New hospital radio unit launched


HOSPITAL Radio Maidstone has a new outside events unit, which was officially launched by the mayor, Cllr Brian Mortimer. Founded in 1963, the registered charity has been entertaining pa-


tients at Maidstone's hospitals from its studios, as well as carrying out live broadcasts from a variety of locations. It has won several national awards. The new outside events unit is available for hire with a team of ded-


icated volunteers, equipped with state-of-the-art long-range radio mics and a hi-fi quality sound system. Regular clients include the RSPCA, Kent Life, Maidstone Borough Council and several local schools. The original outside broadcast unit was based in an old caravan, which after more than 20 years service was becoming unreliable and has now been retired. Vin Judd, Hospital RadioMaidstone's fund raising co-ordinator, said:


“We have a few steady income streams, including supermarket collec- tions, sponsorship from local businesses and our mobile disco, but for more than 40 years we've always raised the biggest percentage of our vital funds with the outside broadcast unit at public events.” Vin hopes to expand the station's client base: “The outside events


unit is vital for raising public awareness of Hospital Radio Maidstone as well as funds.We've covered a number of different events over the years including the Kent Show,Maidstone River Festival, motor racing, historic vehicle rallies and even donkey derbies, so our team are well equipped to handle whatever comes along and we certainly add a lot of fun to the proceedings.” To sponsor Hospital RadioMaidstone or to hire the team, call 01622 224747 or email 'info@hrm.org.uk'


End of the Weald for MP Helen?


MAIDSTONE and the Weald MP Helen Grant is dismayed at the prospect of losing a large slice of her existing constituency under a bound- ary review. The seat would lose the Weald and


be reduced to just the borough of Maidstone wards. Mrs Grant said: "I would be extremely disappointed to have to say goodbye to any part of this constituency." But Hugh Robertson's constituency


of Faversham andMid Kent, where he was re-elected last year, would be abolished under the proposed bound- ary shake-up. Anew Tonbridge seat would take 10


wards from the current constituencies of Mrs Grant andMr Robertson.Abig-


ger Canterbury seat would take Faver- sham town and other wards from Mr Robertson's patch. Mrs Grant said: "In May 2010, I was elected to represent the people of Maidstone and the Weald in its cur- rent form until May 2015 and I am committed to fulfilling that role. "Since becoming the prospective parliamentary candidate here almost four years ago I have immersed myself in each and every ward and have a great fondness for all of them." She added: “The Boundary Com- mission document is still just a pro- posal and it will need to be considered very carefully by the na- tional parties as well as the local asso- ciations.”


Parents get first look at ‘inspirational’ academy


The Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Brian Mortimer launches Hos- pital Radio Maidstone’s new Outside Events Unit at the Kent Youth Forum ‘Peace One Day’ Event at Whatman Millen- nium Park in Maidstone


Join church celebrations THE FIRST two weekends during October will be very busy at the United Reformed Church in Week Street, Maidstone. OnSunday,October 2, memberswill be celebrating the


46th anniversary of the merging, in 1965 at this build- ing, of the three Congregational churches in the town. The followingweekendwill be a celebration of the 400


years since the printing of the King James bible Members of Churches Together in Maidstone will be joining in a readathon from 9.30am to 6pmon Saturday, October 8. The church will be open for anyone to listen and refreshments will be available throughout the day. There will also be an exhibition of passages from the


King James bible to modern translations, showing how languagehas altered over four centuries.OnSunday,Oc- tober 9, the 10.30am service will continue the theme of celebrating the King James version and the effect it has had throughout the world. Visitors are welcome at all these events.


Teen injured in


unprovoked attack A TEENAGER was left with a serious head injury after he was attacked by three young men at a Maidstone bus stop. The 17-year-old was approached


from behind in an unprovoked attack, which happened near Morrisons su- permarket in Sutton Road. The suspects are thought to be be-


MAIDSTONE’S newest school, the £38m Cornwallis Academy, was opening its doors to parents this week. An open daywas due to be held on Tuesday,with tours


of the state-of-the-art building and presentations from principal David Simons. What he described as “inspirational new surroundings” include 10 hi-tech, interactive learning plazas; specialist dance, music, art and design technology studios; a per- forming arts theatre, a sixth-form centre offering almost 100 courses; and a four-court sports hall. The premises are also available to hire for local busi- nesses, community groups and individuals seven days a week. Further community tours are planned. NEW uniforms marked the opening of St Augustine’s Academy, formerly Astor of Hever School. A total of 108 Year 7 students were welcomed to the relaunched school in Oakwood Park, Maidstone


6 Town


tween 16 and 18 and one was around 5ft 6ins with brownish hair combed forward. The incident happened between 10.30pm and 10.45pm on Saturday, August 20. Call Kent Police on


01622 690690 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.


Tickets please! AN illustrated talk by Andrew Clarke on OldMaidstone Transportwill raise money for the local branch of The Children's Society. Admission to the event at Allington Baptist Church on Thursday, October 27 (7.30pm) is £5, including coffee and cake. Call 01622 751900 in ad- vance.


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


Charity jumble sale AJUMBLE sale is being held by Maidstone Mencap on Satur- day, October 8, at Cobtree Hall, Mote Park, (School Lane en- trance offWillington Street). Admission is 30p and doors


open at 3pm. Contact Cath Handley on 07956 332975.


Doubled flat request AN application has been lodged to double the number of flats at a vacant semi-detached home at 31 Brewer Street, Maidstone.


Want to tell us your view? Email the editor – stephen@ downsmail.co.uk


Barry Foster wants to establish six two-bed and studio flats at the prop- erty, which currently has three flats. The scheme would involve demolish-


ing and rebuilding a single storey rear extension.


Coombe homes GOLDING Homes has been given permission to erect three new houses (onewill be afford- able) at the former Coombe Quarry park and ride site, Arm- strong Road,Maidstone.


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