New classes
proposed THE Valley Invicta Academy Trust has applied to erect two classroom blocks for the use of both schools. A two-storey building is pro-
posed at Invicta Grammar School, on current tennis courts, which will then be re- laid on the site of existing tem- porary classrooms that would be demolished if the scheme goes ahead. The building proposed for
Valley Park Community School would be constructed on part of existing tennis courts to the south of the site. Temporary classrooms to the west would be removed and turned into play space. There would be no increase
in staff or pupil numbers as a result of the development off Huntsman Lane, Vinters Park. A supporting statement said:
“Both schools have ageing tem- porary teaching accommoda- tion, which have a number of inherent problems. “Teaching rooms demand a
floorareaof60sqmfor a30- pupil classroom. Current class- rooms are as low as 45 sq m. “A further consideration in re-
spect of the Valley Park School is the increasing roll due to its popularity. The school is regu- larly oversubscribed.” KCC will determine the plan- ning application.
Singers wanted THE Square Mile Community Gospel Choir is holding its only rehearsal in June on Sunday June 10, from 4-5pm, at the Sal- vation Army, Union Street, Maidstone. The choir is open to anyone
aged 8 or above who enjoys gospel music. It is a great op- portunity for families to enjoy singing together in a relaxed environment. Call the church office on 01622 681808.
Generations meet up at forum
MOREthan120people attended Maidstone’sOlderPerson’sForum, run by Voluntary Action Maidstone at the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone. The audience listened to a talk from Roy Laming, themanager of the
SwitchYouth Café,whoexplained howthe youth centrecameabout, the services it offers young people and why it is important for the town. UK Border Agency staff also spoke about theirwork. The day was supported by the employment charity, Tomorrows Peo-
ple, who brought along six young people to help set up the event and serve refreshments. The forum, held regularly and supported by a steering group of volun-
teers, aims to bringolder people together to socialise, find outabout rel- evant services and initiatives and have a voice in the borough. The next forumwill be an information day on July 9, and everyone liv-
ing in the Maidstone borough aged over 55 iswelcome. For further information, contact VAMon 01622 677337
The Shop at Sly Corner AWillington Players productions
The Shop at Sly Corner was a very brave choice for the “Willies” – it is rather retro and not a whodunnit. We are encouraged to sym- pathise with the Mittel-Euro- pean jeweller Descius, who is a wicked old fence. Now is a time when, for some, Europe is not our favourite flavour, but in a terrific performance, Richard Pilborough almost rids us of our prejudices. The ethical curate gets him in the end. Jools Davidson was wonderful as his violin-playing daughter Margaret – no wonder her crooked old dad worshipped her. Caroline Dunk as her am- ateur sleuth best friend Joan, kept the action boiling along. When the two girls first entered, they looked terrific. Liz Mountain was responsible for that smooth costume job. (Caro- line doesn’t just look good, she is also responsible for arguably the best programmes seen at The Hazlitt.) Matt Dallas was con- vincing and likeable as the supportive boyfriend. Scott Raffle would have gone down a bomb in Glasgow. Paul Stubley, Eli Ward, Trudi Duff, Howard Putley and Tony Dunne completed the cast. The set was splendid and a backstage team kept every- thing running smoothly. The play was directed by Sheila Veitch.
JOHN
MUNSON SHOW TIME
22 Town
No let-up in schools crisis
PRIMARY school places in the borough are to remain stretched for the next few years, according to a KCC commissioning plan for education provision. Adistrict analysis states that a
large intake of reception age pupils will leave all Maidstone primary schools full by 2014. The Tonbridge Road area is forecast to have a shortfall of places across all year groups. The primary-aged population is forecast to rise to 12,600 by 2016, before falling back to 11,900 by 2021, roughly the same level as at present. Overall, more than 600 addi- tional places may be needed in
the borough between now and 2017. The document says the following measures will help the deficit in primary places: The opening of The Tiger School in September this year, at New Line Learning Academy in Boughton Lane, Maidstone, will provide 420 places across all year groups. St Francis Catholic School in Queens Road, Maidstone, could expand by two classrooms to add another 77 places. This would help ease the demand in the Tonbridge Road area. There is potential to add 60 places to one of the local schools.
Numbers falling HIGH demand for primary school places in and around Bearsted has resulted inmore than 50 families failing to se- cure any of their three choices for next year. The re- port says this situation will ease, with numbers for the Bearsted area likely to fall.
Building plans BASED on Maidstone Coun- cil’s forecast for new homes in its Local Development Frame- work, the report says two pri- mary schools may have to be built post 2016.
Youth training YOUTH charity CXK Ltd is of- fering unemployed young peo- ple the chance to take part in a 12-week Prince’s Trust course to learn new skills and improve confidence and motivation. The Prince’s Trust Team pro- gramme will be based at the Switch Café, 34b High Street. Youngpeopleaged16to24
will get involved in team-build- ing activities, a week-long resi- dential trip, a community project and two weeks of work experience. They will also get advice on writing CVs as well as gaining qualifications. For details call Elaine Boylett
on 07501 228501; email: elaineboylett@connexionsken-
tandmedway.co.uk or visit
www.connexionskentandmed-
way.co.uk
Four homes agreed KING & Johnston Homes has been given planning permis- sion to build four homes next to 37 Ashford Road,Maidstone. The scheme involves two semi-detached houses fronting Ashford Road and two semi-de- tached bungalows fronting Huntsman Lane.
Olympic athlete back at Invicta FORMER Invicta Grammar School sixth former Martin Brockman has returned to his old school to help promote this summer’s Olympics. Decathlete Martin (24), who
won a bronze medal in the Commonwealth games in Delhi in 2010, spoke to stu- dents and staff about his expe- riences leading up to the Olympics. Whilst at school he waswin-
ner of the English Schools high jump, a silver medallist in the English Schools relay, a gold medallist in the Kent Decathlon andMedway and Maidstone Ath- letic Club’s Athlete of the Year. Martin,who was at Invicta from 2005-2007, led an assembly and
two master classes for the GCSE PE and Gifted and Talented stu- dents to encourage the girls to aim high. Fiorina Bradbrook, lead teacher of PE, said: “Martin was extremely successful in organising his time at Invicta and achieved four A-lev- els, including a B in PE.We are very proud of Martin’s success and it was wonderful to have an Olympic star inspire others!” Martin began his athletics with Medway and Maidstone AC and moved on to full-time training after leaving school.
Have you got news for us? Phone our News Desk on 01622 734735
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