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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 find out more about their community and 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 step up and 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.


Cocaine death ‘inconclusive’


A FATHER-of two who was found dead at his Maidstone flat had taken a fatal dose of cocaine. Plumber Stephen Geldard (39) was found in the kitchen of his home in Foster Street on July 9 last year, after a neighbour called the emergency serv- ices. She became concerned when she hadn’t seen him for some days and noticed a strange smell coming from the property.


A Maidstone inquest heard that Mr Geldard, who suffered from anxiety and depression, was last seen five days earlier. Tests showed he had taken a fatal level of co- caine. Although Mr Geldard was found with a sy- ringe in his hand, pathologist Dr David Rouse said he could find no injection sites and it was im- possible to explain how the drug was adminis-


Community award will benefit sea cadets


tered. No illegal drugs were found at the flat. Close friend Melanie Gower said Mr Geldard’s mood swings had worsened after a serious motor cycle accident in 2009, and he was finding it diffi- cult to cope, following the breakdown of his mar- riage, with not being able to see his two children. Miss Gower and his ex-wife Amanda said that he had expressed thoughts about suicide. Recording an open conclusion, Mid Kent Coro- ner Patricia Harding said that although he had ex- pressed some fleeting suicidal thoughts, there was no real evidence that in ingesting cocaine, he in- tended to take his own life.


The flat was locked and secure and there was no evidence of suspicious circumstances or that the cocaine was administered by anybody else.


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 Quarry Road with her family,


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


Community champion Sam Smith, third right, 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.”


DownsMail In touch with your parish The bench on the verge by


Barming Council Pub burglary


PCSO Frank Woollett reported there had been one crime since the last meeting – an attempted burglary at The Bull pub. The PCSO said that following


an email from the clerk, patrols had taken place and there had been no incidents witnessed of drug taking or dealing.One car was approached but there had been no evidence of drug taking. If anything iswitnessed it should be reported to the police (tele- phone 101) immediately with the car registration number. Concerns were raised with the parking issues at the school summer fair. PCSO Woollett confirmed the police had at- tended and managed to get the cars moved to allow the buses through. The clerk was asked to write to Barming Primary School to express concernswith parking at school events. Regarding the pavilion refur- bishment, the notes from the meeting with Derek Nicholson had been circulated. The clerk outlined the financial situation concerning the tender prices submitted, showing a shortfall of about £22.000. The money needed to be secured before the start date could be agreed for the project. The chairman Fay Gooch said


she was investigating possible funding streams and was to meet with a Maidstone Council


officer to discuss any further funding opportunities. An ap- plication had been submitted to KCC for £10,000 but would not be decided until October. Itwas agreed to produce a flyer re- questing donations. Fundraising ideas included a


quiz night and raffle in the au- tumn. Cllr Gooch said borough Cllr


Fran Wilson had written to all parishes regarding the need for green space in villages.Con- cerns were raised that a re- sponse might highlight sites that had not yet been identified for development. It was agreed that Cllr Gooch should formu- late a brief response that the parish council valued all green spaces. Cllr Doe had strimmed the al- lotments and path, although the plots would take a while to get under control. He had been look- ing into the possibility of putting pigs on the unused plots which would help to clear them prop- erly for renting out next year. Concerns were raised that this


may allow for other allotment holders to add livestock.Cllr Gooch commented that tenants would need to be consulted be- forehand. Cllr Dow added that he would attend to all official documentation required and would cover the cost involved including the erection of fenc- ing. After discussion, members voted in favour of the idea in principle.


Cedar Drive was broken and the information board at the bottom of South Street also needed re- pairing. The clerk would con- tact Gavin Lawrence to obtain quotes. Cllr Manser reported that, his- torically, Belmont Pre-school holds a fair on the parish field and does not pay a hire fee, al- though they do use the toilets in the pavilion, and queried whether people using the field and toilets should pay a hire fee. It was agreed that all hirers should be charged,with the pre- school giving notice they will have to pay a fee from next year. The chairman reported on the parish hall complaint which had been circulated to council- lors. The environmental health team at Maidstone Council had confirmed that wood lice were not a pest, as they are not at- tracted to food, therefore the hall is fit for purpose and the parish council is adhering to its terms and conditions of hire. The chairman reported there


hadbeennonewswithregard to the Gallagher and Cedar Drive planning applications. The clerk reported she had in- tended to inform councillors that, due to not having attended meetings for six months, Cllr Palmer was to be removed as a parish councillor. However, at the beginning of the meeting, the clerk had received a letter of resignation.


Welcome back Loose Council


THE chairman welcomed assis- tant clerk Anne Rigby back after a long period of sick leave. Regarding vandalism in the


play area, Community warden Liz Lovatt would be viewing CCTV footage and liaising with PCSO MattWilliams. Liz was applying to be a com- munity responder with the South East Coast Ambulance Service, and was working to get a defibrillator in the parish. Some members were disap- pointed with not seeing PCSO Williams for some time. Van- dalism was discussed including the ripping out of the springer in the play area. The clerk would write to the PCSO. Itwasagreedtogoaheadwith


the next stage of a neighbour- hood plan for the parish which was a six-week consultation. A steering committee of council- lors and parishioners would be needed. Sarah Smith had tendered her resignation as parish councillor. She was thanked for the time she had given to the parish. The vacancy would be advertised. A mini group was set up to


gather information about land which should be safeguarded from development and within Maidstone Council’s local devel- opment plan. This would be sent to Cllr FranWilson, to be passed on to Maidstone Council.


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