Maidstone Borough Council

Update
Borough
South, June 2012

Maidstone celebrates the Queens Diamond Jubilee

www.maidstone.gov.uk

Maidstone Borough Council

Free bulky rubbish service

Most weekends Maidstone council refuse lorries collect bulky household rubbish from locations in your area. Take your refuse to the Saturday Freighter Service at the times shown:
14 July

New Mayor

07:45 - 08:25 Shepway. Westmorland Road/Essex Road 08:30 - 09:00 Shepway. Northumberland Road/ Cumberland Green 09:05 - 09:50 Senacre. Woolley Road 09:45 - 10:20 Senacre. Betsham Road garages 10:30 - 11:00 Park Wood. Bicknor Road car park 12:00 - 12:50 Park Wood. Lockham Farm Avenue 13:00 - 13:30 Park Wood. Rear of Park Wood Parade 13:40 - 14:15 Park Wood. Queen Elizabeth Square 14:25 - 15:05 Mangravet. Camp Way 15:15 - 15:45 Tovil. Brenchley Road
21 July

07:45 - 08:30 08:40 - 09:25 09:35 - 10:15 10:30 - 11:00 12:00 - 12:40 12:50 - 13:30 13:40 - 14:20 14:30 - 15:45
28 July

Staplehurst. Poyntell Road Staplehurst. Church Green Staplehurst. Northdown/Marden Road Marden. Stilebridge Lane Marden. Stanley Road Marden. Chantry Road Linton. Wheelers Lane Loose. Lancet Lane Teston. Livesey Street Nettlestead. Bishop's Close Yalding. Village Green Yalding. Lyngs Close Laddingford. Cleavesland Collier Street. Church Farm Hunton Village Hall West Farleigh. The Green East Farleigh. Adbert Drive Frinsted Church Wormshill. The Street Harrietsham. Church Lane Harrietsham Primary School Lenham. Douglas Road Lenham. Ham Lane/Cherry Orchard Lenham. Honeywood Road Platts Heath. Green Lane Grafty Green.Church Lane Hollingbourne. Troys Mead Lenham. Lenham Heath Road Ulcombe. Lodge gardens Headcorn. Orchard Gardens Headcorn. Oak Lane Sutton Valence. Captains Close Kingswood Village Hall Langley. Grasslands Leeds. Brogden Crescent Otham. Bearsted Village Green Loose. Broadfield Road Loose. Old Loose Hill Coxheath. Huntingdon Road Boughton Monchelsea. Hubbards Lane Chart Sutton. Amber Lane East Sutton. Court Broomes

07:45 - 08:30 08:40 - 09:30 09:45 - 10:25 10:35 - 11:15 12:15 - 12:45 12:55 - 13:30 13:40 - 14:10 14:20 - 15:05 15:15 - 15:45
4 August

07:45 - 08:30 08:40 - 09:20 09:30 - 10:10 10:20 - 11:00 12:00 - 12:40 12:50 - 13:30 13:40 - 14:20 14:30 - 15:10 15:15 - 15:45
11 August

Maidstones new Mayor is Rodd Nelson-Gracie, Conservative councillor for Marden and Yalding. His wife Philippa will be Mayoress for the year. The Mayor and Mayoress have been married since 1980 and have three daughters and three grandchildren. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant the Mayor worked for Ernst & Young for three years and in the manufacturing industry for 25 years in the UK and overseas. For the last 15 years of his career he was Bursar at Kings School, Rochester and later The Kings School, Canterbury. He joined Nettlestead Parish Council in 1995 and was elected to Maidstone Borough Council in 1997. Rodd has served on a number of Committees on the Council, notably the Planning Committee, a number of overview and scrutiny committees and the Audit Committee. Rodd is an LEA appointed Governor at Yalding Primary School, and is also a Governor of a Preparatory School in Tonbridge. The Deputy Mayor is Liberal Democrat councillor Clive English.

07:45 - 08:30 08:45 - 09:15 09:25 - 09:55 10:05 - 11:00 12:00 - 12:30 12:40 - 13:30 13:40 - 14:20 14:30 - 15:05 15:15 - 15:45
18 August

Council Joins Zipcars

Maidstone Borough Council has joined the Maidstone Zipcar club on a trial basis to see if it can save money by using Zip cars instead of its own cars for council business. Currently Maidstone council operates three pool vehicles and members of staff also use their own vehicles to get to and from council appointments. Zipcar can help businesses and individuals by giving access to cheap and reliable cars, which are easy to use and eco friendly. Cllr Eric Hotson Cabinet Member for Corporate Services said: Zipcar could save the council money, benefit the local community and is good for the environment. Each shared vehicle can take about 20 personally-owned vehicles off the road. Zipcar operates in Bristol, Cambridge, London, Maidstone and Oxford. Cover picture - The Jubilee Proms at Whatman Park Maidstone on Bank Holiday Monday June 4.

