MBC Borough Insight Summer 2019

LETTER FROM THE LEADER

Following the elections in May, it’s time again to look to the future. Maidstone Borough Council’s Strategic Plan for the next 20+ years is featured in this edition of Borough Insight. In preparing and adopting it, with the support of all the Council’s political parties, we have recognised both the challenges and opportunities that the borough faces in the short and longer term. These include population and economic growth and the building development that flows from this. Our priorities and plans reflect what we heard from you through our consultation last year.

We recognise the di erent issues for our countryside, and concerns about loss of green fields, protecting our heritage and growing the capacity of services to support everyone who lives and works here.

MBC will ensure that the borough embraces growth positively and lead a planned approach. We will make sure that our Local Plan Review responds to the need for housing and jobs, that we focus our e orts on great design of places and buildings, respect our heritage enabling the infrastructure and services which will make the borough a good home and a good place for businesses to invest. We will do this by working with others, such as Kent County Council on transport and schools, and the health system on health and wellbeing services – and with companies who currently invest in the borough, as well as those that we want to attract.

Our borough is a place to be proud of, and there are numerous examples throughout Borough Insight of the places and people who make it a great place to live, work, visit and do business. The Council will continue to invest tax payers' money wisely so that we can have a place where we can a ord to live, that we can enjoy and love to call home.

Martin Cox

Editor: Sarah-Jane Adams sarahjaneadams@maidstone.gov.uk

Design: Natalie Tye, Sue Fuller Advertising Sales: communications@maidstone.gov.uk

In the last edition of Borough Insight, we gave readers the chance to win a copy of Spitfire: A Very British Love Story by John Nichol, signed by Aerolegends pilots Charlie Brown and Parky. The lucky winner was Sue Dalton.

Days out reach new heights in Mote Park, p5.

Borough Insight meets the falconry and wildlife team at Leeds Castle, page 8

Cllr Martin Cox Leader of the Council

Regenerating our parks

Cobtree Estate

In 1951 Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake MBE, twelve times Mayor of Maidstone and his wife Lady Edna, created the Cobtree Charity Trust. With no dependants to inherit the Cobtree estate, the aim of the Trust was to ensure that after Sir Garrard’s death, the 300 acres of land be used for the benefit of the people.

In 1971, a 999 year lease was drawn up between the Cobtree Charity Trust Limited and Maidstone Borough Council with the object of maintaining the estate as an open space and providing facilities and leisure activities for the inhabitants of Maidstone.

Members of the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee manage all aspects of the charity on behalf of the Council, and have been instrumental in ensuring significant improvements.

This summer, visitors to Cobtree Manor Park will be greeted by a brand new car park, the latest in the park improvement works that have been steadily progressing since 2012. The new marked bays and a tarmac roadway enable more visitors to park on site and prevent rain water from forming potholes and dust.

The visitor centre and café, which opened in 2015, is open seven days a week, with a full menu of locally sourced hot and cold food and drinks available. Nearby, the large, zoo-themed play area is very popular with young children and is the focal point of the lower section of the park.

Restored footpaths allow visitors to wander through the grounds and see the former Maidstone Zoo site, which is now an arboretum for a wide range of rare tree and plant species. A sculpture trail featuring four stone artworks reflects the history and nature of the park and the elephant house, llama enclosure and sheep wash act as reminders of what stood on the site in the first half of the twentieth century.

Beyond the grounds of Cobtree Manor Park, a bridleway and interactive Wonderful Wordicular Word Trail enable longer journeys around the Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course, reaching Tyland Barn, the headquarters of Kent Wildlife Trust. This trail includes a Run England marked 5k route.

Regenerating our parks Mote Park's new Outdoor Adventure

Since opening earlier in the summer, Mote Park’s Outdoor Adventure attraction has been welcoming families looking for an adrenaline-fuelled day out. The new multi-activity facility, operated by Serco, includes a Sky Trail, Segway Terrain, climbing wall and dino adventure golf, as well as picnic seating and on site café.

Outdoor Adventure is situated next to the new Mote Park play area and skate park, which have been entertaining children and families since Easter. The playground features new play equipment for children of all ages, space for parents to sit and supervise, and separate skate ramps for skateboards and scooters.

Maidstone Borough Council has committed to investing £4.3 million in the regeneration of Mote Park over the next few years. The initial improvement of the car parks, play area and creation of the new Outdoor Adventure facility are now complete - the next stage of the project will focus on the build of a new visitor centre, café and toilets, including a Changing Place facility.

• SKY TRAIL – dual adventure high ropes circuit is the focal point of the venue, with height options of both 16ft and 32ft, featuring rope walkways, cargo nets and narrow beams.

