News


downsmail.co.uk Keep your dogs under control


WITH the lambing season about to start, dog owners are urged to understand the law and their responsibilities, as reports of livestock being injured and killed by dogs begins to rise. Leading rural insurer NFU Mu-


tual say there has been a shocking increase in livestock worrying and a 67% rise in claims over the last two years, at a cost of £1.6m. Its research revealed that more


than 80% of dog owners exercised their pets in the countryside, with over 60% letting them roam off the lead. A worrying 7% admitted their dogs had chased livestock. Hayley Edmonds owns a mixed


flock of 300 sheep near Headcorn and is one of many farmers who have suffered livestock losses as a result of dog owners’ irresponsi- bility. In one three-week period last


year, eight of her flock were killed and another 14 injured in attacks by dogs. She said: “In a separate incident we lost three from drowning after


two lurchers chased them into a pond. “It’s an awful sight to see, sheep after an attack – ghastly.” Two years ago, a domestic dog


killed six of Hayley’s lambs. The dog owner had moved to the country from town and thought their garden was secure. “I think a lot of the problem is


First Easter explained


EVER wondered what the Easter Story is all about and why Good Fri- day is “Good”? Now a team from the Maidstone churches is putting on a live outdoor play about the first Easter in a little known space at the back of Lock- meadow. Two outdoor performances owill


Wine-tasting


with Friends THE Friends of Aylesford Church will be hosting a wine experience event. The event will take place at the Brassey Centre at 7.30pm on Sat- urday, March 28. The evening will include a talk


from Lazare Morel, founder and managing director of Maidstone- based Veblen Wines, experts in servicing, managing and trading interests in fine wine. The wine-tasting evening also incudes vegan wines and non-al- coholic alternatives. Cheese, biscuits and nibbles


will also be provided, and a wine raffle will also take place. Tickets cost £5 per person. All


tickets must be bought in ad- vance. For more information con- tact Aline on 07771636872.


20 Malling March 2020


take place at Lockmeadow River- side, Maidstone, at 11am and 3pm on Sunday, March 29. In addition to the two outdoor


performances there will be a live stream feed of the performances to the Life church in Brewer Street, Maidstone, for those who want to stay warm Creative director Kellie Edney (42),


who has been writing, directing and performing Christian drama for 25 years said: "Directing the Easter play is a huge, but exciting, challenge.” Adam Doggett (26), pictured,


who plays Jesus, added: “It’s the most challenging role I’ve taken on in the 18 years I’ve been perform- ing. Even the smallest glimpse of the


just naivety,” said Hayley. “It’s a never-ending battle, but people just don’t realise what damage their pet can do. “We’ve got warning signs up ev- erywhere, on every footpath that passes fields the sheep graze in. Nothing ever seems to work.” And dogs don’t always have to physically attack sheep to kill them. Pregnant ewes can often die from shock being worried by loose dogs.


While it remains legal for any


farmer to shoot a dog that is wor- rying livestock, the National Sheep Association recommends that farmers only shoot dogs as a last resort. Dogs are counted as prop- erty, so shooting one could trigger a criminal damage claim.


VE day party


CELEBRATE VE Day at the vil- lage hall in Leybourne from noon to 4pm on May 8. There will be a street party, buf-


fet lunch and fancy dress with prizes. The bar will be open and at 3pm, organisers will raise a toast to the heroes of WWII to mark exactly 75 years since Churchill announced the end of the war in Europe. The cost is £2 per child and free


for adults. Call 01732 873722 to book your tickets.


Tea and cake


burden that Jesus had to bear shows the vastness of who he is and puts our worries and doubts into perspective. “My prayer is that there is at least


one aspect of the play that res- onates with each person who comes to see it, causing a fresh revelation of who Jesus is, what he did and what it means for us.”


Learn tai chi at village centre The class is suitable for all


TAI Chi classes are being held at Aylesford Village Commu- nity Centre. The next class will be held


on April 2, from 11.15am to noon.


ages, and participants can sit down for all or just parts of the class. Beginners are especially welcome.


Tickets cost £6 per person.


A CHANCE to make friends over tea and cake and to try different crafts is offered by the Friendship Group in Aylesford. The group meets in the Brassey Centre in Station Road, from 2- 4pm usually on the fourth Tues- day of each month. Further details are available from Janet on 01622 710083.


Craft fair


DITTON Heritage Centre will be hosting a craft and hobby fair from 1.30-4.30pm on Sunday, June 7. There will be over 30 stalls of


crafts and refreshments will be available. Entry costs £1 for adults and


free for children. Proceeds will support Ditton Heritage Centre.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40