Nursery plan leaves 'families in limbo' - Downs Mail

ABOUT 400 schoolchildren were ableto satisfy their curiosity about one ofthe country’s key historic events atHeadcorn Airfield.

The Lashenden Air Warfare Mu-seum opened ahead of its popularweekend of air displays, for a schoolsand seniors day, part-funded by theNational Lottery.

Students from Headcorn and Mar-den and 100 local veterans touredthe museum and airfield, seeing theAero Legends Supermarines Spitfires.

The next day, Headcorn Aero-drome commemorated the 78th an-niversary of the Battle of Britain andthe 100th year since the RAF wasformed with its Battle of Britain show.

Only Maidstone Borough Councilhas still to approve the re-develop-ment of The Old School Nursery(TOSH), in Station Approach, desig-nated for housing in its Local Plan.

Parents say this would destroy theonly village venue providing nurs-ery care, 52 weeks a year. More than100 have now formed HeadcornNursery Action Group (NAG).

Parish council chairman Lyn Selbysaid: “This is not an issue the parishcouncil would ordinarily deal with,but the possible closure of the nurs-

ery has caused great concern, andsome 79 emails from parents. The fa-cility is vital to ensure that Headcornparents can go to work.”

The housing proposal follows thebreakdown of a land-swap arrange-ment between Darrell King, who hasrun the nursery for 28 years, andWealden Homes, which agreed a re-placement nursery would be built inGrigg Lane in exchange for the Sta-tion Approach site.

Mrs King has now applied forbuilding permission herself. She told

Nursery plan leaves‘families in limbo’VILLAGERS fear that their children will be left without a nursery afterbulldozers appeared poised to move in on a playschool in Headcorn.

News

Arnhem Des saluteARNHEM veteran Des Page, whodied at the age of 94, wassaluted at his funeral byformer comrades. �3

Woodland buyerA BUYER of the King’s Wood isthe son of a former Bankof England Governor.

Publican’s awardA LANDLADY says it’s “in theblood” after being recog-nised for long service.

�5

�12

Eyes on the piesLOCALS beat opponents from farand wide in the World Custard Pie Championship.

Mobile concernsA SURVEY has shown 60%ofHeadcorn villagers cannotmake calls when outdoors.

�8

�20

Obituaries �32

Crime Reports �37

Comment �46-47

Parish Councils �34-37

THREE ducks and their eggs werestolen in Sutton Valence; a goatwas taken from a field in Marden;a number of vehicles were brokeninto on the same night in Yalding;and three motocross bikes and aquad bike were stolen from a garden shed in Staplehurst.

AN APP is to be used to recordnoise levels at events in BoughtonMonchelsea; leaflets are to be dis-tributed in Coxheath to ask forSpeedwatch volunteers; a brightLED light was causing issues inEast Farleigh; urgent work wasneeded on the drainage at a hall in Marden; and a councillor’s housein Nettlestead had been brokeninto.

Downs Mail: “I was disappointedthat plans for moving to Grigg Lanefailed to come to fruition.”

She says while closure is one op-tion, she is exploring others, adding:“I will advise staff and parents ofany developments.”

A spokesman for Wealden Homesdeclined to comment.

NAG is calling on the communityto help find a replacement site orbuilding for the nursery.

One parent said: “I’m hoping to re-turn to work in January, but fear thenursery could close as early as Sep-tember. Without an alternative, I willhave to give up work.”

The group’s Victoria Jones added:“We are not here to discuss the whysand wherefores of the possible clo-sure, simply to sort out a temporaryfix, and a future for the nursery.”

Anyone who is able to offer assis-tance should email the group [email protected].

Airfield welcomes children and veterans

downsmail.co.ukMaidstone & Malling’sNo. 1 newspaper

FREE July 2018

Maidstone Weald Edition

No. 255

Burberry Lane, near Leeds andBroomfield, has been targeted bywaste dumpers for years, but in re-cent months, the problem has be-come more acute.

Construction waste, rubble, hardcore, windows and household fur-niture is left illegally – often strewnin the middle of the road.

Cllr Gill Fort said: “Every monthwe are having toilets, sinks andconstruction waste dumped in thevillage, specifically in BurberryLane, where we are now thinkingof installing cameras on privateland, to oversee the problem area.”

A recent event in Burberry Lanesaw a caravan burned out while atorched car remains on a footpath

nearby, more than a year after itwas dumped and set on fire.

The church car park has also seenmany instances of illegal dumping.

But it is a problem in many ruralareas including Langley, Othamand Kingswood. Water Lane inBearsted and Pilgrims Way havealso been targeted recently.

Last year, Maidstone BoroughCouncil cleared 911 cases of fly-tip-ping and this year more than 163have been recorded since April.The approaching darker eveningswill prompt a rise in illegal tipping.

Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia-tive by the Environment Agencyand the Driver and Vehicle Stan-dards Agency to clamp down on

unlicensed waste carriers, but be-lieves the cost to small firms of dis-posing of construction waste at atransfer station is proving a deter-rent that is costing councils more.

Cllr Fort made her remarks asone of the borough’s closest trans-fer stations at North Farm, Tun-bridge Wells, announced it will beclosed for 10 weeks.

She added: “If you go along theline of increasing fines, they have tobe enforced. A reduction in thecharge or offering it free may havethe desired similar effect.”

A three-monthly litter pick on themile-long stretch of road throughLeeds village produces an average32 black sacks of rubbish.

CCTV call in a bidto stop fly-tippingCALLS for the installation of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on acountry road have been made by the local borough councillor.

News

Obituaries �32

Crime Reports �35

Kate, 107, diesKATE Hart, a resident at an oldpeople’s home in Bearsted,has died aged 107, her sonDavid has disclosed.

�3

Comment �46-47

MP’s Local Plan bidHELEN Whately asked the government to halt the borough’s housing scheme.

Parish Councils �34-35

VEHICLES have been driven overfarmland in Lenham, causingdamge to crops; an attemptedbreak-in was reported in Detling; avehicle was vandalised in BearstedRd, Weavering; pumpkins werestolen from an allotment inLenham.

ASH dieback has been discovered inMonks Meadow in Detling;Hollingbourne village fete stall-holder co-ordinator Jean Duffy hasresigned; yellow lines are neededfor Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allowbuses through Imperial Park; rub-bish bins in the sports field inKingswood are to be moved over tothe picnic area and rear exit.

Jason Donovan dateTHE former Neighbours star bringshis show to the Hazlitt Theatre next May.

�4

�18

Plans for Dr NigelTHE widow of GP Dr Nigel Minnetwill walk the GrandCanyon for charity. �12

Cllr Fort, who also serves as aparish councillor, says teachingchildren about social responsibilityand the issue of litter in schools willhelp take the issue off the streets.She believes with every householdreceiving a weekly refuse collectionservice, there is no excuse for litterbeing thrown from vehicles ordumped in the road.

Panto ahoy! THE cast of Cinderella, which is to bestaged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid-stone, took to the River Medway tolaunch this year's panto.

On board The Kentish Lady werenational treasure Rustie Lee (FairyGodmother), former EastEnder Ste-fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza-beth Bright (Cinderella), CraigAnderson (Buttons) and, pictured,Stephen Richards and Adam Bor-zone (Ugly Sisters) .

They were greeted by pupils fromSouth Borough Primary School andmembers of the media. The pantoruns from December 1-31. For tick-ets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk.

October 2017 No. 246

downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone East Edition Maidstone & Malling’sNo. 1 newspaper

FREE

[email protected] Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent01622 690290

YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT

Home Alarms supplied and fittedvisit www.amiga.co.uk or call 08000 199622

Home Alarms supplied and fittedvisit www.amiga.co.uk or call 08000 199622

2 Maidstone Weald July 2018

The Greatest Celebration Of Military History,And Vintage Lifestyle In The World!

Our Official Media Partners

Stunning Living History DisplaysLiving History scenes will provide a unique picture of life in conflict with depictions from WW1 to the present. See the British living in trenches, GIs in Vietnam, Russians relaxing with an accordion after a hard day in battle, or Germans plotting their next moves! At all times our re-enactors will adhere to a strict moral code in their displays.

Its Not Just About The Frontline

Larger Than Life Military VehiclesThousands of military vehicles gather from around the world representing the armies of the 20th century. Look out for tanks, artillery, armoured and amphibious vehicles, cars, Jeeps, bicycles and motorbikes, emergency and commercial vehicles – and lots more!

Get a feel for what life was like for the families at home. A dedicated area for all things vintage and an exciting focus to the Peace element of the Show’s title. Including day and night entertainment with bars and live music throughout the showground!

Thrilling close quarters battleship room clearance with tactical instruction from ex-SAS Phil Campion.

Test your skill and have a go in the Battleship Breach Scenario at the War And Peace Revival.

www.warandpeacerevival.com

TicketsTickets are available at a discounted rate online in advance and also available to buy on the day when you arrive.

VenueThe Hop Farm Family ParkPaddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6PY

Save the dates24th - 28th July 2018An event like no other!

Get in touchEmail: [email protected]: +44 (0) 1258 857700Visit: warandpeacerevival.com

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

WAP 2018 Key Publishing FULL PAGE.pdf 1 20/03/2018 12:15

Maidstone Weald July 2018 3

A WWII glider pilot who becameas famous for a fur coat as he didfor his aerial heroics was given awarm send-off at his funeral.A packed service at Vinters Park

Crematorium saw Arnhem veteranDes Page,who died aged 94, salutedby a number of elderly comrades inred berets.His best mate, Ian Kerr-Bonner

(94), was flown in by helicopter bytheGazelle Squadron after he fearedhe would be unable to make thejourney by road from his home inPembrokeshire after breaking hiships.He saluted his friend of 74 years

from a wheelchair, honouring apromise that they would sayfarewell to whoever died first.Mr Kerr-Bonner said: “He was a

hero – Des never wavered. I didn’tthink he would go first.”In 1944, Mr Page had survived an

onslaught of enemy fire to safelyland his craft full of soldiers beforemaking an eight-mile trek acrosscountry, including wading throughthe River Rhine after an intense pe-

riod of house-to-house shooting.Drenched, Mr Page found, in a

house, a woman’s fur coat to wearwhich he brought back to England.Ten years later, he returned the

garment to its rightful owner, JoDe-Witt, withwhomhe struck up a last-ing friendship. Mr Page, who livedin East Farleigh,was remembered as“ever cheerful” and an inspiration toother pilots. ArmyAir Corps officerBen Rieper said it was a pleasure tohave known him and that he had“moulded us into who we are”.The Glider Pilot Regiment Soci-

ety’s chairman, Jane Barkway-Har-

ney, said Mr Page’s send-off was“amazing”.Among themournerswasDowns

Mail President Dennis Fowle, whosaid: “It was a big military occasionwith many of his now very elderlyred-beret comrades lining the routeand seen saluting. Des was a friendformany years and thiswas a fittingsend-off.”Mr Page lived in the Priory area of

East Farleigh and worked in salesafter the war. Failing eyesight andhealth restricted his life in lateryears.� See obituaries, page 32

downsmail.co.uk News

Comrades honour WWII‘heroic’ glider pilot Des

Morris theft -CCTV imageA CCTV image has been re-leased by police investigatingthe theft of a vintage vehicle.

The 1965 green Morris Minorvan was stolen from Staple-hurst railway station car park

on May 17. It had been

lovingly restoredby its owner, andwas used dailyuntil the theft.

The van wasseen the sameday in Marden,being driven “er-ratically” beforeentering an es-

tate in the village. Investigator Steve Foster said:

“The owner of this van has hadit for 20 years. His childrengrew up with the project and itis held in very special regard bythe whole family.”

Anyone with information isurged to call British TransportPolice on 0800 40 50 40, or textofficers on 61016, ref 142 of17/05/18. Alternatively, callCrimestoppers, anonymously,on 0800 555 111.

Red-beret com-rades of WWIIglider pilot DesPage pay theirrespects at Vinters Park Crematorium

Call 01622 397987 Visit www.kentlandplanning.co.uk

How much is your land worth?

Kent Land & Planning

is an award-winning

planning consultant and

property developer.

Our aim is to help

you to maximise the value of your land or property, while

keeping the process

as straightforward

as possible.

Get in touch for a FREE land appraisal if you think you

have some land or

a property which

may be suitable.

Email [email protected]


PUBLIC groups and law enforce-ment agencies have joined forcesin a bid to stamp out fly-tipping.Officers fromKent Police worked

with the Kent Resource Partnership(KRP), local authorities, KentCounty Council and the NationalFarmers’ Union to launch the moveagainst illegal dumping.KRP chairman Cllr Rory Love

said: “Unscrupulous criminals areout there takingmoney fromhouse-holders and businesses to dispose oftheir waste. Then they pocket thecash and dump the waste in ourcountryside.“And it’s the council taxpayer

who picks up the bill – of over £1m– as our local authorities are forcedto clear up the mess.”On June 20, four warrants – in

Canterbury, Ramsgate, Ash andMaidstone – were executed by localofficers and the Rural Task Force.Six arrests weremade, five in con-

nection with fly-tipping activities,six vehicles were seized and 19 peo-ple were reported to court for vari-ous offences.There are fly-tipping blackspots

all over the Maidstone borough, in-cluding Burberry Lane, whichstraddles Langley, Leeds, Broom-field and Kingswood. No prosecu-tions have ever been enforced byMaidstone BoroughCouncil despitealmost weekly dumping incidents.One burned-out car lay on a pub-

lic path for nearly two years, whileanother was not removed formonths.Caravans have been burned out

and plant waste, tyres, builders’rubble and house clearances areregularly left scattered across thesingle track lane near Leeds Castle.Local borough councillor and

anti-dumping campaigner Gill Forthas led a call to have CCTV installedto prevent the problem.Country Land and Business As-

sociation (CLA) South East, whichrepresents landowners and farmersacross the county, has welcomedKent Police’s “day of action” on fly-tipping and rural crime.Regional director Robin Edwards

said: “Fly-tipping is a menace andin many parts of Kent, such asMaidstone, Ashford and Swale, thenumber of incidents is increasingyear-on-year.“It is not a victimless crime. It’s a

vicious cycle of costly clean-ups bythe victims who bear the burden ofwaste crime and the threat of pros-ecution.“It is vital that more prosecutions

are brought forward successfully toencourage people to do the right

thing and dispose of their rubbishthrough proper legal channels.“But to really combat this anti

social behaviour we need to seetougher penalties which act as atrue deterrent. Imposing and en-forcing penalties which better re-flect the seriousness of the crime,such as seizing vehicles used to fly-tip, is crucial.”Chief inspectorMarkWeller said:

“We would ask anyone havingwork done at their home to makesure that they check the person tak-ing away their waste is licensed todo so.”Kent Police and crime commis-

sioner Matthew Scott said: “Resi-dents can do their bit by reportingany suspicious behaviour to KentPolice, and by downloading theCountryeye app to report incidentsof fly-tipping in their communities."

News downsmail.co.uk

Bid to crack county’sfly-tipping headache

Invicta girls upfor challengesTWO students from Headcorn areplanning to raise funds for theirtravels with a couple of garden par-ties in the village next month.Keira Nash and Darcy Arm-

strong, who attend Invicta Gram-mar School in Maidstone, hope thefund-raising events in their villagewill help raise the necessary cashfor their educational World Chal-lenge trips next year.The family garden parties on Fri-

day, August 10 and August 24 willinclude refreshments, fun andgames and arts and crafts at Long-meadow Hall. Downswoodteenager and fellow Invicta pupilLauren Eady (15) is also unertakingtheWorld Challenge to Costa Rica.She needs to raise £2,700 for her

trip abroad where she hopes tophotograph the rainforests.Lauren has been pleasantly sur-

prised how local businesses havebeen receptive to her offer of vol-untary work for donations.

Organ recitalsTHE second summer Saturdayorgan recital in Sutton Valence isbeing held on July 21.Lionel Marchant, the organist at

All Saints Church, will lead therecital from 12.30pm, which will befollowed by a ploughman’s lunchand a “glass or two” of wine.Financial donations towards the

lunch will be gratefully received,and there will also be a retiring col-lection for church funds.Further events areAugust 18 and

September 29.

Cafe and infoACTION with Communities inRural Kent's mobile cafe and infor-mation centre is coming to the area.It will be in Sutton Valence on

Thursday, July 12, 10.30am-12.30pm, and on Tuesday, July 17,it will be in Laddingford, 10am-noon and Collier Street, 2-4pm.The bus was launched in April

2007 to bring a “library of infor-mation and a mobile cafe to ruralcommunities in Kent".More details at www.

ruralkent.org.uk/coffeeproject.

Open churchEAST Sutton Church has twomoreopen days over the summer.The next is on Saturday, August

4, while the final one is on Septem-ber 8, which co-incides with Rideand Stride’s annual event.Coffee and cake will be served.

Unique lump chalk artworks go on show

Sculptor Charlie Samuell with his works of art

THE world’s only lump chalk sculptor will be exhibitinghis work in Yalding in July.Charlie Samuell (80), from Coxheath, will be among

those exhibiting their work at the Riverside Pop UpGallery, next door to the post office, at Yalding Bridgefrom July 1 to the end of the month.The pensioner, from Murdoch Chase, who is hoping

his talent will be spotted, will be offering his illumi-nated abstract sculptures for sale. He will also give ex-hibits to the auction of art held in October in aid ofYalding Church Preservation Society.Mr Samuell lived in Staplehurst for 28 years before

moving to Coxheath, and started carving chalk as a boywhen he lived at Box Hill. He studied at Morley Collegein London during the 1970s, but was forced to abandonhis hope of turning professional after starting a family.He has taken his childhood hobby up in retirement.

Illegal dumping,such as here inBurberry Lanenear Langley, isa common butunwelcome sightacross the county



A LARGE chunk of the King’sWood at Broomfield has been soldto the son of a former governor ofthe Bank of England, Robin Leigh-Pemberton, we can reveal.John Leigh-Pemberton, who runs

a fencing firm in Doddington, wasone of a number of buyers for the 10lots put up for sale by a firm ofBuckinghamshire land agents lastautumn.It is understood that he bought

woodland to thewest of BroomfieldRoad and will use it for coppicing.Mr Leigh-Pemberton (53) con-

firmed the purchase, but refused tosay howmuch he paid for the plot.The farmer is registered as an offi-

cer of Torry Hill Chestnut FencingLtd, based in Ladewood Hill, Dod-dington at Companies House.

His fatherLord Kings-down (left),who died fiveyears ago aged86, was Gover-nor of the Bankof England fora decade be-tween 1983 and

1993waswell-regarded in the bank-ing world and famed for his in-tegrity.He was chosen for the role by the

then Prime Minister, MargaretThatcher, and was an appointmentwhich caused some surprise at thetime, given his relatively brief timein the City.Lord Kingsdown’s tenure was

marked by banking collapses and

market turbulence, although he sur-vived intact.The family of the American

heiress LadyOlive Baillie, who onceownedLeedsCastle, put 453 acres ofwoodland up for sale last Septemberfor a combined price of £2m.On her death in 1974, Lady Baillie

bequeathed the castle and groundsto a charitable trust to be enjoyed bymembers of the public. She hadspent a considerable chunk of herfortune in the restoration of LeedsCastle.But a large tract of landwhich bor-

ders the castle grounds was left toher family, who decided to sell it inlots via the agents John Clegg & Co.The land, which included almost

all of the King’s Wood, is protectedby law from commercial or residen-tial development.The only viable industry on such

land is coppicing to sell wood forburning, post-making or fencing.The wood is popular with dog

walkers and ramblers and has be-come a haven for many forms oflocal wildlife, including roe deer,buzzards, red kites and butterflies.

Governor’s sonbuys woodland

Records fall at cricket matchATEAMof cricketers fromStaplehurstmade Kent League historywith a stun-ning victory, beating Dartfordians by a record-breaking 351 runs.Batting first, the home side racked up 435 runs for the loss of just one

wicket in their 50 overs – the sec-ond highest tally recorded in theleague. The unbroken stand of 322between Graham Ward, whoscored 195, and James Veitch, whomade 139, is also a league record.Opener George Perry scored 60,sharing an opening stand of 113withWard.They then bowled out their op-

ponents for 84, with star bowlerRichard Jackson taking fourwicketsfor seven runs.The clubwas promoted into Kent

League Division Five at the start ofthis season and at the time ofgoing to press had an unblemished record of nine wins from nine games.Our picture shows James Veitch, GrahamWard and George Perry (sitting)

marking Staplehurst’s record effort.

01622 753073 | clarkesfurnishers.co.uk

Visit us at Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF

* Cash price £1000, deposit £100. 36 monthly payments of £25. Total payable £1000.

Subject to status. Credit subject to acceptance. Not applicable to clearance goods. **

Free bottle of Pimms when you spend over £1000 ends 15th July 2018. Whilst stocks last.

Visit our newly refurbished store!

NEWALNWICK

135cm Mattress OnlyRRP £1,979 Sale £1,485

Only £152 Depositon Interest Free Credit. 36 monthly payments of £37

0%

3 YEARS INTEREST FREE CREDIT

WITH A 10% LOW DEPOSIT*

FREE BOTTLE OF PIMMSWHEN YOU

SPEND £1000**

FREE LUXURY MATTRESS

PROTECTORWITH ANY BED

HAPPY DAYSTHIS SUMMERThe Summer Salewith up to 25% off

—


LIKE many modern vicars, RevSteve Hughes had a life before thechurch.For him, it was nine years as a fin-

gerprinting expert with LancashirePolice at the scenes of crimes, gainingunique insights intoman’s darker re-cesses.But his chance to read theology at

Durham, one of the world’s greatestuniversities in that field – currentlybettered only by Oxford and Har-vard – was the answer to his own,personal calling.Not bad for a blokewho left school

with two O-levels, neither of whichwas in religious education.That was 36 years ago, and the

journey that led him to a clutch ofrural parishes in Kent – and anMBEalong the way – has come to an end,for now.Rev Hughes (67) said: “I will miss

it here – and all the people, but mywife has been offered a good job innorth Wales, so we will have theprospect of looking out across Snow-donia, whichwon’t be bad.”

Rev Hughes, who retires as ruraldean for the parishes of Otham,Leeds, Langley and Broomfield andKingswood in August, has neverbeen afraid to voice his opinions,usually throughhismonthly columnin the parish newsletter.Be it the state of church finances,

archaic language in churches or

falling attendances, RevHugheswasnot short of something to say.One recent column said: “This,

sadly, is a familiar picture overmanyparts of theChurchof Englandand ifit were any commercial business, theChurch of England would long agohave been shut down in a significantnumber of places.”More often,RevHughes reflects on

life as a modern, country ministerand the pressures in brings.In the latest parish magazine, he

writes: “Many people these dayssimplydon’t realise thebreadthof ac-tivities that the vicar and churchmembers are involved in for, andwithin, the community.”He cites church services, wed-

dings, funerals, baptisms, school gov-ernorships and home and hospitalvisits as examples.RevHughes concludes: “We strive

to put the church at the heart of thecommunity, butwewill only succeedin our mission if we can persuademore from the community to be atthe heart of the church.”


Debut novelfirst of threeA SUTTON Valence man has seenhis first book published – and Songof Squall is just the start forJonathan Bush.The 27-year-old’s novel was pub-

lished on July 1 and is described asa “breathtakingly beautiful, hu-morus fantasy adventure”.

Orginally fromM a n c h e s t e r ,Jonathan lives inthe village with hiswife Rebecca andthree daughters.He said: “It is a

tale of fun and ad-venture, love and

loss, and coming of age. It’s inspir-ing to young readers who will seethemselves in the main protagonist– a boy who comes from nothingand is destined for greater things.”Jonathan says he is inspired by

the Discworld series by TerryPratchett and comedies like MontyPython, and the book’s cover hasbeen designed byAlyn Spiller, whohas produced work for Game ofThrones and Lord of the Rings.This novel is the first of a three-

part series, and Jonathan is alreadyhalfway through the next instal-ment.

