A fond farewell to ‘full-marks’ Freda


A representative from Bar- clays Bank hands over the cheque, pictured with pupils.


Money raised


for playground CHILDREN at Thurnham Infant School have been working on an enterprise project, supported by Barclays Bank, to raise money to renew playground markings. The project was launched on a money-themed day, where the children learnt about personal fi- nance and made a 2p coin trail around the school. They designed and made money boxes in which they col- lected pocket money, earned by doing chores at home. They raised over £800. Barclays do- nated £50 for equipment and £750 for the markings.


Theft from van SLIDING doors were stolen from a Mercedes Benz van at Ledian Farm, Upper Street, Leeds. Hand tools, a radio, CD player and other items were also taken.


FREDADenyer has retired from Thurnham's "outstanding" infant school after 13 years as head. Aretirement party at the school was followed on the last day of term by a special assemblies at which each of the nine classes did a presentation for her.


JohnWale, chairman of governors,


said: “She has been a professional and inspiring leader of everyone at the school.” Ofsted inspectors twice rated the


school, in The Landway, as “out- standing” - in 2006 and 2009. In addition, the diocesan board


had also given a top score to the Church of England school for its re- ligious and Christian credentials. Mrs Denyer (pictured left) was also an advisor and mentor for the local education authority, which involved her in giving support to other heads in the area. MrWale added: “She always loved the children and


The cake to celebrate “super head” Freda Denyer’s retirement was made by Juliet Ross, mother of a former pupil.


they loved her.” Governors’ vice-chairman Sue Kinsman said: "She


will be much missed. She has been a super head. "She has always been concerned with the Thurnham 'family' – the children, parents, staff and governors. She


has had a huge impact on the school and been an inspiration to staff to further their own careers with her enthusiasm." Two years ago, Ofsted gave the 270-pupil school a perfect score. Lead inspector Eileen Chadwick said: “Pupils’ achievement is excellent. From starting points that are above those seen in most schools, chil- dren’s flying start in the Early Years Foundation Stage leads to well above average standards on entry to Year 1. "Outstanding progress continues in Years 1 and 2, when standards are exceptionally high in reading, writing, mathematics and science."


KCC ‘bankrolls’ local economy


Continued from page one


bankrollers of the local econ- omy," he added. Earlier, Cllr Garland said the


LSP needed to be "reinvigorated or morphed into something more robust". A review would decide


whether to continue with the LSP or for the borough council to take upKCC's offer to set up – by 2014 – a Locality Board, which would have a secretariat and money be- hind it. The LSP had only ever had


a one-off grant, said Cllr Garland. "Unless there is money, cou-


pled with the will to deliver on the ground collectively, you won't actually achieve a great deal," he added. "I have scepticism about some


of the partnership work over the last four years. We do need to look seriously at Locality Boards. I wouldn't be interested if it's just another LSP talking shop. “But I would be interested if


they transpire to be asKCCwants them to be – decision-making bodies with the financial where- withal to deliver on the ground in certain areas,” said Cllr Gar- land.


Ferrets stolen SIX ferrets – four male and two female – were stolen from an outbuilding in a garden in Maidstone Road, Lenham.


The Goodman Centre


A day centre facility specialising in dementia care for those living in the Maidstone Borough


A fully qualified nurse will be on site at all times.


There is a permanent onsite cook who provides a healthy nutritious lunch.


Clients can either come in by transport provided by us or by their own means.


Activities at the day centre include:•Gardening •Entertainment •Cooking •Mobility Therapy •Lunch


01622 753618 www.ageconcernmaidstone.org.uk Age Concern Maidstone, 11 Mill Street, Maidstone, ME15 6XW


4 East You can e-mail the Downs Mail—info@downsmail.co.uk


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