News


MPs join guests to mark 20 years of Downs Mail


THE Downs Mail hosted a party to celebrate 20 years of newspaper publishing in Maidstone and Malling with a gathering of friends and distinguished guests. In his address at the Museum of


Kent Life, the newspaper's founder and former editor Dennis Fowle told guests: "I think the most excit- ing memory is the way the people of Maidstone and Malling have taken the Downs Mail to their hearts." His daughter Claire Procter –


now chairman of Mail Publications Ltd – remembered the early days of the business creating "wonderful and unique" newspapers that have gone from strength to strength, with the creation of a fifth edition in the popular Downs Mail series in November. She said: “At a time when other newspapers are struggling to retain their readership, it is wonderful to have a loyal and growing audience that enjoys reading every issue cover to cover. “We are also pleased to have the continued support of our advertis- ers who recognise this and have


backed our newest developments, including our daily Downs Mail initiative on line.” The Downs Mail, which is based


in Bearsted, is now posted through the doors of 85,000 homes across Maidstone and Malling each month, with more signing in to its website daily or enjoying the quar- terly, colour lifestyle magazine, Mid Kent Living. Maidstonemayor Cllr Derek But-


ler was among those to celebrate the publication’s 20th anniversary, cutting a birthday cake with Den-


From left, Downs Mail chairman Claire Procter, president and founder Dennis Fowle and mayor of Maidstone Cllr Derek Butler cut the Downs Mail birthday cake


nis and Claire before guests en- joyed ferret racing in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice and anowl display laid on by the Kent Owl Academy. Other guests included Maidstone


MPs Helen Grant and Helen Whately, Heart of Kent Hospice chief executive Sarah Pugh, council leader FranWilson, Bearsted parish councillors and Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidates David Naghi and Emily Fermor. Other organisations represented included the YMCA and Black- thorn Trust.


downsmail.co.uk World record to


MrPotato Head MAIDSTONE’SveryownMrPotato Head is celebrating this week after setting a new world record of a slightly different kind. PhilipPowell (33), ofVintersPark,


ran for Action on Hearing Loss dressed as the character from hit movie Toy Story. He got round the 26.2 mile course


on Sunday in 3 hours, 24 minutes and 19 seconds. MrPowell has thanked all his sup- porters and their donations. Organisers Virgin London Marathon declared on its website: “Philip Powell, Fastest marathon dressed as a Mr Potato Head – 3:24:19.” And on social media, Mr Powell,


who runs hairdressing salon in the centre of Maidstone with his wife, posted a photo of himself celebrat- ing after the gruelling run. He wrote: “Here we are a little


while after the event and, whilstmy aching muscles are starting to heal my feet are still very blistered but you know what, I got the world record. “I am now the world record


holder for the fastest marathon as MrPotato Head! Thank you all so so much for donating.” Hehas raised £4,439.39 – just short of his £5,000 target.


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