• SEGWAY TERRAIN – two wheeled vehicles are easily driven around the Outdoor Adventure route.

• CLIMBING WALL – 32ft climbing wall with four levels of di culty.

• DINO ADVENTURE GOLF – nine holes of prehistoric themed mini golf, with dinosaur facts around the course!

Outdoor Adventure is open Thursday to Sunday during school time and open seven days a week in the school holidays. On Toddler Thursdays, children under five go free with a fee-paying adult. More information and ticket prices can be found at www.moteparkadventure.com

www.maidstone.gov.uk www.maidstone.gov.uk

MBC’s Leisure Manager, Mike Evans, enjoys Mote Park’s latest form of fun.

Park are

Cobtree Manor Park

Cobtree Manor Park is best known locally as the site of the former Maidstone Zoo. This was Sir Garrard’s vast, private collection of animals which was opened to visitors between 1934 and 1959.

MOTE PARK

Cobtree Manor Park was first awarded a Green Flag Award in 2014 and has been successful in retaining it every year since.

The wheels on the bus keep going round for Park & Ride service

Rainbow after the rain

On a drizzly June morning, MBC brightened grey skies by raising the Pride Flag from the Town Hall mast. Marking Pride Month, the flag flew for a week to recognise LGBTQ diversity and inclusivity among those who live and work in Maidstone.

Maidstone Citizens Advice Bureau

80 years of having your best interests at heart

Arriva Buses has successfully bid to provide a new commercial Park & Ride service for Maidstone, facilitated by MBC. The bus company has committed to deliver both peak and o -peak services, upgrade their vehicles to EURO6 buses and to revert to a ‘pay to ride’ service. MBC will grant Arriva the exclusive use of two car parks located at the current Park & Ride locations - Willington Street and London Road, which will be free of charge to users. Payment will be taken on the buses for journeys into the town centre.

William Cornall, Director of Regeneration and Place, said: “MBC is delighted to announce that we are able to facilitate Arriva Buses in providing a continuation of service to Park & Ride in Maidstone.

The six year contract that has been agreed with Arriva enables this popular service to continue and honours the commitments within MBC's Integrated Transport Strategy. There will be no break to service for users and it will mean a reduction in the annual subsidy requirement from the Council.”

“ ”

It’s really important that residents of all orientations feel recognised, valued and supported. Pride Month is a great way to celebrate the LGBT community nationally, and locally we can show our commitment to this ethos by prominently flying the rainbow flag.

Funding makes a splash for accessible swimming

The CAB is sta ed by a large team of both paid and volunteer Advisors.

MBC has contributed towards £40,000 of disabled access improvements at Maidstone Leisure Centre, including two new hoists and changing table within the improved changing and shower areas.

The modifications were also funded by the Maidstone Leisure Trust, Serco and Swim Mobility, the disabled swim group based at the centre.

Exercise is for everyone, with investments to disabled access at Maidstone Leisure Centre. www.maidstoneleisure.org

On January 1st, 2020, the Maidstone branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau marks its 80th birthday, having helped local residents with matters ranging from debt management to energy deals, relationships to travel. A registered charity, the Maidstone base was founded only three months after the birth of the national Citizens Advice service in September 1939. Expert guidance is provided by the organisation’s dedicated team of 65 volunteers, who provide general advice, and 33 paid sta , who specialise is areas such as Help to Claim for Universal Credit, the Money Advice Service and help for those living with MS.

This year also saw another milestone for the team. Bonny Malhotra, Chief Executive of the past 21 years, has stepped down. Bonny says ‘When I first arrived at Maidstone Citizens

In 2018 the service supported 10,393 local clients.

Advice Bureau in June 1998, I little expected to find a job, an organisation and a community that would still be engaging my enthusiasm 21 years later! My work here has been an exciting mixture of opportunities, setbacks, challenges and successes, always demanding the best that I and my sta and volunteers could give. I am proud to have been a part of a team which has been so wholehearted in helping and speaking up for Maidstone. Whilst retiring as CEO, I will continue to support the vital role of the Bureau in our community.’

He is succeeded by Paul Hardy, who joined the CAB after running his own business for 30 years.

The centre’s most common enquiries relate to benefits and Tax Credits.

Mr Hardy started with the service as a volunteer Advisor, before becoming a full time employee, rising to Operations Manager.

The main Bureau is located at 2 Bower Terrace, Tonbridge Road, and is open 5 days a week for drop-in initial assessments. The Town Hall o ce sees clients by appointment only, and is open 4 days a week. Outreach sessions are also held in Marden, Headcorn and Parkwood on a fortnightly or monthly basis. Visit www. maidstonecab.org.uk or call 01622 750770 – whoever you are, and whatever the problem.

