downsmail.co.uk
News
Mum’s tragic talk to pupils
A MUM who lost her son in a knife attack in Maidstone has been sharing her tragic experience with pupils. Glenda Crittenden spoke to stu-
dents at StAugustine’sAcademy in Oakwood Road as part of an initia- tive exposing youngsters to the harsh realities and consequences of crime. It follows an earlier visit to the town’s New Line Learning Academy. Mrs Crittenden told them how
the lives of her family had been torn apart by the loss of her son Tom, almost five years ago. She told pupils that a single stab wound in his chest ended his life. At the time of the attack– in Sutton Road, Maidstone – hewas just 21. She said: “The effect on families
who have lost a child is devastat- ing; the ripple effects reach out far. It destroys families. You live it every day.” Mrs Crittenden said she believed talking directly to children brought home the message about the dan- gers of carrying offensiveweapons. She added: “These talks really hit
home. When I told the children about the knock on the door that every parent dreads they seemed to suddenly realise the reality.” Also speaking was Francis Osei- Appiah, who explained how he got involved in gang-related crime while at school in Tottenham. By
Glenda Crittenden and Francis Osei- Appiah
the time he was 19, he found him- self serving a nine-year prison sen- tence. Mr Osei-Appiah spoke about
how he had reformed his life, earn- ing a degree in health and social care while behind bars before set- ting up the Reform Restore Respect charity. He said: “Often I am telling chil-
dren what their parents have told them, what their teachers have told them, what the police have told them – but I have lived it and I hope this helps get the message across.” “Prison is not a nice environment
to be in and a life of crime is not re- warding. It’s not the way you should choose to live your life and if I can get through to just one kid and stop them joining a gang, then I have done my job.”
NEW Yoga and Pilates Studio
CLASSES Mornings, Daytime and Evenings for Beginners to Advanced
We have an INJURY CLINIC providing Sports Massage, Osteopathy and Physiotherapy.
SPECIAL YOGA AND PILATES CLASSES for those suffering from Injuries, Lower Back Pain and Osteoporosis.
Book Treatments and Classes Online Now!
Like Inline Health on for special offers
www.inlinehealth.co.uk info@inlinehealth.co.uk
01622 410160 07545 187885
75 Campbell Road, Maidstone, ME15 6PY Free Parking Available
“When our new fence looks this good, is maintenance free and guaranteed for 25 years, it’s a no-brainer”
Conservationists are rewarded
THE efforts of the Valley Conservation Society to protect and enhance the lower part of the Loose Valley Conservation Area were recognised at the Kent County Show. The Kent County Agricultural Society presented its Edward Hardy
Trophy, for outstanding service to woodland and wild life conservation in Kent, to TuesdayWork Party members at the county show at Detling on July 8. They are pictured with the award (from left): John Smith, Dennis Usmar, Bryn Cornwell and Peter Hobden. More county show pictures on page 8
For more local news
www.downsmail.co.uk
Our customers tell us they’re glad they chose Colourfence, and were delighted with our range of colours. They love that our fences are tested to withstand merciless weather – even wind gusts of up to 130mph. They enjoy how it is maintenance free, and they love the peace of mind provided by its 25-year guarantee*. For a lifetime of trouble-free garden enjoyment, make yours a Colourfence garden.
01622 233322 For a free no-obligation quote, please contact us now.
www.colourfencemidkent.co.uk *Terms & Conditions apply please ask for details
Maidstone Town August 2016 5
25yr GUARANTEE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56