. der of another former Gurkha as he Serving soldiers, veterans, mem- laid his wreath. bers of the Gurkha regiment, the The rifleman lost both his legs Scout movement, Air Training when an improvised explosive de- Corps and St John Ambulance were vice went off in Afghanistan in among those taking part. 2010. He lives in Allington with Dignitaries, including Maidstone wife Samita and two daughters. and Weald MP Helen Grant and The assembled crowd observed Mayor Derek Butler, laid wreaths perfectly a two-minute silence at during the solemn ceremony on 11am, during a Service of Remem- The Broadway. brance at the war memorial.

Clockwise from above left: a member of the Salvation Army Band; crowds pay their respects; a veteran shields his eyes from the autumn sunshine and members of the Air Training Corps are among those to lower their flags at the memorial

12 Maidstone East December 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Lenham pond is next for ‘facelift’

A VILLAGE’s leisure spaces are homes have completed the gift of being given a makeover, with re- the freehold, the council hopes to furbished play areas and plans to obtain grant funding for clearing restore a derelict duck pond to its and dredging the pond and tree former glory. work. It also hopes to be able to Play parks at Cherry Close and provide new seats and picnic ta- Ham Lane, Lenham, have been up- bles. graded at a cost of £60,000, by the The parish council stated: “The Village’s history put in print parish council, using developers’ freehold of the land surrounding section 106 money. the pond will now be gifted to the EAST Farleigh is one of Maidstone’s most historical villages, highlights New equipment includes a 20m parish by the landowners as an of which are featured in a 58-page book published by the parish council. steel cableway with a ramp, a open space for community use. The village boasts evidence of human habitation as far back as swing-along and a pendulum Owning the land will make it eas- 9000BC-4000BC, and was chosen as the site for an impressive Roman swing with a basket seat suitable ier to apply for funding to enhance villa – one of several along the banks of the Medway. for disabled users, and benches. the site.” The parish church has its origins in Saxon times and the medieval Now there are hopes that the vil- Parish clerk Margo McFarlane bridge, crossed by the Roundheads in 1648 during the civil war, is lage’s overgrown duck pond is said: “We keep the area tidy and mentioned in 1324. also set for a much-needed facelift, By 1881, the village population was 1,668, compared with about with the news that the surround- safe and we have the grass cut around it, but that is about all we 1,500 today. Many were involved in farming, especially hops, and oast ing land is being gifted to the houses can still be seen dotted around the village. parish council. can do. “Some serious work is needed on In 1849 a cholera epidemic killed 43, with Dame Edith Cavell among Glebe Pond, next to Old Ashford the nurses who came to help and stayed. Other notable residents the weir and the pond needs Road, is the head of the Rivers included the anti-slavery campaigner, William Wilberforce. dredging, but our hands have been Stour and Len. The grass and trees East Farleigh has many war stories, with a German Messerschmitt tied as we couldn’t find anyone around it have been tended by the crashing in 1940, and pill boxes along the Medway, with the one east of parish council since 1974. How- who would provide finance on Farleigh Lock surviving. ever, the seven-year renewable such a short lease. The book, with a foreword by former MP Ann Widdecombe (who lease made it impossible to obtain “At a time when we seem to be attended the launch reception), has been distributed free to all funding for restoration work on surrounded with threats of devel- households in the village and is available from the parish council for the site. opment, these are positive aspects £2.50. Book review by Dennis Fowle Once developers of nearby for our open spaces.”

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Maidstone East December 2016 13 News downsmail.co.uk Festive offer PARKWOOD residents facing the Travellers move on from prospect of being alone on Christ- mas Day are invited to a free turkey dinner at the Fusion Café. It’s the idea of a group who live in the area and meet every month M20 services after month for a game of bingo. They told the Downs Mail that they hope the free A GROUP of travellers who gesture will ensure Christmas Day moved onto a patch of grass in the is one to remember, for everyone. car park of the M20 junction 8 The initiative has now received Roadchef service station have left, further support and funding from a month after arriving. county councillor Gary Cooke and They are believed to have been a band of volunteers who will be moved on around November 11, helping on the day. after trying the patience of the There will be a welcome drink, landowners. dinner, with all the trimmings, and Police had been powerless to Christmas pudding or trifle, fol- move them on as it is private land lowed by mince pies and coffee. and no crimes or disturbances had Spaces will be allocated on a first- been reported. The travellers on the land at the M20 services at junction 8 come first-served basis. Call Del on At one point up to 20 cars, vans, 07833 754013 or community trates to get an eviction order. tidy. When they did leave, there motorhomes and caravans had As well as using the area of grass, was a large gas canister, a pair of worker Aimee Bartlett at Fusion on been parked up on a patch of grass 01622 691177. the travellers parked vehicles in the shoes, wrappers, drinks cans and in the main parking area near the main car parking spaces. other litter on the grass. services, which houses Costa, Mc- One regular user said at the time The ground at the entrance to the Santa to visit Donald's and WH Smith. they had been there a fortnight: grassed area was left muddy and Roadchef had been in contact SANTA will visit the Crafty Grafty "They don't appear to be causing churned up by the vans, low load- with the police to have the trav- Christmas craft fair at Grafty Green any harm but they just seem to ers and 4X4s which came and went. ellers moved on. Kent Police said it Village Hall on Sunday, December have set up camp and unless and Kent Police said: “The area is pri- was a civil matter and up to the 4. until they are moved on, they'll vate land and the owners are the landlord to ask them to move on if Handmade goods will be on sale stay. ones who have to apply for them to they are unwelcome. and there will be cake stalls, jew- “That’s what the travellers do, it’s be moved. We have sent patrol ve- No offences or disturbances were ellery, cards, gifts, a raffle, hot all pretty well-rehearsed. But in hicles into the area from time to reported. One regular user said drinks and mince pies. fairness to them, they've kept the time to make sure there were no they have kept the site they occu- The event runs from 11am to place pretty spotless." problems.” pied "spotless". The landowner 3pm. To book a stall, send an email A litter-picker regularly emptied The travellers' presence was first may have had to apply to magis- to [email protected]. the travellers’ bins and kept the site reported on October 12.

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14 Maidstone East December 2016 downsmail.co.uk News

Ukip Cllrs Gordon Newton and Selling homes in MAIDSTONE since 1982 Eddie Powell, who is tipped to OUR stand in the +VAT county SELLING elections FEE IS Ukip’s selections 1% delayed a month UKIP has postponed selecting its and the south east, in particular. candidate for the super-marginal “Despite some of the issues we Maidstone south east county coun- have faced nationally, Ukip is very cil division until the end of No- strong locally.” vember. Ukip has slumped in the national The names of those selected to opinion polls after the leader to suc- fight all the Maidstone seats were ceed Nigel Farage resigned after just Weavering £365,000 Weavering £380,000 meant to have been made by the 18 days and the favourite to win a • Beautiful and charming grade II listed period • Delightful EOT • Built in 2001 end of October. But Downs Mail un- subsequent contest ended up in cottage • 2 beds • Drive & parking • 3 beds • Garage • 75ft rear garden derstands that this has been put hospital after a scuffle with an- back for a further month so that the other MEP. national party can elect a new leader A senior local Tory source said: and top table. “It would be a mistake to think Maidstone South East is the num- that Ukip is a busted flush, not on ber one target seat for Ukip locally, a local level. Maidstone south east currently held by the Conservative is a winnable seat for them. Gary Cooke. “But Gary Cooke can rely on a The top tip to be chosen to stand bedrock of goodwill he has built against Cllr Cooke is the Ukip bor- up over years of hard work and ough councillor and Chegworth res- commitment to the area.” ident Eddie Powell. He said he has Cllr Cooke scraped in in 2013 yet to make up his mind whether he by 283 votes, just in front of will stand in the county elections. Labour. Ukip is confident it can Cllr Powell helped persuade steal both Tory and Labour sup- Bearsted £435,000 Bearsted £525,000 Downswood and Otham independ- porters. • Traditionally styled det hse • Arranged on • Detached family hse • Located within a ¼ of ent borough member Gordon New- By contrast, Cllr Cooke’s neigh- 3 floors • 4 beds • parking mile of Village Green • 4 beds • Dble garage ton, who carries a huge personal bour and Tory ally Jenny Whittle, following, to join Ukip. who leaves KCC next year, enjoys Cllr Powell said: “I haven’t made a majority of 2,225 in Maidstone up my mind yet. I know there has rural east. That seat will be fought been a lot of interest from people by Shellina Prendergast for the wanting to stand in all the divisions Conservatives. Carer stole cheques to gamble A GAMBLING addict has been jailed after he stole cheques from vulnerable pensioners and paid them into his own bank account to fund his betting habit. Only 1 Remaining Mihai Robu removed blank cheques from the Ulcombe £695,000 Thurnham £875,000 bedrooms of two men, • Grade II listed period home • Arranged • New Build • 1 property remaining aged 89 and 92, he was on 3 floors • 4 beds • approx ¼ acre plot • 5 beds • ¾ of an acre plot employed to look after and then wrote them out to himself. Robu, 29, No tie in contracts Dedicated experienced staff formerly of Gabriels Hill, A trusted local company Maidstone, stole more than £25,000 between 2015 and 2016. He was Penenden Heath Office Maidstone ME14 2HN arrested by Kent Police in April this year, after concerns were raised by relatives of the victims. Te l: 01622 671200 Robu admitted the thefts and told officers he had a gambling addiction and stole the money to fund this habit. Bearsted Office Bearsted ME14 4QZ Mobile phone records revealed photos of the stolen cheques along with images of his victims’ bank cards. Robu pleaded guilty to two Te l: 01622 737800 counts of theft and two counts of fraud by abuse of position. He was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court. www.ferrisandco.net

Maidstone East December 2016 15 News downsmail.co.uk Guns stolen MEDALS including the MBE and Official: Maidstone best Star of Burma and six shotguns have been stolen from a house in East Sutton. It is reported that between 9.45am and 3.30pm on Wednesday, in UK for having a baby October 26, a property in Morry MAIDSTONE is the best place in Lane was targeted. A cabinet con- the UK to have a baby, according The key statistics taining the guns is reported to have to a newly-published review.  been taken, along with the medals. Maternity services in mid and Maternal smoking rate at Detective Constable Suzanne west Kent have been rated top out delivery - 10.1% Basford said: “I would like to hear  of nearly 200 NHS similar bodies Neonatal stillbirth/mortality per from anyone who saw anything nationwide. 1,000 births – 4.1 suspicious. I would also encourage  Almost 6,000 of the area’s babies Mother’s experience out of 100 members of the public to contact us are delivered by Maidstone and –83.6 if they believe they have been of-  Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) Choices in services out of 100 – fered any of these items for sale. each year. 69.1 “Call us on 01622 604100 quoting  Overall rating – top performing YY/023871/16 or Kent Crimestop- The data has been published as pers on 0800 555111.” part of a transparency drive by health secretary Jeremy Hunt in an The trust offers a range of services Head of Midwifery for the Trust, effort to improve Britain’s place in including community midwives, an Jenny Cleary said: “We are de- Scam warning international league tables. obstetric-led, full maternity service lighted that our maternity services MAIDSTONE Borough Council The ratings examine stillbirth and at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, and have been rated so highly by NHS has been forced to issue a warning neo-natal mortality, maternal smok- midwife-run birth centres at Maid- England in a number of areas which after a series of scam calls in the ing at the time of delivery, women’s stone and Crowborough. is testament to the hard work and area. The council’s call centre has experience of maternity services and Baroness Cumberlege, the inde- dedication of the teams.“ received reports from eight people women’s choice. pendent chair of the 2016 National Last month, MTW celebrated five and messages on social media MTW came top for three of the Maternity Review, commissioned years of providing integrated ma- about callers purporting to be from four categories and the average by NHS England, said: “I have been ternity services, from when Tun- the authority, asking if they have score for a woman’s experience of impressed by maternity staff across bridge Wells Hospital and been in traffic accidents. West Kent’s maternity services was Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Maidstone Birth Centre opened. A council spokesman said: nearly 84/100. NHS Trust. In April this year, MTW took over “These calls were not authorised by While 144 clinical commissioning “They are clearly committed to the management of Crowborough MBC. We urge residents not to di- groups (CCGs) need improvement maximising positive outcomes – Birth Centre to provide a stream- vulge any personal details and to and 53 were performing well, just both physical health and mental lined maternity service for women report the incident to KCC Con- one, MTW, was assessed as top per- wellbeing- for the mother, baby and living in the High Weald area of sumer Direct and the police.” forming. the family as a whole.” north East Sussex. MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE FFestiveestive fun fforor everyoneeveryone We are currently recruiting a Media Sales person to sell advertising across our successful Downs Mail and Mid Kent Living publications and associated online products.

