borough update june 2012

7/28/2019 Borough Update June 2012

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UpdateSouth, June 2012

Borough

www.maidstone.gov.uk

Maidstone Borough Council

Maidstone celebrates theQueen’s Diamond Jubilee



2 MaidstoneBoroughCouncil

Most weekends Maidstone council refuse lorries collect bulky

household rubbish from locations in your area. Take yourrefuse to the Saturday Freighter Service at the times shown:

14 July

07:45 - 08:25 Shepway. Westmorland Road/Essex Road08:30 - 09:00 Shepway. Northumberland Road/

Cumberland Green09:05 - 09:50 Senacre. Woolley Road09:45 - 10:20 Senacre. Betsham Road garages10:30 - 11:00 Park Wood. Bicknor Road car park12:00 - 12:50 Park Wood. Lockham Farm Avenue13:00 - 13:30 Park Wood. Rear of Park Wood Parade13:40 - 14:15 Park Wood. Queen Elizabeth Square14:25 - 15:05 Mangravet. Camp Way15:15 - 15:45 Tovil. Brenchley Road

21 July

07:45 - 08:30 Staplehurst. Poyntell Road08:40 - 09:25 Staplehurst. Church Green09:35 - 10:15 Staplehurst. Northdown/Marden Road10:30 - 11:00 Marden. Stilebridge Lane12:00 - 12:40 Marden. Stanley Road12:50 - 13:30 Marden. Chantry Road13:40 - 14:20 Linton. Wheelers Lane14:30 - 15:45 Loose. Lancet Lane

28 July

07:45 - 08:30 Teston. Livesey Street08:40 - 09:30 Nettlestead. Bishop's Close09:45 - 10:25 Yalding. Village Green10:35 - 11:15 Yalding. Lyngs Close12:15 - 12:45 Laddingford. Cleavesland12:55 - 13:30 Collier Street. Church Farm13:40 - 14:10 Hunton Village Hall14:20 - 15:05 West Farleigh. The Green15:15 - 15:45 East Farleigh. Adbert Drive

4 August

07:45 - 08:30 Frinsted Church08:40 - 09:20 Wormshill. The Street09:30 - 10:10 Harrietsham. Church Lane10:20 - 11:00 Harrietsham Primary School12:00 - 12:40 Lenham. Douglas Road12:50 - 13:30 Lenham. Ham Lane/Cherry Orchard13:40 - 14:20 Lenham. Honeywood Road14:30 - 15:10 Platts Heath. Green Lane15:15 - 15:45 Grafty Green.Church Lane

11 August

07:45 - 08:30 Hollingbourne. Troys Mead08:45 - 09:15 Lenham. Lenham Heath Road09:25 - 09:55 Ulcombe. Lodge gardens10:05 - 11:00 Headcorn. Orchard Gardens12:00 - 12:30 Headcorn. Oak Lane

12:40 - 13:30 Sutton Valence. Captains Close13:40 - 14:20 Kingswood Village Hall14:30 - 15:05 Langley. Grasslands15:15 - 15:45 Leeds. Brogden Crescent

18 August

07:45 - 08:30 Otham.08:45 - 09:45 Bearsted Village Green10:00 - 11:00 Loose. Broadfield Road12:00 - 12:30 Loose. Old Loose Hill12:40 - 13:25 Coxheath. Huntingdon Road13:35 - 14:20 Boughton Monchelsea. Hubbards Lane14:30 - 15:00 Chart Sutton. Amber Lane15:15 - 15:45 East Sutton. Court Broomes

We cannot accept garden waste, very large bulky items andelectrical or hazardous items. You can dispose of these items

through our paid for bulky collection service or at the householdwaste recycling centre at Burial Ground Lane, Tovil, Maidstone.It is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4.30pm, and Sunday andBank Holidays, 9am to 4pm. For more information about ourbulky rubbish services, including paid for doorstep collections,visit maidstone.gov.uk or call the cleansing hotline on 01622602162.

Free bulky rubbish service

Council Joins ZipcarsMaidstone Borough Council has joined the MaidstoneZipcar club on a trial basis to see if it can save moneyby using Zip cars instead of its own cars for councilbusiness. Currently Maidstone council operates threepool vehicles and members of staff also use their ownvehicles to get to and from council appointments.

Zipcar can help businesses and individuals by givingaccess to cheap and reliable cars, which are easy touse and eco friendly. Cllr Eric Hotson – CabinetMember for Corporate Services said: “Zipcar couldsave the council money, benefit the local communityand is good for the environment. Each shared vehiclecan take about 20 personally-owned vehicles off the

road.”Zipcar operates in Bristol, Cambridge, London,Maidstone and Oxford.

Maidstone’s new Mayor is Rodd Nelson-Gracie,Conservative councillor for Marden and Yalding.His wife Philippa will be Mayoress for the year.