07:45 - 08:30 08:45 - 09:45 10:00 - 11:00 12:00 - 12:30 12:40 - 13:25 13:35 - 14:20 14:30 - 15:00 15:15 - 15:45

We cannot accept garden waste, very large bulky items and electrical or hazardous items. You can dispose of these items through our paid for bulky collection service or at the household waste recycling centre at Burial Ground Lane, Tovil, Maidstone. It is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4.30pm, and Sunday and Bank Holidays, 9am to 4pm. For more information about our bulky rubbish services, including paid for doorstep collections, visit maidstone.gov.uk or call the cleansing hotline on 01622 602162.

Maidstone Borough Council

Maidstones cabinet 2012-13

Maidstones Executive Cabinet provides leadership at the top level of the council and decides the council's priorities. It is responsible for the overall business of the council and makes most decisions. All decisions must be in line with the overall policy and budget frameworks set by the council and its decisions are subject to scrutiny by a different group of councillors.

Chris Garland (Conservative) is the Leader of Maidstone Borough Council.

Following the borough council elections, in May, the council now has 30 Conservative, 19 Liberal Democrat, 5 independent and 1 Labour councillor. Fran Wilson (Liberal Democrat) is the Leader of the Opposition. As the Leader of the Council, Chris Garland is responsible for the sustainable community strategy, strategic plan and medium term financial strategy. He is an ambassador for the council and represents it on national and regional bodies such as the Kent forum. He has expanded his cabinet for 2012-13 to include a new portfolio dealing with planning, transport and development. The full cabinet is:

Cllr Malcolm Greer (Conservative) Cabinet Member for Economic and Commercial Development (Deputy Leader)
Responsible for economic development, the visitor economy, Hazlitt Arts Centre, Maidstone museums, regeneration, commercial services, sustainable construction and Maidstone market.

Cllr John A. Wilson (Conservative) Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services
Responsible for strategic housing management, community safety, community development, parks, open spaces and allotments, leisure activities, community engagement, and allocation and monitoring of grants.

Cllr Eric Hotson (Conservative) Cabinet Member for Corporate Services

Responsible for people strategy, customer service, corporate finance, legal advice, information technology, property and procurement, council tax and housing benefit, and democratic services.

Stephen Paine (Conservative) Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Development
Responsible for the Local Development Framework , Development Plan Documents, Development Management policies and development briefs, Integrated Transport Strategy, Infrastructure Delivery Plan, planning enforcement, land charges, building control, parking, park and ride, and public transport initiatives.

Cllr Marion Ring (Conservative) Cabinet Member for the Environment

Responsible for waste minimisation and recycling, air quality management, climate change and carbon management, cleansing services, environmental health, licensing, Maidstone crematorium and cemetery, local biodiversity action planning and Cobtree Golf Course.

Overview and scrutiny

Maidstones overview and scrutiny committees challenge and inform the cabinet to ensure that the council is run in an effective and efficient way and in the best interests of residents
Get involved
Overview and Scrutiny Committees look at services and issues that are important to local people. Councillors can refer any matter affecting their ward to Overview and Scrutiny. Is public transport an issue in your rural community? Would you like to join the discussion on community buses and rural transport? Would your community like to be involved? We can come to you and hold a meeting in your community and get the right people around the table to achieve results.

Councillor David Burton (Conservative) chairs the Regeneration and Economic Development Committee, Councillor Fay Gooch (Independent) chairs the Corporate Services Committee and Councillor Annabelle Blackmore (Conservative) chairs the Communities Committee.

Reviews in 2012-13
The councils capital programme, investigating areas including: asset management, borrowing and lottery funding. The visitor information centre and the use of the Town Hall. Empty properties. The impact of the reduction in Police numbers. CCTV. Community buses and rural transport. Youth services. Council tax and benefits and the impact of welfare reforms. Housing and housing associations. Water and waste water. The night time economy and anti-social behaviour

Meetings are held in public at Maidstone Town Hall and in locations throughout the borough. We welcome views and input - contact Orla Sweeney or Clare Wood on 01622 602491/602524 or via email, orlasweeney@maidstone.gov.uk/ clarewood@maidstone.gov.uk. Look out for opportunities to be involved on Maidstone Borough Councils facebook page: www.facebook.com/maidstoneboroughcouncil.

