Stadium expands after succesful season
A TOWN’S support for its team is leading to more 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 refreshment 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 Divi- sion. The average attendance 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 Maid- stone United. We had a limited
amount of money that we could spend but we wanted to show that we are listening to our sup- porters and also demonstrating that we are not going to become complacent about the extraordi- nary support that we have had in our first season back in the town. “We have been overwhelmed by the numbers of childrenwho
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 spon- sors, 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 ca- pacity from 2,226 to around 2,500, subject to agreement by the local authorities.
Council’s farewell to dedicated Julie
LEYBOURNE parish clerk Julie Pilbeam is leaving her role after landing a job as chief executive at Swanley Town Council After a successful career in banking, Julie became
a parish councillor at Kings Hill, leaving three years ago when she secured the parish clerk role at Ley- bourne. Shecombinedher duties with managing Leybourne
Village Hall, which she quickly improved and turned intoathrivinghub of the community aswell asawed- ding and licensed function venue. Duringher time at Leybourne, shealso successfully
studied for the Certificate in Local Council Adminis- tration. She said: “I am very sad to leave Leybourne Parish Council. The chairman and councillors have been a great support duringmy time here and I have learned somuch about local government while being able to make a real difference to the community. “I had not planned to depart so soon, However,
these opportunites, soclose to home, do notcomeup often and I just had to go for it.” Thanking her for her hard work and dedication,
chairman Bob Ulph said: “Julie has without question been instrumental in making LeybourneParish coun-
Julie Pilbeam with chairman Bob Ulph (centre) and vice-chairman Mick Mearns
cil the success that it is, which is the envy of many local councils and authorities. Inmy 40 years in busi- ness and senior management,along with13yearsas parish councillor, she is one of the most competent and accomplished professionals that I have worked with.”
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