Insight

Borough
WINTER 2017

YOUR STREETS
Tackling Fly-Tipping
Autumn Clean-Up
WHATS ON
NEW Ancient Lives,
Free Parking Scream and Scream Again,
for Christmas Father Christmass Fireplace

maidstone.gov.uk 1
 Picture a
healthier future

There are things in life we simply have to put up

with but worrying about treatable health
conditions shouldnt be one of them.

At Benenden Hospital we offer a wide range of

private medical treatments, including varicose vein
removal, hip and knee replacement, weight loss
surgery and cataract removal.
Call us on 01580 242 521
Rated outstanding by the Quality Care Commission.
To our patients and us, Benenden Hospital is a
benendenhospital.org.uk
special place. Its precisely what a hospital should
be: progressively modern, unquestionably clean and The Benenden Hospital Trust is a company limited by
guarantee Registered in England, number 3454120.
genuinely caring, staffed by the best people in their Registered charity number 1065995, Registered Office,
The Benenden Hospital Trust, Goddards Green Road,
individual fields. Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX

2 maidstone.gov.uk
 Borough Insight

Editors letter Contents

Our Borough 4
I hope you enjoy the second edition of our resident magazine. Filled with
festive cheer and news from your borough council, you will notice that it Working for You 6
has been a busy time over the last few months in our county town. From
a new gallery opening in our wonderful museum to keeping our borough Community News 8
clean thanks to a team of volunteers, there has been little time to sit back
and relax. I have enjoyed looking at the talents of local photographers Healthy Living 10
in our Mote Park photography competition and we have chosen to use Business Terrace 11
one of the winning pictures as our front cover image. Next year, well
be launching a new competition to capture all the lovely sights of our Maidstone Museum 12
borough. More details to follow in our next edition.
Local Business Focus 14
Thanks for reading.
Caddy Christmas 15

Spotlight On Lenham 16
Helen Tackling Fly-tipping 17
Helen Bell, Editor
Waste Recycling 18

Your Councillors 20

Your Mayor 22
8 16

8 Editors
Helen Bell
Georgie Grassom
Ann-Marie Langley

Design
18 Natalie Tye
Sue Fuller

Advertising Sales
01622 602560

12
communications@maidstone.gov.uk

Follow us on twitter
@maidstonebc
Like our facebook page
@maidstoneboroughcouncil
Watch our youtube page
@maidstonecouncil
Follow us on Instagram
Maidstonebc
Front cover: Photograph taken
by Roger Wilkins

maidstone.gov.uk 3
 Our Borough

Our Leaders Viewpoint

The vibrant colours of autumn have
now faded and we look forward to
Christmas and the New Year with
strong ambitions for the future
of our borough. This is a magical
time for residents and visitors
young and old as they enjoy many
of the wonderful festive events our
county town has to offer. Im sure
parents, grandparents, aunts and
uncles share with me the sheer joy
of watching the younger generation
as they shout Hes behind you at
the pantomime. This year we look
forward to Cinderella at the Hazlitt
Theatre and we also have a live
nativity to enjoy on 16th December.
Live because children can see
real sheep and a donkey as the
Christmas story unfolds at various
locations. I hear a rumour that the
Mayor in the role of Innkeeper will
turn Joseph and Mary away from
the Town Hall.
As we head into the New Year, we
are continuing to focus on providing
a home for everyone and our local
plan remains a clear blueprint for
us delivering this promise. Its
not just about building homes
but about having enough homes
to meet our residents long term
needs. It means more homes for
affordable rent and affordable
home ownership.
As we go about our daily lives,
its easy to forget how much
there is to enjoy in our borough.
I would recommend watching
the Maidstone Wind Symphony
orchestra performing The Snow
Man on 17th December but, no
matter what your special interest,
you are sure to find enjoyment in
an invigorating walk on a clear,
cold, frosty day in one of our parks,
nature reserves or the recently
completed towpath along the River
Medway. Next year, there will be
further enjoyment to be had once
improvement works are completed
at Mote Park.
I wish you all an enjoyable festive
season and I look forward to
updating you again in the next
edition of our magazine on how
our council action areas are
progressing to make us all proud of
living in the borough.
Cllr Fran Wilson
Leader of the Council

Tis the
season for
free parking
If youre planning to drive to Maidstone this Christmas to purchase some festive treats, make sure you take up the
offer of free parking in one of the county towns car parks.

You can park in the Sandling Road car park for free on the following days and times:

Free parking on every Thursday in December after 3pm.

Free parking on every Sunday in December after Midday.

The car park is five minutes walk into town, has undercover spaces and you can pay by
phone, cash or card. The car park can be found on your sat nav by using postcode ME14 1AA.

4 maidstone.gov.uk
 Our Borough

Maidstone - protecting its future

The economy of our borough is growing and the Council wants to make sure that communities feel the benefits
of this growth by everyone having somewhere decent to live, being in work, healthy and enjoying a good quality
of life.
We are in a better position to manage growth since our Local Plan was adopted in October 2017. This plan
was produced following a rigorous process in which everyone could have their say and some very difficult
decisions were made by your elected councillors where opinions were opposed to one another. The plan shows
where development of homes, businesses, community facilities and shops plus parks and open spaces can
happen in the period up to 2031 and where our special landscapes will be protected.
We are also working hard to make sure that the right infrastructure is in place to complement the growth so
that those living, working and visiting the borough can enjoy everything it has to offer.
This edition of our magazine certainly gives you a flavour of the positive work being done by the council as well
as events you can enjoy with your family. I hope you get to spend some quality time together over the festive
period. As a Maidstone resident, Ill be hoping to pick up a few treats at the farmers market in Jubilee Square
and the mini-market at our museum.

