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downsmail.co.uk Vicars join the fun at Picnic


THOUSANDSflocked to the fifthVicar’s Picnic music festival at Yalding, which kicked off with its own “rocking rev” – a set from the village priest Paul Kish and his band the Devil’s Cut Combo.


As the double bass-playing cler- gyman took to the stage, the clouds parted to reveal heavenly blue skies – the start to two days of toe-tap- ping sounds, fabulous food, arts, crafts and comedy, plus activities to keep the children amused. Friday’s headline act was From


the Jam, with Bruce Foxton,who was as energetic as the days when he and Paul Weller packed stadi- ums in the 1970s and ‘80s. On Saturday night, headliners


The Fratellis got everyone dancing. Among the crowd enjoying the


music was soap star Melanie Hill (Coronation Street’s Cathy Matthews), who was visiting friends in Yalding. New this year was the artist’s quarter, where festival laureate Matt Chamberlain headed an im- pressive list of local poets who per- formed throughout the weekend. For the scores of campers, the fun continued in the Secret Disco, with FNUK, Seb Fontaine, Darren Jay and a host of other DJs. The festival, organised by volun-


teers, attracted more than 3,200 people to the sleepy Kentish village for aweekend of family fun. Festival co-founder Dave King


said: “Who would have thought that something which started with a group of friends in a neighbour’s garden would now be a multi


Barming Bull in make-over


THE Bull at Barming has reopened after a £425,000 refurbishment by its new owners with dozens of new jobs.


Stonegate Pub Company plans to transform and extend it as part of the major renovation which was due for completion byAugust 10. Creating 30 new jobs, the firm


says its commitment guarantees the pub’s long-term future with the deal between Stonegate and prop- erty owners Enterprise Inns the perfect solution for the venue. The pub will focus on premium products including craft and cask beer, a spirits emporium and fine wines alongside seasonal, quality food with daily offers. The garden is also set for a makeover. Simon Longbottom, Chief Execu-


tive for Stonegate Pub Company said: “The acquisition of The Bull adds another gem of a pub to our estate. “We are hugely excited about the


development of this pub and are confident the transformation will be a hit with locals and visitors alike.”


12 Maidstone September 2017 School hits library target


WATERINGBURY CE Primary School is celebrating after raising the £115,000 needed to replace its library roof and windows less than 12 months after launching amajor capital fundraising appeal. The school in Bow Road successfully bid for £81,000 funding from the Diocese of Rochester and the rest of the money was raised by the school community, village organisations and local businesses. The cheque for £2,500 was handed over by the Friends ofWateringbury Primary School from fundraising events organised by parents. Plans are now being drawn up for the project, which will also include


better heating ventilation, lights and furniture. It is hoped work can start before Christmas. Headteacher Chasey Crawford Usher said: “We are thrilled to have


reached our target so quickly. Local businesses have supported us with substantial donations and even the children have helped with fundraising initiatives. It’s been a real community effort. This project will ensure the library continues to inspire children to love reading.”


Rev Paul Kish in Devil’s Cut Combo and right, Corrie actress Melanie Hill was at the festival with friends


award-nominated event, attracting crowds of thousands? “We’re proud to say that the


Vicar’s Picnic is now firmly estab- lished on the festival scene. It’s quite remarkable what can be achieved when a team pulls to- gether – but it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of a committed bunch of dedicated villagers and supporters.” This year’s eventwas supporting Dandelion Time, the Maidstone- based charity which works with vulnerable children.


Perfume thief spared prison


A WOMAN who shoplifted beauty and electrical items worth more than £500 from The Mall in Maidstone and drove while dis- qualified has been spared a prison sentence. Amie Rose-Marie Frankham


(28), was sentenced on July 5, 2017, at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court. She pleaded guilty to driving


while disqualified, driving with- out insurance and shoplifting. On August 30, 2016, Frankham,


of Eccleston Court, Maidstone, stole perfume, beauty items and electrical items valued at £507.42 from a shop in The Mall, Maid- stone. On March 16, 2017, she drove a


Ford Fiesta in Woodside Road, Maidstone, while disqualified and with no insurance. Magistrates sentenced her to 60


days in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered her to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months. She must also pay a £120 fine, £170 costs and a £145 victim surcharge.


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