Council looks to future with


new chairman IT’S all change at the top at Tovil Parish Council, with a new chair- man appointed and another coun- cillor elected. Cllr Paul Wooding took on the


chairmanship on October 14. The previous vice-chairman has been a member of the council for sev- eral years and stood for the Con- servatives in previous borough elections. Filling his shoes as vice-chair is


Cllr Gary Butler, whose wife Melanie is also on the council. The full council – all 11 seats –


had resumed their places on the council following an uncontested election in May. However, after the resignation of chairman Cllr Michael Hogg in September, the public elected Cllr Adam Hogg to the seat left by his father. Cllr Hogg junior won by 61


votes, following an 8% turnout (261 people). The council’s clerk, Lisa Rack-


ett, said she hoped after an unset- tled period, the council would be able to resume its work for the good of the community. She said earlier criticism that


polling cards had not been issued for the election on October 24 was on the direction of the previous council, which voted not to issue cards because of the cost, but to advertise the poll in the usual way, with formal public notices and online. Lisa said: “We are now moving


forward in a more positive man- ner to ensure we continue to do the best we can for the residents of Tovil. It is important, as a coun- cil and a community, that we all just pull together.”


Bee Gees date


TRAGEDY from 1979 will un- doubtedly be on the play list when Bee Gees tribute band Jive Talkin opens at the Hazlitt theatre in Maidstone. For the brothers and son, it’s a


family affair, just like the original group. Indeed, they are the only tribute band to have performed with the original Bee Gees – and receive the compliments of Mau- rice and Barry Gibb. The Simmons family are sup-


ported by a four-piece band, in- cluding lead guitar, violin, cello and drums. The performance on Friday,


November 15, starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £24.


28 Maidstone December 2019


Hazlitt panto star Jake wins Hollyoaks role


THE Hazlitt Theatre’s leading man Jake Quickenden has landed a role in a Channel 4 soap.


The Dancing on Ice 2018 winner made his Hollyoaks debut


last


month, playing a builder named Woody. This is the first time Jake has


dipped his toe into the world of soap after appearing on various popular reality TV shows includ- ing I'm A Celebrity and X Factor. Jake, 30, is also set be the love in-


terest in the Hazlitt Theatre’s ren- dition of Beauty and the Beast launching this Christmas, The singer, turned reality televi-


sion personality, shared a heartfelt post on social media about his lat- est role, he wrote: “After doing a musical


months, I am now joining the amazing Hollyoaks family. My first day was yesterday and every- one was so lovely. The cast, the crew, the lot. “I’m excited to test myself again at something new. Don’t let people


tour for the past six


tell you that you can’t do some- thing. Work hard and good things will happen.” Hazlitt general manager Martin


Cleverley said: “With the ever pop- ular and in demand Jake Quick- enden now appearing


in the


popular TV soap Hollyoaks, it goes to prove that the Hazlitt Theatre are aiming at the elite celebrity


market when it comes to their in- house pantomimes.” The 350-seat venue stages its an-


nual festival of Christmas fun from November 30 until December 31, with sales reportedly well up on this time last year. Many of the dates have already sold out or nearly sold out. Go to www.ha- zlitttheatre.com to book.


Fossil fun


THERE’S a chance to find out more about those strange stones you found at a Fossil Roadshow. Take your fossil finds along to


Maidstone Museum in St Faith’s Street at 10am on November 16 and a panel of experts will help you identify your treasures. For £1, you can also join the fos-


sil trail and, for £3, take part in a clay fossil-making course. Further details on 01622 602169.


Film club


MAKE friends and see films at a fraction of the price at Maidstone Museum’s monthly film club. To sign up and/or receive a list


of the films being shown at the venue in St Faith’s Street, email evelynpalmer@maidstone.gov.uk or call 01622 602838.


Aretha tribute


THERE’S a chance to show a little respect to Aretha Franklin at The Hazlitt Theatre on November 23. Phinesta Taylor, alias Frankly


Aretha, will recreate the magic and sound of her idol in this trib- ute show, which starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £28, £26 and £24.


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