A change of scene foroutspoken vicar Steve

Rev Steve Hughes is off to pasturesnew in north Wales

TRAVELLERS have moved backonto a popular park in Larkfieldfor the second time in six months.The families - in five caravans -

pulled on to Gighill Green inLunsford Lane on Sunday October,, releasing dogs on the popularpublic open space and setting upwashing lines within hours. It is un-derstoodthe fami-lies in-v o l v e dhave beeno f f e r i n gtree fellingservices toresidentsin the area.P a r i s h

c o u n c i lchairmanDavid Thornewell says more has tobe done to stop the travelling com-munity running circles around thepolice and local councils.He says the job ofmoving on trav-

ellers for a second timewill run intothousands of pounds The last inci-dent, in early summer, costing theparish council £1,200, with the trav-

ellers simply moving on to take uptemporary residence elsewhere inthe area.He said: “They just seem to be

doing the rounds. These incidentshave affected West Malling, forcingthe closure of the village hall, andLeybourne, and now they are backin Larkfield. The police told resi-dents that this was a civil trespasswhen they reported it and that theycouldn’t do anything and obviouslythe council offices were closed be-cause it was the weekend. Thesetravellers know and play the sys-tem.”The council’s legal team served an

eviction notice but it took a week toenforce. Cllr Thornewell held talkswith Laddingford Engineering in aneffort to increase security further onthe public land, near the M20.Valdemar Kalinin (pictured), of

theNational Gypsy-Traveller-RomaCouncil said recently that localcouncils must provide designatedtraveller sites or “tolerated zone”which gypsy convoys can moveonto. He said: “It comes down toracial prejudice against this com-munity.”


Anotherincursionat Larkfield park

MAKE the most of the October half-term holiday at Kent Life HeritageFarm Park’s Halloween Spooktacular in Maidstone.Brave kids are invited to the vintage village to knock on doors and

discover who – or what – is lurking behind them from October 21-31.The award-winning attraction at Sandling, near Maidstone, has a few

other tricks up its sleeve to turn its usual exhibits into frighteningfarmhouses and horrifying homes. Youngsters can try pumpkin carving,dressing up and the Ugly Bug Ball.On October 25, there will be more spooky goings-on with Kent Life

After Dark,This event includes a spine-chilling tour suitable for under-eights from

5-6pm and, for older visitors, from 7-8pm.If you would like to know more about any of the above, call 01622

763936.

‘Spooktacular’ at the farm

6 Malling October 2017

Followus on

WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C?DON’T REPLACE THEM MAINTAIN THEM!

Celebrating over 25 years of continuous trading

MAINTAINING YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS & DOORS IS CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLYTHAN REPLACING. UPGRADING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BFRC A & B RATED GLASS WILL HELP SAVE YOU MONEY ON BILLS.

We supply & install windows, doors & conservatoriesincluding UPVC fascias, soffits & guttering

Fogged double glazedglass units - replaced with energy rated glassHandles & mechanismsrepaired & replacedWindow and door hingesand staysLeak and draught repairs

�

�

�

�

Fairdeal are local specialists in the repair, upgrade andmaintenance of double glazed windows and doors.

� Call 01622 902005FOR FAST FRIENDLY QUOTES & ADVICE

Find us at: Unit K, Orchard Business Centre, 20/20 Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent ME16 0JZ

We repair PVCu, Aluminium & Timber

Local Authority ApprovedNO Call out charge withFree Quotations & Advice

�

�

We were pleased with the work Fairdeal Windows previously carried out on our porch, so we

went back to them for windows. We are very pleased with the windows and the installers. We

couldn't fault the work they carried out plus they left everything clean and tidy. Thanks to all

the staff too. Mr H. - Snodland“

”

www.fairdealwindows.co.uk


www.chequersladdingford.co.ukLaddingford near Yalding ME18 6BP01622 871266

Please see our website for details of our regular events

Beautiful 15th Century InnRelaxed Atmosphere - A True Village Family Inn

· Sunday 17th June - Dreamwheezers - 3pm, 4pm & 5pm - A great story told with live musical accompaniment and amazing sound effects by this unique handmade machine. No charge just come along - and it's Father's Day so treat Dad to an afternoon out to the pub.· Friday 22nd June - Holmes and Watson: The Case of The Rhyming Crime - an evening performance with this fantastic duo - razor sharp exchange of words as their conversation becomes a spectacular display of rhyme & reason. Tickets only - contact us for details.Sunday 26th August – Charity Fun Day With Gobble 2pm, 3pm & 4pm. Join us around the stew-pot as stories of feast and family treats are told and tales become twisted with this great show from Belllow Theatre. Then tuck in and join in the fun. No charge just come along - fun for all the family!

· Award winning real ales· Good quality home cooked pub classics including daily specials. Sunday roasts available until 8pm. Please see our website for details of our full menu · Large garden and children's play area

www.chequersladdingford.co.ukLaddingford near Yalding ME18 6BP01622 871266

Please see our website for details of our regular events

Maidstone Weald October 2017 7

Yes

20% OFF

Guarantee your 20% discount, Call Now01622 535115

How to fix uncomfortable or slipping glasses

Unique Limited Time Offer 20% OFF

Ends 31st October 2017

How to fix uncomf

ortx uncomffo

ortable or slipping glasses

ortable or slipping glasses

sYe

20% OFF

Unique Li

Ends 31st October Guarantee yourUnique Li Offerime mited T

20% OFF 2017 Ends 31st October

20%Guarantee yourr 01622 5351

20% discount, Call Now1501622 5351

20% discount, Call Now


With a crowd of several hundredgathered on a sunny afternoon onthe recreation ground towitness thefight, entries included four teamsfrom Japan.But while one of the international

sides – team Do You Like Sushi? –made it through to the finals, theywere no match for local team PieFace (pictured), withOliverWhelanand friends Rob Cox, Steve Dunnand James Pyke taking the trophy.Oliver, who teaches at Strood

Academy, and his colleagues, whowere dressed as Bierkeller charac-ters, was keen to boast of their well-deserved victory.His wife’s team last year won the

best-dressed contest.Chloe Whelan said: “Oliver was

put out thatwewon a prize last yearand couldn’t wait to gloat abouthaving become a world championthis time around, particularly as hehad to get a team together at the lastminute.”The couple, who live in Linden

Road, promise to up their game for

next year. Chloe, who was in theKatie Creams team, said: “It’s a fan-tastic event, such fun, and we arepretty chuffed that our householdholds a world champion title.“We’re already in training for next

year.”The best dressed team for 2018

was the Piebots.OrganiserMike Fitzgerald said: “I

keep hoping someone will take upthe reins and run it, but this yearwas probably our best event yet. It’sall done in such a lovely spirit – andwe were blessed with goodweather.”In 2017, the event raised £3,000 for

Children in Need. This year, thelocal Scouts, football club and vil-lage hall will benefit.


Custard pie throwers inworld class of their own

THE public joinedmilitary person-nel and Legion veterans in Maid-stone on June 25 to mark ArmedForces Day, with a flag-raising cer-emony outside County Hall.A marching band, made up of

members of the county’s variousAir Cadet squadrons, played asthose attending were welcomedby Kent County Council chairmanMike Angell. He told those gath-ered: “Our forces are on opera-tions in 30 countries worldwideand we, therefore, wish them well

and always a safe journey home.“It is a pleasure to engage the

Air Cadet Band, and they remindus of the 100-year anniversary ofthe Royal Air Force. It gives megreat pleasure to hoist the flag tocelebrate Armed Forces Day.”The county council has signed a

covenant with the Armed Forcesto actively help and support pastand present troops and their fam-ilies. Its efforts so far have earnedit a silver Armed Forces CovenantAward.

AN IMPRESSIVE 32 teams lined up for the traditional “shoot-out” at the51st World Custard Pie Championship in Coxheath.

MORE than 500 people turned out to take partand support Hunton fete.Traditional games, live music and wonderful

food were among the attractions at the KingGeorge V playing field, along with pony rides,duck fishing, and a dog show.The adults did not shirk either, taking part in

games including the tug-of-war tournamentand sack race (pictured), washed down, formany, by a well-earned glass of Pimms.The fete, a long-term village fixture, was re-

launched five years ago by the current fetecommittee in a more traditional format.

A nature quiz in the orchard also formed partof the afternoon’s entertainment on June 16.Target bowls, archery, putting and car racing,

a coconut shy, penalty shoot-out and bouncycastle were among the other crowd-pleasers.Hunton’s Helen Ward said: “The plant stall

again proved popular and there was a constantqueue at the barbecue, Indian snacks, straw-berries and ice-cream stands. Local honey wason sale and we had a demonstration by woolspinners, a stall from the Kent Air Ambulanceand children’s characters Froojamaflip andFred as they wandered around the grounds.”

Fun and games for all at annual village fete

Marching band joins in to honour Armed Forces

Mike Angell makes his Armed Forces Day speech, flanked by representa-tives of the Royal British Legion

Country issueson the agendaFARMERS with questions aboutthe challenges facing their industryare invited to put them to the coun-try’s rural minister in Yalding.Maidstone and The Weald MP

Helen Grant has secured the atten-dance of the Environment, Foodand Rural Affairs minister GeorgeEustice and Kent’s Police andCrime Commissioner, MatthewScott, at a rural business forum onThursday, July 12.The MP and commissioner will

be at Kenward House to answerquestions about the industry, post-Brexit, and contryside crime.Mrs Grant said: “As the uncer-

tainties of the Brexit process movealong, the impact upon farmingand the rural economy is a majorissue here in Kent.“Rural communities also face

some unique challenges from crim-inal gangs and individuals and Iwant to provide an opportunity forour people to hear from those incharge and air their views andquestions.”Entry to the event, from 12.30-

3.30pm, is free, but guests are in-vited to offer something for a rafflein aid of Kenward House.Places are limited. For tickets or

to offer a raffle prize call KatyAllenon 020 7219 7107 or [email protected].


downsmail.co.uk Advertisement Feature

Buchanan Optometrists in Snodland has taken a huge step

eye disease, investing in one

scanners in the UK which helps to diagnose those with diabetic eye disease sooner than ever, leading to earlier treatment and

complications.

• Prevent sight loss from diabetes with Buchanan Optometrists new eye scanner.

• The only Spectralis OCT-A Scanner in Kent and one of only two in the UK.

• With early detection and treatment, the chances of sight loss is reduced for 9 out of 10 patients.

eye is the only transparent organ in the body, meaning we can see blood vessels without having to open the body up. Until now we have used retinal photographs or 3D eye scans to detect retinal changes, but in many cases, the damage is already done by the time it is spotted. Our

changes far sooner by scanning

retinal vessels.’

cases of diabetic retinopathy

angiography (a similar diagnostic technique) in the hospital, which involves injecting a dye but carries serious risks of anaphylactic shock. Thankfully

Buchanan Optometrists does not require a dye injection and is

scanner is hailed as a revolution in diabetic eye care, spotting changes as small as a 1/1000th millimetre, detecting retinopathy far earlier than before, you feel no discomfort, and it takes just seconds. Now all people with diabetes can access the very best detection and monitoring techniques without the need for unpleasant side effects.

• Over 4 million people in the UK have diabetes.

• 1 million people have it but don’t know.

• 40% of type 1 diabetes & 20% of type 2 diabetes will develop sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.Mr Buchanan describes the unveiling of a new scanner

practice as one of the highlights of his career.

revolutionise care for all diabetic

it is a joy to be able to detect changes early and prevent sight loss where just a year ago the same patients would have suffered damaged vision or unnecessary and invasive tests and treatments.’

history of or are concerned about your eyes book in for

Diabetic? �is new test could save your sight


Book your appointmentCall now on -

01622 535701

Buchanan House,56 Malling Road, Snodland,

Kent, ME6 5NB

Alisdair Buchanan unveils the new SPECTRALIS® OCT A


WHEN it comes to care in thecommunity, Headcorn has muchto be proud of.Its High Street businesses,

churches and charities have donemuch to dispel themyth that peoplerisk living in isolation growing oldin a village. In fact, Headcorn isearning itself a reputation as afriendly place to live a long andhappy retirement.Its weekly Wednesday lunch, or-

ganised by Eldercare, is just one ofthe home-grown activities enjoyedby the retired; offering a guaranteedhot meal one day a week, entertain-ment and a raffle at the village hall– and all for just £4. The charity,

whichwas created by villagersMal-colmandMollyRound, because theyfeared there was little for the elderlyin Headcorn, is now celebrating 33years in operation.Since it began,EileenHalehasbeen

at thehelm, runningawell-oiled shipthat serves lunch to up to 40, thanksto thehelpofhalf-a-dozenvolunteerswho prepare the food at home.Eileen, pictured fourth from left

with volunteers, said: “We’re all re-tired volunteerswho’ve been used tocooking for large families andwe geta huge amount of reward doing this.We couldneverhave imagined that itwould still be going 30 years on.”The charity receives support from

the likes of Sainsbury’s in Headcorn,which provides the turkeys forChristmas Day, and donations fromorganisations including Rotary.Eileen, who plans to retire herself atChristmas, says: “Eldercare is a vitalingredient of village life, helping the

elderly to continue living independ-ent andsocial lives. I can’twait to takeaplace on the other side of thedinnertable and be waited on myself.”The lunch club is keen towelcome

any new retired members. CallEileen on 01622 890400.


Serving up a happy retirement

REES Dobson (91) drives to the vil-lage fromMaidstone everyWednes-day for lunch.The former Navy PT instructor told

DownsMail: “I moved fromWales toMaidstone because I was lonely inthe hills aftermywife died, but foundI was still lonely. By chance, I met aman from Headcorn in hospital whotold me about Eldercare and nowwe’re friends and I haven’t missed alunch since.”Lunchmate Maureen Davies (95),

who lives independently and stilldrives, agrees. “I felt too young to at-tend a club for the elderly, but it hasbeen the best thing I’ve done sincemoving to Headcorn 11 years ago.You have to get involved; thingswon’t come to your door.”Jean Farrow (97) and Daphne

Dobson (91), live in the village and

look forward to their weekly chanceto chat and, of course, the fantasticfood.Together, the group agrees: exer-

cise, a modest lifestyle (preferablywithout alcohol or cigarettes) a jobthat makes you happy, an active so-cial life and good neighbours and –of course – genes, are the secret to along and happy life.

What diners say

Eileen Hale (centre) with (from left)Daphne Buckle, Rees Dobson, Mau-reen Davies and Jean Farrow

Eileen Hale(fourth fromleft) and vol-unteer helpersserve up

Speak to our specialists about selling your antiques

0800 881 [email protected]

Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers

15 North Street - Lewes - BN7 2PE www.gorringes.co.uk

• Free valuations • Regular fine & general auctions

• Probate & Insurance specialists • Home visits

Kids Holiday ClubWednesday 25th July – Friday 31st Aug (exc 27th Aug)

Sessions from 8am-6pmLots of fun activities Call 01622 749404 to bookwww.maidstoneymca.org.uk

SUPPORT & ADVICE ACCOMMODATION HEALTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & EDUCATIONFAMILY WORK

Find us on Charity Number: 1110087

Maidstone YMCA, Melrose Close, Loose, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6BD


WHEN it comes to care in thecommunity, Headcorn has muchto be proud of.Its High Street businesses,

churches and charities have donemuch to dispel themyth that peoplerisk living in isolation growing oldin a village. In fact, Headcorn isearning itself a reputation as afriendly place to live a long andhappy retirement.Its weekly Wednesday lunch, or-

ganised by Eldercare, is just one ofthe home-grown activities enjoyedby the retired; offering a guaranteedhot meal one day a week, entertain-ment and a raffle at the village hall– and all for just £4. The charity,

whichwas created by villagersMal-colmandMollyRound, because theyfeared there was little for the elderlyin Headcorn, is now celebrating 33years in operation.Since it began,EileenHalehasbeen

at thehelm, runningawell-oiled shipthat serves lunch to up to 40, thanksto thehelpofhalf-a-dozenvolunteerswho prepare the food at home.Eileen, pictured fourth from left

with volunteers, said: “We’re all re-tired volunteerswho’ve been used tocooking for large families andwe geta huge amount of reward doing this.We couldneverhave imagined that itwould still be going 30 years on.”The charity receives support from

the likes of Sainsbury’s in Headcorn,which provides the turkeys forChristmas Day, and donations fromorganisations including Rotary.Eileen, who plans to retire herself atChristmas, says: “Eldercare is a vitalingredient of village life, helping the

elderly to continue living independ-ent andsocial lives. I can’twait to takeaplace on the other side of thedinnertable and be waited on myself.”The lunch club is keen towelcome

any new retired members. CallEileen on 01622 890400.


Serving up a happy retirement

REES Dobson (91) drives to the vil-lage fromMaidstone everyWednes-day for lunch.The former Navy PT instructor told

DownsMail: “I moved fromWales toMaidstone because I was lonely inthe hills aftermywife died, but foundI was still lonely. By chance, I met aman from Headcorn in hospital whotold me about Eldercare and nowwe’re friends and I haven’t missed alunch since.”Lunchmate Maureen Davies (95),

who lives independently and stilldrives, agrees. “I felt too young to at-tend a club for the elderly, but it hasbeen the best thing I’ve done sincemoving to Headcorn 11 years ago.You have to get involved; thingswon’t come to your door.”Jean Farrow (97) and Daphne

Dobson (91), live in the village and

look forward to their weekly chanceto chat and, of course, the fantasticfood.Together, the group agrees: exer-

cise, a modest lifestyle (preferablywithout alcohol or cigarettes) a jobthat makes you happy, an active so-cial life and good neighbours and –of course – genes, are the secret to along and happy life.

What diners say

Eileen Hale (centre) with (from left)Daphne Buckle, Rees Dobson, Mau-reen Davies and Jean Farrow

Eileen Hale(fourth fromleft) and vol-unteer helpersserve up

Book your appointment today

01892 884 890Lonsdale House, 7-9 Lonsdale Gardens,

Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1NU

hillhousedental.co.uk

Transform your smile with dental implants

A confident smile,

whatever the weather

P-18-064_Implants_campaign_ads_v3.indd 2 29/06/2018 10:54


A LIFETIME of dedication to avillage pub has earned its land-lady a special award from brewersShepherd Neame.The Pepper Box Inn in Ulcombe

has been a part of Sarah Pemble’slife since she was a toddler.And at the brewers’ annual pub

awards on June 19, she received anaward acknowledging the 60 yearsher family have been behind the barat the Pepper Box.Mrs Pemble said: “Our pub is the

epitome of a family business, andwe are delighted to have our workrecognised with this award.“Many things have changed

throughout the past six decades, butour approach to running the PepperBox hasn’t.“We have loved our time here and

are proud to say that it has remaineda traditional country pub, offering awarm welcome, great drinks andgreat food.”Mrs Pemble’s parents Jack and

BettyWood came to the pub in 1958,and in 1984 they handed over the

reins to Sarah and her husband Jeff.The family affair has continued,

with their daughter Sophie nowsharing the tenancy with them.Mrs Pemble, who turns 63 this

month, added: “This pub has beensuch a big part of our family life. Ilived here as a youngster, wentaway for a bit, but it’s in the blood, Isuppose.“We have somany great loyal reg-

ulars, butwe also get new customersall the time aswell. It’s a great pub.”She was among 14 winners at

Shepherd Neame’s annual awards

at the Conningbrook Hotel in Ash-ford. Chief executive JonathanNeame said: “These awards areaimed at recognising the hardwork,dedication, and creativity of our li-censees,managers and staff, and cel-ebrating excellence in our industry.“Sarah andher family have done a

remarkable job over the last 60 yearsto make the Pepper Box the uniqueandmuch-loved pub that it is today.It is rare that a pub tenancy stays inone family for so long and is testi-mony to the great working relation-ship we have enjoyed.”


Pub ‘in the blood’ saysaward-winning Sarah

Chef is hurt inkitchen blazeA CHEF suffered burns after a fireat a newly-refurbishedYalding pub.The Boathouse, previously called

The Anchor, reopened at the end ofMay following a four-month £1.3mrefit by brewers Shepherd Neame.Five fire engines were sent to the

scene on June 25 and took an hour toaccount for all people. Firefighterswearing breathing apparatus putout the blaze using a hose reel jet.The pub was closed the following

day and a spokesman for ShepherdNeame said: “Following a kitchenfire at the Boathouse, Yalding, one ofour chefs was taken to hospitalwhere he is being treated for burns.”The cause of the fire is being in-

vestigated.

Trapped in carFIREMEN removed the windscreenof an overturned car in East Farleighto release a woman and her dogtrapped inside.Crews were called to the incident

on Dean Street at the junction withLower Road, on June 4. The roadwas closed by the police while fire-men released the woman, believedto be in her 60s. Her dog washanded into the care of Kent Police.

Award-winningPepperBox InnlandladySarahPembleand hus-band Jeff

H A M I LT O N K I T C H E N S

Visit our showroom at Warmlake Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sutton Valence, Kent ME17 3LQ

Free no obligation consultation & design

Quality Design Imagination

www.hamiltonkitchens.co.uk

All building works undertaken.

Better and at the right price

Tel: 01622 844897

Discover our stunning range of contemporary & traditional designs

SaleNow

On


Everybody should set up Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)!This is a bold statement but it is what the government has been saying since they introduced them in 2007. If you wait until you have a stroke or start to show signs of dementia, it might be too late: you need to ‘have capacity’ in order to set up an LPA. Without LPAs in place your family will �nd it very di�cult if capacity is lost as they would have to apply to the Court of Protection and that is a slow and expensive process.

The O�ce of the Public Guardian is even o�ering a DIY version through their web site, www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney/-make-lasting-power. Of course not everyone has access to the internet and a lot of people are nervous about legal documents – rightly so as it is very easy to get it wrong.

This is where Camrass Wills comes to the rescue. We can do everything for you including a home visit.

For more information or a copy of our free guide, phone us on 01622 720985or download it from the web site, www.camrasswills.co.uk

A LIFETIME of dedication to avillage pub has earned its land-lady a special award from brewersShepherd Neame.The Pepper Box Inn in Ulcombe

has been a part of Sarah Pemble’slife since she was a toddler.And at the brewers’ annual pub

awards on June 19, she received anaward acknowledging the 60 yearsher family have been behind the barat the Pepper Box.Mrs Pemble said: “Our pub is the

epitome of a family business, andwe are delighted to have our workrecognised with this award.“Many things have changed

throughout the past six decades, butour approach to running the PepperBox hasn’t.“We have loved our time here and

are proud to say that it has remaineda traditional country pub, offering awarm welcome, great drinks andgreat food.”Mrs Pemble’s parents Jack and

BettyWood came to the pub in 1958,and in 1984 they handed over the

reins to Sarah and her husband Jeff.The family affair has continued,

with their daughter Sophie nowsharing the tenancy with them.Mrs Pemble, who turns 63 this

month, added: “This pub has beensuch a big part of our family life. Ilived here as a youngster, wentaway for a bit, but it’s in the blood, Isuppose.“We have somany great loyal reg-

ulars, butwe also get new customersall the time aswell. It’s a great pub.”She was among 14 winners at

Shepherd Neame’s annual awards

at the Conningbrook Hotel in Ash-ford. Chief executive JonathanNeame said: “These awards areaimed at recognising the hardwork,dedication, and creativity of our li-censees,managers and staff, and cel-ebrating excellence in our industry.“Sarah andher family have done a

remarkable job over the last 60 yearsto make the Pepper Box the uniqueandmuch-loved pub that it is today.It is rare that a pub tenancy stays inone family for so long and is testi-mony to the great working relation-ship we have enjoyed.”


Pub ‘in the blood’ saysaward-winning Sarah

Chef is hurt inkitchen blazeA CHEF suffered burns after a fireat a newly-refurbishedYalding pub.The Boathouse, previously called

The Anchor, reopened at the end ofMay following a four-month £1.3mrefit by brewers Shepherd Neame.Five fire engines were sent to the

scene on June 25 and took an hour toaccount for all people. Firefighterswearing breathing apparatus putout the blaze using a hose reel jet.The pub was closed the following

day and a spokesman for ShepherdNeame said: “Following a kitchenfire at the Boathouse, Yalding, one ofour chefs was taken to hospitalwhere he is being treated for burns.”The cause of the fire is being in-

vestigated.

Trapped in carFIREMEN removed the windscreenof an overturned car in East Farleighto release a woman and her dogtrapped inside.Crews were called to the incident

on Dean Street at the junction withLower Road, on June 4. The roadwas closed by the police while fire-men released the woman, believedto be in her 60s. Her dog washanded into the care of Kent Police.

