downsmail.co.uk


News PROUDLY PRESENT


MAIDSTONE COMMUNITY MELA & FOOD FESTIVAL


A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, VISUAL ARTS, FOOD AND DANCE FROM AROUND THE WORLD


Hope for town’s House of Fraser


THE future of Fremlin Walk’s House of Fraser store is hanging in the balance. While a cautious welcome has


been given to provisional plans that would retain the Maidstone store and its 248 staff, creditors have until June 22 to agree the package. Town centre borough councillor


CliveEnglish saidhewas concerned about the uncertainty, adding: “We are happy that Maidstone is one of the stores that would remain open as part of the Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVA), but the game is far from over. The survival of those stores hoping to remain open depends on lenders’ support.” Describing the 73,000sqft store,


which opened in 2005, as a big em- ployer in the town, Cllr English added: “It will be possible to find someone to take over the store, but it would be difficult. We must keep our fingers crossed that this com- pany’s rescue bid is accepted.” House of Fraser CEO Alex


Williamson says the proposal to close 31 stores is one of themost im- portant in the company’s 169-year history, but was necessary for the chain’s survival. He admits that without a deal from the company’s creditors, the business “does not have a viable future”. The restructuring packagewould


see 6,000 staff and concessions part- ners lose their jobs, as the retail es- tate is reduced to 28 stores. It is thought stores scheduled for


closurewill shut in early 2019,pend- ing approval of the CVAs. Chairman Frank Slevin said fun-


damental change within the retail sector meant House of Fraser ur- gently needed to adapt to thrive. Aspokesman for the company re-


fused to be drawn further on the store in Maidstone, adding only: “House of Fraser remains commit- ted to those stores that will be stay- ing open, but our concern and sensitivities at the present time has to bewith those that aren’t.”


Wendy’s up for a naer


IF YOU spotted a ladywearing a bright yellow sash, and an even brighter smile, chatting topeople in Maidstone, chances are you witnessed the Fancy A Natter (FAN) Club in action. CharityworkerWendyPfeiffer


gave up five days of her holiday to save a service that provides a lifeline to lonely older people. Manager Wendy is the only


staff member running the West Kent Befriending Service – an AgeUKMaidstone initiative that matches volunteer befrienders with isolated people. Since the free service started in


2014, it has found friends for more than 600 people. But the service’s successmeans


theworkisnowtoomuchfor one person,prompting thedecisionto close the books to newmembers


until money is found for a part- time assistant. Wendy spent her annual leave


chatting to strangers in cafes, on buses, in Lenham, The Mall shopping centre, at Mote Park, andMaidstoneHospital. She said: “I am overwhelmed


by the wonderful, friendly peo- ple Ihavemetduringmyweekof nattering. Closing the bookswas not a decision I took lightly.” Wendy now hopes the public


will help sponsor Age UK’s Maidstone’s befriending service. You can sponsor her at www.to- talgiving.co.uk/mypage/wendys- fanclub  Following her visit to Harpers Coffee and Gifts in Maidstone, owners Claudine and Nick have invited Wendy to host regular sessions there.


Kids Holiday Club Wednesday 25th July – Friday 31st Aug (exc 27th Aug)


Sessions from 8am-6pm Lots of fun activities


Call 01622 749404 to book www.maidstoneymca.org.uk


Maidstone YMCA, Melrose Close, Loose, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6BD Find us on SUPPORT & ADVICE ACCOMMODATION FAMILY WORK Charity Number: 1110087 HEALTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & EDUCATION Maidstone July 2018 5


22ND JULY 2018 BETWEEN 12.30PM AND 6.00PM


WHATMAN MILLENNIUM RIVER PARK, MAIDSTONE, KENT MELA PARTNERS


For further information please contact: Gurvinder Sandher 01474 369329 www.maidstonemela.com


@melamaidstone @cohesion plus @melamaidstone @CohesionPlusEvents


FAMILY EVENT FREE


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48