Lights, camera, action for festival


‘AT The Movies’ is the theme of the annual Maidstone River Festival on Saturday, July 30. Boat owners are being urged


to turn their craft into cine- matic classics and organisers have promised film fun throughout the day. There will be activities on


and along the River Medway, stretching from the Lock- meadow Centre right up to Whatman Park, including favourites such as the raft race, illuminated boat parade and firework finale. Chairman Martin Cox said:


“We are planning a fantastic family fun day that will put Maidstone on themap and, best of all, so much of it is free. It’s the one time of the year that the


Bike sheds thefts THIEVES have targeted bike sheds at The Lakes, Larkfield. In one incident a quantity of fishing equipment was taken and in another, five bikes were stolen.


Horse and caravan AN application has been sub- mitted to keep horses and sta- tion a caravan for storing horse food on land east of Livesey Street, Teston.


river really comes alive and people from near and far come to enjoy all the town has to offer.” He added: “We are calling on


the town’s business community to back this year’s festival. This is our showpiece event and whatever businesses put into the day, they will get much more in return. “The event is also an oppor-


tunity for local charities and or- ganisations to come along and showcase their wares to thou- sands of people.” Maidstone River Festival has


been an annual event since 1980. It is organised by a team of volunteers and supported by Maidstone Borough Council.


Hospital smokers get a shelter


MAIDSTONE Hospital has de- fended its decision to build a £10,000 shelter for smokers, not far from its main entrance. It follows claims that it was a “disgraceful waste of NHS money”. But the hospital said that after trying in vain to solve the problem it had decided to keep smokers in a single area.


Offham man Robert Trim, who contacted Downs Mail about the iss- ue, said: “The shelter is only a few yards from shelters for those awaiting buses, and if pa- tients and those visiting the hospital must smoke, surely


Get walking for a good cause KEEP fit and help a good cause by taking part in a charity event being organised by Malling District Lions. The club is holding a walk day on Sunday, August 21, in aid


of the Prostate Cancer Support Association (Kent), when there will be three distances to choose from to suit everyone’s capa- bilities. All three walks will start from East Malling Research – the entrance is opposite the King and Queen pub. Walks will start from 9am to noon and will be mainly on


wide paths suitable for social walking. Dogs on leads will be welcome. For pre-registration, contact 01732 841078/michaelchapman 239@btinternet.com.


they could go there. It seems very strange that a hospital should encourage smoking in this way.” But a hospital spokesman


said: “Encouraging them to use the bus shel- ters is not a viable option – it would be a major nui- sance and a health haz- ard for others using them.” He added:


The controversial £10,000 smok- ers’ shelter near the main en- trance to Maidstone Hospital.


“We have tried to stop patients and visitors from smoking out-


side the front of the hospital, without success. “We have installed a smoking shelter to keep smokers to one place, and the mess of cigarette ends that litter the front of the hospital in a small, more man- ageable area away from the main hospital. “It’s not a decision we’ve


taken easily, but people have ig- nored every attempt we’ve made to stop it and something else had to be done.” The spokesman continued:


“We actively discourage smok- ing and will provide any smok- ers with the information and support they need to give up the habit.”


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