News AMDgroup


relaunched ASUPPORT group for people with a common vision-inhibiting condi- tion has been relaunched in Maid- stone. The Macular Society’s local group


in Maidstone had to close in 2012 due to a lack of volunteers, leaving people with age-related macular degeneration unable to meet and learn from other sufferers. However, the charity has re- launched the group, with the ongo- ing aim of offering information, encouragement and friendship to those affected by the condition. Age-related macular degenera-


tion (AMD) affects the central vi- sion and is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK, affecting more than 500,000 people. Numbers are increasing as our population ages and the group is designed to help increase the confi- dence and independence of those affected. The group plans to invite guest speakers on a variety of subjects and the meetings are also a chance to chat over a cup of tea. For more information on the


group or macular degeneration, call the Macular Society’s helpline on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org


Teachers’ move ST SIMON Stock School in Maid- stone will have a different feel when students return from their holidays, after the departure of two key members of staff at the end of term.


Deputy head Ruth Simpson has


taken voluntary redundancy to move closer to home, to a school in Margate, after nearly six years at the Oakwood Park school. Also leaving at the end of term


was PE teacher Gerry Holliday, who is retiring after 15 years at the school.


downsmail.co.uk


Boat owners gather to keep river event afloat


MAIDSTONE’S “boat gathering” proved a resounding success, with more


than 100 boats mooring along the Medway for a day of fun and frolics. Medway River Boaters refused to


be sunk after organisers of the River Festival decided to pull the plug on the annualwaterborne gala and set about organising their own event, spreading theword through friends, family and social media.A Facebook page drew almost 4,000 hits in aweek. With some boats gathering a


week before the event and a sun- filled start to the school holidays, Mark Smurthwaite, one of the or- ganisers, couldn’t have been hap- pier. He even got a mention from Chris Evans on Radio 2. Mark said: “We didn’t receive


one bad comment – just lots of praise. The atmosphere was awe- some. “It was just phenomenal. For something thatwasn’t ‘organised’ it went swimmingly. There was a great atmosphere with old friends meeting up and a lot of laughs.” Town centre manager Bill Moss


said he would fully support a sim- ilar event next year and Mark and the other organisers, Matt Holness and Brian Ashdown, from Little Venice in Yalding, are rallying sup- port from members of the council. Mark said: “I’ve no idea why the council doesn’t support this event – it brought loads of people into town, who spent lots of money. There are plenty of businesses along the river which stand to ben- efit and, with a bit of sponsorship, it could be even better.” Mark (55), from Boughton Monchelsea, who moors his 25ft cabin cruiser at Yalding, believes


the town’s shops and businesses stood to profit hugely, with many boaters eating out over the week- end and frequenting the local pubs. One owner rigged his entire ves-


sel with fairy lights and bunting and sailed up and down the river each evening, towing a 15ft rein- deer. As boats sailed in from Yalding, Hempstead Marina and as far afield as Essex, Mark texted DJ Chris Evans, who used to live in Nettlestead. “I knew Chris had a boat so I sent


him a message to say ‘I’m on my boat in the Med – theMedway, that is’ – and he wished us all the best for a great event.” Cllr Martin Cox, who had organ-


ised the River Festival in the past, pulled the plug after repeatedly failing to get any formal interest or offers of sponsorship. He and other members of Maid- stone Council would like to see a


Cowboys step out to boost hospice funds


MOREthan 185 families, friends and supporters donned checked shirts and cowboy hats for the Heart of Kent Hospice’s WildWestWalk. The evening started at Aylesford


Rugby Club with country and west- ern music, followed by a line dancing warm-up before the walkers headed off on the five or 10-mile sponsored walk. The route took the walkers into Maidstone town centre where they were offered refreshments by staff and volunteers at King Street hospice shop. Those who had opted for the


shorter walk then hopped on the bus back to the rugby club, while others completed the 10-mile route on foot. Event manager Richard Neville said: “It was a fantastic evening and


30


revival of the old Maidstone Carni- val, with a parade from Mote Park weaving itsway through the town. However, the council is actively looking at ways of promoting events in the town centre – and making greater use of the river as an amenity and attraction. At its peak, the River Festival


pulled in up to 10,000 visitors but the economic climate, together with health and safety issues, mean costs have been rising and administra- tion has becomemore complex. Mark said: “The River Festival


was never publicised properly; it’s as though the council didn’t really want it. Yet it brought a lot of peo- ple into the town who spent a lot of money. “Without our, and fellow boaters’


input, therewould never have been any river festivals.We have drawn tens of thousands of people to Maidstone for 35 years and we don’t intend to stop now.”


Colourful run


RUNNERSandwalkers looking for a colourful way to support their local hospice are invited to sign up to the Heart of Kent Hospice’s 5K course at Mote Park. Participants in the event on Sun-


day, September 28, will be show- ered with coloured powders as they make their way round the course, so by the time they cross the finishing line they will be a unique rainbow masterpiece! Registration opens at 9am, and


great to see so many families and young people walking in support of the hospice. Everyone came dressed in some amazing country and western out- fits, including a horse and some Red Indians.We estimatewe have raised


Maidstone Town September 2014


£10,000 in sponsorship which will help us to provide free care and sup- port for our patients with a life limit- ing illness.” At the end of the walk, everyone


was rewarded with a medal and a drink.


entry is £15 for adults, £10 for those aged between 12 and 16, and £5 for under 12s. Teams of eight adults pay £100. More details aswell as terms and conditions can be found at www.hokh.org. To book, email fundraising@hokh.co.uk or call 01622 790195.


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