Councillor Paul Harper:

Swanning around

AT LEEDS CASTLE

In 2019, Leeds Castle, commonly known as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’, is involved in two very special anniversaries. Not only does one of Maidstone’s leading tourist destinations celebrate its 900th year, but for Falconry and Wildlife Manager Mark Brattle, there’s another occasion to be highlighted on the calendar.

Last year, Mark was appointed as o cial Swan Master to Maidstone Borough Council, and specifically to the Mayor. Maidstone is the only place in the country where the swans are owned by the Mayor, rather than the Monarch, and every summer the river’s swans are counted during an event called Swan Upping. 2019 marks 400 years of this historic tradition.

MBC: How did it feel to be named as Swan Master to the Mayor of Maidstone?

MB: It is a great honour to be asked to do something that is a 400 year old tradition associated with Maidstone. Also, to be one of only two Swan Masters in the UK is a huge privilege.

MBC: Can you explain to readers what happens during the annual Swan Upping river cruise, and the role you play?

MB: The river cruise is a chance for the new Mayor of Maidstone to survey their part of the River Medway. Starting at Jubilee Walk we head down river towards the Hawkwood Stone, Burham. After reaching the stone the Mayor fires a canon marking their arrival. We then head back to Jubilee Walk, and then o up river towards Medway Wharf Marina, Wateringbury. Throughout the cruise my team and I are counting all the di erent wildlife we see and making notes. Our main interest is the Mute Swans, as these are the birds we need to count and ring. By doing this we are then able to see year upon year how the population is increasing, moving and changing.

MBC: Swan Upping has been undertaken for 400 years – why do you think it’s important to keep this tradition going?

MB: It is a common misconception that all Mute Swans are owned by the Queen, so to have the opportunity to explain that our local Mayor owns them too is not only important

information but also very interesting to the local public.

For the Mayor of Maidstone to be in the unique position of being one of only two people in UK to ‘own’ Mute Swans is a massive privilege. Keeping this tradition going and telling people about this little known fact is very important.

MBC: In 2019, swan ringing was introduced to the event. What di erence does this make to the proceedings and why is it useful?

MB: This year we decided to include the British Trust of Ornithology (BTO) in the Swan Upping process - this means that everything we do is legal and is done under strict guidelines. It also means that the birds’ progress over the years can also be tracked by BTO spotters across the country. It’s nice to think that one of the swans from Maidstone could be sighted in London or further afield.

MBC: Why have you decided to personally train in swan ringing?

same process in place with the swans on the Medway.

MBC: How does the process of becoming qualified work?

MB: A member of my team and I are being trained by two members from the BTO - our trainers come down to Leeds Castle and take us through the process of ringing whilst making sure that the handling techniques we use are safe. Over the next few months we will attend di erent swan ringing sessions across the country to further our experience.

MBC: How important are swans to the history and ecology of Leeds Castle?

MB: We have four di erent varieties of swan at Leeds Castle - the Mute, Whooper, Trumpeter and Black. All of which regularly interact and are very popular with the visitors.

The castle and grounds are incredibly picturesque but even more so with the majestic sightings of swans on the moat. The Black Swan is particularly important to Leeds Castle as the previous owner, Lady Baillie had them on the Estate for years. They are even seen on the Leeds Castle Foundation crest and our company logo.

Why is it important to ring swans?

Like any wild birds, there are a great many benefits to ringing Mute Swans. The British Trust for Ornithology’s ringing scheme monitors the movements and distribution of birds which allows us to better understand their behaviour, health and longevity.

When the birds are caught, we take a number of measurements and record numerous details, such as the age, sex, wing length, weight and location. Subsequent re-sightings, re-captures and possibly even the eventual recovery of the dead bird allow us to build a picture of its life.

Birds are ringed with a uniquely numbered metal ring which is registered on a national database. The biometric data taken is then recorded against that database record for that individual.

With so many species of British birds in decline, it’s important that we better understand the pressures that they face and the toll they take. The swans of the River Medway are now being ringed under an extension to the EASSG (East Anglian Swan Study Group.) As such they are fitted with a more visible orange coloured ring, marked with a four digit alpha-numeric code.

What measures are taken to avoid stressing the birds?

Many people ask if the ringing process is in any way harmful to the birds. When a swan is caught it makes its indignation fairly obvious, but in actual fact the fitting of a ring is just like a human wearing a wristwatch or bracelet. The birds are carefully controlled, so that they can’t flap about and injure themselves and are often safely restrained in a ‘swan jacket’ prior to being processed. The welfare of the birds is absolutely paramount and the ringing process is designed to be as quick and e cient as possible. The rings are harmless and stay with the birds, usually for their lifetime.

