Family tradition as Ben takes on the world


TEN-year-old Ben Jelf is following in his father’s wake as a powerboat racing champion. Now his family have high hopes of him one day conquer- ing the world. In his first full year of racing, Ben took the jun-


ior national JT250 championship title as well as the sprint championship. The youngster, who lives in the Harrietsham


area, is continuing a proud family tradition. His father Colin set the F4 world speed record


in 1988 and, 20 years later, made history by be- coming the first driver to achieve the triple F2 world championship. The Jelf powerboat-racing dynasty began with


Ben’s grandfather, Ted, who started offshore powerboat racing in 1966, moving over to circuit racing in 1976. The following year, Ben’s uncle, Owen, started racing in what would be today’s JT250 class. His mum, Jeni, 30, is also heavily involved in


the sport and chairs the national circuit racing committee.NowBen, a pupil at Ulcombe Primary School, has his sights set firmly on the forthcom- ing season. His father Colin said: “My wife Jeni and I are extremely proud of what Ben has achieved.


ANOTHER attempt has been made to get permission for a three-bay garage in Otham. Applicant Paul Turnham was re-


fused permission in August to erect the structure at Madam Tay- lor’s Cottages, Otham Street, due to its dominant style. At the time, planning officers advised him that a full-hipped, two-bay garage with lower ridge


"Our plan for 2010 did not involve Ben becom-


ing national champion or winning any races.We were expecting him to take his time developing his driving skills and confidence as he had a new boat, which was completely different to boat that he had trained in. “But it became obvious to us from the very first national race that Benwas going to far exceed our expectations. He surprised us all with his level of commitment, determination and maturity at just 10 years old.” This year, Ben will be racing in an offshore class


as well as his busy schedule of circuit (inland) events. He will also be representing the UK at the GT15 world championships in June.


height and no roof accommoda- tion would be likely to be deemed acceptable. The garage in Mr Turnham’s lat-


est application remains a three- bay, but it would be moved away from the listed boundary wall and turned 90 degrees to minimise vi- sual impact from the east. Maid- stone Council will again decide on the application.


Computer training and support


King George V Memorial Hall


Beginners Class Jan 28th 2011 2pm to 5pm


To book a place telephone


01622 735209 peter.waite@traininghighway.org.uk


Training Highway Maidstone


Puddledock, Caring Lane Bearsted, Kent ME14 4NT


Junior national powerboat champion Ben Jelf and (inset) Ben in action


New attempt at three-bay garage plan Second gypsy caravan requested


APPLICANT Diana Butler has submitted a plan to add a tour- ing caravan to a single mobile home already established in Seaview Farm, South Street Road, Stockbury. When Maidstone Council granted planning permission for a


gypsy residence in June 2006, it was on condition that it con- sisted of just one mobile home, to protect the character and ap- pearance of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Ms Butler now wants to amend this condition to site an ad- ditional touring caravan along with new walls, gates, hardsur- facing and utility block.


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