Forum chance


to get involved MAIDSTONE’S Hazlitt Theatre once again hosted the success- ful and popular Older Persons Forum run by Voluntary Action Maidstone. About 120 people enjoyed a


talk from Group Captain Patrick Tootal RAF about his work as the Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, an inspiring presentation by Paul Skelly about Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust, and Carol Vizzard gave a fasci- nating history of Maidstone using a map from 1650. The event, organised by Brighter Futures (part of Volun- tary Action Maidstone) and chaired by Peter Spearink, is an opportunity for people over 55 to engage with service providers. Manager of Brighter Futures,


Danny Hewis, said: “Once again the forum was a real suc- cess. For us to continue with its success we would like people who care about their commu- nity to join our steering group.” If you would like to attend or volunteer as part of the steering group call Voluntary Action Maidstone on 01622 677337.


Tree removal JUDY Gent has been given con- servation area consent to re- move an elder tree from the rear garden at 5 Faversham Road, Lenham.


Alcoholic died after celebration


A HOMELESS alcoholic, befriended by the land- lords and regulars of the village pub in Otham, died after celebrating his 57th birthday, a Maid- stone inquest heard. Anthony Brunger had been sleeping in the barn


of The White Horse pub on and off for some six months, since landlady Catherine Small offered him shelter after her husband found him sleeping rough on the streets. He celebrated his birthday with locals at a karaoke night in the pub on June 13 and went out to the barn to sleep shortly before 2am. The next day, when Mr Brunger failed to show


in the pub, Mrs Small’s daughter Catherine Mc- Cann went out to the barn but failed to raise him. She and a friend forced their way into the barn at about 2pm, and found him collapsed on the floor. Blood was leaking from a head wound and he seemed to be dead, the inquest heard. Consultant pathologist Dr David Rouse said that at first sight, it might have seemed like Mr


Community award will benefit sea cadets


Brunger had fallen backwards whilst trying to climb the ladder to the loft where he slept. However, after post mortem examination, he


was satisfied that the death was due to heart dis- ease and cirrhosis of the liver. He told assistant deputy coroner Allison Sum-


mers that Mr Brunger’s heart was badly scarred and had a blocked artery, which had been fitted with a stent. Although Mr Brunger’s blood alcohol level was high, itwas not unnaturally so for an alcoholic, so the toxicology results could be discounted. He had a 3cm cut on his head, obtained as he


fell backwards on the floor and there were no other head injuries to indicate a fall from a sig- nificant height, he said. Mr Brunger had spent several spells in hospital,


and had only been out of hospital four dayswhen he died. However,Mr Rouse said he was satisfied the death was due to natural causes – ischemic heart disease, with cirrhosis of the liver being a secondary factor.


SAM Stevens, from Maidstone, has been named a community champion by the Sir Thomas Wyatt Beefeater Grill restaurant for her work at Maidstone Sea Cadets. Along with the title, Sam has also been awarded a


bursary of £1,000 to put towards the good work she does in the area. Sam (40), who lives in Maidstone with her family,


has been working with Maidstone Sea Cadets for more than two years. She was nominated by Karen Weaver for her leadership, dedication andenthusiasm to fundraising and organising events for cadets. Sam said: “I am over the moon to have been nomi- natedasacommunity champion.We recently lost our


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Community champion Sam Smith with some of the Maidstone Sea Cadets


moorings sowe are trying to raise funds to find a new site. “We spend so much of our time fundraising and organisingevents, thisbursary is hugely appreciated.”


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