Probe into violence at mental hospital - Downs Mail

MARIONRing has been electedMayor of Maidstone.Cllr Ring, a Conservative

member for Shepway north, haslived in the county town all herlife and, with husband Richard,pictured here, has two childrenand two grandchildren.Marion was elected to Maid-

stone Borough Council in 2003.

County town elects its newmayor

“Safe-guarding alerts” at theCygnet Hospital near M20 J7,which opened last October, hasprompted a multi-agency probeover concerns about incidents onthe male psychiatric intensive careunit (PICU) inApril.A report from the NHS West

Kent Clinical CommissioningGroup (CCG) said a “voluntarycessation of admissions had beenrequested”during the inquiry.The hospital overlooks the site

proposed for two schools at PopesField which has been approved byMaidstone Borough Council.The CCG report states: “The

(Cygnet) service opened on Octo-ber 8. In April, a disproportionate

number of safeguarding alertswereraised for the male PICU ward forpatient-on-patient assaults.“The concerns have now esca-

lated to amulti-agency (inquiry)…led by (the) local authority.”It adds Cygnet will be “required

to submit an action plan to addressthe findings” of the investigation.A spokesman for Cygnet refused

to say how many or detail the na-ture of the assaults as these “arecurrently being reviewed case bycase and we are unable to sharethis information as it is ongoing”.The spokesman added: “Cygnet

has been part of a safeguardingstrategy meeting. We do not knowthe outcome of this meeting.”

Probe into violenceat mental hospitalA PRIVATE hospital for mentally ill criminals in Maidstone is under in-vestigation after a “disproportionate”number of patient onpatient assaults.

Despite theCCG report detailinga “voluntary cessation of admis-sions”request,Cygnet said:“Cygnethaveatnopoint ceasedadmissions–theyhavecontinuedtoadmit serviceusers throughout this period usingthe same referral and admissionsprocedures used on a daily basis,which is based on an assessment oftheward.”Downs Mail revealed last April

that someof thepatients tobe treatedat the 65-bed facility would have a“forensic history” which the NHSdefines as linked to criminal behav-iouror referral fromthecriminal jus-tice system.Local Boxley parish councillor

WendyHindersaid:“Iamabsolutelyspeechless.Thisbearsoutwhat Iandmany residents have been saying –that these schools should not begoing onto this site. Remember, itwouldonly takeone incident.Maybepeople will stop and listen to whatwehave been saying.”MBC councillor Denis Spooner

said: “If this is true, it is really ratherworrying. I would want to knowmore details.”

Stadium land dealMAIDSTONE United looks setfor a new seated stand afterstriking a land deal withthe council.

Killer husband jailedA MAN who stabbed his wife todeath on Christmas Dayhas been jailed for life.

D-Day flypastCROWDS look to the skies as aSecond World War airborneArmada flies overMaidstone .

Hunt for attackersPOLICE are hunting teenageboy and girl attackers who tar-geted a homeless manand stole his alcohol.

News

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Obituaries �26

Crime Reports �29

Comment �38-39

INTRUDERS got into a houseusing the owner’s lost keys inHayle Road; a blue Apollomountain bike was stolen from asecure cycle rack in WeekStreet; four men and a womanwere seen cutting wires to agate before breaking into storage units in Lower StoneStreet; windows were smashedat a caravan site in Park Wood;a brick was thrown through awindow at a house in Shepway.

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Parish Councils �29COUNCILLORS in Loose havesaid the cost of a zebra crossingat the Walnut Tree pub is extortionate, but the possibilityof a crossing would be added tothe neighbourhood plan; LooseParish Council has received complaints about noise at TheChequers when regulars leavethe pub at closing time.

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

FREE July 2019

Maidstone South Edition

No. 267

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.

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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.

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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

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MAIDSTONE’S medics are urg-ing the public to have a cuppa andboost the borough’s health.Theywant schools, business and

residents to host a tea party as partof a national drive, and raise vitalfunds for Maidstone Hospital.TheNHSBig Tea,which runs be-

tween June 24 and July 7, is achance to support Maidstone andTunbridge Wells NHS CharitableFund and celebrate the NHS’s 71stbirthday on Friday, July 5.Money raisedwill be used to en-

hance the standard of care, servicesand facilities provided by theMaidstone and Tunbridge Wells(MTW) NHS Trust, for patients,relatives, visitors and staff.Fundraising manager Laura

Kennedy said: “The humble cup oftea has a long and proud associa-tion with the NHS.“Originally served to patients in

traditional fine cups with saucersand side spoon, teawas considered

an important aspect of patient sat-isfaction and recovery.“Tea brings us all together. It

breaks down social boundaries,and like the NHS and NHS chari-ties, it is a symbol of comfort and

community.With that inmind, wecouldn’t think of a better way forpeople living in Maidstone andTunbridge Wells to toast our won-derful health service and staff,whilst raising funds for the NHS.”There are more than 250 NHS

charities across the UK. Most ofthem focus on helping hospitals domore, whilst others support men-tal health trusts, community healthtrusts and ambulance trusts.In recent years, NHS charities

have supportedmajor capital proj-ects; pioneering research andmed-ical equipment in hospitals,ensuring patients have access tothe best possible care.They also play a key role in re-

cruiting volunteers to supportNHS staff.To receive your freeNHSBig Tea

fundraising pack, [email protected] or call01622 226428. For details go towww.nhsbigtea.org.uk.

Host a tea party andboost hospital funds

Hancock showCLOSE your eyes and travel backto the days of Hancock’s HalfHour.James Hurn returns to Maid-

stone with a new “radio show”,creating the scripts and the voicesfrom the classic comedy series.Hurn’s ability to mimic the gods

of British comedy, including TonyHancock, Hattie Jacques, KennethWilliams,Hugh Lloyd and John LeMesurier, has to be heard.Hancock and Co is at the Hazlitt

Theatre, Earl Street, on Saturday,June 22.The curtain rises at 7.30pm and

tickets cost £16.50.

Join a foam runTHERE’S no place like foam! Raisemoney for Demelza House whilegetting covered in bubbles.

The Bubble Rush is in MotePark from 10am to 3pm on Sun-day, June 23. You’ll start in a sea offoam, and encounter bubble sta-tions pumping out coloured bub-bles along the course . Tickets are£15 for adults and £10 for children,with themoney going to the area’sonly hospice for children with life-limiting illnesses.

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Following talks, the council re-leased the strip of land –measuring2.5mwide by 100m – toMaidstoneUnited, to allow fans in future toenter the ground from the riverside.The land transfermeans the foot-

ball club can develop the west sideof its Gallagher Stadium, with aseated stand for 650.The project, together with the

subsequent south stand redevelop-ment, would represent an invest-ment of £800,000.The Stones, since returning to

Maidstone in 2012, have taken astrong community role, establishingyouth teams, and attracting morethan 3,000 fans on high-profile match days.Oliver Ash, the club’s joint

owner, said: “This is only a smallstrip of land, but acquiring it is agiant step for the club. Its purchasewill enable an exciting stadiumde-velopment programme, based on

amaster plan for a stadiumwith acapacity of 6,000, with 2,000seats.”However, hemade cleardevelop-

ment would only come as financeand league requirements allowed.Aspart of thedeal,which tookovera year to formalise, Maidstone Bor-

ough Council will back the StonesCommunity Trust work with thehomeless, youngsters and disad-vantaged and disabled children.Matthew Boughton, ward coun-

cillor for the area untilMay,was in-volved in assisting the land transferdeal.

He said: “This is the culminationof a lot ofwork, so I’mdelightedweendeduphere. The relationship be-tween the club and the councilseems to be as goodas it has been indecades.“I see this asmybest achievement

and the one I’m most pleased withduringmy time onMBC.”MrBoughton represented Fant at

the borough council and currentlyworks as a parlaimentary aide toTonbridge and Malling MP TomTugendhat,The Stones suffered the humilia-

tion of relegation from the nationalLeague - the highest tier of Englishnon-league football - after a seasona of poor performances and severalmangerial changes.In September last year, the popu-

larmanager Jay Saunderswas firedafter an indifferent start to the2018/19 campaign.

News downsmail.co.uk

Land boost for Stones’ stadiumTHE Stones have been handed a strip of land by the borough council that paves the way for abrand new seated stand at their Maidstone ground.

AN AWARD-winning Irish dancingevent is coming to aMaidstone the-atre to celebrate the show’s 20thanniversary.The Rhythm of the Dance show

will visit Hazlitt Theatre on at7.30pmonWednesday, June 19, fora two-hour dance and music cele-bration featuring world championdancers and traditional Irish bandand singers.Choreographer Dane McKiernan

said: “I love to watch the audiencereaction throughout the show, es-pecially after the opening scene, be-cause for the first time you get tosee if they are going to be a vocal orreserved crowd.“Theworld tourwe just completed

had standing ovations after everysingle show, and that’s just the bestfeeling after performing for twohours. When the audience are en-joying the show, it definitely lifts the

cast on stage to performat the high-est level. It’s all about creating thatenergy every night.”Producer Kieran Cavanagh said:

“Back in 1998 I got a call from thehead of music at Ireland’s NationalTV and Radio channels RTE askedme to put a dance troupe together.The tour was such a success andnowherewe are all those years laterstill touring the world for 40 weeksof the year every year.”

The acquisitionof a strip ofland on theriver side of thestadium willenable TheStones todevelop thewest side of theGallagherstadium

Doorstep scamalert for townRESIDENTS in Maidstone havebeen urged to be vigilant follow-ing reports of a scam for cash in-volving a woman who claims tobe in distress.Detectives are investigating

four separate incidents in Head-corn and Tonbridge where well-meaning members of the publichave been approached and dupedinto handing over money.Between June 1 and June 3, a

number of incidents were re-ported in Headcorn, where mem-bers of the public wereapproached by a woman claimingshe needed to pay for a locksmith,either because she had beenlocked out of her car or due to herbank cards being stolen.On two of these occasions, pen-

sioners were targeted and per-suaded to part with money.District Commander, Chief In-

spector Mark Hedges said: “Thesuspect appears to be targetingelderly and vulnerable peopleand we believe this is the samewoman on each occasion. If some-one approaches you in the streetor at your door asking for money,don’t be tricked into parting withany cash.“Take down their details and a

description and call 101.”

POLICE are appealing for wit-nesses after a serious collision.The incident took place on the

M20 at about 2pm on Tuesday,May 21, on the slip road forAylesford from the Maidstone-bound carriageway. It involved ablack Yamaha motorcycle whichhit a chalk bank.

The 19-year-old rider, from theMaidstone area, was taken by airambulance to a London hospital,where he remains in a seriouscondition.Officers are working to estab-

lish the circumstances of the col-lision and are urging anyonewho saw the motorcycle in the

moments leading up to the inci-dent, or who has dash camfootage from the area around thetime, to contact them.Anyone who can help should

call the appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting SM/DJ/58/19, or theycan email [email protected].

Call for witnesses to motorbike accident

Dancers bring tour to theatre


Following talks, the council re-leased the strip of land –measuring2.5mwide by 100m – toMaidstoneUnited, to allow fans in future toenter the ground from the riverside.The land transfermeans the foot-

ball club can develop the west sideof its Gallagher Stadium, with aseated stand for 650.The project, together with the

subsequent south stand redevelop-ment, would represent an invest-ment of £800,000.The Stones, since returning to

Maidstone in 2012, have taken astrong community role, establishingyouth teams, and attracting morethan 3,000 fans on high-profile match days.Oliver Ash, the club’s joint

owner, said: “This is only a smallstrip of land, but acquiring it is agiant step for the club. Its purchasewill enable an exciting stadiumde-velopment programme, based on

amaster plan for a stadiumwith acapacity of 6,000, with 2,000seats.”However, hemade cleardevelop-

ment would only come as financeand league requirements allowed.Aspart of thedeal,which tookovera year to formalise, Maidstone Bor-

ough Council will back the StonesCommunity Trust work with thehomeless, youngsters and disad-vantaged and disabled children.Matthew Boughton, ward coun-

cillor for the area untilMay,was in-volved in assisting the land transferdeal.

He said: “This is the culminationof a lot ofwork, so I’mdelightedweendeduphere. The relationship be-tween the club and the councilseems to be as goodas it has been indecades.“I see this asmybest achievement

and the one I’m most pleased withduringmy time onMBC.”MrBoughton represented Fant at

the borough council and currentlyworks as a parlaimentary aide toTonbridge and Malling MP TomTugendhat,The Stones suffered the humilia-

tion of relegation from the nationalLeague - the highest tier of Englishnon-league football - after a seasona of poor performances and severalmangerial changes.In September last year, the popu-

larmanager Jay Saunderswas firedafter an indifferent start to the2018/19 campaign.


Land boost for Stones’ stadiumTHE Stones have been handed a strip of land by the borough council that paves the way for abrand new seated stand at their Maidstone ground.

AN AWARD-winning Irish dancingevent is coming to aMaidstone the-atre to celebrate the show’s 20thanniversary.The Rhythm of the Dance show

will visit Hazlitt Theatre on at7.30pmonWednesday, June 19, fora two-hour dance and music cele-bration featuring world championdancers and traditional Irish bandand singers.Choreographer Dane McKiernan

said: “I love to watch the audiencereaction throughout the show, es-pecially after the opening scene, be-cause for the first time you get tosee if they are going to be a vocal orreserved crowd.“Theworld tourwe just completed

had standing ovations after everysingle show, and that’s just the bestfeeling after performing for twohours. When the audience are en-joying the show, it definitely lifts the

cast on stage to performat the high-est level. It’s all about creating thatenergy every night.”Producer Kieran Cavanagh said:

“Back in 1998 I got a call from thehead of music at Ireland’s NationalTV and Radio channels RTE askedme to put a dance troupe together.The tour was such a success andnowherewe are all those years laterstill touring the world for 40 weeksof the year every year.”

The acquisitionof a strip ofland on theriver side of thestadium willenable TheStones todevelop thewest side of theGallagherstadium

Doorstep scamalert for townRESIDENTS in Maidstone havebeen urged to be vigilant follow-ing reports of a scam for cash in-volving a woman who claims tobe in distress.Detectives are investigating

four separate incidents in Head-corn and Tonbridge where well-meaning members of the publichave been approached and dupedinto handing over money.Between June 1 and June 3, a

number of incidents were re-ported in Headcorn, where mem-bers of the public wereapproached by a woman claimingshe needed to pay for a locksmith,either because she had beenlocked out of her car or due to herbank cards being stolen.On two of these occasions, pen-

sioners were targeted and per-suaded to part with money.District Commander, Chief In-

spector Mark Hedges said: “Thesuspect appears to be targetingelderly and vulnerable peopleand we believe this is the samewoman on each occasion. If some-one approaches you in the streetor at your door asking for money,don’t be tricked into parting withany cash.“Take down their details and a

description and call 101.”

POLICE are appealing for wit-nesses after a serious collision.The incident took place on the

M20 at about 2pm on Tuesday,May 21, on the slip road forAylesford from the Maidstone-bound carriageway. It involved ablack Yamaha motorcycle whichhit a chalk bank.

The 19-year-old rider, from theMaidstone area, was taken by airambulance to a London hospital,where he remains in a seriouscondition.Officers are working to estab-

lish the circumstances of the col-lision and are urging anyonewho saw the motorcycle in the

moments leading up to the inci-dent, or who has dash camfootage from the area around thetime, to contact them.Anyone who can help should

call the appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting SM/DJ/58/19, or theycan email [email protected].

Call for witnesses to motorbike accident

Dancers bring tour to theatre


A SECONDARY school teachercollided with a lamppost afterdowning a bottle of wine, a courtheard.NicolaCotter (46) crashed into the

post just after midnight on April 24in her silver Peugeot on Royal Engi-neers Road on her way to buy ciga-rettes.Officers arrived at the scene and

found Cotter (pictured) standingnext to the car with a head injuryclaiming “I thought someone wasupmy ****.”Prosecuting, Debbie Jones told

Maidstone Magistrates Court: “Anambulance was nearby and tookher to Pembury Hospital with ahead injury.A breath test at the po-lice station indicated she had 82mgof alcohol in her breath.”The legal limit is 35mg.The court heard Cotter had three

glassesofwineathomebeforehead-ing out to buy cigarettes.Defending, Jag Takk said: “Miss

Cotter is a science secondary schoolteacher but is unable to work at themoment. She is supported by herpartner.Shesuffers fromanxietyanddepression. Miss Cotter describesherself as a binge drinker andsmoker.Onthenightof thecrashshe

had an undying need for a cigarette.Itwasonthewaybackfromtheshopshe collidedwith the lamppost.”Cotter sobbed in the dock as the

court heard her mother is dying ofcancerandtherewasnotmuchcom-munication between the two.Chairman of the bench, Gary

Knightsaid:“We’veheardtodaythatby drinking you caused both dam-age to the lamppost and suffered ahead injury.Weknowyouhavevar-ious issues in your personal life andsuffer fromdepression.”Cotter, of Saxon Drive, pleaded

guilty andwasgivena£265 fine andwasdisqualified fromdriving for 18months.

Drunk teacherdrove into post

A MAIDSTONE man and woman(pitcured) are accused of stealingmeat and Easter eggs worth £80.ShainaMarston (26) andDamian

Parsonage (32) stole from Tesco Ex-press in Loose Road on April 17.Prosecuting, Debbie Jones said:

“Miss Marston is currently on a sus-pended sentence.”Defending, John Roberts said: “It

appears Miss Marston is under theinfluence of something today incourt, there are some concerns

about her vulnerability. She is cur-rently on anti-psychoticmedication.“She has a history of drug and al-

cohol abuse.”ProbationofficerMatthewMorish

told Maidstone Magistrates Courtthat on November 2, Marston’scommunity order was revoked and,after more shoplifting offences, shewas given a suspended sentence.Chairman of the bench, Gary

Knight adjourned the case at Maid-stoneMagistrates Court.

Theft case pair in court

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A MAN who stabbed histeenage wife to death during anattack on Christmas Day hasbeen jailed for life.Mohammad Tawos Qoraishi

(27) knifed his 19-year-old part-ner Parwin Quriashi 38 times inthe kitchen of a flat they shared inLondon Road, Maidstone.Neighbours raised the alarm

after hearing noises coming fromthe home.Police officers, who reached the

Kentish Court property at 2.35pmon December 25, 2018, found Par-win lying on the kitchen floorwith multiple stab wounds.She was pronounced dead at

3.28pm and a knife was recov-ered from the scene.Maidstone Crown Court heard

her estranged husband had fledthe family home in his Audi A3.He made for the Port of Dover,

but his escape bid failed becausethe ferry terminal was closed for

Christmas Day… the only day ofthe year the cross-Channel opera-tion is halted.Qoraishi was subsequently

stopped by a police patrol nearthe port, and he was said to have

been arrested at 4.38pm.He appeared at Maidstone

Crown Court on Friday, June 7,having pleaded guilty at an ear-lier hearing to the sustained as-sault.Qoraishi admitted committing

murder on April 29, and willserve a minimum of 16 years and82 days before he will be consid-ered for parole.Senior Investigating Officer,

DCI Ivan Beasley of the Kent andEssex Serious Crime Directoratesaid: “This was an unprovokedand savage attack on a defence-less young woman. Her tragicdeath at the hands of her hus-band has left a family mourningher loss.“Qoraishi fled the scene and

was tracked down by officersnear Dover. It is only right that hewill now spend a considerabletime in prison for this brutalcrime.”

