MP quizzed by students over Brexit
Brexit and international affairs were top of the agenda when students held a Q and A session with MP Helen Grant. Mrs Grant, who represents Maidstone and the Weald, visited the town’s MidKent College at the Oakwood Campus. Those there had just been introduced to social policy and politics through their studies. David Edwards from the college said: “The students asked some really insightful questions on local health provision and the future of their vocational pathways and they were clearly impressed by the work that Helen and her team had done in preparing answers to their questions.” Mrs Grant said: “It was a real pleasure to sit down and discuss politics with the students. I thoroughly enjoyed this lively and engaging session. It is always one of my favourite activities as an MP.” take place on Thursday, November 17 at the community centre from 2pm-4pm. If you require a lift contact Jenny on 01622 859208. Correspondent: Robert Hanvik Mob: 07900 930824 robert.kentmessenger@ gmail.com Wares Farm expansion: Alan Firmin is proposing a major expansion of the industrial site at Wares Farm, Redwall Lane, to accommodate the business needs of Berry Gardens, the fruit packing business located there. Plans include the building of a large processing plant situated to the south of Redwall Lane. Plans will be exhibited at the village hall on Monday, November 28 from 3.30-8pm. Representatives from Berry Gardens, Alan Firmin and DHA Planning will attend. Interested parties will be able to ask questions and provide feedback. For details, visit http:// lintonkent.org Correspondent: Robert Hanvik Mob: 07900 930824 robert.kentmessenger@ gmail.com Environment committee meeting: On Monday, November 14 at 7.30pm, at the parish pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Walnut Tree Lane. Topics of the meeting include budgets and management plans for 201718. The public are welcome to attend. Agendas can be found on the parish council website or on the three noticeboards along the Loose/Linton roads (corner of Holmesdale Close; top of Old Loose Hill, post office; and outside the primary school). Neighbourhood Plan reminder: The parish council is reminding residents to review and submit their Neighbourhood Plan Pre-submission Consultation document and questionnaire. The consultation period ends on December 13, and questionnaires should be returned by then. For details, visit www.loosepc.kentparishes. gov.uk or http://loosevillageinfo. wixsite.com/loose-nh-plan. Members of the steering group will be available to answer questions; printed copies of the key documents will be available on Monday, November 14 from 2-8pm; Wednesday, November 23, 6.30-8pm; and Monday, December 5, 2-8pm. All meetings will take place at the parish pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Walnut Tree Lane. Additional meetings will take place as follows: Thursday, December 1, 2-8pm at Vine Church; Tuesday, December 6 10ammidday at the Congregational Church, 157 Linton Road. Finally, printed copies of the document can also be viewed at The Chequers pub and the post office during normal opening hours. Wives’ Group: The Loose Valley Wives Group will meet on Wednesday, November 16 at 7.30pm in All Saints’ Church. The group will be making initial preparations for the Christingles in readiness for services in December. In addition, there will be a quiz, followed by mince pies and mulled wine. For details, phone Ann Emery on 01622 741559. Remembrance Day: The main Sunday service at All Saints’ Church will begin at 10am, rather than the usual 10.15. The service will be followed by the parade to the village war memorial, concluding with refreshments. Historical talk: On Monday, November 14 at 7.30pm, the history society will host an illustrated talk enitled Wandering the Somme. Speaker Melanie Gibson-Barton BSc (Hons), will lead a discussion about visiting the known and less-well-known sites of The Somme to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the battle. Her talk is inspired by today’s beautifully restored landscape, which witnessed momentous days during the First World War. The event will take place at the infants school hall; admission is £4, with free parking in the school grounds. Non-members are welcome. Shopping evening: Loose Primary Open University Meet: On Thursday 17th November from 6pm, there will be an Open University student meetup held in The Muggleton Inn, JD Wetherspoon, 8-9 High Street. It aims to be a place for Oopen University students to meet up and chat about life, the universe and their studies. Come along to find out what other Open University students in the area are studying, and to generally have fun! It is also hoped to be a nice support and encouragement network among local students. Breastfeeding Group: A new breastfeeding group starts on Friday, November 18 from 1pm at West Borough Primary School. Go along to meet other local mums who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Trained volunteer breastfeeding peer supporters will be available to answer any questions you might have. There are also lots of toys for older children to play with. Live music: On Friday November 18, the musician Matt Black will be performing at the The Walnut Tree, 234 Tonbridge Road from 9pm. Robot Wars live: The countdown is on, to Robot Wars. The live show is coming to the leisure centre for an action packed weekend at noon and 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday, November 19-20. Tickets cost £14 for children, £16 for adults. A family ticket costs £54. For information on latest times and cancellations contact phone 01622 220232 or visit www. robotwars.tv Sling Library: Everyone is welcome, whether you need help choosing and fitting a baby carrier, want to meet new families or try new slings, on Tuesday November 22 from 10am at Starbucks, Kings Street. This is a not for profit meet, run by volunteers. There will be fully qualified and insured babywearing consultants and peer supporters on hand to help and advise. Hire costs: £2 a week stretchy hire and £4 a week all other carriers. Membership £20 for the year or £30 lifetime. £50 de- Autumn stamp fair: On Saturday November 12, Maidstone and Mid Kent Philatelic Society will be holding its Autumn Stamp Fair at Grove Green Community Centre, Penshurst Close (next to Tesco) from 10am-3pm. There is ample free parking and refreshments will be available including home made cakes and sandwiches made to order. Valuations will be given. Contact 01622 675784 for details. Lenham Valley and South Maidstone Business Association: See Lenham column. Christmas Fair: On Saturday, November 26, St Paul’s Church, Boxley Road, 10.30am-2pm. Lots of stalls, Refreshments, silent auction, snow and carols, Father Christmas, crafts and lots more. Record fair: On Saturday, November 26 from 10am-5pm at the Baptist Church. 1000s of records and CDs for sale. Free entry. Correspondent: Mo Clayton Tel: 01622 831529 tillergirl2913@ aol.com Remembrance: At 12.15pm on Sunday, November 13, the history group will renew its annual firing of the High Street sited Second World War air raid siren, to complement and complete the parish church Remembrance Service. As the service ends, Tony Jeanes will broadcast a selection of WWI and WWII popular tunes and the evocative sounds of a Supermarine Spitfire Rolls Royce engine – so realistic that last year many people looked skywards. The event will conclude with the singing of Rule Britannia by Rebecca Foster. It is hoped that, as in previous years, many residents will assemble at the High Street car park siren post location, to witness this unique event. Also in attendance will be representatives of the Royal British Legion, Marden’s