From a derelict wreck to elegant living


Anopening ceremonyhas takenplace atAudley Mote House, the large new retirementscheme in Mote Park. The project involves the conversion of the 18th century Grade II-listed building.Downs Mail presidentDENNIS FOWLE was there to give his views on the project.


WOW! What an amazing, exciting transformation toMoteHouse, the historic building at the heart of Mote Park’s new independent re- tirement village. Guests at Audley’s opening cer-


emony looked on in awe at all that has been achievedby adventurous, luxurious design inwhat had dete- riorated to little more than a derelict wreck after Cheshire Homes vacated the building. The house will be the social and


health and wellbeing centre for owners of the 100 residences, being opened for over-55s who choose to live in this beautiful part of rejuvenatedMote Park. There are 14 apartments in the


main house, 24 cottages in the walled garden, 10 apartments in the gatehouse lodge and the re- maining homes will be new-builds


or conversions. About 20 proper- ties have been sold, and as the de- lights of Mote House become obvious, interest mounts for prop- erties ranging in price from £310,000 to £565,000. The morning room, library,


restaurant, bar/bistro, and recep- tion areas inMote House are now completed, and soon there will be a health and wellbeing area with indoor swimming pool, exercise room, physio area, hair and beauty salons. The opening ceremony was per-


formedbymayorRoddNelson-Gra- cie, who said: “Iamamazed at the transformation since I lastwalked around a derelict building.” Maidstone Council, which agreed the sale of this site, was thanked by Audley Retirement chief executiveNickSanderson for


its help in ensuring this major proj- ect happened. “It looked so sadwhen I first saw


it,”hesaid. andrecalled thedelays and financial help needed in a very tough economic climate. Early residents said they were


enjoying theexperience,withMote Park as “their garden” and the park-and-ride service to Maidstone centre just a short walk away off Willington Street.


Sticking point for town’s litter louts


GUM-spitters beware! The council is out to catch you. Maidstone’s £2.5m pedestrianised


pride and joy is already pitted with disused chewing gum – and offending gum-toters will soon be told: “This is a stick-up”. The council’s environmentwardens


are empowered to treat gum deposits as litter – for which a fine of £75 ap- plies.


Cabinetmember for the environment


Cllr Marion Ring said: “Spittinggumon the ground is as bad as dropping litter, if notworse, because it is more difficult to remove. We will have no hesitation in taking action against people caught of- fending.”


Following the installation of the showpiece granite paving, the council has bought a more efficient street-


Motorists diverted CLAPPER Lane, in Staplehurst, will be closed from August 20 for up to 36 days, Kent High- ways has warned. The road will be closed be-


tween Critoph and Roston Farm for installation of a watermain. Drivers are advised to use Marden Road, Station Road, and the A229Maidstone Road.


Council surgery HEADCORN Parish Council will host surgeries at the village hall parish office from 10am to noon on the second Saturday of each month.


Bull garden award THE Bull Inn at Linton won the Best Garden award at the Shep- herd Neame Pub Awards.


24 South


cleaning machine which will also re- move gum deposits. Cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Malcolm Greer, said: “We are confident that we can clean off just about anything anyone can throw at it.” The entire surface was due to be


given a final acid clean at the begin- ning of July after which the council’s own cleansing programme would kick in, he said. In the meantime, the council is looking at a new campaign to raise awareness of gum-spitting, although Cllr Ring stressed there would be no repeat of the controversial “stick it here” boards which were put up on a previous occasion. She said: “We are looking at edu-


cating the public, while operating a strict policy of enforcement.”


As You Like It by Hazlitt and Changeling productions


THE first night of this outdoor production at Boughton Monchelsea Place only reached half time before rain intervened. But days later, atUpnor Cas-


tle, there was just one heavy shower, then it was dry. The production was great. Madeleine Knight was amem- orable Rosalind. Thomas Christian’s Orlando had no chance against her allure. This was her professional debut. Esther Button, who played


Celia, is also a young actor worth watching. Daniel Wilt- shire played the nasty duke and Le Beau and a quite won-


Survivor’s sweet gesture


AFAMILY’s cakesalehas raisedmorethan£1,000 for theKent Air Ambulance after it helped a father-of-three. Estate agent Robert Fletcherwas cleaning his carwhen he


was hit by a passing vehicle on the A20 at Bearsted . The35-year-old suffered legandpelvis injuriesandwas flown


to amajor trauma centre where he underwent an emergency blood transfusion. He spent twoweeks at King’s College Hos- pital in London following the accident in June, 2010, but has made a good recovery. He, hiswife, Josie, and their three children organised a stall


in TheMall, Maidstone, to sell cakes, cookies and biscuits in aid of the service.Friend ChristinePay helped to sellmorethan 600 donated cakes which raised a total of £566.93 and her employer, Southern Gas Networks donated a further £500.


The Bard just as we like it


derful, laid-back Jaques. His “All the world’s a stage” speech could have been based on Week Street experiences.


JOHN


MUNSON SHOW TIME


There was a really convincing fight between Charles and Or- lando, and lovely music from Alexander Scott and his team. Hazlitt manager Mandy Hare has the team to produce this quality of show, and Rob Fork- nall the directorial gift.


Homes planned WEALDEN Homes has applied to demolish Kent Cottage and outbuildings in Grigg Lane, Headcorn, and replace it with two detached homes. A supporting statement said:


“The application plots have a Kentish theme, shown on the submitted external finishes for each plot. Examples include fea- ture brickwork,weatherboarding, open eaves, plinth detailing and Kentish style roofs. “The proposal will not demonstrably harm the two ad- jacent oak trees, and the net ad- dition of one dwelling will not harm the street scene.” Maidstone Council will de- termine the planning applica- tion.


You can e-mail the Downs Mail — info@downsmail.co.uk


The public will be able to use the


bar and bistro facilities in Mote House, forexampleaspartofaday out inMotePark. Therewillalsobe a limited number of memberships for over 55s wishing to join theAu- dley Club for exercising or relax- ation.


Picnics and events will be arranged for the public during the year and the house will open on heritage open days.


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