Alison Broom
Chief Executive

A haven in the
heart of Tovil
Tovil boasts a rich industrial heritage and has seen
changes to its landscape over the years.
Many will remember the tall chimneys of the paper
mills stretching to the skies and the array of industries
associated with the area including quarrying and paper
making. The sights of goods trains, landfill and deposits
from burning waste have given way to essential commercial
developments and homes for the growing population.
The links between green spaces and the benefit they provide to
communities is well reported. The recently improved towpath that
runs alongside the River Medway to Barming or Aylesford is one of the latest
improvements to be made. This, together with public rights of way, has enabled access to the borough for
walkers and cyclists.
Hayle Park Nature Reserve is a new 29 acre space which links to the Loose Valley. It supports a host of wildlife
and benefits from a flowing stream, beautiful ponds and ragstone banks.
Much of the work to cultivate the park has been achieved through the determination of volunteers and local
associations such as the Valley Conservation Society. Land has been purchased and transferred over a period
of years to help craft this picturesque area close to the town often referred to as the gem of Maidstone.
The reserve is protected and work is controlled through agreed management plans. Regular reviews of the
plans ensure they remain living documents and serve to protect this important resource for future generations
to enjoy.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/hayleparknaturereserve

maidstone.gov.uk 5
 Working for You

What your feedback told us

Over 2,300 people completed our recent Residents Survey to share their views about the council services that
matter most to them and how we could improve them.
The overall results from the survey will be displayed on our website. Visit www.maidstone.gov.uk later in the
year for further information.

2,350 70.5% 50.8% 47.9%

people carried out feel very or fairly satisfied agree that we keep are satisfied with the
our survey with the area they live in residents informed way we run things

52.4% 59.8% 55.6% 65%

are confident to know feel safe walking in their think we should increase believe the shops in the
where to find information local area at night spending to keep the town are very good or good
about council services borough clean and safe

Live Nativity CASH ALERT

Live Nativity
Nativity
Live
Nativity Nativity
Maidstone Town Centre
Maidstone Town Centre
Landlords, if youve got a property,
well show you the money.
ne
Live
ne TownMaidstone
Centre
Saturday
Town Centre
y 16 December
th
Nativity
Saturday 16th December
16Town Centre
December th

SaturdayScene
Maidstone 16 th December
Town
Scene Centre
1&Mary
1 Mary Joseph & Joseph
y Scene 1 Mary
16th December
Saturday
& Joseph
1pm Remembrance 16
1pm
Square Scene
th December
1pm Remembrance
Remembrance
1 Mary
Square
& Joseph Square
Scene 1 Mary & Joseph 1pmisRemembrance
Scene 2 Jesus born! Square
1pmisRemembrance
Jesus born! SquareJubilee
1.30pm Scene
Scene 1 Mary
Square 2&Jesus
Joseph is born!
ubilee Square 1pmisRemembrance
Scene 2 Jesus born! Square
Jesus is born! 1.30pm Jubilee1.30pm
Square Jubilee Square
Scene 3 Shepherds & Angels
ubilee
Scene 3 Shepherds &Scene
Square 2 Jesus
Angels is born!
2.15pm Brenchley Gardens
1.30pm Jubilee
2.15pm Brenchley Gardens Scene
SceneSquare 3 Shepherds
3 Shepherds & Angels & Angels
Scene 3 Shepherds & Angels
4 Herod 2.15pm
&2.15pm Brenchley Gardens
Scene the Magi Brenchley Gardens
d2.15pm Brenchley Gardens
& the Magi SceneSquare
3pm Sessions 3 Shepherds & Angels
ssions Square Scene 4 Herod2.15pm Brenchley Gardens
& the Magi
d & the Magi 3pm SessionsScene
SceneSquare 4 Herod & the Magi
5 Around the stable
ssions Square &3pm Sessions
Scene 5 AroundScene 4 Herod 3.45pm
the stable the Magi
Jubilee Square Square
3.45pm Jubilee Square3pm Sessions
SceneSquare
5 Around the stable
Scene 5 Around the stable 3.45pm Jubilee Square
3.45pm Jubilee Square Scene
Scene 5 Around
5 Around the stable the stable Contact us today to see how!
3.45pm
3.45pm JubileeJubilee
Square Square
www.waypointmaidstone.org.uk
01622 602252
homefinders@maidstone.gov.uk

6 maidstone.gov.uk

Will Myers
Homelessness
Outreach Officer
Will joined Maidstone Borough
Council just over four years ago. He
was initially on secondment from
the organisation Porchlight for over
three years and has been in his
new role since April of this year.
What does your role involve?
The main purpose of my role is to
engage with and support the street
population across the whole of the
Your kindness could kill
The money you give to those who beg
may actually keep them on the streets.
In most cases, you will be helping them to
buy the substances that could kill them.
Give responsibly, support local
charities instead.
For further information visit:
www.porchlight.org.uk
www.homelessinmaidstone.org.uk
borough. One of my main focuses is
to reduce homelessness and rough
sleeping. I do this by encouraging
a multi-agency approach with
partner organisations and other
interested individuals. I could not
do this work alone or without
their mutual support. I think of
myself as the centre of a wheel
facilitating information sharing,
direct referrals and co-working
to produce the best outcomes for
clients and agencies alike.
What does an average day look like?
No two days are the same. I
have set meetings, drop-ins and
outreach opportunities throughout
the week. The rest of the time is
split between client appointments
and responding to reports and
requests.
What is the most challenging area
of your job?
I would say dealing with the
expectations of clients and
maidstone.gov.uk
Working for You
agencies. Juggling the two in order
to achieve the best result can often
seem impossible. By being flexible
and thinking outside the box, the
glass can always be seen as half
full rather than half empty.
What do you enjoy most?
The most rewarding aspect of my
work is seeing the faces of those
who thought they were beyond
help but persevere anyway. I get a
sense of real job satisfaction when
I introduce new ways of working
with positive results.
Over two years ago I proposed that
joint interviews should be carried
out for Porchlights accommodation
in Maidstone. This made it easier
for applicants to be assessed in
groups rather than individuals
travelling across the county.
This method is still in operation
today, helping people to get the
assistance they require quicker.
7
 Community News