Christmas Day killinghusband jailed for life

Yobs targetfair caravanA SUMMER fun fair in Maidstonehas packed up after the ownerswere targeted in their caravans.Manning’s and Thurston’s Fam-

ily Fun Fair said the window of atoddler’s bedroom was smashedwith a lump of wood shortly be-foremidnight on Sunday, June 2, –just hours after they arrived in Bic-knor Road, Parkwood.The fun fair team have been vis-

iting the site for about eight years.Co-owner John Thurston toldDowns Mail the group had neverencountered anything like it be-fore. But, faced with the risk of afurther attack, had moved on.The travelling showmen can-

celled the fairground rides for theweekend of June 8 and 9.A Kent Police spokesman said:

“Officers were called at around11.50pm regarding damage to acaravan near Bicknor Road.“Anyone with information re-

garding the incident is asked to callthe appeal line.”Kent Police can be contacted on

01622 604100, quoting reference 2-1804.

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If you are enthusiastic, personable and energetic we would like to hear from you. Please email [email protected] giving details about yourself and why you would like to volunteer at Leeds Castle.


Onwards and upwards for the homecare team.

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It was also reported that the staff knew the people they were supporting well and cared for them with kindness and compassion.

The Garden of England Homecare founder Allyson said ‘We strive to provide an all-round excellence in our service to our clients. The hard work and dedication of the team has led to these pleasing results’.

The business which has been trading since 2011 continues to grow and has recently upgraded the businesses premises too, relocating to a larger, more accessible site in Armstrong Road, Tovil.

The family run business is dedicated to providing a friendly, trustworthy service that is tailored to each individual’s needs. They have over 20 years of experience of care in and

around the Maidstone area and offer a full range of homecare services to the local community from meal preparation to end of life care, they have recently started to offer a benefit advice service which includes form filling and telecare advice to their list of services. All staff undergo extensive training and have enhanced DBS checks they are personally hired by Allyson and the recruitment coordinator Chrissy to ensure the right fit for the team and clients alike. Allyson added ‘Whatever your homecare needs we offer a full range of services. You can leave your loved ones in the comfort of their home, without any worries’.

They also run a Day Centre working in partnership with Golding Homes at 1 St Stephens Square, Tovil. The centre is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30 – 3.30pm and offers full or half day attendance with packages inclusive of a 2 course homecooked lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Call the team today to discuss the full range of services or vacancies available on 01622 674733


A MAN who stabbed histeenage wife to death during anattack on Christmas Day hasbeen jailed for life.Mohammad Tawos Qoraishi

(27) knifed his 19-year-old part-ner Parwin Quriashi 38 times inthe kitchen of a flat they shared inLondon Road, Maidstone.Neighbours raised the alarm

after hearing noises coming fromthe home.Police officers, who reached the

Kentish Court property at 2.35pmon December 25, 2018, found Par-win lying on the kitchen floorwith multiple stab wounds.She was pronounced dead at

3.28pm and a knife was recov-ered from the scene.Maidstone Crown Court heard

her estranged husband had fledthe family home in his Audi A3.He made for the Port of Dover,

but his escape bid failed becausethe ferry terminal was closed for

Christmas Day… the only day ofthe year the cross-Channel opera-tion is halted.Qoraishi was subsequently

stopped by a police patrol nearthe port, and he was said to have

been arrested at 4.38pm.He appeared at Maidstone

Crown Court on Friday, June 7,having pleaded guilty at an ear-lier hearing to the sustained as-sault.Qoraishi admitted committing

murder on April 29, and willserve a minimum of 16 years and82 days before he will be consid-ered for parole.Senior Investigating Officer,

DCI Ivan Beasley of the Kent andEssex Serious Crime Directoratesaid: “This was an unprovokedand savage attack on a defence-less young woman. Her tragicdeath at the hands of her hus-band has left a family mourningher loss.“Qoraishi fled the scene and

was tracked down by officersnear Dover. It is only right that hewill now spend a considerabletime in prison for this brutalcrime.”

Christmas Day killinghusband jailed for life

Yobs targetfair caravanA SUMMER fun fair in Maidstonehas packed up after the ownerswere targeted in their caravans.Manning’s and Thurston’s Fam-

ily Fun Fair said the window of atoddler’s bedroom was smashedwith a lump of wood shortly be-foremidnight on Sunday, June 2, –just hours after they arrived in Bic-knor Road, Parkwood.The fun fair team have been vis-

iting the site for about eight years.Co-owner John Thurston toldDowns Mail the group had neverencountered anything like it be-fore. But, faced with the risk of afurther attack, had moved on.The travelling showmen can-

celled the fairground rides for theweekend of June 8 and 9.A Kent Police spokesman said:

“Officers were called at around11.50pm regarding damage to acaravan near Bicknor Road.“Anyone with information re-

garding the incident is asked to callthe appeal line.”Kent Police can be contacted on

01622 604100, quoting reference 2-1804.

downsmail.co.uk Business Focus


KENT Police were forced to issue a statement to urge those watchingthe flight to park responsibly.A spokesman said: “Please park responsibly and not dangerously.

Reports of people stoppingin silly locations are comingin. Try to remember it’s inthe sky so is going to be veryvisible. Don’t risk yoursafety to get the ‘best’ view.”One spectator contacted

Downs Mail to say: “Thewhole of Blue Bell Hill vil-lage ground to a halt. It tookme an hour just to get fromthe village to the round-about.“When the delay was an-

nounced, people whoneeded to pick their kids upfrom school could not getout of the car park. It wascompletely gridlocked.”

News | D-Day Flypast downsmail.co.uk

D-Day flypast thrills spectatorsThe historic flight – comprising

almost every surviving Dakota inthe world, plus a few Spitfire es-corts – was heading to France onJune 5, in preparation for the 75thanniversary of the D-Day land-ings.The “Daks over Normandy”

spectacular started from DuxfordAirfield and crossed Maidstoneen route to Caen-Carpiquet.News of the flypast fired the

public’s imagination, with carsstopping at random vantagepoints, people gathering on M20bridges between Maidstone andKings Hill, and others packingonto the Downs for a glimpse ofthe once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.Mote Park, Blue Bell Hill, and

Bearsted Green proved popular

locations for the growing numberof spectators.At one stage, Kent Police issued

and appeal for people to think be-fore abandoning their vehicles indangerous locations.“Remember it’s in the sky, so is

going to be very visible,” a

spokesman said. The traffic issueswere further exacerbated by atwo-and-half hour delay to theDakotas’ much publicised take-off, with people waiting aroundfor the best part of the afternoon.However, when the aircraft did

thunder overhead just before

5pm, spectators agreed it hadbeen well worth the wait.Helen Ladlow (44), of Boarley

Lane, Sandling, said: “About 35Dakotas flew straight over myhouse, we had a really good view.I watched the display from mygarden with my two daughters,Sophie (17) and Katie (15).“It was really amazing watch-

ing them fly right over my house.I count myself very lucky.”The planes were carrying 250

parachutists who, like Alliedtroops exactly 75 years before,flew across the English Channeland jumped into the famous dropzones of Normandy.They all wore WWII-style uni-

forms and used military roundparachutes.

THOUSANDS of eyes turned to the skies over Maidstone as more than 30 wartime transportplanes flew over the county, writes Jade Schopman.

Helen Ladlow took this picture of the Dakotas over her garden

Crowds takestables cafeby surpriseA SMALL village riding schoolcame to the rescue of those leftwaiting to glimpse the delayedflight, by serving up muchneeded hot drinks.Hayley Squirrell (56), owner of

Squirrells Riding School on Com-mon Road, Blue Bell Hill, said:“Had we known there would beso many vehicles, we would havehappily opened the overflow carpark we use for shows, but by thetime we knew, the cars were com-pletely blocked in.“We served at least 200 people

and we were just selling cakes,bacon sandwiches and softdrinks. We also had a toilet peo-ple could use.”Mrs Squirrell added: “It’s actu-

ally really lovely, we are a busi-ness that’s pretty tucked away, soto have that many people come tous was really nice. We’ve been atthis site since 2011, and the caféhas only been going for just undertwo years.“We did have to cancel a few

lessons. People trying to get herewould have only got trapped inthe traffic, so it was a safety thing.“We were thrilled to accommo-

date the people who were caughtin the middle. Most people justwanted a takeaway cup of tea andthen went back to watch theflight.”

MANY students, hoping to see thehistoric flypast, were defeated bythe take-off delay.However, some Maidstone

Grammar School pupils stayedafter school to witness the event.A spokesman for the school said:

“Sadly, due to the delayed depar-ture most of the school missed theflight. Many, however, planned onstaying after school to catch theflypast.”Loose Primary School revealed

their plans for the flypast were also

disrupted by the long delays.A spokesman said: “We hope the

children eventually managed tosee the Dakota flypast. Some of

the staff did before they wenthome, but it would have beenmorespecial with the children. We hadplanned to stand in a heart shape.”

Pupils stay late to salute air heroes

Gridlock at viewpoints

Cadets salute the flypast atMaidstone Grammar School

Planes backedup the troopsTHE D-Day landings, on June 6,1944, saw an onslaught that was toultimately break Adolf Hitler’sbrutal grip on EuropeAlmost 160,000 Allied troops

stormed ontoNormandy’s beachesin a bloody and brutal battle.Those landings were preceded

by 24,000 troops who parachutedinto, or used gliders to touchdownin enemy territory. The most sig-nificant aircraft to support the as-sault were the 800 Douglas C-47Sky trains, also known as Dakotas.Organisers of this year’s flight,

said it was most probably the lastlarge tribute to this historic opera-tion. Nearly all the world’s re-maining Dakotas took part torecreate the event.

Cars were parked up on the sliproad fromBlue Bell Hill to the country park


KENT Police were forced to issue a statement to urge those watchingthe flight to park responsibly.A spokesman said: “Please park responsibly and not dangerously.

Reports of people stoppingin silly locations are comingin. Try to remember it’s inthe sky so is going to be veryvisible. Don’t risk yoursafety to get the ‘best’ view.”One spectator contacted

Downs Mail to say: “Thewhole of Blue Bell Hill vil-lage ground to a halt. It tookme an hour just to get fromthe village to the round-about.“When the delay was an-

nounced, people whoneeded to pick their kids upfrom school could not getout of the car park. It wascompletely gridlocked.”

News | D-Day Flypast downsmail.co.uk

D-Day flypast thrills spectatorsThe historic flight – comprising

almost every surviving Dakota inthe world, plus a few Spitfire es-corts – was heading to France onJune 5, in preparation for the 75thanniversary of the D-Day land-ings.The “Daks over Normandy”

spectacular started from DuxfordAirfield and crossed Maidstoneen route to Caen-Carpiquet.News of the flypast fired the

public’s imagination, with carsstopping at random vantagepoints, people gathering on M20bridges between Maidstone andKings Hill, and others packingonto the Downs for a glimpse ofthe once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.Mote Park, Blue Bell Hill, and

Bearsted Green proved popular

locations for the growing numberof spectators.At one stage, Kent Police issued

and appeal for people to think be-fore abandoning their vehicles indangerous locations.“Remember it’s in the sky, so is

going to be very visible,” a

spokesman said. The traffic issueswere further exacerbated by atwo-and-half hour delay to theDakotas’ much publicised take-off, with people waiting aroundfor the best part of the afternoon.However, when the aircraft did

thunder overhead just before

5pm, spectators agreed it hadbeen well worth the wait.Helen Ladlow (44), of Boarley

Lane, Sandling, said: “About 35Dakotas flew straight over myhouse, we had a really good view.I watched the display from mygarden with my two daughters,Sophie (17) and Katie (15).“It was really amazing watch-

ing them fly right over my house.I count myself very lucky.”The planes were carrying 250

parachutists who, like Alliedtroops exactly 75 years before,flew across the English Channeland jumped into the famous dropzones of Normandy.They all wore WWII-style uni-

forms and used military roundparachutes.

THOUSANDS of eyes turned to the skies over Maidstone as more than 30 wartime transportplanes flew over the county, writes Jade Schopman.

Helen Ladlow took this picture of the Dakotas over her garden

Crowds takestables cafeby surpriseA SMALL village riding schoolcame to the rescue of those leftwaiting to glimpse the delayedflight, by serving up muchneeded hot drinks.Hayley Squirrell (56), owner of

Squirrells Riding School on Com-mon Road, Blue Bell Hill, said:“Had we known there would beso many vehicles, we would havehappily opened the overflow carpark we use for shows, but by thetime we knew, the cars were com-pletely blocked in.“We served at least 200 people

and we were just selling cakes,bacon sandwiches and softdrinks. We also had a toilet peo-ple could use.”Mrs Squirrell added: “It’s actu-

ally really lovely, we are a busi-ness that’s pretty tucked away, soto have that many people come tous was really nice. We’ve been atthis site since 2011, and the caféhas only been going for just undertwo years.“We did have to cancel a few

lessons. People trying to get herewould have only got trapped inthe traffic, so it was a safety thing.“We were thrilled to accommo-

date the people who were caughtin the middle. Most people justwanted a takeaway cup of tea andthen went back to watch theflight.”

MANY students, hoping to see thehistoric flypast, were defeated bythe take-off delay.However, some Maidstone

Grammar School pupils stayedafter school to witness the event.A spokesman for the school said:

“Sadly, due to the delayed depar-ture most of the school missed theflight. Many, however, planned onstaying after school to catch theflypast.”Loose Primary School revealed

their plans for the flypast were also

disrupted by the long delays.A spokesman said: “We hope the

children eventually managed tosee the Dakota flypast. Some of

the staff did before they wenthome, but it would have beenmorespecial with the children. We hadplanned to stand in a heart shape.”

Pupils stay late to salute air heroes

Gridlock at viewpoints

Cadets salute the flypast atMaidstone Grammar School

Planes backedup the troopsTHE D-Day landings, on June 6,1944, saw an onslaught that was toultimately break Adolf Hitler’sbrutal grip on EuropeAlmost 160,000 Allied troops

stormed ontoNormandy’s beachesin a bloody and brutal battle.Those landings were preceded

by 24,000 troops who parachutedinto, or used gliders to touchdownin enemy territory. The most sig-nificant aircraft to support the as-sault were the 800 Douglas C-47Sky trains, also known as Dakotas.Organisers of this year’s flight,

said it was most probably the lastlarge tribute to this historic opera-tion. Nearly all the world’s re-maining Dakotas took part torecreate the event.

Cars were parked up on the sliproad fromBlue Bell Hill to the country park



MAIDSTONE gymnast CourtneyTulloch will represent Great Britainat the Gymnastics World Cup inEast Germany.The 24-year-old, who is no

stranger to representing the coun-try at world class level, has qualifiedfor the rings final at Cottbus, on Sat-urday, November 24.Courtney trains and teaches at

Pegasus gym in Farleigh Hill, andalso at Core TheGym in King Street.


A HOMELESS man was as-saulted and robbed in the centreof Maidstone, police have re-vealed.The victim suffered a number of

facial injuries after hewas targetedby a gang of teenagers on Thurs-day, May 30.Officers claim the victim was

first approached at about 9.45pmwhile he was sitting on a bench inWeek Street, opposite the junctionwith Station Road.The suspects, described as three

young boys and a girl, approachedhimdemanding the alcohol hewasdrinking, as well as cigarettes.When he refused, they pulled

him to his feet and tried to pushhim in the direction of BrenchleyGardens.The victimmade a bid to escape,

and ran alongWeek Street towardstheHigh Street. But he lost his foot-ing and was repeatedly assaultedas he lay on the floor.

His mobile phone, alcohol andcash were stolen.He later told police that, when

the assault was over and the grouphad left the scene, one of theteenage boys returned and hit himin the face.The suspects are described as

being white and are believed to beaged around 15 to 17 years old.Two of the boys had blond hair

andwere of a slim or skinny build.The third boy had dark hair andwas also slim.The girl was described as having

long blonde hair and was wearingjeans or trousers and a black jacket.Police are asking witnesses, or

anyone with information whichmay assist the investigation, to callthe West Kent appeals line on01622 604100, quoting reference46/105025/19.Alternatively they can contact

KentCrimestoppers, anonymouslyon 0800 555111.

Teens a�ackedstreet sleeper

Courtney bidsfor world title

A CARE home described as “ahappy place to live” has been ratedgood by a government inspector.The residential home in Bower

Mount Road looks after 15 elderlypeople and providing respite carefor another.The Care Quality Commission

inspector observed “kind interac-tions between people and staff,who knew people well and pro-tected their dignity”.Bowercroft Care Ltd was also

praised for the way in which thesafety of residents was protectedby management and staff, whowere appropriately trained.The report said: “Peoplewere in-

volved in planning their care andsupport, and supported to havemaximum choice and control oftheir lives, and staff supportedthem in the least restrictive waypossible.”The home received a good grade

at its last inspection inAugust 2016.

‘Happy’ care home praised

www.balinea.co.uk

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

01622 829183


MAIDSTONE gymnast CourtneyTulloch will represent Great Britainat the Gymnastics World Cup inEast Germany.The 24-year-old, who is no

stranger to representing the coun-try at world class level, has qualifiedfor the rings final at Cottbus, on Sat-urday, November 24.Courtney trains and teaches at

Pegasus gym in Farleigh Hill, andalso at Core TheGym in King Street.


A HOMELESS man was as-saulted and robbed in the centreof Maidstone, police have re-vealed.The victim suffered a number of

facial injuries after hewas targetedby a gang of teenagers on Thurs-day, May 30.Officers claim the victim was

first approached at about 9.45pmwhile he was sitting on a bench inWeek Street, opposite the junctionwith Station Road.The suspects, described as three

young boys and a girl, approachedhimdemanding the alcohol hewasdrinking, as well as cigarettes.When he refused, they pulled

him to his feet and tried to pushhim in the direction of BrenchleyGardens.The victimmade a bid to escape,

and ran alongWeek Street towardstheHigh Street. But he lost his foot-ing and was repeatedly assaultedas he lay on the floor.

