Your Maidstone, Issue 119, January 6, 2010

15.5 MB·English

by  KOS Media

yourmaidstone
E K O S
E
R yourmaidstone.co.uk
F
w e e k
midw s p a p er
n e Issue No 119
Available from Wednesday,
THE NEWSPAPER FOR MAIDSTONE, MALLING, LARKFIELD AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES January 6, 2010
JOBS… MOTORING… SPORT…
Helping you make Stunning drive Round-up of all
the right choice from new Astra the local action
PAGES 34-36 PAGES 31-33 PAGES 38-39
FAMILY ARE
CHARGED IN
HIT-AND-RUN
FOUR close relatives of a (cid:2)BY ANNAWHITE Police were called to the murder
man who was killed in a scene at 7pm on Sunday,December 27.
Jack, from Rainham, was pro-
gruesome hit-and-run attack nounced dead at the scene.
have been charged with his They were all remanded in custody His younger brother,Gary,39,was
and are due to appear at Maidstone also struck by the vehicle and shot at
murder. Crown Court on Monday,January 18. close range. He remains in hospital
Father-of-five Jack Treeby,43,was Jack’s widow Karen paid tribute to where his condition is said to be “stable”.
fatally injured after being mown down her late husband, saying he was a Brothers Billy and George Treeby
by a car in Quarry Road,Tovil,just “loving, caring” man who “wor- have been charged with his attempted
two days after Christmas Day. shipped”his wife and children. murder.
Mr Treeby’s elder brother Bill,49, She added:“He did not deserve what A third victim,thought to be Jack’s
his wife Charity, 50, and their two happened to him.I feel like my heart teenage son – also named Jack – suf-
sons Billy,29,and George,22,all went has been ripped open. fered minor injuries in the attack.He
before Maidstone Magistrates Court “We’ve been robbed of a wonderful, was treated at the scene.
last week where they were charged caring man who will live in our hearts
with murder. forever.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
This man was brutally murdered in a residential road on December 27 in
WHAT’S ON & WATCH ALSO INSIDE front of his brother and son.
Four members of his family have been charged with his death and are
yourkenttv.co.uk WEATHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGE 7 set to appear in court later this month.
The murder victim leaves behind a wife and five children who describe
SCHOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGE 10 him as a “loving, caring” man.
ALLYOURLOCALSTORIES: Watch videos LEISURE . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 16-21 Police are still investigating the incident and are currently examining
of all the major news stories in your area forensic evidence discovered at the scene and a car found burnt out in
PROPERTY . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 23-30
Tunbridge Wells, which is believed to have been used to crush the victim.
Upload your favourite clip CLASSIFIED . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGES 37
122 rooms and fantastic leisure
facilities with VILLAGE Maidstone
01622 672200
call on
Find us off Junction 6 M20
Welcometomore
yourmaidstone.co.uk
2 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
Tributes paid
WHAT’S ON & WATCH
yourmaidstone
yourkenttv.co.uk NEWS IN BRIEF
to friendly fire Lost pounds turned
TOP TV CLIPS
into cash for charity
DIETERS have helped raise vital
funds for palliative care by donating
their old clothes and unwanted items
victim Pritch to charity.
Members of Slimming World Clubs
in Snodland,Allington and Lenham
supported the Choose2Reuse scheme
by turning their lost pounds into
cash for the Heart of Kent Hospice,in
Aylesford.
After losing weight, members
(cid:2)BY ANNA WHITE donated their old,larger clothing to
the organisation’s collection team,
who then sell the items to make
THE distraught family and money for charities.
comrades of a Maidstone- Pasty, a member at the Snodland
club,said:“Choose2Refuse is a fantas-
born soldier killed in tic idea.I can’t think of a better or eas-
Afghanistan have paid trib- ier way to support our local Hospice.”
ute to a loving “cheeky chap”.
Bogus house caller
Brave swimmers go for an icy dip in Dover Harbour on Lance Corporal Michael Pritchard,
1 of the 4th Regiment,Royal Military
Boxing Day. Search ‘Boxing Day’ @yourkenttv.co.uk Police,died during what is believed robs couple in home
to have been a friendly fire incident
in central Helmand Province. AN ELDELY couple are the latest vic-
In a tribute to the 22-year-old, tims of a distraction burglary at their
LCpl Pritchard’s family said:“With home in East Malling.
great sadness we say goodbye to our A man called at Beech Road between
beloved son,a lover of life who has 9.45am and 10.30am on December 30,
lived life to the full and has brought claiming there was a problem with the
great joy to all those who are lucky COURAGEOUS: Family and colleagues have water in the flat below and needed to
enough to know him. paid tribute to LCpl Michael Pritchard turn the water off.