Award-winningPepperBox InnlandladySarahPembleand hus-band Jeff

Our services

Bathing BefriendingCogs clubsComputer classes Day careExercise classesFoot careGardening

Property maintenance

Travel vouchersTrusted tradersWheelchair hire

Contact us today 7 Mill Street Maidstone ME15 6XW

01622 753618

love later life

Charity number 1062723

EXCELLENCE IN EYE CAREin Maidstone

• Suppliers of Nikon Lenses

• NHS Emergencyreferral and walkin clinics available

• Free Parking

• Specialist Dryeye clinic

• Independent familyowned business

• Experienced friendly sta�• Disabled access

Find us at:Unit 8, Mid-Kent Shopping CentreCastle Road, Allington, Maidstone Kent ME16 0PUE:[email protected] 01622 672563

www.eye2eyeonline.co.uk

At Eye 2 Eye Opticians, we provide eye examinations to thehighest standards. We o�er a full range of services

includingeye health photos, specialist cornea scans, full OCT eye scans,and specialist dry eye clinics. All at a�ordable prices

andcarried out by experienced specialist optometrists.

downsmail.co.uk Business Focus



Liberal Democrat-led MBC’s ac-tion is being taken directly againstKent County Council (KCC) overthe allocation of housing developercontributions (S106 money).KCC, a Conservative authority,

wants the cash to carry out surveysfor a Leeds-Langley relief road or as-sociated projects.We understand MBC’s legal ad-

visers are concerned that S106 cashhas already been allocated to trans-port elements in individual housingschemes agreed within the LocalPlan.MBC hopes that S106-funded

junction improvements as well ascontroversial “modal shift” – the au-thority’s encouragement ofwalking,cycling and taking buses – will mit-igate against the expected traffic ex-

plosion associated with 17,600 newhomes agreed in the plan.The cost of the review to the tax-

payer could be as much as £20,000,DownsMail has been told.It is not known if £200,000 already

released by MBC to start relief roadsurveys is affected by the judicial re-view.MBC’sUrgencyCommittee – con-

vened for the first time since 2015 –was called together on June 1 for aconfidential meeting about the re-view.It was attended by Lib Dem coun-

cil leader Martin Cox, AnnabelleBlackmore (Con), Fay Gooch (Ind),Gordon Newton (IndependentMaidstone) and Paul Harper (Lab),who recommended the judicial re-view on legal advice.

One MBC insider accused the LibDems of “playing politics” with theTories at KCC, while another de-scribed the county authority ofbeing “the aggressor using bully-boy tactics” to get funds for projects,such as the Leeds-Langley reliefroad.One said: “It’s funny how the Lib

Demswaited until they had got backinto power in May before decidingthey wanted a review, having al-ready reluctantly agreed to releasethe S106 funds.”MBC’s Tory leader John Perry –

whowas unable to attend the June 1meeting – said: “We as an authorityare trying to develop the relation-ship with KCC. I have obvious con-cerns about this.”MP Helen Whately, who helped

set up a group to end years of squab-bling between MBC and KCC overthe relief road, said: “It doesn’t seemlike a very positiveway of overcom-ing a disagreement between thesetwo authorities, or a positive way toget a relief road.“I am disappointed to see MBC

taking legal action against KCC.”Leeds Parish Council chairman

John Govett said: “One would hopethat KCC does not have to stop thestudies being carried out while thereview is being carried out or willthey have to stop?“I hope to goodness they are al-

lowed to crack on.”MBC confirmed a judicial review,

but refused to comment further.KCC leader Paul Carter did not re-

turn our calls.

Legal action on ‘relief road cash’MAIDSTONE Borough Council (MBC) is set to spend tens of thousands of tax-payers’ money on ajudicial review into the release of funds which could be set aside for a relief road, we can reveal.

Cllr Annabelle Blackmore Cllr Martin Cox Cllr Fay Gooch Cllr Gordon Newton Cllr Paul Harper

ROADWORKS in Maidstone haveled to alternative services by Nu-Venture from June 18.Timetable changes will affect the

town centre and certain villages.The route taken by its 79A and

79Cwill bewithdrawnduring road-works that are expected to take fivemonths. They will be replaced byNu-Venture buses N and S.Bus N will serve the north of the

A20 fromMaidstone town centre viaLondonRoad,HildenboroughCres-cent, Newbury Avenue, TinternRoad and Grace Avenue, back toLondon Road and the town centre.Bus S will serve south of the A20,

from the town centre via LondonRoad, Poplar Grove, Palace Woodand Howard Drive, terminating inthe Maxwell Drive area where ex-tensive roadworks are planned.Buses then return viaHowardDrive

and Poplar Grove to London Roadand the town centre.Route 6A is re-numbered to 506

from June 18, with an additionaljourney at 14.48 on Mondays fromBarming to Maidstone.Also from June 18 the new 56X

will run between Kings Hill, via theM20, to and fromMaidstone schoolson the London Road.However, Nu Venture will per-

manently withdraw its Number 65Sutton Valence service, due to a lackof use by local schools.Its 28 service is also to be re-ex-

tended at Marden to serve AlbionRoad/Plain Road.Alternative routes for Nu-Ven-

ture’s 22, 25 and 26 routeswill be in-troduced from July 3 because of theclosure of Hunton Hill.Arriva also has announced big

changes from July 8.

TWO men will join their “co-con-spirators” in jail after being foundguilty of planning to throw drugsandmobile phones over thewall toinmates at Maidstone Prison.Maidstone Crown Court heard

howplain-clothes patrols followedSimeon Theodule and BernardOmolafe after they were seen act-ing suspiciously in County Roadon June 15 last year.Both were arrested after officers

seized packages outside HMPMaidstone, later found to containthe drug Spice, cannabis, mobilephones, leads, chargers and head-phones. Another phone was alsofound by prison staff.Judge Julian Smith heard items

were in cardboard packaging cov-ered in Theodule’s fingerprints.While being arrested his phonecontinued to receive calls from an

inmate telling him hewas headingto the prison yard, in anticipationof drugs being thrown over.Theodule (27), from Dagenham

pleaded guilty to two counts ofconspiracy to convey drugs andprohibited items into a prison. Healso admitted two charges concern-ing the supply of cannabis and con-veying a phone into a prison.Omolafe (32), from Thames-

mead, denied two counts of con-spiracy to convey drugs andprohibited items into a prison, butwas found guilty.Sentencing Theodule to two

years and two months and Omo-lafe to a year and 10 months onMay 25, Judge Smith said: “Con-trolled substances in this environ-ment are especially serious. Thereis no option but an immediate cus-todial sentence.”

Bus changes forcedby town roadworks

Jailed for throwingdrugs over jail wall



Liberal Democrat-led MBC’s ac-tion is being taken directly againstKent County Council (KCC) overthe allocation of housing developercontributions (S106 money).KCC, a Conservative authority,

wants the cash to carry out surveysfor a Leeds-Langley relief road or as-sociated projects.We understand MBC’s legal ad-

visers are concerned that S106 cashhas already been allocated to trans-port elements in individual housingschemes agreed within the LocalPlan.MBC hopes that S106-funded

junction improvements as well ascontroversial “modal shift” – the au-thority’s encouragement ofwalking,cycling and taking buses – will mit-igate against the expected traffic ex-

plosion associated with 17,600 newhomes agreed in the plan.The cost of the review to the tax-

payer could be as much as £20,000,DownsMail has been told.It is not known if £200,000 already

released by MBC to start relief roadsurveys is affected by the judicial re-view.MBC’sUrgencyCommittee – con-

vened for the first time since 2015 –was called together on June 1 for aconfidential meeting about the re-view.It was attended by Lib Dem coun-

cil leader Martin Cox, AnnabelleBlackmore (Con), Fay Gooch (Ind),Gordon Newton (IndependentMaidstone) and Paul Harper (Lab),who recommended the judicial re-view on legal advice.

One MBC insider accused the LibDems of “playing politics” with theTories at KCC, while another de-scribed the county authority ofbeing “the aggressor using bully-boy tactics” to get funds for projects,such as the Leeds-Langley reliefroad.One said: “It’s funny how the Lib

Demswaited until they had got backinto power in May before decidingthey wanted a review, having al-ready reluctantly agreed to releasethe S106 funds.”MBC’s Tory leader John Perry –

whowas unable to attend the June 1meeting – said: “We as an authorityare trying to develop the relation-ship with KCC. I have obvious con-cerns about this.”MP Helen Whately, who helped

set up a group to end years of squab-bling between MBC and KCC overthe relief road, said: “It doesn’t seemlike a very positiveway of overcom-ing a disagreement between thesetwo authorities, or a positive way toget a relief road.“I am disappointed to see MBC

taking legal action against KCC.”Leeds Parish Council chairman

John Govett said: “One would hopethat KCC does not have to stop thestudies being carried out while thereview is being carried out or willthey have to stop?“I hope to goodness they are al-

lowed to crack on.”MBC confirmed a judicial review,

but refused to comment further.KCC leader Paul Carter did not re-

turn our calls.

Legal action on ‘relief road cash’MAIDSTONE Borough Council (MBC) is set to spend tens of thousands of tax-payers’ money on ajudicial review into the release of funds which could be set aside for a relief road, we can reveal.

Cllr Annabelle Blackmore Cllr Martin Cox Cllr Fay Gooch Cllr Gordon Newton Cllr Paul Harper

ROADWORKS in Maidstone haveled to alternative services by Nu-Venture from June 18.Timetable changes will affect the

town centre and certain villages.The route taken by its 79A and

79Cwill bewithdrawnduring road-works that are expected to take fivemonths. They will be replaced byNu-Venture buses N and S.Bus N will serve the north of the

A20 fromMaidstone town centre viaLondonRoad,HildenboroughCres-cent, Newbury Avenue, TinternRoad and Grace Avenue, back toLondon Road and the town centre.Bus S will serve south of the A20,

from the town centre via LondonRoad, Poplar Grove, Palace Woodand Howard Drive, terminating inthe Maxwell Drive area where ex-tensive roadworks are planned.Buses then return viaHowardDrive

and Poplar Grove to London Roadand the town centre.Route 6A is re-numbered to 506

from June 18, with an additionaljourney at 14.48 on Mondays fromBarming to Maidstone.Also from June 18 the new 56X

will run between Kings Hill, via theM20, to and fromMaidstone schoolson the London Road.However, Nu Venture will per-

manently withdraw its Number 65Sutton Valence service, due to a lackof use by local schools.Its 28 service is also to be re-ex-

tended at Marden to serve AlbionRoad/Plain Road.Alternative routes for Nu-Ven-

ture’s 22, 25 and 26 routeswill be in-troduced from July 3 because of theclosure of Hunton Hill.Arriva also has announced big

changes from July 8.

TWO men will join their “co-con-spirators” in jail after being foundguilty of planning to throw drugsandmobile phones over thewall toinmates at Maidstone Prison.Maidstone Crown Court heard

howplain-clothes patrols followedSimeon Theodule and BernardOmolafe after they were seen act-ing suspiciously in County Roadon June 15 last year.Both were arrested after officers

seized packages outside HMPMaidstone, later found to containthe drug Spice, cannabis, mobilephones, leads, chargers and head-phones. Another phone was alsofound by prison staff.Judge Julian Smith heard items

were in cardboard packaging cov-ered in Theodule’s fingerprints.While being arrested his phonecontinued to receive calls from an

inmate telling him hewas headingto the prison yard, in anticipationof drugs being thrown over.Theodule (27), from Dagenham

pleaded guilty to two counts ofconspiracy to convey drugs andprohibited items into a prison. Healso admitted two charges concern-ing the supply of cannabis and con-veying a phone into a prison.Omolafe (32), from Thames-

mead, denied two counts of con-spiracy to convey drugs andprohibited items into a prison, butwas found guilty.Sentencing Theodule to two

years and two months and Omo-lafe to a year and 10 months onMay 25, Judge Smith said: “Con-trolled substances in this environ-ment are especially serious. Thereis no option but an immediate cus-todial sentence.”

Bus changes forcedby town roadworks

Jailed for throwingdrugs over jail wall

*50%LESS

FOR

*

Than ripping out and replacing your old

kitchen

Call 01622 469 541 visit trend-maidstone.co.uk

formerly BEFORE

You keep your familiar working layout, saving on extensive rewiring, replumbing and demolition, while TREND Transformations refaces your worktops, tiles and cabinets with gorgeous new surfaces.

• High performance, low maintenance

• No demolition, less waste, less mess

• Installed in as little as 1 day

• Over 1 million installations worldwide

• We have our own in-house team of We don’t use Sub-contractors

“Trend’s Design Consultant really opened my eyes to the possibilities. Fantastic result. I would recommend Trend Transformations to anyone.”Juliet, Epsom

Don’t just take our word for it...

Industry Leading Lifetime Guarantee!

Visit our Maidstone Showroom today...

Notcutts Garden Centre, Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted Road, Kent ME14 5LH

Open 9am - 5pm Mon to Fri. 9am - 5.30pm Sat. 10.30am - 4.30pm Sun

Bearsted Rd

MAIDSTONE

A249

A249

Bearsted Rd

Penenden Heath Rd

New

Cut R

d

Sittingbourne Rd

NEWNHAM COURTSHOPPING VILLAGE

M20

Junction 7

Also see our extensive range of replacement cabinet doors

kitchenChoose

from 100’s of designs& styles

eco72% recycled

glass

made from

*50% is based on typical competitors’ quotes, where kitchens are demolished and replaced with new cabinets, rewiring, replumbing and retiling.


AMANwho stole steeringwheelsfrom at least 70 high-value carsacross the county has been jailedfor four years.Ernestas Lukosevicius was ar-

rested in Larkfield in March fol-lowing the two-month crime spreein which he targeted vehicles inMaidstone, Aylesford, Sevenoaks,Sittingbourne and Canterbury.

Workingwith anaccomplice, the 27-year-old (pictured)used expandingfoam and stickytape to muffle caralarms and coverup any lights

whichmight flash, before removingthe steering wheel and pulling

apart the dashboard in order tosteal on-board computer systems.Entry to the vehicles, usually

BMWs, Audis or Mercedes, wasmade by smashing the window.Lukosevicius was caught red-

handed on March 12 when suspi-cious activity was reported inCarroll Gardens, Larkfield. Ataround 4am officers located two

A MAN who stalked a womanand evaded arrest – even calling apolice officer to tell him theywouldn’t find him – has beenjailed for more than two years.Charlie Brooker (pictured)

pleaded guilty to putting a personin fear of violence through stalk-ing, and was sentenced to twoyears and four months in prison at

Maidstone CrownCourt on June 11.The 30-year-old

conducted a cam-paign of abuseagainst a womanhe knew in Maid-stone, which in-

cluded making threats to her inperson and through texts, emailsand online messages.Despite the victim making it

clear she did not want him to con-tact her, Brooker continued theabuse over several months andmade threats to throw acid in herface, cut her with a knife andstamp on her head. He also threat-ened to harm her partner anddamage her property.He sent the victim photographs

at her home address inMaidstoneand attended her workplace sev-eral times trying to contact her; onone occasion he went to her householding a craft knife.

When he learned his behaviourhad been reported to police,Brooker left his home, sold his carand took steps to conceal his loca-tion, even phoning a police officerboasting he wouldn’t be found.All the while he continued to

send threatening messages to thevictim, until officers tracked himdown to a house in Sidcup and ar-rested him on March 12.Investigating officer PC

Thomas Moss said Brooker had-shown himself to be a threateningand dangerous criminal, and hecommend the bravery of the vic-tim and witnesses who assistedthe police investigation.


Wheels turn on car parts thiefmen crouched next to a BMW, andthey ran off in separate directions.Lukosevicius was caught with asteering wheel hidden in his coat,but the other man escaped.Expanding foam and tools were

also seized, while his fingerprintswere also discovered on tape left ontwo vehicles targeted in Bearsted.Lukosevicius, of no fixed ad-

dress, pleaded guilty to a charge ofconspiracy to steal and on June 15was given a four-year prison term.Detective Constable Tony

Hatcher said: “Lukosevicius com-mitted a huge number of offencesin just a fewmonths. Operating lateat night, he targeted cars parked di-rectly outside homes while ownerswere sleeping. Lukosevicius’ mainrole was to carry tools to and fromcrime scenes and pass them to anaccomplice, who in turnwould takeapart the dashboard to removeequipment.“These crimes have left victims

and their insurance companies withrepair bills totalling more than£500,000.DCHatcher added that the police

have a DNA profile of a further of-fender also believed to be involvedin these crimes.

Threatening stalker behind bars

Summer in Staplehurst

BRUNCH

GARDENPerennialsCOFFEE & CAKE

outdoor seatingPOTS & PLANTERS bedding

plants

FREE WIFI GIFTS

7 days a week

01580 890713 | frankiesfarmshop.co.uk

Clapper Lane, Staplehurst, Kent TN12 0JT

Open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm Mon-Sat 10am-4pm Sun


Have a drink on us, visit…

Pudding Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1JF

www.theherbalistmaidstone.comwww.junipersmaidstone.com

Now open in Maidstone

A place where great food meets a great time and your new central social hub. We make no apologies for loving the fresh and vibrant cuisine, so our chefs cook it in our open kitchen for all to see. Boasting a fine selection of keg and cask beers, delivered directly into the copper tank every week, a sumptuous wine list and a boutique selection of spirits. We serve food from eight in the morning right through until eleven at night so whenever you feel like dropping by, you’ll find a warm welcome.

Have to get home? Drop by our Pizza Shack on Pudding Lane and pick up a piping hot pizza to take away, fresh from the wood-fired oven.

The HerbalistIf you’re a discerning hedonist, you’ve come to the right place. Head down to Juniper’s were we take the best in tank beer, great wine and craft spirits and mix them together with top DJ’s Friday & Saturday to create a vibe which keeps the party going until dawn. Our expert mixologists shake up the classic and the bespoke just for you and, as you might have guessed from the name, gin is a speciality. As well as the best dance floor in town, we’ve got live music, secret events and more – plus, if you ask us nicely, we can even let you have the whole place for your special occasion.

Juniper’s

www.e l i t epubs . com


News | Team sports downsmail.co.uk

Increasing commitments at homeandwork are impacting on people’stime and it has left a number of clubsfighting to survive.We first reported in May that the

Maidstone & District FootballLeague, the oldest local league in thecountry, was in danger of foldingdue to a lack of teams.And so it came to pass, the league

deciding it was unable to continue.But they are not the only ones.

Cricket clubs are also finding ittough, with Detling, Hollingbourneand Teston all pulling out of theirleagues in 2018, instead focusing onfriendly games and, in one case, con-templating if the club has a future asa whole.Ian Gutteridge is chairman, secre-

tary, fixture secretary and “every-thing else” at Hollingbourne andadmits itwas a toughdecision to lookat folding the club.But he adds: “To be honest, every

team sport is on its knees.“It’s always been a struggle, you

get players who phone up on a Fri-day night and say they’ve forgottensome event or other,which is usuallya lie, but theyhaveno appreciationofthe fact they are letting 10 otherblokes down as well.”Downs Mail has spoken to clubs

from a number of sports, and hasfound that while youth sport contin-ues to thrive, it is that transition intoadult sport that is the trickiest.“It’s tough, they get a job, they

leave school, they may go to univer-sity and rugby can definitely be castaside at what is a turbulent time intheir lives,” says Aylesford Bulls di-rector of rugby Neil Wiltshire.The next generation of club stal-

warts is slow in coming forward.Those in their 20s and 30s are find-ing with work and family commit-ments, it is much harder to dedicatepart of theweekend to playing sport– no matter how much they maywant to.Peter Erlam, captain of Teston CC,

hits the nail on the head when hesays: “I think Sunday trading lawshave changed that so much – Sun-day is a shopping day nowwhereasit used to be a day for sport.”The need to have pay-TV sub-

scriptions to watch top-level sportmay also be having an impact, but isit just that thewaypeoplewant to ex-ercise has changed?For while participation in football,

cricket and other team sports isdown – just 3.2 million said in themost recent Sport England surveythat they played team sports morethan twice in a month – the figuresfor running show an increase to 7m,and 13m say they take part in other“fitness activities”, i.e. going to thegym.Sport England chief executive

Jennie Price said: “While the over-all activity levels of the nation arestable, what people are choosing todo is moving with the times.”

Team sport facing biggest match

TESTON Cricket Club has been hitso hard that it has pulled out oftheir league fixtures - but with a bur-geoning youth system, it insists it isjust a temporary hiatus.The club decided at the start of

the season not to fulfil their fixturesin Kent Village Cricket League Divi-sion Four. Captain Peter Erlam said:“We have struggled for the past twoor three years to get two teams outevery weekend,” he said. “And thatmeant we were fielding under-strength teams in our league fix-tures most weeks. This season, wejust felt we had reached the end ofthe road in terms of resources ofgetting players, so we reluctantlytook the decision to withdraw fromthe league.”

Peter insists that the club is in nodanger of folding – “cricket is in ourblood” – but the landscape haschanged. “The club had the sametea lady, Ilma Cooper, for 50 years,”he added. “But now it’s all down tothe players themselves to providethe refreshments. Teston is a smallvillage, there’s not many youngfamilies and there’s no school, so forseveral years we’ve not had anyonewho lives in the village actually play-ing for the club. Weekend life is sodifferent from how it was 20 yearsago.”But where the club does stand out

is its strong youth section.“Our opening bowlers on a Satur-

day are 13 and 14,” the skipperadded.

FOOTBALL leagues folding, cricket teams pulling out of leagues...it has been a bleak summer forthe traditional team sports in the area.

Youth ‘key to future’ at Teston

PARK football has, in many ways,been an institution of English life.The images of Hackney Marshes

where in its heyday there were 120pitches in use at the same time –more than 2,500 players – areetched in the memory.But now, the amateur game is

getting smaller and smaller.The folding of the Maidstone

and District League ahead of its125th anniversary season was ablow to the game, although in the2017/18 season it had containedjust eight teams in a solitary divi-sion.The Kent FA are trying a number

of initiatives to keep the 11-a-sidegame going outside of the pyra-mid system, but Senior FootballDevelopment Officer and lead on11-a-side adult male football LeeSuter admits there are a number ofissues to face.“There’s not just one reason why

the participation is declining,” hesaid. “There’s the cost of running ateam, peo-ple haveless time,f a m i l ycommi t -m e n t s ,work pat-ters, thefear of in-jury thatcould leadto a loss ofi n c o m eand, logis-t i c a l l y ,you canonly play 11-a-side football on Sat-urday afternoons or Sundaymorn-ings.“The challenge is the increasing

number of other sporting activitiessuch as going to the gym, cyclingand running as well as sport on

TV, cinema trips etc which can bedone when people want, for as

long ast h e yw a n ta n dw h e r et h e ywant.”Partic-

ipa t i onhas beeni ns t e a d ydec l inefor thepast teny e a r s ,

with Kent losing 6% of its adult11-a-side teams each year – al-though that is better than the na-tional picture of a 10% fall.Lee insists that five-a-side is not

having too much of an impact, butadmits the FA are having to think

outside of the box to try and temptplayers back to the full-size game.“Generally, if you play five-a-

side you will continue playingother formats,” he adds. “Peoplewho play whatever format lovethe game and play at every op-portunity.“The key to sustaining and

eventually growing 11v11 adultmale football in Kent is offeringflexible alternatives built aroundthe participants and not based onstructures that we have been fol-lowing for the last 30 seasons.“Offering opportunities such as

turn up and play sessions, flexifootball leagues with shortergames, mid-week football and vet-erans football will engage with agreater audience while being un-pinned by the more recognisedformat of 11v11 adult male foot-ball on a Saturday afternoon orSunday morning.”

FA searching for a fix as football flounders

Players from Teston Cricket Club


downsmail.co.uk Team sports | News

THE chairman of HollingbourneCricket Club admits it “breaksmyheart” to realise the club is onits last legs – but knows it is theright decision.The club has pulled out of its

league fixtures for this season,leaving just a smattering of one-off games for the rest of the year,along with some U17 games.Ian Gutteridge feels that there

are simply not enough players togo around.“I’ve been saying for three

years that there are too manyclubs, there are just not enoughcricketers for all the clubs.“We’ve been left with 12 play-

ers for various reasons and onany given weekend you can as-sume that more than a third ofyour players won’t be available,so we’ve decided to pull out ofthe league.”Hollingbournewas in theKent

Cricket Village League, which isplayed on Saturdays by teamsmainly in the Maidstone andTonbridge regions.Several of the players have now

linked up with nearby Bearsted,and that link up does, Ian hopes,mean there is still a chance thatcricket can be played at Holling-bourne’s PilgrimsWay ground.“Bearsted are now considering

putting another team out,” headded. “But obviously they onlyhave one pitch, so hopefully ifthey end up needing a ground,they can use ours.

“We can afford to keep up theground up for the rest of this sea-son, but after that who knowswhat will happen to it?“It breaks my heart. The club

has been my life for the past 25years. I met my wife throughplaying for Hollingbourne.

