News
downsmail.co.uk
From left, Sir Paul Carter; Geraldine Allinson; Colin Flack; Tina Butler; Deputy Chief Constable Tony Blaker and Superintendent Jason Wenlock Queen honours Kent’s best
SIR Paul Carter has spoken of his “immense” pride at being knighted in the recent Queen’s Birthday honours’ list.
The former Conservative leader of Kent County Council was recognised for 14 years in charge of an authority through some of the most turbulent times for the county.
Amid the Covid-19 restrictions, there were no embossed en- velopes and fancy seals from Buckingham Palace – just an unassuming email which popped up on screen. Strolling in the autumnal splen- dour of his country garden in Langley, Sir Paul said: “It’s such a great honour and really did come as a complete surprise. My wife Breda is very happy about it. “It’s an immense honour but it doesn’t change me as a person. I’m still the same. “We don’t get many knight- hoods in this part of Kent, so it’s especially nice to be recognised.” He added: “I was notified by
Crash arrest A MAIDSTONE man remains in
custody following a collision. A motorcyclist was taken to a London hospital where he re- mains in serious condition fol- lowing the crash at about 11.15pm on October 15. A black Vauxhall Corsa was in-
volved in the collision with a yel- low Triumph motorcycle near the London Road junction with Bower Mount Road. A 22-year-old man from Maid- stone was arrested on suspicion of road traffic offences.
Kent Police’s Serious Collision
Investigation Unit is appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with dash cam footage to call 01622 798538 quoting reference SM/MW/089/20, or email
sciu.td@
kent.police.uk.
18
email – all very unassuming, but the Cabinet Office were working from home when the notifications were sent out in June, so no crest embossed invitations this year.” Away from the grinding pres- sures of running the council, Sir Paul can indulge his passion for classic cars, particularly a 1927 Bentley in which he recently com- pleted a 1,000-mile endurance race.
He was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013.
Among other local recipients of Birthday Honours was Geraldine Allinson, former chairman of the Kent Messenger Group for 13 years and one-time director of the Downs Mail, who received an OBE in recognition of her services to local media.
A previous president of the Newspaper Society, she said:
“The announcement came on my birthday weekend and provided a wonderful reason to celebrate with my family.” Geraldine continues as Director of Radio Centre and the News Media Association, representing local news media at national level. She also works with various Kent based organisations to help them achieve their aims.
In recognition of key players in
the Covid-19 pandemic, Tina But- ler, from Aylesford, head of com- mercial and procurement at Kent Fire and Rescue, was awarded an OBE for sourcing personal pro- tection equipment for key work- ers.
Maidstone entrepreneur Colin Flack was awarded the OBE for his sustained leadership and com- mitment to the UK rail supply in- dustry chain for all company sizes.
Legal post for Alex
ALEXANDRA Gordon, a pri- vate client partner at Brachers, the London Road law firm cele- brating their 125th anniver- sary, has been appointed President
of
the Kent Law Society (KLS). Qualifying in 2010, Alex
becomes one of the youngest ever presidents of the KLS, ad- vising clients on tax and estate planning, Wills, trust creation, estate administration and last- ing powers of attorney. Commenting on her appoint- ment, Alex said; “I have played
an active role in the society for several years and to be ap- pointed this position is a great honour.” Now in its 202nd year of oper- ation, the KLS represents the legal profession in Kent, inter- acting with politicians, policy makers, and the media. Alex said: “As president, I
hope to promote mental health within the profession, which is so important in these challeng- ing times.”
As part of these aims, Alex plans to introduce a buddy scheme, whereby experienced members of the profession are teamed with newcomers to es- tablish a mentoring programme.
Police medals TWO senior Kent Police officers have been recognised with awards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Deputy Chief Constable Tony
Blaker has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal, given to of- ficers for meritorious service in keeping the public safe. Superintendent Jason Wenlock
has been awarded the British Em- pire Medal for helping many of the county’s most vulnerable young people by driving the cre- ation of the force’s ground-break- ing cadet scheme. Chief Constable of Kent Police,
Alan Pughsley QPM said: “I am delighted the achievements of DCC Blaker and Supt Wenlock have been recognised. It is testa- ment to their hard work and ded- ication to the public of Kent. They are talented police officers, repre- senting the very best of this force.”
Co-Op opens A NEW Co-Op store has opened
in Maidstone.
The new supermarket, which has created 12 jobs, opened its Loose Road branch on Friday, October 23.
The new Co-op store has park- ing, a Costa Coffee express, bak- ery and will also be offering hot food, alongside the usual gro- ceries.
Rebecca Taylor, Co-Op area
manager, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to make such a significant investment in Maidstone. “The store has a great look, and
we have worked to develop the range, choice, products and ser- vices that will create a really compelling offer to the commu- nity.”
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 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