WIN

For your chance to win a six person Family Ticket, valid for a whole year and worth £74, see our competition on page 14.

Supervised by BTO professionals, Mark learns the art of swan ringing.

MB: Being the Falconry & Wildlife Manager at Leeds Castle means that my team and I look after all the birds that live on and come onto the Estate, including Mute Swans. I thought it would be a good idea to ring the swans so that we can find out where they go if they leave, how successful breeding pairs are and how many young survive to adulthood. It then seemed logical to put this

If you see one of the colour marked swans on the River Medway please help us by reporting your sighting via www.cr-bird.org or www. bto.org, where you can also find out about the ringing scheme.

Mark Stanley – BTO Ringer

The Swan Master and Mayor, Cllr Marion Ring, attend the 400th Court of Survey Cruise in June.

STREET CLEANSING

Maidstone Borough Council has successfully won contracts from the One Maidstone Business Improvement District (BID) to undertake regular deep clean duties, in addition to the street cleaning services already provided by the Council.

To launch the initiative, MBC workers carried out a Bank Street Blitz, where tasks included:

• Removal of all litter and rubbish

• Power wash of street

• Gra ti removal

• Gum removal

• A-Board licensing

• Tables and chairs licensing

• Pigeon spike installation

• Installing LED lights in alley ways

• Repainting of street furniture

• Delivery of new bins

John Edwards, MBC Street Scene Operations Manager said: “Working in partnership with One Maidstone BID will prove a great opportunity to improve the visitor experience to the County Town. Within the partnership we will provide regular deep cleans that will enhance the overall vision of the town centre and will augment the current high cleansing standards we already have in place.”

Employees from partner organisations were also present for the joint working operation.

Chewing gum removal is a priority task for the scheme.

Blowing the whistle on DOMESTIC ABUSE

Tackling abuse of all forms is a priority for MBC’s Community Protection Team, who work closely with Kent Police to ensure the wellbeing of local residents. But professional partnership turned to friendly rivalry, as Maidstone Borough Council sta took on the might of the law in a charity football match held at the Gallagher Stadium.

Despite the final score being 3 -1 to the victorious police team, it was still great news for Council players, as over £1000 was raised in aid of the two beneficiaries – White Ribbon, a national campaign to end domestic violence, and More than Words, a Kent-based organisation which supports parents and carers of children with communication di culties. www.whiteribbon.org.uk www.morethanwordscharity.com

Protecting our community

• Processing statutory nuisance reports, such as noise and smoke

• Providing support to those experiencing domestic abuse

• Animal welfare and licensing

• Disrupting and disbanding organised crime groups

• Helping those with substance misuse problems

• Investigating cases of self-neglect, such as hoarding

• Preventing gang related crime and violence

• Protecting those with mental health issues

Formed in 2017, the specialist Community Protection Team deals with anti-social behaviour issues throughout Maidstone.

• Promoting community cohesion

• Running awareness campaigns

Members of the MBC football team want to give abuse the red card.

Street Scene Operations Manager, John Edwards, and BID Manager Ilsa Butler.

SERVICES

Local Plan Review

The Council is committed to an ambitious future where we can all have ‘pride in our borough.' Central to our long term vision is that we will embrace growth and enable infrastructure - one key way we will do this is through the Local Plan Review, which is now underway.

We know that the Government expects boroughs like Maidstone to plan for many more new homes. Embracing growth means making sure this happens in the right way.

Through the Maidstone borough Local Plan Review we can take the lead, making decisions locally on where new development will happen, its type and its quality.

Making sure that infrastructure is delivered alongside new development is crucial for our residents. Our commitment to enabling infrastructure means we will also be working closely with the organisations responsible for schools, transport, utilities and healthcare to get infrastructure planned, funded and delivered. This will include making clear our expectations of developers.

The Local Plan Review is not just about development. It is also an essential way we can protect what we value most in the borough, such as our beautiful landscapes, exceptional historic buildings

and rich biodiversity. We will also be thinking carefully about how we can act locally to address the challenges of climate change, air quality improvement and flood risk.

Preparing the Local Plan Review is a public process and there will be specific opportunities for you to give your input. Stay in touch with progress via the Council’s website at: www.maidstone.gov.uk/ localplanreview

To receive email updates, please contact the Strategic Planning team on ldf@maidstone.gov.uk and we will add your details to our consultation database.

RECYCLING STICKTOIT!

Throughout the summer, you will have seen stickers on your recycling bin advising that certain types of waste must not be included in your household recycling.

Over the past few months we have seen an increase in contamination, with recycling bins incorrectly containing black sacks, nappies, food and textiles. We have placed a sticker on all residents’ recycling bins to raise awareness of the problem, with the aim of improving the quality of the recycling that we collect.

