‘Tankies’ get mayoral stamp of approval


SPECIAL 1st class stamps have been pro- duced for a unique military parade inMaid- stone.


Mayor Brian Mortimer came up with the


idea to mark the Sec- ond Royal Tank Regi- ment’s homecoming from Afghanistan. Money from the sale


of the stamps – which show the regiment’s insignia and the Union flag –willgotothe mayor’s charity, Help for Heroes. Although the ‘Tank-


Cllr Mortimer, who lives in Coxheath,


said: “It’s absolutely superb news. I’ve had 220 commemorative stamps produced. I got permission from Royal Mail and the MoD. Two local companies have sponsored them – David Hicken Asso- ciates and Firmin’s.” The mayor used 120


ies’ are based in the South West, they also recruit in the South East, notably Maid- stone. They were due to parade through the


town on September 1, to be followed by a civic reception.


Trust’s new sponsor KENT Wildlife Trust has a new corporate ambassador – the Lenham-based recycling firm Countrystyle Group. The trust, based at Tyland


Barn in Sandling, manages more than 60 reserves. Chief ex- ecutive John Bennett said: “Countrystyle will be making a major contribution to our continued fight for the future


The Royal Tank Regiment is the oldest tank unit in the world. The Second has been at the forefront of armoured war- fare since the first tanks broke through the German trenches at Cambrai, France, in 1917.


of them to send letters to every school in the borough, urging pu- pils and parents to at- tend this “great day”, as well as letters to every parish council. He explained: “That leaves 100, in blocks of 20. One block will be presented to


the regiment; one to the borough council; I’ll keep one myself for the time being; and two others that are framedwill be auctioned for my charity – Help for Heroes.”


News in brief


of Kent’s wildlife and country- side.”


Basket thieves


anger Wyn, 81 THREE hanging baskets were stolen from a pensioner’s home opposite the White Horse pub in Otham. They belonged to 81-


Events at The Habit


Monday 12th September Live music with Simone, jazz and blues singer, from 8pm


Saturday 17th September 2011 Don’t forget to visit us at the safari market


Treat yourself to a well earn refreshment after visiting all the village stalls! Tuesday 25th October


Game season celebration with a five course meal. Reception drinks from 7pm, sit down at 8pm. Contact staff for further details


Wednesday 16th November


Fundraising dinner event, in aid of the Hollingbourne Meadows Trust £40 menu inclusive of Chapel Down reception drinks & canapés, 3 course meal, tea, coffees & petit fours Raffle on the night


Book now for your Christmas party, from Thursday 1st December to Friday 23rd December 3 course meal with crackers, lunch £24pp, dinner Monday to Thursday £26pp and Friday & Saturday £30pp


Make a habit of our Sunday service, Sunday roast served all day from £10.50, book to avoid disappointment.


Celebrate your special event at the Dirty Habit. With a relaxed and warm atmosphere combined with a professional & friendly team, let your village pub make your day.


The road to Eyhorne Street is FINALLY re-open! Hooray!


01622 880 880 www.thedirtyhabit.net


Upper Street, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1UW


Love your hair Foils, Cut & Finish


with top stylist £75 (normally £120) until 30th Oct


7 Yeoman Court, Ashford Rd Bearsted,


Kent ME14 4ND www.directorshairandbeauty.co.uk


To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330 East 3


Late nights Tues & Thurs


Mayor Cllr Brian Mortimer with the framed stamps. Actual size, left


year-old Win Yorke, who had ‘planted’ them with pink and red artificial flowers as she suf- fers from arthritis.


“I couldn’t put my arms up to


water real ones any longer,” she explained. “I had only just re- newed the liners and the ivy. It’s maddening,” she added. At about the same time as this incident, aftermidnight on Sun- day, July 31, baskets and garden


ornaments were stolen from a property in Goodwood Close.


Model snaps for


electricity appeal MEN posed for a calendar to raise funds for Lenham Cricket Club’s appeal to have electricity installed in its pavilion. Local businesses paid for a professional photographer to take the snaps.


01622 738772


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