Maidstone Borough Council

Torch celebration screened News in brief live at Mote Park concert

Customer Service
A new project will give customers greater involvement in Maidstone councils services to ensure that their experience is the best it can be. The council will research who its customers are, how they feel about its services and how it can improve that experience for them. Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Cllr Eric Hotson, says: We are doing the review to really get to the heart of what our customers need and want. The review will include a number of consultation activities and workshops that I would encourage people to get involved in if they get an opportunity. Fireworks, special guests and a talent show are among the extras for those who watch Maidstones Olympic Torch Relay celebrations from Mote Park. While the official celebration event at Leeds Castle on the evening of Thursday 19 July was several times oversubscribed, the Mote Park extravaganza is set to prove just as exciting. Maidstones community concert will feature a live link from Leeds Castle, allowing those attending to watch the cauldron lighting on a big screen. In addition they will enjoy lots of other entertainment all for free and a firework display at the end of what promises to be a fantastic evening. After the live screening of the Leeds Castle event, which starts at 5pm, the show will begin with a performance by the school choirs of Maidstone performing Traditional Values, a specially written piece by Orlando Gough. Concert-goers will then be able to vote for their favourite acts as the towns own Maidstones Got Talent competition takes to the stage.The talent show will be followed by someone whose talent is already well known as local star Shaun Williamson, know to millions as the hapless Barry from EastEnders but with more recent starring roles in many other shows, takes to the stage. Next on the bill is the ultimate in seventies rock royalty Alvin Stardust, who is headlining what promises to be a great evenings entertainment. Organisers expect up to 10,000 people to enjoy a free evenings celebration and have stressed that those attending should walk if possible or use public transport or park and ride in order to reach Mote Park. There will be no car parking on site, and while the aim is to create a party atmosphere, no alcohol will be allowed in Mote Park during the event. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. This looks set to be a great event and I am certain that the live video link to Mote Park will make it as exciting a place to be on the evening of 19 July as Leeds Castle itself, said Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services Cllr John A. Wilson. We want people to have a good time and enjoy themselves, but I must stress that public transport is the only sensible way to travel on this occasion.

County Show
The Kent County Show has something for everyone, with spectacular arena displays, mouth-watering food, prizewinning livestock, a feast of flowers and the chance to fly with a Spitfire. Kent Showground, Detling - July 13, 14, and 15 from 8am to 6pm. Pre-booked tickets offer a significant discount: 17.50 for adults, which includes two free childrens tickets, 5 for additional childrens tickets and under fives go free. Pre-booked seniors and student tickets are 11. Tickets are available from www.kentshowground.co.uk or the booking hotline 01622 633060.

Welcoming the torch to Maidstone

Maidstone residents have a unique chance to see the Olympic Torch Relay. It will arrive in the borough on Thursday July 19 but the best opportunity to see it will be the next morning. Thursday nights arrival at Harrietsham, on its way to Leeds Castle, will offer a very limited opportunity to see the torch during its ten-minute procession through the village. Access to Harrietsham will be by public transport only. People are instead being invited to cheer the torch on its way when it leaves the next morning. The torch will leave Mote Park at 6.42am and exit onto Mote Avenue, turning into Mote Road and then right onto Wat Tyler Way. The route then turns left onto King Street before reaching the High Street, goes left onto Bishops Way, right onto Mill Street and right into the grounds of the Archbishops Palace. The torchbearer will then board a replica royal barge to be rowed along the River Medway Maidstone Rowing Club. At James Whatman Way, where the torch will take to the road in convoy mode, leaving Maidstone, just after 7.30am, on Royal Engineers Road along the A229 to Gillingham. I am sure that many thousands of people will take the opportunity to be part of this unique event, said Maidstones Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services Cllr John A. Wilson. The torch route offers a variety of great places to watch it from and I am sure it will be a great occasion that people will remember for years to come. Entertainment in the town centre will continue throughout the day in Jubilee Square outside the Town Hall. Local samba band Bloco Fogo will wake the early morning crowd, while fire performers will add to the fun on the route through the town. The rest of the day will feature more live music, maypole and morris dancers, Bhangra, Greek dancing, jugglers and stilt walkers. There will be face painting for children and the Medway Concert Band will end the celebrations.

