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'


MP HUGH Robertson has expressed disap- pointment at his seat being one of 50 facing the chop under Boundary Commission pro- posals.


Meanwhile, Maidstone and the Weald


MP Helen Grant is dismayed at the prospect of losing a large slice of her exist- ing constituency under the review, aimed at reducing the Commons to 600 members by 2015. The seat would lose the Weald and con-


sist of just the borough ofMaidstonewards. Mrs Grant said: "I would be extremely dis- appointed to have to say goodbye to any part of this constituency." But Hugh Robertson's constituency of


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


MP Helen may lose the Weald – but Hugh could lose the lot


Faversham andMid Kent, where he was re- elected last year, would be abolished under the planned boundary shake-up. He said: "It's very disappointing. It's a seat


I inherited with a majority of 4,000 which we have turned into 17,000. That said, I support the party's policy of reducing the number of MPs." But he added: "I am minister for the Olympics and I have a major national proj- ect to deliver next year and am focusing on that." A new Tonbridge seat would take 10


wards from the current constituencies of Mrs Grant and Mr Robertson. A bigger Can- terbury seat would take Faversham town


Parents get a first look at ‘inspirational’ academy


and other wards from Mr Robertson's patch. Mrs Grant said: "In May 2010, I was elected to represent the people of Maid- stone and the Weald in its current form until May 2015 and I am committed to ful- filling that role. "Since becoming the prospective parlia- mentary 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 Commission document is still just a proposal and it will need to be considered very carefully by the national Parties as well as the local Associ- ations.”


KCC officer denies £2m fraud A KENT County Council officer responsible for arranging energy contracts has denied fraud charges involving more than £2m. Ross Knowles (42), of Larking Drive, Allington, was head of en-


ergy procurement at KCC when he is alleged to have committed two offences of fraud by abuse of position and one of transferring criminal property between August 12, 2008, and January 6 this year.


Judge Philip Statman set the trial at Maidstone Crown Court for March 19 next year. Knowles’s unconditional bail was continued.


Tickets please! AN illustrated talk on Old Maidstone Transport will raise money for the local branch of The Children's Society. Admission to the talk by An-


MAIDSTONE’S newest school, the £38m Cornwallis Academy, has opened its doors to parents for the first time. An open day was due to be held along with tours of the state- of-the-art building and presentations from principal David Si- mons (pictured with pupils). What he described as “inspirational new surroundings” in-


clude 10 hi-tech, interactive learning plazas; specialist dance, music, art and design technology studios; a performing arts the- atre, a sixth-form centre offering almost 100 courses; and a four- court sports hall. The premises are also available to hire for local businesses, community groups and individuals seven days a week. Further community tours are planned.


NEW uniforms marked the opening of St Augustine’s Acad- emy, formerly Astor ofHever School.Atotal of 108 Year 7 pupils were welcomed to the relaunched school in Oakwood Park, Maidstone.


6 East


drew Clarke at Allington Bap- tist Church on Thursday, October


27


(7.30pm) is £5, including coffee and cake. Call 01622 751900 in advance.


Do you have news or views for the Downs Mail? Email the editor –


stephen@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.


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


Diesel thefts FUEL oil has been stolen from the same pumping station in separate incidents. In the first theft, thieves climbed the gates of the pump- ing station in Pilgrims Way, Boxley, and overnight stole some 250 gal- lons of diesel from a bowser. A black 4x4 vehicle with an amber light on its roof is


believed to have been used to take diesel in another daytime raid.


Partridges stolen AROUND 1,000 partridge birds were stolen from premises in Knowle Hill in Ulcombe. Wire fencing was also dam-


aged.


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