downsmail.co.uk


Revived Legion branch winsKent recognition


THERoyal British Legion has re- gained a foothold in Marden after years of struggling to re- cruit. Membership levels in the village


fell so low, the armed services charity was forced to redesignate it a sub branch of Goudhurst. But in a phenomenal about-


turn, numbers have swelled in the parish during the last couple of months, to a point where the branch has gained countywide recognition. Chairman Tom Stevens told


Downs Mail: “We saw quite a boost in November, and our membership nowstands at 50. “It resulted in Marden being


awarded the Royal British Le- gion’sNewportCup in January, as the Kent branchwith the best per- centage increase inmembership. “The response from the village


has been fantastic.” Marden recognises it cannot rest on its laurels and needs to recruit


Marden RBL chairman Tom Stevens receiving the Newport Cup fromMaidstone Mayor David Naghi


further to guarantee its future. And Mr Stevens says he also wants to find a permanent home for the charity in the village. At present, the branch conducts its meetings in theWest End Tavern. “New members are important


for our survival,” he said. “The WWI centenary helped to raise awareness, but there is a danger that people associate us with the past and not with more recent conflicts like the Falklands, Gulf,


and Afghanistan. We support all serving personnel and veterans in times of need. “The other big misconception


about joining is that people think they have to have served. That’s not the case. We’re just people looking to give something back to those who were prepared to give everything for us.” For membership details visit


www.britishlegion.org.uk/mem- bership.


News Watermain is


‘nowtoo late’ HEADCORNborough councillor Karen Chappell-Tay has wel- comed the installation of a new watermain in the villagewith the rebuke: “Better late than never”. SouthEastWater (SEW)unveiled


thework tomodernise the ancient systemof pipes in February. From April 4, the utility company will close off the Ulcombe Road and surrounding streets in phases for threemonths to replace a cast iron pipe with a plastic pipe designed to last over 70 years. But Cllr Chappell-Tay said:


“Headcorn has been crying out for these improvements for years. “Residents havehadissueswith


flooding into gardens, although thankfully not their homes, for years. So whilst I welcome the work, it’s too late if anything. There are many people who are wondering if it could not have been done earlier.” A SEWstatement said the pipe


was necessary to maintain water pressure following increase in de- mand caused by new homes. It is partofa£424millionimprovement project between 2015 and 2020.


Maidstone Weald March 2019


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