News


Stones’ delight as 3G ban lied


MAIDSTONE United FC are cele- brating after itwas announced that 3Gpitcheswill be permitted in the Football Conference. The Stones’ home ground, the


Gallagher Stadium in JamesWhat- man Way, was completed in 2012 with a third-generation synthetic surface, which would have ex- cluded the club from joining the Conference South in the event of promotion from the Ryman Isth- mian League Premier Division. However, the ban has now been


lifted after strong campaigning from Stones chairman OliverAsh. The Conference said in a state-


ment: “At the pre-seasonmeeting of clubs in membership of the Va- naramaConference 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 on ATPs in all three divisions from the start of the 2015/16 season.


“Such approvalwill only be given


where surfaces meet the standards of installation and criteria for use, which are to be agreed by the re- spective authorities. “Further statementswill bemade


as andwhen the standards and cri- teria are agreedwith 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. “Iwanttopay tribute to everyone


at Maidstone United who worked so hard to campaign for 3G. Let’s hope this ignites the Stones’ bid for promotion next season.” 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, amonth later the FA Cup board announced it would allow the use of 3G pitches in the flagship competition as well as the FAYouth Cup.


downsmail.co.uk


Serina signs up as first dementia buddy


MAIDSTONE andTunbridge Wells NHS Trust has signed up its first dementia buddy. SerinaGurung (24), of Maidstone, will be volunteeringabout


three times aweek on John Day ward at Maidstone Hospital. Shewill help patients


with dementia, making sure they receive plenty of social interaction, escort them to appointments within thehospital, partici- pate in activities to main- tain patients’ cognitive capabilities, helpwith food and drink, and support car- ers and family. Serina said: “I am de-


Serina Gurung (left) with Natalie Emerick


lighted to be involved in the scheme. After completingmybio- medical sciences degree I wanted the chance to combine my medical knowledgewith gettingmore involved inmy local hospi- tal and doing somethingthatwas personally rewarding.” JohnDayward, alongwithward 31 at TunbridgeWellsHospital


is piloting the scheme for 12 months in partnership with the trust and charity Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services. Before being allowed on thewards, buddies receive trainingin


dementia, falls and cultural awareness, nutrition and hydration. NatalieEmerick,dementia buddy co-ordinator for the trust, said:


“A dementia buddy is canmake all thedifference to a patientwith memory problems, ensuringthey receive thebest possible care.” Anyoneinterested in becoming a volunteer dementia buddy can callNatalie on 07961 501291 or email natalie.emerick@alz-dem.org.


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Maidstone Town September 2014


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