The Mayor and Mayoress have been married since1980 and have three daughters and threegrandchildren.

After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant the Mayorworked for Ernst & Young for three years and in themanufacturing industry for 25 years in the UK andoverseas. For the last 15 years of his career he wasBursar at King’s School, Rochester and later TheKing’s School, Canterbury.

He joined Nettlestead Parish Council in 1995 and waselected to Maidstone Borough Council in 1997.

Rodd has served on a number of Committees on theCouncil, notably the Planning Committee, a numberof overview and scrutiny committees and the AuditCommittee. Rodd is an LEA appointed Governor atYalding Primary School, and is also a Governor of aPreparatory School in Tonbridge.

The Deputy Mayor is Liberal Democrat councillorClive English.

New Mayor

Cover picture - The Jubilee Proms at Whatman ParkMaidstone on Bank Holiday Monday June 4.



Maidstone Borough Council 3

Maidstone’s Executive Cabinet provides leadership at the top level of the council and decides the council'spriorities. It is responsible for the overall business of the council and makes most decisions. All decisionsmust be in line with the overall policy and budget frameworks set by the council and its decisions are subjectto scrutiny by a different group of councillors.

Maidstone’s cabinet 2012-13

Overview and scrutiny

Cllr Malcolm Greer (Conservative)– Cabinet Member for Economic andCommercial Development (DeputyLeader)Responsible for economic development,the visitor economy, Hazlitt Arts Centre,Maidstone museums, regeneration, commercialservices, sustainable construction and Maidstonemarket.

Cllr Eric Hotson (Conservative)– Cabinet Member forCorporate ServicesResponsible for people strategy, customer service,corporate finance, legal advice, informationtechnology, property and procurement, council taxand housing benefit, and democratic services.

Cllr Marion Ring (Conservative)– Cabinet Member for the Environment

Responsible for waste minimisation and recycling,air quality management, climate change andcarbon management, cleansing services,environmental health, licensing, Maidstonecrematorium and cemetery, local biodiversityaction planning and Cobtree Golf Course.

Chris Garland (Conservative) is the Leader of Maidstone Borough Council.Following the borough council elections, in May, the council now has 30 Conservative, 19 LiberalDemocrat, 5 independent and 1 Labour councillor. Fran Wilson (Liberal Democrat) is the Leader of theOpposition. As the Leader of the Council, Chris Garland is responsible for the sustainable communitystrategy, strategic plan and medium term financial strategy. He is an ambassador for the council andrepresents it on national and regional bodies such as the Kent forum. He has expanded his cabinet for2012-13 to include a new portfolio dealing with planning, transport and development. The full cabinet is:

Cllr John A. Wilson(Conservative)– Cabinet Member forCommunity and LeisureServicesResponsible for strategic housingmanagement, community safety,community development, parks,open spaces and allotments, leisureactivities, community engagement, andallocation and monitoring of grants.

Stephen Paine (Conservative)– Cabinet Member for Planning,Transport and DevelopmentResponsible for the LocalDevelopment Framework ,Development Plan Documents,Development Management policiesand development briefs, Integrated

Transport Strategy, InfrastructureDelivery Plan, planning enforcement,land charges, building control,parking, park and ride, and publictransport initiatives.

Maidstone’s overview and scrutiny committees challenge and informthe cabinet to ensure that the council is run in an effective andefficient way and in the best interests of residents

Councillor David Burton(Conservative) chairs theRegeneration andEconomic DevelopmentCommittee,Councillor

Fay Gooch (Independent)

chairs the CorporateServicesCommitteeand Councillor AnnabelleBlackmore(Conservative) chairs theCommunities Committee.

Get involved

Overview and Scrutiny Committees look at services and issues that are important tolocal people. Councillors can refer any matter affecting their ward to Overview andScrutiny.· Is public transport an issue in your rural community?· Would you like to join the discussion on community buses and rural transport?· Would your community like to be involved?We can come to you and hold a meeting in your community and get the right peoplearound the table to achieve results.

Reviews in 2012-13

Meetings are held in public at Maidstone Town Hall and in locations throughout the borough.

We welcome views and input - contact Orla Sweeney or Clare Wood on 01622 602491/602524 or via email,[email protected]/ [email protected]. Look out for opportunities to be involved on MaidstoneBorough Council’s facebook page: www.facebook.com/maidstoneboroughcouncil.

· The council’s capital programme,investigating areas including: assetmanagement, borrowing and lotteryfunding.

· The visitor information centre and the

use of the Town Hall.

· Empty properties.· The impact of the reduction in Police

numbers.· CCTV.· Community buses and rural transport.· Youth services.

· Council tax and benefits and the impactof welfare reforms.

· Housing and housing associations.· Water and waste water.· The night time economy and anti-social

behaviour



Customer ServiceA new project will give customers

greater involvement in Maidstonecouncil’s services to ensure thattheir experience is the best it canbe.

