News REVIEW: When


art meets science By Dennis Fowle


ART is all about imagination and learning – and the audience at Maid- stone International Arts Festival gala concert at Mote Hall had their fill. Maidstone shares its name with a


crater on Mars, and the concert’s red planet theme brought together art and science. At times I felt rather spaced out


but there were plenty of down-to- earth highlights I could more easily associate with. This built up to a splendid finale,


with an amazing colourful painting by Maryleen Schiltkamp on a blank canvas, to the piano music of Reinis Zarins. And to round off, Invicta Jazz Orchestra really achieved audi- ence participation. Local talent shared the stage with international dance and singing artists and dance schools (Hilton Hall, Essence and Jag), a choir formed by Maidstone Singers and Mixed Blessings and the Dead Rat Orchestra had a chance toshowtheir achievements. The contemporary dances by the Rambert Dance Company did space meout and Iwas more at homewith the performances of Russian mezzo- soprano Maria Gulik and Spanish tenor Jorge Navarro Colorado.


downsmail.co.uk


Gift to a hospital ward was John’s dying wish


THE dying wish of a man from Coxheath has been fulfilled by his family, with the presentation of medical equipment to Maidstone Hospital. John (Pete) Lewis (pictured, inset)


spent the final 14weeks of his life on the John Day Ward before he died last September at the age of 82. Last week, his wife Ann and his


sons Gary and Scott presented the team with three drugs trolleys used to take medication to patients. The family say the care Mr Lewis


received on John Day was “second to none” and it was his father’s wish that staff should be thanked. Gary Lewis (53), from Coxheath,


said: “Dad loved the banter with staff, we can’t thank them enough for their support, dedication and professionalism. “John would have been delighted


to know that we have been able to give something back to the staff that will help them each day and benefit patients, too.” John moved to Coxheath with


Ann in 1994, after growing up in Is- lington. The eldest of three, hewas affectionately known as “Big


John’s family present staff with the drug trolleys


Bruv”. After his move he com- muted back into London as chief accountant for Lintas (part of Unilever). Scott, from Headcorn, who runs


Kent and Sussex Fine Foods Store in Biddenden, says his father had a keen interest in DIY and his new store provided a much-loved proj- ect for his retirement. He said: “Dad had two main pas-


sions: The first, without question, was his family; the second, his love of DIY, whether it be working on his own house, or helping neigh-


bours. He would never let a chal- lenge get in his way and would often battle through it until he succeeded; always making sure it was done to perfection.” Neil Salmon, manager of John


DayWard, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to John’s fam- ily for their kindness, generosity and support. The trolleys will make a huge difference on the ward, to both staff and patients.”


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