His mobile phone, alcohol andcash were stolen.He later told police that, when

the assault was over and the grouphad left the scene, one of theteenage boys returned and hit himin the face.The suspects are described as

being white and are believed to beaged around 15 to 17 years old.Two of the boys had blond hair

andwere of a slim or skinny build.The third boy had dark hair andwas also slim.The girl was described as having

long blonde hair and was wearingjeans or trousers and a black jacket.Police are asking witnesses, or

anyone with information whichmay assist the investigation, to callthe West Kent appeals line on01622 604100, quoting reference46/105025/19.Alternatively they can contact

KentCrimestoppers, anonymouslyon 0800 555111.

Teens a�ackedstreet sleeper

Courtney bidsfor world title

A CARE home described as “ahappy place to live” has been ratedgood by a government inspector.The residential home in Bower

Mount Road looks after 15 elderlypeople and providing respite carefor another.The Care Quality Commission

inspector observed “kind interac-tions between people and staff,who knew people well and pro-tected their dignity”.Bowercroft Care Ltd was also

praised for the way in which thesafety of residents was protectedby management and staff, whowere appropriately trained.The report said: “Peoplewere in-

volved in planning their care andsupport, and supported to havemaximum choice and control oftheir lives, and staff supportedthem in the least restrictive waypossible.”The home received a good grade

at its last inspection inAugust 2016.

‘Happy’ care home praised

downsmail.co.uk NewsAdamHunter(centre)has raisedmore than£12,000for the airambulanceby recyclingcoffee pods

USED coffee pods are beingturned into fence posts and help-ing to secure the future of theKent air ambulance.The novel idea was the brain-

wave of Kent first-responderAdamHunter (pictured centre).The 36-year-old – who does not

even like coffee – came upwith therecycling initiative with a friendand has so far stoppedmore than amillion plastic coffee pods going tolandfill.He is nowworking to extend the

network of collection points inKent, which includes Tesco atGrove Green.Money raised by the initiative

has already reached more than£12,000 for the Air AmbulanceKent Surrey Sussex charity.The Met policeman has now re-

cruited 20 helpers to deal with theplastic pods, which can be left at 15locations across Kent. The recy-cling is done by Terracycle, whichrecently receivedmore than 50,000pods in one week.

Adam said: “As a blue light first-responder, I seewhy having an airambulance is important. I often getcalled to road accidents and stab-bings, and wanted to help raisemoney for the work done everyday by its doctors and paramedics.Until I got involved, I didn’t ap-preciate that they rely almost en-tirely on donations, and peoplefundraising for them.“Ironically, I don’t drink coffee,

but I do know that every coffeepod recycled can save lives.”Kent Air Ambulance fundrais-

ing chief Lynne Harris said:“Adam and his team epitomise theselfless spirit of volunteering thatwe see across our region, withoutwhich we wouldn’t be able to op-erate as we do.”Terracycle separates any coffee

residue for composting and theplastic and foil is formed into pel-lets, which are used to make com-posite wood, fence posts andoutdoor furniture, such as picnictables.

999 boost frompod recycling

Game award for teen chefSTUDENT Charlotte Fife’s flair for good food and great cookinghas been recognised with a top award.The 16-year-old from InvictaGrammar School took silver against

more than 80 students from across the country in the School GameChanger challenge.Her pheasant breast and butternut squash combo with pickled

blackberries passed the taste test when it went before judges in thecontest set by theTaste ofGame andFoodTeachers’ Centre andwillfeature in a booklet being given out at game fairs across the coun-try.Judging this year’s Game Stars were chefs Lisa Goodwin–Allen,

Bruno Birkbeck and Emma Lawson.Charlotte’s cookery teacher, Nikki Billingham, said: “She is

amazing with flavours, textures and presentation; she’s a naturaland extremely creative.”In her spare time, Charlotte, who lives in Loose and made it

through to the Kent Young Chef final last year, works as a pastrychef at Chapel DownWinery’s restaurant in Tenterden.

01622 753073 | clarkesfurnishers.co.ukSandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF

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MASSIVE housing developmentsare being mooted for the Maid-stone area in a drive to find placesto build thousandsmore homes.Amid outcry over Liberal Demo-

crat-led Maidstone Borough Coun-cil’s decision to hold a secretmeeting to discuss the “call forsites”, which ended on May 24, wehavediscovered twoschemeswhichare high on the agenda.One is a plan for 5,000 houses at

LenhamHeath.Another is for 1,100units in theStPeter Street andRiver-side area ofMaidstone.Businessman Rob Schroeder has

highlighted a 900 home eco-villageinKingswoodand twosmallerplotsat Chartway Street and LangleyHeath. A 2,000-home scheme inMarden is “not finding the sameamountof favour”, according toonesource.MBC is committed to 17,600houses in theLocalPlanandanother8,000 in the review forwhich the callfor sites wasmade.

WhenDownsMail published de-tails of the LenhamHeath proposalonline, an MBC official requestedwe take it down because of com-mercial sensitivities.Wedeclined forpublic interest reasons.An MBC draft statement seen by

Downs Mail appeared to confirmthe Lenham site, saying: “This ‘callfor sites’ exercise includesaprospec-tus for ‘garden communities’. Wecan confirm MBC itself intends toput forward a proposal.”

After revelations in Downs MailaboutLenham,MBC’s lead legal ad-viser, PatriciaNarebor, announceda“leak investigation” to establish thesource of details from a policy andresources meeting on May 22 atwhich the scheme was discussed insecret. MBC’s Lib Dem, Cllr MartinCox(pictured), called for themeetingto be closed but was opposed byTory Cllr Jonathan Purle, who said:“Residents in my part of town areconcernedaboutplans for 1,100 flatsbeing crammed into our (Bridge)ward.”CllrCox said it is necessary for the

council toact ina "business-like fash-ion" in a call for sites process.The proper time to make details

public and to discuss the details of itwould be at the consultation stage,he said.Downs Mail has previously re-

vealed the council has drawn up alist ofparks andopenspaces it ownswhich could be sold for housing.

LibDem council bossunderfireover ‘secrecy’

Care providermust improveA MAIDSTONE care providerlooking after more than 150 peoplehas been told to improve its service.Following an inspection by the

Care Quality Commission, MearsCare Ltd received a second “re-quires improvement” grading.The inspector visiting the domi-

ciliary care agency in HermitageLane heard users and their rela-tives had seen an improvementsince the last inspection. But theCQC noted that the managementteam, had not fully updated carerecords.There were also concerns about

fire safety at an extra care housingscheme, and therewas a lack of ev-idence to show how decisions hadbeen made on users’ behalf.At the agency’s last inspection in

December 2018, management wasdescribed as “inadequate”. Thistime it was found that severalchanges had been made.The inspector concluded that the

service required improvement inall areas, although the caring na-ture of staff was good.The CQCwill continue to moni-

tor the service.

EARLY LEARNING STEPSPRE-SCHOOL

Otham Village HallOtham StreetOtham, MaidstoneKent ME15 8RNOfsted Registration Number: EY551759

Small, friendly, welcoming pre-school in a village location now taking registrations for September for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. We have an outside area and are currently developing our sensory garden.

Places available for private and Government funded children.

Why not pop in and see us?

For more information or for a registration form, please contact us on 07983-102421 or Email:

[email protected]

Follow us on Facebook

Search Early Learning Steps Otham Maidstone [email protected]

Call our team on 01622 674733

Reasonably priced Daycare services also available

Our professional team of carers have the specialised training and understand the daily

needs of our clients

Are you looking for homecare services for your loved ones?

We provide personalised comprehensive homecare services which include:

Personal Care

Meal PreparationMedication Support

Shopping Companionship Overnight stays

Benefit and telecare advice

The Garden Of England HomecareCompassionate care in and around the Maidstone area.



WHOwould have thought that aservice set up just ahead ofWWII to help people with do-mestic problemswould be as rel-evant today?CitizensAdviceMaidstone is 80

years old, and in spite of its age,put in more than 550 hours aweek last year, helping 10,409people with 41,098 issues includ-ing debt, housing benefit, and em-ployment issues.Originally set up with pivotal

members of the community offer-ing advice to war-hit homeown-ers with issues like findingmissing soldiers, pensions andbenefits; it was found in the post-war period that the housingshortage still secured a need forCitizens Advice.The Maidstone branch, which

began its work on January 1, 1940,has 45 volunteer advisers and 15volunteer assessors, but morehelpers are desperately needed.

Outgoing chief executive BonnyMalhotra (pictured) describes theorganisation’s volunteers as “thelinchpin” of the service, provid-

ing clients with information andadvice, raising funds, and helpingwith the strategic direction of theorganisation.Volunteer adviser Paul said:

“One of the pleasures of being atthe CAB is you deal direct withthe clients and more often thannot, you have the satisfaction ofknowing that whilst you maynever actually know the outcomeof your advice, they go away bet-ter equipped to deal with what-ever issue they came about thanbefore they arrived.”Volunteers also increase their

own skills and confidence whilemeeting new people and makinga positive difference to their lives.If you are able to volunteer a

few hours a week, Citizen’s Ad-vice Maidstone would love tohear from you. Call training offi-cer Heather Hardy on 01622750770 or email [email protected].

Advice charity stillneeded, 80 years on

Racist abusecase appealPOLICE have arrested a manandwoman for allegedly hurl-ing a torrent of racial abuseand threats inMaidstone towncentre.At about 10pm on June 5, an

off-duty officer reported see-ing a member of public beingsubjected to abuse in Broad-way.It is alleged there were also

threats to stab the victim.A description of the sus-

pects was circulated to patrolsand, at 10.10pm, two peoplewere identified in MarshamStreet.A 45-year-old man and a 32-

year-old woman, both fromMaidstone, were arrested. Noweaponswere found on eithersuspect.Police are urging witnesses

to the incident to come for-ward by calling 01622 604100,quoting reference46/107911/19.Alternatively they can con-

tact Kent Crimestoppersanonymously, on 0800 555111.

MAIDSTONE Borough Councilhas been hauled over the coalsfor refusing a disabled man’sapplication to join the housingregister, meaning he and hisfamily were condemned to un-suitable accommodation.The Local Government and So-

cial Care Ombudsman has or-dered MBC to “remedy theinjustice caused” in a witheringseries of criticisms in the case ofwheelchair-bound ‘Mr K’.In the report, MBC has been or-

dered to apologise toMrK, reviewhis case, offer a compensation pay-ment for “distress” and train offi-cers dealing with similar issues.

The 13-page report details howMr K and Mrs K, both benefitsclaimants, lived with their son ‘L’in a two-bed housing associationproperty.In 2015, Mr K applied to be al-

lowed on the MBC housing regis-ter following a life-changingoperation which meant his ac-commodation was no longer suit-able due to his disability.Being wheelchair-bound, he

was unable to navigate aroundthe property, toppling backwardson one occasion.Mr K, who also suffers with de-

pression and anxiety, had severalfalls from his bed, breaking bones.

His wife’s health also suffered.The report reveals how MBC

tried to charge for a medical as-sessment and was slow to replyto his concerns.The Ombudsman states: “There

was poor communication by thecouncil. It failed to tell Mr Kabout the involvement of, and theassessment by, the IndependentMedical Advisor until a tele-phone call 12 days after sendinghim its decision.“These failures are...causingMr

K injustice. The injustice to Mr Kis not having his medical evi-dence and application properlyconsidered.”

Knuckles rapped over ‘injustice’

Coffee grant boosts kitchenLEADERS of Loose Community CoffeeMorning will be able totop up their kitchen with a £250 grant after its scheme totackle loneliness was chosen by Bluebird Care Maidstone forits first Community Grant for 2019.The scheme, set up inMay last year with funding from Kent

County Council, now has a team of 11 volunteers and attracts60-80 people a month to the pavilion at the King George VPlaying Field every second Wednesday.Loose parish councillor Peter Rigby said: “The coffee morn-

ings provide a friendly outlet for people to meet up and tochat.”

AMONG the list of recommen-dations, MBC must:�Say sorry to Mr K in writing�Review his case at no cost�Check if any properties wereavailable during the time inquestion and offer a compensa-tion package, if necessary�Review its policy on allocationand the lawfulness of its provi-sion of charging for medical as-sessments�Train officers in properly evalu-ating evidence�Pay Mr K £250 for distress,stress, inconvenience, and frus-tration caused.



MASSIVE housing developmentsare being mooted for the Maid-stone area in a drive to find placesto build thousandsmore homes.Amid outcry over Liberal Demo-

crat-led Maidstone Borough Coun-cil’s decision to hold a secretmeeting to discuss the “call forsites”, which ended on May 24, wehavediscovered twoschemeswhichare high on the agenda.One is a plan for 5,000 houses at

LenhamHeath.Another is for 1,100units in theStPeter Street andRiver-side area ofMaidstone.Businessman Rob Schroeder has

highlighted a 900 home eco-villageinKingswoodand twosmallerplotsat Chartway Street and LangleyHeath. A 2,000-home scheme inMarden is “not finding the sameamountof favour”, according toonesource.MBC is committed to 17,600houses in theLocalPlanandanother8,000 in the review forwhich the callfor sites wasmade.

WhenDownsMail published de-tails of the LenhamHeath proposalonline, an MBC official requestedwe take it down because of com-mercial sensitivities.Wedeclined forpublic interest reasons.An MBC draft statement seen by

Downs Mail appeared to confirmthe Lenham site, saying: “This ‘callfor sites’ exercise includesaprospec-tus for ‘garden communities’. Wecan confirm MBC itself intends toput forward a proposal.”

After revelations in Downs MailaboutLenham,MBC’s lead legal ad-viser, PatriciaNarebor, announceda“leak investigation” to establish thesource of details from a policy andresources meeting on May 22 atwhich the scheme was discussed insecret. MBC’s Lib Dem, Cllr MartinCox(pictured), called for themeetingto be closed but was opposed byTory Cllr Jonathan Purle, who said:“Residents in my part of town areconcernedaboutplans for 1,100 flatsbeing crammed into our (Bridge)ward.”CllrCox said it is necessary for the

council toact ina "business-like fash-ion" in a call for sites process.The proper time to make details

public and to discuss the details of itwould be at the consultation stage,he said.Downs Mail has previously re-

vealed the council has drawn up alist ofparks andopenspaces it ownswhich could be sold for housing.

LibDem council bossunderfireover ‘secrecy’

Care providermust improveA MAIDSTONE care providerlooking after more than 150 peoplehas been told to improve its service.Following an inspection by the

Care Quality Commission, MearsCare Ltd received a second “re-quires improvement” grading.The inspector visiting the domi-

ciliary care agency in HermitageLane heard users and their rela-tives had seen an improvementsince the last inspection. But theCQC noted that the managementteam, had not fully updated carerecords.There were also concerns about

fire safety at an extra care housingscheme, and therewas a lack of ev-idence to show how decisions hadbeen made on users’ behalf.At the agency’s last inspection in

December 2018, management wasdescribed as “inadequate”. Thistime it was found that severalchanges had been made.The inspector concluded that the

service required improvement inall areas, although the caring na-ture of staff was good.The CQCwill continue to moni-

tor the service.

EARLY LEARNING STEPSPRE-SCHOOL

Otham Village HallOtham StreetOtham, MaidstoneKent ME15 8RNOfsted Registration Number: EY551759

Small, friendly, welcoming pre-school in a village location now taking registrations for September for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. We have an outside area and are currently developing our sensory garden.

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The Garden Of England HomecareCompassionate care in and around the Maidstone area.



AMAIDSTONE Borough Coun-cil officer has been “rebuked”over a spelling howler set instone in the town centre.A large slab to mark a moment

in the county town's history mis-spelt “principal” as “principle”.Liberal Democrat ward council-

lor Clive English was furious, de-scribing the error as “sloppy,careless and embarrassing”.Had a final draft of the artwork

been shown to him, says Cllr Eng-lish, themistakewould never havegone through.Cllr English said: “I had to re-

buke a planning officer in privateabout this – it is embarrassing thatsuch a sloppy mistake could getthrough. It was just careless.”The installation is part of a £3m

regeneration scheme in WeekStreet and Gabriel’s Hill, with his-tory panels at strategic pointsalong the road.A slab recently embedded at the

top of Gabriel’s Hill reads: “1600:

Maidstone as principle markettown”.Cllr Jonathan Purle (pictured)

asked: “Thequestion is howmuch will it costthe taxpayer toput this right?“Sadly, this just

sums up Maid-stone BoroughCouncil nicely.

They claim to know what they’redoing, but the reality is that they’recareless in spending the council

tax, make a hash of town planningand have little grasp, if any, of ourheritage and history.“The slabs don’t even appear to

be in any date order. They’re justrandomly arranged and poorlyspelt.”A council spokesman said: “Un-

fortunately, the spelling mistakewas missed when the design stagedrawings were checked. The stonewill be replaced.”MBC was unable to say at this

stage howmuch theworkwill costto put right.

History stone blunder‘sloppy and careless’

Knife arrestOFFICERS seized a lock knifefrom a suspected shoplifter in thecentre of Maidstone.Stop and search patrols ap-

proached a man who was seenentering Brenchley Gardensshortly after midday on Tuesday,May 14. The knife was in a jacketpocket.Enquiries led to him also being

identified as a suspect for a num-ber of thefts from stores in thetown centre.The man, aged 23, from Maid-

stone was arrested on suspicion ofpossessing a knife in a publicplace and theft offences. He waslater released, pending further in-vestigation.

Jay by the seaFORMER Maidstone United bossJay Saunders has signed a perma-nent deal to become manager atMargate Football Club.Mr Saunders (40), sacked by the

Stones last September after an in-different start to the NationalLeague campaign, confirmed themove in early May after helpingto rescue the seasiders from rele-gation.

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AMAIDSTONE Borough Coun-cil officer has been “rebuked”over a spelling howler set instone in the town centre.A large slab to mark a moment

in the county town's history mis-spelt “principal” as “principle”.Liberal Democrat ward council-

lor Clive English was furious, de-scribing the error as “sloppy,careless and embarrassing”.Had a final draft of the artwork

been shown to him, says Cllr Eng-lish, themistakewould never havegone through.Cllr English said: “I had to re-

buke a planning officer in privateabout this – it is embarrassing thatsuch a sloppy mistake could getthrough. It was just careless.”The installation is part of a £3m

regeneration scheme in WeekStreet and Gabriel’s Hill, with his-tory panels at strategic pointsalong the road.A slab recently embedded at the

top of Gabriel’s Hill reads: “1600:

Maidstone as principle markettown”.Cllr Jonathan Purle (pictured)

asked: “Thequestion is howmuch will it costthe taxpayer toput this right?“Sadly, this just

sums up Maid-stone BoroughCouncil nicely.

