News


Molly rewarded for her commitment to village


IF it’s enthusiasm you seek, then one villager has put her energy to good use – earning the coveted community award from the Kent Association of Local Councils. Molly Poulter was nominated for


the KALC title in recognition of her “hard work, commitment, and en- thusiasm” which has been the inspi- ration for dozens of successful projects over the last 50 years. Now84, her achievements include helping to raise more than £1m for the Heart of Kent Hospice, Ayles- ford, and instigating community groups and events with appeal to everyone from horse fans to dog owners, young mums to church- goers. Mrs Poulter moved to Ulcombe in


1966 and, in spite of having two small children and her husband Bill at work, tirelessly set about instigat- ing community projects and raising money for good causes. Her work has embraced organisa-


tions in her village all around the Maidstone area. At home, she started a playgroup,


the baby-sitting group, the village hall committee, the Friendship Club


dog show and the village fair, which became a significant event from 1981-94, raising money for the pri- mary school and church. She edited the monthly Ulcombe


Parish Newsletter and partly wrote Ulcombe's Story, an illustrated 255- page history of the village, which was distributed to villagers. Peter Titchener, chairman of Ul-


and Ulcombe History Society – or- ganising talks and coach trips for both every year. In recent years, she founded the Friends of All Saints' Church and, as a former churchwarden, the deanery synod representative for All Saints' Church and Lay Chair of the North Downs Deanery Synod, Molly re- mains actively involved on the Parochial Church Council. According to Ulcombe Parish Council, which nominated Molly for the award, she helped re-start and then run the Ulcombe horse show,


combe Parish Council, said: “Mrs Poulter is one of those very rare peo- ple who succeed in transforming a community, for the benefit of every- one, through their vision, hard work and enthusiasm. Although she is now in her 84th year she continues, indefatigably, with all of her current activities in spite of her deteriorating health and has just published her memoirs.” The self-published book, “Of Such Things”, is a diary detailing her life. The award was presented at the council’s annual parishmeeting and formally, by the High Sheriff of Kent, George Jessel. They are pic- tured here. He congratulated her on her achievements and presented her with a book about Kent and its Lieu- tenancy.


downsmail.co.uk Helping to save


thewater vole VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help look for water voles in Kent following a rapid decline in their numbers. In May, wildlife charity People’s


Trust for Endangered Species is asking for helpers to record all sightings and signs of the endan- gered little creature. The species has experienced the


most dramatic decline of any wild mammal in the United Kingdom over the last century. As part of a national programme,


Kent residents are asked to survey a pre-selected river bank site throughout May. Once completed, the volunteers


will be asked report any findings back to conservation experts at the trust. It is the third year the survey has been done. Water voleswere once a common


sight along river banks and water- ways, but numbers have declined due to pollution, changing agricul- tural methods and the impact of non-native American mink. It lives in rivers, streams and ditches, around ponds and lakes and in marshes, reedbeds and areas ofwet moorland. To find out more or take part in


the monitoring programme, visit www.ptes.org/watervoles


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Malling May 2017


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