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Maidstone East December 2016 17 News downsmail.co.uk Fine and chase illegal lorries MORE than 2,700 lorries have been dealt with by Kent Police for unsafe or illegal parking…but it could and should be more, it has been claimed. Since December last year, Kent Po- lice and Highways England have moved on, fined or immobilised a Plans for small total of 2,748 lorries as part of joint enforcement work. trucker parks The issue has been highlighted by KENT County Council is the Mid Kent MP Helen Whately, considering a number of small who has secured a government com- lorry parks to accommodate mitment to finding extra spaces lorries and their driver who might where lorries can safely park. Her otherwise park illegally. constituents complain so-called fly- Between three and five as yet parking is dangerous, antisocial, un- MP Helen Whately addresses the transport select committee unidentified sites may be used to hygienic and illegal. supplement a But despite the clampdown, the ceptable and will not be tolerated in ficers visit key locations including large car park practice is still widespread and a Kent. The hard shoulder is not for the A2 near Cobham and Canter- on the M20 daily occurrence in many parts of rest breaks – it is for the use of bro- bury, the M2 Farthing Corner, the which will be the borough and the county. ken down vehicles and the emer- M20 at junctions eight, 11 and 13 and used to meet Now a borough councillor has de- gency services." the A20 at Capel-le-Ferne. the needs of manded that more fixed penalty no- In 10 months, Kent Police has Chief Inspector Tillotson said: Operation tices are issued and the fines moved on 2,249 lorries, issued 476 "Long-distance drivers should know Stack. Matthew Balfour rigorously pursued. graduated fixed penalty notices, im- that there are much better and more More than Residents whose lives are affected mobilised nine vehicles at safe loca- appropriate facilities for HGVs to 10,000 HGVs enter the UK daily by rogue truckers claim they gouge tions until fines were paid and dealt take legally-required rest breaks though the Port of Dover and the deep tyre tracks in soft verges, de- with 14 other offences. such as the county’s various lorry Channel Tunnel. stroy kerbs and toss litter and But Ukip borough councillor parks. Most of the larger haulage firms human waste from their vehicles. Eddie Powell said: “The lorry driv- "Our message is simple – illegal make provision for their vehicles to Officers from the two agencies tar- ers who obviously do not want to and unsafe parking on our county’s stop over at paid-for service geted HGVs parked on the hard pay for parking just park up where roads will not be tolerated and those station spaces or lorry parks. shoulder and motorway slip roads. they feel like and leave all sorts of travelling long distances should take But other, smaller companies Chief Inspector Amanda Tillotson unpleasant mess behind them. responsibility for planning their and their drivers are prepared to of Kent Police said: "While we have “I applaud the actions of these journeys." take the risk of parking illegally. noticed an improvement in behav- agencies but, on a local level, the Tory county councillor Gary KCC spokesman on transport, iour and attitudes, there are still problem is as bad as ever it was. Cooke said: "We need to welcome Matthew Balfour, said that by this some HGV drivers who think they Many people will agree with that. the fact that the police are doing month, a firm of consultants are above the law and continue to They need to issue a lot more tickets more than they were. We can always would produce a commercial park illegally and antisocially on and enforce the fines by making sure do more.” viability assessment for a shortlist hard shoulders and motorway slip the money is collected, otherwise Roads minister John Hayes will of up to five sites for lorry parks in roads. there is no deterrent.” conduct a national survey to deter- the north west of the county. "This kind of behaviour is unac- As part of their regular patrols, of- mine where lorry spaces are needed. Teenager faces Lorry driver sex drugs charges abuse sentence A TEENAGER has been charged A LORRY driver with links across with seven offences of drug push- the country has been jailed for a ing by officers investigating crime number of serious sex offences. in Maidstone. Adam Aitken (28), of Peterbor- Robert Deards (19), was arrested ough, was sentenced to 13 years at by patrols after they became suspi- Peterborough Crown Court after cious of a stationary vehicle in Brenchley Road. He was later admitting six serious sexual of- charged with possessing cocaine fences against children. with intent to supply. Hospice team’s Thames walk The court heard how Aitken car- While in custody, Mr Deards, of ried out sexual abuse, including Hunsdon Close, Eastchurch, was FOUR members of the care team Helen is the care co-ordinator. rape, on his young male victims also charged with six unrelated of- at Demelza Kent took on a 50km The route took them along the dating back to 2008. fences. These concern alleged drug challenge to raise money for the Thames riverbank, from Putney Detective Chief Inspector Jon supply in Rainham, Medway. children’s hospice. Bridge to Runnymede. McAdam, said: “We believe he had Three other people, all from Amanda Heath, Debbie They also raised over £1,000 links to the Bedfordshire, Glouces- Maidstone, were also arrested in McSwiney, Helen Rolls, and Vicky through sponsorship, a music and tershire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lin- Brenchley Road. They are a 50 year- Tyler took 13 hours to complete curry night as well as a quiz and colnshire, Norfolk, Northampton old man, a 21-year-old man and a the Thames Path Challenge in aid fish and chips evening. shire, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, 17-year-old boy. of Demelza Hospice Care for The trek – which is equivalent to West Yorkshire and Scotland areas. They have been bailed, pending Children. about 30 miles – left them with a “We have trained officers avail- Amanda, from Maidstone, works few blisters and missing a few further enquiries, until February 1, able to anyone who would like to as the clinical governance co- toenails, but overall they were in 2017. discuss their case. Please call the ordinator, while Debbie, from good spirits. Anyone who sees anything sus- Operation Dunholt team at Cam- picious or has any information Ashford, is the care services lead Their JustGiving page is still for Kent. Vicky, from Faversham, is open for donations at bridgeshire Constabulary on 101.” should call 101, or 999 if it is an Aitken was also put on the sex of- emergency. Alternatively, contact a children’s palliative care www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ assistant. Sittingbourne-based Helen-Rolls2. fenders register and made subject Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 55511. of a sexual harm prevention order.

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Maidstone East December 2016 19 GB LISTER With Christmas Produce you can trust in mind Lenham’s Traditional Family Butcher & Greengrocer

North Street, Sutton Valence Christmas Special Offer - HAVEN 1.3kg Turkey Roll, Localfarm and Organic shop 01622 844789 1.3kg Topside, Selling a great selection of local & organic 1.3kg Leg of Pork, produce sourced direct from 12 Pigs in Blankets, Kent Farms 1lb Sausage Meat. Plus £10 Vegetable Bag All for £50 ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS All your Christmas produce under one roof Enjoy a locally reared TURKEYAlso available this year Visit our website for details of our latest weekly offers www.lenham-butchers.co.uk Bread, cheese, milk, eggs, honey, cereal, pasta, fruit, preserves, vegetables, nuts & Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. raisins, chutneys, “Cook” ready meals & much more 13 The Square, Lenham, Maidstone ME17 2PQ Tel: 01622 858220 Email: [email protected] Christmas Stamps Now available

AUNT SALLY’S KITCHEN Family Run Cafe

Mid Kent Shopping Centre - Allington Now taking bookings for Christmas lunches, offering a traditional home Ice Skating In The Park cooked meal of Roast Turkey and all the trimmings. Why not try some of our Friday 18 November ‘16 – classic home cooked lunches, specialities Monday 2 January ‘17 include steak and kidney pudding, liver and bacon or gammon steak. An ideal venue for family gatherings. Please call the café direct on 01622 297271 to book. • Free Wifi • Free Parking • Take Away www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com TunbridgeWellsChristmas Opening Times RTW_Xmas #twskateson Monday to Saturday 8.00am til 4.00pm Supported by Sunday 01622 297271 9.00am til 1.00pm Find us on Facebook

20 Maidstone East December 2016 With Christmas in mind

Kilburn Jewellers have a passion for Second Open Sunday creating customised jewellery. 9.00am - every Now with over 30 years experience in the jewellery trade Simon and 1.00pm FORTHCOMING month David have a vast portfolio of pieces they have produced. Kilburn MARKETS Jewellers initiative was to create both unique & bespoke designs and to select key quality pieces to compliment these designs, such as Sunday 11th December & 8th January clocks and gift ware. Kilburn Jewellers pride ourselves on offering expert advice from design ideas through to knowledge about Best quality local produce metals/gemstones, by trained and qualified staff. variety of stalls including: • Fruit • Vegetables • Fish & Meat • Game • Eggs • Local crafts • Garden plants & trees • Conserves & pickles • French delicatessen • Jewellery • Gifts & cards • Art • Ceramics and much much more Kilburn Jewellers, 30 Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone ME14 1JL Telephone 01622 677841 | Email [email protected] Enquiries Tel: 01622 679709 Website www.kilburnjewellers.co.uk CHRISTMAS AT THE SALVATION ARMY This Christmas please join us for the following services, to celebrate the joy of the season. For tickets (where applicable) or additional information please contact the Community Office on 01622 681808.

Thursday 1st December Christmas Praise at 6.30pm. Sunday 18th December Family Carol Service at 6pm An evening not to be missed, where our Young People’s Band & Singing This family Carol Service will be an opportunity to celebrate the good news of Company (Children’s choir) will lead an evening of Christmas Music and Jesus’ birth and will include a nativity play. The evening will be supported by readings to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Followed by refreshments. our own Band and Songsters (choir).

Tuesday 6th December Carols by Candlelight at 8pm Tuesday 20th December Military Cadets Carol Service at 7:30pm A thought-provoking evening of worship led by our Songster Brigade (choir), An evening where the young people from the local Military Cadet Corps are reflecting on the birth of Jesus. Refreshments will be provided after this event. invited to celebrate Christmas together with their leaders, parents and members of our Corps Family. Our Young People’s Band will be leading the evening. Friday 9th December Community Carol Concert at 7:30pm Refreshments will be served afterwards. A celebration of the joy of Christmas with guests: - The Military Wives Choir, Shorncliffe and Friday 23rd December Nativity Fun Morning at 10am - children from South Borough Primary school drama club, StarBurst All Primary school aged children are invited to a Nativity Fun Morning from - plus our own Salvation Army Band. 10am-12noon. Tickets will need to be bought for this service as we are raising money to Booking is essential (01622 681808 or support the local charity M4S (Maidstone Special Needs Support Service), [email protected]) which helps disabled children and young people with special needs, and their and there will be a charge of £2.50 per child. families, from Maidstone and the surrounding areas. Tickets will cost £5 (under 15's free) and can be purchased from our Sunday 25th December Christmas Day Praise Community Office (address below) or by phone on 01622 681808. at 10:15am A Christmas day celebration Sunday 11th December Gift Service with a Children’s nativity suitable for all the family. at 10.15am This lively family service will focus on the gift of Christmas. As part of our worship we invite you to bring new, unwrapped toys to be given out to Maidstone Our usual Sunday services are children whose families are struggling financially, as part of The Salvation held at 10.15am & 6pm Army’s Christmas Appeal. Children are invited to come to this service dressed as a throughout the year and you are Shepherd, Wise Man, Inn keeper, Angel or an animal from the Christmas story. guaranteed a warm welcome!

