News


Lockmeadow date promise


THE owners of the Lockmeadow centre in Maidstone have promised that the building’s new front en- trance will be completed soon, after months of delay. The refurbishment of the cinema


and leisure complex, including the front entrance,was originally due to be completed by January, then the end of March. Kames Capital told Downs Mail:


“We would like to apologise for the delays to the re-opening of the front entrance and any inconvenience this has caused. As previously men- tioned by the Downs Mail,we expe- rienced some delays to the work outside of our control, but we are now hoping these have been re- solved, allowing us to re-open the entrance thisweek.” The redesign includes a glass en-


trance and canopy, with improve- ments to the steep steps to make access for the disabled easier.


Farm shed fire


INVESTIGATIONS are still being carried out after fire ripped through a building used to store farm equip- ment in Barming. Firefighters were called at just


after 10am on SundayApril 16 to the storage shed in Farleigh Lane.


downsmail.co.uk


Wedding ‘day of love’ after cancer diagnosis


A COUPLE have celebrated their wedding with a day “full of colour, laughter and love” after receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis. Michael Lawrence had planned a romantic proposal to Shirley Lowry, under the Northern Lights during a Norwegian Christmas holiday. But the trip to the land of theAu-


rora Borealis had to be called off after the shockdiscovery that Shirley (52), of Egremont Road, Bearsted, was suffering from cancers which consultants saidwere untreatable. Instead, Michael (59), a funeral di-


rector with five offices in Bearsted, Barming, Gravesend and Medway, proposed on Christmas Day. Shirley happily accepted and the


couple agreed on an early wedding date. The service took place at Boughton Monchelsea Church re- cently, followed by a reception at Maidstone’s Hilton Hotel. Shirley’s career is in life celebrancy. She was ordained as a minister with Maid- stone Independent Christian Spiri- tualist Church in Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, seven years ago, follow-


ing 25 years with Lloyds Bank. She has conducted many services and funerals. She has had to withdraw from this work as she has undergone intense chemotherapy. Recently, the couple went to Scotland for spe- cialised mistletoe treatments, to try to slow the progress of the cancers. Michael said: “Consultants have


given Shirley a year or two andwe’re determined to make the most of it.”


Newlyweds Michael and Shirley Lawrence are determined to make the most of their life together, despite Shirley’s cancer diagnosis


He is president of the Rotary Club


of theWeald and Shirley is a Maid- stone Rotary Club member. Shirley said: “We’re truly blessed


to have the friendship, support and love of so many friends, Rotarians, colleagues and our families at this challenging time. The wedding day was wonderfu - full of colour, laugh- ter and love, especially to celebrate our love.”


Orchard Surgery gets good rating


LANGLEY’S GP surgery has re- ceived a “good” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). TheCQCinspection gave the Or-


chard Surgery in Horseshoes Lane , Langley, practice a thumbs-up in all aspects of patient care. Among the many positive obser-


Japanese prints go on show


MAIDSTONE Museum is providing visitors with the chance to experience a taste of the Land of the Rising Sun this spring. An exhibition running until mid-June, Japan: A FloatingWorld in Print,


presents more than 60 ukiyo-e prints from the museum’s extensive Japanese collection. Dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries, the works have been


drawn from the collection of museum benefactor, SirWalter Samuel. Son of Lord and Lady Bearsted, Samuel’s collection was accumulated


during his travels in the Far East when his father’s company – Shell Oil – conducted business in the region. The works would eventually be donated to the museum in 1923 via the National Arts Collection Fund. Evelyn Palmer of Maidstone Museum said: “Our selection of ukiyo-e


prints originates from the Edo and Meiji periods, when Japan finally opened up to the rest of the world following two centuries of isolation. “As such, the popularity of the prints amongWestern travellers was significant, and SirWalter collected a magnificent selection.”


30 Maidstone Weald May 2017


vations from the inspectors, it was noted that the surgery is well-led, patients were treated with dignity – particularly older people – and families receive a good standard of care. The surgery – run by Dr Jacque-


line Dennison – is managed well, says the CQC. The report adds: “There was a


clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice had a number of poli- cies and procedures to govern ac- tivity and held regular governance meetings. “There was an overarching gov- ernance framework which sup- ported the delivery of the strategy and good quality care. The provider was aware of and complied with the requirements of the duty of candour.”


On the issue of patient care, the inspectors’ report noted: “Patients said they were treated with com- passion and dignity and they were involved in decisions about their treatment.


“Information for patients about


the services available was easy to understand and accessible. “Staff treated patients with kind-


ness and respect, and maintained patient confidentiality.” The practice was praised for the


way in which older people received services, such as telephone re- minders of appointments. The report notes: “The practice


used the services of a local volun- teer group to assist patients to at- tend appointments or collect prescriptions.” Families and young people also


receive good care at the Orchard Surgery, according to the CQC The inspectors found systems in


place to deal with situations when things do not go according to plan. The Orchard Surgery welcomes feedbacks, and users can comment at www.iwantgreatcare.org.


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