Maidstone Borough Council

Health matters in Maidstone

Maidstone Borough Council has been awarded 158,000 from NHS West Kent to commission and deliver projects to support health prevention in our borough over the next 12 months. So if youre looking to get healthier and fitter this summer, then look no further than our weight management programmes, which support overweight or obese adults to make long-term changes to improve physical activity, eating behaviour and diet and improve emotional well-being. The programmes are held in group settings but provide personal action plans to help people achieve and maintain their goals. Dont delay, sign up today!

Weight for It
A FREE 10 week weight loss programme for adults held throughout the Maidstone Borough. Fun and friendly weekly weigh-in with diet and nutritional advice. For more details and your nearest venue call 01622 602222 or email healthyliving@maidtone.gov.uk And dont just take our word for it, heres what some of the participants have said so far Weight for It has educated me in an interesting and informative way to eat healthily so it becomes a way of life and not a five minute wonder! The programme showed me that a few small changes to my lifestyle could make a huge difference. I have lost my excess weight and am maintaining my new slim-line body, without feeling I've been deprived of favourite foods or drink.

gym, swimming class sessions are 1 per visit. For more information call 08451 552277. One attendee commented: It has helped with my arthritis pain and has eliminated my need to use a cane. I am now exercising more and feel more flexible.

Weight for Life

A 10 week holistic lifestyle programme at Zeroth Active Zone, Boughton Lane, Maidstone, with a low cost exercise regime, sessions are just 1 per visit. Go For It a FREE family and childrens weight management programme for 5-17 year olds at Zeroth Active Zone. For more information about the sessions held at Zeroth, call 01622 749564.

Healthy Passport Club

If attending a programme is not for you, then why not go online and visit www.healthyclub.nhs.uk for more information and support on making small steps to becoming healthier and happier.

Adult weight management programme

A 12 week programme at Maidstone Leisure Centre, Willow Way, Mote Park. Diet and nutrition seminars are FREE and

Domestic Violence and Abuse?

The Freedom programme is a FREE 12 week programme that helps, supports and teaches women about the reality of domestic violence and abuse. For more information contact Maidstonebased organisation K-DASH on 01622 761146. The Freedom Programme helps to; T Support women to understand the beliefs held by an abusive man and in doing so, recognise which of these beliefs they have shared. T Illustrate the effects of domestic violence on children. T Assist women to recognise potential future abusers. T Help women gain self-esteem and the confidence to improve the quality of their lives. T Introduce women to community resources such as Womens Aid. Participants say Gives you an opportunity to live your life Helps you to feel good about yourself An insight into why women feel the way they do, and knowing their experiences are shared

Maidstone Borough Council

Representing your views on Maidstone Borough Council

Maidstone Borough Council is run by elected councillors who are voted for by local people. Councillors are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the community about local services, for example rubbish and recycling collections and leisure facilities, and agreeing budgets and Council Tax charges. Councillors are elected to represent an area called a ward, serving for four years. The work of a councillor includes holding surgeries to help local people, supporting local organisations, campaigning on local issues, and developing links with all parts of the community. Councillors are not paid a salary or wages, but they are entitled to allowances and expenses to cover some of the costs of carrying out their public duties. They are not council employees. The elected councillors provide the policies, and then paid employees, council officers, put them into practice. You can attend most meetings of the council, although usually you will not be able to speak at them. The council publishes a 'forward work plan' listing the decisions that will be taken over the coming months. It also publishes meeting papers at least five working days in advance, and afterwards the minutes of the meeting, summarising the decisions made. Maidstone has 55 councillors and holds elections in thirds elections are held in three years out of four, with one third of the seats on the council up for election at each election. This year elections were held in 19 of Maidstones 26 wards. In Heath Ward there was an election and a by election.

