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News Fall in number


of teenmums TEENAGE pregnancies are at their lowest rate in Maidstone since the swinging 60s, butKent continues to record the highest number of un- planned pregnancies in the South East – a figure likely to rise as a re- sult of cuts to sexual health services. The Family Planning Associa-


tion says an £800m cut in public health spending has closed more than one in three council contra- ceptive care services, and almost a fifth of youngsters now wait more than two weeks for an ap- pointment. The comments are in response


to latest figures fromthe Office of National Statistics and the UK’s teenage birth rate, which remains one of the highest in western Eu- rope. The figures show concep- tion rates for those aged 15 to 17 in 2016 at 15 per 1,000 in the South East – a 12% fall on 2015, and a 60% drop since 1998. However, in Maidstone, a rate


of 18.1 unplanned pregnancies (51 cases) is the highest in Kent, be- hind Thanet, Swale andMedway. The county’s total of 608 un-


planned pregnancies in 2016 was the highest figure in the South East.


AMAN died after collapsing dur- ing an incident atHeadcorn station on Good Friday. The 63-year-old, who had not


been named at the time of going to press, died in hospital following the incident. It had been initially thought that


the man had been assaulted, but investigations by British Transport Police (BTP) showed that he had instead been involved in a verbal altercation. Officers were called to the sta-


tion just beforemidday on Friday, March 30, to reports of a “serious assault” in the station car park. About 10 police cars and two


forensic vans headed to the station and carried out a search of the area. The stationwas shut completely,


with a replacement bus laid on to ferry passengers to Pluckley or Sta-


downsmail.co.uk


Stewards rewarded for service to county show


FACES familiar to those attend- ing Kent’s county show, near Maidstone, have been honoured for theirwork. MaryAnthony, RozDay and Roy


Keeler have, together, given more than 100 years’ service to the county’s showcase event atDetling. Thanking them for their dedica-


tion at theKentCountyAgricultural Society’s AGM, was chairman Kevin Attwood and society presi- dent The Lord Colgrain, who pre- sented them with long-service awards and added: “The help and support of these stewards is instru- mental to the running of the annual Kent County Show.” They have taken a leading role in


areas such as floral art, equine events, education and forestry, which are crucial to the success of the show. Mary,who lives at Stockbury and


Roz, from Headcorn, have been stewarding for 30 years,while Roy, who lives inMereworth, joined the societywhen itmoved toDetling 50 years ago.


Man dies after station row


plehurst stations to catch trains. Once officers had studied CCTV


footage and spoken towitnesses, it transpired that theman suffered a medical episode during a verbal argument. He died in hospital. A BTP spokesman said: “A 63-


year-oldmanwho suffered amed- ical episode during an incident at Headcorn station on Friday has sadly died in hospital. “His family have been informed


and are being supported by a spe- cialist officer. They would like to express their thanks to everyone who assisted the man at the scene and providedmedical support. “We are stillworking to establish


the circumstances leading up to his death and are appealing for any- one with any information to con- tact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016,with reference 224 of 30/3.”


Kevin Attwood (left), Roz Day and The Lord Colgrain Roz has served as chairman of the


Society’s EducationCommittee and is chief steward of the Garden Life Marquee that hosts the flower show, NAFAS floral art competi- tion, Kent Federation of Horticul- tural Societies Summer Show, schools’miniature garden competi- tion and the Kent Bees and Honey Show. She is also a board director. Mary has been an equine steward,


board director and, more recently, vice-chair of the equinecommittee. Roy started volunteering for the


society in 1964 and helped plant MurrainWood. TheRDKeeler Tro- phy, named in his honour, is now awarded annually to Kent young- sters showing a commitment to forestry studies. To


volunteer, email meghan@kentshowground.co.uk. Trophy success for tennis club


HEADCORN Tennis Club is cele- brating after claiming the top two spots in theMaidstone Open. Graeme Rampersad (pictured)


took the trophy after beating club- mate Harry O’Rawe in the final. The club’s Captain of Tennis Ian


Huckstep was delighted to see a clubmember win the title. “They are both relatively new


members to the club,” he said. “Success like this is great for us be- cause we are a small, rural tennis club. “I’msure it will inspire our


youngermembers as well. “Ourmembership is increasing


anyway, and withmore homes being built, I’d say the future is bright for the club.” The club is hosting an Open Day


at its courts on LenhamRoad on SundayMay 13 between 10am


and 1pm. Players of all ages and standards are welcome to try the sport for free at the club, and re- freshments will be available. For details, visit www.headcorn- tennisclub.co.uk.


