News


Palaceweddings are here to stay


WORRIED brides looking to book theirwedding at a “fairytale” venue in Maidstone have been assured the historic building will remain available. There had been fears that when


the county council’s lease on the Archbishop’s Palace, owned by Maidstone Borough Council. Council, ended in 2020, civilwed-


dings would be relocated, along with the coroner’s service. While inquests will shift to Can-


tium House at the long-awaited Maidstone East regeneration site, KCChas confirmed that the register office will stay. Shirley Sheridan, service manager


for KCC Registration, said: “The plans for the coroner’s service to va- cate Archbishop’s Palace have no impact on the use of the building as the County Register Office, so all these services including weddings and citizenships will continue. It is an impressive building at the heart of Maidstone, parts of which date back to the 14th century, and is one of our most popular venues for mar- riage ceremonies.” It does, however, suggest further


delay for the Maidstone East regen- eration project by KCC, Maidstone Council and Network Rail, if tenants are to move back in to more vacant buildings on the site and comes weeks after a temporary car park was created on the Sandling Road improvement site. It is understood that four property firms are in the running to submit tenders for the proposed regeneration project by September. KCC says it will be asked to produce a viable master- plan that reflects future trends for re- tail, housing and commercial premises on challenging town cen- tre sites as this. Network Rail also plans to demolish the derelict pub in St Faiths Street,knownas TheVic, to extend its ticket office, alongside other improvements.


downsmail.co.uk Jack playing the fool


A ONE-MAN playwhich portrays the rise to stardom of comedian Norman Wisdom after a tough and lonely childhood comes to the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone, onWednesday, September 27. Starring Jack Lane, Wisdom of a Fool tells how the slapstick comic perfected the routine which shot him to stardom in the 1950s, with film success and the hit song “Don’t Laugh At Me” sealing his fame. Norman’s daughter Jaqueline Wisdom said: “Wearing the gump suit brought Dad back to life. It was incredibly emotional and I know Dad would be flattered that Jack’s performances earned him standing ovations.” Call the box office on 01622 758611.


Cyclist injured in fall from bike AMANwas seriously injured after falling from his bike near Maid- stone. The incident happened in Smiths Hill, West Farleigh, at about 6.10pm onAugust 14 and the manwas flown to a London hos- pital by air ambulance. A police spokesman said: "The 72-year-old, who was riding a


black racing bike, fell onto the road and suffered severe injuries. Hewas taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition."


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