“I’ve got a lot of emotion in-vested in the club and that’swhatmakes it such a hard decision – ifit had been a business, I wouldhave made this call a year ago.”Ian admits that the nature of

cricket makes it hard for peopleto commit, and that some of thefun has gone out of it due to theover-competitiveness of someother clubs.He also believes that the prob-

lems stem from school cricket.“It is hard work, cricket is so

time-consuming, it’s a long-drawn-out event,” he said. Peoplehave families and commitments.“For me, the problem is in sec-

ondary schools. The ECB shoutsabout Chance to Shine and thegreat stuff they do in primaryschools, but once you get to sec-ondary school, unless it’s a gram-mar school or a private school, thekids fall out of the game.”

WHILE team sports are having theirissues, the desire for health and fit-ness has led to a sharp rise in run-ning and walking.Somemay have swapped their tra-

ditional commute for going on foot,while many others have taken ad-vantage of programmes like the NHSCouch to 5k scheme in order to takeup running.And when they have completed

that – or, in fact, even during the pro-gramme – there is a free 5k eventevery Saturday morning.Parkrun was founded in 2004 in

Teddington, south-west London, andhas now spread to 19 countriesacross the world. In the UK, between130,000 and 140,000 people aretaking part every week. Locally, thereare two. The Maidstone parkrunstarts and finishes close to Kent Life,while the Malling parkrun is at Ley-bourne Lakes.

Both start at 9am every Saturday,and are open to all.“There has been a real push in the

past 12 to 18 months to make itmore inclusive,” Malling parkrun co-event director Darran Potter says.“Whereas we used to have tail run-ners and new runner’s briefings, it’snow tail walker and first-timers.“There is a big emphasis on walk-

ing and jogging and making surethat everyone feels able to do it –there’s been a real concerted effortfrom HQ.“Parkrun is very low commitment,

you can just wake up on a Saturdayand decide you want to take part,and if you miss a week, it’s not theend of the world.”The first Malling parkrun was in

October 2015, and since then 4,803different people – at the time ofgoing to press – have run, jogged orwalked the course. The all-time

record attendance is 2,526 at a runin South Africa in January this year,while Bushy Park, homeof the originalrun in 2004, regularly reaches four fig-ures, and holds the UK record with1,705 taking part on the tenth an-niversary parkrun. There are evensome events held in the grounds ofprisons, illustrating that parkrun reallyis for everyone.“You get people of all ages, all

shapes and sizes,” Darran adds. “Oneof our regular runners is in his late70s and we’ve also had a few octo-genarians visit us from other courses.“I think when you see people of

that age still in good shape it can in-spire you. There are 12,000 volun-teers in the UK who make parkrunpossible every week, and 10,000 newrunners are registering every week,so it really is a big thing.”

Parkrun thriving as runners take to the Lakes

MARDEN has been a sportinghub where hockey, cricket andtennis share a venue.The club has moved to a new

premises in Maidstone Road in thevillage, with the tennis club merg-ing in at the new facility.The hockey team, Marden Rus-

setts, have had problems, but arenow back to five men’s teamsalongside three women’s sides.Chairman Neil Campbell said:

“I’ve not been with the hockey clubthat long, but in the seven or eightyears I’ve been here, we havegrown as a club.”As with many clubs, they have

invested in youth, and are alwayslooking to push the youngsters for-ward.The new facilities, which opened

in September 2017, are playing abig part too.“We have tried to build links

with the local schools and we havea large junior section,” Neil added.“We have also got brand new facil-ities and I think that we really ben-efit from having a nice place toplay hockey, it’s a bit of a magnetfor people.“We’ve run schemes like Back to

Hockey and they have proven verypopular, and that has especillayhelped to grow our ladies’ section.“We try to get the juniors in-

volved in senior hockey. By 14 or15 we would have most of our bet-ter players playing adult hockeyand the hope then is that by the ageof 17 or 18 they will be ready toplay at first team level.”

Hockey’s at theheart of the hub

Marden 2nd XI are one of eight senior teams at the club

Heartbreaking callto halt club’s days

There are too many clubs,there are just not enough

cricketers for all the clubsIan Gutteridge,HollingbourneCricket Club“ ”


COMMUNITY spirit won the dayafter some residents who signed apetition against a charity waterslide event changed their minds toget the event back on.The annual event in Sutton Va-

lence on July 7 moved to a new lo-cation for 2018, with the 130-metrelong slide to be put near SouthLane. Kent County Council agreedthe road closure, and an emergencyplan had also been arranged.However, 36 residents signed a

petition against the event, under themistaken belief that the road closurehad not been approved.Organisers Queen’s Head Odd-

fellows (QHOF), which is also thegroup behind the village’s annualpram race and other fundraisingevents, were left devastated.“It was a real kick in the teeth,”

Lyndon Davies said. “As a groupwe do great things for the commu-nity, and then this happens.“We were told that we were the

cuckoo in the nest, whichmeansweare an unwanted guest.“We really wondered if we could

carry on with any of our charityevents.”A letter was sent to residents in

which QHOF said it would not bearranging any further events afterthis year’s Summer Ball.But the letter kick-started a resur-

gence, and even some people whohad signed the petition were soonregretting their decision.“We were inundated with sup-

port from people of all ages,” MrDavies added. “We even had a cou-

ple of octogenarians get in touch,one of whom insisted that we take a£50 cheque towards ourwork in thecommunity.“The road closure was reinstated

and luckily the operators of theslide hadn’t got another booking.“We are really thankful for the

support we have received.Wewon-dered if we weren’t wanted hereany more, but some people havesaid theymade amistake in signingthe petition in the first place.“One lady in particular wrote to

KCC and, to be honest, that was agreat letter for us.”The event raised money for the

AirAmbulance, with a further boost

in the form of sponsors Marley,helping to further increase thefundraising capacity of the day.A KCC spokesman said: “A Tem-

porary Traffic Regulation Order(TTRO) to close South Lane, acrossthe junction of The Platt, was agreedby KCC on the understanding thatall of the residents in The Platt werein agreement with the arrange-ments.“We became aware that a number

of residents were not in agreementwith the closure for the event, mostof whom were directly affected bythe road closure, South Lane in-cluded.A petitionwith a significantnumber of signatures was receivedby us, and therefore the event couldnot be supported.“We later received a number of

inquiries from those who hadsigned the petition, saying theywere unaware of the consequencesand in fact did support the eventgoing ahead. With this in mind, theTTRO was put back in place so theevent could go ahead.”DownsMail approached the peti-

tion organisers for comment.


About turn helps keepwater slide event alive

Art of healingMEDICAL staff from Maidstonehave been learning how art canhelp heal the sick.More than 200 delegates, includ-

ing nurses, heard how the positivefindings of a three-year project willhelp integrate arts into every dayphysical andmental healthcare andother long-term conditions.Delegates from seven countries

involved in TABLO (Training staffin the use of Arts for the Benefit ofpatients with Long-Term Condi-tions) were among those attendingthe event, hosted by Maidstone-based Kent and Medway Partner-ship Trust.

Houses appealAPPLICATIONS are open for peo-ple over 60 who would like to livein one of the almshouses in Linton.One of the five houses is to be

available shortly at an “attractive”rent. Single people or couples areinvited to request an applicationfor from The Clerk to the Trustees,Mrs K Cooper, Linton ParkAlmshouses, c/o Forge Cottage,Linton Hill, Linton, ME17 4AW, bycalling 01622 741494 or [email protected] closing date for applicants is

July 27.

Fence sponsorHEADCORN Cricket Club areseeking sponsors to adorn its newfence.The club have installed a rabbit-

proof fence at their Lenham Roadground, and are planning to haveadvertising boards placed on it.Contact James Barker by email-

ing [email protected] formore information.

Making a splash: the 130ft longwater slide

MP challenges network providers over digital ‘not spots’ACTION to improve the coverage of mobilenetworks in Headcorn has been demandedafter a survey of villagers found 60% of O2users still cannot make a call outdoors.The poll of 600 people, organised by MP

Helen Whately, reveals not only poor con-nectivity, but inaccurate claims by the tele-coms regulator Ofcom, which says the villagehas “good mobile reception outdoors on allnetworks”.The survey, in fact, found that most people

cannot reliably access 3G or 4G data; only10% of O2 users can get a connection to fastmobile data and that the best provision is viaEE, with about half of its users able to access4G.The High Street, Wheeler Street and Sta-

tion Road are mobile signal “not-spots” onEE and Three, even though Ofcom’s onlinechecker indicates they have good coverage.On broadband, a third of people cannot re-

ceive the standard service of 10Mbps(megabits per second) download speed and1Mbps upload speed.MrsWhately told DownsMail: “When I’m

in Headcorn, I struggle to get messages andmake calls, and I know I’m not alone.

“The survey shows that reception is partic-ularly bad on O2 and patchy on Vodafone.“The outskirts of the village are particu-

larly bad, and I know from my own experi-ence that it is almost impossible to make acall or send an email from the station – it’s amobile ‘not-spot’.”She has now written to Ofcom asking it to

ensure its mobile tracker is accurate and topush for coverage improvements in the vil-lage. She is also asking mobile networkproviders, KCC and Digital Secretary MattHancock what will be done in Headcorn tomeet the government target of standardbroadband for all by 2022.Liz Chandnani runs the Krishna Restau-

rant in Headcorn High Street. She toldDowns Mail: “Staff and diners know the re-ception in the village is pretty bad with allthe providers. And with my broadband I payBT extra for a better connection.”

Borough councillor Martin Round, MP HelenWhately and county councillor ShellinaPrendergast in Headcorn

New treasurerHUNTON Village Hall is on thelookout for a new treasurer.Mike Summersgill, who has

been in the role for several years,will be on hand to offer support.Anyone interested should call

David Heaton on 01622 820678or Annette on 01622 820448.


COMMUNITY spirit won the dayafter some residents who signed apetition against a charity waterslide event changed their minds toget the event back on.The annual event in Sutton Va-

lence on July 7 moved to a new lo-cation for 2018, with the 130-metrelong slide to be put near SouthLane. Kent County Council agreedthe road closure, and an emergencyplan had also been arranged.However, 36 residents signed a

petition against the event, under themistaken belief that the road closurehad not been approved.Organisers Queen’s Head Odd-

fellows (QHOF), which is also thegroup behind the village’s annualpram race and other fundraisingevents, were left devastated.“It was a real kick in the teeth,”

Lyndon Davies said. “As a groupwe do great things for the commu-nity, and then this happens.“We were told that we were the

cuckoo in the nest, whichmeansweare an unwanted guest.“We really wondered if we could

carry on with any of our charityevents.”A letter was sent to residents in

which QHOF said it would not bearranging any further events afterthis year’s Summer Ball.But the letter kick-started a resur-

gence, and even some people whohad signed the petition were soonregretting their decision.“We were inundated with sup-

port from people of all ages,” MrDavies added. “We even had a cou-

ple of octogenarians get in touch,one of whom insisted that we take a£50 cheque towards ourwork in thecommunity.“The road closure was reinstated

and luckily the operators of theslide hadn’t got another booking.“We are really thankful for the

support we have received.Wewon-dered if we weren’t wanted hereany more, but some people havesaid theymade amistake in signingthe petition in the first place.“One lady in particular wrote to

KCC and, to be honest, that was agreat letter for us.”The event raised money for the

AirAmbulance, with a further boost

in the form of sponsors Marley,helping to further increase thefundraising capacity of the day.A KCC spokesman said: “A Tem-

porary Traffic Regulation Order(TTRO) to close South Lane, acrossthe junction of The Platt, was agreedby KCC on the understanding thatall of the residents in The Platt werein agreement with the arrange-ments.“We became aware that a number

of residents were not in agreementwith the closure for the event, mostof whom were directly affected bythe road closure, South Lane in-cluded.A petitionwith a significantnumber of signatures was receivedby us, and therefore the event couldnot be supported.“We later received a number of

inquiries from those who hadsigned the petition, saying theywere unaware of the consequencesand in fact did support the eventgoing ahead. With this in mind, theTTRO was put back in place so theevent could go ahead.”DownsMail approached the peti-

tion organisers for comment.


About turn helps keepwater slide event alive

Art of healingMEDICAL staff from Maidstonehave been learning how art canhelp heal the sick.More than 200 delegates, includ-

ing nurses, heard how the positivefindings of a three-year project willhelp integrate arts into every dayphysical andmental healthcare andother long-term conditions.Delegates from seven countries

involved in TABLO (Training staffin the use of Arts for the Benefit ofpatients with Long-Term Condi-tions) were among those attendingthe event, hosted by Maidstone-based Kent and Medway Partner-ship Trust.

Houses appealAPPLICATIONS are open for peo-ple over 60 who would like to livein one of the almshouses in Linton.One of the five houses is to be

available shortly at an “attractive”rent. Single people or couples areinvited to request an applicationfor from The Clerk to the Trustees,Mrs K Cooper, Linton ParkAlmshouses, c/o Forge Cottage,Linton Hill, Linton, ME17 4AW, bycalling 01622 741494 or [email protected] closing date for applicants is

July 27.

Fence sponsorHEADCORN Cricket Club areseeking sponsors to adorn its newfence.The club have installed a rabbit-

proof fence at their Lenham Roadground, and are planning to haveadvertising boards placed on it.Contact James Barker by email-

ing [email protected] formore information.

Making a splash: the 130ft longwater slide

MP challenges network providers over digital ‘not spots’ACTION to improve the coverage of mobilenetworks in Headcorn has been demandedafter a survey of villagers found 60% of O2users still cannot make a call outdoors.The poll of 600 people, organised by MP

Helen Whately, reveals not only poor con-nectivity, but inaccurate claims by the tele-coms regulator Ofcom, which says the villagehas “good mobile reception outdoors on allnetworks”.The survey, in fact, found that most people

cannot reliably access 3G or 4G data; only10% of O2 users can get a connection to fastmobile data and that the best provision is viaEE, with about half of its users able to access4G.The High Street, Wheeler Street and Sta-

tion Road are mobile signal “not-spots” onEE and Three, even though Ofcom’s onlinechecker indicates they have good coverage.On broadband, a third of people cannot re-

ceive the standard service of 10Mbps(megabits per second) download speed and1Mbps upload speed.MrsWhately told DownsMail: “When I’m

in Headcorn, I struggle to get messages andmake calls, and I know I’m not alone.

“The survey shows that reception is partic-ularly bad on O2 and patchy on Vodafone.“The outskirts of the village are particu-

larly bad, and I know from my own experi-ence that it is almost impossible to make acall or send an email from the station – it’s amobile ‘not-spot’.”She has now written to Ofcom asking it to

ensure its mobile tracker is accurate and topush for coverage improvements in the vil-lage. She is also asking mobile networkproviders, KCC and Digital Secretary MattHancock what will be done in Headcorn tomeet the government target of standardbroadband for all by 2022.Liz Chandnani runs the Krishna Restau-

rant in Headcorn High Street. She toldDowns Mail: “Staff and diners know the re-ception in the village is pretty bad with allthe providers. And with my broadband I payBT extra for a better connection.”

Borough councillor Martin Round, MP HelenWhately and county councillor ShellinaPrendergast in Headcorn

New treasurerHUNTON Village Hall is on thelookout for a new treasurer.Mike Summersgill, who has

been in the role for several years,will be on hand to offer support.Anyone interested should call

David Heaton on 01622 820678or Annette on 01622 820448.

www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukWhitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in England & Wales. Registered office 72 King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1BL. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279.DM2016

www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk

01622 698031E-mail [email protected]

Will, Estate or Power of Attorney dispute?

Will, Estate or Power of Attor

Will, Estate or ney Power of Attor

ney

Do you have a dispute rEstate or Power of Attor

Whitehead Monckton has considerableexperience in helping clients to r

Power of Attordispute?

ill,ding how a WegarDo you have a dispute rney has been handled?Estate or Power of Attor

Whitehead Monckton has considerableesolve theseexperience in helping clients to r

ney Power of Attor

ney has been handled?

ney

ff

experience in helping clients to reements and in many casesdifficult disagr

achieving excellent financial r

fer a ‘e can ofW NO WIN – NO FEEill, Estate and Power of AttorW

Call us today on

01622 698031

esolve theseexperience in helping clients to reements and in many cases

esults.achieving excellent financial r

NO WIN – NO FEE’ service forney disputes.ill, Estate and Power of Attor

Call us today on

01622 698031

’ service for

detiim Lnotkcno MadehetihW 06638. 0ong Sni2 Ke 7cfifd oeretsige. Rselad & WnalgnE

She ty bdetaluge rdn adesirohtu A.BL141ME.97280. 6or nedny utirohtuA

DM2016

.whitehead-moncwwww.

01622 698031for an initial no obligation consultation by phone.

E-mail [email protected]

nd ieretsige, r)920,tne, Kenotsdia, Mteertg S

onitaluge Rsrotciiol S

.whitehead-monckton.co.uk

01622 698031for an initial no obligation consultation by phone.

E-mail [email protected]

for an initial no obligation consultation by phone.E-mail [email protected]

CALLS for the installation ofCCTV cameras to prevent fly-tip-ping on a country road have beenmade by the local borough coun-cillor.Burberry Lane, near Kingswood,

has been targeted by wastedumpers for years, but in recentmonths, the problem has becomemore acute with waste often strewnacross the middle of the road.Cllr Gill Fort, pictured right, said:

“Every month we are having toi-lets, sinks and construction wastedumped in the village, specificallyin Burberry Lane. We are nowthinking of installing cameras onprivate land to oversee the problemarea.”A recent event in Burberry Lane

saw a caravan burned out while acar remains on a footpath nearby,

more than ayear after it was

dumped and torched. The churchcar park has also seen illegal dump-ing.But it is also a problem in many

rural areas, including Langley,

Headcorn and Chart Sutton. Lastyear, Maidstone Borough Councilcleared 911 cases of fly-tipping andmore than 163 have been recordedsince April this year. The ap-proaching darker evenings willprompt a rise in illegal tipping.

Across Kent, local authorities arespending hundreds of thousands ofpounds clearing up rubbish.According to one report £323,000

was spent dealing with almost14,000 incidents in 2016-17. This is asharp increase on the previous 12months when just over 10,000 in-stances cost £244,000.Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia-

tive by the Environment Agencyand the Driver and Vehicle Stan-dards Agency to clamp down onunlicensed waste carriers. But shebelieves the high cost to small firmsof disposing of construction wasteat a transfer station is costing coun-cils dearly. Cllr Fort made her re-marks as one of the borough’sclosest transfer stations at NorthFarm, TunbridgeWells, announcedit will be closed for 10 weeks.

CCTV call to stop fly-tippingdownsmail.co.uk News

Illegal fly-tippingis costing localauthorities hun-dreds of thou-sands of pounds,says Cllr Gill Fort

STAPLEHURST vineyard HushHeath will send its sparkling wine toCanada after landing a deal withone of the world’s largest alcoholbuyers.Hush Heath’s Balfour 1503 Clas-

sic Cuvée is the first Englishsparkling wine selected for theLiquor Contril Board (LCBO) of On-tario’s Vintages Classics Pro-

gramme. The “significant deal” wasannounced as Prime MinisterTheresa May was in Ottawa fortalks with Canadian PM JustinTrudeau on how the UK andCanada can further strengthentheir ties to build the closest, freest

trading relationship as the UKleaves the EU.Mrs May said: “It’s great to see

that English sparkling wine hasbeen making a name for itself, notjust in the UK but further afield too.“The news today that Hush

Heath Estate will be supplying toCanadian consumers is hugely wel-come and they will be flying theflag for the high-quality of winebeing produced in Britain.”Hush Heath owner Richard Bal-

four-Lynn said: “Hush Heath is afamily-owned winery…and we arevery excited to see our wines avail-able in the Canadian market."

Vineyard ‘bubbling’ over deal


We are a Which?

Trusted Trader

We can SAVE your windows!

Replace the pane, not the frameThe good news is you don’t need to go through the expensive process of replacing the whole frame. You can just replace the glass. Our quotes on average take no longer than 20 minutes.

Cloudy2Clear is a leading local glass replacement company, established for over 10 years. By saving your window we can...

SAVE money, SAVE energy, SAVE time.

SAVE money, energy & time

All glazing backed by our

GUARANTEE

Has your double glazing steamed up?

Local, friendlyengineer

Priority freephone

SAVE money - SAVE energy - SAVE time

Your local trusted expert Hinge, lock & mechanism repairs

Has your

your windoVESAAVe canWWe

Has yourle gdoubmed up?stea

ws!your windo

Has yourlazingle g

med up?

glass. Our quotes on average take no longer than eplacing the whole frame. ocess of rpr

t need to go thr’The good news is you donneplace the paeR

, VE moneyy,SAAV

VE, SAAVVE moneyy,SAAVestablished for over 10 years. By saving your window we can...

Cloudy2Clear is a leading local glass r

tusted expertrour localYYo

.20 minutesglass. Our quotes on average take no longer than eplace the ou can just rYYoeplacing the whole frame.

ough the expensive t need to go thrmea, not the frne

y & timegenerrg

.VE time, SAAVyy,gVE enerestablished for over 10 years. By saving your window we can...

, eplacement companyCloudy2Clear is a leading local glass r

epairs rrenismmecha & ock, lHinge

energy -

engineer

y oured blazing backAll g

ARANTEEGULocal, fr

VESAAV money - VESAAV

time

aderrTusted rTWhich?

e arree aWengineer

iendlyLocal, fr

phoneeeity frreiorPr

VESAAV energy -

COUNTY COBBLER

County Cobbler 370 The Mall, Dukes Walk, Chequers Centre • 01622 297600

••

•

•

••

••

Watch repairs, batteries & straps replaced We specialise in men’s leather soles stitched on.We can replace ZIPS on premises within 24 hours.NEW SPECIALISED key cutting – i.e. tubular multi-lock securityMOST car keys cutEngraving Service – we can also supply trophies & tankardsZippo LightersGet your gifts personalised by our engraving specialists - jewellery, pens & Zippo's etc.

How to find us:-We are in The Mall- Chequers Centre- five shops in from the main entrance on the right hand side, next door to Virgin Media.

www.facebook.com/Maidstoneshoerepairs

KEYS*Yale type £52 for £7.50 3 for £10!!!

We also cutMortice,Chubb

Security &most car keys

*from the same key

Prompt While U Wait

serviceavailable

Just moved? Need spare keys? We are here to help!!

DISCOUNTS on multiple key orders COMPETITIVELY priced.


Benover Road, Benover, Yalding, Kent ME18 6AS

Tel: 01892 730356 [email protected]

Fine cask beers & lagersHome cooked meals & bar snacks

Our opening hours are:Tues til Friday 11am - 3pm,5pm - 10.30pmSaturday 11am - 10.30pmSunday 12 noon - 8pmMondays closedexcept Bank Holidays

Next Classic Car Show - Sunday

5th August

Jam Nights Every First Sundayof the Month

- 7pm until 9pm

Beautiful Beer Garden and Outdoor Play Area for Children

Caravan Club Campsite behind the pub for Caravan Club members

This unique event has a variety of vintage and modern aircraft displays, on the ground and in the air. A family event which includes static military vehicles, living history re-enactment groups, arena events, military stalls, children’s entertainment and food stalls.

COMBINED OPSAIR SHOW

18 & 19 August 2018

SOUTHERNMODEL SHOW8 & 9 September 2018

Featuring a stunning array of model aircraft, helicopters, ships, tank and other vehicles and a show ground packed with traders, offering everything you could possibly need for models. A must go to event for anyone with an interest in this fascinating hobby.

ALL OF THESE GREAT EVENTS WILL BE HELD AT:Headcorn Aerodrome, Shenley Road, Headcorn Ashford, Kent TN27 9HX For tickets & more information please contact us:headcornevents.co.uk 0845 652 6263 · [email protected]

HEADCORNspecial events


Open-air Theatre Production of Sense & SensibilitySunday 29th July

£16.00 adult / £10.00 child / £46 Family / 10% group discount 10+ tickets

Great DanesGreat Events happening at the

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

Parties available from £19.99 per person

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FORTHCOMING EVENTS

www.mercuremaidstone.co.ukTel: 01622 528565

[email protected], Nr Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RE

Entry is from 3pm onwards with the production commencing at 4pm. A BBQ and bar will be available on the grounds for you to purchase food and beverages on the day. Alternatively, bring your own picnic to enjoy whilst watching the great theatre production with the whole family. Picnic rug and low back chairs only.