The council will research who itscustomers are, how they feelabout its services and how it canimprove that experience for them.

Cabinet Member for CorporateServices, Cllr Eric Hotson, says:“We are doing the review to reallyget to the heart of what ourcustomers need and want. Thereview will include a number of

consultation activities andworkshops that I would encouragepeople to get involved in if they getan opportunity.”

County ShowThe Kent County Show hassomething for everyone, withspectacular arena displays,mouth-watering food, prize-winning livestock, a feast offlowers and the chance to fly witha Spitfire. Kent Showground,Detling - July 13, 14, and 15 from8am to 6pm. Pre-booked ticketsoffer a significant discount: £17.50for adults, which includes two freechildren’s tickets, £5 for additionalchildren’s tickets and under fivesgo free. Pre-booked seniors andstudent tickets are £11. Ticketsare available fromwww.kentshowground.co.uk orthe booking hotline 01622 633060.

News in brief

4 Maidstone Borough Council

Welcoming the torch to MaidstoneMaidstone residents have a uniquechance to see the Olympic Torch Relay.It will arrive in the borough onThursday July 19 but the bestopportunity to see it will be the nextmorning.

Thursday night’s arrival atHarrietsham, on its way to LeedsCastle, will offer a very limitedopportunity to see the torch during itsten-minute procession through thevillage. Access to Harrietsham will beby public transport only.

People are instead being invited to

cheer the torch on its way when itleaves the next morning.

The torch will leave Mote Park at6.42am and exit onto Mote Avenue,turning into Mote Road and then rightonto Wat Tyler Way.

The route then turns left onto KingStreet before reaching the High Street,goes left onto Bishop’s Way, right ontoMill Street and right into the groundsof the Archbishop’s Palace.

The torchbearer will then board areplica royal barge to be rowed alongthe River Medway Maidstone RowingClub. At James Whatman Way, wherethe torch will take to the road in‘convoy’ mode, leaving Maidstone, justafter 7.30am, on Royal Engineers Roadalong the A229 to Gillingham.

“I am sure that many thousands of

people will take the opportunity to bepart of this unique event,” saidMaidstone’s Cabinet Member forCommunity and Leisure Services CllrJohn A. Wilson.

“The torch route offers a variety of

great places to watch it fromand I am sure it will be a greatoccasion that people willremember for years to come.”

Entertainment in the towncentre will continue throughoutthe day in Jubilee Square outsidethe Town Hall.

Local samba band Bloco Fogowill wake the early morningcrowd, while fire performers willadd to the fun on the routethrough the town.

The rest of the day will feature

more live music, maypole andmorris dancers, Bhangra, Greekdancing, jugglers and stilt walkers.There will be face painting for childrenand the Medway Concert Band will endthe celebrations.

Torch celebration screenedlive at Mote Park concertFireworks, special

guests and a talentshow are amongthe extras forthose who watchMaidstone’sOlympic TorchRelay celebrationsfrom Mote Park.

While the ‘official’celebration eventat Leeds Castle onthe evening ofThursday 19 Julywas several timesoversubscribed,the Mote Park extravaganza is set toprove just as exciting.

Maidstone’s community concert willfeature a live link from Leeds Castle,allowing those attending to watch thecauldron lighting on a big screen.

In addition they will enjoy lots of otherentertainment – all for free – and afirework display at the end of whatpromises to be a fantastic evening.

After the live screening of the LeedsCastle event, which starts at 5pm, theshow will begin with a performance bythe school choirs of Maidstoneperforming Traditional Values, aspecially written piece by OrlandoGough.

Concert-goers will then be able to votefor their favourite acts as the town’s ownMaidstone’s Got Talent competition takesto the stage.The talent show will befollowed by someone whose talent isalready well known as local star ShaunWilliamson, know to millions as the

hapless Barry from EastEnders but

with more recent starring roles inmany other shows, takes to thestage.

Next on the bill is the ultimate inseventies rock royalty AlvinStardust, who is headlining whatpromises to be a great evening’sentertainment.

Organisers expect up to 10,000people to enjoy a free evening’scelebration and have stressed thatthose attending should walk ifpossible or use public transport orpark and ride in order to reach

Mote Park.There will be no car parking on site, andwhile the aim isto create a partyatmosphere, noalcohol will beallowed in MotePark during theevent. Under14s must beaccompanied byan adult.

“This looks setto be a greatevent and I am certain that the live videolink to Mote Park will make it as excitinga place to be on the evening of 19 July asLeeds Castle itself,” said CabinetMember for Community and LeisureServices Cllr John A. Wilson.

“We want people to have a good time andenjoy themselves, but I must stress thatpublic transport is the only sensible wayto travel on this occasion.”




