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downsmail.co.uk Chapel’s bright and beautiful


AN EVENT for the whole family at Headcorn Church proved the perfect occasion to show off the newlook given to the altar in St Peter and St Paul’s children’s chapel. The service for the congregation’s


extended family – which included 28 dogs, a rabbit and two bearded dragons –was chosen by Rev Fiona Haskett to dedicate the handiwork of husband and wife team Jenny and John Robson. The chapel’s wooden cross and


candlesticks were refurbished by John (74) and the altar frontal and curtain made by Jenny (73), who live inMoat Road, Headcorn. Jenny spent more than two


monthsmaking the applique scene, including animals and trees,which has transformed the church’s St Nicholas Chapel, making it brighter andmore child-friendly. She said: “It was quite a thick


material,whichwe bought back in July and while the curtain took around two weeks, the font cover was a different story; it was laid out on the table in our spare room for three or fourweeks, alongwith various bits of piping and patterns when we decided it would be a good idea to have it on display for the pet service. Fortunately, itwas just long enough to get it fin- ished.” The intricate work involved a lot


of hand stitching and some em- broidery. However, the retired home-econ-


omist,who founded theMaidstone branch of the British Sugar Craft Guild in 1985, was happy with the finished article. She added: “I was very pleased


with it, although I’m more used to working with sugar than a needle and thread.” The couple, who celebrate their


21st wedding anniversary this month, admit their talents are very different, but complement each


Jenny and John Robson, whose work hasmade St Nicholas Chapel at Head- corn Churchmore child-friendly


other. John, who enjoys DIY, and Jenny also belong to an art group in Tenterden. Jenny said: “Our styles are very


different. I like intricate water- colours, while John uses oils and acrylics, butweworkwellwhenwe team up for a project like this one for the church.” As well as her artistic talents,


Jenny also sings in the choir and helpswith the church flowers. She joked: “I often say I’m a jack


of all trades andmaster of none and while thiswas a difficult challenge, I’m really pleased we were able to help.”


Canine companions were among creatures great and small that attended the family pet service at Headcorn Church


Garages make


way for homes REDEVELOPMENT on a Cox- heath garage block is set to start. Eighteen garages will be de-


molished at The Beacons to makeway for three one-bed bun- galows. It is one of four garage-block


developments approved by the borough council across Maid- stone on sites identified as “suit- able for redevelopment” by Golding Homes. The other sites are in Bicknor


Road,Hartnup Street and Francis Lane inMaidstone. The development in Coxheath


will be carried out by Chartway Construction. A spokesman for Golding


Homes said the development ex- pected to take a year to com- plete and the bungalows will be available for “affordable rent”.


Four hurt in knife incident Towpath robbery appeal


KENT detectives are appealing for witnesses following a knife incident in Maidstone in the early hours of Saturday, Octo- ber 21, in which four men were slashed in the face. Officers were called to Hart


Street at 4.33amwhere it was re- ported that four men had been assaulted by twomales. A police statement said: "It is


believed a knife may have been used during the assault. “All four received injuries to


their face and three were taken to a local hospital and have since be discharged." According to police, the first


8 Malling November 2017


man is described as black, aged between 25 and 30, well-built, with short dark hair and was wearing a dark coloured bomber/puffer style jacket, dark trousers and dark shoes. The second man is described


as white, with very short, gelled and slicked back hair,wearing a cream polo top with a different colour collar. Anyone with information


should contact Kent Police on 01622 604100. Alternatively, call CrimeStop-


pers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference 21- 0254.


KENT Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was report- edly robbed by the River Medway inMaidstone. A man in his 60s was walking


along the towpath next to Clifford Way and, as he approached the Tovil Bridge, two men cycled past him at speed, causing him to jump to one side. He shouted at the men, and car-


ried on walking, but he has re- ported feeling a blow to his face and fell unconscious.Hewas found on the ground by a member of the public,who took himto hospital. He suffered a facial cut and


bruising, and later found that his mobile phone, watch, bank card


and a quantity of cash were miss- ing. The suspects, who spoke with a


foreign accent, are described as aged between 25 and 30,with dark brown hair andwerewearing dark hoodies and tracksuit bottoms. It is believed they left the scene on the bikes towardsWateringbury. Kent Police would like to speak


to the member of the public who helped the victim, anyonewho saw the incident and anybodywhomay have information that can help. They are asked to contact Kent Po- lice on 01622 604100 quoting refer- ence YY/28701/17. Alternatively callCrimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


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downsmail.co.uk News


Revolutionary New Treatment for dry or watery eyes


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