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Celebrate Maidstone | News Town’s stars shine at ceremony


REPRESENTATIVES from businesses, schools, charities, public services and arts groups gathered at the Celebrate Maidstone 2016 gala event to recognise the contribution of the town’s brightest stars. Those attending the black tie-af-


fair at Kent County Showground, near Detling, included Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Bill Cockcroft, Deputy Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Derek Butler, andMPHelen Grant. They enjoyed performances from


the Hazlitt Youth Theatre, the Maidstone Nepalese Dance Group, and the King Street band. When asked what she thought


Annette Hinton


the best thing was about receiving the lifetime achievement award, winner Annette Hinton, of Maid- stone Mediation, said: “Recognition


for our wonderful team of peace- makers, who give up their time, vis- iting people in their homes and helping them to talk to each other.” Neil Pattison, chairman of Cele-


brate Maidstone, said: “Maidstone is growing and benefits from strong businesses, a healthy economy, and high employment. “We also need quality of life re- sulting from a strong community glued together by love, compassion and forgiveness. Let us follow the example and inspiration of the peo- ple recognised by these awards.”


Lionheart title for Carys


Continued from page one ranked first in the county for her weight category. Her dream is to compete at the Olympics and become a successful physical trainer, encouraging other young children to take an interest in this otherwise male-dominated sport.


Carys was


one of eight community stars given awards at the gala event, which took place at the Kent Show- ground near Detling.


Sarah Allsebrook of Frederic Bistro Annabelle Pearsall, Maidstone Museum Donna Carr


Carys thanked Mrs Bradshaw, Mr Blackford and the Reverend Kes Grant for support and nominating her. She also paid tribute to her weightlifting coach MattVine,whogives up his time to train with Carys three days aweek and attend competitions at week- ends all over the country because he believes that she has the poten- tial to fulfil her dreams. Chairman of Celebrate Maid-


Janet Judges Steve Purvis Jill Maynord


stone, Neil Pattison said: “Carys is an inspiration to us all, demon- strating that even difficult hurdles can be overcome with determina- tion and a fighting spirit.Aworthy winner and a star of Maidstone;we are proud of you, Carys.”


Celebrating contributions to community


Lionheart – Carys Harper (spon- sored by Maidstone Churches). Customer Experience – Jill May- nard (sponsored by Manak Solici- tors).


Jill and her husband Jim estab- lished Zeroth Clinical Exercise in 2003 to provide exercise therapy and rehabilitation for people of all ages, including support for MS suf- ferers, children with behavioural is- sues, and those tackling excessive weight, as well as improving fit- ness. Jill “listens, helps, supports, encourages and treats people like they were an old friend.” Business – Frederic Bistro (spon- sored by Creation Healthcare). The Earl Street restaurant was nominated due to its high stan- dards, relaxing and homely atmos- phere and excellent consistency in


food quality. The restaurant was also awarded runner-up in the Kent Independent Trading Awards in 2013. Rated highly on Tripadvisor, Frederic Bistro is fast becoming a jewel in Maidstone's dining and restaurant experience.  Visitor Attraction – Maidstone Museum


Recently refurbished, the Maid- stone Museum contains a rich his- tory of the county town that is free to all entrants. Dawn Hudd, head of economic development at Maid- stone Council, said: “From invest- ing in essential maintenance works to scheduling an exciting calendar of events and exhibitions, our aim is to aid the development of Maid- stone as one of the most significant areas of culture and heritage within Kent.”


 Mentor – Janet Judges Janet has worked as a volunteer for more than 20 years, serving Maidstone Police Station. She has made a difference to the lives of hundreds of young people who find themselves in police custody. Her patience, commitment and


warm friendly nature enables her to advise young people in a way that makes a difference, and in many cases reduces their offending.  Innovator – Steve Purvis Steve is part of the charity Parents is the Word, which brings together parents in Park Wood. Steve has been a key person in helping with the children’s work and to distrib- ute food parcels, and regularly goes above and beyond for the charity.  Community – Donna Carr (sponsored by Golding Homes).


Through Donna’s hard work, Maidstone Parkrun has become one of the largest parkruns in Kent. It has more than 4,000 registered members and a regular turnout of 200-300 runners. Donna started Maidstone Parkrun, which is run by volunteers, just over two years ago. Donna is present every weekend encouraging runners, joggers and walkers of all ages.  Lifetime Achievement – An- nette Hinton (sponsored by Kent Event Centre).


Annette worked hard to establish Maidstone Mediation in the 1990s, training volunteer mediators and pioneering what was a relatively new concept. Since then the idea of mediation and restorative justice has been duplicated across the country and internationally.


Maidstone East April 2016 13


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