March/April2014
Serving local people, businesses & events in Addington, Birling, East Malling, Kings Hill, Larkfield, Leybourne, Mereworth, Offham, Ryarsh, Trottiscliffe, West Malling
Follow the blue plaque trail
Village hall marks 40 years
WEST Malling Village Hall has just notched up 40 years of serving the community.
The hall, which has received a national accolade for its high standards, was officially opened in March 1975 by Kent and England cricketer Derek Underwood.
A blue plaque scheme to remember important West Malling residents and events is underway. The properties linked to notable people will be marked with a plaque similar to the English Heritage scheme in London. However, they will also carry a QR code so you can use your smartphone to connect to a fuller account of the individual’s life and activities as you follow a trail through the town. The list of colourful characters set to be commemorated includes three admirals, a poet, aristocrats, as well as famous authors, artists, sportsmen and The Beatles. The scheme, which is supported by Tonbridge and Malling Council and Malling Action Partnership, is the brainchild of resident Peter Cosier, who said: “Over time West Malling has been home to an astounding array of extraordinary individuals of national importance who have built the town and its institutions with their own savings and hard work. The blue plaque scheme will bring these individuals to life by using them to open windows into our nation’s history. The plaques will mark the homes of individuals and the trail booklet will provide a fascinating and entertaining exploration of their times and achievements.”
Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers the site, in Norman Road, has gone from strength to strength and offers a full programme of activities for all age groups. Management committee chairman Chris Gosney said: “The facilities have been vastly improved over recent years and we receive many compliments from our hirers and the community in general. We are a very small committee and feel that we do a good job at running our community facility.”
Chris thanked all past and present hirers for their fantastic support and all who had been involved throughout the years for their hard work and dedication. He and his team are delighted to have achieved Hallmark status, with the award of levels 1 and 2 in the scheme, which recognises good practice by volunteers in the running of community buildings. Level 2, which focuses of health, safety, licences and risk assessments, was awarded last summer, a year after level 1, which highlights management and administration.
They are now working towards Hallmark 3, which they hope to achieve this year. This recognises community and social awareness, communications, forward planning and development.
Main image: Past and present members of the village hall committee, hirers, parish councillors and Friends of the Hall
Right: KCC Cllr Trudy Dean presents the Hallmark level 2 award to Chris Gosney, chairman of the village hall management committee
A Malling Action Partnership publication
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