Local family buys cherished wood


AMUCH-loved ancient woodland has been "saved" from the threat of development. There were fears that Cuckoo Wood, off Sandling Lane,might be bought with a view to house building when the 30 acres were put up for auction recently. But local councillor Tony Harwood told


the Downs Mail: "I am absolutely delighted to report that a local family has stepped in and purchased Cuckoo Wood, removing once and for all the threat of development that has for too long hung over this cher-


Pupils celebrate


academy status STAFF and pupils at St John’s CE Primary School in Proven- derWay, Grove Green, are cele- brating its new status as an academy. The school, which was rated


good with outstanding features at its last Ofsted inspection in 2010, hopes that the move will help to safeguard its high stan- dards and lead to even further improvement. Plans include enhancing the children’s experience in sport and music. The school, which will con-


tinue under public funding, has received confirmation from Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education, after starting the process in April. Head teacher Tim Harrington said: “We are ex- cited at becoming an academy. It will give us


the learning spotlight


Bourne Musicians Music Classes Babies and children aged 3 months to 5 years


Nominated for


“Best Local Activity for Under 5s” for 3 years running.


Book now for January 2012


Term times classes in Bearsted & Hollingbourne


See the classes in action at www.bournemusicians.co.uk


Or call 01622 880377 for more details e: bournemusicians@hotmail.co.uk


Squirrells Riding School & Ponyclub CentreRiding School & Ponyclub Centre NOW OPEN AT BLUEBELL HILL


• Family friendly yard • Lessons for all abilities • Group Lessons • All abilities welcome


Christmas Gift Vouchers available - Ideal Gift


Hayley Squirrell - Fully Licensed and Insured


Visit our website: www.squirrellsridingschool.co.uk


18 East


We encourage and develop the skills required for school by learning through play, in a friendly, stimulating and happy environment.


Mon-Fri 9.15am-12.00 term time with extended sessions for older children


Toddler Group Wed 9.45am-11.30am


OFSTED INSPECTED registered charity no. 1014449


Contact Kate on 01622 737986


Tiny Tots Nursery School Est.1969 • OFSTED Inspected Tel: 736270 / 630001


Memorial Hall, Manor Rise, Bearsted ME14 4DB


Providing the first stepping stones towards children’s formal education in a happy, comfortable environment with excellent facilities. Through our considerable experience we have developed a curriculum of play and learning which enables the children to develop social, physical, creative and emotional skills while at the same time having fun.


SCHOOL HOURS


Weekday Mornings - 9.15 to 12.30 for children 2to 5 years of age


Teeny Tiny Tots


A very successful parent and child group. Grandparents welcome too! Wed afternoon 1.30pm - 3.30pm for children 0 to 2years. (Term time only)


To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330


St John’s head teacher, Tim Harrington, and pupils with the framed confirmation from Education Secretary Michael Gove


greater autonomy that we can use to drive up standards further.Wewill be in a better position to prioritise any available funds to enrich the learning experience of all our children.”


ished local landscape and its wildlife." He added: "Discussions are now under


way between the new owners, local elected representatives and a community group to ensure excellent land-management and truly sustainable community benefits." The family, from Penenden Heath, had to


bid above the guide price of £95-100,000 for the site, which is covered by a tree preser- vation order. There were several bidders at the Emson’s auction. Cllr Harwood, who is a Boxley parish and


North ward borough councillor, believes it was no coincidence that the woodland was put on the market at the same time as the Government’s draft National Planning Pol- icy Framework, which proposes more re- laxed controls on development. He said: “Cuckoo Wood is now safe as is


the area to the south of it, The Chesnuts, on the other side of Sandling Lane.With plans for Sandling Park to be a local nature re- serve, a big chunk of the gateway to north Maidstone is now really well protected.”


Dance restrictions


SCOTT Ramsay was given per- mission to set up a dance acad- emy and recruitment company headquarters above a former furniture showroom at 3-5 Brewer Street, Maidstone. Maidstone Council restricted


the use to between the hours of 8am-9.30pm weekdays, 8am- 5pm Saturdays, and 8am-2pm Sundays.


‘Looking for Grace’


art show at church STRIKING paintings of drug ad- dicts, prostitutes and criminals were exhibited at St Nicholas’ Church in Leeds. Leeds and Broomfield churches, which appointed Leeds resident Helen Morley as its first artist-in-residence in 2010, supported the Looking ForGrace exhibition – the result of a year-long collaboration.


also


MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS


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