Community Toilet Scheme

Maidstone Borough Council is working with
local businesses like shops, restaurants and
pubs, to help improve the provision of public
toilet facilities within the Town Centre. Through
this scheme you will have more access to clean,
safe and accessible toilets.
A number of organisations are participating in
the scheme which means that you are able to
use their toilet facilities during normal opening
hours without having to make a purchase.
For a full list of where to find your nearest
community toilet visit www.maidstone.gov.uk
or look out for the Community Toilet Scheme
sticker displayed by all participants in their
windows.

Your Community

Involve Kent support and enable the community through volunteering, peer
support and skill sharing. The networks, forums and groups associated with
Involve contribute to shaping local policy and social and community action.
If you would like to get involved this is whats coming up!
For more information take a look at the website
www.involvekent.org.uk
Children & Maidstone
Young Persons Disability Network
VCS Focus Group Focus Group 9 January
6 November, 13 December, 14:00 16:30
10:00-12:30 09:30 12:00 at Guide Dogs for Maidstone
at MCSC Golding Homes the Blind, Community Support
Turkey Mill Centre (MCSC)
Maidstone
Involve AGM 39-48 Marsham Street,
Multicultural &
13 November Maidstone ME14 1HH.
Community Forum
14:00-16:00 Call us 01622 685276 or
11 December
The Hazlitt contact lizzie.lowrey@
17:30 19:00
Theatre involvekent.org.uk
at MCSC

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to your community and make friends.
Why not have a look at some of the opportunities available to you by visiting: www.maidstone.gov.uk

8 maidstone.gov.uk
 Community News

Shemomedjamo - the taste of success!

Maidstone Borough Council, together with organiser
Event Umbrella, welcomed over 9,000 visitors to Mote
Park to sample the delights of the first Shemomedjamo
multicultural food and drink festival.
This vibrant three day event was free to all residents
and visitors to enjoy and boasted the atmosphere of a
much more established festival. The feedback has been
very positive, with many people welcoming the more
lively and spontaneous feel of the festival.
Mathew Blair of Event Umbrella said: It was a
pleasure to see so many people buy into the spirit
of a multicultural event like Shemomedjamo in its
maiden year. Speaking to the general public both in and
outside of the festival site, there was a palpable sense
of excitement leading up to the weekend and a great
appreciation for an event that brought a wide variety of
cuisines, art forms and cultural disciplines from around
the world together under one communal banner. Laying
down strong foundations for 2018, Maidstone showed it
has a real appetite for both delicious food and an event
celebrating cultural cohesion.
Cllr David Pickett, Chairman of the Heritage, Culture
and Leisure Committee for Maidstone Borough Council
added: It is important to celebrate diversity and bring
communities together to recognise and enjoy cultural
differences. We are delighted to have been able to
support such a vibrant, multicultural and family-friendly
festival and are already looking forward to next years
event.

Mote Park Photography competition

Winners revealed
The winners of the 2017 Mote Park
Photography Competition have now been
chosen!
This years competition was split into three dlife Winner: V
W il al
categories, with a top prize of a 100 Mall Bu
t
shopping voucher for each. The judges
ch
er

took quite some time deliberating over

the 12 finalists in each category to
decide the winners. Seasons Winner: Roger Wilkins

We are delighted to announce that

Mark Checksfield won the Landscape
category with his beautiful shot of
the lake. A truly autumnal scene
from Roger Wilkins saw him claim the
Seasons category and a stunning macro
shot of a butterfly and red ants won Val
Butcher the prize for the Wildlife category.
The winning images will shortly be on
display in the Mote Park Caf.
Landscape Winner: Mark Checksfield

maidstone.gov.uk 9
 Healthy Living

Healthy Living
programme gets results
Maidstone Borough Council is
committed to helping communities
to improve their health and
wellbeing through offering a
wide range of Healthy Living
programmes.
Each year we are building on
the previous years success and
more people are being given the
confidence to lose weight, feel fitter
and enjoy life more.
Conrad, aged 54 suffered with
asthma and psoriasis. After
joining the Weight Management
Programme at Maidstone Leisure
Centre he was able to reduce his
weight by 7.4kg and start his life
journey to a healthier future.
Conrad commented:
I would like to thank the Weight
Management team for their
patience and guidance in getting
me in the right direction.
I have learned a different
approach to nutrition and how to
though the course has finished and
eat healthily, prepare foods and
make them interesting. I have also
learnt about stress management
and how to improve sleep.
Attending the fitness suite has
given me a new lease of life and
is helping me to improve my low
self-esteem.
My psoriasis, asthma as well as
general fitness is improving and I
am enjoying being less than 100kg
for the first time in 20 years.
There is still a long way to go but,
believe me, I will get there. I know
that I still have the support even
I can still attend exercise sessions.
Thank you.
To find out how you can start your
healthy living journey contact
www.maidstone.gov.uk/
healthyliving or 01622 602222
(E) healthyliving@maidstone.gov.uk