Then make that dream come true with Mercure. Get dressed up and get into the spirit of a fun filled White Christmas Party. Celebrate in style with an unforgettable evening of decadence, dining and dancing. Think full-on glamour and festive glitz. Seasonal sparkle and glistening décor. With more than enough fizz and fun for everyone.


Castle management threw openthe doors on June 16 so that localpeople could look around its luxuri-ous interior.The wisteria-clad house had pre-

viously been the family home of for-mer chief executiveVictoriaWallace,her husband Sean and daughtersEmily and Georgia.Locals were clearly impressed by

the new-look, five-bedroomed Bat-tel Hall, which can sleep up to 14guests, and its oast house annexewith high-end furnishings, fixturesand fittings.Prices range from about £6,000 to

£14,000 per week, depending on thetime of year. It is also available to beused for weddings.Villager Alastair Pollock, who

visited with his son Jamie, wasvery impressed with Battel Hall’srefurbishment. He said: “They’vedone a great job.“In some ways, it is hardly recog-

nisable frombefore, although the ac-tual building has changed little fromthe outside, it is just smartened up.“Once the gardens bed in, the

place will be stunning.”The gardens have been exten-

sively landscaped and the parkingarea has been resurfaced.Battel Hall was built in the 14th

century by the master mason toKing Edward II.Leeds Castle chief executive Sir

David Steel said: “The recent open-ing of Battel Hall after a £1.5m re-furbishment has been a significantchange for the estate, improving ourhospitality offer massively.”Sir David said Lady Olive Baillie,

who bequeathed the castle to a char-itable trust after her death, wantedthe public to enjoy it as a place of

“enjoyment, fun, interest, educationand tranquility”.He added: “She did not want the

regulation that might have been im-posed by a bigger ‘corporate’ um-brella organisation – hence we haveno ‘keep off the grass’ signs and veryfew other restrictions.“She wanted a place in which the

visitor can feel at home and,whether one stays overnight in thecastle, Battel Hall or the StableCourtyard, or simply comes for theday, it is the aim of all ofmy team tomake being here feel like being in avery special home, and one towhichthe visitor will wish to return timeand time again.”


Castle opens restoredmanor house to localsBATTELHall, the 14th centurymanor house on the Leeds Castle estate, hasreopened for rental after a £1.5m refurbishment.

Local residentswere invited tolook around theelegant BattelHall, which has

just beenrefurbished.

Below right, visitorAlastair Pollock

and his son Jamiewere very

impressed withwhat they saw

School’s life-saving gift

Metal chargeAMAN has been charged over thetheft of scrap metal from a recy-cling centre in Lenham.Calum Osborne, of Eltham, was

arrested in Staplehurst on Mon-day, June 4, five days after the in-cident at the CountrystyleRecycling Centre inAshford Road.On Thursday, May 31, at about

1.20pm, two men began loadingscrap metal from the site into avan.But when challenged, it is al-

leged one of the men threatenedthe staff member with a hammer.They then drove off.Osborne, who is 27, has been

charged with robbery, possessingan offensive weapon in a publicplace and with obstructing a po-lice officer in the execution of theirduty. He will appear at MaidstoneCrown Court on July 4.Sam O’Shea (26), of Portsmouth,

was also arrested and has beencharged with obstruction.

Chase arrestsAMAN fromNettlestead is amongtwo arrested on suspicion of bur-glary following an incident inBredgar.Kent Police were called to the

Lime Kiln Road area of the villageat about 9.35pm on Monday, June11.Before arriving at the scene, of-

ficers were told by their controlcentre that the suspects were run-ning through a nearby field.Patrols headed to Bottom Pond

Road and parked on a verge whilechecking for suspicious activity,and at about 10.10pm they be-came suspicious of a vehicle onBexon Lane.They stopped it and the two

men were arrested.The man from Nettlestead is 45,

and was arrested alongside a 43-year-old from Bredgar on suspi-cion of burglary.

Ge ing activeCOUNTY councillor Gary Cookehas signed up to this summer’sAc-tive 10 campaign.The Public Health England

campaign – backed by KentCounty Council – urged adults totake 10 minutes of brisk walkingeach day using the free Active 10app.

May fair returnTHE May Fair in Headcorn raised£7,120 for the village school.This beat the £5,000 target organ-

iser had been hoping for.The money will be used to de-

velop outdoor learning opportuni-ties for pupils.

A JUNIOR school in Maidstone has taken delivery ofa life-saving defibrillator thanks to the fund-raisingefforts of the Maidstone Lions.Sue Heather, head at St Michael’s in Douglas

Road, was presented with the equipment by Lionsmember Malcolm Luxton. He was accompanied bycolleagues Bryan McCathy, who attended StMichael’s School during World War II, and JulieWickens.Malcolm said he hoped the school would never

have to use the machine, but would be reassured toknow that should a pupil or teacher at the schoolhave an arrest, it had the technology at hand to help.


Fox Pitt Farm, Shingle Barn Lane, West Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 0PN

www.felicityrose.co.uk | [email protected]

To book an appointment, please call 01622 820546

Felicity Rose : Timeless Affordable Elegance

Felicity Rose Bridal Studio, can only be described as a truly unique shopping experience, tucked away on a rural estate in West Farleigh away from the busy hussle of the high street, a little gem awaits….

◼ Large selection of made to order designer dresses from just £500-£1500

◼ 2 hour private appointments

◼ Custom payment plans from 30% deposit

◼ Selection of bridesmaids & flower girl dresses

◼ We stock sample sizes in 8-30

◼ 5* service & genuine customer reviews

Maria Jackson, Owner says, “We want brides to

have an amazing experience in store, we have

really put our hearts in to stocking what we

believe are on trend dresses. We want brides to

come in and feel relaxed, not rushed and help

them select a dress that really does suit them and

really importantly, their budget”


THEHazlitt Theatre inMaidstoneis to undergo extensive refurbish-ment this summer.The 350-seat Earl Street venue –

which stages the town’s annualpantomime – needs work com-pleted on its facade and its roof.The work, likely to last for three

months, is to be funded by the the-atre’s landlords and MaidstoneBorough Council.The work was scheduled to start

last autumn, but it was delayed forseveral months while advanced ne-gotiations took place between thevarious parties.A Hazlitt spokesman said: “The

Hazlitt Theatre, run by ParkwoodCreative, is about to embark on athree-month period of extensiveexternal refurbishment. The projectfunded by landlords MountcharmGroup and Maidstone BoroughCouncil will see aesthetic improve-ments to the facade of the venue aswell as much-needed repairs to theroof.”The work is expected to be fin-

ished well before the Hazlitt’spanto run of Aladdin starts on De-cember 1.Starring the comedian and former

EastEnders star Richard Blackwood(pictured), who will play the Genie,the show runs until December 31.Last year, the Hazlitt had a suc-

cessful run over the festive periodwith Cinderella, which starred TVchef and national treasure, Rustie

Lee. A Hazlitt spokesman said:“Richard is a bit of a coup for us andjudging by the reaction so far, he isgoing down very well.“He is a talented guy who has

been around for a long time in lotsof different fields, so his appeal isvery broad.”DownsMail understands that the

names for the supporting cast aredue to be made public shortly.The theatre was named after the

famous essayist William Hazlitt,whowas born in the county town in1778.It opened in the 1950s, but a lot of

the building dates back much fur-ther and some of it has listed status.The venue is home to the Hazlitt

Youth Theatre (HYT), which hasperformed a string of hit shows in-cluding plays, musicals, new writ-ing, partnership projects, touringshows and a whole lot more.HYT provides opportunities for

young people aged between six and18 to put on productions, and to seeprofessional plays.


Theatre refurbishmentready for panto season

Rural homesplan ‘backed’THE idea of a “mega greenfield de-velopment” to accommodate thegovernment’s addition of 7,700homes to Maidstone’s Local Planwas gaining ground, according toborough councillor Nick de Wig-gondene.He told members of Thurnham

Parish Council that the concept ofbuilding new housing on one site,with capacity to meet future need,was finding support.He feels the borough would

want to challenge the govern-ment’s additional housing alloca-tion and endeavour to “get awaywith the lowest number of additionalhouses possible”.On the Leeds-Langley relief road,

he also felt this was now “likely tohappen”, but could open up the areato development.TheLiberalDemocrat-led adminis-

tration is under serious pressure tocome up with ideas to deal with theeffect on traffic volumes created by17,600newhomesalready in theLocalPlan.MBC claims “modal shift” - en-

couragement to use buses, cycle orwalk -will beenough tocopewith theexplosion in vehicle numbers , evenbeforemore houses are imposed.

Celebrating lives

www.albany-funerals.co.uk

Award Winning We are extremely proud to have

been recognised nationally by the Good Funeral Awards and

the Natwest Everywoman Awards for exceptional service.

Independent Being independent of the big chains means we can offer the best care, value

and ethics without compromise.

There is such a thing as a 'good' funeral and celebration of someone's life. Sadly, too few people experience it. We are

passionate that people in the Kent area have this, which is why I started Albany Funerals - I wanted to make sure a safe

place existed where a family's wishes take priority. At a time when it's extremely difficult to think clearly, our

expertise is in helping you to know all the options available to you, so that the funeral is the very best it can be for your

loved one.

Affordable Transparent prices and

campaigning to end funeral poverty as a member of Fair

Funerals.

Forward Thinking Offering traditional, modern

and low-cost funerals and the best of traditional practice

combined with fresh thinking.

Serving the whole of Kent We cover the whole county and beyond.

669 Loose Road, Maidstone ME15 9UX

Tel. 01622 746688

1 New Street Farm Chilmington Green Road

Great Chart, Ashford TN23 3DL

Tel. 01233 650746

We have ample free parking on both sites


THEHazlitt Theatre inMaidstoneis to undergo extensive refurbish-ment this summer.The 350-seat Earl Street venue –

which stages the town’s annualpantomime – needs work com-pleted on its facade and its roof.The work, likely to last for three

months, is to be funded by the the-atre’s landlords and MaidstoneBorough Council.The work was scheduled to start

last autumn, but it was delayed forseveral months while advanced ne-gotiations took place between thevarious parties.A Hazlitt spokesman said: “The

Hazlitt Theatre, run by ParkwoodCreative, is about to embark on athree-month period of extensiveexternal refurbishment. The projectfunded by landlords MountcharmGroup and Maidstone BoroughCouncil will see aesthetic improve-ments to the facade of the venue aswell as much-needed repairs to theroof.”The work is expected to be fin-

ished well before the Hazlitt’spanto run of Aladdin starts on De-cember 1.Starring the comedian and former

EastEnders star Richard Blackwood(pictured), who will play the Genie,the show runs until December 31.Last year, the Hazlitt had a suc-

cessful run over the festive periodwith Cinderella, which starred TVchef and national treasure, Rustie

Lee. A Hazlitt spokesman said:“Richard is a bit of a coup for us andjudging by the reaction so far, he isgoing down very well.“He is a talented guy who has

been around for a long time in lotsof different fields, so his appeal isvery broad.”DownsMail understands that the

names for the supporting cast aredue to be made public shortly.The theatre was named after the

famous essayist William Hazlitt,whowas born in the county town in1778.It opened in the 1950s, but a lot of

the building dates back much fur-ther and some of it has listed status.The venue is home to the Hazlitt

Youth Theatre (HYT), which hasperformed a string of hit shows in-cluding plays, musicals, new writ-ing, partnership projects, touringshows and a whole lot more.HYT provides opportunities for

young people aged between six and18 to put on productions, and to seeprofessional plays.


Theatre refurbishmentready for panto season

Rural homesplan ‘backed’THE idea of a “mega greenfield de-velopment” to accommodate thegovernment’s addition of 7,700homes to Maidstone’s Local Planwas gaining ground, according toborough councillor Nick de Wig-gondene.He told members of Thurnham

Parish Council that the concept ofbuilding new housing on one site,with capacity to meet future need,was finding support.He feels the borough would

want to challenge the govern-ment’s additional housing alloca-tion and endeavour to “get awaywith the lowest number of additionalhouses possible”.On the Leeds-Langley relief road,

he also felt this was now “likely tohappen”, but could open up the areato development.TheLiberalDemocrat-led adminis-

tration is under serious pressure tocome up with ideas to deal with theeffect on traffic volumes created by17,600newhomesalready in theLocalPlan.MBC claims “modal shift” - en-

couragement to use buses, cycle orwalk -will beenough tocopewith theexplosion in vehicle numbers , evenbeforemore houses are imposed.

MACHINE HIRE AVAILABLE01622 873231

[email protected]

ALL LOADS Ltd.FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

TOP SOIL - TURF - SAND - BALLAST

Buy 5 Bags of Top SoilGET ONE

FREE!Specialists in Supplying Aggregates

Skip Loading Dumpers Available

Doorway Diggers up to 3 Tonne

Wet rooms • Walk in showers • Walk in baths • Product & installtion guarantee • Waterproof wall panelling

• Slip resitant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets • Local family business • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms

Tel: 01622 738204 and 01622 [email protected] | www.ahminstallations.co.uk

Showroom Open 7 DaysUnit 11, Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted ME14 5LH

Discounts for over 60’s SSAFA and Ex Service personnel

Call now to arrange a FREE survey & quote

we design • we supply • we fit • we care

Bathing a problem - we can help

with any bathroom installation.FREE GEORGIA TOILET & BASIN

FREE

Please present this advert at time of order.


CALL NOW 0800 0742 721!sbiproductsltd.co.uk!

A RANGE OF CANOPIES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO ADD STYLE AND PRACTICALITY TO YOUR HOME. Durable and attractive aluminium structures are available with a range of glazing or fabric covers, allowing you to choose the

perfect structure for your setting and budget. SBI Ltd est. 1998 – Over 1000 customers – BBSA registered

www.balinea.co.uk

E: [email protected]

Visit our East Farleigh showroom to view

our full range of beautiful bathrooms

Unit 5 Kilnbridge Works, Off Lower Road, East Farleigh, Maidstone Kent ME15 0HD

01622 829183


Workshops Now Available

In our newly converted barn, equipped and ready for all the new workshops including off road parking, air conditioning and kitchen facilities plus all the space

you need for a relaxing workshop.

Please see our Facebook page or come into the shop for more details. www.facebook.com/littleshopoffabrics

19 High Street, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9NHT. 01622 892008 M. 0750 2262887

E. [email protected]

Fabrics, Quilting, Dress Making Cross Stitch, Ribbons, Haberdashery, Books and much more…

Shop Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 09.30am to 16.30pmSaturday 13.30pm to 17.00pm

Quilting, Dress Making, Crocheting, Embroidery, Kni�ing & Many More

Sale 28th & 29th July 25% off all items! In Little

Shop of Fabrics Barn, Smarden.

25yrGUARANTEE

*Terms & Conditions apply please ask for details

Our customers tell us they’re glad they chose Colourfence, and were delighted with our range of colours. They love that our fences are tested to withstand merciless weather – even wind gusts of up to 130mph. They enjoy how it is maintenance free, and they love the peace of mind provided by its 25-year guarantee*. For a lifetime of trouble-free garden enjoyment, make yours a Colourfence garden.

01622 233 322For a free no-obligation quotation, please contact us now.

www.colourfencemidkent.co.uk

“When our new fence looks this good, is maintenance free and guaranteed for 25 years, it’s a no brainer”


THE small, secretive muntjac deeris being reported in areas acrossthe Maidstone borough.

The animal once associated withIndia and China have been spottedin Mote Park, Leeds and Langley.

The deer’s distinct screamingand barking, which is sometimesmistaken for foxes, are now beingheard at night in some areas ofMaidstone.

Local naturalist Theo McCaus-land reported sightings in MotePark and anecdotal evidence fromacross the borough and the widerWeald, where he works as a treesurgeon.

He said: “The muntjac is activeall day long but it will move intothe open at night under the coverof darkness.

“That is when people hear thescreaming, which some think is afox, but it is, in fact, muntjac whenalarmed. Unusual clicking soundsare also evidence of the muntjac.

“They have been very successfulescapees since they were firstbrought here a hundred years ago

because of their ability to adapt tothe relatively mild climates of cen-tral and southern Britain.

“They also breed all year roundand have no rut, which makesthem more likely to be successful inwild environments unfamiliar totheir native habitats. It was only amatter of time before they wouldget into Kent.”

The muntjac were imported fromChina to Bedfordshire’s WoburnAbbey early in the last century butsoon broke out from the estate and

have spread slowly and graduallyacross into small pockets in thesouth east.

Deliberate releases elsewhere inNorthamptonshire and Warwick-shire caused a feral population togrow throughout central Englandand Wales, as well as parts of thesouth east, according to the BritishDeer Society.

Leeds resident Monica Wrattenheard reliable reports of a muntjacbeing seen in the grounds of StNicholas’ Church by an allotmentholder. Downs Mail has anecdotalevidence of the tiny deer – whichare rarely bigger than a Labrador –being seen or heard near Sutton Va-lence, Boughton Monchelsea andUlcombe.

There are an estimated 40,000 inBritain, increasing 10% cent yearly,according to one report. They areattracted to a habitat of coppicedtrees and plenty of woodlandcover.� Have you seen or heard a munt-jac? Contact us at 01622 734735 [email protected]


Golding postCHRIS Cheeseman has been ap-pointed chairman of GoldingHomes.

He takes up the post with theKent-based housing associationthis month after more than 30 yearsin housing, moving from his cur-rent job as head of new business atClarion Housing Group.

He said: “I’m looking forward toworking with the board to helpshape the future direction of the or-ganisation.”

Mr Cheeseman worked previ-ously with specialist housingprovider ikon Consultancy Ltd,and spent 17 years at Moat Hous-ing Group. He also worked previ-ously for the Housing Corporation.

He will work alongside RogerFord who retires as chairman inDecember.

Julie’s new roleJULIE Wickens is Maidstone Lionsnew fund-raising chairman.

She steps into the role as Mal-colm Luxton, a former president ofthe group, takes a well-earned restafter many years as a lead memberof the group. He will, however,continue as an active member ofthe Lions.

In July, Bryan Vizzard takes overas president.

Is tiny deer making ahome in Maidstone?

CORNWALLIS Academy sixth formstudent Bartosz Szpytzma (pictured)has earned himself a place on theSTEM (science, technology, engi-neering and maths) programme atthe University of Kent.

Polish-born Bartosz, who lives inLangley, will undertake a researchproject through the Nuffield Re-search Placement scheme during the

summer holidays,working with someof the university’stop professors.

There is fiercecompetition forplaces on thescheme, with a de-tailed application

process to complete. Science teacher

Andy Scott said: “We are hugelyproud of Bartosz and his achieve-ment.”

The project will enable Bartosz,who joined Cornwallis in 2012 and isstudying chemistry, biology andmaths at A-level, to gain a valuableinsight into his chosen areas of studyand help him decide whether to goon and study to become a doctor, or

to take the path of medicine re-search.

Mr Scott added: "This is a fantas-tic opportunity for Bartosz, who is avery talented and hardworkingmathematician and scientist.

“I hope this will develop his al-ready outstanding skills and allowhim to take on further progression inthe career of his choice.”

SOUTH East Water has been or-dered to publish an action plan inthe wake of its reaction to watersupply issues during March’s badweather.

The company has until Septem-ber 28 to produce what regulatorOfwat says needs to be “an exter-nally assured action plan setting outhow they are addressing the issuesidentified” following a report intohow UK water companies dealtwith the “Beast from the East”.

No other water company saw ahigher percentage of its users sufferdisruption to its water service thanSouth East Water, which has 2.2million customers in Kent, Sussex,Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

But the report from Ofwat criti-cised the company’s provision foralternative water supplies and itscommunication, citing an “over-re-liance” on social media during theincident.

The report adds: “South EastWater did not contact customerswith enough vigour – customerswere not contacted in advance,and, in some cases, not at all.

“South East Water were unableto handle the volume of customercontact they received – customersreported the phone system beingunavailable due to demand.”

A need to improve forecastingwas also noted, but the companywas praised for the way it compen-

sated affected users.Responding to the report, South

East Water’s operations director,Dr Simon Earl, said: “We will care-fully review the report publishedby Ofwat and use this, togetherwith our own thorough internal re-view, which we conducted soonafter the freeze/thaw event, to im-prove our emergency plans for thefuture.”

He said the scale of the eventover such a wide area and an un-precedented number of customerplumbing issues – accounting forabout 70% of the water lost – hadnot been experienced before, andhe apologised that South EastWater had not been prepared.

The company is now urging cus-tomers to provide feedback for thereport requested by the regulator.

However, Dr Earl hit back at thereport’s negative aspects. He said:“Throughout the incident, our cus-tomer care team delivered bottledwater to all vulnerable customerslisted on our priority services reg-ister in the areas affected by supplyinterruptions. We also worked toget alternative water supplies toisolated rural locations, includingto farmers who needed water fortheir livestock.

Customers can give feedback at:https://corporate.southeastwater.co. u k / a b o u t - u s / e n g i n e e r i n g -works/marchfeedback.

Water company called to account

Bartosz hopes a bright future will ‘stem’ from his university placement


IAN Colville's love of the naturalworld was reflected in a “unique,informal and carefree” celebratoryfuneral in an isolated field in hishome village of BoughtonMonchelsea.Ian (56), recognisedworldwide as

a leading engineering specialist,wasdiagnosed with terminal cancer inApril, and died at home onMay 30,with his beloved wife, Julie, daugh-ters Zoe andHollie, and sistersAllyandDebbie.A musician (drummer) himself,

Ian had contributed to a businessthat won many significant engage-ments around theworld – includingPrince Charles’ 60th birthday party

at BuckinghamPalace, andLiveAidin 1985.He spent a lot of his life travelling

the globe, from Malaysia to Russiato the Falkland Islands, supportingJulie, Zoe andHollie.Ian’s last few years were happily

spent working for what he de-scribed as a “truly caring” audiocompany in Lancing, designers ofrevolutionary earplugs and head-phones.When Ian was home from tour-

ing, he embraced and loved familydays out to beaches, country parksand farms. His love of animals ledto Ian being described as “a regularDr Doolittle”.

Ian’s ”box” was decorated by hisdaughters and wife, helped by sis-ter Debbie, who had travelled fromAmerica to be with him.At his celebration of life, the bar-

becue and bar continued into theevening, overseen by friend andneighbour Graham Saunders, andmusic by his friend Andy Hollidayand crew.Donations in Ian’s memory are

welcome. Julie, Zoe and Holliewould like to buy a sofa bed for thefamily room in the Intensive CareUnit atMaidstoneHospital –wherethey were supported and cared foras staff cared for Ian. [email protected].


AN ANNUAL cream tea eventwas a triumph over adversity aftervillage spirit came to the fore –and almost £2,000 was raised.The Linton Cream Tea weekend,

held on June 16 and 17 in the vil-lage’s church, was all set to be can-celled after the organisers were hitwith a double whammy of sadnews.First, Jerry Whitmarsh, one of

the organisers and former chair-man of the parish council, suffereda number of broken bones afterfalling while climbing a mountainin Wales with his wife Sue. He hadto be airlifted to hospital, and thatended his hopes of being involved.Then close friend and charity

worker, Jenetta Cassidi, was giventhe news that she had stage fourlung cancer, which has left herwheelchair-bound and paralysedfrom the waist down.Bernard Cresswell, who replaced

Mr Whitmarsh at the head of theparish council, admitted things didnot look good for the event.He said: “The news of this

tragedy spread and it seemed only

right that the charity event shouldbe cancelled or at least postponed.“But then word came that Jenetta

was not letting anything beat herand she was determined to be atnext year’s Linton Cream Tea.“Inspired by her spirit, it was de-

cided to use that energy and resur-rect the event to mark and celebrateher fighting spirit.”Villagers and local businesses got

involved, enabling the event to goahead, raising funds for theFriends of Linton Church, forwhich it is a major source of in-come.Strawberries were donated by

Clock House Farm, and supportalso came from Highleaf and AlanFirmin.Mr Cresswell added: “Linton is a

small village but always fightsabove its weight when it comes togenerous community spirit.“A lovely weekend was had by

all, lots of cream scones and straw-berries consumed, teas drunk withother yummy goodies and stallsperused, with some great prizeswon in the raffle.”

