downsmail.co.uk


Mosque scheme delays overmajorgroundwork


THE completion date for amajor new mosque has been pushed back as builderswrestlewith the extensive groundworks. Soil testing andpiling have taken


longer than anticipated, Imam Dr Muhammad Usmani told Downs Mail. With the old mosque in Mote


Road, Maidstone, now levelled, the congregation is hiring a hall in ParkWood for Friday Prayers. “It is aworry that the 2,000Mus-


lims in Maidstone borough don’t have a permanent mosque at the moment,” said Dr Usmani. “I’ve not done anything like this before and the builders, who have, seem confident. It is such an important project that I’d rather they take their time and get it right.” When completed, the mosque


(or Masjid) will be able to accom- modate 800people inprayer at any one time. It will have three class- rooms or meeting rooms, three prayer halls, amulti-purpose hall,


library and two shops that will help theMasjid fund itselfwithout relying totally on donations. The scale of the groundworks


has been prompted by the scheme’s architects,who are creat- ing new basement facilities rather than building upwards, which they believewouldmake the com- plex too imposing on the neigh- bourhood. The centre’s frontage in MoteRoad, they say, has also been designedto be sympathetic in style to existing buildings in the area.


Dr Usmani and left, an artist’s impression of the newmosque


DrUsmani sayshe isdetermined


the facilities will serve as a com- munity aswell as an Islamic centre. “Itwill be amulti-purpose build-


ing to serve the whole commu- nity,” he said. “We will have a library, public meeting space and will make provision to feed the homeless.” Work was due to be finished by


April, but Dr Usmani now antici- pates completion of theMasjidwill be towards the end of next year.


News Talk on park


A PACKED village hall in Linton enjoyed an illustrated talk by Simon Ginnaw on a year in Mote Park. A spokesman said: “What a


great evening, 60 tickets sold which almost filled the village hall andthe atmospherewas intrue vil- lage spirit.” MrGinnawmay be askedto give


another talk on British mammals, possibly in February. The event,which included a raf-


fle, raised £446 towards Linton vil- lage hall funds.


Plan for bees


THE borough council is consider- ing spending £10,000 to create eightmeadows to encourage bees. Areas in Grovewood Drive


North, Shepway Green, Park Wood, South Park, Dickens Road, Bearsted Road andGatland Recre- ation Ground are among the areas identified in theMaidstone area. Many orchard owners in the


Weald have to buy in hives of bees to pollinate the fruit trees, such has been the decline of the honey bee. Reasons for population decline


vary widely but include loss of habitat through house building.


Family Funeral Service brings its personal service to Headcorn


Family Funeral Service brings its personal service to Headcorn FAMILY Funeral Service has opened a new base in Headcorn, offering its friendly service to even more people across the Maidstone area. The family


owned, and family run business offers a personalised approach, with the option of home visits and access to a friendly voice at the end of the telephone 24 hours a day. Already operating out of Bearsted, Family Funeral Service is run by Michael Lawrence and his son Robert, along with Kim and Angela - the team behind the third-generation business


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


01622 260200


that has been helping families in the area for 40 years. Michael Lawrence said: “We are pleased our


branch in Headcorn High Street is now open. We’ve worked hard to ensure the premises is sympathetic to the village conservation area, with help from Nick Prior, at Woodland Carpentry, and provides a comfortable environment in which people can relax and talk through their needs. “Jo will be our lady on hand to help


families looking to arrange a fitting tribute for their loved ones. I will also be there daily to meet families and help with their requirements and wishes.” To meet his new business commitment,


Michael has recently moved to Headcorn. He added: “The loss of a loved one is never easy to cope with, and the added stress of making arrangements can often bring further emotional upset. With our experience of


Find us at:


59 High Street, Headcorn TN27 9QA


01622 962001 Maidstone Weald January 2019 25


making funeral arrangements we have learned how to help families have and be part of a meaningful service that 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 to someone with experience and compassion before making a decision.” Contact Family Funerals on Bearsted 01622 260200 or in Headcorn on 01622 962001.


Funeral Planner Of The Year 2018 South East London Region Winner


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