News


A tasty ‘trick’ to raise funds


TRICK or treat – you might get both at a Halloween charity dinner in the dark. Volunteers from the Guide Dogs charity and the Hilton Maidstone Hotel have teamed up to create a unique fundraiser on Friday, Octo- ber 27. A“tantalising” three course meal


will be enjoyed by guests – but there is a catch. They will have to eat it while wearing blindfolds to experience the challenge faced by those who are blind or partially sighted. Tickets are £35 each, which in-


cludes awelcome drink, and can be bought individually or in tables of eight, 10 or 12. Dress code is smart or fancy dress. For tickets, call 01622 734322.


Names added to


parish registers THE parish registers for Langley and Otham have several new en- tries forAugust 2017. Under baptisms, there is the


name of George Joe Douglas,while Debbie White married Stephen Miles and Leanne Mills got wed to Paul Edwards. The funeral of Janet Cynthia Dart (74)was also held.


Business Focus


downsmail.co.uk


Rail station celebrates a special anniversary


ONE of the busiest commuter sta- tions in Maidstone is celebrating its 175th birthday. And Headcorn station – a vital


link to London, used by more than 600,000 passengers each year –was not prepared to let the anniversary pass it by. As well as an exhibition of pho- tographs documenting the station’s history, a Pullman train arrived to drop off passengers on theirway to Leeds Castle. Anniversary guests included Mid


KentMPHelen Whately, Headcorn county councillor Shellina Prender- gast, members of Headcorn Parish Council and local rail enthusiasts. Mrs Whately said: “It’s amazing


to think how much has changed since the first steam engine roared into Headcorn station; it must have been an extraordinary sight. “During the Second World War, soldiers stopped at Headcorn, some on their way to fight on the continent, and locals handed out food and drink. Now train travel is vital for commuters and for attract- ing visitors to the village. “I was delighted to celebrate the


MP Helen Whately helps celebrate an im- portant birthday for Headcorn station


175th anniversary of the station. It was a great chance to reflect on Headcorn’s heritage and discuss with Southeastern staff the future of rail services and how they can be improved and how the station can be made more accessible. Happy birthday Headcorn!” David Wornham, passenger services director, Southeastern said: “This is a very special day for Headcorn station and its staff. Headcorn station is also one of many that has visibly benefited from the £70m investment across the Southeastern network. For ex- ample, train punctuality through Headcorn has improved and we are also encouraged by the passen- ger satisfaction noted in this sum- mer’s national survey results.”


Headcorn station in 1947 Picture: Nick Catford


HEADCORN station was opened on August 31, 1842 as part of the extension of the South Eastern Railway’s main line from Ton- bridge. The line reached Ashford in 1842, Folkestone in 1843 and Dover in 1844. The current station was rebuilt and reopened in 1989 by the former MP for Maidstone, Anne Widdecombe.


downsmail.co.uk A personal service at a time of loss


Michael Lawrence, and his son Robert along with Kim and Angela, are the team behind a family-owned funeral service that has been helping families across the Maidstone area for 37 years.


With offices in Bearsted and Barming, Family Funerals is a third generation business, experienced in caring for your needs with commitment and understanding.


At such a stressful time, they know it’s important to sit and talk to you about every detail and to assist you in making the often


4 Cavendish Way, Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone ME15 8PW


01622 260200 14 Maidstone Weald October 2017


difficult decisions about how best to remember a loved one and to meet their personal wishes.


With so many years’ experience, Family Funerals has learned how to respond to the specific and different needs of every individual facing one of the toughest times in their life. This personalised approach includes the option of home visits and access to a friendly voice at the end of the phone around the clock, as well as personal support to clients through the bereavement process.


Michael Lawrence said: "The loss of a loved one is never easy to cope with, and the added stress of making arrangements for the service can often bring further emotional upset. With our experience of making funeral arrangements we have learned how to help families have and be part of a unique and meaningful service that


Find us at:


59 High Street, Headcorn TN27 9QA


01622 962001 celebrates life.


"Our approach is simple. We sit with you in our office or your home, taking you slowly and methodically through the various decisions that you will face and the options available to you. Sometimes, it’s just good to sit and talk, and to learn about the services and venues available from someone with experience and compassion before making a decision.”


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