They claim to know what they’redoing, but the reality is that they’recareless in spending the council

tax, make a hash of town planningand have little grasp, if any, of ourheritage and history.“The slabs don’t even appear to

be in any date order. They’re justrandomly arranged and poorlyspelt.”A council spokesman said: “Un-

fortunately, the spelling mistakewas missed when the design stagedrawings were checked. The stonewill be replaced.”MBC was unable to say at this

stage howmuch theworkwill costto put right.

History stone blunder‘sloppy and careless’

Knife arrestOFFICERS seized a lock knifefrom a suspected shoplifter in thecentre of Maidstone.Stop and search patrols ap-

proached a man who was seenentering Brenchley Gardensshortly after midday on Tuesday,May 14. The knife was in a jacketpocket.Enquiries led to him also being

identified as a suspect for a num-ber of thefts from stores in thetown centre.The man, aged 23, from Maid-

stone was arrested on suspicion ofpossessing a knife in a publicplace and theft offences. He waslater released, pending further in-vestigation.

Jay by the seaFORMER Maidstone United bossJay Saunders has signed a perma-nent deal to become manager atMargate Football Club.Mr Saunders (40), sacked by the

Stones last September after an in-different start to the NationalLeague campaign, confirmed themove in early May after helpingto rescue the seasiders from rele-gation.

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SummerEvents & Dining



AN INVICTA Grammar Schoolpupil plans to raise much-needed cash for slum children inIndia.Astrid Finlay (17), of Leeds,

met staff and pupils of AshraySchool whose 120 plus primaryschool age children live in someof the worst poverty in the UttarPradesh state.Ashray aims to give the pupils

the education they need to getthem into better-paid jobs andhelp pull their families out ofpoverty.Rakesh Saraogi, spokesman

for the Ashray Charitable Trust(ACT), which helps to fund theschool, said pupils come fromthe 3,000 slum-dwellers (the so-called Dalit ‘untouchables’) inVaranasi.He added that most are from

“less than under-privileged”homes, which are mostly shantyshacks and where the principalbreadwinner may make £1 or soper day fixing rickshaws or sell-ing fruit.Astrid arranged the school

visit to coincide with a familyholiday to Delhi, Agra andMoradabad.She said: “The work Ashray is

doing is truly inspirational, butwhat shows it is now working isthat three of the teachers are for-mer pupils of the school. The dif-ference an education has madeto their lives has been truly in-spirational. The school has

begun to givebasic eveningclasses to the

parents, who are so poorly edu-cated that they can’t read pricelabels or fill out basic forms.”Astrid hopes to raise funds via

the Invicta’s charitable givingscheme – which can raise £50,000in a year for multiple charities –or by her own endeavours.Mr Saraogi said: “Donations

are always welcome and we re-ceive no government assistance.If people want to help I’d ratherreceive 1,000 rupees (approxi-

mately £9) a month than 12,000rupees in one go.”The school provides uniforms

for the children, but does notfeed them. It does, however, pro-vide some basic medical help.School management found

that teaching children the properuse of soap can slash the rate ofillness, such as tuberculosis, andinfection in slums.Although the concept of an

“untouchable” class in India hasbeen outlawed for decades, thestigma attached to the caste sys-tem remains.

Astrid aiming to helpslum ‘untouchables’

Brenchley forfree concertsTHERE is an afternoon of free con-certs in Brenchley Gardens thissummer.The concerts will begin at 3pm

and finish at about 4.30pmon June23, June 30, July 7 and July 14.Guests are invited to bring a picnic.The first show on June 23will be

performed by Maidstone YouthMusic Society (MYMS), a group ofyoung string, woodwind, brassand percussion players aged from10 to 18.On June 30, the JonHamilton Big

Bandwill perform a range of tunesfrom the classics to relative un-knowns. Theywill be joined by vo-calist, Ruth Fahie.On July 7, the BAESystemsBrass

Band will play an extensive reper-toire in a wide range of musicalstyles.On July 14, the Invicta Jazz Or-

chestra, an ensemble of approxi-mately 40 amateur musicians, willperform a variety of styles, rangingfrom jazz standards and the bigband era of the 20s to modernarrangements, such as MichaelJackson’s Thriller.

Support cafeMENTAL health charity Maid-stone and Mid-Kent Mind islaunching a new support servicefor young people.The Youth Wellbeing Cafe will

provide young people with a safeand welcoming drop-in servicefrom 5-7pm on Wednesdays.The cafe, at 23 College Road,

Maidstone, is suitable for youngpeople aged between 12 and 17.

Memorial dayLOCAL members of the RoyalBritish Legion will attend the 79thBattle of Britain memorial day atCapel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone,on Sunday, July 7.The date is the official “start” of

the battle, which raged in theskies over Kent for severalmonths, and remembers thebrave pilots who gave their lives.

Health fundsSERVICES supporting mentalhealth needs have received a fur-ther £136,000 from Kent Policeand Crime Commissioner,Matthew Scott.Mr Scott announced that a

number of projects which havedemonstrated their benefits inprevious years are again receivingfunding in 2019/20 from his Men-tal Health and Policing Fund.

YEAR 13 pupils at Invicta GrammarSchool were left sobbing in the play-ground after staff brought their Leavers’Day forward by 24 hours.The students were told at an assembly

on May 15 it would be their last day to-gether before sitting exams.Pupils suspected it was shifted to head-

off possible pranks after concerns aboutdangerous stunts a few days previously at Maid-stone Grammar School for Girls.One Invicta pupil said: “Girls have been crying

in the playground. They feel as though they havebeen denied what is an important day in anypupil's school life. They were scared that some ofthe girls were up to something and pulled it."But head teacher Julie Derrick, pictured, said:

“The only tears we saw were ones of happinessand emotion at coming to the end of their schooljourney.”

One parent declared he would reportthe matter to the exam authorities amidclaims art and photography A-level stu-dents were “pulled out” of their exams toattend the assembly.A school spokesman said: “Photogra-

phy and art students attended our cele-bratory assembly in a standard breakduring their examination. All students

going back into examinations following the as-sembly were checked by staff, and were calm andwell.“At Invicta Grammar School, it is our priority to

ensure our students are happy, supported andwell-looked after, at all times."Earlier in May, Maidstone Grammar’s head,

Deborah Stanley, pulled the plug on Year 11 promsbecause she considered a series of last day pranks,notconsidered to be unusual in schools, went toofar.

Astrid Finlay with pupils of the Ashray School inIndia’s Uttar Pradesh state and, inset, Rakesh Saraogi

Tears at Invicta year’s early ending



AN INVICTA Grammar Schoolpupil plans to raise much-needed cash for slum children inIndia.Astrid Finlay (17), of Leeds,

met staff and pupils of AshraySchool whose 120 plus primaryschool age children live in someof the worst poverty in the UttarPradesh state.Ashray aims to give the pupils

the education they need to getthem into better-paid jobs andhelp pull their families out ofpoverty.Rakesh Saraogi, spokesman

for the Ashray Charitable Trust(ACT), which helps to fund theschool, said pupils come fromthe 3,000 slum-dwellers (the so-called Dalit ‘untouchables’) inVaranasi.He added that most are from

“less than under-privileged”homes, which are mostly shantyshacks and where the principalbreadwinner may make £1 or soper day fixing rickshaws or sell-ing fruit.Astrid arranged the school

visit to coincide with a familyholiday to Delhi, Agra andMoradabad.She said: “The work Ashray is

doing is truly inspirational, butwhat shows it is now working isthat three of the teachers are for-mer pupils of the school. The dif-ference an education has madeto their lives has been truly in-spirational. The school has

begun to givebasic eveningclasses to the

parents, who are so poorly edu-cated that they can’t read pricelabels or fill out basic forms.”Astrid hopes to raise funds via

the Invicta’s charitable givingscheme – which can raise £50,000in a year for multiple charities –or by her own endeavours.Mr Saraogi said: “Donations

are always welcome and we re-ceive no government assistance.If people want to help I’d ratherreceive 1,000 rupees (approxi-

mately £9) a month than 12,000rupees in one go.”The school provides uniforms

for the children, but does notfeed them. It does, however, pro-vide some basic medical help.School management found

that teaching children the properuse of soap can slash the rate ofillness, such as tuberculosis, andinfection in slums.Although the concept of an

“untouchable” class in India hasbeen outlawed for decades, thestigma attached to the caste sys-tem remains.

Astrid aiming to helpslum ‘untouchables’

Brenchley forfree concertsTHERE is an afternoon of free con-certs in Brenchley Gardens thissummer.The concerts will begin at 3pm

and finish at about 4.30pmon June23, June 30, July 7 and July 14.Guests are invited to bring a picnic.The first show on June 23will be

performed by Maidstone YouthMusic Society (MYMS), a group ofyoung string, woodwind, brassand percussion players aged from10 to 18.On June 30, the JonHamilton Big

Bandwill perform a range of tunesfrom the classics to relative un-knowns. Theywill be joined by vo-calist, Ruth Fahie.On July 7, the BAESystemsBrass

Band will play an extensive reper-toire in a wide range of musicalstyles.On July 14, the Invicta Jazz Or-

chestra, an ensemble of approxi-mately 40 amateur musicians, willperform a variety of styles, rangingfrom jazz standards and the bigband era of the 20s to modernarrangements, such as MichaelJackson’s Thriller.

Support cafeMENTAL health charity Maid-stone and Mid-Kent Mind islaunching a new support servicefor young people.The Youth Wellbeing Cafe will

provide young people with a safeand welcoming drop-in servicefrom 5-7pm on Wednesdays.The cafe, at 23 College Road,

Maidstone, is suitable for youngpeople aged between 12 and 17.

Memorial dayLOCAL members of the RoyalBritish Legion will attend the 79thBattle of Britain memorial day atCapel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone,on Sunday, July 7.The date is the official “start” of

the battle, which raged in theskies over Kent for severalmonths, and remembers thebrave pilots who gave their lives.

Health fundsSERVICES supporting mentalhealth needs have received a fur-ther £136,000 from Kent Policeand Crime Commissioner,Matthew Scott.Mr Scott announced that a

number of projects which havedemonstrated their benefits inprevious years are again receivingfunding in 2019/20 from his Men-tal Health and Policing Fund.

YEAR 13 pupils at Invicta GrammarSchool were left sobbing in the play-ground after staff brought their Leavers’Day forward by 24 hours.The students were told at an assembly

on May 15 it would be their last day to-gether before sitting exams.Pupils suspected it was shifted to head-

off possible pranks after concerns aboutdangerous stunts a few days previously at Maid-stone Grammar School for Girls.One Invicta pupil said: “Girls have been crying

in the playground. They feel as though they havebeen denied what is an important day in anypupil's school life. They were scared that some ofthe girls were up to something and pulled it."But head teacher Julie Derrick, pictured, said:

“The only tears we saw were ones of happinessand emotion at coming to the end of their schooljourney.”

One parent declared he would reportthe matter to the exam authorities amidclaims art and photography A-level stu-dents were “pulled out” of their exams toattend the assembly.A school spokesman said: “Photogra-

phy and art students attended our cele-bratory assembly in a standard breakduring their examination. All students

going back into examinations following the as-sembly were checked by staff, and were calm andwell.“At Invicta Grammar School, it is our priority to

ensure our students are happy, supported andwell-looked after, at all times."Earlier in May, Maidstone Grammar’s head,

Deborah Stanley, pulled the plug on Year 11 promsbecause she considered a series of last day pranks,notconsidered to be unusual in schools, went toofar.

Astrid Finlay with pupils of the Ashray School inIndia’s Uttar Pradesh state and, inset, Rakesh Saraogi

Tears at Invicta year’s early ending


Business Focus

ProHealth Therapy Rooms are on the move – fulfilling a long-held dream of owner and therapist Nicola Elliott to offer more treatments. After seven years in a small clinic in

Maidstone and years of hard work, Nicola and her team of therapists at ProHealth have moved to a brand new clinic at 22 Church Street, Maidstone.More than 60 different treatments and

therapies are now available.Nicola said: “We are all totally thrilled

and so excited to have moved to the new premises. It is a much larger clinic and we are now able to provide many more treatments for our amazing clients.“We are so happy that we have been

able to move so close to our previous clinic, meaning our clients can park in the same place. We now have more than 18 therapists offering appointments seven days a week, including evenings, to fit around our clients.”

Treatments offered by ProHealth Therapy Rooms include: Chiropody/Podiatry/Colon Hydrotherapy/Nutrition/ Osteopathy/Acupuncture/ Sports Massage/ Herbal Medicine/ Reflexology/ Hypnotherapy/ Clinical Psychology/Yoga /Pilates/Sound Therapy/Skin Specialist treatments/ Botox-Fillers and B12 injections. ProHealth regularly holds health-related

courses as well as coffee mornings and its charity work supports local causes in the community and the area’s hospitals.For more information on the treatments

and therapies, drop into the clinic, visit our website or call us today on 01622 297202/ 661055

More than 60 different treatments and therapies are now available. See our website for further details www.ProHealthTherapy.com

Dreams do come true

22 Church StreetMaidstone, Kent ME14 1EN01622 297202 /661055. Visit our new clinic

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Councillors on Maidstone’splanning committee have given thegreen light for thework after beingtold the walls do not meet modernsafety standards, and the conse-quence of their failure are “amajorconcern”.But with the tendering process

unlikely to start until August, theborough’s planning officers predicttheir efforts to safeguard TurkeyMill and housing along the RiverLen from flooding won’t be com-plete until October 2020.The work, which is likely to take

up to six months, will involvefelling 30 trees in the park, exca-vating large amounts of earth to re-

pair the sluice gates, add a back-upspillway to relieve pressure on thedam, build a new wave wall, andraise ground levels.The dam wall is part of the

park’s 12-hectare reservoir, whichholds 200,000m3 of water backfrom central Maidstone.Built in the early 1800s, the coun-

cil says the crucial repairs willbring it in line with the safety re-quirements laid down by theReservoirs Act 1975.However, despite the urgency of

the operation, councillors say im-pact on wildlife will be kept to aminimum, with contractors ensur-ing tree felling is outside the nest-

ing season, andmigrating fish andriver snails are taken into account.The borough’s planning com-

mitteewas in agreement thatwhileappreciating the “extensive im-pact” the work will have on thepark, and its visual appearanceand biodiversity, all trees lost willbe replaced, with screening of thesite and wild meadow seeding inharder areas to reach.A council report says: “Assuming

all went to plan, trees would be re-moved from September 2019 toFebruary 2020 to avoid bird nestingseason, and construction wouldstart in April 2020 with a view tocompletion by October 2020.”


Damwork to preventflooding facing delayAN OPERATION to reinforce a high-risk 140m dam in Mote Park willnot begin until next April.

Crash rescueA MAN was cut free from his carfollowing a collision on the M20.Fire crews were called to a crash

on June 7 involving one car on theM20 London-bound between junc-tion 5 for Blue Bell Hill and junc-tion 4 for Leybourne.A spokesman for Kent Fire and

Rescue said: "Three fire engines at-tended and crews used hydraulicrescue equipment to remove thecar roof and release aman trappedinside. Hewas passed into the careof SECAmb paramedics.

Cafe sessionsTHOSE aged over 65 are invited tograb a cuppa with new friends atMaidstone Museum.The drop-in session in the cafe is

from 10.30-11.30am.Entitled Café Culture, the ses-

sions are nowa regular event at theSt Faith’s Street museum (last Fri-day of the month).The sessions are free to attend

and no booking required.For details call 01622 602853.

History walkIF you have ever wanted to knowmore about the history of Maid-stone’sMote Park, then an eveningwalkwith an expert could provideyouwith the answers to all of yourquestions.The chairman of the Mote Park

Fellowship will lead the guidedtour around the park – lastingaround 2.5 hours – from the café at7pm, onMonday, June 24.To book your £3 ticket, go to

www.moteparkfellowship.org.uk.

Vote on artMAIDSTONE Art Society’s Sum-mer Exhibition is unveiled at TheCountyGallery, CountyHall, fromSaturday, June 29.Visitorswill have an opportunity

to vote for their favourite piece ofwork.

STUDENTS at Maidstone GrammarSchool will finish class 10 minutesearly from next term.The governing body of the school

in Barton Road has agreed the finalbell will sound at 3.20pm instead of3.30pm from September. Parentshave been notified of the change.A school spokesmanadded: “After

careful considerationwith staff, gov-ernors and some parents, the gov-erning body has agreed that theschool day will change.”The lunch break will be shortened

by 10minutes to accommodate theearlier finish time. Changes to thecatering service have improved thespeed of service.The spokesman said: “There are a

number of aspects of the school,

particularly with teaching and learn-ing, we wish to develop, so the extra10 minutes a day will create morefrequent blocks of timewhich canbeused to deliver staff training.”The earlier finish will also allow

time for after school activities.The spokesman confirmed:

“These changes will not impact onthe learning hours children receive.”The school, whose head teacher is

Mark Tomkins, earned a good Of-sted report in January but madeclear it wants to improve areas, in-cluding teaching to achieve an “out-standing” rating.

Early finish for grammar school

THREE people from the area havehad their service to the communityrecognised by the Queen in herBirthday Honours List.Maidstone auctioneer Clive

Emson and Jim Findlay, fromHollingbourne, were made MBEs,and Molly Poulter, from Ulcombereceives a British Empire Medal.Eighty-six-year-old Molly Poul-

ter (pictured) plans to wear a £20cream dress she bought from acharity shopwhen she receives hermedal.

Shewas a driving force in raisingthe money to build the Heart ofKentHospice inAylesford. She is aleadingmember of village life, set-ting up the playgroup, history so-ciety and the friends group forUlcombe Church.Former stockbroker Jim Findlay

said the honour was flattering. Hehas used his financial skills to helpcharities including the MeadowsTrust, of which he was a foundingmember, to buy land in the villageto safeguard it from development.

He also sat on finance committeesforMaidstoneGirls’ Grammar andthe Canterbury Diocese.Clive Emson (72) has been an

auctioneer in the area for 30 years.He earned his MBE for his volun-tary work for charities includingthe Young Lives Foundation, ofwhich he was the founding chair-man. The charity provides supportand befriending services to youngpeople.He described the award as “an

honour”.