Domestic Violenceand Abuse?The Freedom programme is a FREE 12 weekprogramme that helps, supports and teacheswomen about the reality of domestic violence andabuse. For more information contact Maidstone-based organisation K-DASH on 01622 761146.

The Freedom Programme helps to;

T Support women to understand the beliefs held

by an abusive man and in doing so, recognisewhich of these beliefs they have shared.

T Illustrate the effects of domestic violence onchildren.

T Assist women to recognise potential futureabusers.

T Help women gain self-esteem and theconfidence to improve the quality of theirlives.

T Introduce women to community resourcessuch as Women’s Aid.

Participants say

“Gives you an opportunity to live your life”“Helps you to feel good about yourself”

“An insight into why women feel the way they do,and knowing their experiences are shared”

Health matters in Maidstone

Weight for ItA FREE 10 week weight loss programmefor adults held throughout the MaidstoneBorough. Fun and friendly weekly weigh-inwith diet and nutritional advice. For moredetails and your nearest venue call 01622602222 or email [email protected]

And don’t just take our word for it, here’s what some of the

participants have said so far…“Weight for It has educated me in an interesting andinformative way to eat healthily so it becomes a way of lifeand not a five minute wonder!”

“The programme showed me that a few small changes tomy lifestyle could make a huge difference. I have lost myexcess weight and am maintaining my new slim-line body,without feeling I've been deprived of favourite foods ordrink.”

Adult weight management programmeA 12 week programme at Maidstone Leisure Centre, WillowWay, Mote Park. Diet and nutrition seminars are FREE and

gym, swimming class sessions are £1 per visit. For moreinformation call 08451 552277.

One attendee commented: “It has helped with my arthritispain and has eliminated my need to use a cane. I am nowexercising more and feel more flexible.”

Weight for LifeA 10 week holistic lifestyle programme at Zeroth Active

Zone, Boughton Lane, Maidstone, with a low costexercise regime, sessions are just £1 per visit.

Go For It – a FREE family and children’s weightmanagement programme for 5-17 year olds atZeroth Active Zone.

For more information about the sessions heldat Zeroth, call 01622 749564.

Healthy Passport ClubIf attending a programme is not for you, then why not goonline and visit www.healthyclub.nhs.uk for moreinformation and support on making small steps tobecoming healthier and happier.

Maidstone Borough Council has been awarded £158,000 from NHS West Kentto commission and deliver projects to support health prevention in ourborough over the next 12 months.

So if you’re looking to get healthier and fitter this summer, then look no

further than our weight management programmes, which supportoverweight or obese adults to make long-term changes to improve physicalactivity, eating behaviour and diet and improve emotional well-being.

The programmes are held in group settings but provide personal action plans to help people achieve andmaintain their goals. Don’t delay, sign up today!



D HIGH STREET

G BRIDGE H SHEPWAY SOUTH

J HEATH K PARK WOOD

I SOUTH

E NORTH F SHEPWAY NORTH

B EAST C FANT


Representing your views on Maidstone Borough CouncilMaidstone Borough Council is run by elected councillors whoare voted for by local people. Councillors are responsible formaking decisions on behalf of the community about localservices, for example rubbish and recycling collections and

leisure facilities, and agreeing budgets and Council Taxcharges.

Councillors are elected to represent an area called a ward,serving for four years.

The work of a councillor includes holding surgeries to helplocal people, supporting local organisations, campaigning onlocal issues, and developing links with all parts of thecommunity.

Councillors are not paid a salary or wages, but they areentitled to allowances and expenses to cover some of the

Dan DaleyLib Dem01622672459

CynthiaRobertsonLib Dem01622753517

MalcolmRobertsonLib Dem01622753517

David NaghiLib Dem01622678410

JaneGriffinLib Dem07725977841

MartinCoxLib Dem01622202869

StephenPaineCon07906271325

AlistairBlackCon01622728481

StephenBeerlingLib Dem01622600495

CliveEnglishLib Dem07806360476

Denise JoyLib Dem01622674063

Fran WilsonLib Dem01622673349

JenniPatersonLib Dem01622679630

MervynWarnerLib Dem01622753220

TonyHarwoodLib Dem01622677578

ChrisGarlandCon07766343024

Marion RingCon01622686492

MichaelYatesCon01622675188

AdrianBrindleCon01622745704

MalcolmMcKayLab07879357333

BryanVizzardLib Dem07957442994

Brian MossCon01622761998

DavidBurtonCon01622862595

DanielMoriartyInd01622754756

DerekMortimerLib Dem07825916930

IanChittendenLib Dem01622630867

MikeHoggCon07964160282

TownWards

DavidPickettLib Dem01622681889

James RossCon07966377292

costs of carrying out their public duties. They are not councilemployees. The elected councillors provide the policies, andthen paid employees, council officers, put them into practice.

