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School trophies tribute as couple step down


CHILDREN at Kingswood Primary School will be awarded trophies each term in honour of village stal- warts Bob and Rose-Marie Bowker. The perpetual awards have been provided by the parish as a tribute to the couple, who have given tire- less service to the community. Former university lecturer Bob (80) stepped down


as a member of Broomfield and Kingswood Parish Council after 30 years including several spells as chairman. Members said his vast amount of knowl- edge and experience would be greatly missed. Former teacher Rose-Marie, with the support of Bob,


was instrumental in setting up and helping to run the NeighbourhoodWatch support line at Maidstone Po- lice Station and has been NHW main co-ordinator for the parish for 17 years. Her devoted work for the scheme included producing regular newsletters and ensuring details of scams, crime and other valuable information were passed swiftly to members, cur- rently well over half the households in the parish. There were some notableWatch successes over the


years – not all crime related. The “cascade” has given residents other useful information such as local road closures and lost and found pets. The Bowkers will not be retiring from community


life completely. Rose-Marie will continue as theNHW street co-ordinator for Gravelly Bottom Road while Bob will assist as project manager of the parish’s fast broadband bid to KCC. The pair also still do valuable work for Citizen’s Rights for Older People.


Parish clerk to leave after 20 years MIKE Stevens, the clerk of Linton Parish Council, is to retire after 20 years in the role. He will leave in September and has discussed his replacement with parish council chairman Clive Baxter.


Cllr Bob Bowker (left) and his wife Rose- Marie receive thanks from local borough councillor Peter Parvin.


THE couple were presented with garden vouchers and flowers at the annual parish meeting by ward Cllr Peter Parvin, on behalf of the parish council and resi- dents. Cllr Parvin said: “The parish is greatly indebted to you both, for everything you have done for the community, and every- one hopes that you will now take things a little more easily and enjoy a well-earned rest.” A cheque for £200 was also handed to


head teacher Emma Hickling for trophies for pupils who have shown kindness and consideration, such as by helping with special needs children, organising and running after-school clubs, mentoring or working to prevent bullying.


Warning after two


hurt in bonfire blaze TWO men were injured trying to tackle an out-of-control gar- den bonfire that spread to shrubs and outbuildings.. The incident happened at


Barn Hill in Hunton where a man in his 50s was treated at the scene for minor burns to his face and the other man in his mid-70s – believed to be a passer-by – was treated for smoke inhalation after the pair attempted to douse the flames. In the past few months fire


crews have been called to more than 20 incidents of out of con- trol domestic bonfires. Maidstone crew manager


Chris Puxted said: “Bonfires should never be left unattended as fire can spread very quickly.” He added: “Composting is a


much safer, greener solution for getting rid of garden waste. “However if you do have a bonfire never use petrol or other accelerants on it.”


Plan for 13 homes AN application has been sub- mitted to renew planning per- mission for the erection of 13 dwellings at Staplehurst Serv- ice Station. Consent was granted three


years ago, but this has now ex- piredwithout development tak- ing place, meaning a new application has to be made.


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