74-80 UNION STREET MAIDSTONE ME14 1ED

Maidstone East December 2016 21 News downsmail.co.uk

THE Kent Police Male Voice Choir your feet tapping no matter what event will raise funds for local char- Police choir in is to hold a Christmas concert at the your age. Tickets are £8.50 – call ities. Vine Church, Boughton Lane, Maid- Terry Kinsman on 01622 730119 or Rotary supports mainly small stone, at 3.30pm on December 4. email [email protected] local charities, but also helps with charity concert There will be Christmas music, The concert is presented by Kent disaster relief by the rapid deploy- ranging from old favourites to new Police Male Voice Choir and the ment of “Shelter Boxes” across the for Christmas pieces, which are guaranteed to set Rotary Club of Maidstone. The world. Town middle Revamped Morrisons is of pay league WORKERS in Maidstone earn nearly £4,000 less than their coun- terparts in Tonbridge and Malling. ready for a big relaunch But the latest figures show that while the county town is still half way down the league table in Kent WORK to extend the Morrisons store in Sutton Road should be complete by with an average salary of £29,592, it the end of the month. remains higher than the UK aver- age and £5,000 more than wages in But the chain has rejected claims Thanet. the supermarket has become a The Office for National Statistics “parking hell” while the expansion says the UK average annual earn- is completed. ings are £28,213 and £33,776 in Lon- Downs Mail received an angry don. phone call from a customer who Kent wages league table claimed she was stuck in a one way 1 Tonbridge and Malling ...£33.372 traffic jam for more than 15 min- 2. Dartford...... £32.233 utes on the way into the popular 3. Sevenoaks...... £30,989 store and then spent 10 minutes 4. Tunbridge Wells ...... £29,962 touring the car park looking for a 5. Gravesham ...... £29,623 space. 6. Maidstone...... £29,592 The mother of two said: “I use 7. Canterbury...... £27,949 Morrisons because it is handy for 8. Ashford...... £27.795 my home in Shepway and it’s a 9. Swale...... £27,501 good place to shop but lately it’s 10. Dover...... £25,254 been hard to get into the place and 11. Shepway...... £24,527 even harder to find a space. 12. Thanet...... £24,150 “It’s been a bit hellish, if I’m hon- est. When you finally get into the place, you have to tour round and Date for song round to find a place to put the car. THERE’S a chance to get in tune for “I don’t like to knock the place as have been lost during the work on December 8. Christmas with an evening of car- it is a great place to shop and the but one way systems have been There will be significantly ex- ols – some audience participation – staff there are ever so helpful, but put in place to ensure safety dur- tended shop floor space with new and a glass of wine with The Maid- they need to get the car parking ing the renovations. departments and ranges to stone Singers. sorted or people will be going The car park and store exterior choose from. They will be performing at St elsewhere. are monitored regularly for is- Extra staff were hired before Martin’s Church in Shepway under “I realise there’s work going on sues and there were none on the the renovation work was started the guidance of Kathryn Ridgeway at the store and they have to day the reader complained of, al- so they would be bedded in be- from 7.30pm on December 13 and bring in the equipment they need though the store had been busy, fore the official relaunch date. 14. You can book a table for the in- to do it but it has become a bit in- the spokesman said. The store will also be equipped formal gathering at the church in convenient.” The work will be completed by with more reliable, environmen- Northumberland Road. Tickets are A supermarket spokesman has the end of November and the tally-friendly fridges and freez- £12 and available by calling 01622 told us that only eight spaces store’s relaunch will take place ers. 630016.

22 Maidstone East December 2016 downsmail.co.uk Health | News Mental health MENTAL health services in West 999 times ‘worst in town’ Kent are set to improve after a re- view of current activities. AMBULANCE response times in in November 2014. The ambulance The key need is to improve poor the Maidstone area are worse than union GMB has attacked a lack of access and treatment outcomes. De- anywhere else in the South East. investment and staff shortages for mentia diagnosis rates are set to in- South East Coast crews “blue the poor results. crease. light” response to emergency calls Paul Maloney, GMB Southern re- The GP-led West Kent CCG says made it to the scene in the recom- gional secretary, said: “The situa- inequalities must be reduced to en- mended eight minutes in just 67.9% tion is at a critical level when less sure needs are met across all ages. of cases. The figures for the year to than 72% of life or death emer- Care will be integrated, planning August show in London it was gency calls are responded to within people’s physical, mental and so- 68.7% of the time and for the South eight minutes. cial needs through partnership Central Ambulance area, 71.8%. within the time recommended. He said more staff were leaving working across the NHS, public Bottom of the league again in the The target of reaching patients in the service than joining, making the health , voluntary bodies, local au- South East was South East Coast’s most need within eight minutes situation even worse, and added: thorities, housing providers, edu- response time to those suffering a 75% of the time was last hit by “With vacancy levels at over 1,000 cation and youth justice. suspected stroke or with life-threat- crews in our region back in April in the ambulance service, the Gov- One intention is provide access to ening breathing conditions, with a 2015, and patients with less serious, ernment must act if it wants to hit high-quality services close to home 59.9% rate of reaching patients but still life-threatening, conditions response time targets.” ensuring local community services are immediately available. Better carer engagement is Key targets planned with health professionals Review of care for elderly KEY health services in West Kent trained to involve more with carers. THE health services and care to be with complex health needs and are still missing targets and West Prevention and early interven- provided for older people (50- disabilities are more likely to re- Kent CCG is taking action to re- tion will be prioritised, with rapid plus) is being assessed by NHS tain their strength and independ- store performance to “good”. transformation of services for chil- West Kent CCG, which says: “The ence when cared for at home.”  The A&E four-hour target fell dren and young people. growing need arising from the in- Research shows that if care is crease in the older population will not improved outside hospitals 67 below the England average for the require additional services across more acute beds will be needed in first time in August.  Online plans the system, incurring additional hospital within five years. The positive trend in urgently- THE number of patients’ care plans costs. To improve it is important But if services outside hospital referred cancer patients receiving available to health specialists on the right care is provided in the are improved, more people will be treatment in 62 days continues.  line has grown to 6,340 in West most appropriate place, either in cared for in community settings, Focus on dementia in two GP Kent. The rapidly-expanding sys- hospital or in a community set- some in their own homes. practices has identified 34 cases in tem is supported by most GP prac- ting, including patients’ own This could lead to a decrease of one month.  tices and the information is now homes. 60 hospital beds, leading to major The NHS 111 telephone service available to the ambulance service. “Frail, older people and those financial savings overall. continues to improve.

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Maidstone East December 2016 23 Hook and Hatchet Inn Festive Tel: 01622 880272 Dining

Christmas festivities are just around the corner and many of us are looking forward to letting our hair down and celebrating in style. Make your plans early so not to miss Open all day and serving good pub food out on the fantastic deals being offered by your local pubs, hotels and restaurants. Book now for Christmas 3 Course Christmas Menu - £25.50 per person The Potting Shed in Langley 3 Course Christmas Lunch - £21.50 per person is now open and its sure to be (seated before 4pm) Including Mince Pies, a popular choice for tea & coffee, crackers & party poppers. partygoers this Christmas. The festive winter menu is now Join us for a festive celebration on being served – with prices Christmas Eve, Boxing Day or New Year’s Eve starting from just £20 per 3 course Menu for just £27.50 per person person for a two course lunch its great value for money too. New Year’s Eve Two party As well as the traditional If you are looking for a traditional Shake off the January blues and join us for our belated turkey dinner and Christmas Christmas meal in a cosy and New Year Party on Saturday 7th January 2017 pudding there are some more relaxed setting then The Hook Live Band, Disco and Karaoke. exotic dishes on the menu and Hatchet in Hucking is the Quiz nights including scallops, superfood perfect place for you this year. Alternate Mondays from 21st November. salad, turbot fillet or vanilla bean The recently reopened pub has crème brulee. Bookings are now been completely gutted and Church Road, Hucking, Maidstone ME17 1QT also being taken for New year’s refurbished giving it a www.hookandhatchetpub.co.uk eve – be sure to book early so not comfortable and relaxing interior to miss out. – offering the perfect welcome on 01622 737081 Ashford Road, Restaurant Bearsted & Takeaway & CHIPS • KEB FISH ABS Serving the finest Fish & chips in Bearsted for over 25 years •Charcoal Shish kebabs Save time & phone calls! •Fish & Chips ORDER WITH OUR APP! •Tasty lamb & chicken • Exclusive offers & savings doners • Wraps Find us at the App Store plus all your usual SEARCH FOR MARINO, BEARSTED, MAIDSTONE favourites

Wishing all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year Thank you for your custom in 2016! to the Matt Carapret We look forward to serving you in 2017. Thankstheir to all generous our customers donationsFund. for

24 Maidstone East December 2016 Festive THE Dining POTTING a cold winters day. The extensive fresh local ingredients. The cosy SHED mature grounds that surround interior features red chesterfield the pub provide plenty of space sofas and exposed beams. A three Now taking bookings for our to enjoy the beautiful countryside course Christmas lunch and of the Hucking Estate. Perhaps dinner is on offer with prices consider taking one of the walks starting from £26 per person. The Festive Winter Menu on Boxing day or New year’s day pub is proving to be very popular and finish up with a delicious with locals this year so make sure Mon 21st Nov, until Sat 24th Dec 2016 meal in front of a roaring log fire. you book soon as places are Served daily 12pm to 9.30pm (pre booking required) The festive menu prices start limited. from just £21.50 per person for a 3 Lunch 3 course £25pp Marino’s Fish and Chip Shop & course festive lunch. Call now to (2 course available Monday to Thursday £20pp) Restaurant have been serving up book your table. 3 course Dinner Mon-Thu £28pp, Fri & Sat £30pp top quality food in Bearsted for If it’s a delicious meal in front of a more than 25 years. Fish is Sundays booking available from 5pm, £25 per person cosy log fire you are looking for obviously their speciality then pay a visit to The Kings however there is a wide variety of Starters Arms at Boxley. The traditional other dishes on the menu too Honey roasted parsnip, chestnut & truffle soup country pub serves real ale and including kebabs, chicken & lamb Kentish wild game terrine an excellent seasonal menu using doners plus burgers, chicken and Coquille Saint Jacques, (supplement £3) jacket potatoes. Why not save Baked Camembert time and order with their new Dry gin & lime cured salmon app – the food will be ready and Superfood salad waiting for you. The friendly Mains team wish all their customers, Kentish free range roast turkey past, present and future a very 28 day matured English beef fillet, (supplement £5) Merry Christmas and a Happy Sea bass fillet New Year. Slow cooked English lamb shoulder Festive nut roast A traditional country Turbot fillet, (supplement £5) Puddings pub offering great food, Traditional Christmas pudding, Brandy sauce an open log fire and a Vanilla bean crème brûlée, spiced cinnamon shortbread biscuit K truly warm welcome Bramley apple & pear crumble, A Chocolate & pecan brownie, orange & Cointreau ice cream THE KINGS ARMS Full selection of real ales Selection of British & Continental cheeses, (supplement £3) Bar and Restaurant Open all day for food - 7 days a week Early Christmas midweek offer All food is homemade Mon 21st Nov until Thur 1st Dec £21pp and cooked to order from 3 courses, lunch or dinner locally supplied produce Early Christmas weekend offer Large beer garden Fri 18th, Sat 19th, Fri 25th & Sat 26th Nov, Free local courtesy Fri 2nd & Sat 3rd Dec £25pp, 3 courses, lunch or dinner transport available for Late Christmas offer diners. Please enquire. Thur 5th & Fri 6th Jan, Mon 9th until Fri 13th Jan £21pp Bookings now being taken for Sat 7th & Sat 14th Jan £25 per person CHRISTMAS LUNCH 3 courses, lunch or dinner & DINNER NEW YEARS EVE PARTY Book Now for Free entry and buffet NEW YEARS EVE call for details Saturday 31st December 2016 Prosecco Brut & Canapés reception 01622 755177 Celebration 5-course menu with choice The Street, Boxley, Maidstone ME14 3DR 7pm for drinks, food served 8pm, dancing until 2am, £55pp www.thekingsarmsmaidstone.co.uk E: [email protected] ‘Certificate of The Potting Shed Excellence Sutton Road, Langley, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3LZ 2013/’14/’15/’16 01622 862 112