The sticker features four groups of items – although there are many sources of contamination, these have been identified as the most common that are incorrectly put into green bins. Less contamination in the recycling means that the materials can be made into higher quality products, reducing the processing

DON’T PUT THESE ITEMS IN YOUR GREEN RECYCLING BIN!

and environmental cost of the service. Overall, contamination directly increases the cost of the local service to the taxpayer.

If you already recycle and aren’t including these items in your recycling, we hope you understand the need for us to advise other residents. We really do appreciate the recycling that residents in Maidstone are doing. Thanks to their e orts the recycling rate has increased yearly, bucking the national trend.

McKay

HOW CAN YOU REDUCE CONTAMINATION?

Ensure that you place your recycling items loose in your recycling bin or box, not in plastic bags or sacks.

Make sure that your food and drink containers, including bottles and cans, are empty and rinsed before placing them in your recycling bin/box.

Dispose of your food waste using the weekly food recycling service.

Place all nappies in the refuse bin.

Present textiles separately for collection in a carrier bag beside your recycling bin. Alternatively, you can take reusable clothes items to local charity shops or recycle them at a local textile bank.

www.maidstone.gov.uk

Thank you to everyone who is using the recycling service - our rate is good and most residents are placing the correct materials in the right bins.

We want residents to really look at what they are putting in their recycling bins and ensure that household items are placed in the correct bin. Your recycling is sorted, cleaned and re-used by the manufacturers to produce new items. Placing a permanent reminder on every household’s recycling bin will help reduce contamination and increase the quality of recycling in Maidstone. ”

www.maidstone.gov.uk

CARRIER BAGS & SACKS

NAPPIES FOOD TEXTILES

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Councillor Derek Mortimer, Chair of the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee, says

Next generation care for our air!

Now in its second year, MBC’s Clean Air for Schools (CAfS) project encourages pupils across Maidstone to take an interest in the air quality of their school environment.

New for 2019, the CAfS team launched a competition to create poster artwork which would encourage parents to switch o their engines at the school gates, reducing pollution. The winning entries received their design as a large banner, so that it can be displayed at the school entrance!

First place went to Archbishop Courtenay Primary School, with Senacre Wood Primary coming a close second, and Parkway Primary proudly picking up third. The MBC Environmental Team visited Senacre Wood to present their banner during a special school assembly, which took place on Clean Air Day, a national yearly event.

Cllr Derek Mortimer, Chair of MBC’s Community, Housing and Environment Committee said: “One of the most common places for cars to be left idling is outside school gates at drop o and pick up, and this means some of the most vulnerable in our community are being exposed to increased and unnecessary air pollution. As part of this campaign, we are reminding everyone how important it is to think about their journey, and in particular, asking drivers to avoid engine-idling in areas around schools and to switch o their vehicle engines when stationary.”

To find out more about the Clean Air for Schools project, visit www.maidstone.gov.uk/cleanairforschools

Win a year of family outings

Want to experience Leeds Castle in its 900th year? The Estate has generously donated a 6 person Family Ticket to give away, valid for one whole year. You can visit the castle and grounds as many times as you like within this period.

Choose from either a Family Ticket for one adult (16yrs+) and up to 5 of your children or grandchildren (15yrs or under) or a Family Ticket for two adults (16yrs+) living at the same address and up to 4 of your children or grandchildren (15yrs or under).

Under 4s go free.

To enter, email your full name and postal address to competition@maidstone.gov.uk, or enter via our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ maidstoneboroughcouncil

[The winner will be drawn at random on August 30th 2019. Tickets valid from September 1st 2019 until September 1st 2020. Information will not be used for any purpose other than contacting the winner and dispatching the prize. Your details will be deleted once the winner has been drawn. Please contact us if you wish to withdraw before the winner is drawn.

For more information you can view our privacy notice here: www.maidstone.gov.uk/home/ privacy-and-cookies]

Tour of the Town Hall

Tour times

Take a guided walk back through the Town Hall’s history on September 18th, at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Tours take around an hour, and places must be booked in advance.

To reserve a slot, email mayor@maidstone.gov.uk

The first record of a prison on this site was in 1255, housing heretics. The subsequent gaol became known as Brambles Prison, and could hold as many as 60 men, women and children.

This bell is from HMS Maidstone, a submarine support ship used during the Second World War, before being used as a prison ship in Northern Ireland. The second bell from the vessel can be found at Maidstone Grammar School for Boys.