Birthday honours for local community heroes


Ex-MGS pupil Harry Skiltonand former IGS girl Beth Eves (pic-tured), both 21 and from Barming,were killed when theMini Cooperthey were travelling in left theroad and plunged through abarbed wire fence into a waterchannel at around 3.40am onMay18.On Twitter, MGS said: “The

school community at MGS is, ofcourse, terribly sorry to hear of thetragic death of both Harry andBeth, andwe send our sincere con-dolences to their families andfriends.”Invicta Grammar School head

teacher Julie Derrick said: “We aredeeply saddened to hear the tragicnews regarding the deaths of BethEves andHarry Skilton. Bethwas alovely, hard-working and popularstudent.“Our thoughts are with their

friends and family at this incredi-bly difficult time.”After secondary school, Harry

worked with his parents at theirdistribution company, but had sethis heart on working in landscapeand design. He was studying atHadlow College. Beth was a de-sign apprentice at Google.The company’s UK managing

director, Ronan Harris, said: “Iwas deeply saddened to hearabout this tragic accident.“Our hearts and thoughts are

with the friends and family of BethEves and Harry Skilton.“Beth was a highly-regarded

Google colleague and will besorely missed.”BenO'Reganwrote on Facebook

of Harry: “Rest in peace, my bro.Can't believe this has happened.”Cameron Ryan posted on Face-

book: “Harry and Beth. I can’t de-scribe how empty I feel knowingthat when I next come to Maid-stone you’re not going be there.

Harry, you’re a brother, a friendand an excellent human being andyou improved the life of everyoneyoumet by being so generous andfriendly.“I hope everyone who sees this

takes extra care behind the wheelgoing forward, because life is pre-cious and can be taken away in theblink of an eye.”A third person in the car was

rescued and is not thought to be ina serious condition. Kent Policehas appealed for witnesses. Call01622 798538 quotingHW/DC/056/19/, or [email protected].


Tributes to friendsafter fatal car crashMAIDSTONE and Invicta Grammar schools have paid tribute to formerstudents, who died in a car accident on RomneyMarsh.

Brexit victoryshocks ToriesTHE Brexit Party secured morethan 45% of the vote inMaidstoneborough at the European election.The Conservative Party, which

has two MPs in the district, se-cured just a 10% share, sendingalarm bells through the con-stituencies.The Tories polled just 167 more

than the Green Party.One loyal Conservative activist,

who declined to be named, said:“If there is a general election to-morrow, we have got to be wor-ried, really worried.“This may have been a protest

vote but we cannot assume thatour supporters will switch backagain. If the Brexit Party stands, itcould split the vote asunder andlet someone else in.“There is always the possibility

of a pact or agreement amongother parties which could see anon-Tory entity sneak in. It israther hypothetical, granted, butnot beyond the realms of possibil-ity.”The Liberal Democrats secured

22% of the vote in a turnout of44,532. Lib Dem Kent countycouncillor and barrister at theMaidstone law courts, AntonyHook, became an MEP.Both the Maidstone and the

Weald and Faversham and MidKent constituencies had Labourcoming a distant second place atthe last general election.The respected Electoral Calcu-

lus website predicts the current35% majority of the latter con-stituency being slashed to 12.4%.InMaidstone and theWeald the

majority could collapse from 34%to 12.8%, according to the websitewhich uses polling, trends andanalysis but not local factors incoming up with its findings.

Idris at clubBRITISH actor andmusician IdrisElba is coming to Maidstone toperform at The Source Bar.The Golden Globe winner will

host the 12-hour street party atthe club on Saturday, July 20,The Source Bar wrote on Face-

book: “He is best known for tak-ing versatile acting roles, neverthe less he is far from your aver-age actor turnedmusician, havingbegun his career as a DJ long be-fore stardom on the big screen.“Whether spinning surprise

sets in small east-London bars orthrilling thousands in the world’stop clubs, Idris' credibility as a DJand selector is without question.”

Music andfun at freepark eventINVICTA Jazz Orchestra openedProms in the Park – a free eventproviding a showcase for thearea’s singer songwriters.Clea and the Dubs were among

those to draw a crowd at What-man Park on the warm Bank Holi-day. Groups from the HazlittTheatre, along with local musi-cians also performed, with Maid-stone Wind Symphony roundingoff the day.Children’s entertainment, in-

cluding a stilt walker, was also pro-vided for the free event byMaidstone Borough Council.

Crash victims Harry Skilton and Beth Eves were both 21

Drug suspectsstopped in carSUSPECTED drug dealers havebeen intercepted by police aftertrying to drive throughMaidstoneat night without headlights.The two unnamed men were

stopped by a patrol car in RoyalEngineers Road at around 12.30amon Thursday, May 30.Officers noticed one of the car’s

occupantswas acting suspiciously,and both were arrested on suspi-cion of possessing Class A drugs.A search of the vehicle uncov-

ered cash and nine bags thought tocontain cocaine and cannabis.The driver, aman in his 20s from

Rochester, and his passenger, ateenage boy from Lewisham, werebailed to return to Maidstone po-lice station on June 26, pending in-vestigation.


Councillors on Maidstone’splanning committee have given thegreen light for thework after beingtold the walls do not meet modernsafety standards, and the conse-quence of their failure are “amajorconcern”.But with the tendering process

unlikely to start until August, theborough’s planning officers predicttheir efforts to safeguard TurkeyMill and housing along the RiverLen from flooding won’t be com-plete until October 2020.The work, which is likely to take

up to six months, will involvefelling 30 trees in the park, exca-vating large amounts of earth to re-

pair the sluice gates, add a back-upspillway to relieve pressure on thedam, build a new wave wall, andraise ground levels.The dam wall is part of the

park’s 12-hectare reservoir, whichholds 200,000m3 of water backfrom central Maidstone.Built in the early 1800s, the coun-

cil says the crucial repairs willbring it in line with the safety re-quirements laid down by theReservoirs Act 1975.However, despite the urgency of

the operation, councillors say im-pact on wildlife will be kept to aminimum, with contractors ensur-ing tree felling is outside the nest-

ing season, andmigrating fish andriver snails are taken into account.The borough’s planning com-

mitteewas in agreement thatwhileappreciating the “extensive im-pact” the work will have on thepark, and its visual appearanceand biodiversity, all trees lost willbe replaced, with screening of thesite and wild meadow seeding inharder areas to reach.A council report says: “Assuming

all went to plan, trees would be re-moved from September 2019 toFebruary 2020 to avoid bird nestingseason, and construction wouldstart in April 2020 with a view tocompletion by October 2020.”


Damwork to preventflooding facing delayAN OPERATION to reinforce a high-risk 140m dam in Mote Park willnot begin until next April.

Crash rescueA MAN was cut free from his carfollowing a collision on the M20.Fire crews were called to a crash

on June 7 involving one car on theM20 London-bound between junc-tion 5 for Blue Bell Hill and junc-tion 4 for Leybourne.A spokesman for Kent Fire and

Rescue said: "Three fire engines at-tended and crews used hydraulicrescue equipment to remove thecar roof and release aman trappedinside. Hewas passed into the careof SECAmb paramedics.

Cafe sessionsTHOSE aged over 65 are invited tograb a cuppa with new friends atMaidstone Museum.The drop-in session in the cafe is

from 10.30-11.30am.Entitled Café Culture, the ses-

sions are nowa regular event at theSt Faith’s Street museum (last Fri-day of the month).The sessions are free to attend

and no booking required.For details call 01622 602853.

History walkIF you have ever wanted to knowmore about the history of Maid-stone’sMote Park, then an eveningwalkwith an expert could provideyouwith the answers to all of yourquestions.The chairman of the Mote Park

Fellowship will lead the guidedtour around the park – lastingaround 2.5 hours – from the café at7pm, onMonday, June 24.To book your £3 ticket, go to

www.moteparkfellowship.org.uk.

Vote on artMAIDSTONE Art Society’s Sum-mer Exhibition is unveiled at TheCountyGallery, CountyHall, fromSaturday, June 29.Visitorswill have an opportunity

to vote for their favourite piece ofwork.

STUDENTS at Maidstone GrammarSchool will finish class 10 minutesearly from next term.The governing body of the school

in Barton Road has agreed the finalbell will sound at 3.20pm instead of3.30pm from September. Parentshave been notified of the change.A school spokesmanadded: “After

careful considerationwith staff, gov-ernors and some parents, the gov-erning body has agreed that theschool day will change.”The lunch break will be shortened

by 10minutes to accommodate theearlier finish time. Changes to thecatering service have improved thespeed of service.The spokesman said: “There are a

number of aspects of the school,

particularly with teaching and learn-ing, we wish to develop, so the extra10 minutes a day will create morefrequent blocks of timewhich canbeused to deliver staff training.”The earlier finish will also allow

time for after school activities.The spokesman confirmed:

“These changes will not impact onthe learning hours children receive.”The school, whose head teacher is

Mark Tomkins, earned a good Of-sted report in January but madeclear it wants to improve areas, in-cluding teaching to achieve an “out-standing” rating.

Early finish for grammar school

THREE people from the area havehad their service to the communityrecognised by the Queen in herBirthday Honours List.Maidstone auctioneer Clive

Emson and Jim Findlay, fromHollingbourne, were made MBEs,and Molly Poulter, from Ulcombereceives a British Empire Medal.Eighty-six-year-old Molly Poul-

ter (pictured) plans to wear a £20cream dress she bought from acharity shopwhen she receives hermedal.

Shewas a driving force in raisingthe money to build the Heart ofKentHospice inAylesford. She is aleadingmember of village life, set-ting up the playgroup, history so-ciety and the friends group forUlcombe Church.Former stockbroker Jim Findlay

said the honour was flattering. Hehas used his financial skills to helpcharities including the MeadowsTrust, of which he was a foundingmember, to buy land in the villageto safeguard it from development.

He also sat on finance committeesforMaidstoneGirls’ Grammar andthe Canterbury Diocese.Clive Emson (72) has been an

auctioneer in the area for 30 years.He earned his MBE for his volun-tary work for charities includingthe Young Lives Foundation, ofwhich he was the founding chair-man. The charity provides supportand befriending services to youngpeople.He described the award as “an

honour”.

Birthday honours for local community heroes


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The multi-cultural event willtake place at Whatman Park be-tween 12.30pm and 6pm on Sun-day, July 14.There will be an exciting pro-

gramme of culturally diverse actsperforming on and off stage, in-cludingUkulear Fallout, theMaid-stone Nepalese CommunityGroup, the Maidstone MalayaleeGroup, Phase 5 Steel Band, FolkinFusion Drumming Collective,Kitka Bulgarian Folk Dance, rapact Bando Black as well as the Chi-nese Dancing Lions (pictured).The Community Mela will be

headlined by renowned tribute actThe Motown Kings, who will beperforming Detroit’s anthems.Funding has been themain issue

for the Mela since 2016, but aftermonths of hard work finance hasbeen secured from Arts CouncilEngland, Maidstone BoroughCouncil, Golding Homes and,most recently, from 2BS Manage-ment Systems.Mela producer, Gurvinder Sand-

her said: “I am really excited aboutthis year’s Maidstone Community

Mela. It is very close to my heartas it is our longest running eventand, to me, it is about bringing thecommunities of the borough to-gether, celebrating our shared val-ues and the positive communityrelations we enjoy.“Working in partnership with

theMaidstone Cultural Group, weare really pleased with the artisticprogramme, both on and off stagethis year, and we really think it’sour best yet. Finally, I am incredi-

bly grateful to our funders, volun-teers and community partners thisyear for their generous support to-wards the delivery of the Mela.”The Mela is organised by a part-

nership of community organisa-tions led by Kent EqualityCohesion Council and MaidstoneCultural Group and is producedby Cohesion Plus.The event is free to attend. Fur-

ther information can be found atwww.maidstonemela.com


Diversity celebrated inpreparations forMelaPREPARATIONS have now started for theMaidstone CommunityMela,which comes to the county town this summer.

Big cat storyat museumLET the lion within you loose at aspecial evening event at Maid-stone Museum.The team from The Big Cat

Sanctuary at Smarden will be atthe venue in St Faith’s Street totalk about their beautiful chargesand conservation work from 6-9pm on June 27.As part of the evening, visitors

will have free entry to the mu-seum’s Endangered and Extinctexhibition.This is one of a series of night-

time events being held on the lastThursday of the month. On thesespecial evenings, the museumdoors are open until 9pm.Tickets (over 18s only) are £10

and include a Big Cat cocktail orsoft drink alternative.

Car defectiveA MERCEDES car was seized inMaidstone for having no insur-ance and an expired licence.Police spotted the black Mer-

cedes at about 12.20pm on June 6at a location near the A20 Cold-harbour roundabout.The driver told police they were

on their way to an MOT test.On further inspection, officers

noticed the car had deflated tyresand a cracked windscreen.

Just laughsCOMEDIAN Andrew Lawrencetakes a break from Live at TheApollo and Michael McIntyre’sRoadshow to take to the stage inMaidstone.He will be at The Hazlitt The-

atre, in Earl Street, on Friday, June21, and is promising his showwillcontain “No politics. No religion.No smut. No swearing. Just greatjokes.”The show, which will take place

in the Exchange Studio, starts at8pm. Tickets are £15.50. Call01622 758611.

Cheesy dateCHEESE Fest is back in Maid-stone for the second year running– returning to the county show-ground at Detling.Featuring the latest in flavours

from street food traders and arti-san vendors, visitors will have thechance to try and buy cheese from10am to 6pm on Saturday, June22.

Massage title bidMAIDSTONE’s Jackie Munoz has been entered in the world massagechampionships.She will be competing in Copenhagen against therapists from as far

afield as Hong Kong, Hungary and the Ukraine in a bid to take the title onJune 22-23.Proving that aches and pains are

a worldwide complaint, the event isorganised by The InternationalMassage Associate to develop im-proved techniques around theglobe. Jackie (48) has been amasseuse for 33 years, beginningher studies as a hobby.She said: “I used to surf, so most

people I used to treat were ath-letes”.For five years, she was the official

masseuse for the International Cen-tre of Windsurf in Pozo Izquierdo, Spain.She specialised in the spine at Begona Ferrero School, beforemoving to

the UK 14 years ago. She has held various posts, including at the TudorPark spa in Bearsted. She nowhas a studio at homeand teachesmassage.She said: “I love it and want to be among the best in the world, learn,

teach new techniques and continue to cure people.”She said: “If I win, I will dedicate the award to my mother, the person

who sparked my interest, inspired me and taught me so much.”

Four arrestsafter injuriesFOUR people have been ar-rested for causing grievousbodily harm in a Maidstonenight attack.Police swooped on Remem-

brance Square in the earlyhours of June 7, following re-ports of a man suffering headinjuries.A Kent Police spokesman

said: “We were called at3.10am on Friday, June 7, to adisturbance in MaidstoneHigh Street.“Officers and the South

East Coast Ambulance Serv-ice attended, and a man wastaken to hospital sufferinginjuries to his head, whichare not life-threatening.“Four people have been ar-

rested in connection withcausing grievous bodilyharm and remain in custody.”


The multi-cultural event willtake place at Whatman Park be-tween 12.30pm and 6pm on Sun-day, July 14.There will be an exciting pro-

gramme of culturally diverse actsperforming on and off stage, in-cludingUkulear Fallout, theMaid-stone Nepalese CommunityGroup, the Maidstone MalayaleeGroup, Phase 5 Steel Band, FolkinFusion Drumming Collective,Kitka Bulgarian Folk Dance, rapact Bando Black as well as the Chi-nese Dancing Lions (pictured).The Community Mela will be

headlined by renowned tribute actThe Motown Kings, who will beperforming Detroit’s anthems.Funding has been themain issue

for the Mela since 2016, but aftermonths of hard work finance hasbeen secured from Arts CouncilEngland, Maidstone BoroughCouncil, Golding Homes and,most recently, from 2BS Manage-ment Systems.Mela producer, Gurvinder Sand-

her said: “I am really excited aboutthis year’s Maidstone Community

Mela. It is very close to my heartas it is our longest running eventand, to me, it is about bringing thecommunities of the borough to-gether, celebrating our shared val-ues and the positive communityrelations we enjoy.“Working in partnership with

theMaidstone Cultural Group, weare really pleased with the artisticprogramme, both on and off stagethis year, and we really think it’sour best yet. Finally, I am incredi-

bly grateful to our funders, volun-teers and community partners thisyear for their generous support to-wards the delivery of the Mela.”The Mela is organised by a part-

nership of community organisa-tions led by Kent EqualityCohesion Council and MaidstoneCultural Group and is producedby Cohesion Plus.The event is free to attend. Fur-

ther information can be found atwww.maidstonemela.com


Diversity celebrated inpreparations forMelaPREPARATIONS have now started for theMaidstone CommunityMela,which comes to the county town this summer.

Big cat storyat museumLET the lion within you loose at aspecial evening event at Maid-stone Museum.The team from The Big Cat

Sanctuary at Smarden will be atthe venue in St Faith’s Street totalk about their beautiful chargesand conservation work from 6-9pm on June 27.As part of the evening, visitors

will have free entry to the mu-seum’s Endangered and Extinctexhibition.This is one of a series of night-

time events being held on the lastThursday of the month. On thesespecial evenings, the museumdoors are open until 9pm.Tickets (over 18s only) are £10

and include a Big Cat cocktail orsoft drink alternative.

Car defectiveA MERCEDES car was seized inMaidstone for having no insur-ance and an expired licence.Police spotted the black Mer-

cedes at about 12.20pm on June 6at a location near the A20 Cold-harbour roundabout.The driver told police they were

on their way to an MOT test.On further inspection, officers

noticed the car had deflated tyresand a cracked windscreen.

Just laughsCOMEDIAN Andrew Lawrencetakes a break from Live at TheApollo and Michael McIntyre’sRoadshow to take to the stage inMaidstone.He will be at The Hazlitt The-

atre, in Earl Street, on Friday, June21, and is promising his showwillcontain “No politics. No religion.No smut. No swearing. Just greatjokes.”The show, which will take place

in the Exchange Studio, starts at8pm. Tickets are £15.50. Call01622 758611.

Cheesy dateCHEESE Fest is back in Maid-stone for the second year running– returning to the county show-ground at Detling.Featuring the latest in flavours

from street food traders and arti-san vendors, visitors will have thechance to try and buy cheese from10am to 6pm on Saturday, June22.

Massage title bidMAIDSTONE’s Jackie Munoz has been entered in the world massagechampionships.She will be competing in Copenhagen against therapists from as far

afield as Hong Kong, Hungary and the Ukraine in a bid to take the title onJune 22-23.Proving that aches and pains are

a worldwide complaint, the event isorganised by The InternationalMassage Associate to develop im-proved techniques around theglobe. Jackie (48) has been amasseuse for 33 years, beginningher studies as a hobby.She said: “I used to surf, so most

people I used to treat were ath-letes”.For five years, she was the official

masseuse for the International Cen-tre of Windsurf in Pozo Izquierdo, Spain.She specialised in the spine at Begona Ferrero School, beforemoving to

the UK 14 years ago. She has held various posts, including at the TudorPark spa in Bearsted. She nowhas a studio at homeand teachesmassage.She said: “I love it and want to be among the best in the world, learn,

teach new techniques and continue to cure people.”She said: “If I win, I will dedicate the award to my mother, the person

who sparked my interest, inspired me and taught me so much.”

