News
New vicar set to join parish
WORSHIPPERS in Headcorn and the Suttons are preparing to wel- come a new vicar to the parish. The institution of Rev Fiona Has-
kett by the Bishop of Dover at Headcorn Church on February 24 follows a year of temporary cover after the retirement of Rev Dr Brian Curnew. She and her husband Gra- ham will move to the vicarage in Oak Road, Headcorn with their dog Hec- tor.
She previ-
ously served as vicar of Whitting- ton withWeeford and Hints in the Diocese of Lichfield, in Stafford- shire.
Churchwarden Gillian Mountjoy described the vicar as “very much a people person”, adding: “She has already called in on pupils and is very keen to get involved. She is a lovely person to speak with and I would be happy to confide in her if
I needed help.” Fiona wrote in the parish maga-
zine: “I believe that the vicar is a servant to the whole community and I would like you all to feel that I amhere for each and every one of you – unconditionally and regard- less of the strength of your links with the church.” She has asked residents to make themselves known to her if they see her outwalking, and joked: “If you see me in the pub – mine’s a pint.” Fiona and her husband, a retired
IT teacher, grew up in Tunbridge Wells, where their parents and the couple’s sons Edward and Alex still live. They also have two daughters, Lucy and Beth. The new vicar, who describes herself as an avid collector of trivia and enjoys setting and taking part in quizzes, is also learning to play the saxophone. The couple are keen amateur photographers. All are invited to the institution service, which starts at 7pm. It will be followed by refreshments in the village hall.
ARRIVA buses has pledged to make improvements to its much- maligned services in south Maid- stone. Parents, pupils and residents complained about several of the company’s services, including the 5, 12, 59 and 89, which connect areas such as Staplehurst, Cox- heath, Boughton Monchelsea and Tenterden with Maidstone. MPfor Maidstone and theWeald
Helen Grant convened a meeting with the bus company, to which county, borough and parish coun- cillorswere invited, along with par- ents and teachers. Arriva has promised to address maintenance issues more swiftly
downsmail.co.uk Arriva vows to boost buses
and will replace and prioritise more frequent routes when they have breakdowns. The company will also consider providing extra capacity on school routes and employ a dedicated team of drivers for the No 5 route. A subcommittee has been set up, comprising Maidstone cabinet member John Perry, parish council- lor Peter Spearink, Invicta head Julie Derrick, parents Marissa Avraamides and Tina Jordan and Robert Patterson from Arriva, which will monitor progress. In the meantime, Arriva has said
it will resolve issues with the smartphone app which provides live bus information.
Cattery pens can remain
A CATTERY has been told it can re- main in Headcorn for a further three years.
Maidstone Council granted tem-
porary permission for 12 cat pens in the rear garden of 2 West View, Maidstone Road. The decision was the fourth time
the facility has been given a three- year consent and it is hoped that the RSPCA will construct a perma- nent cattery elsewhere once funds
become available. A supporting statement said:
“The project to foster cats has con- tinued to be in demand and pro- vides a valuable community service without causing any problems for the local area; the site is kept in good clean condition.” The council noted that no com-
plaints about noise or odour had been made in the years since the cattery had become established.
01622 902005 8
Maidstone South February 2015
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