downsmail.co.uk
River festival fireworksplan
MOVESare afoot to givebackthe town’s River Festival – in all its glory. Boat enthusiasts re-gathered last
year, even after the borough coun- cilwithdrewits support. But Cllr David Naghi has made
it his as themayor ofMaidstone to bring theMedway festival back to the county town. He told Downs Mail: “With so
little being laid on for the public in the town, this is how we can take on the negativity being generated by anti-social behaviour, even murder, on our streets.” Cllr Naghi has secured £15,000
towards what he hopes will be a free day of family fun, with street entertainment anda fireworksdis- play fromthe roof of FremlinWalk. CllrNaghi said: “We have had a
very positive response fromMaid- stoneCouncil andthe police to our suggestions. “You can’t organise an event like
this inthe townwithoutMaidstone BoroughCouncil’s support. Fortu- nately, the council is being proac- tive and the police positive about our ideas.” Previous river festivals have
taken place with full insurance cover, although CllrNaghi agreed there would be more hurdles to climbwith a larger event. A Safety Advisory Group, com-
prising council and police officials, will have to ensure the eventmeets specified requirements. CllrNaghi said: “The goodwill is
there and we have five months to get the necessary consents and I believe that is plenty of time.” A house building firm working
on the 500 home Springfield Park development has agreed to spon- sor the event. Let us know your views on holding a Maidstone River Festival. Email the editor at
simon.finlay@
downsmail.co.uk.
News Author reads from work
THE author of the Josephine Tey mysteries will be turning heads and pages at Maidstone Library this month. Nicola Upson (pictured), will read
extracts from her crime series, fea- turing Tey, and talking about her suc- cessful writing career. After studying English at Cam-
bridge, her first book, An Expert in Murder, has been followed by titles including Two for Sorrow and The Death of Lucy Kyte. Nicola is cur- rently researching her latest book from the Josephine Tey series and is also planning a completely separate novel. Booking is advised for a place at the “Audience with …” from 6.30pm
to 8pm, on Thursday, February 21, at the library in James Whatman Way. Tickets are £3. Call 03000 413131.
Can you help the Samaritans?
A CHARITY which provides sup- port for people struggling with the stresses of life, is recruiting staff. The Maidstone and Weald
branch of the Samaritans is look- ing for volunteers. The Grecian Street charity is
part of a national movement that, as well as manning phone and so- cial media lines, also visits 228,370
people a year in schools, hospitals and homeless shelters. A spokesman said: “Every six
seconds, somebody contacts us. Ten times a minute, we can help someone turn their life around. That’s a privilege, and a huge re- sponsibility.” For more details, send and email to
maid.sams.vol@
outlook.com.
Maidstone March 2019
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