Maidstone East December 2016 25 News | Roads and housing downsmail.co.uk Councils clash over housing MAIDSTONE Council chiefs have sent a thinly-veiled warning to neighbouring Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to ease up on planning proposals which border its boundaries. Responding to TMBC’s Local Hermitage Lane and A26, the latter Howard Rogers, the cabinet Plan consultation, Maidstone’s having already been subject to a member in charge of panning at chief executive Alison Broom (pic- significant increase in traffic fol- TMBC, said: “We have gone out tured below) said her residents lowing developments at Kings with The Way Forward (consulta- have been in contact to “express Hill.” tion) document and are awaiting their gave con- The letter highlights potential the responses to come back. That cerns”. proposals on the Maidstone border particular issue has not been given A letter to at South Aylesford and Ditton to us by Maidstone Borough Coun- the head of which “suffers from severe traffic cil up to now but, at these early planning pol- congestion” and raises the “current stages, we will get these responses icy Ian Bailey problems around Hermitage Lane in and qualify accordingly. was described and the A20. “I am aware there are traffic is- by one sea- It adds: “Focus in this regard sues in that part of Maidstone and soned observer should be upon an alternative I am aware of a lot of development of local politics route that draws road traffic away work. We are a long, long way described as a from this part of the A20 and Her- away from looking at planning ap- “declaration of mitage Lane in particular, whilst plications but rather looking at war”. having regard to mitigating con- where potential building could It states: “Should Tonbridge and gestion and improving traffic flows A protester at Hermitage Lane happen and what would be needed Malling Borough Council proceed on the wider road network in the “open space as part of any devel- in terms of infrastructure to ac- with its development strategy, mit- area.” commodate it.” opment, in order to address this igating transport impacts on al- The letter says that the proposal One local planning observer told ready busy routes into Maidstone could “also allow settlements to co- issue, should therefore be a prior- Downs Mail it was “a highly signif- will be vital, including the A20, alesce with Maidstone” and that ity”. icant letter – a declaration of war”. Drivers face MP fails in bid to get plans diversions as roads close for A274 homes ‘called in’ A ROAD near Maidstone is AN ATTEMPT to have the govern- due to be shut for up to 15 days ment “call in” three controversial for telecoms work to be carried proposals for housing develop- out. ments on the A274 Sutton Road has The closure comes in on Jan- failed. uary 3 next year in Back Street, MP Helen Whately put the case near the villages of Leeds and to the Minister for Housing and Langley, at the junction with Planning, Gavin Barwell, in an ef- Avery Lane. fort to have them reconsidered. Kent County Council sug- Mrs Whately gests drivers use the alterna- (pictured) said tive route via Back Street, she was “out- Caring Lane, Forge Lane, B2163 raged” earlier Upper Street, Horseshoes this year when Lane, Back Street and vice the three plans versa. were put before The closure is to enable the Maidstone Bor- House-building in the Sutton Road area has been blamed for traffic problems installation of a new street cab- ough Council’s major national heritage site. It’s south east division seat on Kent inet to be carried out by BT (MBC) planning committee before disappointing, of course, and I am County Council at next May’s elec- Openreach. the Local Plan Inspector had a afraid there is no next move from tions. There is also to be a tempo- chance to consider them. They me. The sitting Tory member for the rary road closure at Caring have since been approved. “I will continue to oppose the area, Gary Cooke, has been im- Road, near Leeds, from No- The three sites which are next schemes.” placably opposed to the develop- vember 28, 2016, for up to five door to the large Langley Park de- MBC had commissioned its own ments. days for housebuilding to take velopment would see another consultants who agreed the junc- He said: “Putting hundreds and place. 1,300 homes built on the A274. tions serving the new develop- hundreds of extra houses onto the The road will be closed be- The MP, county councillors and ments would be at over-capacity Sutton Road without properly mit- tween Otham Lane and Caring parish councillors have expressed but was happy the developers igating for the transport conse- Farm. profound worries about the effect could mitigate against this. quences is just madness. The suggested alternative the housing will have on already- Kent County Council – the “Considering that each of these route is via Caring Lane, A20 stretched roads, especially at peak county’s highways authority – dis- new houses may have one or two times. Ashford Road and Otham puted the A274 could cope with cars each, not to mention the Mrs Whately told Downs Mail: Lane and vice versa. the extra traffic. houses that remain unsold on the “I asked to call in a bunch of things The road closure is to enable The three sites are at Bicknor existing, recently-built estates and those included the three de- a new entrance to be con- Farm, north of Bicknor Road and they’ll all end up on the Sutton velopments on the A274. south of the Sutton Road. Road. structed to a home. The work “The minister said that he could- The issue of housing in the area “From there, they’ll further clog will be carried out by Hague n’t call them in because they are is likely to be one of the major is- up the roads in Willington Street, Construction Ltd. not of strategic importance or a sues at stake for the Maidstone in Langley, Otham and Leeds.”

26 Maidstone East December 2016 downsmail.co.uk Roads and housing | News Get militant, Now angry Shepway to says resident LAST month, we reported how vil- take action over traffic lagers in Leeds are prepared to “get militant” if the authorities drag A PETITION calling for a relief road is to be compiled by Shepway resi- their heels over traffic issues in the village. dents in a bid to stop its narrow lanes being used as rat-runs by lorries. Borough councillor Gill Fort says Local people have noticed a residents are planning action to sharp increase in the number of highlight the problems huge vol- HGVs, trucks and cars using the umes of vehicle movements have area to avoid the clogged Sutton on everyday life. Apart from the Road and Willington Street. daily traffic, villagers are growing With house-building on the in- increasingly fed up with HGVs flout- crease and plans for 1,300 new ing a lorry ban, speeding, reckless homes near Langley likely to go driving, hit-and-run prangs and ag- ahead, they fear there will be even gressive, foul-mouthed conduct by more pressure on the area. A 900- signature petition was gathered be- some drivers. Cllr Fort said: “There fore the Shepway south by-election is growing anger among people in favour of a relief road to help here and they are threatening to Maidstone’s traffic woes. get militant. I cannot and will not Now residents in Shepway north condone anything illegal, but I can are to be given the opportunity to understand why he thinks that put their names to a similar list. way.” Upper Street resident Robert Conservative Cllr Marion Ring Jackson (38) said: “We’re very (pictured), a Shepway resident of Shepway resident Marion Ring says HGV drivers use Shepway as rat run happy living in Leeds but the traffic 30 years and life-long Maidstone “I remember that you could cope with its traffic. Ukip is horrendous now. There is meant resident, says the traffic issues jump on the bus and it would take spokesman and fellow borough have become much worse of late. about 15 minutes to get into the councillor Eddie Powell backs pub- to be a lorry ban which doesn’t get The Westmorland Road resident centre of Maidstone. lic concerns but questions govern- enforced and people speed to get said: “We’re getting loads of lorries “These days, with all the traffic, ment commitment. through ahead of on-coming traf- coming down this way. This estate it takes about 45 minutes. The by- He added: “In the great scheme fic. It’s dangerous. My car has been was built for families; it was never pass or relief road is now critical.” of things, a Leeds-Langley relief hit four times this year and nobody built as a major route and certainly Cllr David Burton, the borough road is hardly high up on the gov- stopped. We’ve had enough and I for the number and size of vehicles council’s head of planning, said ernment’s agenda, is it? know that quite a few people feel we’re seeing cut through here. that a by-pass in the south of the “This has been talked and talked the same - not just here but in Lan- We’ve got to the point now that we town linking to the motorway is about for 20 years and nothing has won’t let go. There has got to be the most “logical piece of infra- happened. Why should something gley, Otham and even Sutton Va- some solution. structure” to help the borough happen now?” lence.” Three options for by-pass ‘Let’s get on with relief road’ A LEEDS-Langley relief road op- “I do believe it will happen. For THERE are currently three tion should be chosen sooner the first time, we have the county routes on the table for a relief rather than later and “get on with council, the highways authority road from Langley to the A20 it”, according to the borough coun- and the planning authority all talk- junction. cil’s transport chief. ing about the same thing posi- According to information seen Cllr David Burton, the lead on tively. by Downs Mail, all routes would road and planning matters, is con- “I think we are in a much better start on or near the Penfold fident the estimated £30-50m cost position to see the delivery sooner bridge after the main entrance to of a by-pass can be met through rather than later.” Leeds Castle, and proceed around developer contributions, contrac- To pay for the relief road, devel- the village. tual obligations and central fund- opers must make a “substantial” Option 1 (East): From Penfold ing pots. contribution towards the infra- Hill, the route would skirt along There are currently three options structure as well as government Burberry Lane and into wood- on the table for a south east Maid- money and other “pockets” of land close to Langley and then on stone relief road and currently cash, said Cllr Burton. to or near the Five Wents cross- being discussed by the authorities He added: “It is a big challenge roads. which make up the Joint Trans- but I believe it is achievable. When Option 2 (West): From Penfold portation Board (JTB). we talk about a relief road, it is ex- Hill, the route would veer right All would start in or around the actly that. around Leeds, over Forge Lane Penfold bridge near the entrance to “For instance, the new gyratory and possibly on to Back Street, Leeds Castle and variously emerge system delivers 20% capacity to get emerging at the junction at or near or on the A274 at Langley or Cllr David Barton vehicles through the town but the close to Horseshoes Lane. Five Wents. Street, parts of Shepway, Otham demands continue to grow. There Option 3 (East and west): This In a frank interview with Downs and Leeds is the “most logical are other smaller piecemeal im- route will form an ‘S’ shape, fol- Mail, Cllr Burton said: “My fixed piece of infrastructure”. provements, too. lowing the west route initially view is to pick one of them and get The system across “will just “If you have the new relief road before emerging at the Langley on with it.” about cope” until there is a hiccup, from the south to the motorway, end of Burberry Lane and pick- He acknowledged that with a he said. the effects would be felt as far ing up the end of the east route house-building programme of Cllr Burton said: “Having a by- away as Yalding. All these ingredi- and emerging at or near the Five 18,000 new houses by 2031, a route pass through the south east puts ents working together will get the Wents crossroads. to take traffic out of Willington some resilience into the network. best outcome for Maidstone.”