“A light that shines brightly,our pre- The caller,aged 35-4,distracted the
cious son,brother,grandson,boyfriend Commissioned Officer and one who couple by getting them to turn on taps
and special friend to all,we are very was everything you would want in a in the kitchen while he stole money
proud of you in all you have done and Military Policeman. from another room.
achieved and you will always be in our “He was a professional and robust He is white,has dark brown hair
hearts now and evermore. soldier and one who was both physi- and wore a dark brown leather jacket
“God bless our darling boy from all cally and morally courageous. and dark-coloured trousers.
of your family and friends.” “A cheeky chap, whose laughter
Enlisted was infectious,and whose sincerity Second knife-point
and generous spirit touched the lives
The soldier moved from Maidstone of many, Lance Corporal Pritchard
to Eastbourne, East Sussex, at an made us smile every day and we will robbery at store
early age and after completing school miss him very much.”
and college he enlisted into the LCpl Pritchard’s closest friend in A SUPERMARKET was targeted by
Kent Fire and Rescue Service demonstrate the aftermath
2 Adjutant General’s Corps – also the unit, LCpl Joe Cooper, said: a knife-wielding robber for the second
of a crash. Search ‘carmageddon’ @yourkenttv.co.uk known as the Royal Military Police, “Pritch was as loyal a friend as any- time in a month.
in July 2007. one could ever wish for. The male offender, aged 20-25,
LCpl Pritchard,known as Pritch to “He was ‘jack the lad’ and a ‘cat went up to a member of staff at the
his comrades,was posted to the 4th among the pigeons’ – that is how I Nisa Store in Borough Green high
Regiment Royal Military Police as a believe he would like to be remem- street and showed them a knife
General Police Duties Junior Non- bered.I am absolutely gutted about before demanding they open the till.
Commissioned Officer. losing such a good friend.” The robber then stole a small
He was then deployed to Kenya for LCpl Prithcard died on December 20 amount of cash and fled the shop,
training before he arrived in and was returned to the UK on heading off through a nearby alleyway.
Afghanistan in October with the 4th December 29. The incident,on Christmas Eve at
Battalion The Rifles. His body was flown in with fellow about 8.45pm,follows a similar rob-
Lieutenant Colonel Debbie LCpls Christopher Roney and bery at the store on December 11.
Poneskis, commanding officer, said: Tommy Brown to RAF Lyneham,in Anyone with information about
“It is tragic that we have been robbed Wiltshire,where a private ceremony either robbery is asked to call police
of such a promising Junior Non- was held at the base’s chapel. on 01732 379217.
Julie Maddocks looks at the new housing development at
3
Kingshill. Search ‘Kingshill’ @yourkenttv.co.uk
SEE OUR SISTER PAPERS KENT ON SUNDAYAND THE SATURDAY
EDITIONFOR ALL THE WEEKEND’S COUNTY NEWS AND SPORT
NEWSEDITOR:Simon Robinson 01303 817185 For information and advice on travelling in Kent and for
GROUP EDITOR: Gary Wright 01303 817032
WEBSITE: www.yourmaidstone.co.uk all our traffic regulation orders, please see the Kent on
TELEPHONE ADVERTISING: 01303 817110
FAX: (Advertising) 01303 817002 Saturday or the Kent on Sunday or visit our website at
EMAIL:Editorial:[email protected]. Sales:[email protected]
HEADOFFICEADDRESS: Apple Barn, Hythe Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SR
www.kent.gov.uk/highways
Printed by Newsfax
© 2007 KOS Media. yourmaidstone by KOSMedia award-winning publications
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] yourmaidstone.co.uk 3
Gabrielle needs
Tommy opens 2m
Barty extension
sponsorship for NURSING home residents were in for a
treat when Britain’s best-loved builder,
Tommy Walsh,stopped by to celebrate
the centre’s renovation.
The Ground Force star was the guest
of honour at the opening of the new
£2million extension at Barty House,in
Bearsted,and helped general manager
Olympic dream Jacqui Butler cut the ribbon.
As well as the latest addition to the
nursing home’s site,the original historic
building has also undergone a huge
transformation after a number of
improvements were made.
The new wing allows the centre to sup-
ply housing for a further 27 residents,
offering luxury en-suite bedrooms with
(cid:2)BY ANNA WHITE O l y m p i c views of the landscaped gardens, and
athlete Steve Green,who has worked with Tim has created jobs for the community.
Henman and Greg Rusedksi. Barry Lambert,chief operations officer
A YOUNG Olympic hopeful is look- Gabrielle began playing tennis at just six of Canford Healthcare Plc, said: “The
years old,spurred on by her family who are new extension at Barty House has dou-
ing to start the New Year on a high
great fans of the game. bled the capacity of the nursing home
by securing a sponsorship deal to Her commitment to training four times a and could create 60 jobs in the area.”
help her compete at the 2012 week has paid off on the court as she reached Guests at the opening on December 15
the finals in a number of competitions and last included the Mayor of Maidstone,
London Games.
year won the Maidenhead Open Under-14 Councillor Peter Parvin,chief executive
Invicta Grammar School student Gabrielle tournament. officer of Canford Healthcare Plc,Brian
Paul dreams of being a world-renowned tennis Gabrielle said:“I hope to train really hard so Cooney,and residents of Barty House.
