News


Village library reopens at newstation location


A TEMPORARY library has opened in Bearsted to the delight of local residents. The new facility is now open


part-time, four days a week, at the StationMaster’s House at Bearsted rail station. The old library –which overlooks


TheGreen –was shut around a year ago amid concerns about its deteri- orating condition, both internally and externally. CarolynChristie,who grewup in


theMaidstone area, said: “I used to take the grandchildren to the old li- brary when it was open but it’s great that the village of Bearsted has got its own place again.” She had just collected a copy of


Andrew Taylor’s The Silent Boy – an historical crime thriller set against the backdrop of the French Revolution – for her U3A reading group. Mrs Christie, who has lived next


door to the old library for the past few years, was also checking out the reading rooms upstairs for the 10-group.


save the building fromdisrepair. Under investigation will be the


existence of a covenant – dating back to the mid-19th century – which restricts any future use of the building to an education purpose. The schoolmaster’s wing to the


right of the building – has been empty and unlived in for decades. Cllr Spooner said: “I’ve always


Library user Roy Christie Picture by AmyMartin


She had visited the new facility


with her retired husbandRoy, aged 71.


Kent County Council’s leader


Paul Carter recently announced that the building’s library services could be saved if part is sold for housing and the proceeds used for renovation, extension and conver- sion. There are problemswith the joists


and flooring as well as a host of other problems, according to local borough councillor Denis Spooner, who has campaigned for action to


wanted to keep a library on the site and I’ve been advocating the reno- vation of the schoolmaster’s wing for flats for a number of years.” Opening hours of the temporary


library, inWare Street,will be Tues- day 9.30am-1pm, 2pm-5pm; Thurs- day 2pm-6pm, Friday 9.30am-1pm, 2pm-5pm and Saturday 9.30am- 12.30pm. Wheelchair users are advised to


ask for assistance from staff to ac- cess the library andwhile on-street parking is available there are no designated bays for blue badge holders. Further details at: bearstedlibrary


@kent.gov.uk,www.kent.gov.uk /libs or call 03000 413131.


downsmail.co.uk


Disease alert PET owners in Maidstone are being warned of a deadly disease affecting dogs that has been picked up in the area. Downs Mail understands a dog,


from Detling, contracted Alabama Rot in early March and brings the number of confirmed cases to 13 in 2018, with the nearest other inci- dent being reported inAshford. This potentially fatal diseasewas


first identified in greyhounds in the USA in the 1980s. Canicross clubs, where owners


run with their dogs, have re- sponded by cancelling outings to theWhiteHorseWoods onDetling Hill and the nearby Hucking Woods Estate until further notice.


Amy joins us FORMERValley Park studentAmy Martin has joined the staff at DownsMail as a trainee journalist. Amy (22) fromTovil is part of the


Kent Training andApprenticeships scheme and said: “I’mso excited to be working alongside everyone at DownsMail.” Editor Simon Finlay said: “I’m


sure Amy will prove a huge addi- tion to the teamhere as she gets her career in community journalism underway.” CallAmy on 01622 734735.


Registered charity number 1062723


downsmail.co.uk


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     


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   Yes       


                            


   


 


   


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    


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             


    


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           


    


           


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              


     


             


     


 


             


        


         


              





                            


                          


      


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     


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         


     


        


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    


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       


     


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          


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fo        


                


  


        


  


 


 


     


            


           


                


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                       


           


            


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     


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     


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Advertisement Feature


How to fix uncomfortable or slipping glasses 


Do you, or someone you know have demen�a?


The Goodman Centre is a fully equipped, safe and homely day care facility for those living with demen�a at any stage. Clients can enjoy a variety of ac�vi�es including musical


entertainment, arts and cra�s, reminiscing sessions and full use of the sensory garden as well as a two course hot lunch with refreshments throughout their day.


‘’It’s amazing what a difference a day can make here at The Goodman Centre’’


Why not try a Free day by calling us on 01622 736966 Email info@ageukmaidstone.org.uk or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/Maidstone


6 Egremont Road, Bearsted, ME15 8LH 6 Maidstone East April 2018 Registered charity number 1062723


Maidstone Weald October 2017 Maidstone East April 2018


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