Jene�a’s spiritlifts villagers

A fond farewell to Ian Colville...in a field

FANCY dressing like Agnetha, Björn,Benny or Anni-Frid – Abba style?Leeds Castle is inviting guests to

don the garb from the 70s to cele-brate this year’s 40th anniversaryclassical concert.The very first classical concert

was in 1978 – when Abba was hit-ting the high notes with The Nameof the Game.Providing the entertainment on

Saturday, July 14, will be four of the

country’s top soloists: West Endperformers Louise Dearman(Wicked) and Canadian Tim “ThePower” Howar, soprano Katie Bird(pictured) and tenor AlexanderJames Edwards. They will performclassical favourites, and a finale ofhits from the 70s era, at whatpromises to be a afternoon andevening with a birthday party at-mosphere.Katie (pictured), originally from

Bearsted, grew up with the LeedsCastle classical concert on herdoorstep and performed for thefirst time at the gala event lastyear.She said: “I’m very excited to be

singing again, come and join theparty.”The Leeds Castle classical concerts

is one of the biggest dates in its cal-endar, alongside its annual fire-works’ displays.

Dressing up is name of game for castle concert

FOUR beauty salons from the areahave been recognised in the KentHealth and BeautyAwards.Title-holders came from Chart

Sutton,Maidstone town centre andParkwood.The glittering awards ceremony

was held at the Mercure GreatDanes Hotel, near Hollingbourne.The gold award went to Nicola

Creelman, therapist and owner ofBotanical Beauty Rooms, onGabriel’sHill,Maidstone, and tak-ing silverwas TheGeorgianHouseHair & Beauty, inWarmlake Road,Chart Sutton; the nail salon Flut-tabye, from Parkwood and In-spired to Change, of King Street,Maidstone.

The awards are nominated bycustomers, with a panel of expertschoosing the winners. More than200 entrieswere received this year –the highest yet in the four years theawards have been running.Awards co-founder Hilary Steel

said: “The HAB Awards are themost glamorous celebration of thisvibrant industry in the county.“These winners are testament to

the dedication and effort that goesinto building a successful and sus-tainable business.”New categories this year in-

cluded the permanent make-upaward,which include services suchas tattoo removal, fillers and per-manent eyebrows.

NicolaCreelman(left), fromBotanicalBeauty Rooms,Maidstone,with hostHilary Steeland otheraward winners

Picture by JoSchumann

Ian Colville: a regular “Dr Doolittle”

Nicola golden girl of awards


Des PageDES Page (94), of The Priory area of EastFarleigh, survived the ferocious and costlyArnhem ba�les of 1944, and later returnedto Oosterbeek on a remarkable mission.Des was anArmy glider pilot who landed

his plane loaded withsoldiers with minimalcasualties at a time ofvery heavy losses. The1st Airborne Divisionthen had to make aneight-mile trek in theface of enemy fire toOosterbeek.There he was

involved in intensehouse-to-house

shooting. Bi�erly cold, he found in a housea lady’s short fur coat to wear to replace hissodden jumper. The coat was drenchedwhen the troops were ordered to withdrawandmake their way across the River Rhineto Nijmegen.Des brought the coat back to England to

be cleaned and 10 years later returned to theDutch house, where he astounded Jo De-Wi� when he handed back the coat. It wasthe start of a long friendship.Des’s war-time experiences and views

frequently featured on televisionprogrammes and he a�ended manymilitary reunions, including the 70thArnhem anniversary in 2014.After the war, he became a senior sales

person with Sharps in Maidstone.Born and educated in Maidstone, he lived

in a bungalow in East Farleigh and issurvived byMrs Fay Page. Failing eyesightand health restricted his busy and outgoinglife in later years.

Robert BrayROBERT “Bob” Bray (78), who lived for thefinal 25 years of his life on Upper Fant Road,lived in the Maidstone area his whole life,working on farms and in local parkland.Bob grew up in Yalding and lived in

Barming from 1965-1993. He worked at BellFarm in North Street, Barming, for 28 yearsbefore being made up to farm foreman.After being made redundant he moved toUpper Fant Road.He then worked for Turfsoil in Greenwich

Park, Danson Park and Hall Place. After

retirement he was employed byMaidstoneBorough Council, working in their parksand open spaces.

Bob was married toMargaret for 58 yearsand was father toSharon and Sue.Bob’s family said he

was a bubbly characterwho loved a laugh andjoke, and enjoyed timewith friends andfamily.He collected model

buses, amassing a collection of more than100, and enjoyedbus shows and museums.Bob leaves his wife, daughters and

grandchildren Joe, Georgia, Ryan andKieran.

JoyMcCrerieJoy McCrerie (85) was known for runningthe Royal British Legion Playgroup formany years.

She was brought upin Di�on and lived inthe Royal BritishLegion village,Aylesford for 60 years.Born Joy Sharp, she

trained as a nurse butfollowed a career inchildcare.She was married for

almost 60 years to Noeland mother to Jan and Sue. Jan said: “Mymother was a very giving, caring andgenerous person who had many life-longfriends. She held a strong religious faith andfor much of her life was involved with theSalvationArmy, a�ending their church.“She was a regular a�ender for over 20

years at the over 60s club run by theSalvationArmy. In her later years, she wasin poor health, but continued going to theSunday service at the SalvationArmychurch until the last few weeks of her life.She loved simple things like gardening andkni�ing.”Joy, who was widowed three years ago,

leaves her daughters, grandchildren Laura-Louise, Samantha, Thomas, Jason,Carly-Ann, Josh and Chris and great-grandchildrenAlfie, Poppy, Freddie andGracie.

ShahnawazAkramSHAHNAWAZ “Shany”Akram (49) livedin Sheals Crescent, Maidstone.He worked as a pharmacist who offeredfree medical advice to worshippers at hismosque.Shany ran clinics for people who

struggled with the English language andasked only for voluntary donations. At thepharmacy he ran in East Ham he offeredmulti-faith services.His public-spirited work brought him to

the a�ention of a number of notable people,and amongst those a�ending a service tohonour his life at Maidstone Mosque wasBradfordMP Imran Hussain.Shany leaves his wife, Nosheen, daughter

Aiza and son Noshin.

Sylvia SlenderSYLVIA Slender (79) lived in a number oflocations in the Maidstone area, includingBarming and Bearsted.Nine years ago, she moved to

Queenborough,Sheppey, where shedied.Born in Maidstone,

she grew up inMangravet as SylviaRaymen; one of sevenchildren in her family.

She married John inDecember 1957 andthey had five children.

Her daughter-in-law Jane said: “Sylviawas a very active lady, more so in later life,when she became a carer after John passedaway in 2001. She worked as a carervisiting people in their own homes and lateron worked in care homes.“She finally stopped working in 2009

when she was 70.“When she left school, she did kitchen

work and during the years she was raisingall her children she still did farmwork. Shewill be remembered as a caring, givingperson who liked simple things.“She loved gardening and visiting the

county show and also enjoyed going onvisits by bus. She was active until the end ofher life although breaking her hip in 2015limited what she could do.”Sylvia leaves her four surviving children

(one son pre-deceased her) and 10grandchildren, one of whomwas born twodays after she died.

downsmail.co.uk

Obituaries

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

Picture: Matt Alexander

Do you need help with probate?Do you want to buy a funeral plan?

• We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed DipPFS MSWW

01622 720985 www.camrasswills.co.uk

Camrass WillsAdvice you can trust

• MEMORIALS MANUFACTUREDAND INSTALLED

• ADDITIONAL INSCRIPTIONS• CLEANING AND REFURBISHMENT

01622 726633FREE CAR PARK NEXT TO SHOP

EAST FARLEIGHTHE STONE SHOP

Maidstone Weald July 2018 33 Maidstone East July 2018 33

Call for the

John Childs & Associates Ltd focus on building excellence for all of our clients by delivering the highest quality project at a reasonable

cost in the shortest amount of time.

Since 1975, we have established a strong bond of trust with our clients and the communities in which we build. The projects that we undertake range from simple, single storey extensions to new homes.

01622 812868WWW.JOHNCHILDS.COM

D.T SKIP HIRE

D.T SKIP HIRE

Fast

Deli

very

Prompt

Collection

� Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 & 12 Yard Bins

� Covering Maidstone & The Weald

� EA Registered � Fast & Prompt Service

� Commercial & Domestic

01622 843511 01233 623721

Sunnybridge Farm, Watery Lane, West Well, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JJ

Over 20 Years Experience


DO YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION OR

BUILDING REGULATIONS FOR ANEXTENSION, LOFT CONVERSION OR EVEN A BRAND NEW HOME?

CALL US ON 01622 812868

OR GO TO www.johnchilds.com

for our best prices EVER!

01622 753618

Medway Blinds & Curtains

6 The Oaks Business Village, Lordswood, Chatham Kent ME5 8LF

01634 68 68 68

www.medwayblinds.co.uk

0%FinanceAvailable

Kingswood Fencing

Chris Wallace

01622 842857 or 07711 795582www.kingswoodfencing.co.uk

Est 1978

Domestic • Industrial • SecurityAll fencing supplied and erected

The Oaks, Lenham Road, Kingswood, Maidstone, Kent

Full AND Partial Rewires

Small Domestic Works

Fuse Board Upgrades

Extensions

New Build

Maintenance Contracts

Property Services

LED Downlights

Commercial Installations

Call Chris on: 07715312688

[email protected]

Facebook:CKJ Electrical

Domestic and COmmercial installations

Call For Your Free Quote Today


ParishCouncils

downsmail.co.uk

BoughtonMonchelseaChairman Cllr Munford was nominated andagreed as chairman and Cllr Ellis was agreedas vice-chairman.Police report There had been five reportedcrimes in March andApril. There was anincident of criminal damage, a burglary andvehicle interference in south ward. In northward there was a burglary and a theft from avehicle.Village fete Jen Cleaver, from the fetecommi�ee, said there were plans tointroduce more activities for teenagers thisyear, and the hire of a climbing wall wasbeing considered, at a cost of about £700. Itwas also hoped to make volunteers morevisible at a cost of about £150. Fete balloonswould cost £150-£200. Karen Filmersuggested that they look into hiring theScouts’ portable climbing wall.Li�er pick Cllr Munford thanked CllrEdmans for organising the village li�er pick,which had been a great success.Accounts The accounts for 2017/18 wereapproved by all members, subject to internalaudit.KALC subscription The clerk said theannual cost would be £885.34 plus Vat. It wasnoted that in the past, KALC had providedvital legal and procedural advice. It wasagreed to subscribe.Data Protection officer It was agreed toappoint Satswana to provide this service at acost of £150 per year.Road signA resident had asked for the metalsign at the Church Street/Green Lane/TheGreen junction to be renovated. It was agreedto consider this as part of the LandscapeMasterplan andManagement Plan work.GrantsA series of grants were agreed for2018/19. Recipients would include theBrownies; the Friendship Circle; the Scouts;the baby and toddler group; Helping Hands;the bowls club; the community choir; theRegency Dancers; theWI and the village fetecommi�ee. A contribution of £2,500 wasagreed towards grass cu�ing at St Peter’sChurch. The Royal British Legion would get£350 and the SalvationArmy £300.Parkwood Farm Cllr Edmans spoke aboutthe reservoir, noting that the flood plain hadfilled up during recent heavy rainfall. Heexpressed concern about effluent on the roadfrom the nearby pig field, and it was agreedthat this should be reported to MBC andSouth East Water.Right to buy Cllr Munford and the clerk hadconcluded that there would be no potentialliability for the parish council if parishfacilities were listed with MBC as potentialcommunity assets. It was agreed to registerthe social club; the village shop and postoffice; Albion; Nut Pla� on Green Lane; theprimary school and the DeWi� Floorsbuilding. It was also agreed that the hoppickers’ huts on Lower Farm Road should beregistered as undesignated heritage assets.BMAT land lease It was suggested that anylease be for a period of 99 years. Cllr Ellissuggested that administration would be dealtwith by the parish council. Cllr Munfordqueried the reason for transferring the land.Cllr Ellis said this would simplify themanagement of the BMAT land holdings. Asub group would be set up to look into riskassessment and maintenance inspection. It

was agreed that the £60,000 currently on loanto the BMAT should be transferred back tothe parish council. Cllr Wilde would take anactive role in assisting the clerk with issuesrelating to day to day management of theFurfield Park open space and Pested Barslandscaping strip.Lyewood FarmA £60,000 communitypayment would be received by the parishcouncil. There was an informal agreement asto how this could be spent.Li�er binsMBC had agreed that any newbins on the highway verge would be emptiedat their cost. Cllr Edmans agreed to look intosuitable locations.Beer barn Cllr Smith spoke about the Rockin’Robin beer barn and said that MichaelSwoffer fromMBC had sent details of an appthat could be used to record noise nuisance.MBC had agreed to install noise recordingequipment during Rockin’ Robin events overthe coming months. It was agreed that thisinformation would be added to the parishcouncil website.Community choir Cllr Herrin thankedmembers for the grant awarded to the choirand noted that the choir would beperforming at a concert to raise money forFiveAcreWood School’s hydrotherapy pool.Website The clerk had been developing awebsite using Hugo Fox. The domain,www.boughtonmonchelseapc.org.uk, hadbeen purchased at a cost of £10.98 plus Vatfor two years. The clerk showedmembers thenew draft website and said this was nowready to go live. Cllr Ellis recorded a vote ofthanks to the clerk for her hard work indeveloping this. Cllr Skinner proposed thatthe newwebsite be launched and this wasagreed by all members. A redirection notewould be added to the old site. It wassuggested that bus information be added tothe site.Village hall The 40th anniversary eventwould take place on July 28. The parishcouncil had been given 10 spaces at £5 perhead.

Broomfield and KingswoodCrime figures Furniture had been stolenfrom the garden of a home in ChartwayStreet; an electricity cable was stolen from asub-station in Cross Drive; a windowwassmashed on a parked car in CharlesfordAvenue and a bag was stolen. It was laterrecovered further along the road, minussome of its contents.Sports fieldA le�er had been received froma resident asking that the fence at the north ofthe field be repaired or replaced to deterentry on to her property. The clerk wouldobtain quotes for this work. It was agreed toreplace two benches which had deterioratedwith funding from the budget forimprovements for 2018/19.Parish clerk Three people had been invitedto interview for the vacancy and there werefive further expressions of interest.Applications would close on July 7.Village planters It was agreed to ask MrsLakin if she would be happy to continue withthe planting, but maintenance would becarried out by the handyman, if he wasagreeable. The budget for planting wouldremain the same as last year.

Trafficmanagement KCC had provided aplan for proposed Keep Clear markings inGravelly Bo�om Road and a consultationhad been carried out with immediateneighbours. Dropped kerbs would beinstalled at the junction of Cayser Drive andWildwood Close.Coffee caravan This project would take placeon the forecourt of the shop in CharlesfordAvenue in ThursdaysAugust 23, September20 and October 18.Summer fair It was agreed that the parishcouncil would have an information presenceat the summer fair and prize draw leafletswould be handed out for completion.Village sign The Kingswood sign had beendismantled for safety reasons and removedfrom the village hall grounds. The clerk hadobtained three quotes for renovation work. Itwas also agreed to move the sign toBroomfield Road/Duck Pond Lane/GravellyBo�om Road junction where the finger postand planters were situated.Community Centre Cllr Hoy said that oneyear on, very li�le had been achieved. It wasagreed that a parish survey should be carriedout before any further expenditure. Aquestionnaire was agreed and Cllr Darlingwould format it ready for printing. Le�erboxes would be erected in the village forresponses.Broken bins Two had been reported, inChestnut Street and outside the sports field.

Chart Su�onPolice reportOne crime had been reportedbetweenMay 14 and June 6 – shopliftingfrom the garden centre. PCSO Gardner haddealt with a neighbour nuisance quad bikeissue, which now seemed to have beenresolved.Speed signMembers considered a requestfor a 30mph sign to be painted on the roadwhere the speed changed from 40mph, nearthe pavilion. The clerk was asked to find outthe costs involved.CCTV upgradeMembers considered a quotefrom Brook Security for a new CCTV systemincluding infrared lights on the village green.Members requested a demonstration that thiswould work in the dark, and Cllr Waringagreed to arrange this.Textile bank The problems with the textilebank were discussed and it was agreed tomove it so that it was covered by CCTV. Theclerk offered to laminate signs asking peopleto put clothing in without bags, to avoidblocking the chute, and to make peopleaware that any dumping of rubbish might becaught on CCTV.Parish service scheme It was noted that thefirst instalment received (£730.80) was lessthan the expected 50%. MBCwould rectifythis and would pay the remainder of £940.20in October.

CoxheathChairman Cllr Clive Parker was re-elected aschairman and Cllr Rodney Divali was re-elected as vice-chairman.Vacancies There were still two casualvacancies on the parish council to be filled byco-option. Anyone interested should call the

Continued on page 36

Maidstone Weald July 2018 35 Maidstone East July 2018 35


� Blocked drain clearance � CCTV drain & sewer surveys� Drain & sewer cleaning � Cesspool & septic tank services� Tankering including ADR (hazchem)� Pollution & flooding solutions � Waste disposal & recycling

The largestindependentlyowned liquid

wastemanagement

company inthe UK

www.mtscleansing.co.uk

01233 [email protected]

Computer Problems???

Any IT related issues, do not hesitate to contactDean:

Mob: 07722 293187Email: info@warfordcomputers.co.uk

Facebook: Warford Computers£25 per hour

NO Fix NO FeeNo Call out Charge

Kent business owner?We can handle all your Trade Waste needs

0344 8807700

TOM HOPE offers the following services:

Most types of fencing undertakenFields rolled, harrowed and fertilised (ATV spread if wet)

Flail mowing (untidy field to a lawn)Having (whole or part job) bale wrapping, baling, round, quadrant and conventional.

Horse manure loaded and taken away.13 tonne 360 with experience operator, full range of bucket’s concrete breaker

Circular saw for overgrown hedges – other services available (anything considered).REQUIRED: Fields for haying and grazing.

FOR SALE:Oak offcut’s ideal woodburner (large loads). Half tonne apple bin’s – used once.All type and shapes of forage. Clean brick and block hardcore, also plannings.

Large quantity of farmyard manure any size load, collected or delivered.All above subject to availability.

Telephone/Fax: 01233 756673 Mobile: 07890 818783

Freephone 0800 6942024 Throughout the South EastHOMEFRESH

Carpets (Average) Normal rate Special rateSingle Room (12’ x 12’) £52 £26Through Room (12’ x 18’) £66 £33Hall, Stairs & Landing £66 £33

Upholstery3 piece suite £94 £47Leather 3 piece suite £156 £78

CurtainsFull length £84 £42Half Length £52 £26

50%Discount

No hidden extras - All prices inclusive of VAT

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING OFFER

49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AFCall us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey.

Brand New Straight Stairlifts

Reconditioned Stairlifts

Next day installation

Tel No: 01622 756128 Mobile: 07905 [email protected] 741183

01622 862035 / 07771 523799www.rssurfacing.com

WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES

•Driveways •Tar & Grit •Tarmacadam •Footpaths •Block Paving•Car Parks

Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates

Double Glazing Repairs& Locksmith Services

• Locks repaired or replaced • Doors that are difficult to close & lock• Hinges & window handles • Broken glass & misted units

• Lost key replaced & doors opened • Letterboxes• Patio doors, runners & rollers

01622 611107 / 07967 625 447Quote ‘The Downs Mail’

DeniedDeniedAccessAccess

GREG LAURENSONPAINTING & DECORATING

PROPERTY SERVICES

07870 271 [email protected]

Interior & Exterior WorkCommercial & DomesticFree QuotesReliable Quality Service

Today's Sta�lifts At Aff�dable Prices01622 75612807905-182363www.stairliftstoday.co.ukinfo@stairliftstoday.co.ukStraight New & Reconditioned Stairlifts With Free Next Day Installation, From £995 Reconditioned, Brand New From £1595Curved Stairlifts From £3500 Reconditioned,Brand New From £4200, Installed within 7-14 Days

Sales - Servicing - Repairs - Removals

• 24h Emergency call outs • Lock repairs• Lock Replacements • UPVC (multipoint locks)

• Vehicle access gained • Non-destructive entry methods

Your local Maidstone Locksmith

Contact Harry onT: 01622 910045 M: 07467 [email protected]

Find out more at www.cuttingedgelocksmith.co.uk


ParishCouncils

downsmail.co.uk

clerk on 01622 745332 or email him [email protected] The pothole at the entrance to theHamilton House car park in the villagecentre had been repaired, followingintervention with the owner of the building.Car parkMaidstone Borough Councilwould be reminded of the need to resurfacethe public car park inWesterhill Road,following further complaints.Fly-tipping Rubbish had been dumped nearthe primary school. It was reported to MBCenvironmental services who cleared it awayvery quickly.White lines KCCHighways would be askedto refresh the white lines throughout thevillage.Volunteers Leaflets would be droppedthroughout the village asking for volunteersto join the Speedwatch team and the li�erpickers organised by Cllr Gordon Down.Accounts The 2017/18 accounts had nowbeen formally approved and would besubmi�ed to the external audit process.Traveller issues Cllrs RichardWebb andGordon Down had a�ended a meetinghosted byMBC to discuss gypsy andtraveller site issues.Annual meeting This had been verysuccessful, and was a�ended by about 40residents, who saw an interestingpresentation by Dandelion Time, a charitybased inWest Farleigh.

East FarleighChairmanOne nomination was received forCllr Glyn Charlton and he was duly electedchairman. Cllr Peter Beasley was electedvice-chairman after one nomination.Rail timetable The clerk had contacted PaulColeman at Network Rail about altering thetimetable to avoid a two-train situation, buthad had no reponse as yet.Light pollution Cllr Beasley had received acomplaint about light pollution in LowerRoad – a bright blinding LED light on ahouse was on all night and was said to beconfusing the birds, causing an intrusionand preventing residents in a wide areafrom looking at the night sky. It had been upfor over a year. It was agreed to write apolite le�er to the owners suggesting a PIRsensor, rather than a photocell.Gallants Lane Cllr Porter had reportednumerous potholes in Gallants Lane to KCCHighways, following complaints fromresidents, along with other faults he hadfound there. A horse rider had alsocomplained to him about near misses withcars and some signage was suggested. Thiswould be made an agenda item at the nextmeeting.Horsewash Cllrs Beasley and Charltonreported on an issues with a tree that hadcome, and another which was in danger ofcoming down. The tenant had beeninformed that she should pay for remedyingthe situation, as stated in the lease. The pathtoward the bridge information board wascausing water to be directed on to theHorsewash and was starting to erode it inthe centre, scouring a channel. Cllr Charltonwould ask Pearsons to sort this out.Antiques fair Cllr Hussein noted thatadvertising signs for the antiques fairs in the

Old School seemed to be spreading far andwide and were not removed very promptlyafter the event. Cllr Charlton was to have aword with Gary about this.Fly-tipping Cllr Porter was concerned that ithad taken over a week to remove rubbishdumped in Forge Lane. Cllr Charltonthought this may have been because thepolice were involved.Flood pod This had been moved and wasnow inaccessible. Cllrs Beasley and Charltonwould investigate.Defibrillator This was now in place in theOld School hall, between the hall and theschool house. Cllr White would talk to hisdaughter about running some training. Itwas agreed to put the ma�er of adefibrillator in Gallants Lane on the agenda.Cllr Beasley would secure the phone box. Itwas agreed to buy another ba�ery and a kitfor preparing a patient. Cllr Wilsonsuggested installing a defibrillator in DeanStreet to cover that end of the village.Garden competition Prize vouchers fromHadlowwere now guaranteed. Cllr Kingwas happy to judge with some help – CllrDorton would help if needed.Car park There was discussion aboutpainting yellow lines at the entrance to thecar park. It was agreed to accept the quotefromAR Cooke (£750), as neither KCCHighways nor MBCwas prepared to quoteTraffic calming Following debate about theoptions proposed by KCCHighways for thebridge and for traffic calming on LowerRoad, it was agreed to have a separateprivate meeting to look at everything inmore detail. Highways had rejected the ideaof a mirror to help with sightlines at thebridge, as it would reflect the sunRecreation areas It was agreed to buy sixsigns forbidding dogs on the recreation fieldand six other signs forbidding dog mess,with a total cost of £330. The five trees whichhad been stolen had now been replaced.SpeedwatchA patrol had taken place inDean Street onApril 29. A total of 143vehicles had passed, 33 of which were goingfaster than 36mph, 19 were going faster than40mph.