Other sights to see Maidstone Museum – climb the Victorian Observatory Tower, not normally open to the public. Starts at 10am, and continues throughout the day on 14th September. Pre-booking necessary at www.maidstonemuseum.org

Mote Park – join a two hour history walk with the Park’s Manager on September 20th at 11am. Email annmarielangley @maidstone.gov.uk to reserve a space.

For details of other buildings taking part in the event, such as All Saints Church and the Archbishop’s Palace, as well as talks by the Maidstone Historical Society and the Maidstone Area Archeological Group, head to www.visitmaidstone.com

Environmental O cers judge the entries for the banner artwork competition.

Schools in Maidstone are being encouraged to form their own

The Mayor’s Parlour is used for receiving guests, and for putting on the Mayor’s ceremonial robes.

The larger mace was gifted by parliamentarian and Mayor of Maidstone Andrew Broughton, whilst the smaller mace is one of the oldest in the country and dates back to 1549.

The Council Chamber was used as a Magistrate’s Court until the early 1800s. The ceiling was painted in 1860 by Italian painters Cotti and Galli.

The Town Hall, positioned in Middle Row, is a Georgian building which dates back to 1763.

Senacre Wood Primary with MBC’s environmental sta , Cllr Derek Mortimer, Cllr Malcolm McKay and Mayor, Cllr Marion Ring.

This September, some of Maidstone’s most historic buildings are throwing their doors open and welcoming curious visitors for free as part of the Heritage Open Days scheme – including the Town Hall. We climb the chamber stairs to reveal the past – including a gaol cell!

Town Hall legend says that the Parlour’s stained glass is missing one panel so that the Mayor would be able to see when their carriage had arrived.

Curtain Up!

Behind the scenes at the Hazlitt Theatre

Ever wondered what it takes to bring a production to the stage? We got the chance to tread the boards and lift the curtain on Maidstone’s most theatrical local venue.

What's On at the Museum

See the full listings on our website: maidstonemuseum.org

Summer 2019

EXHIBITIONS

ENDANGERED & EXTINCT

4 MAY - 1 SEPTEMBER

Martin Cleverley is the General Manager at the Hazlitt where he has worked in di erent guises for over 19 years. Martin started his working life as an actor, which he did for seven years, and has always been associated with theatre, including working as a Producer, Director and running the Hazlitt’s Youth Theatre group. His love for the industry is clear, saying:

Show time! The tech crew operate the lighting and sound for each performance.

The stage is set for another evening of entertainment!

Supported by the Big Cat Sanctuary, this display takes inspiration from the natural world with upcycled creatures by artist Val Hunt.

Adults £4, Children £2, Family £10

SPECIAL EVENTS MUSEUM LATES

NATURE NEEDS YOU!

31 AUGUST 10AM - 15:30PM

The outdoors comes indoors with a range of stalls, trails and craft activities celebrating our wildlife and green spaces.

Free of charge

MIND PALACE SHAKESPEARE

25 JULY 6PM - 9PM, over 18s

Artistic Director of the Changeling Theatre Company shares his love of Shakespeare in the Great Hall, with Tudor drink and nibbles included. £8, £6 MMF members

“ ”

I know it sounds like a cliché but no two days are ever the same. I don’t ever get that ‘Sunday night’ feeling before work, I genuinely love coming in.

He told Borough Insight that the technical team is massively important and that the theatre wouldn’t be able to put on any shows without them. The Hazlitt Theatre’s backstage technical team currently consists of five permanent members, but for busier shows, such as the panto, they have to bring in another ten people.

The Hazlitt produces its own pantomime every year, with 2019’s Beauty and the Beast starring X Factor singer Jake Quickenden. With lavish scenery, sparkling costumes, dazzling special e ects and rip-roaring comedy, you can see it from 30 November until 31 December.

www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/Hazlitt-Theatre

SUMMER HOLIDAYS

MAKE IT! SESSIONS

We’ve got lots of crafty ways to keep kids occupied when school’s out, with hands-on activities based on our Endangered and Extinct exhibition.

Suitable for ages 5 -11, with additional workshops on alternate Fridays for under 5s and teens.

Sessions run at 10.30-11.30am, 12-1pm and 1.30-2.30pm on each day.

£3 per child, £2.50 MMF members

MAIDSTONE CARRIAGE MUSEUM

OPEN FRIDAY – SUNDAY, 12-4PM, VISIT UNTIL SEPTEMBER

Box O ce sta helping customers.

Pop in to pick up your guide to what’s showing and when.

Collections Manager Samantha Harris is proud to be opening the doors for another summer season:

“The vehicles at the Maidstone Carriage Museum are recognised as one of the best original condition carriage collections in Europe, including the only remaining 18th century curricle in the world, items from the Royal Collection and V&A Museum, and carriages used by Queen Victoria and other members of the Royal Family!”

