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Ex-policeman who got on the slim and narrow


A FORMER police officer who was "very much" overweight, a smoker and "very unhealthy" started a fitness club which now has nine venues in Kent with 800 members. Steve Grantham, 32, of Coxheath, decided his life had to change three years ago. He stopped smoking and started running at night, because he did notwant people to see him. Bored with running alone, he


found normal running clubs intimi- dating so he placed an advert locally to see if anybody in Coxheath wanted to join him on runs. "Week afterweek, I would stand in


the cold waiting for people to come along. Now and again the odd per- son would come along and join me," he said. "I was very demoralised, people kept saying if they could run they would love to join me. “I took a gamble and offered to


teach peoplehowto run.Onthe first night, 60 plus people turned up. From there I created Coxheath run- ning club at the local school." Within six months, 150 people were attending, including thosewho


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Snodland runners and right, Steve Grantham before and after his decision to take up running


never thought they could ever do any form of exercise. The rapid ex- pansion resulted in Steve leaving Kent Police so that he could work full-time on the project. The former constable, who has


two daughters Katie (9) and Chloe (5,) has now formed a company and employs 15 staff. The Snodland club was the ninth and beginners classes were due to start this month in Grove Green, Coxheath, Leybourne, Snodland, Grove Green, Walder- slade, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Sittingbourne and Ashford.Wayne Mallard of Willowside, Snodland,


said: "Before I joined, I felt old, over- weight and unfit. Iwas a bit nervous, but I am so happy I joined. I joked about how I wish I could run like I used to do. Eightweeks later, I have nowrun a 5km, got fitter, feel health- ier and also made some good friends." Lessons are £4.50 a session.


downsmail.co.uk Charity thefts


AMAN whostole charity collection boxes and groceries from Maidstone and Malling has been jailed. Robert Barrow (45) pleaded guilty


at Medway Magistrates’ Court to three counts of shoplifting, two counts theft and one of failing to sur- render to police bail. Barrow, of Ashford, stole a charity


pot worth £20 from a supermarket in Wrotham Road, Borough Green. He also stole items from a shop in Twis- den Road, East Malling, and a char- ity pot worth £50 from a pub in Fairmeadow, Maidstone. He failed to surrender to bail at Tonbridge Police Station onNovem- ber 23, and 21 days later, stole meat from a shop in High Street, Snod- land, and meat steaks from a service station in London Road, Larkfield. Magistrates sentenced him to 180


days in prison.Hemust also pay £70 compensation.


Cricket course


YOUNGSTERS are invited to try cricket coaching sessions. The 10-week courses are run by Tonbridge and Malling Council for those aged from five to 13. Courses for youngsters aged from


five to eight cost £40, and £80 for jun- iors aged nine to 11. To book or for details call call the council’s leisure services team on 01732 876163.


downsmail.co.uk Own an Apple computer? You need MCS


Many of us own some kind of Apple computer or device, whether it be an iPad, iPhone, iMac, MacBook Pro . . . and the list continues to grow as Apple launches one ground-breaking product after the next.


company since the beginning and became Managing Director in 2008. Since taking over, Brian has moved the


One thing you may not realise though is that there is an Apple specialist on your doorstep in Maidstone town centre, with free parking - and there has been for over 35 years! Microspot Computer Services  has been repairing, selling, upgrading and maintaining Kent’s Apple products for consumers and businesses since Apple came to the market in the 70s. Brian Stroud (pictured) has been with the


10 Malling January 2017


 modern workshop that Apple itself would be proud of. Brian said: “We pride ourselves on a quality service, and we always have, as a result we have a very loyal customer base. With the popularity of Apple products growing rapidly in Maidstone and the surrounding area, we want to let people know that there’s no need to travel all the way to Bluewater or pay for parking at Fremlin Walk just for someone to help them with an Apple computer problem. We boast the fastest repair turnaround time in the area averaging just 48 hours compared to our nearest rival at one week. We look after many local businesses


with our popular ‘Maintenance Service            ensures your entire Apple infrastructure is in safe hands, minimising down time when things go wrong.” Brian and his team welcome any enquiries you may have and look forward to welcoming you to the MCS workshop for all your Apple needs.


COMPUTER SERVICES


REPAIRS | UPGRADES MAINTENANCE PACKAGES APPLE COMPUTER SALES


www.microspotservice.co.uk 01622 675144


Regal House, 13 Albion Place, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5DY


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