News
New image for evolving charity
VOLUNTARYAction Maidstone is looking to change its name to In- volve. After 40 years offering a range of services to charities and community groups, the Maidstone-based charity is looking for an image which better reflects its changing role. VAM was founded in 1975, but
only adopted its current title in 2008. Although volunteering is still at
the heart of the service,VAMalso of- fers some specialised services which require delivery by professionals. One of these is the Maidstone and Malling Carers Project – currently VAM’s biggest service. The board ofVAMhas been in dis- cussion with marketing and brand- ing groups and has come up with the name Involve and the strapline “changing lives and communities”. The charity believes the name re-
flects its passion and commitment to engage and support people. “The board and staff strongly feel
that the new name will allow VAM to continue to thrive in what is an in- creasingly competitive environment
and present the organisation in a modern, dynamic and inclusive way,” said a spokesman. Members are being asked for their
views before a final decision is taken later in the summer. VAM is increasingly being asked
to provide services across a wider geographical area and the board be- lieves the name will also represent its wider geographic involvement, as well as reflecting its heritage and the nature of its work. Stakeholders such as Kent County Council and the Clinical Commis- sioning Group already cover areas beyond Maidstone and Malling and other groups, such as Macmillan, re- quire VAMto cover certain areas to work in partnership with hospitals and oncology centres. In recent years, VAM has devel-
oped its Council for Voluntary Serv- ice, which provides advice and information to other non-profit or- ganisations, as well as specialist services such as fall prevention pro- grammes and support for people suffering from cancer.
downsmail.co.uk George is musical winner
A YOUNGtuba player has won the title of Maidstone and Mid Kent Young Musician of the Year. George Harrington (16), a pupil of King’s School, Rochester, who plays
in Maidstone Wind Symphony and at Medway Towns Music Centre, also plays the viola, piano and guitar. Runner-up at The Hazlitt Theatre
was pianist Rajan Lal (16), who at- tends Kent Academy ofMusic. He and George are pictured right. The other finalists were flautist
Emily Christian (17), pianist Jessica Grindlay (15), singers Amelia Cham- bers and Rebecca Shelbourn (18), vio- linist Joana Pupaza (18) and clarinettist Nelson Sinclair-Strong. The competition is run by the Rotary clubs ofMaidstone and Maidstone
Dawn Patrol and helps future generations of young musicians. Itwas com- pered by William Perry, president of the Rotary Club of Maidstone.
Theft from store Double assault
A MAN has appeared in court charged with shoplifting at The Mall in Maidstone. John Sweeney (31), of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Med- way Magistrates’ Court to stealing cosmetics from a shop in the shop- ping centre. He was sentenced to 60 days in prison and ordered to pay £180 costs as well as an £80 victim sur- charge.
A MAIDSTONE man pleaded guilty to two charges of assault when he appeared before Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court. Marcus Wood (23), of Bridge Mill
Way, Tovil, assaulted two men in Ham Lane, Lenham. He was ordered to carry out 150
hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months and pay a total of £150 in compensation, £50 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
6
Maidstone East June 2015 Thanks to the Festival’s media partner, the Downs Mail – Parade photo gallery on our website w/c 6th July
www.downsmail.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56