star and playing on centre court at Wimbledon. I can represent Great Britain in the Olympics. Guests were treated to a Christmas
But the 13-year-old’s greatest hope is to rep- “I was born in Maidstone and brought up buffet,with music from a string quartet
resent her country and hometown of Maidstone here. That’s why I’d love to represent both and a choir from Madginford Park
at the 2012 Games. Maidstone and Britain at the Olympics.” School, and a firework display in the
To help her achieve her goal the youngster The teenager currently receives sponsorship home’s gardens.
has signed up to Maidstone’s Dream – a coun- which covers less than half her expenses and is For information about Barty House
cil-run initiative,backed by this paper,which due to cease at the end of this year. Nursing Home,call 01622 737025.
aims to partner the town’s budding athletes The budding athlete said:“Any money would
with business sponsors. be brilliant,but £3,000 to replace the current
The talented youngster already has some sponsorship would be fantastic.
insight into what is expected to achieve the “To get sponsorship would mean my coach
highest level after playing with Venus Williams could come and see me play away from Kent,I
and Andy Roddick at the Tower of London. would be able to get some new rackets and even
Gabrielle said: “Venus Williams was really go to other tournaments across the world.”
nice,but my proudest moment has been hitting To view Gabrielle’s profile and information on
with British top-ten player Naomi Cavaday other budding athletes from Maidstone, visit
and being able to keep up with her pace.” www.maidstonesdream.co.uk.
The year eight student, who plays at Any business or athlete wishing to register
Bearsted Tennis Club, trains with former should contact Karen Smith on 01622 602759 GAMEON: Gabrielle Paul aims to represent her country FEELTHEFORCE: Jacqui Butler and Tommy Walsh
Police call for
Government advisor
witnesses to
‘astonished’ to be
hit-and-run
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE given knighthood
It has been reported in the
national press that the attack may
have been sparked by an argument
surrounding sexual infidelities.
A Range Rover,believed to be the
A FORMER advisor to Prime “I’ve spent my career in the civil
one used in the attack,was found Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon service.I worked for the Department
burnt-out on Tuesday, December Brown has received a knighthood in of Environment on housing before
29,in Tong Lane,Lamberhurst,in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. moving across to the cabinet office,
Tunbridge Wells. Paul John James Britton,60,from where I worked on the devolution
Forensic tests recovered the Tonbridge, served for ten years as process.
remains of a firearm and ammuni- the Labour leaders’ head of the eco- “I was in the cabinet office from
tion inside the vehicle. nomic and domestic affairs secretari- 1998 to 2009, so I worked under
A second vehicle,a Ford Mondeo, at in the cabinet office. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
was set alight at the site of the Mr Britton’s career in the civil “It was quite a hard decision to
murder and is undergoing exami- service spanned more than 30 years take retirement,but I still do work
nation. and included work on the devolution for Number Ten three times a week.”
Incident of Scotland and Wales alongside sen- Across Kent,21 people were com-
ior government officials. mended in the Honours list.
The investigation is ongoing In the ten years before his retire- John Alfred Bigny (for services to
Police are keen to speak to anyone ment,in August 2009,he worked in Edenbridge and District Rail
who witnessed the attack. the cabinet office advising the Prime Travellers’ Association),Dr Andrew
Kent Police’s Detective Minister and cabinet members. Oldrey Rusell (for services to health-
Superintendent Lee Catling said: Mr Britton said he was astonished care) and Terence Brian Shead,
“We would like to reassure the local when he found out he was to receive from Tonbridge (for services to the
community that extensive inquiries a knighthood for his work. community) were all awarded the
are being carried out in order to “I’m very pleased – perhaps not as MBE.
bring the offenders to justice. pleased as my elderly mother who Across the UK,hundreds of local
“We continue to appeal for infor- has been telling everybody she sees,” heroes and outstanding profession-
mation,however,and would like to he laughed. als were commended, including a
hear from anyone who witnessed “I had no idea it was coming.It’s few famous faces such as Status
the incident or the moments lead- good to feel that people think you did Quo’s Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi
ing up to it.” your job well. and Star Trek’s Patrick Stewart.
yourmaidstone.co.uk
4 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110 Email [email protected]
Call to blood donors
yourmaidstone
NEWS IN BRIEF
as supplies run low
Eurostar ‘needs to work
to rebuild confidence’
A FORMER British Airways brand consult-
ant says that Eurostar needs to work hard
to regain the public’s confidence after the
train breakdowns in the cold weather.
Simon Middleton said: “All companies (cid:2)BY MARIJKE COX “Red cells last longer,at 35 days,and are
will,at one time or another,face a product often transfused to patients suffering from
crisis and let its customers down. severe anaemia or severe blood loss.