A ALLINGTON

B EAST

C FANT

Dan Daley Lib Dem 01622 672459

Cynthia Robertson Lib Dem 01622 753517

Malcolm Robertson Lib Dem 01622 753517

David Naghi Lib Dem 01622 678410

Jane Griffin Lib Dem 07725 977841

Martin Cox Lib Dem 01622 202869

Stephen Paine Con 07906 271325

Alistair Black Con 01622 728481

Stephen Beerling Lib Dem 01622 600495

D HIGH STREET

E NORTH

F SHEPWAY NORTH

Clive English Lib Dem 07806 360476 G BRIDGE

Denise Joy Lib Dem 01622 674063

Fran Wilson Lib Dem 01622 673349

Jenni Paterson Lib Dem 01622 679630

Mervyn Warner Lib Dem 01622 753220

Tony Harwood Lib Dem 01622 677578

Chris Garland Con 07766 343024 I SOUTH

Marion Ring Con 01622 686492

Michael Yates Con 01622 675188

H SHEPWAY SOUTH

David Pickett Lib Dem 01622 681889 J HEATH

James Ross Con 07966 377292

Adrian Brindle Con 01622 745704

Malcolm McKay Lab 07879 357333

Town Wards

Derek Mortimer Lib Dem 07825 916930

Ian Chittenden Lib Dem 01622 630867

Mike Hogg Con 07964 160282

K PARK WOOD

KEY
Conservative Liberal Democrat

Bryan Vizzard Lib Dem 07957 442994

Brian Moss Con 01622 761998

David Burton Con 01622 862595

Daniel Moriarty Ind 01622 754756

No overall control

Maidstone Borough Council

1 BARMING

2 BEARSTED

BOUGHTON MONCHELSEA & CHART SUTTON

4 BOXLEY

Fay Gooch Ind 01622 726608

Richard Ash Con 01622 730151

Val Springett Con 01622 737702 6

Mike Cuming Con 01622 738825

DETLING & THURNHAM

Steve Munford Ind 01622 741310 7

DOWNSWOOD & OTHAM

Derek Butler Con 01634 684854 8

Malcolm Greer Con 01634 862876

Wendy Hinder Con 01634 861579

5 COXHEATH & HUNTON

HARRIETSHAM & LENHAM

John A Wilson Con 01622 720989

Brian Mortimer Lib Dem 01622 746046

Dennis Collins Con 01622 820468 10 LEEDS

Nick de Wiggondene Con 01622 208721

Gordon Newton Ind 01622 862330

Tom Sams Ind 01622 859412

John Barned Con 01622 851142

NORTH DOWNS

9 HEADCORN

11 LOOSE

12 MARDEN & YALDING

13

Richard Thick Con 01622 891224

Jenefer Gibson Con 01622 890200

Peter Parvin Con 01622 673209

Susan Grigg Lib Dem 07706 052495

Annabelle Blackmore Con 01622 833299

Rodd Nelson Gracie Con 01622 814263

Steve McLoughlin Con 07711 565489

Daphne Parvin Con 01622 673209

14 STAPLEHURST

15

SUTTON VALENCE & LANGLEY

Eric Hotson Con 01580 892312

Richard Lusty Con 01580 891353

Paulina Stockell Con 01622 842508

Rural Wards
KEY
Conservative Independent Liberal Democrat No overall control

Maidstone Borough Council

There was dancing in the street when Maidstone celebrated the Queens Diamond Jubilee with a street party and by naming the new public square in Maidstone High Street. Jubilee Square, the centre piece of Maidstones 2 million High Street regeneration project was named by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Rodd Nelson-Gracie during a day-long celebration on the Friday of the Jubilee weekend. Jazz Saxophonist Jo Fooks entertained the crowd in the morning before children from Molehill Copse, Oaks Academy and Brunswick House primary schools in Maidstone sat down for lunch with some of the boroughs older residents to find out what it was like growing up in Britain sixty years ago. They included Lawrence and Dorrie Child from Shepway Court who have been married for 57 years. Throughout lunch and into the afternoon they were entertained with 50s rock n roll by the Sunny Ray Band, and a penny farthing stunt act. In the afternoon the Mayor planted a time capsule full of pictures of the Queen drawn by the children, and current day objects gathered by the Kent Messenger newspaper. Left: Schoolchildren were jiving in the High Street. Below: Left to right Council Leader, Chris Garland with Malcolm Greer, Cabinet Member for Economic and Commercial Development and Mayor, Rodd NelsonGracie, who opened Jubilee Square

Dancing in the street

Lawrence and Dorrie Child of Shepway Court.

Above left to right: Town Crier, Robin Burfoot, read a special poem to commemorate the Queens Diamond Jubilee. - All the food was prepared and served by Mid Kent College Students. -Jazz Saxophonist, Jo Fooks. - The Mayor of Maidstone, Rodd Nelson-Gracie, planted a time capsule to provide a record of life in 2012 for future generations.

