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Help charity to bridge shortfall


MAIDSTONE Mencap is hoping locals will dig deep to help the charity keep its historic base in the town’s Mote Park. The charity, founded 47 years


ago, runs a popular playgroup, as well as holiday and youth clubs, at its base in the park’s Cobtree Hall. But the former church is falling


into disrepair and now needs £160,000 spending on the roof, gut- tering and stonework to ensure its survival.


Maidstone Mencap is £52,000


short of funds for the first phase and would need an extra £30,000 to complete the second. At a time when the charity is al-


ready struggling to stay solvent, the news has come as a bitter blow. The group is loathe to relinquish


the historic building in a pictur- esque setting where the children can play safely both inside and out. Consequently, it has launched a campaign to raise funds and secure any appropriate grants and dona-


tions toward the cost of the work. Maidstone Mencap caters for children and young people with both learning and physical disabil- ities. Many of them also have addi- tional medical needs, are autistic and have difficulty communicating or challenging behaviour, any of which may mean they are ex- cluded from other clubs. The playschool runs each Tues-


day and Thursday in term time, from 10am to 2pm, catering for up to 25 children aged two to five from Maidstone, Malling and theWeald. A dedicated team of volunteers means the children get 1:1 care. The charity gets no government funding so is entirely dependent upon donations. For more information on how to


help, donate or volunteer, visit www.maidstonemencap.org


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STONE GREEN NURSERIES www.stonegreennurseries.co.uk


A new lease of life for Maidstone’s 12th-century Corpus Christi Hall Ancient to modern revival


A 12TH-century hall in Maidstone, mothballed for 15 years, is to open its doors to the public following a six-month renovation project. The Corpus Christi Hall in Earl


Street is now available for private hire in the latest twist to its colour- ful past. It was home toMaidstone grammar school for 300 years, from 1549, and also housed the town’s Whitbread brewery. Part of the building was most recently used as the reception for Avis rent-a-car, while the rest lay empty for 15 years. The hall’s historic character re-


mains in place thanks to its original features including two crown posts with chamfered tie beams, a pas- sage with five stone arches, and traces of a wooden partition that originally divided the hall in two. The renovation has meticulously restored the building, with its origi-


nal sprung floor and vaulted ceiling. Now, the hall boasts a bar and com- mercial kitchen, which are available for wedding receptions, corporate events, birthdays and any celebra- tions. The owner, described as a “very


private person”, added: “I had a vi- sion for an events hall but some- thing that was a little different. That is when the hall came about and although it was an obvious challenge, I could see the huge po- tential and honour to open such a prestigious building.We believe we now have what is amagnificent re- sult, with it retaining its original charm and features.” The public can view the premises


for free from noon to 4pm on Sun- day, September 13, as part of Maid- stone Council’s Heritage Open Days. Details on 01622 670011, or email info@christis.co.uk.


We grow our fantastic range of plants with passion and pride for garden designers, landscapers, local nurseries, farm shops and other horticulture outlets.


Wholesale Nursery open to the public 4th - 6th and 25th - 27th September


We have a truly exquisite selection to offer you from the tried and tested to the more unusual. Huge range and fair prices


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For detailed directions please use website Follow day –glow signs from A20 at Charing and A28 at Bethersden Maidstone Town September 2015 5


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