“The most important thing is how they “It’s therefore vital that both regular and
VITAL blood supplies are at risk of
respond.Eurostar’s response was not good new donors come forward to give blood and
enough for the brand or its customers.” falling drastically low – and the ensure sufficient blood is available for
The chaos in the run-up to Christmas left NHS is calling on our readers to patients.”
more than 55,000 passengers stranded in Ruth Greenaway,from the National Blood
roll up their sleeves and help re-
France,England,Belgium and the Channel Service,part of NHS Blood and Transplant,
Tunnel itself. stock essential provisions. said although supplies in the county were not
Passenger have been asked to write to Health experts say the drop follows the yet at rock bottom,the spell of severe weather
Eurostar’s office in Ashford if they want to severe weather which left many people unable had hit stocks.
claim compensation. The address is: to get to donation sessions. “The bad weather kept people from getting
Traveller Care,2nd Floor,Kent House,81 Accidents caused by icy pavements and to their donation sessions,”she said.
Station Road,Ashford,Kent,TN23 1AP or treacherous driving conditions also meant “We can’t stockpile blood.Red cells only have
email [email protected] additional supplies were used across the UK a shelf life of 35 days and platelets just a few
to treat casualties in A&E. With all the preparations and anticipation for days.People should make it their New Year’s
How to stay warm and The busy Christmas period was another fac- the festive season,giving blood can fall down resolution to give blood – it’s only once every
tor blamed for the decrease in donors. the ‘to do list’.We are urging your readers to 16 weeks.”
safe during cold weather Claire Dolling, spokesperson from NHS think of others and give blood,as it really does Ms Dolling added:“Giving blood is one of
Blood and Transplant,said the festive season save lives. most selfless acts you can do to help others.
always leads to a drop in donors,but this year “Blood stocks have to be constantly replen- “It takes less than an hour,is painless and
KENT Fire and Rescue Service is remind- the problem had been even worse. ished,and we’d like to get more people regu- you never know when you may need blood
ing people to take a few simple safety pre- “Because Christmas fell on a Friday this larly giving blood in the Kent area.” yourself.
cautions to stay safe during the winter. year, there were fewer blood donor sessions Donated blood – which is used in life-saving “Appointments can be made so you’re not
With temperatures remaining low,people over the two-week period;six full days and two operations – cannot be stockpiled as the two kept waiting and many people fit it in on their
often turn to open fires and otherheat half days instead of the usual ten full days,” components taken from it have short shelf way to or from work.
sources to stay warm but firefighters have she said.“It’s vital that people continue to give lives. “If it’s been on your to do list for ages and you
the following advice to prevent a blaze: blood – especially at this time of year as stocks Ms Dolling said:“Platelets – a clotting factor haven’t got around to it,then tick it off today.”
If you plan on using an open fire,make traditionally take a drop. used to help treat leukaemia and cancer To find out how to become a donor go to
sure your chimney has been recently swept “Christmas can be a hectic time for many. patients – last for just five days. www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
as build-ups of soot and ash can cause
chimney fires.
When going to bed,householders should Fire crews rescue dog trapped for six days
also make doubly certain that an open fire
is either out,or pushed back into the grate
and a guard used to prevent sparks hitting
carpets or furnishings.
A FIVE-hour rescue by firefighters got urban search and rescue team,used cam-
Wildlife park can make
Lucky the dog out of a badger sett just in eras and listening devices to find Lucky.
time for Christmas. Larkfield firemen cut down trees to make
use of Christmas waste The 12-year-old Lakeland Patterdale cross sure the area was safe and the crew from
had been stuck for six days before his dra- Ashford dug down to rescue the dog.
matic rescue on Christmas Eve. Larkfield station manager Colin King
STAFF at a wildlife park have appealed for
Lucky went missing on a walk in wood- said: “It took about five hours but we’re
donations of Christmas waste for educa-
land near the William Harvey hospital in delighted at the successful outcome.”
tional projects.
Ashford on Friday,December 18. Lucky was taken to a vets with dehydra-
The Wildwood Trust,near Herne,is ask-
Owner Sue Williamson said:“We searched tion and a serious eye infection which need-
ing for old wrapping paper and cards for
for two days, but had no joy. On the ed an operation,but was home by Sunday.
craft activities at its education centre.
Wednesday we heard Lucky barking, but Mrs Williamson said:“He has made a fan-
Staff also want biscuit tins and clear plas-
had to leave him until it got light when the tastic recovery,thanks to the firefighters.
tic sweet boxes to use as storage for speci-
firefighters arrived.” “We can’t get over how dedicated they all
mens and artefacts. RESCUED:Lucky is reunited with his owners
Alerted by the RSPCA, crews from the are and this has been a brilliant Christmas
Education officer Laura Hester said:“We
Ashford and Larkfield stations, and the present for us.” after his six-day ordeal in a badger sett
want people to donate what would normal-
ly get thrown away.”
For information and advice on travelling in Kent
and for all our traffic regulation orders, please see
the Kent on Saturday or the Kent on Sunday or
Phone to make an appointment
Micks MOTs Ltd Tel: [phone] visit our website at www.kent.gov.uk/highways
17 Castle View Business Centre, Gashouse Road, Rochester
yourmaidstone.co.uk
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] 5
Actress Joanna ‘national
hero’ for Gurkha campaign
yourmaidstone
NEWS IN BRIEF ACTRESS Joanna Lumley has been named
as one of the Heroes of 2009 by The Daily
Telegraph.
