News
‘Dry’ festival is called off
A DRINK and drug-free music fes- tival in Headcorn was cancelled at the 11th hour due to insufficient ticket sales. The inaugural Ozone Festivalwas
due to take place on July 31 andAu- gust 1, with appearances by bands, solo artists and guest DJs. However, with just days to go, or- ganisers announced on their web- site: “It is with great regret that we are having to cancel this year’s Ozone Festival due to insufficient ticket sales. “For all of you who felt inspired
by our event and bought tickets,we are extremely grateful. Your money will be refunded to you in the next few days.” Ozone spokesman Oliver Bach
said Ozone’s philosophy of being al- cohol and drug-free was the main thing which set it apart from other music festivals and which made it a safe, fun environment for all ages. Organisers said: “We will con-
tinue towards our goal of having a drug- and alcohol-free cultural, music and family-orientated festival in the future and plan to get this out to a wider network where we be- lieve there is interest in our vision.”
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I’ll be back, promises cancer scare councillor
A POPULAR borough councillor is fighting his way back to full health after doctors gave him only a 20% chance of surviving a cancer scare. Cllr Brian Mortimer, who lives in
Heath Road, Coxheath, went to Pembury Hospital in May with a suspected perforated bowel. He was admitted to the wards
and woke up 10 days later in inten- sive care, having had both a can- cerous tumour and abscess removed. He said: “Don’t ask me what happened during those 10 days – I have no idea. Iwas totally out of it. Apparently, the doctors tried to wake me up four times without success; it was only on the fifth oc- casion, after 10 days, that I opened my eyes.” At one point, Cllr Mortimer’s
wife Dianne and close family were told he had only a 20% chance of pulling through. The former Mayor of Maidstone, known for his jovial and outgoing personality, went on to develop septicaemia (blood poisoning) and
thing to do. Every day is now so very precious to me, as there is still a lot I want to do – but I’m alive and kicking, that’s the main thing. I love life – and I’ll be back!” The former electrician and builder, who has served Coxheath and Hunton ward since 1996, paid tribute to his family and friends who had rallied round during his convalescence. He said: “I’ve had kind wishes
from people I don’t even know!” Although it will be some time be-
developed a second abscess in his leg, both of which were success- fully treated. He said: “I consider myself to be
a very lucky lad and am only thankful I amhere to tell the tale.” After being bed-bound in hospi-
tal for a month, Cllr Mortimer (61) now faces a six-month spell of chemotherapy as a preventative measure in case any cancer cells have survived. He said: “I’m not looking for- ward to it, but it is the sensible
fore he is back to full strength, Cllr Mortimer has every intention of getting back into the council cham- ber in the autumn. He said: “My brain still works,
but my body soon gets tired and I get frustrated that I can’t do much.” Brian has been a stalwart of the council, and a regular member on various committees, since his elec- tion 19 years ago. When not attend- ing council meetings and serving hisward members, he enjoys play- ing the guitar and playing in a band. He is also a keen member of the Coxheath twinning association.
01622 902005 14 Maidstone South August 2015
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