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Signal boxes’ future up for discussion
THE future of six historic signal boxes along the Medway Valley Line is to be decided by a posse of working parties. The Kent Community Rail Part- nership hosted a meeting of local, parish and community representa- tives from along the line to consider the future of the boxes, which are due to be de-commissioned in the next few years. Five of the six boxes – at Maid-
stone West, Aylesford, Snodland, Wateringbury and Cuxton – which date back to the age of steam,were recently grade 2 listed and are among 26 of the rarest and best pre- served in England. The station buildings at East Far-
leigh are listed, but the signal box itself is not. Martin Yallop, of the Association
of Community Rail Partnerships, spoke to the group, highlighting the main considerations and issues. Itwas agreed to undertake an in-
depth review of each of the boxes to agree recommendations and gather firm evidence for all part- ners and potential funders.
most cases, simply rot away. “They are part of our heritage
and our landscape and they need preserving by functioning in the community.” In the 1940s, there were as many
Wateringbury signal box They will then evaluate the op-
tions, reflecting local opinion. A lead person was appointed for
each of the groups but anyone who would like to be involved with their local group should contact Mike FitzGerald, chair of the Kent Community Rail Partnership on 01622 743270. Mr FitzGerald, who chaired the meeting, said he was encouraged by the positive approach and pas- sion expressed by those attending. He said: “What is important is
that the meeting agreed to look at uses for the individual boxes and produce a comprehensive review to ensure their future when de- commissioned. If boxes are just left empty or shuttered up they will, in
as 10,000 signal boxes, but now fewer than 500 are in use by Net- work Rail. The box at High Street, Snodland
was designed by the South Eastern Railway Company in the late 1870s and still has its original windows, access balcony and signalling in- struments. The Wateringbury box in Bow
Road opened in 1893 and is almost intact. It forms a group with the nearby station and goods shed, which are also listed. Three-storey Maidstone West in
The Broadway dates from 1889 and still has many of its original instru- ments, levers and bells, having been restored after WorldWar II. Aylesford’s signal box was built
to a new design for the South East- ern and Chatham Railway in the 1920s. Virtually unaltered, it is the last survivor of its kind.
Mickey’s
News
Vegan festival first for town
MAIDSTONE will host its first vegan festival on July 23, with stalls, live music, a vegan pop-up café, children’s activities, talks and more. With an estimated 175,980 vege- tarians and vegans in Kent, the fes- tival is set to be a major crowd-puller. It follows Kent Vegan Festival, whichwas attended by more than 1,500 people in Can- terbury last year. The festival will take place at Maidstone Methodist Church in Union Street. Local businesses with vegan-friendly products are invited to apply for stalls, by emailing
info@maidstoneveganfestival.co.uk. With “flexitarianism” on the rise,
and one in eight people looking to replace meat, eggs and dairy with plant proteins, the festival aims to be awelcoming place for both long- term vegans as well as those curi- ous about thisway of life. The organisers said: “Relax in the garden with a slice of cake as you take in the sounds of some of Kent's finest bands. Learn more about this compassionate way of living and how veganism helps animals, peo- ple and the planet.” Entry is £2 per person, and free
for under 16s, who must be accom- panied by an adult.
Café Diner
Come to Mickey’s to enjoy our home-made traditional English food. All ages, parties and groups catered for.
All Day Breakfasts • Jacket Potatoes • Burgers Baguettes & Sandwiches • Various Salads
Pasta Dishes • Pies & Traditional English Food Carvery every
Wednesday & Sunday £6.90
Open Early Morning - 7 Days a Week Ample Parking - Free Wi-Fi - Get connected at Mickey’s
Blue Bell Hill, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7EZ
20 Malling March 2016 01634 682928
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