News Chance to
expand skills PEOPLE of retirement age can learn new skills and information in a friendly environment with no exams at the end. Asecond University of the Third
Age (U3A) group has been set up in the Maidstone area to ease a large waiting list at the original group. Maidstone Invicta U3A will serve the areas on the edge of the town including Staplehurst, Harriet- sham, Barming and Aylesford. U3A is a national organisation
with more than 800 groups across the country. Members organise op- portunities for fellow members to learn about and experience differ- ent things with subjects as varied as art appreciation, languages, music, history, life sciences, philosophy, computing, crafts, photography and walking. There are no qualifi- cations at the end – the emphasis is on learning for fun. For more information call David Hoxey on 01622 630799.
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.
Trees for the axe
PLANNING permission was granted for the removal of eight protected trees may be removed from a garden in Grove Green. Maidstone Council gave the go-
ahead for the felling of four cy- press, two hazel, an ash and a field maple tree in Sandhurst, Grove Green Road.
Shade decision
A PROTECTED conifer and ash tree is to be felled at 6 Gean Close, Walderslade. The planning application, which
was accepted by Maidstone Coun- cil, claims the conifer causes exces- sive shading and the ash is too close to the property and has low amenity value.
Chiropody clinic
PLANNING permission has been granted to convert a chiropody clinic into residential accommoda- tion at 3 Maidstone Road, Lenham.
22 Maidstone East 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
who worked 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 halfway 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.
Charitywalk
THE Weald of Kent Rotary Club raised £15,500 for Cancer Research UK in its 30th North DownsWalk. More than 400 walkers took part
in the annual walk, which starts and finishes at HarrietshamVillage Hall and takeswalkers through the beautiful North Downs. The walk, sponsored by Maid- stone-based Family Funeral Serv- ice, was also used by groups of Air Training Cadets, Scouts, cheerlead- ers and other individuals to raise money for their own causes. In the 30 years thewalk has taken
place, more than £475,000 has been raised for national and local chari- ties, including about £250,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Home approved
PLANNING permission was granted for the demolition and re- placement of Highfield, a home in Faversham Road, Lenham. Lenham Parish Council objected because it had concerns that the dwelling would be significantly larger than the present home.How- ever, Maidstone Council's planning committee approved the scheme.
Truck blaze
A TRUCK driverwas taken to hos- pital after his vehicle caught fire in Boughton Road, Sandway, near Lenham.
Firefighters tackled the blaze and treated the driver for the effects of breathing in smoke, before he was taken to hospital. The truck was completely destroyed by the blaze.
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