Four arrestsafter injuriesFOUR people have been ar-rested for causing grievousbodily harm in a Maidstonenight attack.Police swooped on Remem-

brance Square in the earlyhours of June 7, following re-ports of a man suffering headinjuries.A Kent Police spokesman

said: “We were called at3.10am on Friday, June 7, to adisturbance in MaidstoneHigh Street.“Officers and the South

East Coast Ambulance Serv-ice attended, and a man wastaken to hospital sufferinginjuries to his head, whichare not life-threatening.“Four people have been ar-

rested in connection withcausing grievous bodilyharm and remain in custody.”


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Obituaries

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

Alan ColegateALAN Colegate (73) lived in Upper FantRoad for more than 40 years.Born in Maidstone, Alan a�ended

Westborough Schooland started work inSmedley’s canningfactory, beforebecomingapprenticed toGoodsell and Sonsas a carpenter andjoiner.Alan’s career took

him thousands ofmiles away, with spells working in SaudiArabia and Libya.Alan was married to Heather for 51

years and father to Helen and Kevin. Hewas taken ill whilst on holiday in Cyprusand died in a country that he loved.Heather said: “Alan was a very hard

working, quiet and unassuming man inhis later years. Earlier in his life, he hadboxed, more recently he was an avidfollower of Grand Prix racing.“He was part of Barming life;

especially for the fact that his skills wereoften called for when there wasparticularly difficult work to be done.”Alan leaves Heather, his children,

grandchildren Hannah, Daniel, Chloe,Vicki and Ma� and great-grandchildrenJames, Olivia, Ella, Brooke and Kyle.

Gareth JonesGARETH Jones (83) was known fromyears as a violinist with the MaidstoneSymphony Orchestra.He lived locally from the late 50s to the

90s, and worked as a primary schoolteacher and head teacher.

Born in Wales,Gareth moved toMedway when hebegan work atWinston PrimarySchool, Chatham.He served as head atWinston from 1971to 1986, and went onto work as headteacher at Tunbury

Primary School, Walderslade, from 1986until 1991, when he retired, beforemoving to Plymouth, Devon.Gareth was married to Pamela for

almost 60 years, and died just a fewmonths before their diamond weddinganniversary. He was father to Beverley,Gordon and David.Gordon said: “My father remained a

proud Welshman to the end of his life.People recall him as fair-minded,someone with a real sense ofresponsibility who could relate toanyone.“His passions included music and,

along with the Maidstone SymphonyOrchestra, he was also a member of theRochester Arts Orchestra, which becamethe City of Rochester SymphonyOrchestra.“He also played rugby – including a

spell at Saracens and playing for the Isleof Sheppey.”Gareth leaves his wife, children and

grandchildren Andrew and Rosie.

Hugh LaingHUGH Laing (80), of Loose, was born inBarming and moved to Hollingbournewith his family, at the age of 10 months.He was known locally for his

involvement in local politics whichincluded two terms as a LiberalDemocrat councillor.Hugh was a member of the Social

Democratic Party(SDP) in the 80s. Heserved as SDP chairfor west Kent andhosted meetings thatinvolved all themembers of theirfamous founding“Gang of Four”.He became a

Liberal Democratwhen the SDP merged with the LiberalParty.Hugh was married to Wendy for over

50 years and was father to Jamie, Fraserand Jo. He worked as a group financedirector in the insurance industry for acompany on London Road in Maidstoneand later for G N Bishop in Tenterden.

Jo said: “My father was passionateabout equality and that was central to hispolitical campaigning. He was elected aspresident of the Institute of FinancialAccountants and travelled the world inthat role, including trips to the Kremlinand China. His friends will remember hisfantastic sense of humour, and we willremember him as a wonderful dad.”Loose Parish Council’s tribute said: “Amongst his

many activities, he was instrumental inhelping to obtain funding to build theLoose Parish Pavilion, in the mid-1990s.Aside from his many and varied councilduties, he also served as chairman to theMcAlpine Trust, the charity bodyresponsible for the allotments on OldLoose Hill.”Hugh, who lost his wife seven years

ago, leaves his children andgrandchildren Alexander, Eleanor, Tobyand Amelia.

Margaret WarrenHOLLINGBOURNE’S Margaret Warren(103) was the village’s oldest resident.She lived near Vicarage Lane, having

moved there with her husband – anArmyMajor andWWII veteran – in 1971.Margaret served as a major inWomen’sArmyAuxiliary Corps during the war.The couple were noted followers of the

local point to point races (their houseoverlooked the old course). A tribute onthe parish website noted: “MrsWarrenwas very active in a number ofHollingbourne organisations including theRoyal British Legion. For many years, intoher 90s, MrsWarren went toHollingbourne County Primary School tolisten to the children reading.”Margaret, who was widowed, had

recently moved to live near her daughterinWarwickshire. Donations in hermemory will go to the Leeds andHollingbourne Royal British Legion.One of her many local friends, Derek

Davidson, said: “She was a lovely ladyand great conversationalist. She did a lotin the local community, at one point sheand the Major were the local collectors forthe football pools in the village.”Margaret leaves her daughter and one

grandson.

Kay KilbyTHE death of Kay Kilby (100) in a housefire made local headlines.Kay, a former nurse, had lived at

Longbeech Park in Canterbury Road,Charing, for 32 years and would havecelebrated her 101st birthday in July. Shelived independently and her qualities as aloving mother and friend were praised bythose who commented on her death.During the war, Kay’s nursing skills saw

her helping with the D-Day invasion byserving in a field hospital.

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[email protected] - www.hoodstrees.co.uk01622 744149 - 07590 461382

Maidstone Weald October 2017 35

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Computer Problems???

Any IT related issues, do not hesitate to contactDean:

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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

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NPTC Qualified and fully insuredFree quotes and advice provided

TREE SURGERY SPECIALISTSHOODS TREE SERVICES LTD

[email protected] - www.hoodstrees.co.uk01622 744149 - 07590 461382

Maidstone Weald October 2017 35


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wastemanagement

company inthe UK



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


• 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’


Telephone 01622 76248201233 636500 01795 436178

NAMM, BRAMM & NAMLC Registered

Monumental StonemasonsEst. 1973

New Memorials Tablets, Plaques & Vases Cleaning, Renovation & Restoration , Safety Inspections, Memorial Insurance Arranged, Free Brochures

2 Sutton Road Maidstone Kent ME15 9AH68 Kent Avenue Ashford Kent TN24 8NQ

Howt Green Bobbing Sittingbourne Kent ME9 8QP

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And all other types of garden building.

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[email protected]

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Christine retired at the end ofMay as the head of radiotherapyservices at Maidstone and Tun-bridge Wells NHS Trust, whichshe joined in 1990.During her early career, she

travelled toAmerica, Sweden andNorway to source state-of-the-artequipment for the Trust, as wellas overseeing training for staff.The 68-year-old said: “I will

miss the people because it’s sucha friendly atmosphere here. I’malso going tomiss the patients, be-cause being part of somethingthat is going to make such a dif-ference to someone’s life is so re-warding.”Christine twice won Radiogra-

pher of the Year as a member ofthe College of Radiographers andhas been at the forefront of proj-ects to improve patient care andshaping the Trust’s innovativeRadiotherapy Department.In June last year, she received

an MBE from Prince Charles forher services to cancer patients.She said: “I’ve been fortunate in

being able to achieve many thingsand going to Buckingham Palaceto be awarded an MBE is some-thing I never even dreamed of, so

it really topped off my career.“Everyone at MTW really re-

spects one another andworks as ateam to help our patients and ithas been a real honour to workalongside them all for so manyyears.”She is now looking forward to

holidays in her favourite destina-

tions, including Italy and France.Former radiotherapy planning

manager Amanda Williams stepsinto her role, after working withthe Trust for 21 years.Amanda qualified as a radiog-

rapher 27 years, ago after trainingas a therapeutic radiographer inVelindre Hospital, Cardiff.

News | Health downsmail.co.uk

Travelling on horizonas radiographer retiresMAIDSTONE radiographer Christine Richards is looking forward tospending time travelling after a career in medicine spanning 37 years.

Staffing crisisLATEST NHS figures showMaid-stone and the rest ofWest Kent pri-mary careworkforce developmentis below the national average forGPs, nurses anddirect patient care.There is a shortage of both GPs

and nurses, with concerns this willworsen, especially as 38% of GPsare aged 50 and over.The NHS Nursing and Quality

Care Education facilitator is nowworking with West Kent’s Educa-tion Network Training Hub andlocal universities. both to developthe existing workforce and createinnovative new roles.West Kent is now able to provide

apprenticeships to primary careproviders.A key area of workforce growth

in general practice is helping sur-geries to attract, recruit and sup-port nurses new to primary care.

Dementia careA SPECIALIST NHS service tosupport local people with demen-tia and their families is about to belaunched. Seven specialist nurseswill work in West Kent with theseven clusters formed of 55 GPpractices.The aims are to increase thewell-

being of patients, improve theirquality of life and reduce waitingtime for assessment and treatment.This will include: education,

sleep advice, medication reviews,counselling, signposting relevantservices (reducing waiting times)and support for carers.

Practice praiseTHE budget-holding NHS WestKent Clinical CommissioningGroup has praised “the excellentachievement” of the leadershipteam at the Vine Medical Centre,Tonbridge Road, Maidstone.The team at this GP practice has

received an outstanding ratingfrom theCareQuality Commissionfor being well led. It was com-mended for providing a culturethat had shared purpose, motivat-ing staff to succeed.The overall rating for the centre

is good. Bearsted Medical Practicereceived a similar rating.

Longer hoursPATIENTS in Maidstone and therest of West Kent are welcomingthe longer hours now available inGP surgeries.Early results of a survey show “a

clear preference for access toweek-day evening appointments fromMonday to Thursday up to 8pm,and for Saturdaymorning access”.

Radiographer Christine Richards(above) and left, receiving her MBEfrom Prince Charles, in recognitionof her work with cancer patients

DURING a period of seriouslymissed targets, especially on cancerinvestigations and treatments,Maidstone and Tunbridge WellsHospital Trust saw 95.7% of A&Epatients within four hours inMarch.West Kent Clinical Commission-

ing Group says: “This was a signifi-cant achievement and put them inthe top 10 best-performing emer-gency departments in England.”

There was a significant improve-ment in March towards the 85%target for patients receiving cancertreatment within 62 days of an ur-gent GP referral. It hit 67.91%compared with 56.02% in Febru-ary.All patients waiting for 104 days

andmore are subject to a harm re-view. So far no harmhas been iden-tified.

Hospital hits top 10

Measles jabsHEALTH service teams are warn-ing people to ensure they are pro-tected against measles, with fivemore confirmed cases in Kent.Public Health England (PHE)

South East says everyone needs tocheck they are up to date with twodoses ofMMRvaccine and anyoneconcerned they have the conditionshould stay away from others.PHE spokesmanDr Rachel Pud-

ney said: “If you’re concerned thatyou or your child has measles, callyour GP or ring NHS 111.”

Testing boostKENT and Medway are support-ing the creation of a single pathol-ogy service with clinicallyappropriate turnaround times.They say this will enable earlier

diagnostic services supporting bet-ter outcomes. There should also bean NHS saving of more than £5m.


Christine retired at the end ofMay as the head of radiotherapyservices at Maidstone and Tun-bridge Wells NHS Trust, whichshe joined in 1990.During her early career, she

travelled toAmerica, Sweden andNorway to source state-of-the-artequipment for the Trust, as wellas overseeing training for staff.The 68-year-old said: “I will

miss the people because it’s sucha friendly atmosphere here. I’malso going tomiss the patients, be-cause being part of somethingthat is going to make such a dif-ference to someone’s life is so re-warding.”Christine twice won Radiogra-

pher of the Year as a member ofthe College of Radiographers andhas been at the forefront of proj-ects to improve patient care andshaping the Trust’s innovativeRadiotherapy Department.In June last year, she received

an MBE from Prince Charles forher services to cancer patients.She said: “I’ve been fortunate in

being able to achieve many thingsand going to Buckingham Palaceto be awarded an MBE is some-thing I never even dreamed of, so

it really topped off my career.“Everyone at MTW really re-

spects one another andworks as ateam to help our patients and ithas been a real honour to workalongside them all for so manyyears.”She is now looking forward to

holidays in her favourite destina-

tions, including Italy and France.Former radiotherapy planning

manager Amanda Williams stepsinto her role, after working withthe Trust for 21 years.Amanda qualified as a radiog-

rapher 27 years, ago after trainingas a therapeutic radiographer inVelindre Hospital, Cardiff.

News | Health downsmail.co.uk

Travelling on horizonas radiographer retiresMAIDSTONE radiographer Christine Richards is looking forward tospending time travelling after a career in medicine spanning 37 years.

Staffing crisisLATEST NHS figures showMaid-stone and the rest ofWest Kent pri-mary careworkforce developmentis below the national average forGPs, nurses anddirect patient care.There is a shortage of both GPs

and nurses, with concerns this willworsen, especially as 38% of GPsare aged 50 and over.The NHS Nursing and Quality

Care Education facilitator is nowworking with West Kent’s Educa-tion Network Training Hub andlocal universities. both to developthe existing workforce and createinnovative new roles.West Kent is now able to provide

apprenticeships to primary careproviders.A key area of workforce growth

in general practice is helping sur-geries to attract, recruit and sup-port nurses new to primary care.

Dementia careA SPECIALIST NHS service tosupport local people with demen-tia and their families is about to belaunched. Seven specialist nurseswill work in West Kent with theseven clusters formed of 55 GPpractices.The aims are to increase thewell-

being of patients, improve theirquality of life and reduce waitingtime for assessment and treatment.This will include: education,

sleep advice, medication reviews,counselling, signposting relevantservices (reducing waiting times)and support for carers.

Practice praiseTHE budget-holding NHS WestKent Clinical CommissioningGroup has praised “the excellentachievement” of the leadershipteam at the Vine Medical Centre,Tonbridge Road, Maidstone.The team at this GP practice has

received an outstanding ratingfrom theCareQuality Commissionfor being well led. It was com-mended for providing a culturethat had shared purpose, motivat-ing staff to succeed.The overall rating for the centre

is good. Bearsted Medical Practicereceived a similar rating.

Longer hoursPATIENTS in Maidstone and therest of West Kent are welcomingthe longer hours now available inGP surgeries.Early results of a survey show “a

clear preference for access toweek-day evening appointments fromMonday to Thursday up to 8pm,and for Saturdaymorning access”.

Radiographer Christine Richards(above) and left, receiving her MBEfrom Prince Charles, in recognitionof her work with cancer patients

DURING a period of seriouslymissed targets, especially on cancerinvestigations and treatments,Maidstone and Tunbridge WellsHospital Trust saw 95.7% of A&Epatients within four hours inMarch.West Kent Clinical Commission-

ing Group says: “This was a signifi-cant achievement and put them inthe top 10 best-performing emer-gency departments in England.”

There was a significant improve-ment in March towards the 85%target for patients receiving cancertreatment within 62 days of an ur-gent GP referral. It hit 67.91%compared with 56.02% in Febru-ary.All patients waiting for 104 days

andmore are subject to a harm re-view. So far no harmhas been iden-tified.

Hospital hits top 10

Measles jabsHEALTH service teams are warn-ing people to ensure they are pro-tected against measles, with fivemore confirmed cases in Kent.Public Health England (PHE)

South East says everyone needs tocheck they are up to date with twodoses ofMMRvaccine and anyoneconcerned they have the conditionshould stay away from others.PHE spokesmanDr Rachel Pud-

ney said: “If you’re concerned thatyou or your child has measles, callyour GP or ring NHS 111.”

Testing boostKENT and Medway are support-ing the creation of a single pathol-ogy service with clinicallyappropriate turnaround times.They say this will enable earlier

diagnostic services supporting bet-ter outcomes. There should also bean NHS saving of more than £5m.

LooseOfficers It was agreed that Cllr VianneGibbons should continue as chairman forthe forthcoming year, and that Cllr CharlieHollister should continue in the role ofvice-chairman.Ward councillor Cllr Sue Grigg confirmedthat she had been elected for a further fouryears. Current issues included: problembike riders onWalnut Tree Avenue;hedging issues; adults drinking atweekends in the private car park behindthe Boughton Parade shops.Crime report There had been a burglary atthe salon on Loose Road and phone wassaid to have been stolen; four youths werethought to have been taking drugs in avehicle on Walnut Tree Avenue; graffiti wasreported at Loose Primary School – thiswas later said to be a school art project.Poaching had been reported in LooseValley, but this was said to be a ferreterwho had obtained prior permission to bethere.School parkingA further meeting hadbeen held with the school but there was nofurther progress. The cost of a zebracrossing by the Walnut Tree pub was saidto be extortionate, but the possibility of acrossing would be added to theneighbourhood plan. The school was doingeverything possible to tackle irresponsibleparking. White lines around the schoolneeded to be re-marked.Charity requestA local charity had askedto use the pavilion free of charge for anevent. Cllr Sue Grigg said she would behappy to fund this.Pub noise The meeting heard that the noisefrom The Chequers throughout the daywas unacceptable to residents. However,breaks in the music were taken. Thelandlord had complied with agreements,but sound levels had not been monitored.Music generally finished at about 10.30pm,but noise from pub visitors carried on intothe early hours, and complaints had beenreceived.

Busbridge Road There were concernsabout pedestrian safety at either end of thelane, where there were no pavements.A resident’s le�er was forwarded to head ofKent Highways, and Kent County Council

leader Paul Carter.Neighbourhood plan This had beensubmi�ed to Maidstone Brough Council forfinal amendments and was due to beagreed.

A WINDOW was smashed at a house inBraunstone Drive, Allington.Men were seen trying to break into a

house in in Terminus Road, Fant.A vehicle was broken into in St Saviour’s

Road, Park Wood.A white Znen motorbike, GK66***, was

stolen from a garden in Charles Street,Fant.A brick was thrown through an open

window at a house in CambridgeCrescent, Shepway, causing some damageinside.Someone entered a house using keys

that were lost by the occupant in HayleRoad.A vehicle was broken into in Brishing

Close, Park Wood. The driver’s sidewindow was smashed and money wastaken from the vehicle.A blue Apollo mountain bike was stolen

from where it was secured to a bike rack inWeek Street.Four men and a woman were seen

cu�ing wires to a gate at a residentialblock in Lower Stone Street. They thenbroke into storage units in the car park.

