Kim courts success in US
A FORMER Maidstone student has taken the sport of squash by storm in America. Every year, the US Squash govern-
ing body awards a trophy for exem- plary conduct shown by a woman both on and off the squash court. This year,itwas wonbyDrKim Clearkin (nee Cox) who lives in Cali- fornia with her two daughters. But she was born in Maidstone,
lived in Bearsted and attended Roseacre School andMaidstone Girls Grammar School before studying at Oxford University. Kim has transformed squash in
the San Francisco Bay area in just a few years. She has a talent for getting women out on the courts, even when they
have never hit a squash ball before. Until recently, there were virtually
no other women to play in the Bay Area. But Kim changed all that by of- fering clinics, social events andmini- tournaments. Now, women’s squash is thriving. Kim is one of the few squash pros in
the States, and this year she captained the US team in the prestigious Lapham Grant event. A spokesman for US Squash said:
“She serves as a great role model for aspiring female squash players. “She is a major advocate of the
game and a great ambassador for all of us.”
Kim (right) holds the trophy for win- ning the US over-45s ladies squash championship in 2010
Council prepares for
winter with new salt bins STAPLEHURST Parish Council has purchased eight new salt bins, which have been placed in positions suggested by residents. They have been filled with 200kg of special white
salt, which leaves no mess and is considered more efficient and economical than the usual brown salt. Council chairman John Perry, vice-chairman Tom Burnham and Cllr Peter Spearink placed and filled them.
There are two bags spare for each bin. The coun-
cil intends to buy some more bins next year pro- viding funds are still available. Suggestions for more sites are still welcome.
Santa parking for charity CHRISTMAS shoppers in Maidstone will benefit from extra weekend parking places thanks to the Rotary Club of Maidstone. Town centre businesses are allowing parking in
lower Earl Street (opposite the car park entrance to FremlinWalk), Mote Road (with pedestrian exit to Romney Place opposite Mall/ Chequers) and solic- itors Kennedys (opposite Ford main dealers Haynes in Ashford Road). These parks are available on the three Saturdays
before Christmas from 8.30am to 6pm and on Sun- day December 18 (9.30 to 4).
THE Kent Conference Bureau has been short- listed for a Beautiful South Award for ExSEl- lence 2011 and is hoping to match its previous award-winning success. The Maidstone-based tourism bureau won
gold for the same award in 2008 and hopes to re- peat that success at the ceremony on Thursday, December 1 at Denbies English Vineyard in Dorking, Surrey. The KCB has been nominated in the Business Tourism category. The awards celebrate excel-
Castle scores high
in consumer survey LEEDS Castle was voted the sec- ond top paid-for visitor attraction in the UK by Which? magazine readers. Which?, the largest consumer
body in the UK, asked 3,000 mem- bers of the public for their views on attractions they had visited in the last two years. Leeds Castle (pictured right) achieved a customer score of 84% and was given five stars for range and quality of facilities, quality of information and engagement with visitors.
8 South To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330
Flavours of France at Christmas market
A TRADITIONAL French Christmas mar- ket was held at The Village Centre in Sta- plehurst. As the first of a series of fundraising events for next year’s Queen’s Diamond Ju- bilee celebrations, the carnival and fete committee decided to introduce some ‘en- tente cordiale’ to their annual Christmas fair.
The market boasted a mix of products including freshly baked bread, regional cheeses, soaps from Provence and saucis- son from Normandy.
A number of ideas have been discussed to celebrate the jubilee over four days in Staplehurst next June. If you have any ideas, email the steering group: jubilee@bt-
internet.com
Rotarians are being helped by the Inner Wheel Club of Maidstone. Parkers are re- quested to make a donation to charity. The Rotary Club is also operating Santa’s
grotto at theMall/Chequers for the second year in aid of local charities.
Tourism group hopes to ExSEl in awards
lence in tourism across the South East and aim to promote and reward leading businesses and individuals in the industry. The Kent Conference Bureau, based within Maidstone Borough Council, provides support to venues by attracting business to the county and by promoting the facilities on industry websites and at exhibitions. The bureau also won Best Brochure at the Meetings Industry Marketing Award in 2008.
Collier Street oast extension goes through on appeal
MAIDSTONE Council’s deci- sion to block a two-storey side extension in Collier Street has been overturned by a planning inspector. In May, officers from the planning department refused an application for Bridge Oast as it was felt it would detract from the character of the open countryside. But inspector Lesley Coffey thought otherwise, reporting: “The increase in length of the stowage would not be such that it would overwhelm the origi- nal building or appear dispro- portionate in size. Due to the location of the extension it would not be apparent in views from Collier Street. “Views from the surrounding countryside and neighbouring properties would be limited due to the existing hedges and boundary fence. “I therefore conclude that the proposal would not harm the character and appearance of the existing building or the sur- rounding countryside.” The applicant was thus given planning permission.
School seeks gate
after lead thefts A NEW metal gate is likely to be installed at Staplehurst School following two lead thefts in the past 18 months. Kent County Council says the
field gate on the eastern bound- ary, facing directly on to the High Street and playing fields, is old and dilapidated and needs to be replaced. A supporting statement said:
“The point of access for both thefts has been via the old wooden gate, which has had its lock broken and the gate lifted off its hinges to enable vehicu- lar access to the school grounds. “Ofsted will fail a school if
the premises are not properly safeguarded. The impact of a downgraded Ofsted status, or indeed a failing in safeguard- ing, will have an impact on the whole community.” The scheme is currently at planning application stage and will be decided by KCC.
Medical practice
wants more parking THE Coxheath Centre has ap- plied to create an additional 21- space parking area to the rear of the medical practice in Heath Road. The applicant’s supporting statement says new lighting would be introduced through four 6m-high lampposts to help illuminate the new facilities and access. Maidstone Council will de-
cide on the planning applica- tion.
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