Volunteers
Mote Parks 2.5 million restoration is complete. The Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor Rodd Neslon-Gracie formally opened the park at last months kite festival. Improvements have included new paths, restoration of parkland, 100 new trees, car park improvements, new bridges, restoring the 1840s waterfall, visitor hubs at Willington Street and School Lane with car parks and play areas, and restoring the neoclassical Volunteers Pavilion dating from the 1800s.
Volunteers have been hard at work in Mote Park creating woodland paths, building a bridge across the stream at Jenners Bank, creating wildflower meadows, planting trees, clearing woodland glades, removing debris from the stream and building bird boxes. The group meets in the Mote Park Volunteers Office in the main park building every Wednesday and the last Saturday of each month. Activities start at 9:30am and finish around 1pm. Everyone is welcome. If you would like to help with tasks, administration or stewarding events, contact Alan Frith, Mote Park Audience Development Officer by email alanfrith@maidstone.gov.uk or by telephone 01622 602119

Mammal survey
Mote Park volunteers, fully trained by the Kent mammal group at Wildwood Animal Park, carried out a small mammal survey of Mote Park over the Easter weekend. The group set 50 humane traps in Mote Park and checked them regularly over the weekend. Over the weekend the group caught and released 19 wood mice, 3 yellow neck mice, 15 bank voles, 2 field voles, 1 common shrew and a pygmy shrew. The pygmy shrew is one of the smallest mammals in the world, weighing only 5 grams.

Picture courtesy of Howard Marsh

A wood mouse in Mote Park courtesy of Greg Mantanle

The Mote Park restoration project was awarded 1.8 million from the The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) under their Parks for People scheme. The total cost of the improvement project is 2.5m.

Mote Park Volunteers have cleared vegetation and created new paths

Free events at Mote Park

July 14, 6.30-9pm. The Tales of Beatrix Potter theatre in the park. Call 0845 450 5157 or visit www.quantumtheatre.co.uk for tickets (max. four per person). July 15, 6.30-9pm. Midsummer Nights Dream Shakespeare in the Park. SOLD OUT August 4, 12pm-4pm. Teddy bears picnic for children 6 and under with bouncy castles, face painting, arts and crafts, and lots more. No need to book. August 6, 12-4pm. Arts and crafts in the park. August 11, 10am12.30pm. Reptile walk. August 13, 12-4pm. Arts and crafts in the park. August 20, 12-4pm. Arts and crafts in the park. August 25, 10am12.30pm. Nature detective walk. August 27, 12-4pm. Arts and crafts in the park. August 28, 8-10.30pm. Bat evening.

Cobtree Park improvements

Cobtree Manor Park, off Forstal Road, Aylesford is getting a 1 million makeover including a custom built play area, new paths, caf and visitor centre centre. The park was home to Maidstone Zoo for a number of years and was left to the people of Maidstone by 12 times former Mayor Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake. Many of the improvements to the park will reflect its history. Cllr John A Wilson, Chairman of the Cobtree Manor Estate Committee said: Cobtree Park will become one of the best family days out in the area. I think that Sir Garrard would have approved of the zoo theme for the play area. The new play area will be ready for this years summer holidays with the rest to follow in 2013.

July 17, 6-9pm. The History of Mote Park. July 23, 12-4pm. Arts and crafts in the park. July 28, 10.30am-1pm. Bushcraft cooking. July 30, 12-4pm. Arts and crafts in the park. July 31, 9 11.30pm. Bat evening.

www.facebook.com/motepark moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk

ARTS CENTRE

Whats On
As You Like It
Step into a world of Kentish tramps and colourful characters
This years outdoor theatre production draws its inspiration from Kent Rural life in the 1950s. Many Kent woods were home to local characters, casual labourers and the homeless long before they became the housing estates, supermarkets and petrol stations we know today. Shakespeare drew on similar themes in As You Like It, writing about a time when the English countryside was being rapidly transformed. The royal forests were being privatised and cut down and common land enclosed and turned into fields for sheep. A whole way of life was being destroyed. Commoners and squatters who had lived in the woods for generations found their rights suddenly extinguished. The Hazlitt Arts Centre in conjunction with Changeling Theatre are well known for producing Shakespeare in a fresh and dynamic way; perfect for everyone of all ages to enjoy. This years tour includes many of Kents loveliest locations in and around; Maidstone, Dartford, Canterbury, Chatham, Rochester, Gravesend, Ashford, Sandwich, Aylesford, Biddenden, Wrotham and Faversham. So pack a picnic and book your spot to the perfect summer event! Performance dates are; 22nd June 21st July 2012 Tickets cost 15.00 and are available direct from some venues or from the Hazlitt Theatre box office 01622 758611 http://www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk You can see the full list of venues, watch videos and find out more at; http://www.changeling-theatre.com

The Hazlitts Summer Festival

If you are looking for FUN, FUN, FUN this summer then we have just the thing for you Hazlitt Youth Theatre and Theatre Exchange have two exciting workshops on offer for young people to enjoy!