A Carrera mountain bike was stolenfrom where it was secured in King Street.Someone broke into a house in

Cambridge Crescent, Shepway. A vehiclebelonging to the occupant was then takenfrom the driveway.Windows were smashed on a caravan

site in Bicknor Road, Park Wood.A purple bicycle was stolen from where

it was secured outside a cinema in BarkerRoad, Fant.A vehicle was broken into in Lockham

FarmAvenue, Park Wood.The owners of a property were woken

up after hearing noises in their garden ofsomeone a�empting to break in to theirhome in Cambridge Crescent, Shepway.A parking blocker was stolen after being

damaged in Hartnup Street, Fant.A shed at a house was broken into in

Wrangleden Road, Park Wood.

A white BMW 330D, registrationGD66***, was stolen from a driveway inPlains Avenue, Shepway. The car haskeyless access so it is believed to have beentaken using a scanner.A house was broken into in Oriel Grove,

Park Wood. Power tools and other itemswere stolen.A break-in was reported at the cafe in

Mote Park. Nothing appeared to havebeen taken. It is thought the intruderswere disturbed when an alarm wasactivated.A silver Suzuki GSX 1400 motorbike,

registration AE53***, was stolen inCambridge Way, Shepway.A vehicle was broken into in St

Catherine’s Road, Park Wood.A window was damaged when an

object hit it in Worcester Road,Shepway.

ParishCouncils

Crimereports

downsmail.co.uk

NeighbourhoodWatchWorking to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police

THE popular duck race in Loose village saw 2,000 supporters splash the cash for a good cause.Craft stalls, face painting, a Punch and Judy show and a tea tent on Brooks Field all added

to the occasion, on a sunny and warm bank holiday in May.The plastic duck race is run by the Loose Amenities Association to finance themaintenance

of the land that is used by the public and runs from Loose to Tovil.This year’s event will add another £4-£5,000 to the kitty for the association – an inde-

pendent charity – with an expensive year ahead.It has a mile of stock-proof fencing to replace and needs to raise £20,000 for a new stor-

age shed, which will replace the old asbestos building on Brooks Field.An 8x4 metre building has now been approved by Loose Parish Council and it is hoped the

work can start as soon as possible.Association chairman Terry Davis said: “The duck race started out as a village event, but has

become very popular and a great fundraiser.“It costs us about £8,000 to maintain our 23 acres, which has become a haven for wildlife,

birds and buzzards, and a lovely place to escape, so every penny counts.”All the work carried out by the association is raised by members.The winner of the prize draw for helpers at the duck race was Kathy Streater, who won two

of the tickets to see the band, Stereo Queen.

Duck race charity total


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on the Downs Mail

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01622 743648Mob: 07711 291921






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Conifers Topped & Re moved • Out Buildings & Wild Areas clearedOld tired lawns re turfed with the best quality turf

www.apolloroofing.co.uk07808 414965

or 01622 853601 Call for a free no obligation quote

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Book OnlineOrder your skip via secure

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Maidstone Weald September 2017 43

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• Lost key replaced & doors opened • Patio doors, runners & rollers

01622 611107 / 07967 625 447

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Recruitment

Recruitment continued

HGV DRIVER, FOR A SKIP COMPANYIN ASHFORD

WANTED

CONTACT MARK ON07860832233

D.T SKIP HIRE

D.T SKIP HIRE

Distributors wanted to deliver the Downs Mail

Flexible working hours, small and large rounds available,good rates of pay. For more information or an informal chat call Richard on 0757 076 8834or email: [email protected] will need access to their own vehicle and android phone, and must be reliable

in Headcorn, Staplehurst, Coxheath

Come and join our friendly salesteam and share in our success.We are currently recruiting a

Field Sales/Key Account Executiveto sell advertising across ourpublications and online products. You will be working on the best publicationsserving the local community and enjoy aworking environment that provides you withthe freedom and flexibility to use your initiativewhile working within a supportive team.The role will involve:• Handling inbound and making outbound calls• Developing business from existing clients • Obtaining and growing new business• Working to achieve revenue targets.The ideal candidate will have previousexperience in a similar role and will:• Have worked to personal sales targets • Have a confident and outgoing personality• Be self-motivated and able to show initiative• Have excellent communication skills

This is a part-time position of 24 to 32 hours perweek to be worked over 3/4 days (there will besome flexibility in the hours/days to be worked for the right candidate).

You will require the use of your own car and have a full driving licence.

Autumn 2015 FREE

On the pumpkintrail at EmmettsGarden

A time for sharing thisCHRISTMAS

AshleyJacksonKent’s hockeysuperstar

WINA Christmas

turkey & all thetrimmings

Days out • Theatre • Homes & Gardens • Walks

Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | MallingJuly 2016 No. 231

Four editions delivered to over 88,000 homes every monthdownsmail.co.uk

Malling Edition

Police topulpit

A FORMERMetropolitan Police o

f-

ficer is the new vicar at East

Malling, Teston and

Wateringbury.

Rev NickWilliams, who is married

with two sons, will start in

his new

post in Octoberand live in

the vicarage in Eas

t Malling.

Bridgingthe gap to

businessprosperit

y

That is the predicti

on of local busi-

ness people and cou

ncillorswho say

the route linking the A228 on the

outskirtsof the town and new

homes on the oppositebank will

mean an increasein business

and

house prices.

The £19 million road bridge,

which is due toopen in September,

has beenbuilt by

developer Tren-

port, as the key to Peters Vi

llage, a

1,000 home new community on the

east banknear Wouldham

.

With Snodland alread

y feeling the

benefit of a high-speed rail link,

which started a year ago,business

people are lookingforward

to a

trade boomwhen traffi

c starts flow-

ing across the brid

ge.

Among them is hairdresser Alex

Mackintosh(pic-

tured left) who

opened his salon

Alexander’s in the

town’s High

Streetseven

months ago be-

cause of the antic-

ipated influx of

shoppersand commuters.

He said: “Iwas managing

a bar-

ber’s in Tonbridge but I w

anted to

start my own business.The bridg

e

was one of the main reasons I

chose

Snodlandto open a barber’s

. It’s an

expanding and up

and coming area.

There arelots of ne

w houses going

up all around the area, and

once

they finish the brid

ge, I thinka lot of

peoplewill come over fro

m that side

of the river becaus

e it will be very

convenient for the

m. It will really

put Snodland on the map.”

After recently moving to Would-

ham with wife, Katie, Alex is also

looking forward to the brid

ge open-

ing to shorten his d

aily work

commute.

TRADERS and hom

e owners in Snodland ar

e headingfor a bona

nzawith a

new road bridge across

the RiverMedway se

t to openwithin wee

ks, bring-

ing new prosperity to the to

wn.

THE Kent County Show en-

joyed fine weather and

bumper crowds at the show-

grounds in Detling.

More than 80,000

visitors, over 3,000 up on

last year, attended one of

the county’s biggest events.

Competitors, stallholder

s

and businesses came from

across thecountry but had

the usual big local presence.

Among those were Jo

Shan, of Staplehurst,and

Ken Shelton, of Aylesford

,

both pictured,who

representedthe Mid Kent

Fuchsia Group. Ken said: “It

has been a wonderful

show.”� More pictures, see

page 16

�5

�8

News

Obituaries �32

Crime Reports �43

Phone boxes saved

VILLAGERS have come up with

ways of retaining their

red phone boxes.�4

Better buses call

PARENTS are urging action to get

better school bus

services from

Kings Hill and West

Malling.

�3

An early Christmas

CHILD choristors in Mereworth

are recording a CD of fes-

tive songs in October.

Comment�34

Playground anger

KINGS Hill residents say they

were misled about a

planned new play area. �6

�5

Petition against gym

AN outdoor gym in Leybourne

has been dismissed as

a waste of money.�12

ROOF lead and copper were

stolen from a house in Aylesford.

Joe’s dash for cash

THE last pub in Ditton looks set

for a new lease of life as

an office block. �28

Inside this edition:

NEW building proposals for

Malling are being drawn up as Ton-

bridge and Malling Council works

on its emerging Local Plan. See the

four-page supplement by Malling

Action Partnership, which supports

people, businesses an

d events in

the 11 parishes in the Malling area.

Maidstone & Malling’s

No. 1 newspaper

FREE

Kent’s Most Awarded Optician

Book Now 01732 617557

www.optometrists.co.uk

[email protected]

23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent

01622 690290YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT

Basic salary + uncapped commission + bonus. OTE (based on 32 hour week) £18000 pa Mileage allowance + 32 days annual leave (pro-rata) Friendly, flexible,family owned business.Email applications, including your CV to the sales manager, Bill [email protected]



Malling Edition

Police to pulpitA FORMERMetropolitan Police of-


Malling, Teston andWateringbury.


with two sons, will start in his new

post in October and live inthe vicarage in East Malling.

Bridging the gap tobusiness prosperityThat is the prediction of local busi-

ness people and councillorswho say


outskirts of the town and new

homes on the opposite bank will

mean an increase in business and

house prices.The £19 million road bridge,

which is due to open in September,

has been built by developer Tren-

port, as the key to Peters Village, a


east bank near Wouldham.With Snodland already feeling the


which started a year ago, business

people are looking forward to a

trade boomwhen traffic starts flow-

ing across the bridge.Among them is hairdresser AlexMackintosh (pic-tured left) whoopened his salonAlexander’s in thetown’s HighStreet sevenmonths ago be-cause of the antic-ipated influx of

shoppers and commuters.He said: “I was managing a bar-

ber’s in Tonbridge but I wanted to

start my own business. The bridge

was one of the main reasons I chose

Snodland to open a barber’s. It’s an

expanding and up and coming area.

There are lots of new houses going

up all around the area, and once

they finish the bridge, I think a lot of

peoplewill come over from that side

of the river because it will be very

convenient for them. It will really

put Snodland on the map.”After recently moving to Would-


looking forward to the bridge open-

ing to shorten his daily workcommute.

TRADERS and home owners in Snodland are heading for a bonanzawith a

new road bridge across the RiverMedway set to openwithin weeks, bring-

ing new prosperity to the town.

THE Kent County Show en-joyed fine weather andbumper crowds at the show-grounds in Detling.More than 80,000visitors, over 3,000 up on

last year, attended one ofthe county’s biggest events.

Competitors, stallholdersand businesses came fromacross the country but hadthe usual big local presence.

Among those were JoShan, of Staplehurst, andKen Shelton, of Aylesford,both pictured, whorepresented the Mid Kent

Fuchsia Group. Ken said: “Ithas been a wonderfulshow.”� More pictures, seepage 16

�5

�8

News

Obituaries �32

Crime Reports �43

Phone boxes savedVILLAGERS have come up withways of retaining theirred phone boxes. �4

Better buses call PARENTS are urging action to getbetter school bus services fromKings Hill and WestMalling.

�3

An early ChristmasCHILD choristors in Mereworthare recording a CD of fes-tive songs in October.

Comment�34

Playground anger KINGS Hill residents say theywere misled about aplanned new play area. �6

�5

Petition against gymAN outdoor gym in Leybournehas been dismissed asa waste of money. �12

ROOF lead and copper werestolen from a house in Aylesford.

Joe’s dash for cashTHE last pub in Ditton looks setfor a new lease of life asan office block.

�28

Inside this edition:NEW building proposals forMalling are being drawn up as Ton-bridge and Malling Council workson its emerging Local Plan. See thefour-page supplement by MallingAction Partnership, which supportspeople, businesses and events inthe 11 parishes in the Malling area.

Maidstone & Malling’sNo. 1 newspaperFREE

Kent’s Most Awarded OpticianBook Now 01732 617557


[email protected] Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent

01622 690290


Autumn 2015 FREE

On the pumpkin

trail at

Emmetts

Garden

A time for

sharing this

CHRISTMAS

Ashley

Jackson

Kent’s hockey

superstar

WINA Christmas

turkey & all the

trimmings Days out • Theatre • Homes & Gardens • Walks

We are currently recruiting a

Deputy EditorLooking for a change? Downs Mail, Maidstone andMalling’s number one newspaperand its quarterly sister publicationMid Kent Living, is looking for anexperienced, all-round journalistto be Deputy Editor.

The role entails all aspects of newspaperwork so a sound knowledge of newsgathering, news editing, subbing andproofing is needed to fit into a busy office. The successful candidate will help tomanage a small, dedicated team anddeputise for the editor. The deputy editor will also drive content toour expanding daily news website. The rolerequires creative input into our popularmagazine Mid Kent Living. This is a full time position based at ourfriendly offices in Bearsted.

Salary £28,000 pa32days annual leaveIf you would like a new challenge or are keento make a step up, we’d love to hear from you.

Email your application, including your CV to Simon Finlay, Editor: [email protected]

Maidstone Weald September 2017 43


Web Design

Window Services

01622 880840





MB WINDOW CLEANING



• 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 ‘The Downs Mail’


Recruitment

Recruitment continued

HGV DRIVER, FOR A SKIP COMPANYIN ASHFORD

WANTED

CONTACT MARK ON07860832233

D.T SKIP HIRE

D.T SKIP HIRE

Distributors wanted to deliver the Downs Mail

Flexible working hours, small and large rounds available,good rates of pay. For more information or an informal chat call Richard on 0757 076 8834or email: [email protected] will need access to their own vehicle and android phone, and must be reliable

in Headcorn, Staplehurst, Coxheath

Come and join our friendly salesteam and share in our success.We are currently recruiting a

Field Sales/Key Account Executiveto sell advertising across ourpublications and online products. You will be working on the best publicationsserving the local community and enjoy aworking environment that provides you withthe freedom and flexibility to use your initiativewhile working within a supportive team.The role will involve:• Handling inbound and making outbound calls• Developing business from existing clients • Obtaining and growing new business• Working to achieve revenue targets.The ideal candidate will have previousexperience in a similar role and will:• Have worked to personal sales targets • Have a confident and outgoing personality• Be self-motivated and able to show initiative• Have excellent communication skills

This is a part-time position of 24 to 32 hours perweek to be worked over 3/4 days (there will besome flexibility in the hours/days to be worked for the right candidate).

You will require the use of your own car and have a full driving licence.

Autumn 2015 FREE

On the pumpkintrail at EmmettsGarden

A time for sharing thisCHRISTMAS

AshleyJacksonKent’s hockeysuperstar

WINA Christmas

turkey & all thetrimmings

Days out • Theatre • Homes & Gardens • Walks



Malling Edition

Police topulpit

A FORMERMetropolitan Police o

f-


Malling, Teston and

Wateringbury.


with two sons, will start in

his new

post in Octoberand live in

the vicarage in Eas

t Malling.

Bridgingthe gap to

businessprosperit

y

That is the predicti

on of local busi-

ness people and cou

ncillorswho say


outskirtsof the town and new

homes on the oppositebank will

mean an increasein business

and

house prices.

The £19 million road bridge,

which is due toopen in September,

has beenbuilt by

developer Tren-

port, as the key to Peters Vi

llage, a


east banknear Wouldham

.

With Snodland alread

y feeling the


which started a year ago,business

people are lookingforward

to a

trade boomwhen traffi

c starts flow-

ing across the brid

ge.

Among them is hairdresser Alex

Mackintosh(pic-

tured left) who

opened his salon

Alexander’s in the

town’s High

Streetseven

months ago be-

cause of the antic-

ipated influx of

shoppersand commuters.

He said: “Iwas managing

a bar-

ber’s in Tonbridge but I w

anted to

start my own business.The bridg

e

was one of the main reasons I

chose

Snodlandto open a barber’s

. It’s an

expanding and up

and coming area.

There arelots of ne

w houses going

up all around the area, and

once

they finish the brid

ge, I thinka lot of

peoplewill come over fro

m that side

of the river becaus

e it will be very

convenient for the

m. It will really

put Snodland on the map.”

After recently moving to Would-


looking forward to the brid

ge open-

ing to shorten his d

aily work

commute.

TRADERS and hom

e owners in Snodland ar

e headingfor a bona

nzawith a

new road bridge across

the RiverMedway se

t to openwithin wee

ks, bring-

ing new prosperity to the to

wn.

THE Kent County Show en-

joyed fine weather and

bumper crowds at the show-

grounds in Detling.

More than 80,000

visitors, over 3,000 up on

last year, attended one of

the county’s biggest events.

Competitors, stallholder

s

and businesses came from

across thecountry but had

the usual big local presence.

Among those were Jo

Shan, of Staplehurst,and

Ken Shelton, of Aylesford

,

both pictured,who

representedthe Mid Kent

Fuchsia Group. Ken said: “It

has been a wonderful

show.”� More pictures, see

page 16

�5

�8

News

Obituaries �32

Crime Reports �43

Phone boxes saved

VILLAGERS have come up with

ways of retaining their

red phone boxes.�4

Better buses call

PARENTS are urging action to get

better school bus

services from

Kings Hill and West

Malling.

�3

An early Christmas

CHILD choristors in Mereworth

are recording a CD of fes-

tive songs in October.

Comment�34

Playground anger

KINGS Hill residents say they

were misled about a

planned new play area. �6

�5

Petition against gym

AN outdoor gym in Leybourne

has been dismissed as

a waste of money.�12

ROOF lead and copper were

stolen from a house in Aylesford.

Joe’s dash for cash

THE last pub in Ditton looks set

for a new lease of life as

an office block. �28

Inside this edition:

NEW building proposals for

Malling are being drawn up as Ton-

bridge and Malling Council works

on its emerging Local Plan. See the

four-page supplement by Malling

Action Partnership, which supports

people, businesses an

d events in

the 11 parishes in the Malling area.

Maidstone & Malling’s

No. 1 newspaper

FREE

Kent’s Most Awarded Optician

Book Now 01732 617557


[email protected]

23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent

01622 690290YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT

Basic salary + uncapped commission + bonus. OTE (based on 32 hour week) £18000 pa Mileage allowance + 32 days annual leave (pro-rata) Friendly, flexible,family owned business.Email applications, including your CV to the sales manager, Bill [email protected]



Malling Edition

Police to pulpitA FORMERMetropolitan Police of-


Malling, Teston andWateringbury.


with two sons, will start in his new

post in October and live inthe vicarage in East Malling.

Bridging the gap tobusiness prosperityThat is the prediction of local busi-

ness people and councillorswho say


outskirts of the town and new

homes on the opposite bank will

mean an increase in business and

house prices.The £19 million road bridge,

which is due to open in September,

has been built by developer Tren-

port, as the key to Peters Village, a


east bank near Wouldham.With Snodland already feeling the


which started a year ago, business

people are looking forward to a

trade boomwhen traffic starts flow-

ing across the bridge.Among them is hairdresser AlexMackintosh (pic-tured left) whoopened his salonAlexander’s in thetown’s HighStreet sevenmonths ago be-cause of the antic-ipated influx of

shoppers and commuters.He said: “I was managing a bar-

ber’s in Tonbridge but I wanted to

start my own business. The bridge

was one of the main reasons I chose

Snodland to open a barber’s. It’s an

expanding and up and coming area.

