News


Readers say no second EUpoll


DOWNS Mail readers have re- jectedthe idea of a secondEUref- erendum by a massive margin in an online poll. With the biggest ever response to


a survey, our respondents voted 59%to 40%against a re-run of the 2016 poll. Former Ukip leader and Brexi-


teer Nigel Farage said the result showed “absolutely no demand” to put the EU question to the British people ahead of our depar- ture fromthe union nextMarch. On September 21, we asked


readers of the Daily Downs Mail website: “With less than six months until we leave the Euro- pean Union and the PrimeMinis- ter’s exit strategy stalled, do you believe that we should have a sec- ond referendum?” Mr Farage, who is still an MEP


and vice chairman of the Leave Means Leave pressure group, told DownsMail: “As your poll amply illustrates, there is absolutely no


demand for a second referendum. “If therewas to be one, itwould


lead to a catastrophic breakdown in trust for thedemocratic system.” When the result of the 2016 poll


became clear, Mr Farage declared June 23 as “our independenceday”. Atotal of 1,244 voteswere cast in


theDownsMail poll,with 739 say- ing no to a secondreferendumand 496 saying yes. Nine voters claimed to be unsure. The issue prompted debate on


socialmediawhen it firstwent live. John Barrettwrote on Facebook:


“I would have preferred sensible negotiations leading to a sensible deal, but given the potential dire outcome, particularly in our area, I’d say itmakes sense to either ex- tend talks or ask the public to vote on the final deal.” PrimeMinister TheresaMay has


consistently ruledout anypossibil- ity of a secondreferendum, having declared such amove as a betrayal of democracy and trust.


Park’s history in print


SO YOU think you know a lot about ourmagnificentMote Park? I did too, until I read the newbook “Mote Park’s Story” by Penenden Heath writer Robin Ambrose and co-author Simon Ginnaw. This is Robin’s sixth Maidstone


book, following on fromBoxley, Pe- nenden Heath, Sandling, Boxley Memories


and Vin-


ters/Weaving/Grove Green – and potentially the highest profile. Mote Park was home to signifi-


cant families back to 1200 and im- portant Maidstone history of the last 400 years or so is closely linked


to the park. It is fascinating his- tory too. The 23 well-illustrated chapters


in about 140 pages look at the wonderful buildings, their promi- nent residents, big events (county shows, royal visits, military re- views, theWorldWars), leisure ac- tivities and the Len,


lake,


landscapes and wildlife. It records how the park has shrunk and ex- panded over themany years. “Mote Park’s Stories” is available


from Waterstones, Maidstone, at £8.99.


Review by Dennis Fowle


downsmail.co.uk


Brand new Bar & Brasserie is the heart and soul of The Great Danes


Enjoy the atmosphere in the contemporary new Brasserie, set on three levels overlooking the beatifully lansdscaped grounds. Fantastic new winter menu with favourites such as the Chef’s signature Pulled lamb stew, beef & Doombar ale pie and proper British beer battered haddock. We also offer a tremendous Sunday lunch and a mouth-watering selection of desserts. A wide variety of beers, wines and delicious cocktails are available to accompany your meal.


SUNDAY LUNCH 2 DINE FOR £25


2 COURSES FROM THE CARVERY OR SET MENU Valid until 13th January 2019


10


Please complete the following details: Name: .................................................................................................... Email: ......................................................................................................


Tick to recieve future information about events at the hotel.


Terms & conditions: Meal must be booked in advance, included two courses. One voucher per reservation. No Photocopies accepted. Voucher must be given to waiter on arrival. No cash value.


To book a table or for more information Call: 01622 528565.


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


Maidstone East December 2018


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