News
Villagers urged to back market
VILLAGERS are being urged to support their local farmer’s market amid fears it could collapse. The popular Yalding market,
which gave rise to the even more successful Yuletide Market, is now in its 15th year, but sales – and now stalls – are declining. Despite attempts to attract stall- holders, many have not remained because of the lack of customers. Market manager Brian Harvey has
urged local people to support the market if theywant it to continue. He said: “The farmers’ market en-
ables local farmers and producers to sell direct to their customers without the middleman– supermarkets etc – taking most of the profit. “The product range on offer is
very good and of excellent quality and stallholders’ prices are very competitive. Customerswanting the normal range of vegetables, bread and cakes, meat and sausages would find it worth shopping at the market, while the plant stalls are usually cheaper than garden centres.” Because the market takes place in
the village High Street, it is restricted to about 15 stalls. Although there is
some marketing – banners, leaflets and road signs – few people from outside the village visit the market. Mr Harvey said: “All farmers’ markets have seen a decline in the number of customers, largely due to the austerity of the past few years, and a number are struggling to sur- vive, despite providing high quality produce at competitive prices. “The viability of the Yalding mar-
ket depends almost exclusively on the people living in the village and the surrounding area using it. “We shall endeavour to keep the market going and try to get it back to the level it was operating at in 2011/12, but this can only happen if people in the village start to use it much more. “Unless this happens, there is a se-
rious risk the number of stallholders will decline to the point that the mar- ket ceases to be viable, and this would be a great loss for Yalding.” The market takes place on the
third Saturday of the month, from 10am to 1pm. The refreshment stall is run on a rota by village groups to raise money for their group or for charity.
downsmail.co.uk Music club proves a hit
MARDEN is alive with the sound of music! A new music club on a Saturdaymorning has brought children flocking to
the village like the famous rats following the Pied Piper. Pianist Peter Simpson has converted a former office building into teaching
rooms and a recording studio, with facilities for the young – and the not so young – to compose, play and recordmusic. Using a combination of games
and the latest music technology, Simpson’s Sounds has brought music to the ears of parents who want to encourage their youngsters to play. But it is not only children who are
feeling the benefit. The Saturday morning music club
is open to all ages and, while it teaches children from the age of seven the basics of making music – encouraging them to take it further, right through to GCSE – it is also open to adults who want to expand their experience of playing music. Ahuge notationmapwhich can be
rolled out on the floor allows children to get acquainted with the keys – using their feet – while the sound- proofed recording booth means they can let rip to their lungs’ content. Peter teaches the principles and business partnerDanYoung, amusic tech-
Billy Moss (9) from Marden tries out the giant keyboard
nician from Canterbury, adds the bells and whistles – and any other sound effects and backing tracks – so that participants can come away with a CD of their own compositions. The pair will be running sessions throughout the school holidays, offering
keyboard and piano tuition, as well as teaching youngsters how to make music.
Premier ironing, laundry and dry cleaning service
Iron Maids offer a premier ironing service, alongside our laundry and dry cleaning services, to households all around Kent and East Sussex. Whether you require a regular ironing service or a helping hand with the odd basket of ironing, Iron Maids can help. Our service is quick, flexible, personal and affordable.
Free collection and delivery within the local area
Shirts £1.35 (starching available) All other clothing £2.95 per Kg Full laundry service £4.95 per Kg Full dry cleaning and repair service
T: 01622 870111
www.iron-maids.co.uk
For our special offers follow us on 8 Maidstone South July 2015
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