You can attend most meetings of the council, although usually

you will not be able to speak at them. The council publishes a'forward work plan' listing the decisions that will be taken overthe coming months. It also publishes meeting papers at leastfive working days in advance, and afterwards the minutes ofthe meeting, summarising the decisions made.

Maidstone has 55 councillors and holds elections in thirds -elections are held in three years out of four, with one third ofthe seats on the council up for election at each election.

This year elections were held in 19 of Maidstone’s 26 wards.In Heath Ward there was an election and a by election.

A ALLINGTON

KEY

Conservative

Liberal Democrat

No overall control



9 HEADCORN 10 LEEDS 11 LOOSE 12 MARDEN & YALDING 13

2 BEARSTED 3 4 BOXLEY

6 7 8

14 STAPLEHURST 15


5 COXHEATH & HUNTON

1 BARMING

Fay GoochInd01622726608

Peter ParvinCon01622673209

Susan GriggLib Dem07706052495

DaphneParvinCon01622673209

Nick deWiggondeneCon01622 208721

GordonNewtonInd01622862330

SteveMunfordInd01622741310

RichardAshCon01622730151

ValSpringettCon01622737702

MikeCumingCon01622738825

John AWilsonCon01622720989

BrianMortimerLib Dem01622746046

DennisCollinsCon01622820468

DerekButlerCon01634684854

MalcolmGreerCon01634862876

WendyHinderCon01634861579

AnnabelleBlackmoreCon01622833299

Rodd NelsonGracieCon01622814263

SteveMcLoughlinCon07711565489

Tom SamsInd01622859412

John BarnedCon01622851142

RichardThickCon01622891224

JeneferGibsonCon01622890200

PaulinaStockellCon01622842508

Eric HotsonCon01580892312

RichardLustyCon01580891353

BOUGHTON MONCHELSEA& CHART SUTTON

DETLING &THURNHAM

NORTHDOWNS

DOWNSWOOD& OTHAM

SUTTON VALENCE& LANGLEY

RuralWards

KEY

Conservative

Independent

Liberal Democrat

No overall control

HARRIETSHAM

& LENHAM



Dancing in the street There was dancing in the street when Maidstonecelebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with astreet party and by naming the new public square inMaidstone High Street.

Jubilee Square, the centre piece of Maidstone’s £2million High Street regeneration project was named

by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Rodd Nelson-Gracieduring a day-long celebration on the Friday of theJubilee weekend.

Jazz Saxophonist Jo Fooks entertained the crowd inthe morning before children from Molehill Copse,Oaks Academy and Brunswick House primaryschools in Maidstone sat down for lunch with someof the borough’s older residents to find out what itwas like growing up in Britain sixty years ago. Theyincluded Lawrence and Dorrie Child from ShepwayCourt who have been married for 57 years.

Throughout lunch and into the afternoon they wereentertained with 50s rock n roll by the Sunny RayBand, and a penny farthing stunt act.

In the afternoon the Mayor planted a time capsulefull of pictures of the Queen drawn by the children,and current day objects gathered by the KentMessenger newspaper.


Left: Schoolchildren were jiving in the High Street.

Below: Left to right – Council Leader, Chris Garlandwith Malcolm Greer, Cabinet Member for Economic andCommercial Development and Mayor, Rodd Nelson-Gracie, who opened Jubilee Square

Lawrence and Dorrie Child of Shepway Court.

Above left to right: Town Crier, Robin Burfoot, read a special poem to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. - All thefood was prepared and served by Mid Kent College Students. -Jazz Saxophonist, Jo Fooks. - The Mayor of Maidstone, RoddNelson-Gracie, planted a time capsule to provide a record of life in 2012 for future generations.



Mammal surveyMote Park volunteers, fully trained by the Kentmammal group at Wildwood Animal Park,carried out a small mammal survey of MotePark over the Easter weekend. The group set50 humane traps in Mote Park and checkedthem regularly over the weekend. Over theweekend the group caught and released 19wood mice, 3 yellow neck mice, 15 bank voles,2 field voles, 1 common shrew and a pygmyshrew. The pygmy shrew is one of the smallestmammals in the world, weighing only 5 grams.

The Mote Park restoration project was awarded £1.8 million from theThe Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) under theirParks for People scheme. The total cost of the improvement project is£2.5m.

Mote Park’s £2.5 million restoration is complete. The Mayorof Maidstone, Councillor Rodd Neslon-Gracie formally openedthe park at last month’s kite festival. Improvements haveincluded – new paths, restoration of parkland, 100 new trees,car park improvements, new bridges, restoring the 1840swaterfall, visitor hubs at Willington Street and School Lanewith car parks and play areas, and restoring the neoclassicalVolunteers Pavilion dating from the 1800s.

VolunteersVolunteers have been hard at work in MotePark creating woodland paths, building abridge across the stream at Jenner’sBank, creating wildflower meadows,planting trees, clearing woodland glades,removing debris from the stream andbuilding bird boxes.