There are lots of new houses going

up all around the area, and once

they finish the bridge, I think a lot of

peoplewill come over from that side

of the river because it will be very

convenient for them. It will really

put Snodland on the map.”After recently moving to Would-


looking forward to the bridge open-

ing to shorten his daily workcommute.

TRADERS and home owners in Snodland are heading for a bonanzawith a

new road bridge across the RiverMedway set to openwithin weeks, bring-

ing new prosperity to the town.

THE Kent County Show en-joyed fine weather andbumper crowds at the show-grounds in Detling.More than 80,000visitors, over 3,000 up on

last year, attended one ofthe county’s biggest events.

Competitors, stallholdersand businesses came fromacross the country but hadthe usual big local presence.

Among those were JoShan, of Staplehurst, andKen Shelton, of Aylesford,both pictured, whorepresented the Mid Kent

Fuchsia Group. Ken said: “Ithas been a wonderfulshow.”� More pictures, seepage 16

�5

�8

News

Obituaries �32

Crime Reports �43

Phone boxes savedVILLAGERS have come up withways of retaining theirred phone boxes. �4

Better buses call PARENTS are urging action to getbetter school bus services fromKings Hill and WestMalling.

�3

An early ChristmasCHILD choristors in Mereworthare recording a CD of fes-tive songs in October.

Comment�34

Playground anger KINGS Hill residents say theywere misled about aplanned new play area. �6

�5

Petition against gymAN outdoor gym in Leybournehas been dismissed asa waste of money. �12

ROOF lead and copper werestolen from a house in Aylesford.

Joe’s dash for cashTHE last pub in Ditton looks setfor a new lease of life asan office block.

�28

Inside this edition:NEW building proposals forMalling are being drawn up as Ton-bridge and Malling Council workson its emerging Local Plan. See thefour-page supplement by MallingAction Partnership, which supportspeople, businesses and events inthe 11 parishes in the Malling area.

Maidstone & Malling’sNo. 1 newspaperFREE

Kent’s Most Awarded OpticianBook Now 01732 617557


[email protected] Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent

01622 690290


Autumn 2015 FREE

On the pumpkin

trail at

Emmetts

Garden

A time for

sharing this

CHRISTMAS

Ashley

Jackson

Kent’s hockey

superstar

WINA Christmas

turkey & all the

trimmings Days out • Theatre • Homes & Gardens • Walks

We are currently recruiting a

Deputy EditorLooking for a change? Downs Mail, Maidstone andMalling’s number one newspaperand its quarterly sister publicationMid Kent Living, is looking for anexperienced, all-round journalistto be Deputy Editor.

The role entails all aspects of newspaperwork so a sound knowledge of newsgathering, news editing, subbing andproofing is needed to fit into a busy office. The successful candidate will help tomanage a small, dedicated team anddeputise for the editor. The deputy editor will also drive content toour expanding daily news website. The rolerequires creative input into our popularmagazine Mid Kent Living. This is a full time position based at ourfriendly offices in Bearsted.

Salary £28,000 pa32days annual leaveIf you would like a new challenge or are keento make a step up, we’d love to hear from you.

Email your application, including your CV to Simon Finlay, Editor: [email protected]



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Recruitment

Quali�ed Librarian 18.25 hours a week (days in consultation with other part-time librarian),

40 weeks per year (Kent Scheme 7- £22,182 - £25,112 pro rata)

We require a Quali�ed Librarian to work as part of a job share in our extensive Library. �e successful candidate will possess the following attributes:

• Expertise with library quali�cations or relevant experience• Comprehensive and high level ICT skills

• Excellent communication and people skills• Able to line manage the student library team• Plan, prepare and manage the library budget

Caretaker required as soon as possible 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year – �ree Shift System

(Kent Range 6, £20,222 - £22,072)

Duties include security of the property, cleaning and preparing for school events and functions. Maintenance skills are essential. �e post involves a three shift system (one

hour for break). Candidates must be able to work at the weekend as and when required.

�e deadline for the receipt of applications, by letter with completed MGS application form is midday on Wednesday 19th June 2019. Application via email is acceptable. Interviews will take place shortly after the deadline. Please note that CVs will not be accepted, please complete the application form in full. Maidstone Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and candidates will

undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with former employers and an Enhanced CRB check. Maidstone Grammar School is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Tel: 01622 752101 Email: [email protected] 01622 753680 Website: www.mgs.kent.sch.uk

Maidstone Grammar School, Barton Road, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 7BT

Headmaster: Mr M Tomkins A Foundation School. NOR 1275 including a mixed Sixth Form of 348 (including 77 girls)A Boys Selective Grammar School (11 to 18)

Funeral OperativeRequired by an independent family owned and operated company.

Applicants should be a minimum of 21 years of age and hold a full, clean current driving licence.

Previous experience desirable but not essential as full training in all aspects of the funeral trade will be given.

Normal working hours are 9.00 - 17.00 Monday - Friday.

Successful candidate will be required to take part in our out of hours on call roster.

We pride ourselves on our professional, caring service and are keen to talk to individuals who share the same values.

Applications in your own handwriting with a full CV to: Mr.S.W.G. Kingsbury, Clarkes Funeral Services Limited. 31,

High Street, Snodland, Kent ME6 5AG




This is a part time position 26 - 32 hours per week over 4-5 days

Is required to sell advertising across our publications, online products and work on special projects.

Field Sales / Key Account Executive

Email applications, including your CV to the sales manager, Bill Brett - [email protected]

Media Sales

You will be representing the best publications serving the local community and enjoy a working environment that provides you with the freedom and flexibility to use your initiative while working within a supportive team.

The role will involve:• Handling inbound and making outbound calls • Developing business from existing clients • Obtaining and growing new business• Working to achieve revenue targets

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a similar role and will:• Have worked to personal sales targets • Have a confident and outgoing personality• Be self-motivated and able to show initiative• Have excellent communication skills

You will require the use of your own car and have a full driving license

Friendly, flexible, family owned business.

Basic salary + uncapped commission + bonus + mileage allowance + 32 days annual leave (pro-rata)

Come and join our friendly sales team and share in our success.

Why not join the Maidstone Hospital League of Friends

Time on your hands?Don’t know what to do?

Jacqui on 01622 224781

If you can spare a few hours a week and would like to join a friendly team doing something rewarding for the community please contact:

• To staff the hospital shop which is stocked with a wide variety of sandwiches,crisps, drinks, toiletries, greetings cards, sweets, chocolate, etc.

• To take trolleys (containing sweets, drinks, toiletries, etc.) round the wards.

• Staff our busy tea bar.

• Sell books in the book room.

WE URGENTLY NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

The League of Friends is a registered charity and all monies raised ensures that it can respond to requests for equipment in the hospital.




dOn the Road

MOTORCYCLES WANTEDSpares/Repairs Non runners MOT failures etcAll bikes consideredWill collect and pay cash

John - 07901 767 925 - 01303 627021

01622 752364

www.handcmotors.co.uk19-25 Rawdon Road, Maidstone, ME15 6PT

BMW,MINI & MERCEDES VEHICLE SPECIALISTS

ELECTRONIC SERVICE HISTORY UPDATED FOR BMW,MINI & MERCEDES VEHICLES

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Over 70 years’ of combinedexperience and accreditedtraining with local main dealers

We service all makes & models

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South East's Leading Car, Bike, & HGV Driving School

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dOn the Road

MOTORCYCLES WANTEDSpares/Repairs Non runners MOT failures etcAll bikes consideredWill collect and pay cash

John - 07901 767 925 - 01303 627021

01622 752364

www.handcmotors.co.uk19-25 Rawdon Road, Maidstone, ME15 6PT

BMW,MINI & MERCEDES VEHICLE SPECIALISTS

ELECTRONIC SERVICE HISTORY UPDATED FOR BMW,MINI & MERCEDES VEHICLES

Affordable, advanced technology servicingWhy pay main dealer prices? Servicing & Repairs while you

wait, close to town centre

Dealer Level Diagnostics

MOTs by appointment

Free Courtesy Car by Appointment

Air Conditioning Specialists

Convertible Hood Specialists

Over 70 years’ of combinedexperience and accreditedtraining with local main dealers

We service all makes & models

01622 630330

On the Road

To advertise please call Becky or Teresa on



On the Road


Telephone: 033 577 5004 Email: [email protected]: www.a-classdrivingschool.co.uk

More People Pass First Time With A Class Driving School

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No ra�ing from MayANN Widdecombe, the county town’sformer stout-hearted warrior queen, maybe right that the Prime Minister is Britain’sworst leader since Sir Anthony Eden, butat least Theresa May, a quiet remainerduring the referendum, has notshamelessly jumped ship – whichChurchill, never one to mince words,called “ra�ing”.

This was an issue on which he couldspeak with authority since as he onceadmi�ed “I ra�ed not once, but twice”.

Early in her career, Mrs May told astony-faced Tory conference that much ofthe public saw them as “the nasty party”.Whatever her failings and limitations,

hasn’t she, too, fallen victim to the verycondition she identified and, in particular,to the over-entitled ex-public school boys,now busy jockeying for position, whoprivately cling to traditional ideas aboutthe role of women?

Mrs Thatcher said that early on in theleadership of the party some of her seniorcolleagues treated her like she was thecleaning lady.

May was dealt a ro�en hand whenCameron left to spend more time in hisshepherd’s hut, but, that said, one she hasplayed badly.

Instead of wooing hardliners, whowould probably only be happy leaving theEU without a deal, she ought to haveappealed to the larger mainstream

elements in all parties, and accepted thesofter Norway-style deal offered soon afternegotiations started.

Rees Moggites, Faragestes and Mr Fowlewould have been incandescent with rage,but it would have been the least disruptivedeparture from the EU, and could wellhave won a majority in the Commons.K G Banks, Maidstone

What is people’s vote?BEFORE David Cameron departed for hislast visit to the EU, he stated that if hisdemands were not met, there would be anin/out indisputable referendum.

It was obvious that he and the majorityof MPs, who wanted to remain, had noidea of public feeling. Those who voted to

WHAT is the biggest issue currentlyworrying the people of Maidstone andarea?

Brexit, of course, is a main contender.But there is an even bigger talking point– the severe deterioration in quality ofour lives brought about by the massivegrowth in housing and population.Politically, I suspect these two have veryclose links.

All this is behind the anger of aMaidstone Council commi�ee agreeingto consider substantial further growth(more than 7,000 houses) behind closeddoors. The big picture comes beforecommercial confidentiality (which mustbe respected, normally at the end of ameeting).

Urban Maidstone is beyond saturationpoint and our MPs and electedcouncillors must get this across toGovernment and somehow make it listenand respond. Electorate pressure is nowbeyond doubt.

A main problem used to be trafficcongestion approaching Maidstonecentre, and at that time there may havebeen some merit in the local Lib Dems’desire to make us bus, cycle or walk totown (so called Modal Shift).

But now serious traffic congestionoccurs all over the place as we try to getto work, schools, health services, shopsand to places of leisure, family andfriends. Life just cannot be planned – ajourney traditionally taking 15 minutescan stretch to 30 minutes or very muchlonger.

To a degree I have given up, and toavoid these nightmares I try to reservemy visits to and through urbanMaidstone to an occasional half day andsuffer the anger and frustrations in onehit.

Significant road structures in andaround Maidstone have largely beenignored for decades, and as the urbanarea has massively grown, just about allpossibilities have now closed. In Kent,Maidstone’s situation looks uniquely

bad. On top of that, the Government isvery slow providing meaningfulinfrastructure to back up its monumentalhousing demands.

It does not stop at roads, of course. Ourhealth and care services are stretched bypopulation growth to dangerous limitsand we lose vital professionals due tounfair strains. Our number of local GPscontracts at a time when we need more.Hospital and ambulance NHS targets areseriously missed, most worryingly oncancer investigations and treatments.

We cannot build new schools fastenough and sites are increasinglydifficult to find. My sympathy is withresidents around Eclipse Park/New Cutwith the added traffic chaos they willface.

Maidstone Council has to respond toGovernment demands for extra housesand to avoid trying further to fit a quartin to urban Maidstone’s pint pot looks toour larger villages to take the strains.There are now rural rebellions.

In the current Government-approvedLocal Plan, villages such as Lenham,Harrietsham, Marden, Staplehurst andHeadcorn were designated for growth –and the extent is now emerging. So muchfor Kent – the Garden of England!

Unless Government relents, I cannotsee an alternative. Marden has just goneon the march to protest against 2,000more houses. Perhaps it will achievesomething of a reprieve, but in the longerterm it seems this ba�le cannot be won.

Lenham (in particular) andHarrietsham face even bigger challenges.Both villages are close to the M20 andA20 and are served by stations on theLondon-Kent coast rail line. Surely

pressure will arise for a new Lenhamjunction to the M20 if a much-extendedvillage or new centre of populationmooted at 2,500/5,000 houses is imposedon this area.

There are proposals for massivedevelopments around Kingswood(helping to finance what was once calledthe Leeds/Langley bypass) and a big newvillage at the top of Detling Hill,although the designation of an Area ofOutstanding Beauty may thwart this.

All this goes on when lack of nationaland local funding is impacting so heavilyon our services and infrastructure. Howmany nominations are there for the worstroad surface in the area; the greatestdiminution of health and care services;lack of school places of parental choice;the most ill-lit streets at night?

The Brexit countyI have crossed swords with several

who claim Maidstone has changed itsmind after voting 58% in favour of Brexit.They have no evidence – and theEuropean Parliament elections nowalmost certainly indicate Maidstone stillstrongly favours Brexit.

There can be no denying the view of20,475 who voted for the Brexit Party and1,062 for UKIP. They alone outnumberthe combined total who voted forLabour, Green, LibDems and Change UK– and among these there will be Brexitsupporters who will always vote partyloyalty first. The Conservatives polledonly 4,697 – the loyal few who did notjoin the protest vote.

All Kent’s 13 areas saw the Brexit Partytop the poll – even Tunbridge Wells, theonly Kent area to vote against Brexitabout three years ago.

A Prime Minister who made so manymistakes and saw her surrender of awithdrawal agreement defeated threetimes by Parliament has now been forcedto resign. MPs are having to listen to thepeople. But no one can yet see how thisis going to end.

downsmail.co.uk

Comment MailMarks

DENNISFOWLE [email protected]

Population growth biggest issue�

�


leave were derided as racist and too naiveto be able to understand what they hadvoted for.

However, as most of those politicianslater admi�ed, they did not themselvesknow many of the facts which, in theirpositions, they should have done.

The remainers have also usedpercentages as a means of hiding theactual figures to show the large differencebetween in and out.

With the UK’s departure from the EUnow overdue by many weeks, causingconfusion to many in business, MPs havehad two recesses of about 14 days, becausethey are tired.

If they manage to cobble some kind ofdeal together, then some want a people’svote to hold their hand for them. What is apeople’s vote? It is not defined in theOxford English Dictionary? Can anyonevote?

There are no politicians who can fill theboots of Winston Churchill or ClementA�lee. Alan Wallace, via email

Why not have referendum?CAN any of your readers explain whysome people are against a “confirmatorypeople’s vote” or second referendum onany EU leaving deal?

In life, initial decisions are alwaysreviewed and questioned as more factsbecome available, thus avoiding badoutcomes. What is so different, now morefacts are known?

I hope your readers can enlighten me.AJB Colllins, Staplehurst

Majority are ignoredWHAT on earth is happening in thiscountry when the wishes of the majorityare ignored and the minority takeprecedence?

We have planners who think it’s fine toput two schools, which are not needed inthis area, and a nature reserve next to ahome for people with, I understand,mental health problems. Several of therooms of this establishment will overlook

the children playing and also doing sportsactivities. Not a good idea.

The schools are to be situated on a roadwhich is really a country lane and istotally unsuitable as there is only a narrowfootpath, which swings from side to sideseven times between the A20 to KIMSroundabout.

One school is to be named a “Bearsted”school, when it is in Boxley, and thechildren will have to come by car, whichwill jam the already-gridlocked area aswell as junction 7, which is hardly coping.

The planners and councillors have alsoapproved an office block and warehousesat Woodcut Road, 500 metres from theLeeds Castle entrance, so junction 8 willalso be jammed with lorries, and if themotorway is closed at junction 8, God helpus.

As usual, the highways authority is notfit for purpose, and nobody listens to localresidents. We do know our area –- I cannotthink of any other part of Maidstone thathas 10 schools in a radius ofapproximately three miles.

We, the residents, feel u�erly helplesswith our Kent leaders and also ourgovernment. Nobody is listening to us.

I never thought I would see this oncegreat country in such a dire state and feelthoroughly ashamed of the incompetence,dishonesty, selfishness and uncaringa�itude we now have. Thank goodness Ihave lived the best years of my life in acountry that was well run and pleasant. R A Harlow, Bearsted

Organ donation changeTHE law around organ donation inEngland is changing.

From spring 2020, all adults in Englandwill be considered to have agreed to be anorgan donor when they die, unless theyhave recorded a decision not to donate.

We want everybody in Kent to take amoment to think about organ donation,making their organ donation decision andsharing it with family and friends.

Those covered by the new law will stillhave a choice about whether they want to

be an organ donor – you can opt in or optout. Your family will always be involvedto ensure any recorded decision reflectsyour decision, so please talk to them.

Organ donation is, and will always be, aprecious gift, and one donor can save ortransform the lives of up to nine peopleand help many more people, if they alsodonate tissue.

To find out more, and to register yourorgan donation decision, visitwww.organdonation.nhs.uk. If you can’tfind the answer to any questions you mayhave on the website, please call our hotlineon 0300 303 2094. Anthony Clarkson, director of organdonation and transplantation, NHS Bloodand Transplant

Become a volunteerHAVE you ever thought aboutvolunteering? Could you help anestablished charity as it celebrates its 80thbirthday?

Citizens’ Advice Maidstone wantspeople to be part of the next 80 years of itshistory by volunteering with them.

We started in Maidstone on January 1,1940 – four months after the beginning ofWWII and the start-up of the nationalCitizens’ Advice service.

From April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019,the 45 volunteer advisers and 15 volunteerassessors at Citizens’ Advice Maidstonehelped 10,409 people with 41,098problems, including debt, housing benefitand employment issues. Our organisationworked over 550 hours on average perweek providing this service.

Volunteers are the linchpin of theservice, providing clients with informationand advice, raising funds, keeping theservice running smoothly, and helpingwith the strategic direction of theorganisation.

For information about volunteeringwith Citizens’ Advice Maidstone, callHeather Hardy on 01622 750770 or [email protected]. Bonny Malhotra, Citizens’ AdviceMaidstone

Comment

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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.

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Probe into violence at mental hospital - Downs Mail

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