Driver jailed for causing fatal crash


THE family of a West Malling driver killed in a crash have described him as a hard- working and caring man. Stanley Draper (54) died after a BMW driven by Dennis Barker, of Orpington, crashed into his pick-up truck on the B2042 Cold Arbor Road, near Sevenoaks. Mr Draper (pictured) died at the scene


while Barkerwas taken to hospital in London with serious injuries, following the incident at about 6.50pm on Thursday, May 31. Barker was later summoned to appear in


court, where he admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to 36 months in jail. He was also banned from driving for four years and must take an ex- tended retest after that period in order to be granted a new licence. The family of Mr Draper issued a state- ment, reading: “Stanley was a hard-working


Big plans for inn THE new owners of Wealden Hall in Larkfield plan to refur- bish the grade II-listed build- ing, having created 19 jobs. Greene King, which acquired


the London Road inn in May, has submitted proposals to Tonbridge and Malling Council for alterations including new partition walls and redesigned first floor bedrooms. The company’s planning doc- ument said: “The overall aim is to retain the building’s charm and authenticity whilst up- grading its design to attract more trade revenue.”


and loving husband, dad, granddad and fa- ther-in-law. He spent time with this family, playing with the grand- children, and he had a good group of friends. “He was a very caring person. No matter what the problem, hewas there. He always made you feel safe and loved. His youngest son, Stanley Thomas Jr, loved his dad very much and is trying to do his best to make his dad proud by studying hard at school and achieving high standards.We all love him and miss him very much. “We would, as a family, also like to thank


Kent Police for their assistance and contin- ued support throughout the investigation.” PC Robert Malins, of Kent Police, who led


the investigation, said: “Barker had been overtaking another car on a recently- resurfaced single-carriageway road. The ad- visory speed limit was reduced to 20mph as there were loose chippings on the surface, providing a significant skid risk. “The conditions were not suitable for


such a manoeuvre and, with Mr Draper coming the other way in his truck, a head- on collision was inevitable.” The court heard that Mr Draper had not


been wearing a seatbelt. PC Malins added: “We will never know if


a seatbeltwould have savedMr Draper’s life but in light of this incident I urge all drivers to remember to buckle up on every trip. “The Draper family has long been a part


of the West Malling community and are supporting each other through this difficult time.”


School making good progress STAFF at Wateringbury Church of England Primary School have impressedOfsted inspectors just a fewmonths after the schoolwas told it required improvement. The school was given a grade 3 in February when inspectors criticised teaching, leadership and the lack of guidance for pupils. Head teacher Noreen Vinall announced her retirement after the disappointing result and deputy head Chasey Crawford-Usher was appointed acting head until a permanent replacement could be found. However, following a monitoring inspection, inspectors in- formed Mrs Vinall that she and her governors had begun to take “decisive action” and were well on the way to becoming a good school – grade 2. Inspectors praised the wayWateringbury staff were working with


a nearby outstanding school and monitoring pupils’ progress more effectively. Staff were advised to focus more on pupils’ learning and progress, continue to improve the way they monitored success and find a permanent head teacher as quickly as possible.


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Organist retires ORGANIST Audrey Attree has stepped down after 16 years of service at St Mary’s Church, West Malling. Her husband, Colin, has also


left his role as conductor of the church’s choir, having served for as many years. The couple, who remainmem-


bers of the congregation, were presented with a long service medal from the Royal School of Church Music, at a farewell cel- ebration at the church. Mrs Attree said itwas time to


step down and she still hoped to do some playing.


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