Thieves derail park’s model train
THOUSANDS of angryMaidstone residents have blasted thieves who stole track from the popular Mote Park railway. Volunteers from Maidstone Model Engi- neering Society, which runs the attraction, were appalled to discover thieves had stolen more than 120ft of aluminium track just weeks before the school summer holidays. However, MMES spokesman Sue Parham
said members were “overwhelmed and touched” by the support shown bymembers of the public in person, via email and on the group’s Facebook page. She said data from Facebook showed the group’s post an- nouncing the theft had been shared by 48,000 people in two days, and more than 200 people had left comments showing sup- port for the railway. Ms Parham said: “Members of the club
Police report PCSO AndyHawthorn reported to Boxley Parish Council that incidences of nuisance motor- cyclists at Boxley Warren had reduced. However, the No Vehicles
signs had been vandalised, and he was working to get these re- placed as without them, it would be difficult to enforce the restriction. Police patrols at Weavering
Heath would continue follow- ing reports of youths camping and making a mess. Nine inci- dents of crime were reported by PCSO Hawthorn for the parish during the month. These included the theft of
two puppies from West Field Sole Road, and two incidents at theMuseum of Kent Life, Sand- ing – a break-in at the tea rooms and a theft of number plates.
Tree ‘danger’
LUKE Cunningham has applied to fell a protected thuja tree in Abberley Park, Sittingbourne Road,Maidstone. His application form said he
had been advised by a tree sur- geon that it was dangerous and should be removed. It said: “The tree is 25 metres tall and seven metres from the row of houses I live in. He (the tree surgeon) further advised that, should the tree fall down, it could destroy the four of the five houses in the row. “As well as this the roots are
likely to damage foundations.” Maidstone Council will de- termine the application.
Site expansion BEARSTED Caravan Club in Ashford Road may expand to site a further 13 stone surfaced caravan pitches. Twelve of these would meas-
ure9mby9mwiththe other 12m by 9m to accommodate larger motor vans. “A new Tar- mac access road to the south of thesitewillalsoneedtobe constructed to access the new proposed all weather pitches,” said a supporting statement. Maidstone Council will de- termine the application.
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were horrified to discover over 120 feet of our railway track in Mote Park had been ripped up and stolen.We have three rails on our track as we have two gauges of locomo- tives – 3 1/2” and 5”. Two of the rails were stolen, being 120 feet each, so the actual rail loss is 240 feet. “The metal is aluminium and its scrap
value is negligible. It will, however, cost us time and trouble, several hundred pounds worth of materials, plus lost income. “We will only be able to run a restricted service over the next few Sundays, which means not so many children and families will get rides, which is such a shame when they love it so much. “The members are working hard to get us
up and running again fully within three to four weeks, however, the track laying is
quite specialised work and only a few can work on it at one time.” Some supporters suggested the railway set
up a website page for people to give dona- tions, butMs Parham said they did notwant to make a profit from the “kind souls” who donated. Police visited the railway on the first Sun-
day after the theft. Investigating officer PC Jamie Botting said: “Quite a substantial amount of aluminium was taken from the track, and it’s disappointing that an attrac- tion that brings visitors to Maidstone has been damaged in this way. “If anyone has any information I would
urge them to contact Kent Police so we can investigate further.” Call Kent Police on 101, quoting crime reference YY/11429/13.
Village fete welcomes French visitors
HOLLINGBOURNE’S Anglo-French summer fetewas a great success, despitesomevery Englishweather. Heavy rain in the morning and
strong winds all day failed to dis- rupt the event at the Lance Memo- rial Playing Field, whichcelebrated the village’s twinning with Tem- pleuve in France. Almost a thousand people, in- cluding 60 French visitors, saw a motorcade of classic and iconic British and French cars through the village, and members of the Templeuve War Veterans Associa- tion laid flowers on the Holling- bourneWarMemorial Mayor of Templeuve Luc Monnet opened the event. The prize for the best stall went to the Pre-School Play Group and a red E-type Jaguar won the award for the best turned- out British car in the motorcade. One of three Citroen 2CVswon the
There was an Anglo- French theme to the village fete’s fancy dress competition Picture: Paul Dixon
prize for the best French car. There were displays by Holling- bourne County PrimarySchool, the Boxley Handbell Ringers, and the BodyroX dance group, aswell as a dog show, fancy dress competition and a tug of war competition, which was won by the Dirty Habit
pub team. Hollingbourne’s new boules
pitch was inaugurated by David Bleuzet, the French amateur boules champion. Theday finished withahog roast
and dance with music by Atlantic Currants.
Open day at The Moet & Chandon Geisha room at the Who’d A Thought It Award for Britain’s funkiest B&B
THE funkiest bed and breakfast in Britain is the Who’d A Thought It at Grafty Green. Owner Joe Mallet (right) was delighted
with the title, from the AA B&B Awards. He said: “This award is a gratefully-re- ceived affirmation that our vision of uniqueness and eclectic style is appreci- ated and enjoyed. More importantly, it in- spires us to continue driving to be the best, themost pleasurable and the funkiest B&B we can possibly be.” Each bedroom at the Who’d A Thought
is different and has a champagne-themed name. Jacuzzis, hot tubs, four-poster beds, animal print throws, mood lighting and chilled bottles of champagne await guests. There is also a courtyard garden, pub and restaurant on site.
Visit Downs Mail’s website —
downsmail.co.uk
riding school AN open day at Squirrells Rid- ing School, in aid of three char- ities, has been hailed a success. Visitors enjoyed pony rides, a bouncy castle, raffles, stalls, a barbecue, refreshments and a meet-the-farrier event. Young riders from the school played mounted games and demonstrated their dressage and show jumping skills. There was a fun dog show
and a Squirrells Got Talent competition. The event raised over £900
for Guide Dogs, the RSPCA and the Air Ambulance Trust. Owner Hayley Squirrell said:
“One of our girls sang a few songs to finish.”
New porch planned GLAN Davies has applied to build a new porch on Com- monwood House, Roundwell, Bearsted. The planning application, which will be determined by Maidstone Council, also in- cludes extending a garage to create aworkshop and home of- fice within the roofspace.
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