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downsmail.co.uk Cafe’s new


lease of life A TOWN centre cafe has found a creative way of making a ‘living’. The Living Café in Earl Street has prided itself on serving nutritious, locally-sourced food in a friendly and intimate atmosphere. Now, when the soup and sand- wiches are sold out, the cafe switches at 4.30pm to serving liq- uid refreshment, thanks to the Crafty Alehouse – a new micro-pub pouring pints from four casks stored in the cafe’s cellars. Sandwiched between the Earl’s and Druids pubs, the Crafty Ale- house is run by brothers Sam and Joe Otway, and estate agent Ben Siggins. The new owners hope to attract customers looking for a quiet drink before or after a meal.


Man cut free in


car crash rescue KENT Fire and Rescue was called to a crash involving two cars in Sit- tingbourne Road, Maidstone. They found a man in his mid-30s trapped in one of the cars com- plaining of neck and chest pain. Crews removed the driver’s door and worked with paramedics to get him into an ambulance before mak- ing the scene safe.


News


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. Hewas admitted and woke up 10


days later in intensive care, having had both a cancerous 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 developed a second abscess in his leg, both of which were success-


ing, 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-


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 thing to do. “Every day is now so very pre-


cious to me, as there is still a lot I want to do – but I’m alive and kick-


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 attending council meetings and serving his ward members, he enjoys playing the guitar and playing in a band. He is also a keen member of the Cox- heath twinning association.


For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk Maidstone


At home bathing/ showering/washing service provided by our bathing assistants in the comfort of your own home


Cost


One/first bath only £10.40 Second bath in the same week £7.50


Privacy and dignity


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Maidstone Town September 2015 3


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