downsmail.co.uk


Cricket club is hoping to raise the roof at pavilion


BEARSTED Cricket Club is launching a fundraising appeal to- wards repairs for its pavilion roof. The wooden building stands on a


corner of the village green, where cricket has been played since at least 1749. But its roof has become a major concern after itwas found that it has no underlay and patching it will provide only a short-term solution. Club chairman David Patton said:


“The biggest issue facing the club is the need to repair or replace the roof, which is leaking badly.” Fundraising ideas and a Justgiving


page, are being drawn up and help is being sought from current spon- sors aswell as new ones. The club runs two league teams on


a Saturday and one on a Sunday, as well as playing several friendlies through the year, giving new mem- bers, lapsed and younger players the chance to get involved. The Saturday 1st XI plays at the highest level of Kent CountyVillage League cricket. There is also a suc- cessful colts section for boys and girls from school year twoupwards. David said: “It is important that we grow our membership base and


John Savage, James Kersey, Tim Croom, David Patton and Jack Feehan.


we are always looking to encourage new players, as well as looking at ways in which we can improve coaching and general club facilities. “Off the field, there is a lot going


on. The volunteerswhomakeupthe club committee for the 2017 season are working hard on many things, including awebsite, which will help us better engage with players and the community. “Since the end of last season, we


have also had to use some of our limited funds to invest in a replace- ment for our antiquated outfield mowers to keep the green looking its best. This would have been impossi- ble without the donations and spon- sorships ofmanylong-term andnew supporters, for which we are very thankful.


thanks to the hard work of our vol- unteers and through the valuable fi- nancial support of our sponsors. “We are extremely grateful to


them but there are, of course, many opportunities for people of all abili- ties and interests to get involved, ei- ther playing cricket or supporting their local village club in otherways. “We would welcome the support


of as many of the local community as possible – any way that you can, whether it be through playing, scor- ing, umpiring, volunteering, spon- sorship or just coming down and supporting. You will be more than welcome.” For more details about the club,


visit www.bearstedcricketclub.co.uk or follow it onTwitter and Facebook.


News M&S at risk


THE Marks and Spencer shops in Week Street, Maidstone, has been highlighted for possible closure. It comes as M&S unveiled plans


to open 36 new stores in the UK over the next six months – and close six. More than 1,400 jobs will be cre-


ated by the openings, 34 of which will be dedicated to its booming food business. Just two out of the 36 will also include its clothing and homeware ranges as the retailer at- tempts to revive sales.


“Like all clubswe continue to run, Arson alleged


MAIDSTONE Magistrates' Court was shut after a suspected arson at- tack on April 21. The alleged attack happened around 11.30pm when a flammable liquidwas squirted through a door and ignited. Fire crews rushed to the scene


but the fire had already been put out and damagewas minor.


Lier pick date


LENHAM residents are invited to join the village’s May spring clean. Litter-pickers will meet outside


the Red Lion in the square at 9am on Saturday, May 20. Call parish council clerk Margo McFarlane on 01622 859682, or email hello@lenhamparish.org.uk.


01622 738772


7 Yeoman Court, Ashford Rd Bearsted, Kent ME14 4ND www.directorshairandbeauty.co.uk


The place for plants nts


Our extensive range of summer bedding is now in stock. We have a fabulous selection of trailing and bushy plants. They are available in a wealth of colours for you to create vibrant and modern or subtle and calming combinations in your beds, borders and containers. Ready-made hanging baskets also available.


Shellac Gel Nails Now Available


01622 737801 www.thepottedgarden.co.uk


Ashford Road (A20), Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4NH


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