Maidstone East December 2016 27 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, Walderslade, 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 Civic regalia THE PARISH council has agreed to Hall extension agreed buy a badge of office to be worn by the chairman when representing the parish at civic functions and events. After lengthy consideration, it as report shows need was decided to purchase regalia at a maximum cost of £400, excluding AFTER receiving more informa- with the extension. hires. With the smaller room ex- VAT. The council badge will be on a tion, the parish council agreed to In its latest decision, the council panded, there would be provision dark green collar with an enam- reconsider the case for extending agreed to enlarge and update the to meet some current and likely fu- elled metal bar for the chairman the small meeting room at small meeting room, to make it ture needs.” and a second bar which can be sub- Beechen Hall. soundproof, create an air gap and The proposed extension could be stituted for the vice-chairman. The hall, which was opened in replace the main doors. used by the council and other Borough ward Cllr Derek Butler, 1944, is extensively used by com- Cllr Davies said the estimated groups. It would include a screen, who is Mayor of Maidstone said: munity groups and is available for cost of the scheme 12 months ago possibly a projector and hot drinks “Some of the mayors I meet are hire for parties, weddings and was between £80,000 to £100,000, facilities, which would make it from towns that have smaller pop- other functions. However, the which should now be increased by more marketable for meetings. ulations than Boxley. I think it’s a small room is no longer used for about £10,000 to allow for inflation The parish office is also at nice idea that you recognise it.” parish council meetings due to and building costs. A working Beechen Hall and the extended noise issues, and is underused in group will progress the early stages room could also provide a suitable comparison to the main hall, be- of the project which is expected to space for staff to use for meetings, Quiz night cause of its size and shape. be planned for 2017/18. lunch or a few quiet moments. A QUIZ night is being organised by Members thanked Cllr Vic Cllr Davies said in his report: The report said: “It should be Vinters Valley Nature Reserve at Davies, chairman of the estates “Beechen Hall is meeting the cur- noted that Beechen Hall does gen- Grove Green Community Hall committee, for his hard work in rent need, but without adding to or erate a good profitable income and (next to Tesco car park) on Satur- providing a very detailed report improving its facilities it is very so any money spent on improve- day, December 3 . which enabled them to review their much stuck in the now, with no fu- ments does not come entirely from Doors open at 7pm for 7.30 start earlier decision not to go ahead ture flexibility for expansion of the taxpayer.” and there will be a raffle. Tickets are £6 each person for teams of up to eight – email chair- MP supports [email protected], with name, tele- phone number and number of parking ban tickets required. Participants can BOXLEY Parish Council has long bring their own snacks and drinks. been campaigning about the need Proceeds will go towards the up- to get dangerous, illegal and incon- keep and running of the reserve. siderate HGV parking onto the government’s list of things to tackle Body camera list. THE parish council was thanked Having involved MP Helen for its offer to sponsor a bodycam Whately, she reports that she is for PCSO Matt Adlington. The Parking at Grove Green “delighted that the Government PCSO reported that Kent Police has made a clear commitment to would be providing him with one, NUMEROUS complaints have been received about inconsiderate parking tackle fly-parking”. Roads minister but were impressed by the coun- on Grove Green. John Hayes has held a round-table cil’s suggestion and expressed The commuter parking at Grovewood Drive South and parking at junc- thanks. tions on Provender Way is causing problems for pedestrians, especially chil- meeting with representatives of the dren and the Walk to School Bus. haulage industry, local govern- The parish council has asked KCC and MBC to investigate but would like ment, Helen Whately and others to Pat’s bouquet to hear from individuals who have experienced problems. Comments can hammer out some solutions. MEMBERS were sorry to hear that be sent to the parish office at the address at the top of this page. Mr Hayes pledged to look at Cllr Pat Brooks was unwell and where more parking spaces can be agreed to send her a bouquet of made available and to make sure flowers with best wishes for a lorry parking is included in new in- speedy recovery. KCC funding for cycle path frastructure projects. Along with BOROUGH and parish Cllr Wendy Hinder reported that KCC more parking spaces, stricter rules Meeting date funding had been granted for work on the cycle track and footpath are needed to make sure drivers use THE next meeting of the parish at Old Chatham Road, Sandling. them. Ultimately, the parish council However, she was disappointed that funding had been with- council will be on December 5 at St and Helen Whately want to see a drawn for improvements, including angled parkings spaces at the John’s School, Provender Way, complete ban on fly-parking. end of the road adjoining Tyland Lane. Grove Green, starting at 7.30pm. Illegal lorries, page 18

The chairman and staff of Boxley Parish Council extend Season’s Greetings to residents of the parish.

28 Maidstone East December 2016 BOOK NOW for a clean Christmas

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Maidstone East December 2016 29 downsmail.co.uk Comment Boroughs come to blows THE gloves are now off as Maidstone MBC requires focus on an alternative trans- Council prepares to fire a mighty blast to Ton- MailMarks port route to draw traffic away from the A20 bridge and Malling Council which aims to and Hermitage Lane, in particular. load much more of its heavyweight residen- DENNIS FOWLE President The council is calling for joint working in- tial development in an area most sensible peo- [email protected] cluding KCC. Expect some very tough, rough ple would consider part of Maidstone, not talks. There is feeling of abuse around. Tonbridge. Who are the key sufferers? Not the good I have frequently commented before that Fewer hospital beds? folk of Tonbridge, but Maidstone residents places like Aylesford, Coldharbour, Her- who see this vital lane as the main route to the A CASE is being prepared for a huge re- mitage Lane, Aylesford, Larkfield, Ditton M20 and access road to Maidstone Hospital. duction in hospital beds in Maidstone and (even East and West Malling) should never be It really is a nonsense. They have had enough Tunbridge Wells hospitals. part of Tonbridge. and are rightly causing a lot of noise. The Maidstone trend was started in the They are right on our doorstep and resi- Already, most believe there is too much res- times of notorious hospitals’ chief executive dents look so much more to the county town idential development in and around the lane. Rose Gibb – and now the fund-holding GP- than to a much more distant Tonbridge. Now Tonbridge Council wishes to add heav- led NHS West Kent Clinical Group is report- There is a powerful case for a boundary ily to it in its own Local Plan. ing how a further cut would make sense. change, likely to win strong support from In a draft letter to Tonbridge, Maidstone The group is under great pressure to save Maidstone, but little from a diminished Ton- says: “Mitigating transport impacts on al- money and its plans look at big changes. bridge. ready-busy routes in to Maidstone will be Bed-blocking by patients who really need There has been minimal damage to Maid- seen as vital – including the A20, Hermitage social care is a huge problem and the group stone in the past – but times are changing. Lane and the A26, already subject to a signif- looks at changes which will ensure much Faced with the same problem as Maidstone in icant increase in traffic following develop- greater care in the community for all of us. having to build many thousands of new ments at Kings Hill.” This will involve a much stronger physical houses to meet government’s insatiable de- Maidstone also draws attention to signifi- and financial contribution from social wel- mands, Tonbridge looks increasingly at its far cant residential and employment develop- fare. Maidstone end for land. ment in South Aylesford and Ditton, already The group says that if nothing is done costs The crunch has come in Hermitage Lane, subject to heavy congestion and air pollution, will just escalate with another 67 acute hospi- Barming. The new business development at which would worsen. tal beds needed in five years and 139 in 10 the junction with the A20 is in Tonbridge bor- The borough council says the current pro- years. ough and the traffic changes and new traffic posals would allow settlements to coalesce But, if the changes are made, it sees a need lights are causing the most appalling and dan- with Maidstone – so provision of open space for 60 less beds. The overall financial savings gerous problems. would be a priority. are big. So watch this space.

Village has three schools This area is far from that. Traffic is not admire her tenacity and determination to restricted at all and the road is used by achieve the goal of reduced traffic flow MAY I refer you to the latest edition of the buses, lorries and cars to gain access to the along this extremely busy thoroughfare. Downs Mail (East edition, November). On vast housing estate beyond the shops. Car However, I feel that I must take issue page four, you printed an article headed parking is also available to shoppers with Jenny regarding her aribution of “Hurry Up on second school”. directly outside the shops This area is now comments made by councillor Eddie Could I respectfully point out that very dangerous with adults and children Powell of UKIP regarding the provision of Bearsted already has three primary schools crossing this busy road to use the shops. this relief road, as patronising and – Thurnham Infants School, Roseacre They also have to negotiate the parked flippant. Junior School (which I accept could be cars that are constantly reversing etc.. Eddie, like many of us, believes that the treated as one) and Madginford Primary Today there are traffic lights directly on saturation level of housing being built School. This is the second time to my Longshaw Road outside the shops. Why along the A274 around Bicknor Farm will knowledge that you have referred to this would this be necessary if the area was be deleterious to the area. Not only is this maer as if Madginford is not part of pedestrianised? I think that a lile poetic housing being built on previously Bearsted. licence has been used by the developers. agricultural land, it will be productive of When reporting on the need for further Jeanne Richards, via email hugely increased levels of traffic. Such primary education provision in the traffic will most likely find its way either Bearsted area, could you please refer to it Shops are on a busy road through the town centre or down by saying something like “additional” or Willington Street. I WISH to inform you that the new-build “further” and not reinforce the outdated Jenny rightly states that the campaign at Parkwood is not pedestrianised. stereotype that Bearsted only exists north for this relief road should transcend The shops are surrounded by Wallis of the A20? political affinities. Indeed, it is my personal Avenue, Longshaw Road, Livingstone Perhaps our local councillors and our feeling that anything to do with important Walk and Cobb Way. The main car parking local MP should be asked to also correct local issues should be free from party is on Longshaw Road, which is possibly their views or misunderstandings on this politics. the busiest road in Parkwood as it leads on maer. Eddie works tirelessly for the people of to Bicknor Road which has a school , a Charles Tanswell, governor, Madginford Maidstone south ward, assisting residents church, four assembly halls, a crèche, a Primary School with problems and difficulties that can playing field, and playground. occur when everyday life meets The car park is laid out either side of officialdom. Many people find this Road is not pedestrianised Longshaw Road facing the shops, causing interface to be daunting and, sometimes, I READ with some surprise the article in much inconvenience to users as cars are almost insurmountable. November’s Downs Mail regarding new constantly reversing in or out. Community spirit seems to have premises in Park Wood. Elizabeth McCashin, via email declined over recent years. People who These shops, although very smart, are would once have had no hesitation in not in a pedestrianised area. Most of the seeking counsel and help from neighbours, shops are on either side of Longshaw Road Let’s all support the cause now find that there is a good chance that which is just that – a road. The definition JENNY Suon has been a long time they hardly see their neighbours, let alone of pedestrianised in the Oxford dictionary campaigner for a relief road to reduce feel able to ask them for help or advice. I says and I quote ”accessible only to through traffic along Willington Street to know Eddie has also supported local pedestrians”. the benefit of long-suffering residents. I residents with a campaign of their own. It

