News
downsmail.co.uk Stones’ joy as 3G ban is lied
MAIDSTONE United FC have had a major success after it was announced that 3G pitches will be permitted in the Football Confer- ence. The Stones’ home ground, the Gallagher Stadium in James What- man Way, was completed in 2012 with a third-generation synthetic surface as its main pitch, which would have excluded the club from joining the Conference South in the event of promotion from the Ryman Isthmian League Premier Division. However, the ban has now been
Cricket festival
YALDING Cricket Club is to host a family cricket event on August Bank Holiday Sunday. The event is aimed at players and non-players of all ages, with live music, food and drink, family ac- tivities and plenty of cricket. There will be a six-a-side tournament at The Kintons playing field, off Vic- arage Road, which is open to all. Yalding Cricket Club is always looking for new members. For de- taisl contact Fergus Carty on fx-
carty@hotmail.co.uk or on 07713 137011.
lifted after strong campaigning from Stones chairman Oliver Ash. The Conference said in a state-
ment: “At the pre-season meeting of clubs in membership of the Va- narama Conference for season 2014/15 an update was issued on the use of ATPs [Artificial Turf Pitches] in the competition. “Following recent dialogue with
the Football Association and Foot- ball League, the Football Confer- ence’s board intends to allow competition matches to be played onATPs in all three divisions from the start of the 2015/16 season.
MP visits fetes
MP for Maidstone and the Weald Helen Grant was a guest at two vil- lage fetes. At Surrenden Field in Staplehurst,
the fete coincided with Armed Forces Day. MrsGrantmadea point of chat- ting with Vic Holdaway of the Royal British Legion (pictured). Later she joined East Farleigh’s
fete at the recreation ground where she enjoyed live performances by the Blues Brothers’ Little Brother Band and the Surgeons of Samba.
“Such approval will only be
given where surfaces meet the standards of installation and crite- ria for use, which are to be agreed by the respective authorities. “Further statements will be
made as and when the standards and criteria are agreed with all our football partners.” Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone
and the Weald and Minister for Sport, said: “Having raised the issue with the football authorities several times over the last few months, it’s fantastic that the Con- ference is taking this sensible step.
“I want to pay tribute to every-
one at Maidstone United who worked so hard to campaign for 3G and let’s hope this ignites the Stones’ bid for promotion next sea- son.” The decision is an about-turn
from the Football Conference board, which voted in February to reject a proposal to overturn the 3G ban.
However, a month later the FA
Cup board announced it would allow the use of 3G pitches in the flagship competition aswell as the FAYouth Cup.
Car boot sale
ACARboot sale will be held on the playing fields in Horseshoes Lane, Langley on Saturday, August 23. Fees are £10 for cars and £12 for
vans, which can be paid on arrival. Sellers should arrive by 8am, and the public will be admitted from 9am. Hot and cold drinks, snacks and
rolls will be available from the vil- lage hall from 8.30am.
FREE
All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231
Specialists in supplying aggregates
Top Soil • Sand & Ballast Free Delivery
•Turf •Top Soil •Mushroom Compost
www.allloads.co.uk email:
aggregates@allloads.co.uk
16 Maidstone South August 2014
ReadtheDownsMail online
atwww.downsmail.co.uk
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