The group meets in the Mote ParkVolunteers Office in the main park buildingevery Wednesday and the last Saturday ofeach month. Activities start at 9:30am andfinish around 1pm. Everyone is welcome.

If you would like to help with tasks,administration or stewarding events,contact Alan Frith, Mote Park AudienceDevelopment Officer by email [email protected] –or by telephone – 01622 602119

Mote Park Volunteers have clearedvegetation and created new paths

A wood mouse in Mote Parkcourtesy of Greg Mantanle

Cobtree Manor Park, off Forstal Road, Aylesford is getting a£1 million makeover including a custom built play area, newpaths, café and visitor centre centre.

The park was home to Maidstone Zoo for a number of yearsand was left to the people of Maidstone by 12 times formerMayor Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake.

Many of the improvements to the park will reflect its history.Cllr John A Wilson, Chairman of the Cobtree Manor EstateCommittee said: “Cobtree Park will become one of the bestfamily days out in the area. I think that Sir Garrard wouldhave approved of the zoo theme for the play area.”

The new play area will be ready for this year’s summerholidays with the rest to follow in 2013.

Cobtree Park improvements

Free events at Mote ParkJuly 14, 6.30-9pm.The Tales of Beatrix Pottertheatre in the park. Call 0845450 5157 or visitwww.quantumtheatre.co.ukfor tickets (max. four per

person).July 15, 6.30-9pm.Midsummer Night’s Dream -Shakespeare in the Park.SOLD OUT

July 17, 6-9pm.The History of Mote Park.

July 23, 12-4pm.Arts and crafts in the park.

July 28, 10.30am-1pm.Bushcraft cooking.

July 30, 12-4pm.Arts and crafts in the park.

July 31, 9 – 11.30pm.Bat evening.

August 4, 12pm-4pm.Teddy bears picnic forchildren 6 and under with -bouncy castles, face painting,arts and crafts, and lotsmore. No need to book.

August 6, 12-4pm.Arts and crafts in the park.

August 11, 10am–12.30pm.Reptile walk.



August 25, 10am–12.30pm.Nature detective walk.


August 28, 8-10.30pm.Bat evening.

www.facebook.com/[email protected]

Picture courtesy of Howard Marsh



What’s On

To book tickets go online at www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk or ring the Box Office 01622 758611

The Hazlitt’s Summer Festival

Step into a world of Kentishtramps and colourfulcharacters

As You Like It

This year’s outdoor theatreproduction draws its inspiration fromKent Rural life in the 1950’s.

Many Kent woods were home to localcharacters, casual labourers and thehomeless long before they becamethe housing estates, supermarketsand petrol stations we know today.

Shakespeare drew on similar themesin As You Like It, writing about a timewhen the English countryside was

being rapidly transformed. The royalforests were being privatised and cutdown and common land enclosed andturned into fields for sheep.

A whole way of life was beingdestroyed. Commoners and squatterswho had lived in the woods forgenerations found their rightssuddenly extinguished.

The Hazlitt Arts Centre in conjunctionwith Changeling Theatre are wellknown for producing Shakespeare ina freshanddynamicway;perfect foreveryoneof all agesto enjoy.

Thisyear’stourincludesmany ofKent’sloveliestlocationsin and

around;Maidstone, Dartford, Canterbury,Chatham, Rochester, Gravesend,Ashford, Sandwich, Aylesford,Biddenden, Wrotham and Faversham.

So pack a picnic and book your spotto the perfect summer event!

Performance dates are; 22nd June –21st July 2012

Tickets cost £15.00 and are availabledirect from some venues or from theHazlitt Theatre box office 01622758611http://www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk

You can see the full list of venues,watch videos and find out more at;http://www.changeling-theatre.com

If you are looking for FUN, FUN, FUN this summer then we have just the thingfor you…Hazlitt Youth Theatre and Theatre Exchange have two exciting workshops onoffer for young people to enjoy!

Victorian Circus of Horrors - ages 11- 14 yearsLearn death defying magic, juggle with skulls, sing and dance and much more!

Jungle Book- ages 6- 10 yearsThe spirit of the jungle is alive with Mowgli and friends as they escape theclutches of Shere Khan!Become part of the best loved children’s tales in this magical workshop.Monday 13- Friday 17 August 1030am- 3.30pm

£75 (includes 2 FREE tickets to the end of course performance)For all bookings contact the Hazlitt Box Office on: 01622 758611For further information email: [email protected]



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Borough Update

This is your council newsletter,produced up to four times a yearin the Downs Mail newspaper. Itis written, edited and designedby the council's communicationsteam, Maidstone House, KingStreet, Maidstone, Kent ME15

6JQ. Email:[email protected]. Yourcomments and suggestions are

always welcome. It is typeset by

AW design and printed by

Newbury News.

