News CQC’s ‘good’
THEcare given to thosewithphys- ical and learning difficulties at a residential home in Bearsted has received an across-the-board ‘good’ rating from a government inspector. The Care Quality Com- mission’s report follows a visit to Caretech Community Services in Church Lane. The inspector noted that theprevious rating of the serv- ice was good, and that this had continued, describing the culture as “caring, open and inclusive”. The report noted: “People felt
staff were kind and caring, their privacy and dignity respected and their choice of lifestyle. “Where possible, people were
aware of their care plans andwere involved in reviews.”
Hospice run
HEART ofKentHospice is recruit- ing athletes for the Maidstone Road Run 2019. The event, sched- uled forMarch 10, will have three routes – a half marathon, 10k and 5k fun run – around Boughton Monchelsea, Linton, and sur- rounding villages. For details, visit w w w . h o k h . o r g / events/detail/maidstone-road-run- 2019.
downsmail.co.uk
Puppy Buzz in training for life-saving duties
AT just one year old, Buzz the cocker spaniel is officially the county’s youngest fire crew trainee. The playful nipper, recruited
into Kent’s elite Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) unit, has been kit- ted out with a working-at-height safety harness, flotation vest, and protective boots. And colleagues at Maidstone
Fire Station in Loose Road have even given him a climate-con- trolledvan,withaK9 call-sign, and photographic identity badge. But while animal lovers across
the borough will be cooing at the sight of the puppy, Tovil-based Kent Fire and Rescue Service bosses point out that he isdestined for serious life-saving. Hewill be trained to hunt down
casualties trapped in wreckage, collapsed buildings and confined spaces, both in theUKandabroad. Handler, USAR technical rescue technician Andy Parks, pictured
here with Buzz, said: “Buzz has plenty of energy and a very good temperament. His playful and in- quisitive qualitiesprovide the ideal foundation for learning. He loves his ball which is his reward when he doeswhat is asked of him. “We are working on honing his
searchcompetencies, adding indif- ferent distractions and environ- ments, and he is showing much
promise for the future. “Buzz can now respond to a
range of signals. “The next step is to get him to
focus on specific tasks, in the face ofmultiple distractions, and to fol- low visual instructions to prepare himfor working in noisy, and po- tentially chaotic places.” Andy and Buzz have already
visited counterparts in Scotland to train for at-height emergencies, and Essex to acclimatise to boat transfers. Buzz has also spent time with
the county’s canine cops at the Kent Police dog unit, for familiari- sation and socialisation exercises. When not on shift, dog and han-
dler live togetherwith Buzz’s two- year-oldbrotherMax, andBramble a 13-year-old springer spaniel. A spokesman for KFRS said:
“Providing he continues to re- spond so well to training, Buzz is expected to graduate by autumn 2019.”
01622 752364
Affordable, advanced technology servicing Why pay main dealer prices?
Servicing & Repairs while you wait, close to town centre
Dealer Level Diagnostics MOTs by appointment
Free Courtesy Car by Appointment
Air Conditioning Specialists Convertible Hood Specialists
Over 70 years’ of combined experience and accredited training with local main dealers
We service all makes & models
www.handcmotors.co.uk 19-25 Rawdon Road, Maidstone, ME15 6PT
16 Maidstone Weald January 2019 BMW,MINI & MERCEDES VEHICLE SPECIALISTS
ELECTRONIC SERVICE HISTORY UPDATED FOR BMW,MINI & MERCEDES VEHICLES
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
