projects in Jubilee year
A 300-acre legacy to the
Walking tours
townspeople THE Cobtree Charity Trust Ltd was founded by 12-times Mayor of Maidstone Sir Garrard Tyr- whitt-Drake and his wife, Lady Tyrwhitt-Drake. In 1951, it was his wish that
the 300-acre grounds and lands of his home, Cobtree Manor, should be used for the benefit of the people of Maidstone. If he were alive today, he would be thrilled with the way the trust is continuing his work and, in conjunction with Maid- stone Borough Council, manag- ing his generous legacy. The council leases Cobtree Manor Park from the trust and has just applied to the Charity Commission for the release of more than £1m for a three-phase improvement package. This would lead to the provi-
sion of a zoo-themed play area, a visitor centre, nature trails, outdoor trim trail and additional picnic areas. Cllr JohnWilson,whochairs the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee, said: “The design needs to draw users through the park on a series of routes, whilst
Cobtree Charity Trust
COBTREE Manor Park offers plenty of activities all year round and a rich selection of trees and shrubs. Dog-owners can ramble
through the wooded areas, while families relax with picnics. Free organised walks give
offering a range of attractions which are sympathetic to the feel of the park and to its history.” As well as mayor of the bor-
ough, Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt- Drake was a county councillor from 1933-37 and the High Sher- iff of Kent from 1956-7. Among his gifts to the town
were the Old College buildings, in College Road, land at Ringle- stone, a number of carriages, plus items of silver and the deputyMayor’s chain of office.
He turned Cobtree Park into a
zoo, which closed in 1959. The council has commis- sioned a feasibility study to look at the possibility of linking the park with the towpath at Alling- ton Lock and providing allot- ments on land next to the proposed path and cycle way. Today, the park is home to Cobtree Manor Park Golf Club, the Kent Wildlife Trust and the rural heritage attraction Kent Life.
visitors an insight into the park’s heyday. The two-hour walks start from the Cobtree Cabin Cafeteria, and booking is recommended. Sunday, May 6 (5.30am) – Early Birds walk with a local bird enthusiast Thursday, May 10 (10am) and Sunday, May 13 (10am) – Spring tucker search. Find edi- ble leaves and flowers! Sunday, May 20 (10am) – an introduction to the park’s birds. Sunday, May 27, Saturday, June 16, Thursday July 5 (all 10am) – Gert and Daisy, the story of Maidstone Zoo Friday, June 8 (10am) and Sun- day July 1 (10am) – Minibeast Safari . Thursday, June 21 (10am) and Sunday, June 24 (10am) – Trees of the British Isles. For details and to book, visit
the Cobtree Park website, cob-
treepark.co.uk or email park-
sandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk
Cobtree Jubilee Award 2012
Your charity or charitable organisation can win up to
£25,000
Applications are welcome from a wide variety of organisations with projects started or are ready to start, given the funding.
To apply, your application should include:-
• Details about you • The work you do • Your present plans • Your future plans • Your annual report & accounts
Email to:
richardcorben@hotmail.co.uk The cobtree Charity Trust Ltd Reg. Charity No. 208453
To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330
Closing date for entries June 30th 2012
Town 27
Your charity
Twenty five thousand pounds
October 2010
£25,000 Cobtree Trust
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