News Gaining skills


BEARSTEDandDistrictU3A(Uni- versity of the ThirdAge) is recruit- ing retiredandsemi-retiredpeople fromallwalks of lifewho are look- ing to expand their knowledge, share interests, and acquire skills and experiences. The group has more than 25 in-


terest groups, monthly meetings with a speaker, leisure and educa- tional visits, and regular social events. U3Ameets on the secondThurs-


day of each month in Detling Vil- lage Hall. Visit u3asites.org.uk/ bearsted formore information.


Music festival


ORGANISERS of Music on the Green inBearstedhave announced it will run once every two years – citing the event is “too much” for the volunteer team. The popular event runs again


this summer but will skip a year before the next one is staged. Aspokesman said: “Organising


such a popular event takes a lot of time and planning. “There are a lot of things to jug-


gle and as unpaid volunteers the event has proven to simply be too much to hold annually.”


downsmail.co.uk


Back home safe after Norway cruisedrama


AMAIDSTONE couple have re- lived the moment their dream cruise turnedinto anadventure of Titanic proportions. Monty and Teri Knights-Old’s


ship, the Viking Sky, was heading for rocks after its engines failed in high seas nearHustadvika, off the Norwegian coast onMarch 23. Passengers were forced to cling


to furniture as the ship listed at 45 degrees, and glass and emergency doors shattered in 30ftwaves. Back home in Grove Green, the


couple said had the crewnotman- agedto spark life back into three of the ship’s four engines, the Viking Skywould have hit the rocks. Monty (72), a retired bankman-


ager, said: “Itwas scary as the ship heaved from side to side and fur- niturewent flying, butwe’re grate- ful no one got seriously hurt.” Teri (66) was left bruised after


beingthrownintoa table as the cou- ple headed to themuster station. She said: “We’d settled in to


Sunday 5 May 2019 Starting and finishing at Harrietsham Village Hall ME17 1AP


watch a filmin the theatrewhen it suddenly stopped. Then therewas an announcement that a mayday had been sent.” The couple,wearing light clothes


andsandals,were handedlife vests and led to upper decks. Teri was allowed to her cabin to


collect her diabeticmedicine. She said: “Our cabin looked as if


it had been put in a tumble dryer. I stashed my things in a bag and then quickly returned upstairs.” Once there, the couple were


YMCA MAIDSTONE


The body achieves what the mind believes


Back home, Teri and Monty Knights-Old can reflect on the anniversary cruise that turned into a drama


hoisted in the howling winds aboard a rescue helicopter and flown to safety,whilemany others and the crew stayed with the ship as it limped intoMolde. Reflecting on their trip – to cele-


brate 45 years of marriage – the couple say the actions of Viking staff meant they felt safe at all times, although Teri admits to reciting “a little prayer”. Monty added: “This trip was


supposed to take us out of our comfort zone and it certainly did.”


Walk amongst the bluebells on the North Downs and through the beautiful Kent countryside in support of Heart of Kent Hospice. Dogs welcome


Register now Visit: www.hokh.org/events Tel: 01622 790195 Email: events@hokh.co.uk


Heart of Kent Hospice 6 @Heartofkenthosp @heartofkenthospice SUPPORT & ADVICE Maidstone East April 2019 ACCOMMODATION FAMILY WORK HEALTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & EDUCATION Sponsored by:


10 Days of Fitness for £10 Unlimited use of Crèche, Classes and Gym for 10 Consecutive days


Find us on Charity Number: 1110087


Maidstone YMCA, Melrose Close, Loose, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6BD Tel: 01622 749404 www.maidstoneymca.org.uk


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