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Head’s sudden death leaves schools shocked


TRIBUTES have been paid to an “inspirational and charismatic” headteacher who has died after a heart attack. Darren Webb, who is pictured


with pupils, was executive head- teacher of the Coppice Primary Partnership, which runs Loose and Coxheath primary schools in Maidstone, and St Katherine’s in Snodland. He died on March 9. The 45-year-old father was crowned Top Headteacher at the Kent Teacher of the Year awards in 2017. Chair of trustees Carole Hardy


wrote in an email to parents: “It is with great sadness that I am email- ing to inform you that Darren Webb, our executive headteacher, passed away late this afternoon. “Darren was a charismatic and inspirational leader, whose values led us all to work towards the best outcomes for all children in our Trust. “I know that you will join me in sending our condolences to his


wife Claire and his children at this very difficult time. “You will understand how diffi-


cult this will be for school staff and children over the coming weeks. “I know Darren would wish us


all to continue to offer the best for all the children and we strive to deliver his vision and uphold his


ethos and values.” Tributes have flooded in for Mr


Webb since his death, from both parents and teachers. Parent Kirsty Briggs wrote: “It is


such sad news about our wonder- ful headmaster. He was a won- derful man and made such an impact to our family and the com- munity. He will be sadly missed.”


Growing buddy scheme needs more volunteers


LAUNCHED in May 2019 to help elderly housebound members of the parish, the Larkfield Commu- nity Group Buddy Scheme has be- come a victim of its own success. The scheme, started by Jackie Hirsch, matches volunteer “bud- dies” with the isolated members of the community, to provide some social interaction and bring them friendship and companionship. Jackie said: “It’s a befriending service. Our volunteers spend one or two hours a week visiting to share a cup of tea and some time together. It really does make a dif- ference to their lives, giving them something to look forward to.” With the demise of Age Concern


in West Malling and more referrals every week, the Buddy Scheme is in desperate need of volunteers. She added: “We don’t want to


turn anyone away. We’re now tting referrals from carers and social prescribers in Snodland, Kings Hill, Aylesford, East and West


Dorothy Southgate looks forward to visits from her ‘buddy’, Judy


Barnsley


Malling and Ditton.” The NHS has recently become


involved, looking to the scheme to help patients leaving hospital to live alone. More referrals are com- ing from care homes and relatives of the elderly who are living alone. When referred for a buddy, memers are assessed for their gen- eral condition and health, their in- terests and hobbies, and matched with a suitable companion. Jackie said: “Finding the best possible match for a member is


often the hardest part of the job,” said Jackie. Dorothy Southgate (92) has been


welcoming Judy Barnsley to her home in East Malling since August. She said: “It’s a wonderful ser-


vice. I really look forward to Judy coming in. It’s therapeutic for both of us” said Judy. “I’d recommend it to anyone.” Buddies need to be DBS checked


and have references. Anyone inter- ested can email Jackie at Larkfield communitygroup@gmail.com.


News Run’s £18.8k


for hospice A CHARITY run raised more than £18,800 for the Heart of Kent Hospice. Maidstone Road Run took


place at Cornwallis Academy on Sunday, March 8. Despite wet weather, hun-


dreds of volunteers showed up to raise money for the hos- pice. A Heart of Kent Hospice spokesman said: “Thank you to all the amazing runners who took part in the Maid- stone Road Run. In its sixth year, we had 624 registered runners for this year’s run, with a total of 570 running on the day itself. “Despite the awful weather


we’ve had recently, hundreds came out to support the hos- pice. The event, to date, has raised over £18,800 plus spon- sorship from Millwood De- signer Homes. With many still raising money, we expect this to rise. “A special thanks go to all


the marshals and volunteers who gave up their spare time to make the event a success. Quite simply, we could not do it without you.”


Appeal after


crash injuries A PEDESTRIAN was hit by a car near Mereworth. At around 6.10pm on Thursday, February 20, a man in his 50s was standing next to a parked articu- lated lorry in a layby on the A228 Malling Road between the junc- tions with Tonbridge Road and Kent Street, when he was hit by a white Ford Fiesta. The Fiesta left the scene and the


victim was taken to a local hospi- tal with serious injuries. Investigating officer, PC Michael Potter said: “We would like to hear from anybody who was driving along this stretch of road at the time and witnessed the incident or whose dash cam might have caught an image of the Fiesta.” Anybody who can help should


call police on 01622 604 100, quot- ing crime reference 46/35041/20 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, it can be reported using the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.


Malling March 2020 19


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