Stroke runners out in force
Hundreds went on a charity run in Mote Park, Maidstone, on Sunday. The Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association saw fundraisers go over 5km or 10km courses designed for all ages and abilities. Dressed in the charity’s purple T-shirts, people took part in a warm-up stretching session before setting off at Mote Avenue. Around 240 people from across Kent ran, jogged and walked, raising £18,000. Becky Beard, the charity’s community and events fundraising manager, said: “With around 1.2m people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke, it is vital that we have people like our Resolution Runners to raise funds. “We’re extremely grateful to everyone who took part. The money raised will fund vital research and support for stroke survivors, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.” At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control and exercising more. For information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk. St Margaret’s Summer Event is on Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21 from 2-4.30pm. There will be a cream tea with a few extra stalls such as cakes, plants, tombola, books and free games fo rthe young and young at heart. For offers of help, phone the Rev Wil North on 726263. Paper collection: The Scouts and Guides are collecting waste paper on Saturday, May 6. Leave papers out on the morning of collection from 8.30am. Helpers are always needed, just turn up at scout HQ from 9am, bacon sarnie for helpers.
01622 631538 or 07769 585553. Christian Aid collection: Thanks to the helpers and donors of the Christian Aid collection which took place at Tesco on April 21. It raised £692. Detling Singers: An evening of musical entertainment at St Marys Church on Saturday, May 20 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10, including refreshments in the interval, and are available from Taylors Newsagents on the Green, Dyone Nyangon (734240), Mary Richards (736865) or Richard Smith (738562) or can be purchased on the door on the night. Plant sale: St Mary’s Thurnham is holding its annual plant sale on Bearsted Green on Saturday, May 13 from 8.30am until mid-afternoon. There will be many varieties of plants available at attractive prices. Time to stock up the garden. Cricket club: The club starts its
league campaigns this weekend. The 1st XI are at home versus current champions Shipbourne with the 2nd XI away at Bidborough. Both matches start at 1.30pm. Fair Carnival procession: Entries for the Bearsted and Thurnham Carnival procession are requested from organisations in Bearsted, Thurnham and Maidstone. They may be either walking groups or on a float. For details contact Liz Munro on 07568 06477. Correspondent: Sue Whiteoak Tel: 01634 660097 Give blood: There is an opportunity to donate your blood at the Maidstone Village Hotel, Forstal Road, Sandling, on Sunday, May 7 from 9.30am-noon and 1-3.15pm. Limited walk-in time slots are available, but appointments can be made on 0300 123 3333.