Charity cycle LARKFIELD resident Steve Pilcher is planning to cycle from London to Paris to raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice, in memory of his mother, who was cared for there before her death three years ago. Steve, 39, a manager at Mabey Hire Services in Strood, is making the 300-mile trip over four days. Anyone who would like to support Steve and the hospice can sponsor him at www.virginmoneygiving.com/ Stephenpilcher


Jubilee parties RESIDENTS at Snodland are being asked to make a special ef- fort to decorate their houses for the Jubilee. Town council chair- man Cllr Anne Moloney said: “Let’s see Snodland put on a re- ally great display. A special Town Talk will be delivered in May listing all the events so keep an eye out for your copy.” Major events are: Saturday,


June 2, from noon, 1950s fete at the recreation ground; Monday, June 4, from 2pm, street party in the cricket meadow; Jubilee dance at the community centre from 7.30pm. The Snodland beacon on Holly Hill will be lit between 10pm and 10.30pm.


School planning changes


WATERINGBURY Primary School has asked parents for their views on plans to change its sta- tus to a voluntary-aided Church of England school. The governors believe switch-


ing from a C of E voluntary con- trolled school, managed by the local authority,will help to ease issues highlighted in the latest Ofsted inspection. The school has a close rela- tionship with the church which would have an increased formal presence on the governing body. The consultation document


says the school operates a split class system resulting from being allocated 36 places – too many for a single year entry. The number can rise up to 40 through appeals, although class sizes at key stage 1 are kept to 30 or below through the split year system. The booklet says: “Potential changes likely to be imposed by Government policy are consid- ered to pose a risk to the Church ethos of the school. The govern- ing body seeks to ensure the best possible learning experience for


Shed load of help from parents PARENTS went back to school atWateringbury to carry out lots of outdoor jobs in a project they called Operation Ground Force.


Dozens of families vol-


unteered to dismantle a shed, paint a playhouse, spruce up a nature area and add a wooden frame around a tyre park. The heaviest task of the


the children and wishes to gain greater control over the admis- sion appeals process and retain our strong connection with the local Church.” The governing body believes


the school would then be in a stronger position for the future and would be able to retain its character and church ethos. An open meeting was due to


be held at the school on Mon- day, May 21, to explain the pro- posals and hear people’s views. Responses should be sent to the school by noon on May 24.


Floral tributes THERE is an opportunity to ded- icate a flower in memory of a loved one at the Church of St John the Baptist, Tonbridge Road,Wateringbury, on Sunday, June 24, from 1-4pm Cards and vases will be pro-


vided and there will be cream teas, cakes and refreshments. Call 01622 814656 for details.


day was to move an old shed whichwas also renovated and repainted. The event was organised by the Friends of Wateringbury Primary


Volunteersmove the shed to its newsite


School and supportedby Maidstone timbermerchantL&GForestProd- ucts, who donated thewooden sleepers for the tyre park. Chairman Gail Isted said: “The response from families was terrific. Everyone got stuck in, had lots of fun andmade some newfriends.”


Scarecrow contest SCARECROWS will be about in Aylesford on Saturday, June 16. Aylesford and Eccles WI has linked up with St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church in a scarecrow competition, from 11am to 4pm. Entry is free, and refresh- ments, games and stalls will be available throughout the day.


German engineered, contemporary, hand made bespoke kitchens and replacement doors.


Free design service & full project


management included in all building works.


Alon Interiors 01732 843900


cook it live it work it dream it


www.aloninteriors.co.uk info@aloninteriors.co.uk


To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330 Malling 3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48