News
It’s time forme to go, says charity chairman
THE popular chairman of Maid- stone Homeless Care is to retire. Mike FitzGerald, a former coun-
cillor and Mayor of Maidstone, has been the charity’s frontman for more than 13 years, being instru- mental in its move to Knightrider Street, its merger with Goodsell House and its rebranding from Maidstone Christian Care. Hewas in at the start of the com- munity food share scheme Food for Thought, which delivers food to the needy and has seen the Christmas food appeal reach a record level. At the age of 74, Mr FitzGerald –
whose other claims to fame include starting the World Custard Pie Throwing Championship in 1967, founding MAPS which brings to- gether the community in Park Wood and helping set up the Chart Sutton village shop – has decided it’s time to take his foot off the gas. He said: “Life is full of tough de- cisions and they come no tougher than when one is committed and passionate about the work of a charity that you have supported for many years, and have been
ment of my time supporting the workwe do and attracting support for the workwe do.” Changes in service delivery mean
the charity now needs a new drive and commitment over a period of up to five years, he said. A spokesman for Homeless Care
Mike FitzGerald
striving to make a difference.” But he said: “I have much to sort
out in my life while I am still fit enough and I have come to the de- cision that the time is right.” In the three years since stepping
down from the council, Mr FitzGer- ald has helped to strengthen the several charities he is involved in. He said: “I believe Homeless
Care is in a really strong position. It has had a fulfilling and inspiring year.” “I have made a huge commit-
said:“Wewant to say a huge thank you to Mike for everything he has done. Also to his wife Maureen who has worked quietly and tire- lessly in the background to make it all happen.” A soup run in 1986 organised by teachers and pupils from Maid- stone Girls Grammar School was the beginning of what has now be- come Homeless Care, the town’s leading charity for homeless and vulnerable men and women. Maidstone Christian Care, as it
was, merged with Goodsell House Trust in 2013 to become Homeless Care, the umbrella organisation for the Maidstone Day Centre, Food for Thought, the 10-bed hostel at Goodsell House and Maidstone Christian Care, and its link with the churches who continue to help the cause.
downsmail.co.uk Thief jailed
A SERIAL shoplifter from Maid- stone has been jailed for just over five months. Douglas Frankham pleaded
guilty to five counts of shoplifting in the town when he appeared for sentence at Medway Magistrates’ Court on September 10. The 28-year-old, from Cheshire
Road, took food and alcohol from a shop in Northumberland Road, Shepway onAugust 5 and 13; wine from a shop inWillington Street on August 10 and 11 and again three days later. Frankham was sentenced to 160
days in prison and ordered to pay £83 compensation.
Panto time
THE Detling Players will be per- forming Dick Whittington at Detling Village Hall on November 12, 13 and 14. Performances start at 7.30pm
with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. To book tickets go to
www.detlingplayers.co.uk or call 07842169725.
Chest injury
KENTAirAmbulancewas called to an incident in Thurnham in which a horse rider suffered an injured chest.
Can you picture yourself working at the “Loveliest Castle in the World?”
Working closely with our catering partners, ‘Levy’ we are now recruiting for a variety of positions including:
- Waiting Staff - Bar Staff - Catering Assistants for our Catering Outlets - Kitchen Porters - Conference and Banqueting Staff - Chefs
If you would like to find out more information about working for Levy at Leeds Castle, we are holding a recruitment open evening on Tuesday 20th October between 5.00pm - 7.00pm. Come along and enjoy a glass of wine and canapés, and hear all about the exciting opportunities we have on offer.
If you would like to attend, please contact Elaine Jackson at
ElaineJackson@leeds-castle.co.uk for more information and to register your attendance.
We look forward to meeting you. 6 Maidstone East October 2015
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