downsmail.co.uk


Stones’ delight as 3G ban lied


MAIDSTONE United FC are cele- brating after it was announced that 3G pitches will be permitted in the Football Conference. The Stones’ home ground, the Gallagher Stadium in James What- 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 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.


“Such approval will only be


given where surfaces meet the stan- dards of installation and criteria for use, which are to be agreed by the respective authorities. “Further statements will be made


as and when the standards and cri- teria are agreed with all our foot- ball 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. “Iwant to pay 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.


STONE GREEN NURSERIES www.stonegreennurseries.co.uk


We grow our fantastic range of plants with passion and pride for garden designers, landscapers, local nurseries, farm shops and other horticulture outlets.


Wholesale Nursery open to the public September 5th-7th and 26th-28th


We have a truly exquisite selection to offer you from the tried and tested to the more unusual. Huge range and fair prices


We invite you to our open days


Your selection will come from our growing beds, you can’t buy fresher


If you have a taste for plants we can offer you a feast.


*Shrubs*Trees*Herbaceous perennials*Climbers* *Large plants for instant impact* 9am-5pm Fri, Sat, Sun and BHM.


Truly a gardener’s paradise Pluckley Road Bethersden TN26 3ET


Please remember we are only open on these dates We accept most major credit cards


For detailed directions please use website Follow day –glow signs from A20 at Charing and A28 at Bethersden


www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk/kesr September


27th Day Out With T © 20 4 G © 2014 Gullane (Thomas) Limite d. Thomas t Te phone 0 h Thomas ™ T s ™ Thomas t & 28th s the Tank E trademarks of Gs of Gullane (Thomas)) L Telephone 01580 7


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s & Friends and D dDay Out With T h Thomas a 5 • ke r.kesr.org.uk Maidstone East September 2014 13 s are


Prizewinners the Townsley family and Zane Smith


Ten years ofwoodland trust


FAMILIES turned out in force to celebrate the 10th anniversary of BearstedWoodland Trust. Almost a year to the day since the death of founder member and life


president Peter Willson, who devoted the last nine years of his life to the furtherance of the trust, his widow was present to witness the pleasure and enjoyment the trust gives to residents and visitors. For some, it was their first visit to the 16-acre site, off Church Landway


– but, they assured, it won’t be their last. With music, food and drink, birds of prey, arts and crafts, the day was designed to raise awareness of the trust and its work and to explore the walks and nature trails. It was organised by trust members and Kent Community Events, supported by the parish council, Reed Printers, and Aford Awards, which sponsored an archery contest, won by Zane Smith (six) from Bearsted. The trust also recruited several new members. Newcomers to Bearsted, the Townsley family, won the nature trail competition and a VIP tour of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation’s Big Cat Sanctuary. Music was provided by Mick’s Hot Licks and flautist Erica Longdon, who joined in with the band and also played a selection of appropriate woodland tunes.


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