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downsmail.co.uk


End’s in sight as life gets back to normal


AFTER nearly a year of lockdown, some businesses may finally get the green light to re-open for good next month.


But for most industries, starting up again after lockdown is a jour- ney that begins long before the doors open.


Charities, sporting events and restaurants are among the most affected by the pandemic, but with vaccine rates increasing, still-distant plans to return to nor- mality have been tentatively drip- fed from the government. The rule of six will return on March 29, and the “stay at home- ’guidance will be dropped. All non-essential shops will be


allowed to open on April 12 and pub gardens with outdoor dining will also make a return.


Hotels and B&Bs can open on


May 17, as can indoor sports and gym classes. Entertainment venues will also be able to re- open, including cinemas and the- atres. June 21 will be as close to nor- mal as possible. There will be no attendance limits on weddings and funerals, and big venues that were unable to open last year, such as nightclubs, can finally re- open.


Buttercups Goat Sanctuary founder Bob Hitch, who is pic- tured with some young visitors, said at the beginning of year the


New chapter


for libraries A TOTAL of 43 Kent libraries could reopen their doors to the public as restrictions ease. Kent County Council (KCC) said


35 of its libraries are likely to open next month, including Allington, Coxheath, Lenham and Snodland. KCC also confirmed face-to-face birth registration appointments will begin again from March 15. A KCC spokesman said: “April


also sees the return of bookable ap- pointments at the Archive search room at the Kent History and Li- brary Centre in Maidstone. “Larkfield is


Life after lockdown | News Time for tee


BEARSTED Golf Club is re-open- ing on March 29, 12 weeks after they were closed for the nation's latest Covid-19 lockdown. The Prime Minister announced all outdoor organised sports for both adults and children will be al- lowed to return.


This is for both socially-dis-


tanced sports like golf and tennis and team sports like football, so Sunday league and five-a-side will also resume.


Flying re-start


FLYING can restart on a staggered basis from March 29. This means privately-owned air- craft can be flown on this date. Flying training and PPL flying will recommence at Headcorn Aerodrome on April 21.


charity was working with an 80% reduction in income. He added: “The pandemic has affected many charities and busi- nesses, both nationally and glob- ally. “Hopefully, on April 12, we will be able to open again and start getting enough donations to help us


get through the summer


months. “Animal charities in particular have been hit hard, as by their very nature they are unable to close. Our goats still need care every day.” A DEDICATED COVID-19 tele- phone business helpline is avail- able Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5pm. Call 03333 602 300 for advice.


Meet goats BUTTERCUPS Goat Sanctuary is planning to re-open on April 12. The charity will be open every Thursday to Monday from 11am to 4pm. The tearoom will be serv- ing hot drinks as normal and guests will have to follow a one- way system. Manager Gower McCarthy said:


“We are in the process of launch- ing our Roof Over Hoof appeal be- cause our goat pens have seen better days.” To donate online and find out


how to support Buttercups, visit www.buttercups.org.uk or call 01622 746420.


Lesson voucher holders are asked to call 01622 891539 after April 25 to arrange a flight.


Raise a glass WETHERSPOONS has confirmed


that it will re-open 394 of its pubs in England from April 12. The budget chain will open beer gardens, rooftop gardens and pa- tios as the national lockdown eases. The Society Rooms in Maidstone will be able to re-open, but the Muggleton Inn will remain shut as it does not have an outdoor space.


Concert date


THE Leeds Castle Concert is set to go ahead on July 10.


This performance, where the au- dience is encouraged to enjoy pic- nics and dancing


against more visit the


backdrop of the castle, will feature classical music performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. For


www.leed- scastleconcert.co.uk Panto tickets


TICKETS are now available for the Hazlitt Theatre pantomime. There will be more than 60 shows and ticket holders from last year will be able to swap for this year’s performances. For ticket en- quiries call 01622 758611.


Fun for kids SOFT play centres will be able to


currently an


asymptomatic testing centre so our ability to re-open there will depend on the wider plans for the continu- ation of this programme. We will re-open it as soon as possible.”


KENT Life will reopen to the public on April 12. The rule of six will apply and guests will have to book online at kentlife.org.uk before visiting.


re-open from May 17. Aylesford-based Adventure


Kidz has only been able to open for a total of six weeks in the past year. Owners Elizabeth and Andrew Moody said: “We are so excited and can’t wait to see you all soon.”


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