The paper said she “became an established
Steam engine to rescue national treasure when she battled for recog-
nition for the Gurkhas.”
In salute an article stated “She has always
STRANDED rail passengers were given a held the regiment in deep esteem and affec-
helping hand during the cold snap – by a tion – her father, Major James Lumley,
steam locomotive. served in Burma during the Second World
As heavy snow brought much of Europe’s War with the 3rd Battalion of the 6th
rail network to a standstill, the Tornado Gurkha Rifles – and she was outraged to dis-
steam train completed the route from cover that Nepalese soldiers were denied the
London Victoria to Dover twice on Monday, right to live in the UK.
PROFESSIONAL: Firefighters lift off the roof of the car during the demonstration in Canterbury city centre December 20, carrying commuters left “She became the figurehead for the Gurkha
stranded by modern trains. Justice Campaign, using her intellect and
Playing victim The Tornado,a Peppercorn Class A1 steam elegance to bully, belittle and badger the
train,now operates excursion tours and took Government into a policy change.
a group of enthusiasts almost 20 years to “Her triumph has meant that those brave
build. Nepalese soldiers who have fought for
It was unaffected by the icy weather and Britain across the globe, and who retired
dropped passengers at various stations along before 1997,will now be entitled to live here,
the Network Rail main line before its arrival along with their families.”
in Dover. Last month the former Absolutely
of car accident Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Fabulous star sent “a blizzard of kisses”to
Locomotive Trust, said:“We delighted that Kent on Sunday and its readers for support-
she was able to brave the arctic weather to ing her campaign for the soldiers currently
haul two of the few trains to run in Kent.” based in Folkestone and Maidstone.
CARPETS • VINYLS • RUGS • LAMINATES • BEDS • MATTRESSES • PINE FURNITURE
an eye-opener CARPETS!
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VIEWTHIS CLIP ON FREE Underlay FULL Fitting Developers Letting Agents
JOURNALISTS often – probably
yourkenttv.co.uk Call for details
too often – have to write about car Offers Service
crashes and the clichés come
easily to the keyboard. LOCAL
“Emergency services rushed to the scene”
is one,then there is “cut from the wreckage”,
or “pulled to safety” before “condition is
reported as comfortable/stable/critical” –
which is usually the last readers hear of the
victim.
A cold day in the centre of Canterbury gave
me the chance to see what it is like – without 1,000’s of rolls available
the pain and grief – to be the person at the
sharp end of a road accident.
The county’s emergency services wanted
someone to play the part of a driver stuck
behind the wheel of a crashed car while they
demonstrated to the public how rescues were To learn how fire fighters and paramedics
carried out – as well as explaining the dan- approach vehicle rescue operations go to
gers of drink driving. www.yourkenttv.co.uk
The road show,which involves firefighters
and paramedics, has toured the county to
drive home the safety message. bers told me her job was to keep the victim
After a short briefing I was wedged into the calm by talking.
car which had been placed in Rose Square by “The person is obviously in shock,but my
Whitefriars Shopping Centre and a crowd of job is to keep on reassuring them,”she said.
several hundred gathered round. The voice behind me then said:“They are
One firefighter carried on a commentary as starting to cut the roof off,but sit tight,you’ll
the team prepared.I was in the driver’s seat be okay.”
and the exercise started. An icy blast of wind assured me the car was
A firefighter came to the window of the car well and truly cracked open, as the wind-
and asked me how I was feeling.“Can you screen was also removed.
move at all?”he said.“Where is it hurting?” A stretcher was manoeuvered down the
I had been told to simulate spinal injuries back of the seat and I was pulled on to it.
so I said my back and shoulders – he told me “One,two,three four pull,”said a member
not to nod my head and just to keep calm. of the emergency crew as I was pulled on to
A crash helmet had been put on my head the stretcher,strapped up,and removed from
and a neck brace strapped to my torso.An the wreck.
oxygen mask was then put on me and a The whole procedure was remarkably
mock-up plasma bag strapped to my arm. smooth,and I never felt that I was in a prob-
Another firefighter then came into the lem situation.I know it’s not real and I was-
back seat:“You’re in no danger,”he reassured n’t hurt.I could hear,mostly,and see,a bit,
me.“I wouldn’t be here if you were.” everything that went on.
Just as I was getting used to it – and it But I admired the way the crews,firefight-
wasn’t really claustrophobic – a microphone ers and paramedics,carried out their tasks.
appeared under the mask and I heard the It must be really grim when the victim has
question “How do you feel?” lost a limb or is close to death.
