News Comic’s views


‘wellmeaning’ RISING star of the comedy circuit Geoff Norcott will be appearing at Maidstone’s popular Hazlitt The- atre nextmonth. Fresh from a successful TV ap-


pearance at the Apollo and Ques- tion Time, Geoff will be treading the Hazlitt boards on Friday, Feb- ruary 23. The comic is on the “Right Lean-


ing butWellMeaning” tour,where he sees the funny side of his own Tory views. Tickets for the over-16s show


cost £13.50 and are available on 01622 758611.


Filling station


gets a revamp TESCOhas confirmed its filling sta- tion at Grove Green in Maidstone will be closed until February,while improvements are carried out. Downs Mail recently reported


that the forecourt was closed and since then a sign has been put up. A spokesman for the retailer


apologised for any inconvenience caused and said it was working to reopen the station on Wednesday, February 14.


downsmail.co.uk


‘Thin air’won’t finance upkeep of our churches


THE parlous state of church fi- nances has led outspoken vicar Rev Steve Hughes to warn of two parishes potentially going bank- rupt within three years. AlthoughRevHugheswarns that


going bust is a “worst possible sce- nario”, the reality is that churches “cannot be run on thin air”. The Anglican vicar, who is in


charge of the churches at Otham, Leeds, Langley, Broomfield and Kingswood, wrote in his local parish newsletter: “The sad reality is that our churches (and those in many other places) are in a state of decline.One of the areas of decline, he wrote, is the “domain of fi- nance”. He added: “The parish of Otham


and Langley, for example, is likely to be bankrupt (literally) within three years – it is bleeding money at the rate of roughly £1,000 a month – unless there is a radical overhaul of what we are prepared to give.” He said that on average the six


Rev Steve Hughes, left, with the Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev TrevorWill- mott, centre, and Rev John Corbyn


services held at the two churches at- tract around 40 worshippers. Rev Hughes toldDownsMail that com- munal prayer is away to bringmore people together. He said: “Churches would be


stronger if the people took praying together seriously and making it a prayerful community. It’s true of all the churches, not just these. “The truth is that if a church holds


a jumble sale, you would get 10 to 20 volunteers to help out but if you hold a prayer meeting you would be delighted if 10 people turned up. It is just a challenge to the people


within the church, and to say that things cannot go on forever.” Father Neil Bryson, in charge of


the St Michael and All Angels in Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, said hall rentals bring extra income. In 2017, Fr Bryson introduced special services at Christmas which at- tracted almost 1,400 people, includ- ing many local schoolchildren. Midnight mass and its Christmas morning services saw a big jump year on year. Fr Bryson added: “Money is al-


ways a challenge but we always seemto cover it.”


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LEEDS CASTLE SEASONAL VACANCIES


Leeds Castle is one of the biggest heritage attractions in England welcoming over half a million visitors each year. We are looking forward to another busy summer season and have the following vacancies available to support our hospitality department.


HOUSEKEEPING The housekeeping staff are responsible for cleaning all B&B and holiday cottages across the estate, as    to the location of the Estate you will also, ideally, be able to drive and have your own transport. We have permanent full-time


or part-time and zero hours vacancies available.


CAMPSITE STEWARDS We are also looking for camp site stewards to help run our award-winning, glamorous camping  between March and early October.


The camp site staff appointed will be required to live on site. The duties will be varied and include, allocating tents, welcoming guests  to deal with any issues, preparing breakfast baskets, cleaning and maintenance of the campsite area. This is a varied role and the 


 If you would like to apply for any of the above vacancies please send your CV to deborahporter@leeds-castle.co.uk.


Downs Mail Jan 2018.indd 1 12 Maidstone East February 2018


24/01/2018 11:14:31 Maidstone East February 2018 13


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