The Weight Management team said:

Conrad started the Weight
Management programme with a
lack of motivation. In addition to
being quite unfit and suffering
with psoriasis, he seemed
disinterested in completely
committing to the scheme.
It wasnt until week four that we
really saw a huge difference in
Conrad. After a motivation talk
with him he started following the
advice given to him in the nutrition
seminars and in the gym.
We saw his confidence grow,
his weight reduce and his skin
condition improve drastically,
which in turn reduced his pain.
Conrad has been
given the skills
and inner
motivation
to carry on
his healthy
lifestyle.
Maidstone Leisure Centre run This costumes to shorts and
Girl Can swimming sessions that a t-shirt are all fine.
aim to encourage women to be
As part of the programme
comfortable exercising in a fun,
participants can take advantage of a
friendly and non-judgemental
free hot drink and a chat with fellow
environment.
swimmers after their session.
Sessions are suitable for a range
Sessions cost 3 and run each
of abilities; from those who are not
Wednesday from 11am-12pm
confident in the water to those who
and 8pm-9pm.
love to swim for a bit of me time.
Are you ready to take the plunge?
Swimmers dont have to worry
For more information please
about what to wear either. As long
email Gabrielle Kay at
as you feel relaxed and comfortable
gabrielle.kay@serco.com or
then anything from swimming
call: 07738 896307

10 maidstone.gov.uk
 Business Terrace

View From the Terrace

The Business Terrace is growing! This vital resource will not only support
start-up businesses by providing incubation space but will offer offices to its MAIDSTONE
home-grown businesses as they develop.
The building of five new large offices will enable businesses to recruit new staff doubling total capacity from 50 to
100 people. This will mean that those businesses can remain in the town centre whilst continuing to expand.

Youre never too young or old to
start your own business!
In 2016, Stuart Kennedy started
Intec Select after the company he
worked for and invested in went into
administration. Aged 42 with a family
to support, it was a big decision to
start a new future.
I didnt want to invest another five years of my life into
something where the same thing could happen again.
After setting up his company, a friend told him about
The Business Terrace and he moved into an office in
February 2016. With a growing workload, Stuart began
taking on staff. With three employees by summer 2017
and another two by October he needed more space.
Stuart is delighted to be taking on one of the larger new
offices.
Get advice from people who have done it.
TopTip Ask as many people as you can.
High flyer Jonathan Wood started
The Future Travel Group aged
only 14.
Soon after turning 17, he moved into
The Business Terrace, taking a desk in
the co-workspace. For eight months
he learned everything he could from
the free on-site advisors and other entrepreneurs.
Recently an investment of 50,000 has allowed him to
take on an office with ambitions to start recruiting and
even split his business to focus on holiday and business
travel separately.
At this age you dont have a mortgage, car or
TopTip children to support. In business terms, having
minimal responsibilities equals a much lower
risk. Why work for an established company
when your skills make someone else the
profit?

Take the pain out

of parking
Payments in council owned
pay and display car parks
have been made easier
following the introduction of
the RingGo phone parking.
RingGo has wide coverage
across Kent and so many
customers will already be familiar with using the app
or phone payment line.
The service is quick and easy to use following
registration allowing customers greater flexibility
when deciding how to pay for their parking.
Drivers wishing to pay by cash will still be able to do so
at the pay and display machines.
The cashless payment service allows people to pay
for their parking either via their app or by calling
01622 260190 with the added benefit that drivers will
not be charged a convenience charge for the service.
Drivers are also able to receive text reminders or
extend their parking time for a minimal charge.

maidstone.gov.uk 11
 Maidstone Museum

SCREAM and
SCREAM again
ion Runs until
Admiss 4
-
Adults Saturday 2 December 2017
n 6+ 3
Childre free
s
Under 6 12 Face your fears with this exhibition of horror
-
Familypeople) movie posters and macabre objects from the
(up to 4 museums collections

Scream Night
Friday 1 December
If you love vintage horror then what better
way to spend an evening of suspense than by
watching the classic Hammer horror movie
Dracula A.D. 1972.
Free entry to the Scream exhibition on the night
with your ticket (normally 4).
Drinks and snacks are available to buy
throughout the evening and visitors are
encouraged to join the museum staff in dressing
for the part!
Film starts at : 18:30
Tickets: 10 MMF members: 9

This exhibition has a PG

rating - younger children
Posters might need a hug! /MaidstoneMuseum @MaidstoneMuseum
curated by

ANCIENT LIVES
Come and explore our new gallery

Take a journey through the

lives of the ancient
Greeks and Egyptians.
TOUCH, SMELL, HEAR Experience the collections
AND PLAY! in an exciting new way.

