downsmail.co.uk Castle concert


thrills visitors THE sun set on a rousing per- formance by the Royal Philhar- monic Orchestra as thousands enjoyed a summer’s evening at Leeds Castle – the venue for an- other classical music event. The crowdswere given their fill


of music, magic, fizz and fire- works, waving flags throughout. Artillery guns and a fly-by pro-


vided the finishing touches to Sat- urday’s Battle of Britain-themed occasion, with performances by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, The Patriot Girls (Joanne Pullen, Jo Gibb and Marissa Dun- lop Bidwell) and The Royal Phil- harmonic Orchestra, conducted by John Rigby. Soloist Tenor Anthony Flaum


and soprano Katie Bird also wowed with Nessun Dorma and Rule Britainnia. Host Aled Jones said: “It was a pleasure to host the 39th Leeds Castle Classical Concert on a beautiful summer’s evening.” Event director Richard Millward praised “the perfect co-ordination of the Spitfire to the music and the farewell wing tip as it headed into the sunset; and watching the Gar- rison field guns nail every cue of the 1812 in perfect symmetry, with stunning fireworks.”


News


National treasure can fight on terror threat


LEEDSCastle can contribute to the local and national economy in the face of the constant terror threat, according to the attraction’s chief executive Sir David Steel. After recent terrorist attacks, the


flag at the treasure house has flown at half-mast “on too many occasions this summer”, he said. Sir David, writing in the Leeds


and Broomfield parish newsletter, said great houses like Leeds Castle can be a source of “joy and certainty to so many”. Thousands of music lovers, pic-


tured, were certainly undeterred to attend the sell-out summer classical concert on July 8. Sir David writes: “As a Navy man,


I support the flying of flags, but it is hard not to reflect on the fact that the flag at Leeds Castle has flown at half-mast now on too many occa- sions this summer, in remembrance of thosewhohave died at the hands of terrorists or, most recently, be- cause of the most dreadful fire in one of London’s high-rise apart- ment blocks. “As our country moves through a


period of great uncertainty, it is therefore consoling, to a degree, that times move on and there are a good many thing that bring a great deal of joy and certainty to so many, such as Leeds Castle. “If we can assist in making Kent


and England more generally, an at- tractive destination for international visitors, aswell as those from home, thenwe will have played a good part in our national and local economy.” Sir David said that in the past year, the castle had been used as a


location in a number of TV dramas and two large feature films which helps to advertise the 900-year-old attraction. He adds: “Ifwe are lucky enough


to attract further filming, we will continue to ensure that this is not to the detriment of our visitors.” The castle chief caused recent con-


troversy by introducing photo ID ticketing, to prevent people “Face- book swapping” of tickets. Leeds Castle’s Festival of Flowers takes place from September 23-28.


YOUR COMMUNITY WEBSITE


• Local news – updated daily and keeping you fully informed


• Archived issues – a library of back issue to research


• Community notice board – events, fundraising, recreation, help, advice and employment opportunities


• Free Ads - sell your unwanted items to local people


• Business notice board – advice, support and networking opportunities for local businesses


• Business directory – contact your favourite


tradesperson and service provider wherever you are


The Downs Mail has been serving the community for 20 years and to expand this service our website has been created for organisations, businesses and residents to communicate and connect free of charge.


www.downsmail.co.uk 30 Maidstone Weald August 2017


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48