News Bogus builder
is sentenced A FRAUDSTER who repeatedly conned old folk into handing over cash for worthless home improve- ments and repairs has been jailed at the crown court. Ronald Sharpless (26), of Maid-
stone, was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment after admitting eight offences of fraud and one of crimi- nal damage between January and July 2014.
Co-defendant at Maidstone Crown Court, Tony Baker, for- merly of Maidstone, was handed a three-month curfew after admitting three offences of money laundering between September 2013 and 2014. Kent County Council Trading Standards showed that Sharpless persuaded some victims he had carried out roofing work on their properties previously, thereby in- ducing them to trust him to carry out further work on their homes, but thiswas untrue. Victims in Ditton were told, un- truthfully, that their chimney needed work to prevent it from col- lapsing which cost them £650. A payment for one of Sharpless’ victims was made into the account of Baker. Two other paymentswere also identified and traced to victims.
Vicar’swelcome
AYLESFORD’s new vicar, the Rev Jonathan Hall, will receive a formal welcome when he is instituted in St Peter and St Paul’s Church on Tues- day,August 9. His first services will be on Sun-
day,August 14 at 8am and 10am. The service of institution, induc-
tion and installation will be carried out by theVenerable Clive Mansell, Archdeacon of Tonbridge, at 7.30pm. All arewelcome to attend.
Teenager robbed
A TEENAGE cyclistwas beaten by a gang who stole his bike, cash and two mobile phones. The 18-year-old and two friends
were cycling along the A228 Kings Hill bypass nearWest Malling sta- tion when a car stopped and the two passengers got out. The victim said he was punched
and kicked by at least two men who they stole his bike, along with some cash and other items includ- ing two mobile phones. One of the victim’s friends was
then reportedly pursued by the car as he tried to get away on his bike. The mugging is alleged to have
taken place between 12.30am and 12.45am on Tuesday, June 21. The car is described as a silver sa-
loon, possibly aBMWor Vauxhall. Anyone with information should contact 01622 604100, quoting ref- erence YY/13270/16 or contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.
14 Malling July 2016
downsmail.co.uk
School to have 40th birthday makeover
WATERINGBURY CE Primary School will chalk up 40 years at its Bow Road site later this year and plans are underway for the big cel- ebration on September 24. But as well as a fun-packed day
for past and present pupils, the school wants to mark the event for future generations. It has launched an anniversary campaign to raise the £50,000 needed for a makeover of the school library which is in dire need of roof repairs. The school already has £15,000 in
the pot and donations as well as support are being sought from local businesses, individuals and organisations to help raise the money to replace the roof and win- dows, install adequate heating, ventilation and furniture and pro- vide new books and resources. Headteacher Mrs Chasey Craw- ford Usher (pictured) said: “After years of trying to patch the leaking roof, it now requires urgent replace- ment and since our capital budget has de-
creased from £46,000 to just under £6,500 over the last six years, we
can only achieve this vision with the help of our wonderful commu- nity. All donations will be warmly welcomed. “Although the 40th anniversary is
a cause for celebration, it is also an opportunity to shape the next 40
years for our school. The library sits at the heart of our school and we want to ensure that it remains fit for purpose to inspire and excite gen- erations to come.” Details on the school’s website,
www.wateringbury.kent.sch.uk.
Lots to see and do on anniversary day
PUPILS, staff and parents will be celebrating theWateringbury CE Primary School’s 40th birthday at its current site on Saturday, September 24. The day marks the school’s move from Red Hill to Bow Road in 1976
and will begin at 2pm with a re-dedication of the building by the Bishop of Rochester, the Right Rev James Langstaff. Therewill also be displays of the school’s history, performances by staff
and children, school tours, a 1970s tea party and work will be on show by pupils past and present. Visitors will be warmlywelcome. For more details, see the school’s Face-
book page. Club’s tea party is a cracking success
CROQUET players celebrated the 25th birthday of their Ditton- based club with a strawberry cream tea. Members managed to enjoy
some croquet challenges during the afternoon despite thunder cracks and a layer of hailstones on their
lawns.MPTracey Crouch also braved the downpour to try her hand with amallet. Medway Croquet Club was
formed in 1991 by 12 people with no skills or equipment and a lawn which had a 3ft slope. Since its early days in Rochester, the club has gone fromstrength to strength and now has 60 members, four lawns, a wealth of equipment and a pavilion within the grounds of K Sports Cobdown in Station Road. Committee member Margaret
Rose said the club was keen towel- come new members. “It’s a very egalitarian game,” she said. “There are no restrictions on males and fe- males playing each other, nor young or old. It’s very inclusive.We
Tracey Crouch MP braves the hailstones with (right) club chair- man Richard Lea and member Chris Phillips
have a very lively and friendly membership and are proud to say that several of our members regu- larly play – and win – at county level.” The club is planning a further
celebration in October when pho- tographs taken throughout the year and memorabilia will be on display. Formore details, visit
www.med-
waycroquetclub.org.uk
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