King and queen for the day Amelia Doherty and Jake Horne toured the fete in a Bentley Special (left) and above, ferret racing was a big attraction


Village fete is a record-breaker


MORE than 1,000 people packed the Boughton Monchelsea village fete. Attractions included a popular


dog show, ferret racing and a mo- torcycle display. One of the highlights was the Boughton Monchelsea World Tights-Stretching Championship, won by Julian Porter and Rob Ed- manswithaworld record stretchof 6.3m. CarolBaggand Sue Wood- hamsretained the ladies’ title with a stretch of 5.02m.


Left: Local artist Graham Clarke used some artistic licence in the class “dog most like its owner” Right: Carol Bagg and Sue Woodhams retained their title as ladies’ world champions in the tights stretching.


Pictures by Lynda Fuller


Homes scheme A FRESH application has been submitted for two detached four-bedroom homes next to the Albion Inn, Green Lane, Boughton Monchelsea. Joe Bains withdrew a similar proposal in May last year. His new supporting state- ment said: “The land had been set aside for use by the public house, but has been little used and is now overgrown and re- dundant.


“The village has a need for new housing and we have added this pair of dwellings finished in a simple construc- tion style to blend in with the basic street vernacular.” Maidstone Council will de- termine the planning applica- tion.


Mosaic in concert MUSIC from the last five decades will feature when Mo- saics perform at Union Street Methodist Church, Maidstone, at 7.30pm on Saturday, July 20. The event is organised by Centrepoint, a “geriatric youth club” which is raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society Tickets cost £5, and include light refreshments. They are available from Lesley on 01622 738684, or on the door.


6 South Pupils work hard, say inspectors


PUPILS at Kingswood Primary School work hard and achieve well, say Ofsted inspectors. They make good progress, and by year 6, standards are above average and still rising in read- ing, writing and maths. Children’s good progress in reception is built on well in key stage 1, where progress in read- ing is outstanding. More able pupils do particularly well, and make excellent progress in maths in key stage 2.


TALENTED musicians will come together to help protect the countryside around Loose. A concert is being organised by the Valley Conservation So- ciety, which works to enhance the Loose Valley Conservation Area.


Hungarian soprano Andrea


Turner, a member of the Maid- stone Operatic Society who lives in Hollingbourne, will headline, singing hits from West End and Broadway shows.


Rock and roll musician Chris Hunter, from West Malling, is


Nearly all teaching is good, and some was judged to be out- standing. Lessons are well- planned, and pupils show interest and enthusiasm for learning.


All leaders and managers do a good job, and the head’s highly- focused and caring approach ensures strong leadership. Pupils behave well and feel safe in school.


The school was rated good. To become outstanding, staff


Music to protect valley


on the bill as well as singer Robyn Smith (13), from Tovil, and violinist Jens Singleton (14), from Tonbridge. Finally, jazz band Out Of The Loop will perform, fronted by saxophonist Asha Parkinson (13) and members from across the south east. The concert will be held at Boughton Monchelsea Village Hall on Saturday, July 13, starting at 7.30pm. The £10 admission includes a fish and chip supper. Tickets must be bought in advance from Alan Smith on 01622 751926.


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should endeavour to raise the standard of teaching. Some tasks were thought to be too hard for lower-ability pupils. Teachers should consistently encourage pupils to apply their knowledge of phonics when writing, and in key stage 2, weaker spelling and handwrit- ing limit the quality of writing for some.


Progress was affected by fre- quent absences for a small mi- nority of pupils.


Pool plan


BRIAN Matthews has applied to install a swimming pool, ten- nis courts and fencing at Lake House, Iden Park, Cranbrook Road, Staplehurst.


A statement said: “The pool will be sited some 220ft south from the grade II listed dwelling behind the building line, in the vicinity of the garage block.


“The adjoining court, which will have fencing at both ends, will be behind the garage block so as not to be visible from the house.”


Maidstone Council will de- termine the planning applica- tion.


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