Flingers get their pies at the ready
TWENTY-TWO teams will throw themselves into this year’s World Custard Pie Championships.
They will be the latest in a long line of groups entering the legendary contest, which has been running since 1967. The event tomorrow ( Saturday) will be held in Stockett Lane, Coxheath – the venue of the original contest.
Last year’s competition, held at the Stilebridge pub in Marden, even made it onto national television, after comedian Rory McGrath and actor Will Mellor took part for a Channel 5 TV series on eccentric British sports.
Plans for tomorrow include a fun day with children’s games and activities, with festivities being launched by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Clive English, at noon.
A parade of teams then start custard-related proceedings at 1pm.
Organisers Brian Mortimer and Mike FitzGerald, a founding member, will also attempt a World Guinness Book of Record for the number of pies thrown making a direct hit in one minute.
The championship is held under strict rules laid down in 1967.
For more details visit www. worldcustardpiechampionship.co.uk ACHIEVEMENTS were celebrated at the Kent Teacher of the Year awards.
Getting to know each child’s special interest before tutoring them to read earned Liz Guyton, of Brookfield Infant School, Maidstone, the district and Kent wide literacy teacher award.
Her nomination praised her for implemented an e-reading scheme where pupils can access their books on line.
Tracy Gooding, of Archbishop Courtenay Primary, in Maidstone, also won a local and countywide award in the non-teaching category.
She was described as an expert multi-tasker, setting up a school breakfast club and helping her school to achieve Healthy School Status.
A Learning Plus volunteer award was presented to governor Carol Newman of Loose Junior School.
Her nomination said: “Carol does not wear a red cape but she is something of a wonder woman.”
Collette Gray of St Simon Stock Catholic School won the teaching assistant award.
She was nominated by colleagues and students, who admired how she kept working with them, regardless of pain following recent operations.
The primary teacher title went to Lee Drury from Brunswick House Primary School, who was described as loved by all the children.
The awards were organised by the KM Charity Team in partnership with the KM Group. More than 350 nominations were received.