Football stadium to expand Furniture gifts
A TOWN’S support for its team is leading tomore major invest- ment in football facilities. Such has been the backing for Maidstone United during their first season back in the county town since 2001 that directors have agreed to make significant improvements to keep the crowds coming back for more. Directors have agreed to plough more than £50,000 into the Gallagher Stadium, in James Whatman Way, in the next few months. The Loucas End stand will be extended, providing cover for an extra 100 spectators, and there will be additional refresh- ment and toilet facilities at the Henry Reeves and Co Stand end. A family area will be created between the main stand and changing rooms, as well as a semi-permanent outside bar and club shop. The club hope to build on the
high of last season, which ended in glory with promotion to the Ryman League Premier Division. The average atten- dance for 2012/13 was 1,668 – more than double the club had budgeted for last August. Maidstone United co-owner
Terry Casey said: “We have had the most wonderful season and we are re-investing in the infra- structure and the future of
Maidstone United. We had a limited amount of money that we could spend but we wanted to show that we are listening to our supporters and also demon- strating that we are not going to become complacent about the extraordinary support that we have had in our first season back in the town. “We have been overwhelmed
by the numbers of children who want to have their birthday par- ties at the stadium and the im- provements will accommodate those children and families.” Mr Casey said that, despite
the generosity of its corporate sponsors, the improvements would cost the football club more than £50,000. “I know that continuing to im-
prove the facilities is an invest- ment in the future of the club but we are also aware that we must continue to serve up foot- ball that entertains and excites and is successful, or the facili- ties won’t be needed,” he said. The club hope that the en- hancements will increase the capacity from 2,226 to around 2,500, subject to agreement by the local authorities.
Village welcomes new vicar
WORSHIPPERS gathered at St Nicholas’ Church in Linton on Friday for the institution of Rev Peter Callway. Itwas conducted by theRt
Rev JamesLongstaff,Bishop of Rochester, and marked the beginning of Mr Call- way’s role as rector of five parishes – Coxheath, East Farleigh, Hunton, Linton and West Farleigh. The induction involved tak-
ing possession of the build- ings and was given by Ven CliveMansell, archdeacon of Tonbridge. Mr Callway was a curate at Paddock Wood and is married to Alison.
The couple, pictured, have three children.Hesaid: “Iwant to build on the traditions of the church, while bringing in fresh energy. Iwill beworking with existingmembers and joining them on their journey of faith.”
could help
sick animals STAFF and volunteers at a Maidstone charity store are asking for donations of furni- ture to help raise funds for veterinary charity, the PDSA. Anyone with good quality furniture, including settees, beds, desks and chairs should call the shop on 01622 620487 to arrange a free collection. For health and safety reasons, PDSA can only accept furniture that has the fire-warning label relat- ing to the 1988 regulations. Store manager Lizzie Rogers said: “If you’ve re- cently redecorated, had a clearout or moved house and have unwanted furniture, why not donate yours to the PDSA? All donations will help us raise valuable funds to care for the sick and in- jured pets of local people in need.”
Donations can be taken to
the shop at 26/27 High Street, Maidstone, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Formore information about
the Maidstone PDSA store, call Lizzie on 01622 620487. Formore information about
the PDSA, go to
www.pdsa.org.uk
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