Press release 14/07/2025 by Maidstone BC

 

🐘 We’re celebrating 70 years since the formation of Cobtree Charity Trust Limited and Cobtree Manor Estate Trust, founded by Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake, with a stunning new sculpture!

🌳 Crafted from sustainable materials by talented artists Rob Smith and Kurtis Young, this delightful elephant artwork was officially unveiled by the Mayor of hashtag#Maidstone Borough Council, Councillor Martin Round today.

Come see it for yourself and be part of the celebration.

📸 1/3 The Trustees of the Cobtree Charity Trust, 2/3 Artist Rob Smith with Councillor Martin Round 3/3 The sculpture

Another busy week!

In the last week, I’ve had some amazing opportunities as part as my civic Mayoral role to engage with the Kentish community and foster local spirit.

On Tuesday, it was my pleasure to attend the Summer Reception organised by the Army Benevolent trust in Rolvenden. There were some brilliant showcases of military prowess and excellence, in particular the Beating the Retreat Ceremony performed by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. This event united our local community deeply in the name of military service and provided ample togetherness, much needed in the times of turbulent change of which we are currently facing.

Perhaps the highlight of the week was on Wednesday, my Mayoral Garden party. It was a splendid event at a new location: Allington Castle, which was absolutely stunning and provided the perfect backdrop for such a special event. Delicious Food and even better people made for a truly amazing event with laughs and meaningful conversation galore and reminded me of why I wanted to become Mayor in the first place: To bring together the community. Thank you to all those that attended this spectacular event, including various Mayors and Councillors, your presence was beyond invaluable!

Wednesday was certainly a busy day for me and after returning from the Garden Party I attended the Headcorn Parish Full Council meeting. Various matters were discussed and community issues were raised and as always, the Council did an excellent job at addressing these concerns and questions and they truly make me proud to live and serve for Headcorn.

Lastly, this week I have also had the pleasure of hosting a work experience pupil, interested in going into Politics, to shadow me and discuss local, national and international matters with. It has been an eye-opening opportunity to see the political sphere from a young person’s perspective and reminds me of the importance of young people's participation in politics and how this must never be taken for granted.

An excellent week of championing community values and exploring valuable relationships, both old and new!

A busy week of Mayoral Duties!

Last week was a whirlwind of events and engagements – a true reminder of how vibrant and rewarding life as a Mayor can be!

I returned from Beauvais on Monday and went straight into the week’s activities by attending the Bishop of Dover’s Summer Drinks Reception within the beautiful Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral. It was a lovely setting and a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow guests.

Tuesday brought a special moment: I had the honour of opening the new sensory room at Roseacre Junior School. This fantastic and well-deserved project was funded by the Friends of Roseacre and the rugby charity, Wooden Spoon. It was inspiring to see the joy and excitement from the children and staff alike.

On Wednesday I attended the Bishop of Rochester’s Garden Party. It was a real pleasure to spend time with fellow Mayors and share stories about our unique communities and experiences in civic life.

Despite meeting Presidents and Princesses in recent times, one of the highlights of my week was something truly homegrown: the Kent County Show! There’s nothing quote like eating freshly picked Kentish strawberries surrounded by the very people who grow and nurture our local produce. It reminded me how special our county is and how important it is to celebrate it.

To round off the week, I enjoyed a wonderful evening at the theatre on Friday. A local production of “Twelfth Night” in Sutton Valence delivered a superb performance, complete with not one but two choirs. It was community spirit at its finest, and right on my doorstep! 

What a week – full of people, passion, and pride in our local communities.

Battle of Britain Airshow – Schools and Carers Day at Headcorn Aerodrome

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of hosting the Schools and Carers Day at the Battle of Britain Airshow held at Headcorn Aerodrome. This special day was designed to give local schoolchildren and carers a memorable, educational experience in a safe and inspiring setting. It was also a pleasure to welcome Mayors and Deputy Mayors to my hometown in Headcorn. While there was no flying on Friday, the event was still packed with meaningful moments and community engagement.

We began with a moving Remembrance Service to honour the heroes of the Battle of Britain. I was joined by Rev. Robert Foster, Cllr James Thomas, Standard Bearer Tim Thomas, Bugler Lyn Sandys, local cadets, Air Commodores and soldiers. It was a moving tribute and a moment of reflection for all present.

 

Following the service, I was delighted to officially open the newly constructed remote control car track, created by the brilliant team at Kent RC Rock Crawlers. This club offers great fun for all ages and provides a valuable outlet for mental wellbeing – a wonderful addition to the aerodrome’s offerings. ­­­

  

Guests and visitors then had the chance to explore the aerodrome grounds and take in the educational displays and exhibits at the museum. It was a brilliant opportunity for young people to learn about our aviation history in an interactive and engaging environment.

 

The afternoon concluded with the Mayor’s Lunch, where I welcomed a number of VIP guests. We were wonderfully entertained by The Polka Dots, who brought the spirit of the 1940s and 50s alive with their singing.

 

As the day came to an end, I travelled on to Beauvais to participate in their Amis Des Fetes Jeanne-Hachette celebrations – a joyful and historic event that reflects the strong bonds between our communities. 

Events Attended Last Week - All About Community!

On Wednesday 18th June I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of the Maidstone Canoe Club. This exciting new facility, located along our beautiful riverside, is a brilliant addition to the town’s recreational offerings. It was great to meet the team behind the club and to see first-hand the enthusiasm of local residents who are eager to get involved. As a fellow On The Water member (of British Canoeing) or Paddle UK as we know it now, I wish them every success.

