News Object thrown


at ambulance POLICE are appealing for wit- nesses after the windscreen of an ambulance was smashed when an object was thrown at it near Mor- risons in Maidstone. The vehicle had to be taken out of service for repairs following the at- tack in Queen Elizabeth Square at about 5pm on Sunday, February 5. The crewwere unhurt. A spokesman for South East


CoastAmbulance Service said:“We would urge anyone who knows anything regarding this irresponsi- ble behaviour to come forward. “We want those involved to


know the consequences of their ac- tions.’


Anyone with information should


call Kent Police, quoting reference YY/003209/17, on 01622 604100, email west.division.media.ap- peals@Kent.pnn.police.uk or call Kent Crimestoppers, anony- mously, on 0800 555 111.


18-month ban


AWOMANwho drove while twice the legal limit for alcohol has been banned from the road for 18 months. Mariam Awad was sentenced at


Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court on January 6, 2017, when she pleaded guilty to drink driving. On December 6, 2016, the 40-


year-old, of Linton Hill, Maidstone, drove an Audi in St Faith’s Street, Maidstone, and gave a breath test of 72 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes. Magistrates banned Awad from driving for 18 months. She must also pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge. Disqualification can be reduced


by 136 days if she satisfactorily completes a course approved by the Secretary of State, the cost of which will not exceed £250.


Maicks’ ban


A DRIVER from Maidstone who drove a “plateless” vehicle while over the limit has been banned from driving for nearly two years. Taric Matticks (29) was also or-


dered by Mid Kent magistrates on January 27 to carry out 80 hours of work in the community. The court heard he admitted driving a BMW in Union Street, Maidstone, on December 10, with no rear or front registration plates, and drink driving. Matticks from St George’s Square, gave a breath test of 90mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg. As well as the community order


and 23-month ban, magistrates or- dered Matticks to pay a £100 fine, £85 costs and an £85 victim sur- charge.


18 Maidstone East March 2017 Dame BradyWebb with wife Justine, daughter Freya and mum Suzanne


Robin Hood and the Babies in the Wood – Leeds Amateur Dramatic Society


Village panto nails it again JOHN


THIS village pantomime was a great success. The audience loved it and itwas very ably directed by Lesley Finlay. It demonstrated a village com- munity with a sense of humour. Dan Woollven was Robin and


his singing and courting of Alice Chapman's delightful Marian kept the story very much alive. The brilliantly-costumed Brady


Webb was all a good dame must be, while Felicity Poulter was booed on and off stage as Prince John. Jane Steelewas evil personi- fied as the Sheriff. Muchlaughterwasproduced by


Max Irvine and Ben Manning as Bo and Arry, the Sheriff's men. I


MUNSON SHOW TIME


hope these two lads are booked up for next year's panto. The really good thing about this


show was the number of young people who showed such stage- craft. Leeds’ pantos have always been enjoyable and this one kept up the high standard. The set workedwell and all the lights and sound supported those on stage. The costumeswere lovely. There was a delightful touch


where Robin and his men actually whistled a tune, and some dy- namic dancing.Well done, Leeds.


downsmail.co.uk


Lord’s portrait goes on display at former home


THE first Lord Bearsted and his family are photographed together at Mote House, Maidstone, for the first time in the best part of a century.


This tribute to one of the most sig- nificant men in Maidstone’s history (1853-1927) was possible after the restoration of a full-length 1902 por- trait of the then Sir Marcus Samuel (as Lord Mayor of London), found badly damaged in the depths of Maidstone Museum. Now it proudly dominates the


dining room ofAudley Homes’ ren- ovated Mote House, the Bearsteds’ family homeon his Mote Park estate until the late 1920s. The portrait was unveiled by his great-great grandson Nicholas, the fifth Lord Bearsted, with Lady Bearsted and daughter Juliet. They now live in Berkshire. The portrait investigations and successful renovation appeal were instigated by the Maidstone Trust, led by former Maidstone Mayor Cllr Dan Daley and fellow trustees Blair Gulland (secretary), Adrian Wenn


of oil and set up with eight tankers a shipping business he named Shell. Hewas knighted in 1898 for help-


(treasurer) and Simon Randall. Marcus Samuel sailed the world


with the family trading business, which specialised in ornamental sea shells. He identified transportation


ing to salvage HMS Victorious, be- came Lord Mayor of London in 1902 andwas created first Baron Bearsted in 1921 for his contribution in WWI. He bought Mote Park in 1895, largely because of his love of cricket. He played for The Mote and was a major benefactor around 1910 – building the pavilion and his per- sonal base nearby (the unique Tab- ernacle) where just he changed, showered, and entertained. He donated a large sum in 1923 to establish the Bearsted Gallery in Maidstone Museum. The family later gifted a Japanese collection. After his death, the family sold


Mote Park to Maidstone Corpora- tion in 1929 for £50,000 and gave the cricket ground in trust to The Mote CC.


GP practice rated good


AGPsurgery in Maidstone has been given a clean bill of health from a government inspector. Drs Johnson, Garrett and Mitchell’s Brewer Street Surgery re- ceived a good grade from the Care Quality Commission. The inspector noted: “Patients said


they found it easy to make an ap- pointment with a named GP and therewas continuity of care, with ur- gent appointments the same day.” The report also noted that the sur-


gery went above and beyond, pro- viding translation services and a wide range of other services.


Tool thief


A MAIDSTONE man stole power tools worth more than £1,000 on a shoplifting spree. Joseph Michael Daniels (31), fromWaterlow Road, was sentenced on February 7 at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court after admit- ting five counts of shoplifting. The court heard he stole power tools worth £840 from a shop in Barker Road, Maidstone, over two days in January. Magistrates also heard he stole £100 of meat from a supermar- ket on December 28 and aftershave worth £310 from a shop in The Mall on January 18. He was jailed for 56 days in prison, suspended for 18 months. He must also pay £1,250 compensation, £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.


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