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Charity helps elderly with online problems


IN AN online world, the need to help the elderly with some of the complicated decisions in life will only grow, saysMPHelenGrant. As the newly-appointedpatron of


theCitizens’Rights forOlderPeople (CROP) in Lenham, themember for Maidstone andWeald appealed for volunteers to assist the charity. CROP’s 48 trained volunteers


have been helping the elderly in care and their own homes since 1994, with online forms and resolving is- sues such as benefits,pensions,debt, complaints and accommodation. Kent’s ageing population means


thedemandfor volunteer advocates is increasing, admitsMrsGrant. She added: “As people grow older, many find themselves more and more alone. Often there will be no one tohelpwith importantdecisions andmajor changes that could affect the rest of their lives.” Following a visit to the charity’s


High Street base she said: “The care and compassion of CROP’s volun- teers was plain to see, as was the


MP for Maidstone and the Weald, Helen Grant helps CROP volunteer Anetta Jerrett take calls on the charity’s phone lines


need for such a service.” She is urg- ing people to support the service and to think about volunteering. Anne Taylor, CROP chairman,


said: “We aremost grateful toHelen for her support and for agreeing to become ourpatron.The trustees and


I hope CROP will be successful in finding newvolunteers across Kent to carry on our importantwork.” For details aboutmaking a dona-


tion or becoming a volunteer email lenham@cropkent.org.uk or call 01622 851200.


News


‘Endangered’ cows at farm


ROUNDOAK Farm in Sutton Va- lence has continued in its growth as a site of rare breed excellence, with the arrival of several White Park cattle lastmonth. White Park cattle have been kept


in Britain formore than 2,000 years, but are nowendangered. In 1973, therewere only about 60


animals left. This has now grown to approximately 950. It is classed as a minority breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. A Roundoak Farm spokesman


said: “We have sevenWhite Parks, two ofwhich are pregnant. “The reasonwhy they are such a


rare breed is because they weren’t the best cows to cross breed. “Most farming breeds are cross-


bred to be big, fat cattle. However, while it creates more yield in meat, it’s not the best quality. The better meat comes from rare breeds and those that haven’t been cross-bred.”


Business Focus A personal service at a time of loss


Michael Lawrence, and his son Robert along with Kim and Angela, are the team behind a family-owned funeral service that has been helping families across the Maidstone area for 40 years.


With offices in Bearsted and Barming, Family Funeral Service is a third generation business, experienced in caring for your needs with commitment and understanding.


At such a stressful time, they know it’s important to sit and talk to you about every detail and to assist you in making the often


4 Cavendish Way, Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone ME15 8PW


01622 260200


difficult decisions about how best to remember a loved one and to meet their personal wishes. With so many years’ experience, Family


Funeral Service has learned how to respond to the specific and different needs of every individual facing one of the toughest times in their life. This personalised approach includes the option of home visits and access to a friendly voice at the end of the phone around the clock, as well as personal support to clients through the bereavement process.


Michael Lawrence said: "The loss of a loved


one is never easy to cope with, and the added stress of making arrangements for the service can often bring further emotional upset. With our experience of making funeral arrangements we have learned how to help families have and be part of a unique and meaningful service that


Find us at:


Marlborough Parade, 6 Beverley Road, Barming Maidstone ME16 9JN


01622 260210 Maidstone October 2018 29


celebrates life. "Our approach is simple. We sit with you in our


office or your home, taking you slowly and methodically through the various decisions that you will face and the options available to you. Sometimes, it’s just good to sit and talk, and to learn about the services and venues available from someone with experience and compassion before making a decision.”


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