 

The following day, I joined Headcorn Parish Council for their latest Community Surgery and walk around the High Street. A big thank you to Stuart Ellesmere, Headcorn’s Community Liaison Officer and Laura Bullen from Maidstone’s Community Protection Team, for their dedication and support during the day. While it was unfortunate that Kent Police were unable to attend, the presence of housing agencies ensured that important conversations around housing support and neighbourhood safety could still take place. It was also great to see Ange from Good Life Sorted, a wonderful initiative providing practical help and friendly support to older adults in our communities.

  

And of course, we can’t forget Headcorn’s newest celebrity – the No Drama Llama, or Eric, as he is now fondly known! Eric appeared mysteriously one evening on the village green and has since become something of a local legend, popping up at clubs and groups most days of the week! On Thursday he was spotted standing proudly outside the Village Hall, and we couldn’t resist stopping for a couple of photos with this calm and cheerful mascot. His presence added a touch of fun to the day and brought plenty of smiles!

One month in!

One Month In – A Whirlwind Start to my Mayoral Year!

It’s hard to believe it has been almost a month since I took on the role of Mayor of the Borough of Maidstone – and what a whirlwind it’s been! Every day has brought new opportunities to meet incredible people, support brilliant causes, and represent our community near and far.

This past weekend, I had the honour of visiting our twin town, Beauvais, to celebrate 50 years of twinning with Witten. It was a very special occasion, not least because I gave my speech in French! It was both nerve wracking and rewarding, and the warmth of our hosts made it an unforgettable experience. And they sure know how to party!!

Back home, I attended the Lord Lieutenant’s Reception, where I had the pleasure of joining the High Sherriff, the Mayor of Medway, other Mayors and some truly impressive people.  It was a proud moment to be there representing Maidstone.  

At Invicta Barracks, I was privileged to attend the SERFCA Briefing, hearing first-hand from Officers, Veterans, Reservists, and Cadets. Their commitment and leadership are nothing short of inspiring. These are the kinds of evenings that remind you what service and community truly mean. 

And this was alongside my consort, or should I say "Mayoress" and consort: David Naghi!! Don't worry I haven't changed my identity for any purpose, although this is quite the norm these days, I actually invited him, as the Cabinet Member for the Forces Covenant. 

Locally, it’s been wonderful to get out and support events that bring people together. From the joyful Small World Festival in Headcorn, to the vibrant and nostalgic Classic Car Show hosted by Kenward Trust. I’ve seen how much passion and hard work goes into creating these special days. Kenward Trust’s focus on mental health is one that deeply resonates with me, and I look forward to working closely with them throughout the year to promote awareness and support.

One of the most energising events so far was the Weald Tractor Run, what a turnout! The buzz at the aerodrome was electric, and that kind of critical mass is the lifeblood of our rural economy Events like these showcase how community strength and economic vitality go hand in hand. I am already looking forward to the upcoming Biddenden Tractor Fest and the Weald Ploughing Match, which is being held in Headcorn this year.

After such a full on start to my mayoral year, I’ll be taking a little personal time this week to recharge, in a familiar and favourite place: Le Mans! This will be by 43rd year attending the 24 hour race, and it never fails to inspire. There’s something about the spirit of endurance and the celebration of history and innovation that keeps drawing me back.

Looking ahead, we are also preparing for one of the key events of the summer: the Battle of Britain Airshow at Headcorn Aerodrome, where I’ll be hosting a mayoral lunch on the opening day. It promises to be a spectacular tribute and a moment to reflect on bravery, history and community.

Thank you all for your ongoing support, I look forward to sharing more of this journey with you as the year unfolds!

The Start of my Mayoral Year

Saturday was a big day for me as I officially took the reins as the new Mayor of the Borough of Maidstone. It was a moment filled with pride, gratitude, and a real sense of responsibility – and I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to serve our wonderful community in this role.

I must start by thanking and congratulating my predecessor, Cllr John Perry, for his dedicated service over the past year. John had a fantastic Mayoral year and will be a tough act to follow!

My Mayoral year will be all about community – celebrating it, strengthening it, and supporting those who need us most. In every corner of our Borough, I see people quietly making a difference: neighbours helping neighbours, local businesses giving back, volunteers offering their time and talents. It’s this spirit – of care, connection, and collaboration that I hope to champion throughout the year.

I am also proud to announce the charities I will be supporting during my time as Mayor:

• Women and Children in Syria – after my recent visit to the Middle East I couldn’t let this go, these people need help, and I will do what I can to suppose those affected by conflict and displacement.
• Young Farmers – another charity that is very close to my heart, the future of our agricultural community. The recent suicide rates in British Farmers worry me greatly.
• The Heart of Kent Hospice – offering dignity, comfort and compassion to families during life’s most difficult moments.
• The Big Cat Sanctuary – a very local treasure to my ward, they rely heavily on public funding.

These causes reflect the values I believe bring a community together, empathy, responsibility, and hope.

Throughout the year, I’ll be using this blog to share updates, highlight local heroes, and invite you to get involved - whether by volunteering, donating, attending events, or simply looking out for one another.

The Mayoral year isn’t just about events and initiatives. It’s about connection. It’s about showing that when we come together, across generations, backgrounds, and beliefs, we can build a stronger, kinder, more resilient community.

Thank you for the honour of serving as your Mayor. Let’s make this a year to remember – for all the right reasons.