“Err,well okay really,I know I’m in good But the professionalism they showed and
hands. I don’t feel in danger, I don’t feel their ability to communicate and reassure
trapped or shut in,I’m just relying on people me convinced me there are probably no finer
who obviously know their jobs.” people in the world to be forced to rely on
A female Fire and Rescue Brigade mem- when your life is at stake.
yourmaidstone.co.uk
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Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] yourmaidstone.co.uk 7
yourweather
SPONSOREDBY
[email protected]
TODAY’S FORECAST WEEKEND
HIGH TIDES
Chatham Saturday 7:00am 5.3m
Sunday 8:11am 5.1m
Dover Saturday 6:09pm 5.5m Restored canoe will be a
Sunday 6:37am 5.7m
888 888 Dungeness Saturday 6:03pm 6.2m highlight at town museum
Sunday 6:35am 6.4m
A RARE canoe will go on display at Maidstone
Ramsgate Saturday 6:39pm 4.2m Museum following two years of painstaking
Sunday 7:07am 4.3m restoration work.
Sheerness Saturday 6:48am 5.2m The 24ft wooden vessel, which originates
from the Solomon Islands, off the coast of
S8.U0N1aRmISE 4S.U0N2pSmET Sunday 7:59am 5.0m Australia, underwent a range of meticulous
MOONRISE MOONSET Whitstable Saturday 6:49am 4.9m cleaning and strengthening procedures and is
now ready to return to public display in the
- 10.25am Sunday 8:05am 4.7m museum’s new East Wing extension.
FIVE-DAY KENT FORECAST Maidstone Borough Council’s leisure and
AROUNDTHE culture boss Brian Moss said:“A grant from
Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon WORLDYESTERDAY the Brenchley Trust enabled the museum to
employ Justin McMorrow,a conservator at the
Ashford 3°C 2°C 1°C 1°C 2°C Gravesend 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C 2°C National Maritime Museum and an expert in
Canterbury 2°C 2°C 1°C 1°C 1°C Maidstone 3°C 2°C 1°C 1°C 2°C Amsterdam 1°C Madrid 8°C the conservation of boats, to work on the
Chatham 3°C 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C Ramsgate 2°C 2°C 1°C 1°C 1°C ABathrceenlsona 1100°°CC NPaerwisYork --36°°CC ca“nJoues.tin has done some very meticulous work
Dartford 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C 2°C Rochester 3°C 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C Beijing -11°C Rome 8°C and I believe the resotred canoe is going to be
one of the ‘wow’ objects of the museum.”
Dover 3°C 1°C 1°C 1°C 2°C Sevenoaks 2°C 0°C 0°C 0°C 0°C Bombay 29°C Sydney 22°C The canoe was taken from the Solomon
Faversham 3°C 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C Sittingbourne 3°C 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C CCaarpdeifTfown 206°°CC TTeonkeyroife 236°°CC IBsrlaenncdhsl ebyy ienx 1p8lo6r5e.r and author Julius Lucius
Folkestone 3°C 1°C 1°C 1°C 2°C Tonbridge 3°C 1°C 0°C 1°C 1°C Gibraltar 17°C Vancouver 7°C When the item goes on display it will be the
HongKong 21°C Warsaw -6°C first time it has been shown to Maidstone his-
Gillingham 3°C 3°C 2°C 2°C 2°C TunWells 3°C 1°C 0°C 1°C 1°C LasPalmas 23°C Wellington 21°C tory fans since World War Two.
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yourlocalinterview
QTell us a little bit about yourself? cost of refurbishing their all weather pitch and Bursary Fund. Katie had applied for assis-
QUESTION & ANSWER Addington Recreation Ground received a loan tance in April earlier this year but had already
AI became secretary to the Kent County of £5,000 to extend their pavilion. missed the deadline on one fund and did not
Playing Fields Association (KCPFA) in fulfil the criteria for another.I felt that some-
PAUL November 2008.I enjoy all sports particularly QYou recently struck-up a sponsorship deal with 15-year- how we were not reaching those who may
football and golf and am a life member of The old cross country athlete, Luca Russo, who features on need our help most, so I presented Katie’s
Ridge Golf Club. the Maidstone’s Dream website, why did the KCPFA decide application to the Trustees explaining that I
to help Luke? believed there was a gap in our system that
PEACOCK QTell us about the work KCPFA does in the community? AWe decided to contact Luca after our vice needed filling.The rest is history.
chairman Malcolm Hawkes saw an article Katie returned with two golds and a silver
AKCPFA has been working with communi- referring to Maidstone’s Dream.I then spoke from the KSI European Karate Champion-
ties since 1926 when the charity was to Luca’s father and invited Luca to apply for ships in Germany last July.
founded by the late Lord Cornwallis.Its objec- a grant from the Ivy Hawkes Bursary Fund,to
tives remain the same: to ensure there are provide assistance for expenses specifically QThe KCPA has been running since 1926, what would you
adequate recreational facilities in every city, relating to coaching/training, travel and like to see the association achieve in the future?
town and village.To fulfil this we encourage accommodation.The committee were impress- AI would like to be here to celebrate the
the provision,improvement,retention and use ed by Luca’s determination. charity’s centenary in 2026 but more
of playing fields,children’s playgrounds and importantly to see the charity’s role as a social
other recreational centres.We provide general QMaidstone’s Dream is set-up by Maidstone council to enterprise expand.We continue to help those
grants and low interest loans to parish coun- create a legacy from the 2012 Olympics, do you think the who help themselves but for too long have not
cils,sports clubs and other organisations.We town’s youngsters have what is takes? shouted loud enough about what we do. I
also have four memorial funds to provide AWithout doubt Maidstone has a huge pool intend to raise the profile of the charity and in
assistance to budding sports stars. of talented athletes but then so does the turn its membership and increase the
rest of Kent.I would like to see initiatives sim- turnover of funds so that more and more tal-
QCan you give us some examples of the organisations the ilar to Maidstone’s Dream organised by all our ented individuals,sports clubs and communi-
KCPFA has helped in the past? major authorities so that Kent’s potential to ties benefit from the legacy of the KCPFA.