If you are visually impairedand would like the newslettertext in large print, please callus on 01622 602807, and wewill be happy to send you acopy.

To find out what’s on in Maidstone Borough visit www.tour-maidstone.comWhat’s On!

Workingfor you

Gardener Trevor Brockway joined Maidstone BoroughCouncil’s parks’ team in 1975 and he has been tending

Brenchley Gardens since 1978. Trevor, who is marriedand lives in Fant, is now working four days a week in thelead up to his retirement in January. Borough Updateinterviewed him to find out why his job is special.

What attracted you to the job?

“I worked for ten years in offices before taking a yearout to travel around the World. I did lots of different

jobs and I realised that I wanted to be outdoors and todo something hands-on.”

What do you like about your job?

“I like everything about my work, in particular workingwith plants and seeing them grow to make BrenchleyGardens look beautiful.

“I meet lots of people and I feel I am doing somethingto please them and for the good of the community.”

What does good customer service mean to you?

“My job is about giving people a great environment tomeet up, somewhere to get away from it all during

lunch.”

Trevor’s job includes- Clearing litter – lots of it in the

summer!

- Tending and weeding the flowerbeds every day.

- Mowing the grass every week.

- Edging the borders every threeweeks.

- Planting flower beds every year.

- Shrub pruning in the winter.

- Turfing and reinstating lawns.

Some facts about Maidstone’s Parks and Openspaces

- Maidstone Borough has 30 major Parks andopen spaces, as well as many play areas,conservation areas and churchyards.

- At 450 acres, Mote Park is the biggest.

- 1 million people visited Mote Park last year.- Two of our parks have Green flags:

• Clare Park; and • Whatman Park, Maidstone

- We provide:

• 24 football pitches • 2 rugby pitches

• 700 allotment plots; and a • golf course.

- More than 3,500 bedding plants were planted inBrenchley Gardens this summer for the Jubilee.

- 52 hanging baskets have been planted in redwhite and blue to celebrate the Jubilee andOlympics.

11



Are you a Business, working from

home or have an office in a rural area?

Or maybe you run a big business in

one of the Villages in Kent and need

to raise your profile in an efficient but

cost effective way?

The Network of Rural Business Forums(www.nrbf.co.uk) has already proved to bea lifeline for many rural businesses in Kent.

Not only does it offer monthly businessbreakfasts, free networking events andsocial opportunities, but also a raft of freeservices – including legal and HR advice,accounting and counselling. Many suppliersoffer discounted rates to NRBF membersand there is a special forum discountedPrivate Health Insurance scheme available.

With your membership your business willalso receive A-Z and classified entries bothonline and in your local printed businessdirectory for the whole year. You will alsobecome part of an active email group withinyour business community which allows you

to seek help, support and advice from your peer group.

All for an annual fee of just £50!

So how come it’s so inexpensive?

Instead of running up costly overheads,members give their time and talents for freeto help the forum.

“It’s all about collaboration,” said NRBFchairman Elaine Collins. “Local pubs host networking nights, the website, publicity andprinting are all provided free of charge andmembers work together for their mutualbenefit and for that of the forum.”

It’s a not-for profit organisation and, with nowages to pay out, all the members benefit.Former BBC man Adam Hume found thetransition from life in London to Langleyquite a culture shock – and his experience istypical of many.

He said: “I’d worked in a big organisationwhere I only had to pick up the phone andanything from a new PC to a Starbuckscoffee would be delivered to my desk. Howvery different it is working as a sole trader ina rural area!”

Adam has found both camaraderie andbusiness support through the forum in hisnew venture as a cabinetmaker.

“Many members offer discounts that quicklypay for the subscription alone regardless of all the other benefits.”

If you’d be interested in finding out moreabout the NRBF or visiting one of thebreakfasts as a guest visit www.nrbf.co.uk or telephone Elaine on 01622 820468

Alternatively visit our website (QR codebelow) or fill in your details and send to :

NRBF Forum House

Hunton RoadChainhurst

Kent, TN12 9TA

Company Enquiry DetailsContact Name

Company Name

Address

Postcode

Telephone

Mobile

Email

www.nrbf.co.uk • email: [email protected] • tel: 01622 820468

M A K E I T P R O S P E R O U S

New hospital will provide 425 jobs

MAKE IT MAIDSTONE

Great People, Great Place, GreatOpportunity

Facts and Figures• Kent’s first private hospitalfor 20 years.

• An £83m scheme that hasbeen five years indevelopment.

• A seven acre site atNewnham Court, Bearsted.

• Initially it will comprise fourseparate buildings totalling15,000 sqm and car parking.

• Five operating theatres.

• Neurological rehabilitationcentre and an oncologycentre to be added.

• 66 consulting rooms, 81inpatient beds and 15 daybeds.

