News
Volunteering ‘a two-way benefit’
A NEW RBLI project aims to muster 100 volunteers to join the charity by the end of the year. The scheme will focus on volun- teering as a pathway to employ- ment, rehabilitation and to provide additional services to the men and women supported by RBLI. It is hoped to recruit volunteers in- cluding befrienders, minibus and van drivers, help with gardening, maintenance and catering. Existing volunteers, representa-
tives of volunteering organisations and council officials attended the launch at the Royal British Legion Village inAylesford. Itwas followed by a planting ceremony in the Gar- den of Honour. Julie Beilby, chief executive of Tonbridge and Malling Council, said: “Volunteering is an increas- ingly popularway for people to give something back to the community and provides many with a pathway back to work.” Among the speakers were volun-
teers Kate Bosley and Derek Cantel- low, who lives in the legion village. He said: “Volunteering with the
Volunteer Kate Bosley with Steve Sherry and Julie Beilby
RBLI gives me a chance to talk to people and helps maintain the sense of community in the village.” RBLI chief executive Steve Sherry
said: “Volunteering is very different from what itwas a decade ago. It is a two-way process which benefits the volunteer and the organisation. For some it can be a first step into employment, enabling them to re- gain confidence. It will also allow us to provide extended services for the armed forces community and others we support.” For more information, visit
RBLI.co.uk, call 01622 795924 or email
volunteer@rbli.co.uk.
downsmail.co.uk Call to patrol parents’ parking
AMAIDSTONEmumsays she avoids shopping at The Mall because of the difficulty finding a parking space. Ruth Young (29) has three children
under eight andnowavoids the town because of the problem she faces finding a mother and toddler space at the centre’s multi-storey car park. The Mall has a designated area for
27 cars for parents with children on the fourth floor next to the shops, but Mrs Young says she is often forced to use other floors further from the shops which turns her shopping trip into a nightmare. Mrs Young, fromWillington Street,
says the problem is made worse by “shoppers without children using the designated parking area”. She said: “As parents we have to pay for our space, so being forced to
park on the sixth or seventh floor, with three children is inconsiderate.” Mrs Young believes The Mall’s parking staff should patrol the zone and fine offenders. The Mall’s marketing manager
Suzie Brindle said: “We have chosen to provide 27 spaces designated for parents with children. As there is no national framework for family park- ing, and operating a badge systemis not compulsory,we rely on customers to use these spaces appropriately.” However, she continued: “We are
constantly reviewing the manage- ment of our car parks and are open to introducing a badge systemif that is what our customers would like.” Send your views on parking at the
centre to
amp.maidstone@the-
mall.co.uk.
Inquiry into ‘army games’ in woods
AN investigation has opened into the use of woods off the A249 near Stockbury for military games, following concern from parish councillors. According to the organisers’website –
apocalypse249.com – some 200
acres of Longton and Squirrel Woods are now used for the Sunday “skir- mishes”, and have been kitted out with a “US Military base”, “Viet- namese village”, canteen, toilets and shop. Stockbury Parish Council, supported by Thurnham Parish Council, has
asked Maidstone planners to look into whether the organisers have the necessary planning consents to be using the site. A spokesman for Maidstone Council said: “We are investigating the situation.”
We are always looking for volunteers Maidstone
We are always in need of people who can spare a few hours.
Volunteering opportunities we have are; Day Centre Helpers Mini - bus Escorts Computer Class Tutors Fundraisers
Information and Advice Helpers
Call us on 01622 753618 or drop in for a chat at 7, Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6XW
www.ageuk.org.uk/maidstone
18 Maidstone Town June 2015
Volunteers needed
To volunteer and help us run our services that we have on offer for the elderly citizens in the Maidstone Borough.
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