Ready to party for royal wedding


A STREET party in Larkfield is one of several in the borough being organised to celebrate the much-anticipated wedding of PrinceWilliam and Kate Middleton. The last time the families in Fielding Drive got


together for a knees-up was more than 10 years ago, to celebrate the new millennium. And while a royal wedding is not as rare an


event, it has provided residents with an ideal op- portunity to throw a street party. Organiser Stuart Roberts said more than 70


were expected on the big day, including 20 of his family and friends. He and his wife Jamie have two young girls,


Daisy (6) and Jessica (3); his parents are coming from Sevenoaks, sister and nephew from Bexley- heath, Jamie's brother and sister; plus friends from the New Forest, who will be the furthest travellers to the party. Other families have groups of six or eight join-


ing in the fun and, so far, 15 households are in- volved.


But Stuart, who has not had time to contact


everyone in the close, said: "If people knock on the door and say 'we'd like to come', I would love as many people as possible in Fielding Drive to be there." There will be a barbecue, music, games and a children's colouring competition with a royal theme. "Yes, the wedding is great," said Stuart "but for us, it's a great excuse to get the neighbours together." One other thing that has delighted Stuart is the


lack of red tape. He is the general manager for a small group of companies, which often gets snagged with planning, licensing and other bu- reaucracy. But on this occasion he praised the local au- thorities. "It got to the point where they even pro- vided the road closure signs. It was the least painful experience I have ever had!" KCC has also processed road closure applica-


tions forWateringbury, Ightham, Hildenborough, Wouldham and Tonbridge.


Tragic end for man who saw no future


AN ill man took a drug overdose after telling family he "had had enough", an inquest heard. Andrew Wilson (59) was in bed when his sister Amanda Fermor


called at his home in Cronin Close, Larkfield, last October. MrWilson, who did not work due to poor health, told her: "I think I


have taken too many sleeping tablets." Mrs Fermorwastakenby ambulance to Maidstone Hospital, where he


told his sister the next day: "I didn't make a very good job of that, did I." But he died later from aspiration pneumonia due to Co-codamol poi- soning, with cirrhosis of the liver and high blood pressure as contribu- tory factors, said pathologist Dr David Rouse. Coroner Roger Sykes said it was a very sad story of a man in such a


poor state of health that he "felt there was not much future for him". He added: "I'm in no doubt that he did intend to take his own life. It is a very tragic set of circumstances."


HAMILTON K I T C H E N S


DETECTIVES have re- leased this picture in a bid to trace the own- ers of the suspected thieves’ hoard. The items are


thought to have been stolen, possibly dur- ing a burglary in the Snodland area. The appeal comes during a force-wide cam- paign – Stay Safe This Spring – to target burglars and advise local people on how to keep


...but not everybody is in the mood STAUNCH republicans and those who simply want to get away from the television for a while are invited to join the “Alternative Royal Wedding Walk”. The seven-and-a-half mile


walk, from 10.30am to 2pm on Friday, April 29, is organised by Tonbridge and Malling Ram- blers Group. Dogs are allowed and there is a nibble break. The route starts from the car


park behind the King and Queen public house, East Malling, and Williams and Kates are particularly welcome. Contact 01732 851310 for more details.


Do you recognise any of these items?


their homes and prop- erty safe as the lighter evenings and warmer weather begins. Owners are advised to security mark and pho- tograph valuable prop- erty, record serial numbers and mobile


phone IMEI numbers and regis- ter the serial numbers of valu- ables on www.immobilise.com (the UK national property data- base).


DownsMail Recruitment


Headcorn Summer Playscheme is urgently seeking qualified Staff (Minimum NVQ2 or equivalent in Childcare) for weekday mornings from Monday 25th July until Friday 12th August. Lots of fun, arts & crafts, sport and games. Please contact Helen Anderson, Headcorn Parish Council on 01622 892496 or email headcornparishclerk@gmail.com for an application form.


The Potted Garden Nursery Require staff for their retail nursery


Seasonal workers for April to August.


Jobs will entail plant care, sales duties and till work. Heavy lifting and weekend work is required.


Discover our stunning range of contemporary & traditional designs


free no obligation home visit, design & quotation full installation service, including all building works


website: hamiltonkitchens.co.uk phone: 01622 844 897 warmlake business estate, maidstone road, sutton valence


16 Malling


A keen interest in plants and gardening is needed. An ideal position for a trainee horticulturist. Full training will be given.


Please apply IN WRITING with CV to Mrs. A. Brookman The Potted Garden Nursery,


Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4NH www.thepottedgarden.co.uk


Visit Downs Mail’s website — downsmail.co.uk


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