Victorian Circus of Horrors - ages 11- 14 years

Learn death defying magic, juggle with skulls, sing and dance and much more!

Jungle Book- ages 6- 10 years

The spirit of the jungle is alive with Mowgli and friends as they escape the clutches of Shere Khan! Become part of the best loved childrens tales in this magical workshop. Monday 13- Friday 17 August 1030am- 3.30pm 75 (includes 2 FREE tickets to the end of course performance) For all bookings contact the Hazlitt Box Office on: 01622 758611 For further information email: hyt@maidstone.gvo.uk

To book tickets go online at www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk or ring the Box Office 01622 758611

ing Worrk you

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11

Gardener Trevor Brockway joined Maidstone Borough Councils parks team in 1975 and he has been tending Brenchley Gardens since 1978. Trevor, who is married and lives in Fant, is now working four days a week in the lead up to his retirement in January. Borough Update interviewed him to find out why his job is special.

Trevors job includes

- Clearing litter lots of it in the summer! - Tending and weeding the flower beds every day. - Mowing the grass every week. - Edging the borders every three weeks. - Planting flower beds every year. - Shrub pruning in the winter. - Turfing and reinstating lawns.
What attracted you to the job? I worked for ten years in offices before taking a year out to travel around the World. I did lots of different jobs and I realised that I wanted to be outdoors and to do something hands-on. What do you like about your job? I like everything about my work, in particular working with plants and seeing them grow to make Brenchley Gardens look beautiful. I meet lots of people and I feel I am doing something to please them and for the good of the community. What does good customer service mean to you? My job is about giving people a great environment to meet up, somewhere to get away from it all during lunch.

Some facts about Maidstones Parks and Open spaces - Maidstone Borough has 30 major Parks and open spaces, as well as many play areas, conservation areas and churchyards. - At 450 acres, Mote Park is the biggest. - 1 million people visited Mote Park last year. - Two of our parks have Green flags: Clare Park; and Whatman Park, Maidstone - We provide: 24 football pitches 2 rugby pitches 700 allotment plots; and a golf course. - More than 3,500 bedding plants were planted in Brenchley Gardens this summer for the Jubilee. - 52 hanging baskets have been planted in red white and blue to celebrate the Jubilee and Olympics.

Borough Update
This is your council newsletter, produced up to four times a year in the Downs Mail newspaper. It is written, edited and designed by the council's communications team, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6JQ. Email: pr@maidstone.gov.uk. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. It is typeset by AW design and printed by Newbury News.

Follow us on Twitter @maidstonebc Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ maidstoneboroughcouncil Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/ user/maidstonecouncil

If you are visually impaired and would like the newsletter text in large print, please call us on 01622 602807, and we will be happy to send you a copy.

Whats On!

To find out whats on in Maidstone Borough visit www.tour-maidstone.com

MAKE IT PROSPEROUS New hospital will provide 425 jobs

An artists impression of the new hospital

MAKE IT MAIDSTONE
Great People, Great Place, Great Opportunity
Maidstone Borough council has three priorities for Maidstone Borough to have a growing economy, for the borough to be a great place to live, and corporate and customer excellence. Council Leader, Chris Garland, welcomes the Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery for its contribution to the boroughs economic prosperity. Our first priority is for Maidstone to have a growing economy with rising employment, catering for a range of skill sets to meet the demands of the local economy. The new hospital is just what we need, providing a great range of employment opportunities.

Maidstones new private hospital, close to Junction 7 of the M20, is set to give the Maidstone economy a huge boost with the creation of more than 400 new jobs. The new Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery will be a one stop facility providing fast, efficient, onsite consultations, diagnostic testing and a comprehensive range of general and complex procedures in areas such as cardiology, cardiac surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics and surgical oncology. It will treat private and NHS patients. Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Phyllis Holt, says that patients will come first: We know that quality of patient care is entirely dependent on the excellence of our nursing staff, technical staff, therapists and all support services. All share our ethos that the patient comes first, and we are committed to the holistic care, not only of the patient, but also their families.