12 maidstone.gov.uk
 Maidstone Museum
Japanese Day - Yokoso! With
Join us for a day of Japanese culture on
Saturday 25 November
Meet a Samurai Warrior So what is Manga?
A Samurai warrior will be in the galleries all day 13:30 14:30
for visitors to find out how these warriors lived Everything youve
and fought. always wanted to
11.30- 12.30: Dress in Japanese costume and know about manga.
arms and take your photo with the Samurai. Whats the difference between anime
Costumed photo - 2 payable on the day. and manga? How did manga start? Why
Japanese Craft is it so popular in Japan, and all over the
world? Manga artist Inko tells the story
10:30, 11:30 and 13:00
and demonstrates live manga drawing.
Craft activities for children
Suitable for ages 12+
aged 4 11 years.
Tickets: 5
Become a Samurai
MMF members 4
warrior by making a
helmet, or create some The Teabowl: East
origami pets to take home. and West
Tickets: 3 per child, 2 for 5, MMF members 2.50 14:00 15:00
Manga Workshop Ceramicist and
author Bonnie
10:30 12:30
Kemske provides a
Inko returns following her previous sell-out
fascinating insight into
event. This amazing manga artist leads another
the history and modern form of Japanese
workshop suitable for ages 8 - 16 years.
teabowls.
All participants will receive a 10 voucher for
Suitable for ages 16+
Wagamama Maidstone.
Tickets: 5
Tickets: 22
MMF members 4
MMF members 20

Christmas at the Museum

Ticket
Father Christmass Fireplace s:
6 pe
Saturday 9 & 16 December r
child
10:30 15:00
Meet Father Christmas, leave your wish with him and receive a present!
Use Father Christmass gold token to receive a delicious chocolate gift
from the museums caf. Booking essential.

ts:
Shop in Peace (and goodwill to all men) Ticke
er
Saturday 9 and 16 December 10 p
10:30 12:30 & 13:30 15:30 child
Take the chance to grab a few Christmas gifts while the children enjoy two
hours of fun Christmas activities including Christmas elves, snow globes, elf
bunting and clay decorations for your tree. Suitable for ages 4 11 years.

Christmas Mini Market

Saturday 9 & 16 December
10:30 15:00
A range of stalls selling local produce including hot roast Tickets:
turkey and stuffing rolls. Shop while the kids create FREE
Christmas Crafts and visit Father Christmass Fireplace
To book for any museum event visit www.maidstonemuseum.org
maidstone.gov.uk 13
 Local Business Focus

At the heart of the community

From Poinsettias and Christmas trees in Winter to
Senetti in Spring and Zonal Geraniums in Summer,
the work at Staplehurst Nurseries and Frankies
Farmshop is never done. Owners Frankie and Marcel
Franke have worked tirelessly since 1996 when they
bought the nursery to develop the site and employ
local staff to become a place the community can
enjoy. At this time of year, visitors to the nursery in
Clapper Lane can see the spectacular site of 50,000
poinsettias in one place as well as festive decorations
which can be purchased from the farmshop.
For owner Frankie, she reflects on the
journey her and her husband have
had in growing the Staplehurst
business: It was a steep learning
curve for both Marcel and I.
When we started, people
were familiar with garden
centres but not nurseries
but the support from the
Staplehurst community was
fantastic. We went from being
a commercial nursery selling
only to supermarkets to opening
our doors to local people. In 1996 we
owned a much smaller plot but when
the opportunity came up to buy an additional 22

MAIDSTONE
acres, we decided to take the plunge and expand.
But it wasnt for another fifteen years that the couple,
who have three children and live next door to the
nursery, decided to build the farmshop. Fast forward
FARMERS MARKET to today and 30 people work on the site and some
staff have worked in the nursery for 40 years. Building
the farmshop, says Frankie, was a suggestion many
Maidstone Farmers Market customers made when visiting the nursery: Its
Jubilee Square, High Street ME14 1SA important to us to be customer service focused and
once it became clear that our customers wanted more
4th Friday of every month than just a nursery, we started exploring our options
10am TO 2pm for building a farmshop and it opened in June 2012.
People can have a cup of tea or enjoy a spot of brunch
but can also buy local cheese and bread and see our
24 November 2017 23 March 2018 pastry chef in action.
22 December 2017 27 April 2018 So what does the future hold for a local business
26 January 2018 25 May 2018 which started over 20 years ago? Frankie says being
part of the local community remains a key focus for
23 February 2018 22 June 2018 them: Were now offering the venue for wedding
receptions and baby showers. Staplehurst is a
lovely rural location and we want as many people as
possible to enjoy being here as much as we do.
For further information and news about Staplehurst
Nurseries and Frankies Farmshop, visit
www.frankiesfarmshop.co.uk or call 01580 890713.

14 maidstone.gov.uk
 Caddy Christmas

Christmas with the Caddys

Our favourite family are back this Christmas teaching The latest video animation
you how to dispose of your unwanted festive waste in a shows the family all enjoying
responsible way. Christmas celebrations at home
surrounded by the inevitable
The Caddy family are the brain child of Maidstone
leftover turkey and festive
Borough Councils recycling team who want all those
wrapping and packaging.
living in the borough to be aware of why recycling leftover
food in their kitchen caddy bin is vital for the environment. James Gibson, Interim Environmental Improvement
The characters each have their own personalities and Manager, said: Were on a mission to
are designed as a piece of food which can and encourage more people to recycle. Many
should be put in the kitchen caddy then into the Why not watch dont realise what items can go in
food recycling bin ready for weekly collection. Christmas with the which coloured bin and this fun
Caddys on video shows how you can dispose
Maidstone Borough of your rubbish responsibly. The
Councils website scrunch test is just one handy hint
www.maidstone.gov.uk/ when deciding if the item can be
recycled.
christmaswiththecaddys

Did you
know?