Originally built as a concert hall in 1869, the theatre opened in 1955, named after William Hazlitt, the essayist who was born in Maidstone in 1778. www.maidstone.gov.uk

MaidstoneMuseum 01622 602838 museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk maidstonemuseum.org

www.maidstone.gov.uk

On your bike!

Go Green

Go Wild!

Go online to go green www.maidstone.gov.uk/gggw

Small grant scheme

Maidstone Borough Council’s Go Green Go Wild project is inviting applications for funding from its small grants scheme. Go Green Go Wild wants to support community groups to actively engage with nature and wildlife, and has up to £250 available to help you make a di erence to your local environment. For more information, and to apply, visit our webpage.

Find a green project near you

Have you visited the Go Green Go Wild webpage yet? Here you can find active groups and projects happening in your area as well as information about how we want to make Maidstone more nature friendly.

If you’re part of a local group, helping to conserve nature, help us make wildlife connections by registering here too.

MBC’s

Go Green Go Wild with the Kent Wildlife Trust

The Kent Wildlife Trust needs volunteers to help with their Nature’s Sure Connected initiative. Visit their website to find all the information and resources you need to help monitor the local wildlife as part of this scheme.

Is your garden already a wildlife haven? Or would you like to create more opportunities for nature to thrive? Check out Wild About Gardens, a scheme run by the Kent Wildlife Trust. It is open to anyone in Kent who has, or is developing, a wildlife garden. Links can be found by visiting the Go Green Go Wild webpage.

Sowing the seeds for a greener tomorrow

GGGW champions have been busy creating eight new wildflower meadows across the borough, ready to burst into life this summer, creating additional habitats for small mammals, insects and reptiles, as well as providing a source of food for butterflies and bees. Look out for these areas of new floral growth in Grovewood Drive North, Shepway Green, Parkwood Recreation Ground, South Park, Dickens Road, Bearsted Road, and Gatland Lane Recreation Ground.

Maidstone Borough Council and Kent County Council are creating a new cycle route linking Mote Park to Maidstone town centre. The new route, due to open soon, runs from Mote Avenue to the junction of the A249 and King Street, then linking with existing cycle routes. The project included widening the footpath to accommodate shared use, and resurfacing existing walkways, giving a safer alternative to cycling on the road. The previous crossing has been upgraded to a Toucan crossing, which allows use by both pedestrians and cyclists, to provide safe passage across Mote Road.

The scheme has been funded from the Central Government Local Transport Plan.

Borough in Bloom

Hot on horticulture? With the sun shining and the summer giving us more cause to spend time outside, lots of us are making the most of our gardens. But you don’t need to be green fingered to enjoy a floral fest - we’ve spotted the following displays out and about in the centre of urban Maidstone.

Our silent soldier stands as a reminder of the lives lost in the First World War. Early in the summer, the display in Brenchley Gardens was adorned with poppies.

This memorial artwork was funded by Maidstone Borough Council sta , and is one of two within the town centre.

Crazy about cycling?

Join bike enthusiasts in Jubilee Square on Saturday 28th September for Cycle Fest ’19. Organised by the Maidstone Cycle Campaign Forum, and now in its fourth year, the gathering o ers activities and exhibitions of vintage bikes, as well as the chance to have your bike security marked by the police. The event aims to bring together the cycling community, and is supported by MBC and KCC.

Cllr David Burton is wheely supportive of Cycle Fest.

Fremlin Walk is a fest of foliage over the summer months.

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Standing guard in Brenchley Gardens.

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www.maidstone.gov.uk www.maidstone.gov.uk

50 hanging baskets add colour to the town centre, courtesy of the One Maidstone Business Improvement District.

Borders to fill? A ordable plants are often available at Maidstone Market.

Nicola Toulson, who heads up the Go Green Go Wild project, sows seeds with the team to create new wildflower meadows.

A pretty planter in Cobtree Park.

MBC Parks Team captured the likeness of a swan in Brenchley Gardens to mark 400 years of Swan Upping.

Market House brightens up Earl Street with its vibrant troughs.

Jubilee Square is buzzing with life with its trailing towers.

MEET THE MAYOR

Ringing in the chain-ges

In May 2019, Councillor Marion Ring took up the mantle as the Mayor of Maidstone. She was born in the County Town, and has remained a resident all her life, having worked at both Kent County Council and Kent Police. Marion was first elected to Maidstone Borough Council in 2003 as a Councillor for Shepway North, and will be ably supported in her new role by husband, and now Mayoral Consort, Richard.The Deputy Mayor for 2019/2020 is Cllr Wendy Hinder.