30 Maidstone East December 2016 downsmail.co.uk has been said that his interest and support the “Garden of England” description is that. has been greatly appreciated. appropriate when you see the scruffy and This is a free event but we are asking all Comment We should all support Jenny Suon in neglected verges and roundabouts from J8 those who come along to make a donation her praiseworthy endeavours. This issue is to the Park Gate Inn pub on the A20. either by texting LIGH77 TO 70070 or by far too important to be reduced to political Local residents see these sad green visiting justgiving.com/fundraising/ wrangling. spaces and I wonder what Leeds Castle LightingUpAllington Gillian Roberts, Valentine Road, and local hotel management think of these Dorothy Gorman, via email Maidstone sights. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to this part of Kent each year with Relief road a long way off hotels and the castle benefiing. Playing a round for Bill THERE has been much recent coverage During castle events people who use the THE 39th Bill’s Round charity golf took about a so-called relief road between the A20 have to put up with serious place at Cobtree Manor Park golf course A20 and the A274 in your publication and congestion. on November 4, when 32 people played others. If there are, as you report, three As tax-payers we are unable to put any (30 men, 2 women), the highest number options - why on earth do we not see the pressure on the borough and county since 34 turned out seven years ago. detail of them? councils or indeed the highways David Nickson, of Ashford Golf Club, The problem, I suspect, is there is no authorities, whereas Leeds Castle and and John Mille, of Faversham Golf Club, money to build it without carpeting the local hotels do have influence to improve tied on 44 stableford points, but David was borough with yet more houses. maers. declared the winner due to scoring more Or a cynical view would be that the Joint GM Collins, Hollingbourne points on the last nine holes. He chose the Transportation Board’s vague plan is just Royal National Lifeboat Institution to that, designed to fob everyone off until benefit from the £530 raised. after the county council election next year Rail service is appalling Two nearest the pin holes were won by and the whole uncomfortable, MAIDSTONE’S Labour councillors are Mick Stanley and Paul Keenor, both troublesome issue will die a death for campaigning with party colleagues in playing in Bill’s Round for the first time, another two decades. Kent, Surrey and Sussex to get Govia, whilst the best lady was Katrina Howard, Don’t be fooled, folks, this relief road which owns Southeastern, Southern and the current ladies captain of Chart Hills isn’t going to happen. But the time and Thameslink stripped of their rail franchise. Golf Club. place to express your frustration is in the On November 4, three out of four peak The best team proved to be Alan polling booth next May and every election time trains on the St Pancras line were Fineman, John Goad, Alan Joynson and after it. Voter power is all the rage! cancelled. Passengers travelling home on David Nickson, all from Ashford. H Warren, via email Tuesday and Wednesday evenings that Fines on players, imposed by Mike week faced having to stand. Kingsman, and “heads ‘n tails” run by There are no facilities at Maidstone West Dave Verga helped boost the takings. The Thanks for your donations to sit in a heated waiting room, despite fines included losing the team ball, MAIDSTONE Salvation Army Corps being called for over the last few years. wearing shorts, and teeing off badly on the would like to thank people for their very This level of service is appalling. first hole. generous support of the annual door to It is not infrequent that high speed trains The next Bill’s Round charity golf event door collection and collections at public are delayed or cancelled. We pay £44 will take place in May or June 2017, with venues. return to use a poor service which takes at the date and venue to be made known This appeal raises vital funds for our best 51 minutes to cover 40 miles, and pay early in the new year. diverse programme of life-changing social a premium fare. Men and women of all standards are and community services, including: Govia should have these services taken welcome to take part – new faces are  supporting men, women and families away and returned to public ownership. always very welcome and we had seven who are experiencing homelessness; Our services in Kent and Sussex are a new people this time. You could e-mail me  providing a place of safety for adult national scandal. at [email protected] or phone victims of modern slavery; Cllrs Paul Harper and Keith Adkinson, on 07860 821306 if you would like to know  running care homes and day centres for Maidstone Labour Party more. older people; Roger Bevan, via email  reuniting families through our family tracing service. Lights display for hospice All the money raised is used to care for COME along to this festive fundraising Stadium is a winner people who are vulnerable or in need in event and enjoy a musical Christmas light I WENT a football match for the first time the United Kingdom. Thank you. display in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice. in years when the Stones took on Rochdale Salvation Army Corps, Maidstone Every day between December 2 and in the FA Cup at the Gallagher Stadium. January 2, 39 Castle Road, Allington, Kent What a fantastic venue and club! ME16 0PP will be lit up from 5pm to 9pm Friendly staff, decent food, clean toilets Castle should contribute with shows taking place every half hour. and a reasonable entry fee. I WOULD like to ask whether you think Drive up before the show starts and tune I’ll be back. your radio to 106.1FM – it’s as simple as Davy Jackson, via email

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

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Maidstone East December 2016 33 downsmail.co.uk Mike Davis Wiltshire, she moved to Smallhythe and as a RAF, undertaking pilot training and Obituaries young Girl Guide had visited Smallhythe remaining part of the auxiliary air force at MICHAEL Howard “Mike” Davis (75) had Place for tea where she met the owner, the end of this period. lived locally since the early 1970s and lived actress Ellen Terry. His professional career took him to the in Hengist Court from 2012, having Eileen was married for almost 50 years to highest levels of banking. Having joined previously lived in Cornwallis Road and Roger Colle and was mother to Alan and Barclays Bank in 1948, he remained within Upper Fant Road. Jacqueline. She worked at the Granada the bank for forty years. His work took in a The son of a Cinema at the boom of Gabriel’s Hill, on range of assignments including time spent in postmaster, Mike local farms and for many years in the Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. moved around with canteen of Oxford Road Primary School in Philip’s financial career allowed him to hold his father’s work and Maidstone. many leers after his name and his later had lived in Kent Alan Colle said: “My mother was the working years included a number of non- before he moved to the kind of lovable person who is liked by executive positions in financial and property local area from everyone. She loved to go dancing with my concerns. Falmouth in Cornwall. father. My mother lived independently for Philip was married to Sue and had one He worked locally as many years after he died and was a loving son, one daughter and a step-son. He leaves a career civil servant in mother and grandmother.” his wife, children, grandchildren and great- the benefits office. Eileen, who was widowed about 20 years grandchildren. With wife Chris, Mike raised daughter ago, leaves her children, grandchildren Mandy. She said: “My father was the kind of Martin, Carl and Karen and great- friendly person who would stop and help grandchildren Luke, Bethany, Nicole and Jay Chandler anyone. People have described him as kind Isabel. and wise and he was very much a people THE sudden death of Jay Chandler (40) person, very giving. made local headlines. “He regularly visited a few old people and Dudley Fermor The quantity surveyor from Boughton just generally loved to talk. He also loved Monchelsea died suddenly, leaving his wife sport and was a member of Kent County MARDEN’S Dudley Beversham Fermor (80) Hannah and sons Jacob (19) and Charlie Cricket Club. Maidstone Cricket Week was a was born locally and lived in the area for (six). Friends, family and Jay’s colleagues big event in his life for many years and he almost all of his life. from work at Galliford could enjoy almost any sport on television, In 1947, Dudley obtained the Lambe Try and the gyms he although he had a particular love of rugby scholarship to Suon Valence School. He was known to aend and football.” showed great promise as a cricketer and later including Park Wood’s Mike was widowed in 1992, but spent the went on to play for Harrietsham. Dudley Ironworks final 11 years of his life with his partner completed National Service between 1954 Gymnasium were Chris. He leaves his partner, daughter and and 1956. quick to pay tribute on grandchildren Wesley, Freddie and Judd. Like several other Fermor sons of that social media. generation, Dudley worked with his father at Within a few days, Eastwood Farm, Ulcombe, when he left thousands of pounds Sue Poen school. He then became a horticultural had been raised via representative for Boots Farm Sales before crowd-funding for his funeral expenses and SUSAN Lyn Poen (67) lived in Aylesford moving to Murphy’s the chemical company. to provide a trust fund for his six-year-old village for 35 years, moving there with His final job before retiring was as a sales son. husband Barrie and brought up daughters representative for Suons (Produce The Ironworks Gym posted on Facebook: Karen and Julia. Packaging) in Marden. “Jay was truly one of the good guys, a Born Susan Cole in Luton, Medway, Sue Dudley was married twice. His first hugely likeable, charming, funny and kind was educated in the Medway area and began marriage produced children Sarah and man who genuinely enriched my, and many taking administration Simon. In 1983, he married Ida, and became others’ lives. He will be sorely missed. RIP jobs. She was working stepfather to Caroline and Richard. brother. X” His wife Hannah said: “He was for Seeboard when Caroline said: “My stepfather and mother my everything and then some.” she gave up work to were not interested in a quiet retirement. Friend Dave Woodger said: “He was the become a mother. Sue They formed Ida Fermor Design to market best-dressed man in the room and could just raised her family as her watercolour paintings. Dudley managed throw something on and look good.” Barrie worked for the the business side whilst Ida produced the Jay leaves his wife and sons. Kent Messenger paintings. These were reproduced on Group but went back postcards and greetings cards. to work as her “He also became interested in living Carol Oliver children grew up. Her history and when interest in the 1940s local jobs included work as a dinner lady at THE death has been announced of Carol became topical, Dudley and my mother Oliver (79). St Peter’s Primary School and administration enjoyed dressing up in period military work for Safeway (now Waitrose) in Carol lived in Maidstone until she moved uniforms and re-enacting the war years. to Whitstable 14 years ago. She died in the Aylesford. Dudley was a true gentleman, a gentle man Daughter Karen said: “Mum was very Pilgrims Hospice, Canterbury, and her and a true countryman at heart.” funeral service took place at Barham happy at home and loved poering. She had Dudley leaves his wife Ida, his children a talent for gardening and cooking and was crematorium. and step-children, step-granddaughter Lucy Carol leaves her children Duncan and very devoted to her family. She was a and step-great grandson James. member of the village book club. Sarah and grandchildren Douglas, Greg, “Her final bale with illness involved a Oliver, Joseph and George. series of life-changing operations but she Philip Cockburn managed to stay strong and positive.” The Stone Shop Sue – who was widowed in 2013 – leaves THE death of Wateringbury’s Philip Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, her daughters and grandchildren Eleanor, Cockburn (84) has drawn a range of tributes. lettered and installed anywhere. Thomas and Jacob. Philip was a village resident for many years and long-time servant of the local Inscriptions added to existing memorials parish council, holding the post of chairman Renovations and memorial Eileen Colle for several years. cleaning Originally from the north east of England, EILEEN Mary Colle (96) lived in Surrey a number of Philip’s longest standing friends The Stone Shop Road, Shepway, for over 65 years and before could recall the days when his accent from Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. that near Frienden. that area was very pronounced. 01622 726633 Born Eileen Martin near Trowbridge in Philip completed his national service in the

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

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Maidstone East December 2016 35 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk

