News Stunt double


talks toWI STUNT woman Lucy Allen in- jected a dose of Hollywood drama to Bearsted and Thurnham WI when she gave a talk on her life at the sharp end ofmovies. She told members how, as a


child gymnast and actor, she se- cured a job as a circus acrobat be- foremoving into films. In the last 25 years, she has fea-


tured in James Bond and Harry Potter films,Avengers:Age ofUl- tron andMary Poppins Returns. Mel Barr, from the WI, said:


“Lucy was a stunt double for many actresses, including Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, Helena Bon- ham-Carter and JulieWaters.” The group meets on the last


Wednesday of the month at the WI Hall, The Street, Bearsted.


Organist call


ANorganist is required to help at some of the services at St Nicholas’ Church, Leeds. If you can help or know some-


onewith the right skills, call Brian Hardy on 01622 842915 or Chris Saunders on 01233 663365.


downsmail.co.uk


Castle fireworks falling silent after complaints


LEEDSCastle has announced it is introducing noiseless fireworks, following complaints fromneigh- bours last year. Chief executive Sir David Steel


(pictured) said the castle’s py- rotechnical team will stage silent displays at its events fromthis year. The move follows complaints


from villagers in Hollingbourne, who claimed they could feel their houses shaking from the effect of the rockets, leaving children and pets distressed. A spokesman for Leeds Castle


said: “Followingfeedbackfromres- identsdue to the increasednumber of private events, Leeds Castle has taken the decision to allow only ‘quiet fireworks’ at events, includ- ingweddings on the estate. “Thiswill apply to all newbook-


ings taken fromJanuary 2019.” The noise was said to have had


an impact on people living as far away as PilgrimsWay. A Pilgrims Way resident com-


plained directly toMaidstone Bor- ough Council in November 2018 andwas toldthenoisedidnothave the “sufficient duration or fre- quency to meet the criteria of a statutory nuisance”. Hollingbourne Parish Council


also received complaints fromresi- dents about castle fireworks,which occur on a number of occasions throughout the year. Cllr John Cobbett, said: “Hope-


fully the decision is a success and reduces the noise.” Leeds borough councillor Gill


Fort said: “I’mpleasedLeedsCastle has opted for quiet fireworks. I’m sure residents nearby will greatly benefit fromthis decision.” The parish council’s environ-


mental committee noted “the igni- tion of the fireworks had taken place in a different position of the castle grounds over the time of the November celebrations. Together with the wind direction, it could have made the noise of the fire- works louder inHollingbourne.”


BOROUGHcouncillorPatrikGarten said: “Iwelcomeany engagement by Leeds Castle to alleviate nega- tive impact of its activities upon the local community. “Noise is an integral part of the


fascination of fireworks. However, theuseof low-noisefireworksmay be a sensible step to protect the community, pets, livestock and wildlife. I am looking forward to seeing whether this measure can achieve the desired outcome.”


6


Maidstone East February 2019


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