Staplehurst nursery expands into salon
A CHILDREN’S day nursery opens its new baby care unit in a former hair salon on December 7. Poppy’s Day Nursery has been given permis-
sion to convert the salon on the High Street in Staplehurst, despite concerns over road safety. Applicant Katherine Gedge, on behalf of herself
and partner Antony Tavani, told Maidstone’s planning committee the nursery had been so suc- cessful since setting up in Headcorn Road two years ago that there was a waiting list of 20 chil- dren. Expanding the business by replacing Head- quarters Hair & Beauty at Wealden Saddlery would help address this issue, she said. But the parish council and Staplehurst Society
both objected.With the road outside the shop re- stricted by double yellow lines, the fear was that parents would illegally park on the busy main road if there was insufficient space at the Bell Lane car park. Ms Gedge said that all parents would have to
sign an agreement promising not to park directly in front of the nursery, which would have week- day opening hours of 7.30am to 6.30pm. It was also stressed that the current unrestricted use opened the door to a potentially more anti-social 24-hour convenience store operating without needing planning permission. After confirming the opening date, Ms Gedge
said: “The nursery has been transformed to a high standard and we already have eight new children attending. “Our aim is to provide a home-from-home en-
vironment,meeting the individual needs of every child in our care. “I am very proud to be opening a second nurs-
ery in the village as there is such a great demand for childcare in this area – especially with a nurs- ery in Chart Sutton closing at Christmas.We have been able to accommodate parents from there too.”
Santa and crew sail into town in style
SANTA cast aside his sleigh and opted for an unusual mode of transport when he came to Maidstone to open his grotto. He floated down the Medway aboard
the Kentish Lady, making use of the Christmas Park and Sail service, which had been threatened with clo- sure after Maidstone Council withdrew its sponsorship – until local firm, RAP Interiors, stepped in to fund the fes- tive cruiser. Joining Santa at the riverside was East Enders actress Melissa Suffield (Lucy Beale), who is appearing in Beauty and the Beast at the Hazlitt Theatre.
Shoppers can park free at Kent Life, Sandling, and catch Kentish Lady from nearby Allington Lock to Archbishop’s Palace for £3 return, £1 for children. The service runs every Saturday (Dec 4, 11 and 18) plus the two Sundays before Christmas (Dec 12 and 19). Proceeds from ticket sales will go to
SOBS Maidstone, a charity that sup- ports survivors of bereavement through suicide. Santa is in his grotto at The Mall, on
the upper floor near Miss Selfridge, until Christmas Eve. Open every day from 10am, but 10.30am on Sundays. Entrance is £3 and includes a gift.
STAPLEHURST NURSERIES
OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS From 27th November • Christmas Trees
• Poinsettia • Cyclamen
• Christmas Arrangements Buy direct from the nursery,
but hurry - only whilst stocks last!
Find us in Clapper Lane, just off the A229 Maidstone Road, 1 mile north of Staplehurst Railway Station Open 7 Days 9am-4pm (Sundays 10am - 4pm)
01580 893607 We accept credit cards To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330 South 3
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48