• The design includes greenroofs and walls, rainwaterharvesting, combined heatand power generators, andKent ragstone.

Maidstone Borough council has three priorities – for MaidstoneBorough to have a growing economy, for the borough to be agreat place to live, and corporate and customer excellence.

Council Leader, Chris Garland, welcomes the Kent Institute ofMedicine and Surgery for its contribution to the borough’seconomic prosperity. “Our first priority is for Maidstone tohave a growing economy with rising employment, catering fora range of skill sets to meet the demands of the local economy.The new hospital is just what we need, providing a great rangeof employment opportunities.”

An artist’simpression ofthe new hospital

Maidstone’s new private hospital, close to Junction 7 of theM20, is set to give the Maidstone economy a huge boost withthe creation of more than 400 new jobs.

The new Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery will be a ‘onestop’ facility providing fast, efficient, onsite consultations,diagnostic testing and a comprehensive range of general andcomplex procedures in areas such as cardiology, cardiacsurgery, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics and surgicaloncology.

It will treat private and NHS patients. Consultant Cardiologist,Dr Phyllis Holt, says that patients will come first: “We knowthat quality of patient care is entirely dependent on theexcellence of our nursing staff, technical staff, therapists andall support services. All share our ethos that the patient comesfirst, and we are committed to the holistic care, not only of thepatient, but also their families.”



MAKE IT PROSPEROUS

New hospital will provide 425 jobs

USEFUL NUMBERS

Citizens Advice Bureau –

01622 752420 or01622 757882

Council tax – 01622 602003

Housing benefit andgeneral housing advice –01622 602557

National debtline –freephone 0808 808 4000

Heating and insulationgrants - 01622 602470

First time buyers’ grants -01622 602470

Energy Saving Trust -0800 512 012

Concessionary Travel -08458 247802

Jobcentre Plus –01622 702700

MAKE IT MAIDSTONE

Great People,

Great Place,Great Opportunity

Facts and Figures• Kent’s first private hospital for 20

years.• An £83m scheme that has been five

years in development.• A seven acre site at Newnham Court,

Bearsted.• Initially it will comprise four separate

buildings totalling 15,000 sqm andcar parking.

• Five operating theatres.

• Neurological rehabilitation centreand an oncology centre to be added.

• 66 consulting rooms, 81 inpatientbeds and 15 day beds.

• The design includes green roofs and

walls, rainwater harvesting,combined heat and powergenerators, and Kent ragstone.

• Other sustainable features• Opening Spring 2014.

Maidstone Borough Council is working to fight the effects of therecession and bring prosperity to the borough. We help residents withhousing and council tax benefits, heating and insulation grants, homeimprovement grants, free bus travel and by support for organisationswhich offer money advice.

Maidstone Borough council hasthree priorities – for MaidstoneBorough to have a growing economy,for the borough to be a great place tolive, and corporate and customerexcellence.

Council Leader, Chris Garland,welcomes the Kent Institute ofMedicine and Surgery for itscontribution to the borough’seconomic prosperity. “Our first

priority is for Maidstone to have agrowing economy with risingemployment, catering for a range ofskill sets to meet the demands of thelocal economy. The new hospital is

just what we need, providing a greatrange of employment opportunities.

An artist’simpression of

the new hospital

Above: Dr Phylis Holt, Consultant Cardiologist, with Cabinet member Malcolm Greer, Leader of the Council, Chris Garland, and the Mayor of Maidstone,Rodd Nelson-Gracie, at the ground breaking ceremony.

Maidstone’s new private hospital, close toJunction 7 of the M20, is set to give theMaidstone economy a huge boost with thecreation of more than 400 new jobs.

Currently clinicians andpatients have to travel toLondon for the servicesthat will be offered at thehospital.

The new Kent Institute ofMedicine and Surgerywill be a ‘one stop’ facility

providing fast, efficient,onsite consultations,diagnostic testing and acomprehensive range ofgeneral and complex procedures in areassuch as cardiology, cardiac surgery,neurology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics andsurgical oncology.

It will treat private and NHS patients. FranzDickmann, Acting Chief Executive, explains:“Future healthcare will be provided by amixture of existing NHS institutions and theprivate sector investing into the healthcaresystem. These institutions will provide

advanced care for the whole of thecommunity for those who are privatelyinsured and those insured by the NHS, it isthe same principle, as you, the patient, nowhave a choice.”

The hospital will have advanced technology

for diagnostic testing and treatments withmulti-disciplinary teams and intensive carefacilities on site, which will support themajor and highly complex procedures.

Consultant Cardiologist,Dr Phyllis Holt, says thatpatients will come first:“We know that quality ofpatient care is entirelydependent on theexcellence of our nursingstaff, technical staff,

therapists and all supportservices. All share ourethos that the patientcomes first, and we are

committed to the holistic care, not only ofthe patient, but also their families.”