downsmail.co.uk Winner Sophie


a Divine poet Continued from page one National Divine Poetry Competi- tion, combining two ofmy favourite things: poetry and chocolate. “There were funny poems, sad


poems and thought-provoking poems. Somewere all three, butwe were left with a lasting impression of competition entrants who’d thrown themselves wholeheartedly into the project.” Charlotte Borger, from Divine,


said: “Our theme this year had the desired effect of making people think about where our favourite treat comes from and the hardwork that goes into each chocolate barwe enjoy.” The winning poems can be found


on the Divine website at www.di- vinechocolate.com/poetry, where Philip Ardagh can also be heard reading the winning poems aloud. Sophie was presented with a Di-


vine chocolate hamper, book token, Christian Aid T-shirt, mug and pen, aswell as a certificate. Divine Chocolate and Christian


Aid have worked in partnership ever since the charity supported the launch of Divine in 1998. The competition has since become


a firm fixture in the calendar of hun- dreds of primary and secondary schools nationwide.


News


Fury as homes plan is submied on key site


RESIDENTS fighting their parish council about development in Har- rietsham are furious that another planning application has been sub- mitted for a key piece of land. Members of HARD (Harrietsham Against Reckless Development) breathed a sigh of relief when plan- ners rejected an application by housebuilder Hillreed for the same site, south of Court Lodge Road, in March.


Maidstone Council said the sensi-


tive site, which borders the Kent DownsArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty,was not suitable for housing


Pub’s brewery award


A LENHAM hotel fought off competi- tion in London and the South East to scoop a brewery award. The Dog and Bear Hotel overlooking The Square was named Managed Business of the Year in the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards. Itwas among 14 of the brew- ery’s 348 pubs and hotels in the re- gion honoured at a ceremony in Ashford. The hotel was refurbished 18


Discover our stunning range of contemporary & traditional designs


and threw out the application – but the developer has submitted another outline application for 40 homes. A HARD spokesman said: “We


hoped the Court Lodge Road site would be safe from development whenMaidstone said itwas not suit- able for housing. “However, Harrietsham Parish Council has insisted on keeping the site in its neighbourhood plan, has continued to meet with the develop- ers to promote this site, and a new planning application has now been submitted. Why is our parish coun- cil so determined to concrete over all


our green spaces?” It is believed a meeting took place


between the parish council chairman and a representative from Hillreed but no detailswere divulged. When Maidstone Council refused


the earlier application – for houses and garages on eight acres of open land – head of planning Rob Jarman said that developing the site would result in “significant harm to the character, appearance and landscape of the area” and that any develop- mentwould impact upon two listed buildings, Lake Cottage and the for- mer boathouse.


Charity cricket


months ago, andmanagers, Brian and Anne, Hogg celebrated their 10th an- niversary at the pub this month


BEARSTED Cricket Club’s 10th an- nual charity cricket match against Bearsted and Thurnham Men’s Club takes place on August 25 at 1pm on Bearsted Green, in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice and Kent Air Ambulance. The event has already raised


more than £15,000 for the chosen charities. Attractions on the day in- clude a barbecue and raffle.


HAMILTON FINE KITCHENS


z Quality z Design z Imagination Better and at the right price 3


Visit our showroom at Warmlake Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sutton Valence, Kent Free no obligation consultation & design.


All building works undertaken. Maidstone East August 2014


www. hamiltonkitchens.co.uk 01622 844897


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