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‘Inspirational’ gardener Mike
GARDENERMikeWilson has de- voted almost a quarter of a century to developing and maintaining gardens for the Kent Wildlife Trust. Now, having reached the age of
80, modest Mike from Vinters Park, has decided it is time to call it a day. Mike (right), became a member of
Kent Wildlife Trust in 1968 and, after early retirement in 1993, began his long stint as a volunteer. That same year hewas present at
the official opening of Tyland Barn byHRHPrince ofWales. He has led the volunteer garden-
ing teams at both Sandling and the Trust’s visitor centre in Sevenoaks, creating habitats for wildlife and mini-beasts which have delighted both young and old. Mike tends to shy away from the limelight and the plaudits his work justly deserves. Hewas instrumental in creating a
diverse range of habitats and mini- beast homes at Tyland Barn nature park and, since the trust’s acquisi- tion of the adjacent Tyland Farm- house in 2011, he has landscaped and established a stunning show- case wildlife garden in its grounds from scratch. At Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve,
Mike also designed and developed the Elemental Garden that has be- come a popular oasis for visitors.
Volunteer development officer for
Kent Wildlife Trust, Carly Why- born, paid tribute to Mike and said: “What an amazing volunteer Mike is – a rare talent who is leaving a re- markable legacy, which will con- tinue to bring immense benefits to Kent’s wildlife and huge pleasure for our visitors.” Chief executive John Bennett, said
said Mike is an inspiration. KentWildlife Trust relies on vol- unteers like MrWilson and is now hoping a worthy successor will step forward to take up the rake – ide- ally, someone with a background in horticulture and a passion for gar- dens. The Trust always welcomes volunteers – for more details, call 01622 662012.
Pet crematorium scheme
TREASURED pets will soon be able to rest in peace – at Vinters Park Crematorium. It could cost as much as £670,000 to set up, including the provision of urns and memorials, plus trees and plants for a pet re- membrance garden – but the in- come from the service could help boost the council’s coffers. There is currently nowhere for
pets to be cremated in the Maid- stone borough, although there is a pet crematorium at Sandhole, in
Malling Road, Snodland, which provides a service for the owners of most small animals. Maidstone Borough Council
says the new crematorium will be “primarily a local service to resi- dents and businesses”. The cost of pet cremation can
be anything from £40 up to £200, depending on the size of the pet and the options chosen. The council believes the service
could be up and running within 18 months.
Free summer music in town
MAIDSTONE’S Brenchley Gardens have come alive again this sum- mer with the sound of music. Sunday afternoon concerts, starting at 3pm, all feature talented local musicians playing music to complement a lazy summer afternoon. Kent Invicta Jazz Orchestra takes to the bandstand on Sunday, July
3. This highly-experienced, 30-strong orchestra with strong audience appealwas a great hit at Proms in the Park. MaidstoneWind Symphony performs on Sunday, July 17. The group
has an excellent reputation, having won the National Concert Band Symposium last year, and will be playing a range of music to suit all tastes, including some of the music thatwas enthusiastically received at Proms in The Park. All concerts are free.
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Maidstone Town July 2016 5
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