Runners set off in the Snodland 10k race
Race mix-up after marshall is absent
SEVERAL runners in the Snodland 10k race took thewrong turning and fin- ished up running an extra six kilome- tres because a race marshall was missing. The official, who should have been stationed in Ryarsh, was ill and new- comers to the race did not know the route. Race director Dave Keeley apol- ogised and the runners, some who had run fromMaidstone for the start, were “very understanding”. The winner, for the third consecu- tive year, was Simon Parrin of Istead
By Peter Rimmer
Rise in 37 minutes 47 seconds, while the first woman home, once again
in second place overall, was Tonbridge and Malling Cllr Maria Heslop in 37 min 52 sec, a course record. Third was Joe Cumberland (38mins
25 secs) followed by Andrew Archer (39 min 53 sec). Secondwoman home andwinner of the over-50s trophy was Susan Beecham (51 min 42 sec) with Sally Humphries third (53 min 38 sec). Don’t miss Town Talk in next month’s Downs Mail for a complete round up of Snodland news.
Christmas tree spectacular AYLESFORD Church is playing host to an amazing 70 Christmas trees, placed there by in- dividuals, schools, clubs and businesses. The festival will be open from 10am until
4pm on Saturdays, December 3 and 10, and from 11.30am until 4pm on Sundays, December 4 and 11. Entrance is £3, under 16s free. Half the proceeds from entry tickets will go to
theHeart of Kent Hospice. Refreshmentswill be available throughout, and on Saturday 3rd at 3pm there will be a Christmas Fun Concert (suitable for all ages) with the Aveley and Newham Brass Band. Tickets for the concert are £8, but children under 16s are free. For tickets and inquiries, or to exhibit a tree
for free, contact the Rev Chris van Straaten on 01622 717434 or
chris.vanstraaten@
tiscali.co.uk.
Race winner Simon Parrin and the first woman home, Maria Heslop (left), were presented with their trophies by Snodland Town Council chirman AnneMoloney
Stuart organises last parade for Land ladies
STUART and Anne Olsson, of Larkfield, who have taken over as organisers of the Women’s Land Army and Timber Corps Veterans’ annual service at the London Cenotaph, are happy to report that the day was a great success. However, owing to the increasing age
and fragility of the women, it has been reluctantly decided that next year’s serv- ice on October 13 will be the last one at the Whitehall Cenotaph. Stuart, who campaigned for national recognition for the WLA, which eventu- ally resulted in veterans receiving badges of honour a few years ago, began helping with the Cenotaph services in 1995. He said: “As they have aged, it has
Warm welcome for archdeacon
THE newArchdeacon for Maidstone, the Venerable Stephen Taylor MBE, was officially welcomed to the county by a host of guests at a special service in All Saint’s Church,Maidstone. The service followed
his installation at Canter- bury Cathedral, presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams. KCC chairman Cllr Paulina Stockell and High Sheriff of Kent Georgie Warner joined other guests, including Maidstone Council chief executive Alison Broom, local clergy and church members, to welcome the new archdeacon. The Bishop of Dover, The Rt Rev TrevorWillmott, led the service. Archdeacon Stephen (55), previously the Canon Provost of Sun- derlandMinster and an Honorary Canon of Durham Cathedral, of- ficially started his new role in mid-October. As well as helping clergy and congregations in theMaidstone are, Archdeacon Stephen will work across the whole diocese to help churches to better support their local communities.
Venerable Stephen Taylor with High Sheriff of Kent, GeorgieWarner
Maidstonemayor BrianMortimer cut the ribbon to open the new archdeaconry offices in Redcliffe Lane, Penenden Heath, on Octo- ber 31.
been necessary to help them organise, not only the service at the Cenotaph but other events, too, which we will con- tinue to do as long as they need us.” A wreath was being laid on Remem- brance Sunday atWest Malling inmem- ory of members who lost their lives during the war, either from enemy ac- tion or accidents. Mr Olsson said he was compiling de-
tails of these war heroines as no official records were kept but he had discovered some of them. He said: “We hope that as many ladies
as possible will travel to the final service next year which will help to put closure on the wonderful work they did during WorldWar II.”
Council stalwart is honoured FORMER chairman JohnWalrond has been honoured by Ayles- ford Parish Council for his long and dedicated service. He was presented with a certificate to mark his name being
added to the parish roll of honour, which began three years ago. Current chairman Joyce Gadd paid tribute to his stalwart serv-
ice since 1988 including periods of office as chairman and vice- chairman and involvement in campaigns involving the Channel Tunnel rail link and SouthernWater expansion plans. She said that Mr Walrond was always financially astute, his business experience, wisdom and judgement had been of great benefit to the council and his influence lived on whenmembers considered spending implications. Ill health forced him to give up his seat at the last elections. Mr Walrond’s wife, Ingrid, thanked the council on his behalf and said he was greatly moved by the honour.
Nettlestead Green offices ‘unjustified’ A PROPOSAL to erect a replacement office building inMaidstone Road, Nettlestead Green, was deemed “unjustified”. Maidstone Council blocked Fannon Limited’s application, which would have seen the removal of existing buildings to the rear of Pottery Cottage and Alpha Cottage at Nettlestead Yard. Borough planners felt the new office use represented “unjusti-
fied additional development in the countryside” and argued that the new building, “due to itsmass and height,would be harmful to the openness of the Green Belt”.
To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330 Malling 27
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