New company has big plans for Hazlitt


A NEW company could soon be treading the boards atMaidstone’s Hazlitt Theatre. The council has accepted a tender – one


of only two received – from Worcester- based Parkwood Leisure to run the 350-seat theatre, the Exchange Studio and other fa- cilities at the Earl Street venue. Parkwood Leisure, which operates 84 fa- cilities on behalf of 25 local authority clients, employing 4,500 people, could take over at the theatre complex by the end of the year, saving the council an estimated £3.2m over the course of the 15-year con- tract, according to the cabinet member for commercial development,Malcolm Greer. The contract needs to be finalised. How-


ever, Cllr Greer said: “I am confident that Parkwood will deliver a noticeable im- provement to service levels and reduce the bottom line cost.”


Firm’s new HQ RUSSET, Tonbridge and Malling’s largest social housing provider, has taken an extra 17,537 sq ft in its new head- quarters, 32 Tower View, in what is King Hill’s and Kent’s largest commercial property transaction so far this year. Russet says its move will


allow it to overhaul its cus- tomer services, streamline its operations and pass on a series of cost-saving benefits to its 16,000 customers. The new headquarters will replace its Borough Green, Larkfield and Tonbridge offices with one central premises. Russet’s group partner, Invicta Telecare, will share the building.


Business success TWO Tonbridge and Malling businesses have made the shortlist of the Newspaper So- ciety’s Local Business Acceler- ators competition. Bertie’s Wood Fuel, in Had-


low, and FooARage Skateboard Company, Larkfield, have been congratulated by Tonbridge and Malling Council leader, Cllr Nicolas Heslop. He said: “It’s quite an achievement to be nominated for these awards, and I wish them the best of luck.”


Fete helpers wanted VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with the Kings Hill sum- mer fete on Saturday, July 27. If you can help on a stall or in


the kitchen, or with admin and ideas in the run-up to the event, please call Hilary Wren on 01732 220919 or email khch@kingshillparish.gov.uk Help is also required with or- ganising and running the raffle.


Sponsors needed SPONSORS are urgently needed to fund new sports team kits for pupils at Water- ingbury Primary School. If you or your local business


can help, email chairman@ fowps.org.uk


28 Malling Parkwood Leisure has pledged to main-


tain a focus on community use of the the- atre and will continue to offer outreach community activities, such as the Maid- stoneMela and Proms in the Park. Existing staffwould be offered the chance


to transfer to Parkwood Leisure, under the same terms and conditions they have now. Concerns that prices could rise, not only


to customers but to outside organisations who hire the theatre for amateur produc- tions, after Parkwood said it would honour existing prices “for an initial period” were dismissed by the company's sales and mar- keting director Joanne Martin, who said: "It is always our policy to operate an estab- lishment for a year prior to any changes.We will consider feedback from customers, at- tendance at shows and market conditions before determining if prices should be ad-


ANEWchapter in the long history of The Mote cricket groundwas written when the current Lord Bearsted– the fifth–openedtherestored Tabernacle as theMote Youth Sports Centre. The Tabernaclewas built over 100 years ago by his


great grandfather, the first Lord Bearsted, when he lived on the Mote Park family estate. He played cricket and built the unique Tabernacle


as his ownsporting, business and social base, aswell as a newpavilion still used by the club. Lord Bearsted built up his fortune as founder and


first chairman of Shell Oil, named after his family in- ternational trading business, which included a suc- cessful line in ornamental sea shells. After his death, thefamily soldMotePark in1929to


Maidstone Corporation for £50,000, and the cricket groundwas left in trust to The Mote CC. Upkeep of the Tabernaclewas expensive, and three


years ago it became derelict. The club campaigned for help, and four grants


raised almost £55,000. The Tabernacle is now reno- vated, with all main features retained. Lord and Lady Bearsted, accompanied by their son Harry, unveiled a large photograph of the 1st Lord


CHILDMINDER Julia Farrar, of Belgrave Street, Eccles, has been rated satisfactory by Of- sted inspectors. They found children felt at


justed either up or down. Sometimes, there is no need to make changes." The company has said it would continue


to offer concessions on tickets for people on low incomes and would also introduce a loyalty card, offering discounts on tickets and drinks, as well as behind the scenes tours and other inducements. Joanne said: “Through the card, we be-


lievewe can encourage loyalty from patrons while introducing arts and culture to a wider and more diverse audience.” The venue would also cater for arts and


craft exhibitions, workshops and activities. There are plans to introduce daytime stu-


dio classes for mothers and babies and the over-50s, as well as developing the café. If a deal is agreed, Parkwood plans to in-


vest more than £45,000 in the first year for new IT equipment and booking system.


Lord Bearsted opens The Mote’s Tabernacle


Lord and Lady Bearsted open the Tabernacle


Bearsted in front ofMaidstone mayor, Cllr Rodd Nel- son-Gracie, localMPs,Maidstone councillors, the site trustees and many past and present members of cricket and rugby clubs. All enjoyed lunch in the pavil- ion before a social cricket match. The Tabernacle will be runby the newly-formedMoteSportsFederation to develop youth sport, as a meetings room and for use by match-day officials.


Children ‘at home’ with childminder She had very positive relation-


ships with parents, ensuring that children received support that met their individual needs. To improve the rating to good,


home in her care and said she spend a lot of time supporting babies and toddlers, helping them to settle in quickly. The childminder spent time playing with children, reading to them and making sure they enjoyed stories.


the childminder should use her observation of children to plan for their next steps, particularly across the prime areas of learn- ing. Children should be encour- aged to explore natural objects in their play which sustains their interest.


Young musicians shine on stage THESE talented youngsters – one only 13 – havewon top places in the Maidstone andMid Kent Young Musician of the Year awards at the Ha- zlitt Theatre. Firstprizewent to17-year-old


pianist Laurence Long, a pupil at King’s, Rochester, who has wonawards toplay solo recitals at Clare College, Cambridge, and Coventry Cathedral. Runner-upwas13-year-old vi-


olinist Anya Livtchak, of Wallis Avenue, Maidstone, who goes to SuttonValence school.Shehas playedsince shewas sixandhas been awarded a place in Kent County Youth Orchestra. The competition is organised by the Rotary clubs of Maidstone and


Dawn Patrol to encourage young musicians and raise funds to support them.


To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330


Abuse alleged RICHARD Pink, of Brooklands Road, Larkfield, is to appear be- fore a crown court charged with three sex offences. The 31-year-old is charged


with three counts of sexual ac- tivity with a child, all of which allegedly happened between January and April 2007. On April 25 this year, Pink appeared at Mid Kent Magis- trates Court, where he was committed for trial at Maid- stone Crown Court on June 7. Pink had pleaded not guilty to all counts at an earlier hearing, on January 28. He was bailed, on condition


he does not contact any prose- cution witness nor have unsu- pervised contact with children.


Tree a risk to cottage A SELF-sown ash tree can be felled because it was too close to a listed property at 21 Chapel Street, East Malling. Tonbridge andMalling Coun-


cil made no objection to resi- dent Estelle Barnes’ proposal for the work. The council agreed that its roots could un- dermine the cottage.


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