West End hits on stage
Youngsters belted out the big numbers from West End hits as they made their debut at Maidstone’s Hazlitt Theatre. In total 90 children from Years 1 to 6 at Loose Primary School took to the Earl Street venue last Thursdayin a sell-out show watched by 360 friends, relatives and teachers. Among the performances were song and dance routines from Les Misérables, Wicked, The Lion King and Mary Poppins, with the children also compèring the night and providing the live music. And in a grand finale, kept secret from the children until the night, teachers got up on stage in their best 1970s attire to perform Dancing Queen by Abba. It was directed by Year 5 teacher at the Loose Road school, Jess Burman, and produced by teaching assistant Lesley Thomas. Miss Burman said: “We held auditions back in September and have been rehearsing since January so a lot of hard work has gone into it. The children were very professional and there weren’t too many nerves. The performance was brilliant.” Book sale: Bearsted and District Girlguiding are holding a book sale on Saturday, April 8 at the Guide hut from 10am-noon. Go along and have a look, the sale is open to all. Information from Shan on 01622 738304. Daffodil show: Just a reminder that the South East England Daffodil Society is holding a show at Downswood Community Centre on Sunday, April 9 from 2pm-4.30pm. Entry is free. WI defibrilator: The Bearsted WI Hall has been awarded a Local Member Grant of £1,000 on the recommendation of local Cllr Paul Carter by KCC, which its has used to purchase an AED (defibrillator). The president of Bearsted and Thurnham WI, Carole Moncur said: “From now on if anyone has a cardiac arrest, hirers of the WI hall will be able to give swift first aid before the arrival of the ambulance”. Correspondent: Sue Whiteoak Tel: 01634 660097 Aylesford Parish Council: In its March Newsletter, the council states that it is to look at a threeyear project to make Podkin Meadow a wild flower meadow ensuring a more accessible and pleasant place for residents to visit and spend time. Medway towpath: Following consultation and a donation of £20,000 by APC to KCC, work has been undertaken to re-open the Medway tow path, once again providing a direct link to Maidstone. Work should be completed by end of March/April. Choir performs: St Peter’s and St Paul’s Choir of Aylesford Parish Church will be performing Faure’s Requiem on Good Friday at 3pm. Free admission. Vinters Valley Reserve: The reserve would like to thank everyone who supported it in the recent Tesco ballot and £5,000 has been awarded. This will help to continue to make the reserve an interesting and enjoyable experience for all. Kent Police Band: The anniversary concert will be at the church, The Street, on Sunday April 9 from 3pm- 5pm. Tickets £5 for adults. To reserve tickets contact Jackie Saunders on 01622 677121. Correspondent: Valerie Underdown Tel: 01622 843232 Diary date: Boot fair will be held Easter in church Palm Sunday, April 9, 11am Morning Prayer. Maundy Thursday, April 13, 10am Holy Communion 1662; 7.30pm Holy Communion. Good Friday, 2pm An Hour at the Cross. Satureday, April 15, 10am Benefice Ladies Prayer Time. Easter Sunday, 11am Family Holy Communion Service. Reminder: Both the parish clerk and community warden are available for you to discuss any problems with them. The clerk is available every Tuesday from 10am-noon in the parish office at the village hall site. The community warden is available every Thursday from 3-4pm at the library. There is no Correspondent: Jenny Cosgrove Tel: 01622 630462 Palm Sunday: On April 9, Sung Communion starts at 10.30am and traditional palm crosses will be distributed. Afterwards linger a while for coffee and biscuits. Maundy Thursday: There will be an evening Sung Communion in church at 7.30pm on Thursday, April 13. Correspondent: Nicola Greenaway Tel: 01732 844749 Easter egg hunt: Join in the egg