AThere are too many to list but the most bring home an Olympic 2012 medal is fully
recent include £8,500 for Goudhurst Tennis explored,but I do feel they have what it takes. QHow can people get in touch or find out more?
Club,towards the cost of resurfacing two ten-
nis courts,and £1,000 to Hernhill Village Hall QThe KCPFA also supports karate world champion hope- AThey can see www.kentpfa.org.uk,email us
Association to restore the village play park. ful Katie Simpson, from Maidstone, tell us about that? at [email protected] or write to The
In the past Maidstone Hockey Club received AOur support for Katie Simpson acted as the KCPFA, Cantium Lodge, Terrace Road,
a low interest loan of £25,000 to help with the catalyst for setting up the Ivy Hawkes Maidstone,ME16 8HU.
&
The secretary of the Kent County Playing Fields Association talks to Anna Whiteabout the charity’s work
in the sporting community and if he thinks Maidstone’s sport stars have what it takes for 2012
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Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 Email [email protected] yourmaidstone.co.uk 9
Police call to share Stack costs
Agencies urged to Gilmartin.said:“We are not trying to shift the
responsibility completely as that wouldn’t fair
at all and not want we want to do,but we need
to look at other partner agencies getting
take responsiblity involved.
“Kent Police needs to be involved as there is
the safety issue,but it’s not right to always use
our front line resources,our officers should be
in the community.”
(cid:2)BY NICK AMES In response to the police authority’s call for
extra help to operate Stack, the Highways
POLICE leaders are calling on Agency says it has contributed and does not
have the funds to give any more.
other agencies to help pay the £2 A Highways spokesman said: “The
million needed to run Operation Highways Agency has made significant capital
investment – around £10 million in the last
Stack instead of forcing Kent’s tax-
four years – into Operation Stack including
payers to foot the bill. provision of the Quickchange Moveable
Operation Stack is implemented to sections Barrier, advance signing on approaches to
of the M20, should ferries from the Port of junctions on the M20, CCTV, traffic officers
Dover or the Channel Tunnel stop running – and other associated costs.”
turning the motorway into a lorry park until The effect of Stack,when implemented,also
services to Europe resumes. hits companies financially.
Burden The Federation of Small Businesses estim
ated that blockades at Calais port and the
The responsibility for Stack originally fell subsequent stoppage of crossings costs the UK
with Kent Police when it first ran on the A2 haulage industry £1 million a day.
at Lydden in the 1980s, as the Highways And with delays on deliveries and traffic
Agency did not exist, but now the Kent problems caused by Stack,a further half a mil-
Police Authority thinks it is time to share lion daily is lost.
the burden. The latest implementation of Stack which
Ann Barnes, Chair of the Authority, has took place last month follows three other
called for a long-term solution for Stack after occasions it has been brought in this year
the bill for policing the foreign lorries during CLOSED: Operation Stack is enforced on parts of the M20 when cross-Channel ferry services are disrupted and 21 times last year – which includes the
2008/09 cost Kent taxpayers about £2million eight implementations for the Sea France
and each time takes up hundreds of hours of and our neighbourhoods keeping people safe But from a safety perspective we have no strike between February 28 and March 15,
valuable police time. and doing what we pay them to do. choice. last year
Mrs Barnes said: “No one has taken any “I think it’s shocking that police time is being “Without Kent Police, Operation Stack Kent Council County’s favoured option to
responsibility for Operation Stack.This is not spent babysitting foreign lorry drivers. would grind the county to a halt.The econom- deal with Stack is to open giant lorry parks
a local problem,but a national one. “It’s grossly unfair that our police council ic impact would be enormous.” to keep truckers of the M20 when the ports
“Our officers should be in our communities taxpayers here in Kent have to pay for this. Chief executive of the authority, Mark are closed.
Hauliers slow to pay £1.5m immigrant smuggling fines
TRUCK drivers are not being punished companies or drivers had been added to the The report said that although officers on the Mr Vine said that more vehicles should be
enough for smuggling illegal immigrants agency’s vehicle seizure list since September ground in Calais tried to do their best to carry impounded by the UKBA because in most
from Calais into the UK. 2008. out searches they lacked the equipment and cases the fine was paid within two days.
