MAIDSTONE may soon have the UK’s first training hotel under plans to revamp the KCC-owned Oakwood House. The council and its consultants believe the imposing Victorian house, currently a conference and events centre, could become a “beacon of hope for many young people”. It would have 30 trainees in its
Town to get first ‘hotel school’ Oakwood’s
cellence, promoting opportunities for young people through voca- tional training and apprenticeships within the hospitality industry. Its guiding principes would in-
clude: providing real-life work expe-
rience within a commercial hotel; forming strong partnerships
with schools, colleges and hotels; forging international links
first year, rising to 50 over the fol- lowing three years. Under the plans, Oakwood would be a “unique hotel school”, providing a luxury 4-star hotel as the core facility with all aspects of training and development. The aim, outlined in an in-
terim business plan, is to develop Oakwood House as a centre of ex-
with other hotel schools. There are currently no dedicated training hotels in the UK, though there are colleges and universities teaching theory and practical skills in a non-commercial environment. The business plan says the hos- pitality industry constantly criti- cises education for producing unsuitable students. “The gap be-
Sisters race for mum’s life
A TEAM of women from Loose are putting their best foot forward and joining the Race for Life inMote Park on Sunday, July 10. Sisters Laura Kitchin (28) and Hannah (26), from
hair salon Scissor Sisters in Loose Road, are taking part in aid of Cancer Research – and to celebrate their mother Sandra’s recovery from the disease. Four years ago, on the very day the salon opened, Sandra (52) was diagnosed with cancer. “The news put a real dampener on what should have been a happy day,” said Laura. “But she has had her treatment and has been signed off as clear from cancer.” Hannah added: “We would have got dad involved
in the race but the event is for women only.” ‘Dad’ is local photographer Bob Kitchin, and co- owner of the salon. He said: “The girls were going to
tween the two has never been sat- isfactorily narrowed. There is a se- rious skills shortage at all levels in the hospitality sector.” It concludes: “The opportunities
for Oakwood House becoming a fully commercial hotel train- ing school cannot be over-stated.” Students would have opportuni-
ties to gain recognised qualifica- tions on a variety of courses of varying lengths. “It is hoped that the Oakwood model will be replicated across the UK and that world-class hospital- ity skills will be developed here,” say consultants Mark Fagan Associates. The concept has the full support
of seniormanagers and members of KCC, including leader Paul Carter.
rich history OVER the past five years, a new £1.8m conference suite and overflow parking have been added, plus £1.1m spent on refur- bishing the 40 bed- rooms. Extensions to kitchens will be needed to achieve its full training potential. KCC is now seeking tenders for all, or parts, of the contract for: hotel operation
and expansion includ- ing accommodation, food and beverage fit-out and man- agement of a stand- alone ‘destination’ restaurant construction and development of spa fa- cilities. KCC bought Oak-
The Scissor Sisters team: (from left) Abi Richard- son, Tracy Pinder, Toni Hehir and Hannah and Laura Kitchin.
dress me in a wig, but that was going too far!” As well as asking regular clients to sponsor them in
the race, the salon is offering selected beauty treat- ments free of charge, providing they make a donation to the charity.
Will you be following the Maidstone art trail?
Maidstone Town Centre
will become a spectacular showcase of art with 42 shops displaying diverse, affordable quality art created by 34 artists.
Free family workshops are on 11th, 18th and 25th June between 10.30-12.30 at Maidstone Museum . Just pop in and try your hand at casualty art, bookbinding and textile collage.
In the 'Eye Spy' competition, spot which window has the cartoon £10 note, for a chance to win a real £10 each week and one overall winner gets a pair of tickets to the Hazlitt Summer Shakespeare production.
Art trail maps and competition details can be found at
www.mvan.info or collected from The Hazlitt Arts Centre, Rose Yard; Maidstone Museum & Maidstone Library, St Faith's Street; Kent Life Museum, Lock Lane
wood House in 1948 from John Graham- Wigan’s estate. He had extended the house, built more than 140 years ago for the Wigan family, who had a banking and hop merchant background.
June 4th – July 2nd 42 shops, 34 artist
one great way to see the town You can e-mail the Downs Mail —
info@downsmail.co.uk Town 9
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