downsmail.co.uk


Stone-throwing yobs kill farm’s bee colony


FARMERS have condemned a gang of young vandals who tar- geted hives and wiped out a bee colony. The youths, aged between 10


and 18, hurled rocks at nests and pushed another over, killing the queen and her swarm. The insects, whose numbers


have been declining across the UK, are crucial to fruit growing at ClockHouse Farm, Coxheath, be- cause they pollinate the crops, as well as provide honey. The farm’s apiarist Michael


Smith (57) said: “This hooligan- ism has to stop, it’s been an on- going situation and has got a lot worse over the lastmonth. “It takes time for a colony to


grow and develop, it can’t be re- placed overnight.” Bees are groggy during the cold


weather and survive by huddling around the queen to keep her warm. If their hive is toppled, they diewhere they fall.


ApiaristMichael Smith However,Mr Smith says the 10


or so vandals are placing them- selves in considerable danger if the temperatures start to rise. He said: “I wouldn’t go near


these hiveswhen the swarmis ac- tive unless I was booted and


suited because the bees will at- tack.” News of the damage has caused


outrage among Coxheath resi- dents who are contributing to an online campaign. Chloe Whelan has launched a Just Giving page to raise half the £600 cost of re- pairing the damaged hives. But Mr Smith, who has lived


and worked at the farm for 24 years, said: “I would rather see themoney go to a youth group so these kids have somewhere to go instead of causing trouble.” Coxheath borough councillor


Lottie Parfitt-Reid, said: “What an awful act of vandalism, it just shows such ignorance. “People don’t realise that with-


out bees, there is no life. I think Michael’s suggestion to put the money into a youth group is such a lovely idea.” To donate, visit www.justgiv-


ing.com/crowdfunding/coxheath- saveourbees,


News Marathon bid


A CHARITY seeking a cure for spinal cord injury paralysis may soon have its coffers boosted by a Huntonwoman. Emma Holman hopes to raise


more than £3,500 for Spinal Re- searchUK by running the London marathon inApril.Her fatherwho was bornwith spina bifida –where a baby’s spine fails to develop properly in the womb – and has had several operations. Emma hopes to raise extra cash


with a quiz at the village hall in Hunton in West Street at 7pm on March 16.


Council’s call


WOULD-BE councillors are being urged not towait for the next elec- tion but to sign up now. HeadcornParishCouncil is look-


ing to co-opt newmembers before voters go to the polls next year. The parish says it is an excellent


opportunity for potential council- lors to gauge if the role is for them. Candidates must have lived or workedinHeadcornfor at least the last 12months, be 18 years or over, and be on the electoral roll. For more details, visit www.headcornpc.org.


Sweet William Florist Celebrating 20 years of Creative Floristry


Whether you're one of our valued existing customers or someone we've yet to meet.


We would like to welcome you to our open shop celebrating 20 years of Sweet William Florist in the Kent Wealden Village of Headcorn on Saturday 2nd March 9am-5pm. Pop in and see us.


Any purchases on the day will receive a 15% saving.


Maidstone Weald February 2019


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