Jan/Feb 2016
Serving local people, businesses & events in Addington, Birling, East Malling, Kings Hill, Larkfield, Leybourne, Mereworth, Offham, Ryarsh, Trottiscliffe, West Malling
Blue plaques are hailed a success
THE LAUNCH of West Malling’s blue plaque scheme was very successful, being attended by culture minister Tracey Crouch, Tom Tughendhat MP: the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling Cllr Owen Baldock; the current and past High Sherriff of Kent and the chairman of Kent County Council Mike Harrison.
Each of the VIP guests unveiled one of the plaques which commemorate the town’s links with famous and important people and events.
The scheme was suggested by Peter Cosier who felt the blue plaques scheme run in London by English Heritage could be adapted and brought up to date with more modern materials. With the support of West Malling Parish Council, the scheme was implemented within a year and at a fraction of the cost of a similar project in Tonbridge.
One of the first plaques to be unveiled Guests at the unveiling of one of the first blue plaques in West Malling High Street
marks the Rain Grill kebab shop in the High Street as the place, then a newsagent’s shop, where The Beatles filmed the start of “The Magical Mystery Tour”. The roll of honour also includes George Orwell, painter JMW Turner, as well as notable sportsmen, admirals and politicians.
More plaques were due to be sited this spring and the scheme has impressed other communities. KCC Cllr Trudy
LOCAL groups vied for a share of £10,000 funding at a hugely
enjoyable Dragon’s Den event at The Malling School, East Malling, with the
audience voting on who most deserved.
Winners were: Tydeman Centre, The Malling School: Dorcas Centre Lunch Club, Larkfield; Blacklands Scouts; Leybourne Riding School; Communigrow; Larkfield Pre- school Playgroup and Larkfield Scouts.
Organisations each made a three-minute presentation to an audience of residents from Larkfield, West and East Malling. The grants, up to £2,000 each, are being made available by KCC Cllr Trudy Dean from her councillor’s community fund.
Dean, who is chairman of the parish council, said: “We have been asked by English Heritage if they can refer enquiries from around the country to us. We have also supported East Malling in setting up their scheme, and residents of Whitstable and Shoreham have expressed an interest in accessing a DIY guidance pack on how to establish their own schemes.”
Dragon’s Den winners Call for new park visitor centre
MORE than 360 out of 400 users of Leybourne Lakes Country Park told a survey that they are very satisfied with the park's attractiveness, wildlife, paths and parking.
However, they want better children's play equipment and a permanent visitor centre with cafe and space for education.
The biggest complaint concerned the toilets which users wanted positioned more centrally in the park, according to the study carried out in August last year.
East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council chairman David Thornewell, a driving force behind the creation of the park, said: “It is excellent to see the park is enjoyed by so many local people. It is now 10 years since the creation of the park, and the borough council now needs to get on and spend the £300,000 it has in the bank from developers to pay for the visitor centre.
The parish council of East Malling and Larkfield and Snodland Town Council contribute to the running of the park, and we shall want to see the public being consulted and involved on a new visitor centre which many people have said will make the park much more attractive for them.”
A Malling Action Partnership publication
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