Gang hunted afterman stabbed during village break-in


THE hunt is on for a four-man gang suspected of trying to kill a man nearMaidstone. Detectives from the Kent and


Essex Serious Crime Directorate are investigating a report of an at- tack in Yalding. Kent Police re- ceived a call at about 3.30am on


12 Maidstone Weald April 2018


Friday,March 16, saying that four men had broken into a home in BenoverRoadandassaultedaman in his 30s. Officers and South East Coast


Ambulance Service went to the scene and treated theman for stab injuries. He was then taken to a


London hospitalwhere he remains in a serious but stable condition. The offenders are described as


black andin their 30s.AsilverMer- cedes car was later seized by offi- cers in The Tail Race, TovilGreen. Anyonewho has information re- garding the incident or the Mer-


cedes should call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 16- 0100, or callCrimestoppers anony- mously on 0800 555 111.  A 41-year-old man from Ilford, Essex,was arrested onMarch 26 in connection with the incident. He was bailed untilApril 23.


Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel


The Hop Pole Inn, Nettlestead is a traditional country pub with a wood burner, a long sweeping bar, exposed brickwork and oak beams. Walking through the bar and seating areas past the fireplace, the building opens out into a large conservatory with a fish pond that comes up to the base of the conservatory. Out into the beautifully landscaped garden over a small wooden bridge, there is a detached games room and the top of the garden offers beautiful views of countryside fields and open spaces. Lunchtime and Evening meals are available.


If you’re looking for stylish and comfortable Kent accommoda- tion or conference facilities, the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel Spa Hotel is one of Kent’s finest. Set in 26 beautiful


acres of countryside adjoining the famous Leeds Castle, the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel is home to the largest conference room in Kent, comfortably accommodating up to 600. Boasting 14 function rooms and parking for 500 cars for weddings, functions, meetings and groups of every size. Not only is it one of the finest wedding venues Kent has to offer, the Feel Good Health Club offers the best spa days in Kent, complete with newly refurbished gym, 16 metre swimming pool, male and female saunas, jacuzzi, steam rooms, Exquisite Beauty Spa salon and Hair Workshop. Also offering tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course, so you can relax as hard as you like on a leisure break or after your meeting or conference.


Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel is proud to present


ABBA TRIBUTE LUNCH Sunday 27th May 2018


Ten years after the original was released, 2018 is set to see the release of one of the world’s most eagerly anticipated films. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again


To get you in the mood for what is sure to be one of the standout films of 2018, gather up your dancing queens and for a Mamma Mia Musical lunch at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel. Get ready for an amazing afternoon enjoying all your favourite ABBA classics performed by ABBA Chique who are sure to get you on your feet and dancing.


As seen on BBC ONE, ‘ABBA Chique’ are an authentic looking and sounding ABBA tribute band. Since 2009 the


CALL TO BOOK A TABLE. VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.mercuremaidstone.co.uk TEL: 0844 815 9045


Hollingbourne, Nr Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RE info@mercuremaidstone.co.uk


band have been performing sell-out ABBA tribute shows all over the UK and various locations abroad. This unfor- gettable and high-energy ABBA show that pays tribute to the music of one of the world’s biggest selling bands of all time. It will leave you feeling like you've headed back in time to the 1970s where ABBA ruled the music scene with a performance packed full of amazing hits including Dancing Queen, Super Trooper, The Name of the game and of course Mamma Mia, plus many more.


The idea event for birthday celebrations or just an excuse to get together with family & friends!


£24.95 per person, including a 3 course lunch and entertainment


Doors open from 12.30pm, lunch served from 1pm, the entertainment will start after lunch. Event finishes at approx. 4pm.


Maidstone Weald April 2018 13


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