Scouts to get


Sandling HQ KENT Scouts has been given permission to set up its head- quarters in Sandling. Maidstone Council’s planning committee granted consent to convert agricultural and eques- trian buildings in Grange Lane into the group’s new base. The plan includes the reten-


tion of residential use of White Cottage for an on-site manager and the use of the land to the west of the site for Scouting ac- tivities such as camping. The barn and two stable blocks will be extended, and a new building will be built to house a climbing wall. Car parks and an access to the pub- lic highway will also be formed.


Councillor’s plan KCC Cllr Jenny Whittle has ap- plied to erect a single-storey rear extension at The Cottage, Sutton Street, Bearsted. The development, if accepted


by Maidstone Council, would include rooflights for additional living accommodation in the roofspace.


Nellie Minchella NELLIE Minchella (87), who died at the Lukestone care home in St Michael’s Road, Fant, was a noted local entertainer. She and her husband of over 60 years, Antonio, played locally in


The


Minchellas. Born Nellie Meeds, she moved to East Malling 58 years ago from her native Burham. Her daughter Janet said: “Music was my mother’s life. There was a pe- riod of about 30 years when I don’t think she had a night in. The Minchellas played all over the local area, going to social clubs, playing pubs like The Malta Inn, at Allington, regu- larly and doing seasons at But- lins camps in Minehead and Bognor. “My mother had met and worked with people like the ac- tors from Steptoe and Son and Paul James, who is on the radio


More almshouses planned


THE Cutbush & Corral charity wants to build another 10 almshouses in Harrietsham. The charity took over the ex-


isting 12 almshouses in East Street from the Fishmongers’ Almshouse Association in 2010, and says there is a need in Harrietsham and Lenham for more low-cost accommodation for the elderly. The new homes would be


built to the north of the existing dwellings, and would each be single-terraced one-bedroom properties. The development would include a garden square and day room for communal ac- tivities, as well as the provision of another 14 parking spaces. A design statement says the homes would be arranged into three blocks of terraced homes – two containing three homes, the other of four. “The development shall build


upon the use of soft red bricks (laid in Flemish bond) and plain clay tiles, with brick plinths, chimneys, gables and


An artist’s impression of the proposed almhouses in Harrietsham


purpose-made timberwindows. “The scale of the building will


be personal and in keeping with that of the existing almshouses.” An arrangement has been


made with a farmer to use a tem- porary access road to the north of the site, enabling traffic to enter from Church Road, bypassing East Street, during construction. Maidstone Councilwill deter- mine the planning application.


We will remember


on Sunday lunchtimes. More re- cently she played at tea dances in places like the Hazlitt and Larkfield Village Hall. Her repertoire included concert music and material from the dance band era.” Nellie was mother to Danny


and Janet and had also worked locally on a baker’s round, a gro- cery round, at the East Malling Research Station and – when West Malling still had an air sta- tion – in the NAAFI. Janet said: “She was a very generous lady, known for her kindness.” Nellie leaves her husband, children and grandchildren Tony Jr and Jannell.


Alf Johnson ALF Johnson (78), of Lower Road, East Farleigh,was known from a lifetime’s involvement with local rugby. A noted player on the wing for Maidstone Rugby Club, he


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went on to serve theMote-based outfield in a range of off-the- field roles, in- cluding club chairman and, later, presi- dent. Current officials at the club and for- mer col- leagues have been united in paying tribute


to his hard work for the club and passion for the sport of rugby. Alf was schooled locally at Maidstone Grammar School and began a career with the gas board, rising to become area service manager. Married to Valerie, he was fa-


ther to Ian, Mark and Kim. When not working or involved in rugby he also made a huge commitment to fundraising for the Blackthorn Trust. His efforts have been praised


for their importance in helping the trust establish new prem- ises. Alf leaves his wife, chil- dren and 10 grandchildren.


Margaret Waller THE death of Maidstone’s Mar- garet Waller (82) made local headlines. Margaret, of Bedford Place,


was a well-known member of a large traveller family in the local area and her funeral in- cluded a horse-drawn hearse and a procession of more than 100 vehicles. Members of her family have described her as a “matriarch” and praised her warmth and generosity.


Visit Downs Mail’s website — downsmail.co.uk


School summer fair LEEDS and Broomfield Pri- mary School is holding a sum- mer fair on Sunday, July 8. The event, from noon in the school grounds in Lower Street, is promising plenty of attractions, including games for the children, craft stalls, tombola, bouncy castle and a barbecue.


Alfie John Davis ALFIE John Davis (78) who has died at Loose, lived locally his whole life. Born – the fifth of a family of


11 – to a papermaker father and a mother who worked in local farms, Alfie John had learning difficulties that necessitated his parents, grandmother and sib- lings helping with his care. From the age of 14 he moved into residential homes, living at different times


in Barming, Ley-


bourne Grange, Boughton and West Malling. His sister Linda said: “Alfie


John was a unique character, very affectionate and wilful, and someone who really en- joyed his life. He loved collect- ing things and had lots of mouth organs, watches, clocks and pens.” Alfie John leaves six surviving siblings (two brothers and four sisters), and many nephews, nieces and other family mem- bers.


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