News


Demelza settles in at new centre in RoyalMail sortingHQ


YOUMAY not even realise it is there, but as it approaches six months in its new home, the Demelza Distri- bution Centre is settling in well. It is always on the lookout for vol-


unteers, which it says are the lifeblood of the work the charity’s shops carry out to support the hos- pice work. The distribution centre and shop-


ping outlet have taken over the building that was once the Royal Mail sorting office on Sandling Road. The charity needs to raise £10.5m


to offer support to terminally-ill youngsters and their families – and the challenges are ever-growing, as shops operations manager Rachel Stead explained. “We are finding that young peo-


Business Focus


ously great,” she said. “Itmeans we are supporting them in adult life too, helping themattend university or learn to drive and live their lives. “In terms of support, we never


stop helping families who have been affected – ourmusic therapist is currently helping a grandmother who seemed okay at the time of the bereavement, but three years on she started to really struggle.” The warehouse is vital for smaller


shops who receive more donations than they can handle, and staff and volunteers have the task of sorting through everything and then get- ting it ready to go back onto the shop floor – or finding another use for it, with some goods sent on to other charities. If


you can help, ple are living longer, which is obvi- www.demelza.org.uk visit


downsmail.co.uk


‘Snared’ drug dealer is jailed


A DRUG dealer who originally told police he could not remember a drug deal due to his own habit has been jailed for supplying co- caine inMaidstone. Aaron Gauntlett (27), formerly of


Upper FantRoad,was jailed on Feb- ruary 23 for two years and six months after pleading guilty to charges of being concerned in the supply ofClassAdrugs, possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possessing cocaine. He had been arrested onMarch 2


when he was spotted by plain clothes officers meeting a known drug user in the Lockmeadow en- tertainment complex. Once they suspected a deal had taken place, patrols stopped the user and seized a quantity of cocaine wrapped in folded paper, which was clenched in his hand. They then swiftly lo- catedGauntlett,whowas still in the complex, and when he was searched they foundmore drugs. He also had a mobile phone which analysis later revealed con-


tained mes- sages relating to further deals, including texts sent to poten- tial customers advertising co-


caine for sale. Gauntlett denied the phone was his and claimed the drugs on himwere for personal use, as well as telling officers he could not remember any details of the al- leged deal because his own drug habit had left himwith a poormem- ory. Chief Inspector Mick Gardner


said: “Gauntlett is yet another street dealer who has paid the price for trying to operate inMaidstone. “Our use of plain clothes officers


ismaking it increasingly difficult for criminals to supply drugs on our streets. “Patrols know who the users are


and we are continuing to identify and arrest those who target them, regularly. “Therewill be no let up.”


Keeping It Local


Supporting your local independent business


Collectors Corner


We buy and sell coins, medallions, medals,


banknotes stamps, cards, watches, silver items, all militaria, Fri and Sat only


Open, Weds to Sat, 9.30 - 3.00 ish 6, Brewer St, Maidstone ME14 1RU 07914929709


Email: collcms@virginmedia.com COUNTY COBBLER


Just moved? Need spare keys? We are here to help!! DISCOUNTS on multiple key orders COMPETITIVELY priced.


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We specialise in men’s leather soles stitched on.


We can replace ZIPS on premises within 24 hours.


NEW SPECIALISED key cutting – i.e. tubular multi-lock security


MOST car keys cut


Engraving Service – we can also supply trophies & tankards


Zippo Lighters


Get your gifts personalised by our engraving specialists - jewellery, pens & Zippo's etc.


While U Wait service available


www.facebook.com/Maidstoneshoerepairs


County Cobbler 370 The Mall, Dukes Walk, Chequers Centre • 01622 297600


22 Maidstone April 2018


1 Mackenders Ln, Eccles, Aylesford ME20 7HX 01622 791 135


Maidstone April 2018 23 Prompt


How to find us:- We are in The Mall- Chequers Centre- five shops in from the main entrance on the right hand side, next door to Virgin Media.


KEYS* Watch repairs, batteries & straps replaced


Yale type £5 2 for £7.50 3 for £10!!! We also cut


Mortice, Chubb


Security &


most car keys *from the same key


THE WALNUT TREE Your traditional, family run, local pub.


Kent’s longest running comedy club Every Thursday – Come and see the future stars of comedy live!


Live Music - every Friday Bank Holiday Sunday Quiz Night


(visit website for details) Jam Night - First Monday of the month


Dogs welcome on their leads Lovely beer garden and car park.


Varied bar menu served every day 12noon-8.30pm.


Come try our famous ‘Build a Burger’ meals!


Find us opposite the entrance to Oakwood Park Tonbridge Road, Maidstone ME16 8SR


01622 727260 email : walnuttree234@yahoo.co.uk web : www.thewalnuttreemaidstone.com


The Red Bull ECCLES


UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT For a warm welcome & good company


Entertainment Nights


Music &


Darts, Cards & Bar Billiards


Bar Food & Snacks


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