Mayor

As one of Maidstone’s oldest businesses, Haynes has been established in the County Town since 1832 and has a long tradition of supplying Mayoral cars. In the 1970s and 1980s, these were Ford Granadas. During 2018, Haynes became o cial sponsors of the Mayoral car once more. Given the long history of Haynes and its relationship with the Council, the company was only too happy to oblige and provided a Ford Edge Vignale, which has four wheel drive to ensure the Mayor can get everywhere in all weathers.

Andrew Haynes, Chairman & Managing Director of the Haynes Group said, “We are delighted to be able to continue our relationship with Maidstone Borough Council and supply the Mayor with a new car. This top specification Ford Edge Vignale will, we believe, be the perfect vehicle for her needs, as it is both very comfortable and highly practical. It is a pleasure for Haynes to provide a prestige Ford vehicle for the Mayor’s use.”

www.haynesford.co.uk

Mayor, Cllr David Naghi, accepted the keys to the new Mayoral car in September 2018.

Cllr Ring takes the military salute at Mayor Making.

Cllr Marion Ring is the new Mayor of Maidstone. Cllr Ring with the Mayoral car.

Our new strategic plan sets out the Council’s long-term aspirations for the whole borough and how this will be achieved.

It is unashamedly ambitious and recognises the potential in the Maidstone borough. The Council wants the best for the people who live in the borough and the businesses that thrive in it.

The choices made today will impact on the state of the environment and the quality of life enjoyed by residents, decades from now. The plan was agreed by Full Council and is supported by all political groups, which puts the Council in an excellent position to attract investment and opportunities for Maidstone.

DEMOCRACY Our Vision Maidstone: a vibrant, prosperous, urban and rural community at the heart of Kent where everyone can realise their potential PRIORITIES PRIORITIES Safe, CleanandGreen EmbracingGrowth and EnablingInfrastructure PRIORITIES PRIORITIES AThrivingPlace Homes andCommunities LAND SHELTER Donations Welcome Jobs Fayre UNDERCONSTRUCTION BUS STOP CINEMA

Here are the four key priorities:

Embracing Growth and Enabling Infrastructure

Maidstone needs to work for the people who live, visit and work here now and in the future. Our population and economy are growing which brings opportunities and challenges. The Council wants a borough where there is a variety of jobs, where the need for housing is met and infrastructure is in place to meet the growing needs of residents and the economy. The Council will be proactive, leading planning and investment to shape the borough and intervening where the market is slow to deliver what we need as our population and economy grow to bring about high quality housing and jobs.

Homes and Communities

This priority is about creating a place that people love, with safe desirable homes where they can a ord to live, establishing healthy and happy communities with a good balance of di erent types of homes, including a ordable housing. We aim to improve the quality of community services and facilities including health care and community activities. The plan also addresses homelessness and rough sleeping and aims to move people into settled accommodation. The focus is on supporting the wellbeing of all the borough’s communities.

A Thriving Place

Maidstone is a borough that is open for business, attractive for visitors and is an enjoyable and prosperous place to live. Maidstone is the Business Capital of Kent; the Council will continue to facilitate growth of the local economy so that we have high employment, good local jobs and thriving local businesses. The Council wants the towns and village centres to thrive and be fit for the future. We will lead investment in the County Town and rural service centres through regeneration projects and working with partners. Maidstone Borough Council is proud of its local heritage and will continue to grow leisure and culture opportunities.

Safe, Clean and Green

The borough Council will keep Maidstone an attractive and clean place for all. Maidstone is a safe place to live and the Council wants residents to feel safe. The Council wants to protect, and where possible enhance our environment and make sure the parks, green spaces, streets and public areas are of a high quality by making sure they are looked after, well managed and respected.

A249 Bearsted Road improvement scheme Starts Autumn 2019

Works will be taking place to improve traffic flow on the A249 Bearsted Road and are due to start in Autumn 2019.

Funding has been secured to help improve the congestion hotspot in Maidstone and aims to alleviate the congestion, not only in the short-term but taking into account the anticipated increase in the tra c over the coming years.

The scheme will:

• upgrade two junctions on the A249 Bearsted Road and New Cut Road

• widen the road between the two junctions

• accommodate increased tra c volumes

• support local development

• ease congestion

• improve tra c ow and journey time reliability.

A contract for the scheme is due to be awarded in the summer, where we can then update residents and commuters about the timescales for the works. It is anticipated that o -road works will start in the Autumn with improvement works to the highway to start in the new year (2020).

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Cut Road ADVERTORIAL

Delays are expected during the works, so we advise that all residents, commuters and businesses that travel in or through Maidstone consider their travel options, plan ahead and allow extra time.

Bearsted Road Maidstone Studios

Works

Pride in our borough A borough that works for everyone