Leftover Turkey
Curry Recipe
35 mins Prep: 15mins, Cook: 20mins Serves 4
2 tablespoons curry powder All of these items can be put in your
4 tablespoons butter green recycling bin:
1 1/2 cups onion (chopped)
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon ginger (ground) Cardboard
2 cups chicken broth Cans
1 8 to 9 ounces can pineapple (crushed, undrained) Drink cartons
3 cups turkey (cooked, diced)
2 tablespoons lemon juice Empty aerosol cans
2 cups rice (hot, cooked) Food cartons
How to make it Foil trays
Fruit and vegetable punnets
1 In a large skillet, heat curry powder in butter, stirring,
Glass bottles and jars
for 2 minutes.
Kitchen foil
2 Stir in onions; continue cooking, stirring frequently,
Magazines
until onions are softened.
Paper
3 Blend in flour and ginger; add chicken broth and
Plastic bottles
pineapple. Heat to boiling; simmer, uncovered, 5
minutes. Plastic meat trays
4 Stir in turkey. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes
Plastic tubs and containers
longer, or until heated through. Ready meal trays
5 Stir in lemon juice.
Tins
Yoghurt pots
6 Serve with hot cooked rice.

maidstone.gov.uk 15
 Spotlight on Lenham

Lets talk about

Lenham!
In each edition of our magazine,
well be turning the spotlight on Lenham is a place which is
one of our beautiful rural villages. steeped in history. The people
For this focus, wed like to share who live here are passionate
some interesting observations about protecting their heritage
about Lenham: but also growing the village for
Picturesque and historic are generations to come.
just two words used regularly to
Traditionally a market village,
describe the village of Lenham.
Lenham has an attractive square
Situated on the southern edge of
which is home to The Red Lion and
the North Downs, it has a number
Dog and Bear pubs.
of listed buildings and a variety
of shops, restaurants, two local James, Assistant Manager at the
pubs and florist to name just a few Dog & Bear, said: Lenham is a
places to visit. busy and vibrant village which has
a growing community. Everyone is
Many of those who travel along
really positive about how the area
the A20 passing the village will
is developing and we love being
have noticed a Christian style
at the heart of the community.
cross commemorating casualties
of the two world wars, situated For further information about
next to the North Downs Way Lenham, why not visit the
about a mile north of Lenham. A Parish Councils website -
commemorative bench and plaque lenhamparish.org.uk
are located at the site. The original
commemorative stone at the site
has now been moved to the village
churchyard with a WWII memorial.
Cllr Janetta Sams and Cllr Tom
Sams who represent Harrietsham
and Lenham commented:

16 maidstone.gov.uk
 Tackling Fly-tipping

Fly-Tipping Beware of the Facebook

We are one of many local
authorities committed to working
with the police to prevent and
enforce against fly-tipping crimes
in our borough.
Were watching!
Since July of this year at least four waste is disposed of legally, if not,
businesses have been issued with
300 fines for not disposing of their fined.
waste correctly or for carrying
waste without holding a proper
Waste Licence.
An offence of this nature, if taken to high percentage of the waste ends up
court and found guilty, can carry a
fine of up to 5,000 and may result and is a major cost to all local
in the vehicle being seized.
Business
issued with
300 fine around
Gabriels Hill.
Fly-tipper!
Have you ever been tempted to
dispose of your waste from a
person advertising on Facebook?
Did you stop to think if they would
dispose of your waste responsibly?
Businesses and householders have
a duty of care to ensure that their
they could be held responsible and
Facebook fraudsters tend to advertise
as a man with a van offering to
remove waste for a small charge. A
being fly-tipped across the borough
authorities across the UK to have it
removed.
Dispose of your waste responsibly!
If you need for any waste to be
removed, dont forget we offer a bulky
waste collection service to residents
from as little as 20. Visit www.
maidstone.gov.uk and search for
bulky waste.
Commercial waste option
If youre a business then why
not arrange for your waste to
be collected through Maidstone
Commercial Waste Solutions.
Fixed Penalty Notices
This fridge was illegally
dumped on Pitt Road in
Maidstone. The offender
was seen and was later
issued with a 400 fine.
This bin was repeatedly
used for fly-tipping.
We caught the person
responsible for this and they
were fined 80.
This waste was left in Castle
Dene, Ringlestone. An 80
fine was presented to the
person who left it there
illegally.
A fly-tipper was caught on
CCTV depositing building
waste in Bearsted. They were
later taken to Maidstone
Magistrates Court and fined
a total of 1,118.
Covert and overt CCTV is
used across the borough
to capture any possible
offenders in the act.
Recently we have used
CCTV in rural locations
such as Sutton Valence,
Langley, Boxley and in urban locations
including Barming, Town Centre and
Allington.

Working in partnership to prevent crime

In September, the Waste Crime team worked in partnership with Kent Police to tackle illegal waste carriers
and unlicensed scrap metal dealers. These operations happen on a regular basis and show the councils
no-nonsense approach to keeping Maidstone a clean and safe borough for all.

Autumn Clean-Up
Staff from Maidstone Borough Council
along with community volunteers
and the Walderslade Woodland
Group undertook a community
clean-up in the Timber Tops area.
During the course of a few hours, the
coordinated effort resulted in; the
collection of 34 sacks of litter,
the removal of various DIY
associated messes such as guttering
and material off cuts, the tidying
of the play park and green areas,
and residents were advised around
littering and fly tipping.

maidstone.gov.uk 17
 Waste Recycling

Christmas Collection and

Recycling Dates C
Tr hris
ee tm
Lig as
ht
Normal Collection Actual Collection Garden Waste s An estimated 500
Date Date tonnes of Christmas
tree lights are thrown
Mon 25 Dec Wed 27 Dec No Service away in the UK over the
Christmas period. If they are
Tues 26 Dec Thurs 28 Dec No Service in good working order, you could
donate them to charity. Even lights
Wed 27 Dec Fri 29 Dec No Service that are beyond repair can be
recycled along with other small
Thurs 28 Dec Sat 30 Dec No Service electrical items. Place them out in a
single carrier bag next to your black
rubbish bin. Dont forget you can also
Fri 29 Dec Tues 2 Jan No Service
recycle any old clothes and textiles,
even those that are no longer
Mon 1 Jan Wed 3 Jan No Service wearable, by placing them out in a
single carrier bag next to your green
Tues 2 Jan Thurs 4 Jan No Service bin on recycling week.

