Town Talk


Local news for Snodland and Halling


Pupils see the sights on their weekend in Paris


WHEN we see rubbish dumped on the pavement, in the road and in the recreation ground, most of us say “what a mess, why can’t people use the litter bins” or “tut tut” – but not Paul Osborne. He picks it up and takes it to


the nearest litter bin. Paul (pictured), of Midsummer


Road, Snodland, has been awarded an Environmental Champion’s certificate from Ton- bridge and Malling Council. He said he did not know why


he had been honoured, or who nominated him. But whoever it was said in their application: “Paul has taken on the role of cleaning his local area by sweeping gullies, litter-picking and cleaning out drains.” Tonbridge and Malling mayor,


Brian Luker, spoke of the “huge effort environmental champions have made to improve and pro- tect our investment.” He added: “I hope their actions


will inspire others to do what they can, not just to keep our borough clean and tidy, but to help pre- serve our communities for future generations,” he said. Paul, aged 45, has lived in Mid- summer Road for 15 years. He clears up the rubbish on his way to work in the mornings, putting it in the litter bin at the bottom of his road. He is infuriated by peo-


Forty-two students from Holmesdale Technology College enjoyed a weekend in Paris as part of their studies The pupils also went to the top of


STUDENTS from years 8, 9 and 10 at Holmesdale Technology College, Snodland enjoyed an “exhausting but exhilarating” weekend in Paris. Highlights included a visit to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa, a boat trip along the Seine, and visits to the “Cité des Sciences” and “Explo- radome” sciencemuseums.


Eiffel Tower, where they were able to see the amazing 360° view of the city by night. Teacher Angela Riley said the trip


was part of the STEM initiative – Sci- ence, Technology, English and Maths – and the students “made genuine efforts to speak French”.


Paul plans to clean up town


ple who throw carrier bags of rubbish into hedges and he clears the bottles and cans dumped into the small pond at the top of St Benedict Road. He said: “Mymother is very fas- tidious and it is something I have always done. I don’t do it for any recognition, but at times I do get a bit embarrassed, because I think people look atmeand think I have committed a crime and am doing community service!” Paul is an avid collector of “al-


most anything” and has a gar- den shed to prove it. He collects tadpoles from the St Benedict Road pond and returns them when they become frogs. He is making a doll’s house for


his granddaughter, Katie, re- builds bikes and ismaking a mo- torcycle model for a young boy. With a resigned expression on


her face, Paul’s wife, Mandy, said: “He has always been the same.”


Fishing for cash


MEMBERS of Medway Valley Fisheries Club raised £6,808 in a Casting for Cancer charity week- end atBrookland Lake, Snodland. Tony Pocock, Fisheries Man-


ager and owner of Medway Val- ley Fisheries, said 28 members took part in the 48-hour marathon but about 60 were in- volved in raising funds for the Orchid male cancer appeal The money was from auctions, sponsorship and on-line dona- tions and the sale of refresh- ments and food. Tony, pictured with Andrew Gardener, the Casting for Can- cer organiser, added that the event would be held annually.


Chess club does the double at tournament


SNODLAND Chess Club has won two Kent County Chess As- sociation cup finals. Ten players travelled to the


Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford to bring back the Intro Cup and Harvey Cup. Treasurer, Neil Miners, said:


“We defeated Medway 3-1 in the Intro final with wins from Nick Allen, Peter Hickey and Will Patch. In the Harvey final Snod- land raced to a 3-0 lead against Petts Wood, but still needed at least half a point to secure the win.


“David Nicholls secured the


vital draw to add to the wins from David Fowler, Rob Thompson and Matt Gazes.” During the season, the club played 24 matches in three com- petitions and was only defeated once.


Above left: The Intro Cup team (from left) Richard Mallery, Nick Allen,William Patch, Brian Stevenson and Peter Hickey Above right: The Harvey Cup team (from left) Matt Gazes, Rob Thompson, David Fowler, David Lettington, Neil Miners and David Nicholls


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