Facts and Figures

Kents first private hospital for 20 years. An 83m scheme that has been five years in development. A seven acre site at Newnham Court, Bearsted. Initially it will comprise four separate buildings totalling 15,000 sqm and car parking. Five operating theatres. Neurological rehabilitation centre and an oncology centre to be added. 66 consulting rooms, 81 inpatient beds and 15 day beds. The design includes green roofs and walls, rainwater harvesting, combined heat and power generators, and Kent ragstone.

If youd be interested in nding out more about the NRBF or visiting one of the Its all about collaboration, said NRBF breakfasts as a guest visit www.nrbf.co.uk chairman Elaine Collins. Local pubs host or telephone Elaine on 01622 820468 networking nights, the website, publicity and Alternatively visit our website (QR code The Network of Rural Business Forums printing are all provided free of charge and below) or ll in your (www.nrbf.co.uk) has already proved to be members work together for their mutual details and send to : a lifeline for many rural businesses in Kent. benet and for that of the forum. NRBF Forum House Not only does it offer monthly business Its a not-for prot organisation and, with no Hunton Road breakfasts, free networking events and wages to pay out, all the members benet. Chainhurst social opportunities, but also a raft of free Former BBC man Adam Hume found the Kent, TN12 9TA services including legal and HR advice, transition from life in London to Langley accounting and counselling. Many suppliers quite a culture shock and his experience is Company Enquiry Details offer discounted rates to NRBF members typical of many. Contact Name and there is a special forum discounted He said: Id worked in a big organisation Company Name Private Health Insurance scheme available. where I only had to pick up the phone and With your membership your business will also receive A-Z and classied entries both online and in your local printed business directory for the whole year. You will also become part of an active email group within your business community which allows you to seek help, support and advice from your peer group. anything from a new PC to a Starbucks coffee would be delivered to my desk. How very different it is working as a sole trader in a rural area! Adam has found both camaraderie and business support through the forum in his new venture as a cabinetmaker. Many members offer discounts that quickly pay for the subscription alone regardless of all the other benets.
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New hospital will provide 425 jobs

An artists impression of the new hospital

Maidstones new private hospital, close to Junction 7 of the M20, is set to give the Maidstone economy a huge boost with the creation of more than 400 new jobs. Currently clinicians and patients have to travel to London for the services that will be offered at the hospital. The new Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery will be a one stop facility providing fast, efficient, onsite consultations, diagnostic testing and a comprehensive range of general and complex procedures in areas such as cardiology, cardiac surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics and surgical oncology. It will treat private and NHS patients. Franz Dickmann, Acting Chief Executive, explains: Future healthcare will be provided by a mixture of existing NHS institutions and the private sector investing into the healthcare system. These institutions will provide advanced care for the whole of the community for those who are privately insured and those insured by the NHS, it is the same principle, as you, the patient, now have a choice. The hospital will have advanced technology

for diagnostic testing and treatments with multi-disciplinary teams and intensive care facilities on site, which will support the major and highly complex procedures. Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Phyllis Holt, says that patients will come first: We know that quality of patient care is entirely dependent on the excellence of our nursing staff, technical staff, therapists and all support services. All share our ethos that the patient comes first, and we are committed to the holistic care, not only of the patient, but also their families.

Great People, Great Place, Great Opportunity

Maidstone Borough council has three priorities for Maidstone Borough to have a growing economy, for the borough to be a great place to live, and corporate and customer excellence. Council Leader, Chris Garland, welcomes the Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery for its contribution to the boroughs economic prosperity. Our first priority is for Maidstone to have a growing economy with rising employment, catering for a range of skill sets to meet the demands of the local economy. The new hospital is just what we need, providing a great range of employment opportunities.

Facts and Figures

Kents first private hospital for 20 years. An 83m scheme that has been five years in development. A seven acre site at Newnham Court, Bearsted. Initially it will comprise four separate buildings totalling 15,000 sqm and car parking. Five operating theatres. Neurological rehabilitation centre and an oncology centre to be added. 66 consulting rooms, 81 inpatient beds and 15 day beds. The design includes green roofs and walls, rainwater harvesting, combined heat and power generators, and Kent ragstone. Other sustainable features Opening Spring 2014.

Above: Dr Phylis Holt, Consultant Cardiologist, with Cabinet member Malcolm Greer, Leader of the Council, Chris Garland, and the Mayor of Maidstone, Rodd Nelson-Gracie, at the ground breaking ceremony.