Wed 3 Jan Fri 5 Jan No Service

Thurs 4 Jan Sat 6 Jan No Service

Fri 5 Jan Mon 8 Jan No Service Ch

r
Ca istm
rd as
Mon 8 Jan Tues 9 Jan Mon 8 Jan s

Tues 9 Jan Wed 10 Jan Tues 9 Jan You can recycle

your Christmas
Wed 10 Jan Thurs 11 Jan Wed 10 Jan cards in your green
recycling bin, or you can look out for
Thurs 11 Jan Fri 12 Jan Thurs 11 Jan charity collection points. Why not get
creative and reuse them to make gift
Fri 12 Jan Sat 13 Jan Fri 12 Jan tags or cards for next year! Flatten any
cardboard packaging and put in your
BUL green bin for collection.
KY
CLI A
NIC ND
Nor AL
ma
l Se
rvic W AST
e Av
aila
ble E

18 maidstone.gov.uk
maidstone.gov.uk 19
 Your Councillors

Your Councillors East Ward

Martin Cox
2017 - 2018 01622 201877
martincox@maidstone.gov.uk

Boxley Ward Nikki Fissenden

Conservatives 01622 755494
Derek Butler nicolafissenden@maidstone.gov.uk
Liberal Democrats
01634 684854 David Naghi
Labour derekbutler@maidstone.gov.uk
Deputy Mayor of Maidstone
Independent Malcolm Greer 01622 678410
Mayor of Maidstone davidnaghi@maidstone.gov.uk
UK Independence Party 01634 862876
malcolmgreer@maidstone.gov.uk Fant Ward
Wendy Hinder Keith Adkinson
Allington Ward 01634 861579 01622 201976
wendyhinder@maidstone.gov.uk keithadkinson@maidstone.gov.uk
Dan Daley
01622 672459 Bridge Ward Matt Boughton
dandaley@maidstone.gov.uk 07795 192042
mattboughton@maidstone.gov.uk
Diana Lewins Georgia Harvey
georgiaharvey@maidstone.gov.uk
01622 766075 Paul Harper
dianalewins@maidstone.gov.uk Leader of the Labour Group
Cynthia Robertson David Pickett 01622 763895
paulharper@maidstone.gov.uk
01622 753517 01622 681889
davidpickett@maidstone.gov.uk
cynthiarobertson@maidstone.gov.uk Harrietsham and
Coxheath and Hunton Lenham Ward
Barming Ward Ward Janetta Sams
Fay Gooch Emily Fermor 01622 859412
Deputy Leader of the Council janettasams@maidstone.gov.uk
and Leader of the Independent 07809 472788
Group emilyfermor@maidstone.gov.uk Tom Sams
01622 726608
faygooch@maidstone.gov.uk Brian Mortimer 01622 859412
tomsams@maidstone.gov.uk
01622 746046
Bearsted Ward brianmortimer@maidstone.gov.uk
Headcorn Ward
Mike Cuming Richard Webb
01622 738825
01622 745716 Shellina Prendergast
richardwebb@maidstone.gov.uk shellinaprendergast@
mikecuming@maidstone.gov.uk
maidstone.gov.uk
Denis Spooner Detling and Thurnham
Ward Martin Round
01622 631944
Denisspooner@maidstone.gov.uk 01622 890276
Nick de Wiggondene martinround@maidstone.gov.uk
Val Springett 01622 200222
01622 737702 nickdewiggondene@maidstone.gov.uk Heath Ward
valspringett@maidstone.gov.uk
Downswood and Otham Bryan Vizzard
Boughton Monchelsea Ward 07957 442994
and Chart Sutton Ward bryanvizzard@maidstone.gov.uk
Gordon Newton
Steve Munford James Willis
01622 862330
01622 741310 gordonnewton@maidstone.gov.uk 07838 103350
stevemunford@maidstone.gov.uk jameswillis@maidstone.gov.uk

