Dim view of Christmas lights
BEARSTED Parish Council’s vice-chair- man took a dim view of the annual festive lights in the village. The lights, which adorned lampposts around the green and in Ashford Road, near Madginford shops, this year cost the council in excess of £2,900 to erect, dis- mantle and store. However, Cllr Jon Hughes, chairman of
the environment committee, said this was significantly less costly than the previous year, when the council spent £3,500 for the same job – excluding storage. Several councillors expressed dismay
at the cost, including vice-chairman Cllr Paul Young who said: “I don’t knowwhat anyone else thinks, but my view is that they are rubbish!” There were 28 street lights in total, out
of an original 30. Two were damaged last year and, at a cost of £500 each to replace, it was decided not to bother in the cur- rent economic climate. Cllr Hughes said: “The price is compet-
itive when you take into account the work that is involved and the fact they are stored for us in a dry barn, then re- lamped upon installation.”
MP’s teen team on the campaign trail LEAH Maclean and Hannah Pontet are the new members of Maidstone MP Helen Grant’s “shadow cabinet” - and they have already targeted a cause to pursue. The pair were selected from 12 candidates at
a Shadow Helen competition. The MP said they had all shown a real understanding and passion for pol- itics and the issues that affect communities. The cost of public transport is what angers these
two sixth formers, now they are no longer eligible for the Kent Freedom Pass. Hannah (17) is forced to drive to the town’s Valley Park School as it would otherwise cost her £72 amonth on the bus from her home in Staplehurst. Neither Hannah nor Leah (18), who lives in Tovil,
Swing voters: Leah Maclean, left, and Hannah Pontet get a free ride inMote Park
can use the cut-price pass as they are over 16. A campaign to get Kent County Coun- cil to extend the age limit to18 was launched last year and the girls are keen to in- crease the pressure for change. With Mrs Grant’s backing, they hope to achieve a positive result. Leah and Hannah will spend time in her constituency and London offices. They
plan to attend a session of PrimeMinister’s Questions in the near future. Both were delightedwhen they got a call fromMrs Grant to tell them they had won
on merit after they gave speeches and answered questions at a selection meeting in the boardroom of Page &Wells estate agents in King Street.
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Golf days top £10,000 for charity A CHARITY golf tournament that began as a re- sult of a safari supper in Harrietsham has taken place for a 29th time. Bill’s Round was born in 1998 as a nod to the
late Bill Butler,who used to organise several char- ity fundraising events, including the Bluebell Walk. Safari suppers, another of his initiatives, saw villagers visit different houses for each course and all meeting up at the end of the evening. On one occasion, Roger Bevan found there
were a number of golfers in the room and sug- gested they get together for a round of golf. Ten players took part in the first tournament –
at Tudor Park golf course in 1998 – and since then 11 different courses have been used. The event is held twice each year, inMay and November, and over 150 different players, men and women, have taken part in the 29 tourna- ments. The winner receives the Bill’s Round Trophy and selects the charity to be supported. The most recent event took place at Darenth
Valley golf course, attracting 31 players, who helped raise £550 for charity, the third highest amount for a Bill’s Round golf day.Over £10,000 has now been raised in the 29 tournaments.
Bill Butler,who died in 2009, was well-known in Harrietsham. He was not a golfer but his friends said he would be delighted to know his name lives on in that context. To join in Bill’s Round, email
roger.bevan@
btinternet.com
Join the jubilee celebrations PLANS are underway to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June with a giant weekend of celebrations on Bearsted Green and around the village. Local singers, bands and entertainers are al-
ready lined up to take part and the parish coun- cil is seeking suggestions for other potential acts. Contact Cllr Barbara Dunford with ideas on 07771 821476 or email Barbara.dunford@
btopenworld.com
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