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.”


Lions’ £800


boost to fund THE Lions Club of Maidstone has raised more than £800 for Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Great Daffodil Appeal. Lions Club members held col- lections in Tesco’s Grove Green store, on March 15 and 16, and encouraged everyone to give a donation in return for one of Marie Curie’s daffodil pins. The £839 raised by the Lions


will pay for nursing care for people with terminal illnesses, in their own homes. Lions Club president, Mal-


colm Luxton, said: “The work of the Lions Club has always fo- cused on the wellbeing of the community, and we are proud to be collecting for the Great Daffodil Appeal.” Daffodil pins can be picked up


from local stores, Marie Curie collectors, and Marie Curie Shops. To get involved in the Great DaffodilAppeal, call Fiona Dodd, on 01622 230745, or go to www.mariecurie.org.uk/daf- fodil.


Childcare praised CHILDMINDER Ian Joslin, of Juniper Close, Allington has strong relationships with the children in his care, according to Ofsted inspectors. The children felt safe in his


care, and he used books and story sacks well to promote communication skills. Children had access to a good


range of resources and toys, which were spaced around the home, encouraging children to explore. Mr Joslin provided good sup-


port to children during adult- led activities, adapting his language according to the age of the child involved. In order to achieve an out- standing rating, he should im- prove his information on dietary requirements, and par- ents should be encouraged to share moments from home to support their child’s progress.


24 Town 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


GROUPS are gathering in Park Wood for a community fete and fun day in June. Ameetingwas held at the Fu-


sion café, when itwas agreed to hold a celebration at Heather House and the recreation ground from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, June 16. Activities are likely to include ‘taster’ opportunities in sports such as boxing, Zumba, karate, kurling, and bowls, as well as


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 Tabernaclewill be runby the newly-formedMoteSportsFederation to develop youth sport, as a meetings room and for use by match-day officials.


Community day will boost local charities


yoga, cake and sweet making. There will be a Big Lunch


with options for adults and chil- dren, and in the main arena, there will be children’s sports, a dog show, wellie throwing, a band, local choir,marching dis- play and line dancing. Therewillalsobeanice


cream van, bouncy castle, roundabout and a number of charity stalls, craft stalls and promotional business stands.


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.


Local businesses are being


asked to dig deep and come up with raffle prizes and, while everything is being set up, there could also be a boot fair, from 10am till noon on a part of the grounds. “All profits from the day will


go towards helping local chari- ties so, effectively, what goes in will come out for the benefit of the community,” said MAPS chairman Mike FitzGerald.


Drink-drive ban JAMES Collins (23), of Lower Road, Maidstone, was banned from driving for 36 months and fined £450 by Mid Kent Magis- trates after he admitted drink- driving. He was stopped at the wheel


of a Vauxhall Astra after an in- cident in Church Road, Maid- stone. A breath test showed 51mg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg. Collins was also ordered to


pay £85 costs and a £45 victim surcharge. The disqualification may be reduced by nine months if he completes a reha- bilitation course.


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