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 Fellowship for Grayson
THE Salvation Army Major, Grayson Williams, who piloted Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter, has been ho- noured by his Rotary club with its highest award – a Paul Harris Fellow- ship. Grayson, a member of the Rotary
Club of Maidstone for six years, helped build in 2013 a team of Maid- stone churches and volunteers to pro- vide night shelter, food, company and advice to homeless people sleeping rough in the town. Last winter the scheme was ex- panded to cover a longer period and help more homeless. Grayson is retiring from the Salva-
tion Army after 34 years and is mov- ing with his wife to the south coast.
Housing sites
ON page one of our April edition (Local plan would bring town to halt, says KCC), we stated that the scrutiny committee spent more than 25 hours analysing proposed housing sites without being aware of KCC opposition. In fact, it was only during the
first of three scrutiny committee meetings, which lasted signifi- cantly less than 25 hours, that members were unaware of the op- position.
Grayson Williams received the award fromthe President of the Rotary Club of Maidstone, William Perry
Barn conversion
A PROPOSAL has been sub- mitted to convert an agricul- tural barn in Staplehurst into a home.
Maidstone Council will de-
cide whether the proposal for Spilsill Farm in Frittenden Road can be given the go- ahead as a prior notification and bypass the planning ap- plications process.
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The place for plants
Our extensive range of summer bedding is now in stock. A fabulous selection of trailing and bushy plants to add vibrant and modern or calming and subtle colour to your summer planters, hanging baskets and borders. Ready-made baskets also available.
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