LooseChairman It was agreed that Cllr VianneGibbons would continue as chairman for theforthcoming year, and that Cllr CharlieHolliste would continue as vice-chairman.Crime report There were no reports fromthe community warden or the PCSO. Theclerk reported one crime – windows weresmashed on a Nissan van in Loose Road, butnothing appeared to have been taken.Access requestA resident had asked to gainaccess to his back garden via Brooks field forlandscaping work. It was agreed to arrangea site visit and then a round robin would becompleted to make a decision on therequest.Water overflowAfter discussions withresidents about a cascade of water from aDickenson’s field into Busbridge Road, CllrAndrew looked at the area and advised thatthere was a manhole cover in the field thatcarried treated sewage from Coxheath, andthe water cascaded out when it rained. Itwas agreed to monitor the situation.Duck race The LooseAmenities Association

had sent a copy of the MBC eventnotification form to the council. It wasagreed that the clerk should contact theLAA as the document did not reflect thenumber of visitors that might a�end if theLooseWomen TV programme was at theevent. There might also be additionalvehicles and the council would like to seethe risk assessment for the event.Commi�ees The council agreed to thecommi�ees remaining as they were andthat the Fete sub commi�ee be renamed theFete working group.Pavilion kitchen Cllr Luckhurst advisedthat the kitchen fi�er had advised that hewas unable to do the work for therefurbishment of the kitchen. The councilagreed that Cllr Luckhurst would go back tothe second kitchen fi�er to see if he was stillavailable to carry out the contract. Shewould obtain a revised quote.Neighbourhood plan Informal feedbackhad been received fromMBC and apartfrom one recommendation on designatedgreen space, all of the recommendations hadbeen added to the submission. Thedocument was sent to Feria for amendment.It was agreed that once the amendeddocument had been checked by the steeringgroup the final submission would be agreedby round robin.SMART South MaidstoneAction for Roadsand Transport had met in May and concernswere raised about the lack of progress withtheA229, as no improvements wereexpected for the next two years, eventhough money had been set aside for theworks.GDPR Following an amendment to theData ProtectionAct, parish councils werenow exempt from the need to appointed adata protection officer. The council agreednot to employ a DPO and the clerk wouldmonitor the situation. The clerk advised thatpolicies and notices were being revised andin some cases, wri�en. Once ready, theywould be brought to the council.Magazine There were concerns about the Inand around Loose magazine not beingdelivered to some residents until May 19,which meant some of the information wasout of date. The clerk would contact themagazine to seek clarification of the normalexpected delivery date.

MardenChairman elected Cllr Brown proposedand Cllr Mannington seconded that CllrTippen be elected as chairman. All were inagreement. Cllr Adam was elected as vice-chairman.No 28 bus There was confirmation that theroute would change, via Plain Road, fromSeptember 2018. The clerk was asked tothank Norman Kemp of Nu-Venture.Police update Cllr Turner a�ended thepolice forum and reported that there was anew Detective Chief Inspector for ruralareas. A recruitment drive had taken placewith additional funding for PCSOs.Flooding update The company which hadbeen working with the EnvironmentAgency on the flood resilience programmehad gone into liquidation. However, theEA hoped that the work would still becompleted.

Continued from page 34


THREE ducks and their eggs were stolenfrom an enclosure in the rear of the gardenof a residential property in Captains Close,SuttonValence. There is no sign of a predatorhaving taken them.Awhite and sand coloured pygmy goatwas

taken from a field in Chantry Road,Marden.Three other goatswere left unharmed.Wastewood, pallets, timber and ply-boards

were damaged at a yard inOld Tree Lane,BoughtonMonchelsea.Windows at a house in Bryant Close,

Nettlestead, were brokenwhen brickswerethrown at them.Four vehicles were broken into on the same

night inYalding. Various power tools werestolen from one VWTransporter inMedwayAvenue, while a list of stolen property fromanother in the same street is still awaited.Tools were stolen from a Subaru Foresterestate car, also in MedwayAvenue, and it

also had its tyres slashed. AMercedes Vitoparked in Lyngs Close also had tools stolen.On the same night, a screen for a rear viewcamera was also stolen from a PeugeotPartner van in St Margarets Villas, CollierStreet.A motorboat was taken without consent

fromHampstead Lane,Yalding.An allotment in Vicarage Lane, East

Farleigh, was burgled.A petrol can, a gasbottle, a wall clock, camping equipment, alawnmower and a strimmer were all stolen.On the same night, two sheds were alsobroken into, with a petrol strimmer stolenfrom one.

A games console, watch and iPad werestolen when a house in Chantry Road,Marden, was broken into.A Honda lawnmower and a petrol

engine bush cutter/trimmer were stolenfrom a shed at a house in Knowle Hill,Ulcombe.A 56-plate VW Touran was stolen from

Hampstead Lane,Nettlestead. Cards andcash were also in the vehicle.Three motorcross bikes and a 50cc quad

bike were stolen from a garden shed inCranbrook Road, Staplehurst.The ignition barrel of a Ford Transit

parked in Yalding Hill, Yalding, was taken.

Crimereports

NeighbourhoodWatchWorking to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police

ParishCouncils

downsmail.co.uk

GDPRA meeting was requested byGDPR-Info to instruct councillors onGDPR and a date would be set shortly. Abulletin had been received from NALC tosay that government had agreed thatparish councils would not require a dataprotection officer. As the parish councilhad already instructed GDPR-Info, thiswould be reviewed at the budget meetingfor the next financial year.Purchase of beacon Two quotes had beenreceived. The clerk would speak to EpicEngineering to ensure that the details werecorrect and if so, the quote would beaccepted. Cllr Boswell would inform theclerk of the dimensions of the post, toensure that the bracket was the correctsize.Amenities commi�ee The clerk hadcirculated an email regarding the cost of asecond petrol mower and councillorsagreed to accept the quote from Rams Hill.The youth shelter was due to be installed.Memorial hall The chairman briefed themeeting that urgent work was needed onthe drainage at the hall as several drainshad been blocked and some had collapsed,and needed to be lined. The cost was in theregion of £14,000, which the hall wouldstruggle to cover. As there was moneyremaining from the public works loanwhich had been ring-fenced for the hall, itwas agreed to make a grant which wouldcover the drainage works.Zebra crossing The details of therefurbishment plans had been circulated.The chairman was asked to ask at theHighways meeting whether yellow zig-zags could be placed either side of theroad.Public transport Chris Vinson of SouthEastern had responded to the parishcouncil’s le�er about station closure. It wasfelt that the response bore no relation toMarden station as trains were going alongthe line and no reference was made tobeing treated equally to Headcorn Station.Cllr Adam would draft a le�er.

Ne�lesteadStreet lighting Cllr Walter reported that thelight outside No 1 Bryant Close was still notworking. The clerk would report this to the

contractor.GDPR Cllr Meredith said that anypaperwork which they held with resident’sdetails should either be redacted ordestroyed.Crime report Cllr Salter said her propertyhad been broken into and this had beenreported to the police. PCSOMorris said thenew development in Hampstead Lane hadbeen broken into.Fashion show The date of the event at thevillage hall was to be confirmed.KGV Field Cllr Van Hensbergen reportedthat the field and the surrounding area hadnot been cut. The clerk was to speak withthe contractor. The goal net was damagedand had been removed. The D ring on thegoal also needed to be repaired or replaced.Cllr Walter was to look into this.Highways Cllr Meredith circulated a draftle�er to be sent to MBC regarding bollardsin Bryant Close, and asked members for anyamendments. Electric fencing had beeninstalled next to footpath KM178 and KM177 without any warning notices, and theclerk was asked to report this to the PROWteam. The clerk had reported theoverhanging tree on the zebra crossing tothe le�ing agents and was hoping that itwould be cut.Noticeboard The clerk was asked if the oldnoticeboard in Ne�lestead Green could beremoved. Cllr Thomas would look at this.

StaplehurstDuckhurst Farm The clerk reported on theparish office’s mediation between residentsand East Kent Schoolboy Scramble Club inrespect of motocross meetings at DuckhurstFarm. The club wanted to reschedule one ofits four days of races, which would meanracing on consecutive days. The advice fromMBCwas noted, that it found the newschedule satisfactory.Older People’s ChampionMBCwasseeking support for a new initiative toappoint older people’s champions. It wasagreed to find out more details of the roleand to ask the community warden whethershe was interested.FeteA rota had been drawn up to cover theparish council’s stall and invited councillorsto sign up.

Fireworks event It was agreed to consent touse of the Jubilee Field for an event aroundthe date of November 5 in 2018, 2019, and2020, with the council to be withappropriate risk assessment, insurancecover and conduct of each year’s event.Staplehurst in Bloom The assessor was tovisit on June 28. Councillor Kelly said hewould seek to a�end the visit. The clerk saidthe visit and assessment was a dry run toprovide feedback to inform an entry into thecompetition next year.CCTV The software and related training foruse with CCTV cameras had been delivered,a site meeting had been held with RedrowHomes and another one had been arranged.The ParadeWorks to repair paving andremove trees were programmed – plantingwould be in October/November.

UlcombeSpeed limit Cllr Kenward said thatfollowing discussions with Kent Highwaysabout a 20mph zone outside the school, aquote had been received for £7,000 toimplement the scheme.Oak trees Cllr Kenward said the oak trees atJubilee Corner were being considered for aTPO and a specialist was looking into thehealth of the trees and seeking equipmentthat could aerate the soil to help maintainroot growth.GDPR It was resolved to update thecomputer system to meet the newregulations and to create dedicated emailaddresses for councillors. Satswana wouldbe appointed as data protection officer forone year only.Playing fieldAn email had been receivedfrom amember of the PTFA regarding useof the playing field in July as part of theiryear 6 leaving party. It was agreed that thisshould be permi�ed but they must becovered by their own public liabilityinsurance.Recreation areaOne bollard still requiredreplacement and two “No quad bike ormotorbikes” signs needed to be backed onto a hard wooden surface and then erected.It was resolved not to buy a single swing,but to wait until a grant could be obtainedfor a larger scale project.

38 Maidstone June 2018

So To Ensure Your Gutters Are Flowing Blockage Free

All Repairs Undertaken.....

Broken Brackets Leaking Gutter JointsDown Pipes

Call Our Team For A Free & Friendly Quote

Property MaintenanceJ.L.B

[email protected]

Prices Start FromAs Little As

£20

New Tiled RoofsGeneral Roofing RepairsMoss RemovalUPVC Fascias, Soffits

& GutteringFelt Flat RoofingBEFORE AFTER

Annual Gutter Cleaning ServiceGutters & Fascia Cleaned To A High Standard Inside & Out

Quality Roofing atAffordable Prices

T.01622 439647 M.07854 529434

Book OnlineOrder your skip via secure

24hr online book facility

Many more services availableSee website for details

SKIP HIRECommercial & Domestic

Recycling Serviceswww.gboxkent.com01233 660 099

Skip HireRoll On/OffsRoad Permits ArrangedWaste Recycling Facility

4 yard skip £192 inc vat6 yard skip £228 inc vat8 yard skip £264 inc vat12 yard skip £360 inc vat

Maidstone June 2018 39 Maidstone East July 2018 39

Building Services

Building Plans

Carpenters

Reach up to 80,000 households every month01622 630 330Appliance Repairs

38 Maidstone Weald October 2017

Bathrooms

PAUL BESTBrickwork

� Extensions� General Builder� 25 years Experience

01622 89196007748 630747

Appliance Repairs

ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCEREPAIR SERVICE

with fully qualified engineerAll makes of washing machines,

fridges, freezers, vacuum cleaners,t/dryers, dishwashers, elec ovens.

� All work guaranteed� Free estimates and call out

01622 673113Anytime: 07831 557677

Find your local

trades people

Businesses & Services

on the Downs Mail

directory

downsmail.co.uk

The complete BathroomMaintenance Company

NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES

Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Supply • Install • RepairFloor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services

Building Plans

A.H.B.SCarpentry

All aspects of CARPENTRYDoors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and

fitted, Loft Conversions, Doors hung,Locks fitted, Skirting, small alterations,

Plastering and TilingAll work guaranteed.

FREE ESTIMATESFamily business established 21 years

01622 743648Mob: 07711 291921

31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone

Specialists in • Extensions • Refurbishments

• Plastering (All aspects) • Electrics • Modernisations

• Kitchen & Bathroom Installations• Driveways, Patios & Repointing

• Fencing & Blockpaving

FULLY INSURED

Tel: Mark 07841 409061e: [email protected]

www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk

MD Building & Services

Carpenters

Builders

Wood WorksFULL CARPENTRY

SERVICE FROM DECKING TO DOORS,KITCHENS & FLOORS.

ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL.MAKING THE BEST OF WOODIN AND AROUND THE HOME

CALL Cliff on07940 854927

Chimney Maintenance

Chimney sweeping service • Long established • ICS registered All types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted

Complete re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs01622 739439 07860 318166 [email protected]

H & G Chimney Services

Clean SweepBrush & vacuumWood burners and flues supplied and fittedAll work insuredAll work certified to cover insurancePest control availableCamera inspections availableWeddings attendedMember of the ICSHETAS approvedContact Kevin Bovis01622 844385 07885 [email protected]

Classifieds downsmail.co.uk

Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk

Contact our sales team…

Natasha BastoneTelesales ManagerE: natasha@

downsmail.co.uk

T. 01622 630330 ext. 224

Teresa JefferyClassified Sales ExecutiveE: teresa@

downsmail.co.uk

T. 01622 630330 ext. 227

Rebecca AbbottClassified Sales ExecutiveE: [email protected]

T. 01622 630330 ext. 234

Bathroom Installers


Bathrooms

PAUL BESTBrickwork


01622 89196007748 630747

Appliance Repairs





01622 673113Anytime: 07831 557677

Find your local

trades people


on the Downs Mail

directory

downsmail.co.uk



Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266

ALL WORK GUARANTEED


Building Plans

A.H.B.SCarpentry





01622 743648Mob: 07711 291921






FULLY INSURED




Carpenters

Builders





Chimney Maintenance









downsmail.co.uk

T. 01622 630330 ext. 224


downsmail.co.uk

T. 01622 630330 ext. 227


T. 01622 630330 ext. 234

Contact Mark for a Free No Obligation Quote on: 07841 409061

MD BUILDING & SERVICES

Electrics, Extensions, Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting, Plastering, Plumbing,

Decking Systems, Fencing, Patios & Paving, Brickwork

Looking to extend or improve your home, we can help. From driveways to

extentions, plastering to lighting, MD Building Services can supply all aspects of

building works you require.



Bathrooms

PAUL BESTBrickwork


01622 89196007748 630747

Appliance Repairs





01622 673113Anytime: 07831 557677

Find your local

trades people


on the Downs Mail

directory

downsmail.co.uk



Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266

ALL WORK GUARANTEED


Building Plans

A.H.B.SCarpentry





01622 743648Mob: 07711 291921






FULLY INSURED




Carpenters

Builders





Chimney Maintenance









downsmail.co.uk

T. 01622 630330 ext. 224


downsmail.co.uk

T. 01622 630330 ext. 227


T. 01622 630330 ext. 234

Chimney Maintenance Cleaning Services

Electricians


Classified downsmail.co.uk

40 Maidstone East July 2018

• Lopping, Topping• Crowns Trimming• Pruning, Felling

• Stump Grinding• Shaping, Hedging• Rubbish clearance

• Fencing, Slabbing• Stone Work, Turfing• Shingle, Brick Work

• Paving, Tarmac• Power washing

Free Estimates | Fully Insured | 0800 955 3171 | 07707 519671

LANDSCAPINGTREES

Local Family BusinessHarris Services Fencing services

Garden Services

Garden Services continued

Painting & Decorating

&SalesServices

64 Mid Kent Living

MAIDSTONE AUTOCENTRE LTDKents Leading Mazda MX-5 Stockists

View our full range of stock online www.maidstoneautocentre.co.uk

Maidstone Autocentre Ltd • 20 Bow Road • Wateringbury • Maidstone • Kent • ME18 5DD Tel: 01622 812234

OVER 40 2 & 4 SEATER CONVERTIBLES IN STOCK

CARPET &UPHOLSTERYCLEANINGOFFER

Freephone 0800 6942024 Throughout the South East

50%Discount

HOMEFRESHCarpets (Average) Normal rate Special rateSingle Room (12’ x 12’) £42 £21Through Room (12’ x 18’) £56 £28Hall, Stairs & Landing £56 £28

Upholstery3 piece suite £84 £42Leather 3 piece suite £146 £73

CurtainsFull length £74 £37Half Length £42 £21

No hidden extras - Allprices inclusive of VAT

EPICLANDSCAPES

• Fencing • Treework • Turfing • Decking• Levelling Ground • Patios • Jet Washing Service • Astroturf • Water Features

• Clearance • Driveways

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

For a free site survey call:

01622 527106 07788 532926

01634 786129 07540 224938

Free QuotationSite Survey

6pmonwards

24hour

www.garagedoorspecialistskent.co.uk [email protected]

• Kent based business and specialize in theInstallation, supply and repair of garage doorsacross the South East of England.

• Years of experience in the garage door industryand we are proud to have received many glowingcustomer recommendations for us.

• At GDS we offer a range of designs, colours andaccessories to personalise your garage door.

• Not only do we supply and install garage doors,we can also repair any door from anymanufacturer to a top standard.

GDS Garage DoorSpecialists

Dr. TilesTiling & Building Maintenance

Call Danny on 07450 876363 or email: [email protected]

07804927680

FREENO OBLIGATION

QUOTE

•Plastering•Painting & Decorating•Laminate Flooring•Home Improvements•Tiling

•Friendly, reliable, clean & tidy worker.

•City & Guilds qualified

•Fully insured

Mobile: 07701024078Home: 01622 730960E: [email protected]

Plumbing & TilingBathroom Installation& refurbishment,

DAVID COX

� FREE ESTIMATES �

Fence me in & alot moreAll types of Fencing & Gates Installed & Repairs

All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving.

Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Hedge Cutting etc.

Call Colin on 07521 377306 or 01622 853978


The largestindependently owned

liquid wastemanagement

company in the UK


01233 [email protected] Fa

st

Delivery

01622 843511 01233 623721

� Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 & 12 Yard Bins

� Covering Maidstone & The Weald

� EA Registered � Fast & Prompt Service

� Commercial & Domestic

Sunnybridge Farm, Watery Lane, West Well, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JJ

Prompt

Collection

D.T SKIP HIRE

D.T SKIP HIRE

Prices from £110+VATOver 20 Years Experience

I B PlasteringFree No Obligation QuoteReliable Service, No Job To Small, Fully Insured

Call Ian on:Mob 07752175135 Tel:01622 843530Email: [email protected]

LANDSCAPING KENT

Drives, paths, patios, fencing, decking, artificial lawns and turfing.

We specialise in natural stone products. All aspects of tree work undertaken.

E: [email protected]

www.signaturelandscapingkent.co.uk

01622 962106

07858 168518

Electricians continued

B.G Electrical Contractorsest. 1997

Domestic-Commercial-Industrial

Any Electrical work undertaken

To See Our Full Range visit

bgelectrical-maidstone.co.uk

All Work Guaranteed,

Free Advice & Quotations

NICEIC Part P registered

Based in Bearsted

01622 737750

07768 957 456

CALL MALCOLM ON 01634 308067Mob: 07788 142576FOR A FREE QUOTATION

Over 25 years’ experience ofmaintaining people’s homes. A friendly, reliable service.

Painting & decorating, Wall Papering, Tiling

and all aspects of DIY.

MALCOLM ROBERTS


downsmail.co.uk Classified

Cleaning Services

Using van mounted cleaning tanks,your oven hob and extractor is

cleaned to showroom shine withoutsmell, mess or fuss. 1000's of

delighted local customers.

"WE CLEANOVENS!"

Please call James on 01622 616168

Oven cleaning from just £49

www.ovenwizards.com

Electricians

ELECTRICIANATLANTIC ELECTRICAL

Call Steve 01622 747257Mobile 07985 474176Uplands, Halstow Cl, Maidstone ME15 9XA

For all your electrical needs Fuseboards, Re-wires, Certificates

NICEIC Part P registered Free Estimates, Friendly Service Fully insured, 25yrs Experience

All aspects ofdomestic electricalwork undertakenby a trusted andqualifiedelectrician with 20years experience.

• Part Pcertificationprovided

• All work NICapproved andcertified

J Norris Electrical Contractor

- Free no obligation quotes- No job too large or small Tel: 07966 511408Tel: 01634 920598E-mail: [email protected]

Fencing

No1 Locally Since 1996

www.wrightsfencing.co.uk

Fence me in & alot moreAll types of Fencing & Gates

Installed & RepairsAll Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes,

Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving.Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing,

Hedge Cutting etc.Call Colin on 07521

377306 or 01622 853978

01622 232860 07931 368710www.iwallondfencingcontractors.co.uk

ALL TYPES –REPAIR/RENEWEst. 25 YEARS

FREE ESTIMATES

Garden Services

ARBOURTREE SURGERY‘Trust your local experts’All Aspects of Tree Work

Felling • PruningHedge Cutting

Stump GrindingFully Insured and Qualified

Free No Obligation Written Quotation

01622 759119 07771 970570www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk

FAIRVIEW FARMTREE MAINTENANCE & GARDEN SERVICES

for a helping hand with:- TREE SURGERY:

CROWN REDUCTION, FELLING,PRUNING, HEDGE & SHRUB -

TRIMMING, CLEARANCESEASONED LOGS SUPPLIED,

MOWING (lawns)FULLY INSUREDFor a friendly &

professional service & advice Please call:- 01622 743428

Mob:- 07817 517 733

(City & GuildsNPTC qualified)

Hedge cutting

Traditional Hedge laying

Fencing

Landscaping

DAVID WYNN

Free estimates & advice - Fully insured

Tel: 01622 892244 Mobile: 07732 768331

Tree & Garden ServicesGREEN MAN

IRELANDLANDSCAPES

All Types of Hard & Soft LandscapesNatural & Concrete Paving & Patios

Block Paving, Fencing, Concrete BasesTurfing, Groundwork, Jungles Cleared.

Call Paul on 01622 844605 or 07767 683747

or email:[email protected]

for free estimate

Est. in1993

� Tree Surgery

� StumpGrinding

� HedgeCutting

� Pruning � Fencing� Free Bark

MulshE:[email protected] checked, Checkatrade approved

TREE CARE

Contact Tom

T: 01622 206431M: 07812 921748

FREE 24 hour call & emergencywork carried out straight away

EPICLANDSCAPES

• Fencing • Treework • Turfing • Decking• Levelling Ground • Patios • Jet Washing Service • Astroturf • Water Features

• Clearance • Driveways

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

For a free site survey call:

01622 527106 07788 532926

LANDSCAPING - Drives, Patios, Pathways, Brick/Stone Walls, Block/Stone Paving,Tarmac, Decking, Fencing, Turfing, Ponds, Water Features, Garden Clearance,

Sheds/Summer & Play House Bases, Tree Surgery etcBUILDING WORKS - Extensions, Porches, Conservatories, Garages, Groundworks,

Roofing, PVC Windows, Doors, Soffits, Fascias, Floor/Wall Tiling, Decorating etc

20%discount*

on production of this advert* not to be used in conjunction with any other

offers

FULLY INSURED/WORK GUARANTEED, VERY PROFESSIONAL/FRIENDLY SERVICETop Quality Materials/Workmanship from design to completion - FREE ESTIMATES

Tel: 01622 851222 Mob: 07786 07 01 07E: [email protected]

www.maidstonelandscapes.comLOOK: Please check our reviews and other companies you may use at www.uktc.org

Established 1990 Director: M Potter

Locksmith

3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk

� 24 hour service � locks opened � new locks fitted � security checks � emergency work undertaken � UPVC door & window repairs

Maidstone & KentT: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751

Logs

– LOGS –Four-year seasoned apple logs

£100 load – £125 loadAny moisture test welcome on delivery.

Also other hardwoods available

FREE DELIVERY – FREE STACKING SERVICE

Call Maidstone office: 01622 813750

or Mobile: 07854 615687

Call our sales team now -

01622 630 330� �

Maidstone & Malling’s

No. 1 newspaper

Complete tree services

01622 208426www.qualitree-services.co.uk

Call Today for Your Free Quotation

VV

TyyrT

Qualitree Services

Maidstone June 2018 41


Maidstone East July 2018 41

Book OnlineOrder your skip via secure

24hr online book facility

4 Yard Skip £192 inc Vat6 Yard Skip £228 inc Vat8 Yard Skip £264 inc Vat12 Yard Skip £360 inc Vat

Many more services available. See website for details

SKIP HIREwww.gboxkent.com01233 660 099

Commercial & DomesticRecycling Services

Skip HireRoll On/OffsRoad Permits ArrangedWaste Recycling Facility

TrailersProperty Maintenance

Skip Hire

&SalesServices

62 Mid Kent Living

ACE M.O.T. and Clutch CentreVehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T.