That is the conclusion of an inspection into In his report Mr Vine said:“We saw little facilities to do the job. He concluded: “We found no evidence to
the work carried out by the United Kingdom effective leadership or accountability for the Mr Vine said:“We found there was a short- show that quality reviews were undertaken
Borders Agency (UKBA). civil penalty process within the UKBA.” age of basic equipment available to staff, in relation to the civil penalty scheme,either
The report was published by the agency’s The inspectors blamed a lack of resources, including torches,cameras and bolt-cutters. to identify opportunities for improvement or
independent inspector John Vine. poor management and a lack of targets that “The accommodation at Calais was also to ensure consistent application of the
He found that £1.5 million worth of fines affectively allowed lorry companies to ignore very limited – in terms of both the space and scheme.”
were still to be collected by the agency from the law. facilities available for staff and customers.” Ashford MP and Conservative spokesman
lorry companies whose vehicles had been Stowaways If lorry drivers were caught with illegal on immigration Damian Green said the
found to contain illegal immigrants. immigrants in their trucks the penalty fine report was another example of the chaos in
Under the law,introduced in 2000,haulage The number of stowaways found in trucks system was not acting as a deterrent. the immigration system.
companies can be fined up to £4,000 and if in France has massively increased over the A large backlog of cases had built up mean- A spokesman for the UKBA said that it had
they fail to pay they can have the vehicle last three years. ing that the agency would resort to sending recovered £250,000 of fines since April;it was
impounded. In 2007 4,241 were found by UKBA staff, out warning letters and not issue a fine improving its holding facilities in Calais and
However,the report found that almost no this had risen to 8,058 by September 2009. because of lack of staff. speeding up its processing service.
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BREAK TIME
Mindstorm Masters
of the Lego universe
CUTTING EDGE:Top chef Lee Bennett cuts the ribbon to open the revamped The Apprentice restaurant, while MidKent College students celebrate
Fresh look earns praise at
A TEAM of students were crowned Kent’s
Lego champions after fighting off stiff
competition from schools across the coun-
ty.
Seven pupils from the Cornwallis
Academy in Linton took first place in the revamped campus eaterie
Robot Game category of the Lego League
Challenge,held at the University of Kent
at Canterbury.
The 14 teams in the regional final had
to take part in three stages.
The most important round required
children to build a robot out of Lego and
the Cornwallis robot impressed judges FOUL-mouthed TV chef Gordon (cid:2)BY ANNA WHITE reflects the quality of food we serve.I’m sure
we’ll be getting plenty more bookings from
with its ability to follow instructions and Ramsay’s protégé Lee Bennett cut
customers wanting to sample our dishes now.”
tackle obstacles.
Teacher Chris Verrall said:“We compet- the ribbon at the opening of a first worked in a kitchen and is now head chef The Apprentice restaurant is run by the stu-
ed in all three events and won the Robot refurbished college restaurant. at top French restaurant Le Pont de la Tour. dents and is open to everyone and offers three-
Game category for the first time. The former head chef at the Savoy Grill,The He said:“I’m a firm supporter of the work course dining at minimal cost.
agon““rdTLy ,harseisstao l yilsyet ha wtirhs h weaw etba iwtsgh goeane se ttvgh eraeens atTp teie saca tmac lholw ifae obvtrhoekume c tae.dntaety-. SAMtparpaidrnsedtn,otniLceeo c nademoanpt,eurswy iansa ftr inoMnvtiti deodKf settnout d oeCpnetosnl,l esTgtaehf’esf ceirnoerglsal lete-glonie fveesix rdwpooeno.rrmIikte’eisnnn cigtne s cc rroleienkaddeliii bsttlithyoiicn s,i,smh ayipsgoo hutrh-tnqaeguny a ptr lefeiotofyrlpe llwceet ao wtrrhnkile--l MyhoaBauviuned tgsa st otnienter ews i sswacnthh ’tooS oulhj tukatosivttnec hVecroanelfl.lueenrgbceeis hPsertduim dfaeanrcyitl sit ailesisno;
Next year we hope to win everything.” and hungry diners. be expected to function in when they move Faversham and Mid Kent MP Hugh
The Cornwallis Mindstorm Masters, The public restaurant at the Oakwood Park into the industry.” Robertson cut the ribbon to open the new
who each received certificates,were:Alex site has been rebranded and redesigned to Speaking about the new café,hospitality and kitchen prior to the Christmas break.Before
Foster,Mitchell Barwick,Joanna Gilkes, give the college’s hospitality and catering stu- catering student Jonathan Stamp, 16, said: the kitchen was opened dinners were brought
Matthew Boulton,Daniel Kenward,Ben dents better surroundings in which to cook “The whole atmosphere has changed.We’ve in from another school five miles away.
Barkaway and Megan Longworth. and serve food. got new furniture,new flooring,a new colour Headteacher Sarah Drury said: “We are
Mr Bennett can relate to students starting scheme and modern table decorations. delighted.Pupils and staff are really enjoying
out in the food industry;he was 15 when he “It looks and feels a lot fresher and better their school dinners.”
SEND your schools news and pictures to [email protected]. You can also upload your video clips of schools events on to www.yourkenttv.co.uk