Town July 2015

News

Photo prize for Merlyn

A CREATIVE media student from Maidstone has won a county-wide photographic competition. Merlyn Jeffery’s photograph ‘On

a Journey’ was selected winner of the KAFEC (Kent Association of Further Edu- cation Col- leges) 2015 Photography Competition out of entries from colleges throughout Kent, and an- nounced at the

University of Kent. Merlyn (17), from Nettlestead, is

a student at MidKent College, Maidstone, where she is studying for a diploma in creative media production. The college will be using the pic-

ture on its website to promote the film production and photography courses it offers. Students from Ashford College, Canterbury College, West Kent College, East Kent College and NorthWest Kent College also took part.

Merlyn’s awardwas presented to

her at Maidstone by Chris Hare, Director of Development at KAFEC. Merlyn, who previously at- tended Mascalls School, Paddock Wood, said: “Winning this compe- tition has really encouraged me.” Her tutor Ian Caird said: “Mer-

lyn is a visionary student, able to adapt her ideas and relate them to a brief with flair and aptitude.” It was her enjoyment of writing

and art which helped steer her to- wards the current course and she would like to work within the cre- ative media industry, either in photography, publishing, market- ing or TV and video production.

Reserve’s big

cat open days THEWildlife Heritage Foundation is opening its gates to the public for a series of open days in July. The foundation, which has more

than 50 big cats, including tigers, lions, leopards and cheetahs, at its reserve on the Headcorn Road in Smarden will be adding to the at- traction with a falconry display, bouncy castle, and arts and crafts stalls. The open days run from Thurs-

day to Sunday, July 16–19. Tickets are £10 per person (under

5s free). Booking is in advance only at www.whf.org.uk.

Formore local news www.downsmail.co.uk 28 Maidstone Town July 2015 Pupils who had recipes published in the cook book received certificates Pupils’ recipes help hospice

DOZENS of budding young chefs from Maidstone and the surrounding area have had their recipes included in a charity cook book. Entries chosen for The Children’s Choice Cook Book include recipes from primary school pupils from 41 Kent schools, including Loose, St John’s at Grove Green, Staplehurst, Allington and Barming. Recipes including Barnaby Williams’ Healthy Nachos were on show to classmates when the book was launched at Loose Primary School. The Contract Dining Company, which caters for schools and ran the com- petition, has had 5,000 copies of the book printed. These will be on sale for £1, in a bid to raise £5,000 for Demelza Hospice Care for Children. Pupils whose recipeswere included in the book, including Hayley Buckle,

fromAllington Primary School, Emily Moreton, fromSt John’s and Jasmine Ayres, from Barming school, received a certificate and a goody bag. Contract Dining Company operations director Tracey Spellman said: “It

has taken about six months from beginning to end, but it was great fun. We are really pleased with the book – it’s stunning.” Demelza’s community fundraiser Leila Ilkhan said: “We cannot say thank

you enough to all the very talented schoolchildren who put forward their delicious recipe ideas. “The book looks absolutely brilliant and we’re so grateful to everyone

whoworked so hard tomake this happen –we can’twait to start trying all the meals. The money this book will raise will make a real difference to our children and families.” Anyone who would like to buy a copy of the book should contact Emma Grove at the hospice on 01795 845270.

downsmail.co.uk

Apprentice scheme ‘has mutual benefits’

AN assisted apprentice scheme running at the Maidstone YMCA sports and community centre is reaping rewards for young people and staff. The scheme, funded by Kent County Council and coordinated by MaidstoneYMCA,has seen two ap- prentices gaining work skills. Matthew Whyatt, of Coxheath, completed his course last year and is now working at the sports and community centre as a fitness in- structor and also as an NHS health trainer. Patrick Davies (21) is half way through his course and on the way to gaining his NVQ level two in customer service. Both Matthew and Patrick have Asperger syn- drome. Patrick, from Coxheath, said:

“I’m enjoying the scheme much more than I imagined. It’s a close- knit team at the gym and I’m get- ting onwell with allmycolleagues.

“I did IT at MidKent College and

it’s something I really enjoy. “I’m learning a lot of general pur-

pose skills that will be useful for me in and out of work in the future.” Matthew (pictured) said: “When I first started I was quite nervous but I fell more and more in love with the place and its staff.

It’s true what they say, you’re only as good as the team around you.” The scheme gives young people

who have a disability or who have struggled in education the chance to gain NVQ qualifications. Stewart Mackie, Maidstone YMCA centre manager, said: “The scheme helps the young people

who come through and us as a sports centre. We get an extra pair of hands around the gym and the young people get access to em- ployment, skills and qualifications they may otherwise have struggled to get. “Patrick came in to support our customer service department butwe discovered his amazing IT skills. “The scheme fits in perfectly with

our aims to support the community andwe look forward towelcoming more apprentices next year. We’re incredibly proud of what Matthew and Patrick have achieved so far.” Roger Gough,KCCcabinet mem-

ber for education, said: “The KCC assisted apprenticeship scheme has 60 places for vulnerable young peo- ple across Kent so if anyone knows of someone who may qualify please get in touch.” Call 03000 414005 or email as- sistedapprenticeships@kent.gov. uk.

Prom finale to

celebrations ASTARS and stripes prom will be a fitting end to a day of celebrations in Maidstone on Saturday, July 4. Starting with the Maidstone Pa-

rade and coinciding with an “Inde- pendents’ Day” for the town’s independent traders – American In- dependence Day will end with a rousing concert at All Saints’ Church.

Maidstone Choral Union has been preparing for its summer concert of Carl Orff’s popular cantata “Carmina Burana”, comprising 24 of the works which originally came from locations right across Europe and set to music by Orff in 1935. The concert begins at 7.30pm in

the church and tickets are on sale from freda@me169lb.fsnet.co.uk or by telephoning 01622 726193. They can also be bought from the visitors’ centre at Maidstone Museum. The second part of the perform-

ance takes on a more familiar theme with a Stars and Stripes prom con- taining popular melodies which the audience is invited to sing along to.

Theft charge

AMAIDSTONEmanpleaded guilty to shoplifting when he appeared at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court. John Sweeney (31), of London

Road, Maidstone, stole items valued at £28.02 from a supermarket in Bridge Road, Sheerness.Hewas sen- tenced to 14 days in prison and or- dered to pay a £150 criminal courts charge and an £80 victim surcharge.

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