Team success Members of Players Theatre Club perform the Victorian Music Hall show at the WI Hall in Bearsted BEARSTED resident Barbara Dun- ford received a bouquet and a bottle of bubbly from members of the parish council for her work in or- ganising the fireworks display. Music hall show was a The event on November 4 was well-attended despite the weather, with almost all the tickets having been bought online. afternoon treat for all Barbara was thanked by Cllr Paul Young for “running the show”. She said: “It was a team effort … a lot of BEARSTED Parish Council rolled out the red carpet at the WI Hall for its people put in a lot of hard work.” The parish council agreed to ex- over 60s, treating them to a free afternoon at a Victorian Music Hall. plore refinements to ticketing – such The Players Theatre Club from as scanning at the entrance. Bloomsbury brought along Pearly King Peter John and guest artistes in- cluding Julia Sutton, Helen Watson Carol concert and musician Andy Eastwood. AUDIENCE participation will be in- The audience, which included vited at this year’s carol concert with Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Derek But- Bearsted Choral Society. ler and the mayoress, Mary Butler, Christmas carols and more are joined in a singalong of the old promised at St Peter’s Roman favourites including Knees up Catholic Church in Button Lane, Mother Brown, My old man said fol- Bearsted, from 7.30pm on Saturday, low the van and Daisy, Daisy. December 17. There was a free raffle with prizes Mayor Cllr Derek Butler with (from Tickets for the concert, directed by donated by local businesses and Andrew Lowen, are £10 (students Tesco provided tea and biscuits, left) mayoress Mary Butler; Cllr Pat £5), while under 14s are free. which were served by the ladies of Marshall and organisers Barbara Call 01634 666730 or email tick- Bearsted and Thurnham WI and the Dunford and Cllr Tony Ryan [email protected]. Tickets Guides. along. Or, as the late, great Leonard will also be available at the door. Spot Travel provided a mini-bus Sachs might have said, it was an ‘in- shuttle to the hall from Madginford dubitably splendiferous celebration’. Village plan and there was a collection for the “People were expecting to have to THE public meeting for views about Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. pay for it, but we had decided that it Bearsted’s Neighbourhood Plan Cllr Tony Ryan, one of the organ- should be free from the off. People takes place at Madginford Hall at isers, said: “It was a great commu- said they were grateful that we did 7pm, on November 30. nity event, with everyone pulling something for the older generation.” Members of Bearsted Parish coun- The parish council has produced a together to put on a fantastic after- cil heard that Jan Hunt of the Play- plan to provide “a shared vision for noon. ers Theatre, reported “really the village and help shape the de- “We have had some wonderful positive” feedback. velopment and growth of Bearsted”. feedback from those who came Residents can voice their views on development, open spaces and The Green, transport, communication, Lights to go on at Christmas fair business and employment, sports and leisure facilities. THE Worshipful Mayor of Maid- Saturday, November 26. wood-fired pizzas, Sukoo Sukoo Refreshments will be provided. stone, Cllr Derek Butler, will per- The Christmas Fair – said to be Indian Kitchen, Comedy Cook’s form the ceremonial switching on “the first in recent memory” – has Winter Warmers, Dine Thyme, The of the festive lights at Bearsted’s been organised by the parish coun- Gourmet Griddle, and cocktails Mynn awards first Christmas Fair in years. cil in response to calls from vil- from Beetle-Juice and The Cheeky THE closing date for nominations Craft and gift stalls, together with lagers for a larger Christmas Mare Horse Box Bar, as well as for the Mynn Awards has passed music from groups including Vo- gathering on The Green. mulled cider and real ale from and the adjudicating panel will meet cademy Maidstone and the Rock There will also be plenty to feast Bearfeast. to discuss the entrants. The award is Choir, as well as a traditional fair- on at the festive fair, which runs Santa is also expected to be given to people who have served the ground organ, will be brought to- from from 4-9pm, with food sup- among the guests, with the lights Bearsted community. gether for the community event on pliers including Little Bridge going on at 6pm. This page is sponsored and edited by: Council Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted Telephone: 01622 630165 E-Mail: [email protected] Bearsted Parish Council Chair: Fiona Redman MEETINGS HELD SECOND TUESDAY OF MONTH (7.30PM) www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk AND THE PUBLIC IS VERY WELCOME

36 Maidstone East December 2016 Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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Maidstone East December 2016 37 Classified downsmail.co.uk Builders continued Chimney Maintenance

H & G Chimney Services Chimney sweeping service Business Directory Rayner Brown Construction Ltd Long established Advertise from as little as We undertake all types of building work including: ICS registered • All types of flu Kitchens, bathrooms, driveways, landscaping, renovations & extensions All pots-cowls supplied & fitted Complete re-builds £3.00 per month FREE advice and quotations Re-pointing Call 01622 630330 or visit Tel: 01622 739960 or 07966 386428 (Mark Brown) Guttering, roof & valley repairs our website for more details e-mail: [email protected] 01622 739439 07860 318166 [email protected] www.downsmail.co.uk Building Plans A STEP IN TIME Stove installations & Chimney Sweep Services We offer a wide range of Chimney Sweep services, including: • Chimneys Swept and Vacuumed With No Dust Or Mess Left Behind • Chimney Lining• Bird Guards/Cowls, Supplied and Fitted • Fully Trained, ICS Registered Member • All Sweeps Are Certificated • Friendly Reliable Service • Fully Insured Carpenters LEE GOODYER M: 07944510742 T: 01622 432597 A.H.B.S www.astepintime.co.uk E: [email protected] Carpentry Brian’s Carpentry All aspects of CARPENTRY Service Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and • Windows • Doors • Frames fitted, Loft Conversions, Doors hung, Clean Sweep Locks fitted, Skirting, small alterations, • Skirting • Fences Plastering and Tiling Brush & vacuum All work guaranteed. • Gates FREE ESTIMATES No Job Too Small Wood burners and flues Family business established 21 years 01622 752205 supplied and fitted 01622 743648 0793 920 6067 Mob: 07711 291921 All work insured 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone All work certified to cover insurance Pest control available Reliable, Local Carpenter FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL GERRY Camera inspections available 01622 631149 / 07929 522990 Email: [email protected] Weddings attended Bedrooms - Wardrobes Wooden flooring Member of the ICS custom made & fitted Kitchens custom made & fitted Door framing & hanging Internal alteration HETAS approved Security Lock fitting service Fences & Gates Windows including sash Contact Kevin Bovis Repairs & Velux Staircase Renovation & repair Architraves & Skirting Property Renovation 01622 844385 07885 651578 Wood Works [email protected] Cleaning Services FULL CARPENTRY SERVICE FROM DECKING TO DOORS, "WE CLEAN CLEAR & CLEAN SERVICES KITCHENS & FLOORS. Tel: 07850 070900 OVENS!" ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL. One off house cleans in Using van mounted cleaning tanks, Mid Kent & Surrounding Areas your oven hob and extractor is CARPET CLEANS cleaned to showroom shine without MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD IN AND AROUND THE HOME 10% Discount for Senior Citizen smell, mess or fuss. 1000's of Have 1 carpet cleaned & get the 2nd half price. delighted local customers. The choice of steam or extractor clean Oven cleaning from just £49 CALL Cliff on Fully Insured, No Job Too Small Please call James on 07940 854927 or 01622 729092 So why not call today for more info. 01622 616168 www.ovenwizards.com

38 Maidstone East December 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified Cleaning Services continued Driveway services continued Landway Surfacing Driveways, Block Paving, Tarmac & Shingle, Council Approved Drop Kerbs, Resin bonded Drives All work fully insured and guaranteed For free advice and quotation call:- Tel/Fax - 01622 734817 Mobile - 07795 471 196 or 07799 867 524 Email - [email protected] Website - www.landwaysurfacing.co.uk 100 The Landway, Bearsted, KENT ME14 4LB

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Maidstone East December 2016 39 Classified downsmail.co.uk Fencing cont Garden Services cont Garden Services continued

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40 Maidstone East December 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified Logs continued Painting & Decorating continued CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Professional Business Directory Interior Decorator Advertise from as little as SEASONED DRY LOGS Not just a decorator, £3.00 per month SUITABLE FOR WOOD BURNERS & OPEN FIRES but one with over Call 01622 630330 or visit 40 years experience our website for more details BULK BAG £35 DELIVERED now semi retired, www.downsmail.co.uk RING JOSH 07939935149 so can offer a cheaper price 01622 687200 Follow us on Painting & Decorating Pest Control Decorator LADY INTERIOR D. STEWART DECORATOR All decorating NO JOB TOO SMALL interior & exterior FREE ESTIMATES Call Lynda Daniel FREE ESTIMATES 96<;05,*65;9(*;:*(990,+6<; Bearsted 730541 on 07733 354617 YH[ZTPJLIPYKZZX\PYYLSZHU[Z ^HZWZJVJRYVHJOLZMV_LZYHIIP[Z LEE Hughes ÅLHZTP[LZOVYUL[ZILKI\NZ PAINTING & DECORATING SERVICES • Quality Decorating at a Interior & Exterior Work fair & competitive price Undertaken • Dulux approved over 30 years experience OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE WWWSABRE KENTCOM City & Guild Qualified • Fully insured Tel: 01622 759040 Tel: 01622 737225 HOUR Mobile: 07816 149502 %ROBLONGSABRE HOTMAILCOM www.sr-interiors.com MALCOLM ROBERTS email: [email protected] Plastering Over 25 years’ experience of maintaining people’s homes. A friendly, reliable service. Painting & Decorating Services MID KENT Painting & decorating, PLASTERING Wall Papering, Tiling • Interior & exterior painting D K PLASTERING • Wall papering • Plastering 01622 631915 and all aspects of DIY. All plastering work carried out 0781 392 7162 / 0791 994 6328 • Fully insured • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • CALL MALCOLM • Friendly & reliable service Plastering, Rendering & Screeding ON 01634 308067 FREE Quotes New Ceilings & Repairs Mob: 07788 142576 Call Nick for a Email: [email protected] FOR A FREE QUOTATION free quotation Coving & Stud Walls Tyrolean & monocouche rendering 07921 193298 Call David 01622 728494 01622 206702 Mobile: 07974 891795 FULLY INSURED [email protected] Commercial & Domestic www.midkentplastering.co.uk

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Maidstone East December 2016 41 Classified downsmail.co.uk Plumbing & Heating continued Roofing Services continued

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Maidstone East December 2016 45 downsmail.co.uk

position of handyman for the parish. She maintenance of the war memorial so that it

