Students make a drama out of victory
Following success in all six categories at the North Kent Music and Drama Festival in April, students from Maplesden Noakes School in Maidstone went through to the final championship on a high. The sixth-form drama and music students were again victorious in both of the categories in which they were entered: winning the Dickens Shield for the most points in the drama section and the Mike Carley Shield for best overall drama performance. Both awards were for the school’s devised piece about Alzheimer’s disease, described by judges as a “powerful social statement with amazing insight”. The students’ performance was commended for faces and actions that spoke so powerfully. For music, the school was entered into one category: the H.E. Doust Trophy, awarded for best solo performance. Although not the overall winner, Rebecca Thomas was nevertheless commended for her excellent vocal range. Drama teacher Jo Mason said: “Having swept the board in April with six trophies and three medals, we are delighted to have now won the final. A brilliant double act.” Head-teacher Jane Prideaux said: “Our students always rise to the challenge and give their very best.” friendly atmosphere. At this meeting there will be a talk by Philippa Allemand, author of a book about mastering tinnitus. Story time: Rhyme Times and Story Time are held on Saturdays from 2-2.30pm at the Kent History and Library Centre, James Whatman Way. Also, Baby Rhyme Time on Fridays from 10.30-10.50am for under ones and 11.30-11.50am for over ones. Term time only. Join the fun. Lose weight: The borough council is setting up a new weight management programme, to be held at the Community Support Centre, Marsham Street. To be eligible to join the programme, you must have a BMI of at least 28 or above, and either live or be registered with a GP within the area. To book a place, call 01622 602222 or email healthyliving@maidstone.gov.uk United Reformed Church: Midsummer music is held on Wednesdays until July 29. The church is open from 12.30pm and the music begins at 1pm. Coffee is available and you are welcome to take your lunch. Admission is free and a retiring collection with be shared between Maidstone URC and Hi Kent. Maidstone Arts Festival: The festival runs every Saturday from June 27 to July 11 from 1-4pm in Jubilee Square. Organised by Maidstone Town Team, this event will showcase local talent with a different form of live entertainment each week. There will be live music, visual arts, street performance, theatre and more all for free. Arts Parade: On Saturday, July 4, hundreds of performers will be wending their way through the town centre. The theme is Around The World. Schools, charities, community and voluntary groups from in and around the town will showcase their creative, colourful costumes and their musical and dancing skills. Community Support Centre: Providing office space and services for charitable organisations and affordable meeting space for local community groups and businesses. Discover groups and services on offer. Book one of the modern, fully equipped meeting rooms, meet the board and staff team, read the latest Newsletter, find links to groups based here. The cafe provides many types of catering and free tea and coffee for your meetings. The centre is at 39-48 Marsham Street, phone 01622 690369. www.mcsc.org.uk Below 65 Gallery: MVAN (Maidstone Visual Artists’ Network) spring exhibition entitled Of No Commercial Value is coming to a close on Tuesday, June 30. This diverse and longstanding group of artists are showing a wide range of mixed media including textiles, photography and painting. Gallery opening hours 9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Saturday at the Gilbert and Clarke Frame and Print, 65 High Street, phone 01622 685146. Website: www. gilbertandclarke.com Correspondent: Mo Clayton Tel: 01622 831529 tillergirl2913@ aol.com Saints v Sinners: The traditional Saints v Sinners cricket match is back on Sunday 5th July, at the Hockey and Cricket Club, starting at 1pm. Everyone is invited to support their favourite team and enjoy an afternoon of sport Walking Group: On Wednesday July 1, there will be a walk in Mote Park, leaving the village by car at 9.45am. Coffee at the cafe in the park. There will be a walk on July 26 starting at 10am from the car park, the Aviation West Walk, of five or seven miles. Correspondent: Martin Hider Tel: 01622 736327 mhider5@ gmail.com Concert: Songs from the Shows, including South Pacific, Oklahoma, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera and many more will be sung by Maidstone Amateur Operatic Society’s Concert Party at St Nicholas Church, Otham on Saturday June 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 each, including a glass of wine, and can be obtained by phoning 01622 861245 or 861374. Tower open: The Tower at St Nicholas Church will be open to the public on Saturday, June 27 from 10am-noon. There will be tours up the tower and anyone can even try bell ringing under the tuition and supervision of the tower captain. Everyone will be welcome to ‘have a go’ but children must be over nine years old and accompanied by an adult. Refreshments available. For details phone 01622 861143. Cream teas: A garden party with cream teas will take place at Stone Lodge, 30 Spot Lane, by kind invitation of Maggie and Christopher Chainey, on Sunday July 5 at 3pm. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon. Everyone please wear a hat! No tickets but donations would be much appreciated. Raffle available. This event is being organised by the Friends of Otham Church. Correspondent: Alison Dickerson, 75 Chatham Road, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3BB Tel: 01622 762334 malcolm.dickerson@ btinternet. com St Paul’s Church: Thursday, July 2, Mothers’ Union strawberry cream tea and bring and buy at 2.30pm Every Saturday there is a Short Service of Prayer and Intercession in Church at 9.30am. For all hall bookings contact 01622 762370. British Sugarcraft Guild: The next meeting will be on Saturday July 4 at St Paul’s Church Hall, Boxley Road, at 7.30pm. The demonstration will be Edible Laces by Tessa Whitehouse. Admission charges for the meeting are Maidstone branch members £3, visitors £5. For details contact Mrs Carol carol.bunch@ virgin.net Maidstone British Sugarcraft Guild won a Gold Award at the South East exhibitions at Brighton Racecourse on May 16. Carol Bunch won Best in Show Floral for a display of sugar flowers depicting an ice theme. Correspondent: Janetta Sams, Uplands Hogbarn Lane, Harrietsham, ME17 1NZ Tel: 01622 859412 sams_uplands@yahoo.co.uk Correspondent: Alison Dickerson, 75 Chatham Road, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3BB Tel: 01622 762334 malcolm.dickerson@ btinternet. com Wildlife Study Day: The next Wildlife Study Day will be on Saturday June 27, is Clovers and Vetches. Learn to sort out the many lookalikes in this economically important, ubiquitous and attractive family. Vetches straggle their way through the hedgerows, medicks stud our lawns, clovers and wild peas brighten the meadows and coast, led by Ros Bennett Botanist. The Wildlife Study Days are designed to help the people of Kent learn more about the fascinating wildlife of the county. Beginners are welcome and those with some experience will be able to improve their knowledge and identification techniques. Normal fee per person per day is £26, £5 off for Kent Wildlife Trust registered volunteers, senior citizens, unemployed and students. For details contact Tyland Barn on 01622 662012. Correspondent: Phillipa Gill, Curves 2 Senacre Square, Senacre, Maidstone, ME15 8QF Tel: 01622 662411 phillipagill@ hotmail.com
email: Correspondent: Linda Weeks Tel: 01622 762422 parkwoodkm@ gmail.com Vacancy: If you would like to be correspondent for South Park/Shepway, please contact Debbie Edwards,