downsmail.co.uk


News


Choir drops its boys only rule


FORchoristers hoping to get their voice heard at one ofMaidstone’s largest venues, a historic change in recruitment policy means any- one, of any age, can now apply to sing at the county town’s parish church. Themovewill see themale voice


choir at the 1,200 seater All Saints’ Church comprisemen,women and children, as standard – for the first time in 700 years. The ground-breaking change has


been brought about by a dramatic fall in the number of choristers, not only atMaidstone’s parish church, which now has just six regular members, but across the country. The change in recruitment policy


to form a mixed choir is described by


choirmaster Andrew


Williamson,who joinedAll Saints’ in March, as “a sign of the times”. TheAnglican parish church is third in importance to the cathedrals at Canterbury and Rochester and is looking to be more flexible in its approach. Mr Williamson (pictured), a for-


mer director of music at Boughton Monchelsea, said: “Not everyone is in agreement with the change, but a constant replacement process is needed when limiting the choir to boys because their voices break; they discover girls and other temp- tations that take up their time.” MrWilliamson became a choris-


ter while at boarding school, but agrees that there are many more


WORK will start to transform Leeds Castle’s popular play- ground once the children have returned to school. Contractors are expected to


begin the work in October to create the new-look Knights’ Realm 900 play area, near the maze. Shane Guy, head of castle op-


erations and tourism, said: “My aim is to find the right balance


distractions today. “We are looking to be as flexible


as possible to encourage older cho- risters to return; social singers to join us; and schools to consider adding choir classes as an after- school club in an effort to keep song a central part of praise in our church.” The main commitment is a


weekly rehearsal, during which choristers are taught how to read music, and some Sunday services, forwhich a small payment ismade. Schools interested in running a


choral class after school, with coaching from Mr Williamson, or those interested in joining the choir, should email choirmaster.all- saintsmaidstone@gmail.com.


Castle playground’s newlook


so that the heritage attraction does not become too much like a theme park and everyone ex- periences their own special day out. I knowour younger visitors will very much enjoy exploring it.” The new playground is ex-


pected to be back in business next Easter and will be themed to demonstrate the castle’s 900- year history.


Volunteers needed to run hall


AN invitation is extended to anyone interested in helping to run Leeds and BroomfieldMemorial Hall. The village hall, which runs as a charity, has a committee that meets


every twomonths. It now wants to hear from anyone interesting in helping to run what


it describes as “one of the village’s greatest assets” or to simply get in- volved in the community. Thosewith ideas formakingmore use of the Lower Street hall,with a capacity of about 200, should call Jane on 01622 863841.


Relationship at b ereaking


ng point The bre very distre f legal advice. All our lawyers a


An initial fixed cost meeting for just £100 (inc V T one of our lawyers can help you see your way forward and understand your legal positiion and options.


e olving family problems. ng for


an he your lega


Our offices are in the cent and Tenterden so, if you w findin


den s out la


you see your way on


options simply


finding out your options simply visit our website at: www


Maidstone 01622 698051 enter


Te


ww En an


M www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Monckton Limite Englland & Wales. Regiis


E14 1BL. Authorised and regu Authority under no. 608279.


DM2016 Maidstone Weald September 2018 5


stered office 72 King Street, Maiidstone, Kent, gullated by the Solicitors Regulation


mit ed no 0. 8366029) r, egistered n i ds


gul


www.whitehead-monc Wh tehead MoncWhiteheai


enterden 01580 767540 -monckton.co.u


-monckton.co.uk


if you want to take that first step t ebsite at


tre of Canterbury, Maidstone ou want to take that first step to


options Ma


www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Canterbury 01227 643266


Whitehead Monckton family lawyers can help you through this stressful and painful time.


We offer sensitive, constructive and cost effective rs are experenced


experienced member


of Resolution, committed to a non-confrontational approach to res


100 (nc AT) with rwa


embers


ng point?


eakdown of any relationship can be essing.


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