aihCouncils Parish Bredhurst had supplied a work order which had was carried out regularly. Police briefing There had been two already been started. Churchyard Cllr Clayton said the Church aempted burglaries with no entry but Website provision The clerk reported that had allocated a further £1,000 to complete damage to property. There had also been a the new EiS website continued to prove a the works. He said a commemoration theft of a motor vehicle. There were some nightmare to operate. Cllr Friend offered would take place and he would circulate nuisance vehicles calls in the area but none support and would meet with the clerk to the date to members. in Bredhurst. Councillors congratulated the try and resolve the issues. Defibrillator This had been installed by an police and PCSOs on the excellent work Neighbourhood plan Following a proposal electrician, Tom Woodhams, who had not they do. at the last meeting to write to the Secretary charged for the work. The defibrillator was Allotments The school had been contacted of State regarding the outcome of the now registered with the ambulance service. regarding the allotments with no response neighbourhood plan, councillors requested Further training would be offered to so far. Another enquiry had been received the clerk to obtain advice and costs parishioners next year. so there were now two interested parties, regarding the employment of a qualified Transparency code Cllr Bowie reported on neither of whom lives in Bredhurst. The planning advisor to write the leer. the requirements for the parish council to clerk would check details with both Policing There had been a road accident in comply with the Transparency Code. She enquirers. All allotment holders had paid Lenham Road. Kingswood had had no said the new website was being developed the rental fee. One plot was not particularly crime reports recently. Kent police had and this would allow compliance with the well-maintained and a complaint had been become aware that schools were being code. She proposed that the parish council received. It was agreed to write to all targeted during holiday periods and asked bought four memory sticks to enable holders thanking them for payment and that residents be vigilant during half-term. councillors to keep a back-up of electronic reminding them to keep allotments tidy. He had also recommended caution during information. This was agreed. Playground There were no maers of Halloween. Maintenance Members discussed parish concern raised in the inspection report and Parish News Cllr Clark was happy that the maintenance and it was agreed to arrange a no action needed to be taken. It was noted Parish News would be ready to go for the parish tour to look at areas that needed that the inspection could be obtained more end of November and asked the clerk to aention. cheaply from RoSPA and it was agreed to contact participants requesting articles by Christmas lunch Involve Kent had decided look at this for next year. the start of the month. to hold its Christmas lunch in Bearsted. She Gate The gate to the allotments was asked members if they wished to advertise damaged and the repair had been this as it was free to residents of the parish. requested at a cost of £70. Detling Cllr Clayton suggested that residents might Plaque A donation of £30 was made to the prefer to aend a lunch in the village hall. It parish council for a plaque to Horish Wood The clerk reported that the padlock on the gate at Horish Wood was was agreed that Cllr Bowie would liaise commemorate the Queen’s diamond jubilee with Cllr Clayton in order to progress this. in 2012. Due to an oversight, the plaque was due to be replaced by CTRL. not purchased but has now been bought by Lier wardens Maidstone Borough Council a resident for £40 and installed in the was looking into the appointment of lier Downswood village hall. It was agreed to reimburse the wardens. resident for the full cost of £40. Vacancy No applications had been received Vacancy Peter Fincham was co-opted as a Training It was agreed to pay the mileage for the parish council vacancy and it was member of the council. costs for the clerk to aend a free training agreed that this should be advertised in the Police issues An email was sent to PCSO course on the Transparency Code. Detling News until the vacancy was filled. Money to inform him of intelligence Website Residents had made comments Ward Councillor’s report Cllr Nick de provided by a resident of Foxden Drive about documents missing from the website Wiggondene reported on the plans by about drug-dealing. and this had now been rectified. Quinn Estates to develop Detling Airfield. Gore Court Road A proposal to widen the Police report There had been a burglary at road was refused and there is no the diner on Detling Hill and £7,000 had opportunity to appeal the decision. Boughton Malherbe been taken. There had been no further Dog bins Maidstone Borough Council had reports of motorbikes on Jade’s Crossing. A advised that dog bins would be removed Calendar The 2017 parish calendar is out break-in was reported at Hockers Farm – a and all waste should be placed in new co- now and on sale at Grafty Green Shop, at a witness said a 4x4 vehicle had been driven mingled bins. cost of £5. This year the calendar is across the fields from Thurnham Lane into David Nuall memorial A block of granite produced and sponsored by Grafty Green his property. PCSO Adlington urged had been sourced and a quotation was Village Hall, to which all proceeds will go, residents to report break-ins to the police. A awaited. It was hoped the unveiling could and the theme is Times Past. Each month resident said stables had been broken into be tied in with the spring-clean. has a photograph of somewhere in the in Harple Lane. She said this had been Spires Medical Centre There had been village or surrounding area before it was reported to the police but no action had some difficulty finding a date for the next overtaken by change. In most cases, the been taken. PCSO Adlington said he would meeting but further dates were expected. pictures are accompanied by a recent look into this. Play areas Sophie Lawrie had opened the picture of the scene. All photographs were Overgrown vegetation A resident raised refurbished Foxden Drive play area. taken by John Collins. concerns about overgrown verges and Mallards TAG day would be on November hedges on Church Lane. She said these 24. Work would include coppicing the were now narrowing the lane making it island, revetment work on middle island, Broomfield and Kingswood dangerous for two-way traffic. The clerk checking rafts, cuing back overhanging KCC budget 2017/18 It was reported that was to report this to Kent Highways. branches and lier-picking. KCC has to find £75m savings for 2017/18 Old School playing field Cllr Kennard had Remembrance Day Cllr Pearson was in order to balance the books to meet rising contacted the pre-school about their play available to lay the wreath at the church costs and demands, while funding from equipment and it was for sale for £500. She and war memorial on November 13. A Government is cut. The Conservative said she had spoken to John Monk who had donation of £45 was agreed for the wreath. candidate defending Maidstone Rural East said it would not be cost-effective to move Christmas carols The clerk had asked for a in the May 2017 county council elections it. meeting with Aylesford Electrical prior to would be Maidstone and Ulcombe Parish Pre-school shed This belonged to the the lights being installed to agree locations. Cllr Shellina Prendergast. parish council. It was agreed that Bluebells The loan of a PA system was to be Ward councillor’s report Maidstone Cllr should be approached to see if they wished confirmed. Gill Fort reported the borough council must to have the shed in its current condition. Website Cllr Greenhead was to explore find savings of £4.2m in the next financial Benches Cllr Kennard said she would liaise options for a new website. It was agreed year due to the cessation of the government with John Monk about the maintenance of that one person should be in overall charge. Revenue Support Grant. The Local Plan the benches. Spring clean This would be arranged for inquiry continued with much opposition to Environment The parish council approved April/May. It was hoped to be able to clear the housing numbers proposed by a £50 budget for Cllr Kennard to buy plants a section of the River Len. The clerk was to Maidstone Borough Council. for the village planter. Cllr Kennard asked enquire about the loan of waders. Maintenance The clerk advised that Rob whether maintenance of the grassed area Old Church Road KCC had cleared Reader, RLR Contractors had accepted the near East Court could be added to overhanging vegetation but Cllr Cheesman

46 Maidstone East December 2016 Parish Councils Crime reports 47 mail.co.uk downs December 2016 Cllr Gray had The monthly Further to the fun day December 11 had been ALARMS & SECURITY LTD Rachel Robinson was co- Maidstone East There was one crime It was agreed that the council Cllrs Gray and Hipkins Bearsted FC had applied for a Potholes near Peckham Farm A leer had been received from a Watch CALL 01622 880751 ALARM NOT WORKING? WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS agreed, with the time subjectconfirmation to by the choir. volunteered to paint windows inThe the Village hall. Hall Commiee wouldfunding explore opportunities with Cllr Cooke’s You Decide event on Saturday, December 10. The parish council woulddonation consider if a there was aVillage shortfall. green access organised by the pre-school, Cllrrequested Drake that one or twoposts of be the replaced verge with removablethe ones. pre-school As was requested notparking to on allow the green, therequested clerk to was write to askhappened. why this Neighbourhood plan delayed contacting volunteers due tocurrent the uncertainty caused by the examination of the Local Plan.would An be article replaced in thenewsleer Ragstone explaining the situation and clarifying that once a decisionmade has by been the inspector, volunteersbe would required. Floodlights variation of condition regarding installation of six floodlighting columns. The parish council objected duedisturbance to that the would be causedresidents to living the in the immediateof vicinity the grounds. Christmas Carols made for the wreath. Village hall Ulcombe New councillor opted on to the council. Police report reported in the month beforeDrainage the meeting. resident about drainage in WilliamLane Post and the burning ofNeverend rubbish Farm. at It was agreedthese to details forward to planning enforcementto and contact Kent Highways inditch. relation to the Recreation play area inspection had found a tearby to the the seesaw wet and pour theneeded basketball repair. hoop The clerk wasquotes. to obtain Highways and Talebury Lane were toKent be Highways. reported An to installation datethe for speed counters in thewould Lenham be Road chased. Harrow pub broadly welcomed the plan topub bring back the into the communitynot but wish would to comment furtheradditional until plans were made available. , and various It was agreed to Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Lenham . A donation of £40 would be A quotation to lier pick Three crimes were reported – . Maidstone Council had started Cllr Gary Cooke said that the Lenham The clerk would liaise with The chairman spoke regarding A vehicle was broken into in Stede Hill, A garage was broken into at a property in The number plate was stolen from a black Neighbourhood Working to reduce crime. jet wash this week. Remembrance clearing the undergrowth and planned to included a 55m unrestricted parkingaccommodate bay 16 to vehicles along Upper Stone Street and white lineright edging hand to side the of thethe carriageway road to look make narrower. Thecarriageway centre lines would be removed. Option 2 included white lineboth edging sides to of the carriageway,carriageway centre line to be refreshedwidened and and unrestricted parking still allowed. The cost would beOption £1,116.52. 3 would be toCooke take said no that action. if Cllr thepreferred parish Option council 1, he wouldfunding consider 50% of the costto if finance the the parish other agreed 50%.by This members, was subject agreed to consultationresidents. with Planning the planning application submied by Leeds Castle for Bael Hallobjections and raised the by the parishregarding council the location of theand car the park. vice-chairman He had metestate with and the project director ofwho Leeds had Castle stated that theylocation would of change the the car park.application To had date, been no submied revised to Maidstone Council and therefore the parish council’s objections still stood,clerk the would write to Leedsestablish Castle the to current situation. Maintenance Burberry Lane for £50 and£75 Penfold was Hill approved. for The chairman commented that the parish wasgood looking regarding vegetation and maintenance. Playing field and pavilion look at all possible fundingsecure options a to match funding grant£10,000 of for up play to area improvementsthe from borough council. Lier bin Maidstone Council to see ifan it additional would lier install bin at the playing field were being used. Bus shelter while replacing bins in the borough. Otham Police report theft of a motor vehicletheft in in Otham Church Street, Road andburglary aempted in Honey Lane. Road noise resurfaced stretch of White Horsereported Lane as noisy had beenKent inspected Highway by Services, who didthat not it agree was any noisiersurfacing as as it elsewhere. was Cllr the Cooke same ask would again about the large chippings that Harrietsham items were stolen. Toyota 4x4, registration M715ham ***, Lane, in Run- Maidstone Road, , has been bro- , and doors and win- Downswood . It was reported there was Bredhurst Cllr Cooke introduced the , was broken into. . A resident asked about the Detling A resident raised concerns regarding There was an aempt to break into a home A vehicle parked in Windmill Heights, A Husqvarna lawnmower was taken from A transit van parked on a property in spoke about the options for road visually safer. Option 1, costing £2,346.31 pedestrians and road users. Sue Laporte enhancements to try to make the road overgrown vegetation in Georgia Lanewas that forming a canopy overCooke the stated road. that Cllr KCC wouldarea inspect and this arrange for itwas to dangerous. be cleared ifLier it lier on the playing fieldwas and possible asked to if have it anotherinstalled. lier Cllr bin Bowles stated that Maidstone Council was currently replacing dog bins with new largerwaste bins and for lier both and dog aparish consultation council with would the take placethe regarding location of the bin. KCC report KCC Highways officers to thesaid meeting. they He had aended theown meeting time in and their thanked themmeeting for had this. been A held site to look at the road Bearsted A vehicle was broken into inBearsted Mallings Drive, was disappointed that more wasThe not clerk done. would ask Stevenhelp Waring with for an his action planplanting/upkeep for of the area aroundgranite the tablet. Environmental suggestions were needed to maintain thewoodland area extension. as a Leeds Parking parking at the end ofchairman Wykeham stated Grove. that The the parishaended council a had site meeting withHighways Kent officers and KCC CllrCooke Gary to discuss the locationprevent of parking bollards on to both sidesjunction of at the Wykeham Grove. Cllrsaid Cooke there was a legalregarding requirement the distance vehicles were allowed to park from atherefore, junction whether and yellow lines were installed or not, parking closejunction to was the still illegal andHe enforceable. stated that the installationwould of prevent bollards parking on theThe pavement. resident stated that hefor had yellow been lines asking in thatyears area and for no the action past hadchairman five been stated taken. that The the parishnot council wish did to have yellowand lines members in questioned the whether parish they actually worked. Cllr Cooke stateddouble that yellow lines would requiretraffic a order road and a publicperiod. consultation He suggested installing the bollards to see whether thisnot, worked he and, would if consider sponsoringyellow double lines. The resident statedwas that happy he with this suggestion. George Lane hazards in Upper Street tobe see done what to could make the road safer for in The Street, Road, dows were damaged. However,was gained. no access the garage of a property in Scragged Oak Murrain Drive, ken into andstolen. tools and other items were Drives, Patios, Walls, Fences, Design etc. FREE ESTIMATES (01622) 738933 Est. 1984 30, Copsewood Way, Bearsted

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