20 maidstone.gov.uk
High Street Ward Vacant position Staplehurst Ward
By-election 30 November 2017
Clive English Louise Brice
07922 616858 01580 892141
cliveenglish@maidstone.gov.uk louisebrice@maidstone.gov.uk
Park Wood Ward
Denise Joy John Perry
Matthew Burton Leader of the Conservative Group
01622 674063
denisejoy@maidstone.gov.uk 07793 243462 07770 734741
mattburton@maidstone.gov.uk johnperry@maidstone.gov.uk
Fran Wilson
Leader of the Council and Jade Webster Sutton Valence and
Leader of the Liberal
Democrat Group
07590 592916 Langley Ward
jadewebster@maidstone.gov.uk
01622 673349
franwilson@maidstone.gov.uk Paulina Stockell
Shepway North Ward 01622 842508
paulinastockell@maidstone.gov.uk
Leeds Ward Simon Ells
07980 068792
Gill Fort
01622 861605
simonells@maidstone.gov.uk Service Committees
gillfort@maidstone.gov.uk Christopher Garland Policy and Resources
Chairman: Fran Wilson
07903 113571 Vice Chairman: Paul Harper
christophergarland@maidstone.gov.uk
Loose Ward Communities, Housing and
Marion Ring Environment
Susan Grigg Chairman: John Barned
01622 686492 Vice Chairman: Derek Mortimer
07706 052495 marionring@maidstone.gov.uk
susangrigg@maidstone.gov.uk Heritage, Culture and Leisure
Chairman: David Pickett
Vice Chairman: Simon Ells
Shepway South Ward
Marden and Yalding Ward Strategic Planning, Sustainability
Eddie Powell and Transport
Chairman: David Burton
Annabelle Blackmore 01622 851983 Vice Chairman: Martin Cox
01622 833299 eddiepowell@maidstone.gov.uk
annabelleblackmore@maidstone.
gov.uk
John Barned
David Burton Leader of the UK Independence Other Committees
Group
07590 229910 01622 851142 Planning
davidburton@maidstone.gov.uk johnbarned@maidstone.gov.uk Chairman: Clive English
Vice Chairman: Martin Round
Steve McLoughlin Licensing
South Ward Chairman: Denise Joy
07711 565489 Vice Chairman: Wendy Hinder
stevemcloughlin@maidstone.gov.uk Brian Clark Employment
07963 757767 Chairman: Fay Gooch
North Downs Ward brianclark@maidstone.gov.uk Vice Chairman: Susan Grigg
Audit, Governance and Standards
Patrik Garten Derek Mortimer Chairman: Steve McLoughlin
07825 916930 Vice Chairman: Clive English
01622 807907
patrikgarten@maidstone.gov.uk derekmortimer@maidstone.gov.uk Democracy
Chairman: Gordon Newton
Paul Wilby Vice Chairman: Nikki Fissenden
North Ward 07949 769276 Maidstone Joint Transportation Board
paulwilby@maidstone.gov.uk Chairman: David Burton
Vice Chairman: Eric Hotson (KCC)
Tony Harwood
01622 677578
tonyharwood@maidstone.gov.uk There are 54 Councillors:
Michelle Hastie Conservative 22 Labour 2
michellehastie@maidstone.gov.uk
Liberal Democrat 22 UK Independence Party 4
Independent 4

maidstone.gov.uk 21
 Your Mayor
Spotlight on The Mayor of Maidstone,
Councillor Malcolm Greer
The Mayor Councillor
Malcolm Greer is
nearly halfway through
his term in office and
is still loving every
moment of his role.
He promised that
his year would be
action-packed and he
has been true to his
word with a calendar
of engagements
and fundraising
opportunities that is
most impressive by anyones standards.
Here is what the Mayor told us about his
achievements so far.
Since becoming Mayor I have attended over 124
engagements across the borough as well as further
afield in London promoting the great work being done in
Maidstone.
There have been so many memorable ones; however, the
visit from the children from Chernoybl and the opening
of the Sensory Medical Centre in Cox Heath particularly
spring to mind. The room was funded by the Lions Club,
who raised 20,000 to fund the project. The room was
amazing, and the light sources included are to help
children with multiple needs. I am delighted to report
that I am working hard to raise money and donations
for the three charities chosen for my Mayoral year
this is a snapshot of what has been achieved to date.
A new shopping outlet has opened at Sandling Road
in Maidstone to raise vital funds for Demelza Hospice
Care for Children. The Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor
Malcolm Greer attended the official opening which
took place on Saturday 21 October. The shop, which is
located at the former Royal Mail depot, is the central
hub for all of Demelzas 25 shops across the South East.
All profits made from items sold go directly back to the
Hospice.
Demelza Hospice Care for Children aims to provide the
best care and support for seriously ill babies, children,
young people and their families, across East Sussex,
www.demelza.org.uk
22 maidstone.gov.uk
Kent Lung Awareness
We are currently planning to refurbish the garden
at Maidstone Hospital for the benefit of patients and
their relatives. So far we have enlisted the help of a
Landscape Architect to produce a plan and a planting
schedule. Further assistance has been donated to
complete the groundworks and planting and Mid-Kent
College have kindly offered to paint a wall mural.
Maidstone Sea Cadets
I have secured the donation of a pontoon on the river,
valued at 10,000, for the group to use and enjoy.
Blackthorn Trust
The charity is planning a Physic garden.
We are working together to raise the necessary funds
and have acquired a benefactor too.
Through the hosting of many charity events the
amount of money raised currently stands at 21,000
with the promise of more funds to be pledged in the
future.
Deputy Mayor,
Councillor David Naghi,
has attended 14 engagements
on behalf of the Mayor.
It has been very rewarding and I
have really enjoyed meeting the
people of Maidstone.
Kent and South East London. Demelza currently cares
for around 650 children and their families at a cost
of 10.5 million each year. A large part of Demelza is
funded through their 25 shops, the lottery and generous
donations from individuals and businesses alike.
It is very easy to donate at the Maidstone shop. People
can drop their pre-loved items via a loading bay on site
but can also park and browse in the shop at the new
goods for sale including Christmas items.
Ashley Henson, Head of Retail at Demelza, said: Many
of the staff who work in the shop are volunteers who
all have a passion for recycling and re-using as much
as they can. Weve had a fantastic response from the
local community so far to the new shop and distribution
centre and I would encourage anyone who hasnt visited
us in Sandling Road, to pop by and take a look. You
never know what gifts youll pick up!
 ATE
CRUERSELF
YO R
A BE T TE
FU T URE

CHECK
OUT OUR
PROGRAMMES &
www.midkent.ac.uk APPLY ONLINE
maidstone.gov.uk 23
24 maidstone.gov.uk