News Find yourway


THERE is a chance to add orien- teering to your skills on a cross- country course at Leybourne Lakes. The borough council has been


working to providemarker posts to navigate with Dartford Orien- teering Klubb, which has pro- duced a leaflet and app. The course is open to the public


year round and is suitable for children and adults. Andrew Evans, from Dartford


Orienteering Klubb, said: “It’s great to have another permanent course for the public to use and enjoy in such an attractive envi- ronment, at the same time learn- ing new skills and being more active in the great outdoors.” Details are on Tonbridge and


Malling Borough Council’s web- site.


Dancing cash


DANCING pupils have raised funds to the tune of £976 at Offham Primary School’s winter disco on November 16. The money will be used to buy


children’s programming re- sources to enhance the school’s IT curriculum, say teachers.


downsmail.co.uk


Murder charge after woman dies in blaze


A MAN has been charged with murder after a house blaze killed awomanandinjureda young girl inWestMalling. Jacqueline Allen (65) of Spitfire


Road, died after emergency serv- ices rushed to the fire at about 9pmon Saturday,November 17. The grandmother was babysit-


ting at the home of her daughter, Mandy Childs,while shewas out. A young girl was treated for a leg injury and smoke inhalation. The family dog died in the fire. Detectives from the Kent and


Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched amurder investigation Simon Childs (51), of Hurricane


Road,West Malling, was arrested and has been charged with both murder and attemptedmurder. He appeared inMaidstoneMag-


istrates Court via video link from Elmley Prison on November 22. MrChilds satwith his arms folded during the short hearing. He will enterpleas onDecember 19.Apro-


visional trial date was set forMay 13 next year. Friends and neighbours have


been leaving floral tributes near the house, while others have set up GoFundMe pages to raise money to support the family. One of them, Michelle Cullen,


wrote: “My best friend…lost her lovingmumandnearlyherdaugh- ter, plus they lost the family dog. They have been leftwith nothing.” Jen Seal (54), of Spitfire Road,


knew Mandy well. She said: “I drove round the corner and saw


The house in Spitfire Road where Jackie Allen died in a blaze and her grand- daughter was injured


the house in flames. I heard screaming and there was a lot of commotion out on the street. “A few men tried to smash the


door down and eventually did.” Miss Seal added: “Jackie used to


always say hello. She never did anyone harm.Alovely lady. “She and Mandy were always


together, theywere so close. Jackie was a really good grandma. “It is a sad time for everyone.


Two grandchildren have lost their grandmother and Mandy has lost hermother.”


Preparing you for an amazing journey


4 Week Ante-Natal Courses Starting at Maidstone YMCA, Monday evenings 7.30-9.30pm Only £100


Call 01622 749404 or visit www.maidstoneymca.org.uk for information on dates available.


Charity Number: 1110087 10


Malling 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