Te l : 0 1 7 3 2 8 7 0 3 6 8736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG

• Cam belt kits supplied & fitted • Broken belt damaged repaired • All makes, petrol & diesel

Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 (M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00)

Telephone 01622 762482 01233 63650001795 436178

2 Sutton Road Maidstone Kent ME15 9AH68 Kent Avenue Ashford Kent TN24 8NQ

Howt Green Bobbing Sittingbourne Kent ME9 8QP

NAMM, BRAMM & NAMLC Registered

Monumental StonemasonsEst. 1973

New Memorials Tablets, Plaques & Vases Cleaning, Renovation & Restoration

Safety InspectionsMemorial Insurance Arranged

Free Brochures

Double Glazing Repairs& Locksmith Services

• Locks repaired or replaced • Doors that are difficult to close & lock• Hinges & window handles • Broken glass & misted units • Letterboxes

• Lost key replaced & doors opened • Patio doors, runners & rollers

01622 611107 / 07967 625 447

Quote ‘Mid Kent Living’

DeniedDeniedAccessAccess

[email protected]

www.assuredphs.co.uk

01622 961989 / 07830508369

BOILER REPAIRS

BOILER INSTALLATIONS

LANDLORDS GAS SAFETY CERTS

SERVICING

PLUMBING

SYSTEM FLUSHING

HEATING UPGRADES

*FREE QUOTATIONS*

Helping companies succeed in the digital worldVIDEO | WEB DESIGN | DIRECT MAIL | PRINT | EVENTS

Contact us today for a quote on your next project

[email protected] 404255

herberthawkes.com

HERBERT HAWKESFull service digital agency

property maintenance services

dunn & cole

0795790363801622 891812

Flat Roof Specialists | Felt & Single PlyFibre glass and Liquid Roofs

South East London & Kent areas

Rathbone Decorating Services

• Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services• Domestic and Commercial • Qualified TradesmanTel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796

Painting & Decorating Interior & Exterior Works Undertaken

No job too smallwith special rates

for pensioners

� 24 hour service � locks opened � new locks fitted � security checks

� emergency work undertaken� UPVC door & window repairs

T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 6587513 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT Maidstone & Kent

www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk

Your Maidstone Locksmith

Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair Indespension Agent

Livestock, Plant, Recovery, Van, General Purpose Trailers in stock, New & Used

Detling01622 730063 [email protected] 07860 318166

Gavin Francis

199173 Your local plumber

07860 17495901622 721779Forge Lane, East Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH

E:[email protected]

Central Heating Installations ex British Gas

NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES

• Combi Boilers Fitted £1600• Up to 7 Year Warranty• All Heating Problems Fixed• Bath & Shower Installations• No Call Out Charge • Free Quotes

Painting & Decorating continued

Plastering Plumbing & Heating

Roofing ServicesRemovals

A.P.S LtdRoofing & Chimney Services

• New roofs & repairs

• Slating/Tiling/Lead work

• Chimney rebuild/repairs

• Pointing

• Guttering Services

Free estimates & all works guaranteed

07944 367320/01622 729600Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh

[email protected]

COMPLETE

Fast & Friendly Service, Fully Insured

Mick RemovalsNo Job too BIG or too small

Office ClearanceHouse ClearanceRubbish ClearanceRemovals

For more details and a Free Quotation Call Mick Or Tracy

07770527824


Bathrooms

PAUL BESTBrickwork


01622 89196007748 630747

Appliance Repairs





01622 673113Anytime: 07831 557677

Find your local

trades people


on the Downs Mail

directory

downsmail.co.uk



Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266

ALL WORK GUARANTEED


Building Plans

A.H.B.SCarpentry





01622 743648Mob: 07711 291921






FULLY INSURED




Carpenters

Builders





Chimney Maintenance









downsmail.co.uk

T. 01622 630330 ext. 224


downsmail.co.uk

T. 01622 630330 ext. 227


T. 01622 630330 ext. 234






Health & Beauty

Upholstery and Furnishings

Water Services

Waste Services

BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS• 3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired

• 3 piece suites individually made to order• 100’s of fabrics to choose from • DIY supplies

• Collection & delivery • Antique restoration

(01622) [email protected]

Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone


The largest independently ownedliquid waste management

company in the UK



D. BODY LTD

01622 631688

Waste Collection

24Hr - 7 Days A WeekPrompt & Friendly Service

Domestic & Commercial ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS

� Cesspool Emptying � Septic Tanks� Drain Clearing � Sludge Removal� Treatment Plants� Gulleys & Forecourts� High Pressure Jetting

AAA D.BODY www.dbody.co.uk The Paddock, Detiling Hill, Maidstone, Kent

Web Design

Window Services

01622 880840

• Google Marketing / Search Engine Promotion • Web Site Design • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting

• Email • Web Site Maintenance

EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS

• Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning• Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service

MB WINDOW CLEANING

01622 863502 07950 211 507www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected]

GREAT SAVINGS ON WINDOWS,DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

www.collins-windows.com

FOOTCAREFully qualified andHCPC registered

Podiatrist/Chiropodistproviding home visits

for clients

0800 246 5363

MOBILEHAIRDRESSER

30 yearsExperience07961 746749

Followus on

Recruitment

Beauty treatments in the comfort of your homeGelish Manicure £20 • Waxing from £5 Eyelash Extensions £50

• Bespoke Neal's Yard Remedies Facials £35 Beautiful bride package £65

Gelish manicure |Gelish pedicure | Set of individual eyelash extensions OR Bespoke Neals Yard Remedies facial

To book an appointment contact Lauren on: 07552237100

La Lueur BeautyGet the glow you deserve

Waste Services

Water Services

Window Services

D. BODY LTD

01622 631688

Waste Collection

24Hr - 7 Days A Week Prompt & Friendly Service


Cesspool Emptying Septic TanksDrain Clearing Sludge Removal

Treatment PlantsGulleys & ForecourtsHigh Pressure Jetting


Health& Beauty

Pet Services

Poplars Care Centre Maidstone Require a Clinical Support Worker.

NVQ/Diploma 3 or equivalent44 hours per week on a rota basis to include some weekends and

bank holidays.If interested please contact Philippa on 01622 752872 or

via email [email protected] date: 13th July 2018

A enhanced disclosure will be applied for

Maidstone June 2018 43





Health & Beauty

Upholstery and Furnishings

Water Services

Waste Services

BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS• 3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired

• 3 piece suites individually made to order• 100’s of fabrics to choose from • DIY supplies

• Collection & delivery • Antique restoration

(01622) [email protected]

Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone


The largest independently ownedliquid waste management

company in the UK



D. BODY LTD

01622 631688

Waste Collection

24Hr - 7 Days A WeekPrompt & Friendly Service


� Cesspool Emptying � Septic Tanks� Drain Clearing � Sludge Removal� Treatment Plants� Gulleys & Forecourts� High Pressure Jetting


Web Design

Window Services

01622 880840

• Google Marketing / Search Engine Promotion • Web Site Design • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting

• Email • Web Site Maintenance

EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS

• Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning• Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service

MB WINDOW CLEANING

01622 863502 07950 211 507www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected]

GREAT SAVINGS ON WINDOWS,DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

www.collins-windows.com

FOOTCAREFully qualified andHCPC registered

Podiatrist/Chiropodistproviding home visits

for clients

0800 246 5363

MOBILEHAIRDRESSER

30 yearsExperience07961 746749

Followus on

Recruitment

Beauty treatments in the comfort of your homeGelish Manicure £20 • Waxing from £5 Eyelash Extensions £50

• Bespoke Neal's Yard Remedies Facials £35 Beautiful bride package £65

Gelish manicure |Gelish pedicure | Set of individual eyelash extensions OR Bespoke Neals Yard Remedies facial

To book an appointment contact Lauren on: 07552237100

La Lueur BeautyGet the glow you deserve

Waste Services

Water Services

Window Services

D. BODY LTD

01622 631688

Waste Collection

24Hr - 7 Days A Week Prompt & Friendly Service


Cesspool Emptying Septic TanksDrain Clearing Sludge Removal

Treatment PlantsGulleys & ForecourtsHigh Pressure Jetting


Health& Beauty

Pet Services

Poplars Care Centre Maidstone Require a Clinical Support Worker.

NVQ/Diploma 3 or equivalent44 hours per week on a rota basis to include some weekends and

bank holidays.If interested please contact Philippa on 01622 752872 or

via email [email protected] date: 13th July 2018

A enhanced disclosure will be applied for


Maidstone East July 2018 43

Recruitment

Public NoticeCompany Vehicle Drivers

Part Time Saturdays

& Sunday Day Times

Other shifts may be available.

Full Time 8 Seater

Mini Bus Drivers

Day & Nights Available

Full Time Car Drivers

5-6 evenings per week

Full Time Overnight Controller

All Company Drivers

get 43% of takings

with no expenses to pay,

fuel cards provided.

Owner Drivers

Any shifts available,

circuit fee paid at 20%

of total takings up to

a max of £200 a week.

or pop into our town centre office for a friendly chat.

27 Pudding Lane, Maidstone, ME14 1NY

Are you fed up working

for your current Company

and fancy a change?

We are recruiting Maidstone

Council & Tonbridge & Malling

Council Licensed Drivers.

Full & Part Time.

Call 01622 663000

Gallagher Aggregates Ltd is recruiting for a CNC Programmer/Operator to join its expanding stonemasonry workshop in Maidstone.

The CNC Programmer will be responsible for programming, setting and operating our CNC secondary bridge saw. Experience of working as a

CNC Programmer is essential, preferably in the stone or timber industries.

This is fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated and capable individual to become a key member of our expanding business.

To apply, please send your CV to [email protected]

www.gallagher-group.co.uk

CNC Programmer

Licensing Act 2003Notice of application for a Premises Licence

Notice is hereby given that Natalie China has applied to Maidstone Borough Council on the 2nd July 2018 for the grant of a premises licence to use the premises of land adjacent to Hucking Hill House, Broad Street Hill, Hucking, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1QX in respect of the provision of regulated entertainment, for the sale by retail of alcohol and for the provision of live and recorded music. Namely Monday – Sunday, 8am – 11pm from the months of April – September and in the month of December.Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing of his/her representation by the 29th July 2018 the grounds for making said representation to: Maidstone Borough Council Licensing Office, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6JQ. The Register of Record of Application can be viewed by members of the public during office hours at Maidstone Borough Council Licensing Office, or accessed online by visiting http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing/ Representation shall be made in writing. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application for a premises licence. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5,000.

summer checks.

On the Road

44 Maidstone June 201844 Maidstone East July 2018

On the Road

We can work at:

Your home

Your offi ce

Our workshop

We specialise in:

Scuffs

Scratches

Dents

Machine polishing

Insurance work

Lease returns

And more

SOLUTIONSAutospray

SOLUTIONSAutospray

38 Malling October 2017

• 6 day operation • Around 1/4 of body shop price• Reliable, professional and flexible

Before Before

After After

MOBILE BODY REPAIRSMOBILE BODY REPAIRS

FREEESTIMATES

• BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB • VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING

• FULLY GUARANTEED TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED

Call: 07771 621 [email protected] www.touchupsltd.co.uk

Proudsponsors of

BearstedCricket Club

MAIDSTONE AUTOCENTRE LTD

20 Bow Road • Wateringbury • Maidstone • Kent • ME18 5DD

KENT’S LEADING CONVERTIBLE STOCKIST

Tel: 01622 812234 • Mobile 07774 612199

SALES • FINANCE • SERVICEwww.maidstoneautocentre.co.uk

TOP PRICES PAID FOR LOW MILEAGE CARSRing now for the best offer 07774 612199

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

MON-SAT8.30-17.00

SUN10.00-15.00

• Cam belt kits supplied & fitted• Broken belt damaged repaired

• All makes, petrol & diesel

ACEM.O.T. and Clutch Centre

Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T.

Te l : 0 1 7 3 2 8 7 0 3 6 8736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG

Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00

On the RoadSILVERBACK RECOVERY

01622 813733 07740 123495

Car recovery and transportationLight commercialCars for scrap removedCompetitive ratesCALL ROGER ON:

Maidstone June 2018 45 Maidstone East July 2018 45

A-C L ASS

WE NEED

YOU!Once qualified, an A-CLASS Driving School franchise is guaranteed

www.a-class.co.uk [email protected] 01622 919122Follow us on Twitter and Facebookor text lessons plus your name to 080010Aclass Som @Aclass1794

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS NEEDED

Driving Lessons In Maidstone, Kent

If you’re looking for an excellent driving instructor, choose BILL MAJOR - DRIVER TRAINER MENTOR. He has the experience, skills and in-depth knowledge to create fantastic drivers and you could be next.

Proudly serving customers within 10 miles of Maidstone including Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham

[email protected]

01622 279849 07954 559445

www.billmajordrivingtraining.co.uk

Trainer and mentor to learner and qualified drivers in varying stages of their driving progression.

01580 291088www.johnpagetrai lers.co.uk

Open: 8.30-6pm Monday to Saturday, Closed Sunday.John Page Trailers Ltd. Tenterden Road, Biddenden, Kent, TN27 8BH

1.98m x 1.21mP6E 750kg gross weight

Complies with Ashford KCC tip regulations

Kent’s official distributor for Ifor Williams Trailers

“We carry

your load”

SERVING KENT SINCE 1982

Inc VAT, Spare Wheel & Number Plate£850

Only


KCC behind link road delayCOUNCILLOR Gary Cookedemonstrates why politicians aregenerally held in low esteem by thepublic.

Despite his enthusiasm and activeinvolvement in moving the southern reliefroad forward, he has to resort to politicalpoint scoring. He blames the LiberalDemocrat-controlled Maidstone BoroughCouncil (MBC) for the delay in releasingfunds for the £200,000 funding forexploratory works.

He is muddying the water and divertinga�ention away from Kent County Council,who are the real culprits in the delay toproviding the southern relief road.

I support no particular political party,but take an interest in ma�ers thatpoliticians have control over.

Sadly, the last 40 to 50 years have shownme that politicians are a major part of theproblem.

The Wrens Cross and Lower StoneStreet area of south Maidstone sufferedblight for many years because KCC wasconsidering major road improvements toalleviate the towns traffic problems.Eventually, KCC decided to do nothing tothe south, but the area still suffers ongoingblight because of their procrastination.

A Leeds/Langley bypass was beingproposed by many in the 1980s, but KCC

again procrastinated, with councillorschoosing to sit on their hands instead oflooking to the future. The latest KCCReport (17/00138) into the Southern ReliefRoad does not say that the £200,000 iscontrolled by MBC. On the contrary, at 6.1it infers that KCC has control of it. TheMay edition of Downs Mail notes thatonly a small part of the £200,000 is tocome from MBC.

Perhaps Gary Cooke and the otherMaidstone Tory Kent County Councillorswho gave themselves a 15% “pay” riseimmediately after being elected, despitenot telling voters before the elections theywould do that, could find a bit of moralintegrity, forgo the increase and put it intothe relief road exploratory fund instead.Steve Russell, Matfield Crescent,Maidstone

Hospice shop ‘competition’I WAS shocked to see that the Hospice inthe Weald has opened a charity shop inWest Malling.

The Heart of Kent Hospice serves theresidents of West Malling and the widerMaidstone area. They aready run anexcellent charity shop in West MallingHigh Street.

I know from experience that bothhospices provide wonderful care for

patients and their families. The Heart ofKent is the smaller hospice and operatesin a less prosperous area than the Hospicein the Weald, which can raise funds in thewealthier areas in and around TonbridgeWells.

It is sad to see competition betweenthese two admirable institutions. Theremight be scope for the two hospices tosupport each other clinically andfinancially in the future.

However, while this is not the case, Ifeel that the competition is unfair. Thenew shop will be a blow to fundraisingfor the Heart of Kent Hospice at a difficulttime.

I hope the Hospice in the Weald willrethink this unhappy decision. I shallcontinue to support the Heart of KentHospice shop in West Malling HighStreet.Min Stacpoole, by email

Sinkhole call for actionI AM aware that the Barming area has ahistory of sinkholes, but the threesinkholes across the last few months (andtwo close to new house-building sites)means serious investigation needs to bemade involving those with localknowledge, Kent County Council (KCC)and geological experts.

MAIDSTONE and Malling withKent voted massively (about 60%) forBrexit two years ago and Parliamentreacted democratically andoverwhelmingly to the 52% UK majorityto formalise our departure from the EUin 2019.

So if you are a Brexiteer – oralternatively among the substantialnumber who say democracy must beseen to be done – how confident are younow that the government and theHouses of Parliament will achievesatisfactorily what was voted for?

Are you confident, too, about what youvoted for after all that detailedcampaigning?

Remoaners try to cast doubts, butBrexiteers continue to stand staunchlybehind total UK sovereignty, control ofour own borders and immigration,jurisdiction only in UK courts, freedomto trade worldwide on our own terms.

They do not want to pay many billionsa year to an expensive club that ourpopulation did not vote to join beyond acommon market – and whose unelectedcommissioners now try to engineer us into submission, no ma�er what thepotential damage to us and othermember states, many of whom are nowrising in rebellion against EU strategies.

Immigration and sovereigntyincreasingly concern my local Brexiteerfriends and contacts. We see so many of

our vital services and transportinfrastructure further overwhelmed by arapidly-increasing population, and moreof our countryside built over due to thebroad national political dictate for hugehousing growth. The impacts on ourlives are massively damaging.

No one expected an easy ride to set ourchosen pathway for a new Britain. Theproposed two-year transitional periodbeyond 2019 to try to put everything inplace has been broadly accepted, if notwelcomed.

Prime Minister Theresa Mayencouraged by making the right noises:“Brexit means Brexit”, and “no deal isbe�er than a bad deal”. She alsoannounced her own red lines fornegotiations to ensure true independencefrom the EU.

Opinion polls suggest that she hasincreasing public sympathy as shecombats undemocratic opposition fromso many, notably national politicians.

What patience and wisdom she needsto hold this all together. I anticipate shemay well follow foreign secretary BorisJohnson’s advice to take a much tougher

line with EU commissioners. But astutetiming is key as she seeks success in thebiggest challenges facing any primeminister since Winston Churchill.

She has to play many cards close to herchest and increasingly this causes publicconfusion and distrust. Is she pursuing aBaldrick-style “cunning plan” to try toensure her own red lines are secure?

She faces a�acks from both leadingBrexiteers and Remainers. Questionsgrow: Has she made mistakes innegotiation strategies? Is she weak innegotiations and promising damagingconcessions? Is she really a Remainerwearing a Brexit coat?

Is the vital “no deal” card still in herpack? Will she set a final deadline the UKcontrols? Why is she not selling theexciting UK future Brexiteers see? Is shele�ing the civil service (especially theTreasury) tail wag the political dog?

All the answers are now not far away.The consequences are massive – for thefuture of the UK; the career of the PrimeMinister and her role in history; thefuture of MPs who do not follow aconstituency Brexit vote; the future (ifany) of the House of Lords.

Who knows what rebellions andpolitical upheavals will be around if thehuge Brexit vote is flouted by politicians?What massive times we now livethrough.

Maidstone expects…

downsmail.co.uk

Comment MailMarks

DENNISFOWLE [email protected]

Maidstone needs a real Brexit�


It must be acknowledged that the mostimportant people in this issue at presentare the families who have had there livesturned upside down and had to move outof their homes in Tonbridge Road.

Urgent action is being undertaken toprevent injury or accident occurring, and Iunderstand the authorities are working ashard as they can to get residents back. Mythoughts go out to them and all of thosestaff at KCC, borough council, the utilitycompanies and emergency services andblue light staff who reacted swiftly. Oncethis has been se�led, we must move on toavoid the delays and inconvenience toresidents. � a temporary stop notice to housebuilding on Hermitage Lane sites affected,while surveys are revived and updatedappropriately by planning authorities;� a collective “sinkhole task force” led byby experts but including KCC andinvolving local ward councillors andparish council and KCC representatives;� KCC to fast track the much-awaitedconsultation promised this summer onFountain Road /Tonbridge Road junctionimprovements to provide some joined-upthinking and prevent another major roadclosure in this polluted and congestedarea. Let’s hope that with hard work, somegood comes from this sad situation James Willis, via email

Help keep kids safe onlineMODERN technology means video is oneof the most popular methods ofcommunication for young people to stayin touch with friends and family.

Popular video sites and apps such asSnapchat, Musical.ly and Periscope allowthem to broadcast real-time, live video toan audience over the internet – known aslive-streaming.

But sadly, as new statistics released bythe Internet Watch Foundation(IWF)revealed on Tuesday (15 May), there arerisks.

Over a three-month period, researchrevealed 2,082 images and videos of live-streamed child sexual abuse wereidentified. Of those images, 98% were ofchildren aged 13 and under, 28% were

aged 10 or under, and the youngest victimwas just three years old.

It is truly horrifying to imagine thatchildren are being coerced andmanipulated to live-stream their ownsexual abuse.

Too many children are abused on socialmedia platforms, and it is time for the techindustry to take responsibility and domore to tackle abuse at its source.

Culture Secretary Ma� Hancock is in theprocess of drawing up an Internet SafetyStrategy, but it is expected to bring in asocial media safety code which isvoluntary in nature and doesn’t includeplans to prevent grooming.

As a result, the NSPCC’s #WildWestWebcampaign is urging Mr Hancock to bringin a mandatory safety code to regulatesocial networks to keep children safeonline.

Your readers can join us by sending anemail or tweet to the Secretary of State forDigital, Culture, Media and Sport, askinghim to bring in a new law to keep childrensafe online.

More details on the campaign can befound on the NSPCC website.

In the meantime, parents can play a partin keeping their children safe by talking tothem about being Share Aware.Information about the the social networks,apps and games children and youngpeople use can also be found via thecharity’s Net Aware tool.Emma Motherwell, NSPCC localcampaigns manager, London and SouthEast

Music unlocks the mindI’D like to say a big thank you to everyonewho helped to raise the profile ofdementia during Dementia Action Week(May 21-27).

Anything which raises awareness ofdementia must be applauded. It’s one ofthe biggest medical challenges that weface, and it can be very isolating. Weknow that people with dementia often livein a silent world, yet music can bring aperson back to life.

Work that we’ve done at the UtleyFoundation with the International

Longevity Centre-UK has shown howmusic can alleviate symptoms for peopleliving with dementia, yet less than 5% ofthe 16,000 care homes in the UK providemusic as part of treatment.

We want to change this and are lookingto appoint an ambassador to mobilise atask force to help create more access tomusic for people with dementia.

Research suggests that there is a“memory bump” for music: people withdementia retain the clearest memories forthe music they enjoyed and heard betweenthe ages of 10 and 30.

We’ll be looking to help introducemusical initiatives which unlock thesememories like digital playlists in aperson’s home, running community choirsinclusive of people with dementia andbringing trained musicians into carese�ings.

We’ve got some way to go to improvethe quality of life and wellbeing of peopleliving with dementia, but thank you tothose who have helped us champion theuse of music therapy, it’s hugelyappreciated.Paul Hardcastle, musician and producer,on behalf of the Utley Foundation

Winter shelter thanksON behalf of our board of trustees andstaff at Maidstone Churches WinterShelter, we wish to extend a huge thankyou for your commitment to the 2017/18Winter Shelter.

Thank you, also, to everyone whoa�ended our annual celebrations at theMaidstone Baptist Church.

Some of you may have already seen acopy of our project report, which showswhat we have achieved together, andwhich also acknowledges and gives thanksfor the role played by all our supporters,volunteers and churches.

For those of you who would like a copyof the report, please let us know and wewill be happy to send you one. Please feelfree to circulate it to your friends, family,colleagues etc. and help spread the wordabout Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter. Ophelia Orr, administrator

Comment

downsmail.co.uk

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 atwww.downsmail.co.uk

Contact our teams….EditorialEditor: Simon [email protected] 734735Assistant Editor: Jon [email protected] 630330 ext. 232

SalesSales Manager: Bill [email protected] 630330 ext. 221Advertising Sales Enquiry: 01622 630330 option 1

Accounts [email protected] 630330 ext 229Mail Publications LtdForge HouseBearsted Green Business ParkBearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT

NO GIMMICKS!NO MISLEADING OFFERS!

TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES!

OUR REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

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

Nursery plan leaves 'families in limbo' - Downs Mail

Documents

Transcript of Nursery plan leaves 'families in limbo' - Downs Mail